Good thing most of us don't put any stock in those old wives' tales that convince us if March comes in like a lamb, it'll go out like a lion. I'll take this lion weather any time! Maybe it's just a "cub."
I can't believe another month has gone by. It started out on a relaxing note, coming off a scrap camp weekend with spring-like temps in the 40s. And ended on a sort of relaxing note, coming off a long day at work but very spring-like temps around 70!
In between all that, we had a spelling contest for Carter, a trip to Milwaukee for hoops action for Mommy and Daddy, a much bigger Spring Break trip for Carter, attempts (failed attempts) to get 10,000 steps daily for Lent, a couple of Friday fish fries, and several requests for a cell phone.
What a full month! And I didn't even mention it was "fill out your Census form" month and Mint Oreo Blizzard month. Got both of those taken care of today. Don't want a start a new month with a list of things to do, you know!
Here's another new one for March -- Carter is camping! Who would have thought? They set up at a campground tonight near the Historic Triangle -- Jamestown, Williamsburg & Yorktown. Tomorrow they'll see all that.
Today they saw Mount Vernon and Carter said he really enjoyed seeing George Washington's home and museum. Some highlights were seeing an American flag from 1812 -- which he could not take a picture of -- and Washington's dentures -- which Carter tells me were not made of wood.
I wonder what other myths those history teachers of ours were passing along. Next thing you know, someone will say the Easter Bunny isn't real!
Oh well, I won't worry about that until next month!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Yes, Virginia, There is a Carter
We opted not to have a date night tonight. Figured we should be home one night to eat a cheap meal, get the garbage out to the curb and wait for Carter to call.
Well he didn't call. Of course, he might have been planning to. I just couldn't wait any longer.
They had 2 more busy days in Washington, D.C. He has now seen the White House and the Capitol, a few more museums, including the Naval Museum in Annapolis, Md. They dealt with a few rain showers but also made it out to Arlington National Cemetery, where they actually got to see the "changing of the guard." Carter thought that was pretty incredible and made "the trip very worthwhile!"
Today they wrapped up the fun in the D.C. area and headed south. They are spending the night in Virginia at a hotel and tomorrow will get to go to Mount Vernon. That should be absolutely gorgeous. (Yes, I'm jealous and I'm not afraid to admit it.) If the warm weather predicted here reaches them, then they'll camp somewhere in Virginia tomorrow night. What a trip!
Suddenly a night at home, switching channels between The Office and American Idol sounds rather dull, doesn't it? At least I still get to clean the litter box yet!
I think it was Carter's turn...
Well he didn't call. Of course, he might have been planning to. I just couldn't wait any longer.
They had 2 more busy days in Washington, D.C. He has now seen the White House and the Capitol, a few more museums, including the Naval Museum in Annapolis, Md. They dealt with a few rain showers but also made it out to Arlington National Cemetery, where they actually got to see the "changing of the guard." Carter thought that was pretty incredible and made "the trip very worthwhile!"
Today they wrapped up the fun in the D.C. area and headed south. They are spending the night in Virginia at a hotel and tomorrow will get to go to Mount Vernon. That should be absolutely gorgeous. (Yes, I'm jealous and I'm not afraid to admit it.) If the warm weather predicted here reaches them, then they'll camp somewhere in Virginia tomorrow night. What a trip!
Suddenly a night at home, switching channels between The Office and American Idol sounds rather dull, doesn't it? At least I still get to clean the litter box yet!
I think it was Carter's turn...
Monday, March 29, 2010
It's a Date
If we keep up this pace of date nights, we're either going to be fat or flat broke -- or both -- by the time Carter gets home.
Let's see, we've had a Fish Fry Friday, Saturday Movie Night, Sunday Drive with dinner at Rusty's.... today's destination: Appleton.
Our main purpose in going was to find some new irons for hubby's golf bag. I had promised him he'd get some for Father's Day last year, but he never redeemed the coupon, so to speak. So we figured we better get that squared away before golf season -- and another Father's Day -- rolls around.
We went to Dick's Sporting Goods and then Golf Galaxy (where Robyn was drooling at the clothes clearance rack). Even after swinging a few at the virtual range, Jim still didn't feel compelled to say, "Hey, I must have these!" So we are going to wait. He'll play a few rounds with his old irons, get into the swing of things, and keep an eye out for something irresistible (besides me, of course).
After not spending any money shopping (my will power amazed me), we went to HuHot Mongolian Grill to eat. Good, good food! If you've never tried a place like that, the experience alone is worth it. Pick your meat and veggies and "create" your own sauce. Then they grill it up right in front of you. It can be hot and spicy or just plain hot. I'm still sooooo full!
We are assuming Carter had a full day and evening, too, since he didn't take time to call. Good for him! We're all living it up in our own way this week.
I like that!
Let's see, we've had a Fish Fry Friday, Saturday Movie Night, Sunday Drive with dinner at Rusty's.... today's destination: Appleton.
Our main purpose in going was to find some new irons for hubby's golf bag. I had promised him he'd get some for Father's Day last year, but he never redeemed the coupon, so to speak. So we figured we better get that squared away before golf season -- and another Father's Day -- rolls around.
We went to Dick's Sporting Goods and then Golf Galaxy (where Robyn was drooling at the clothes clearance rack). Even after swinging a few at the virtual range, Jim still didn't feel compelled to say, "Hey, I must have these!" So we are going to wait. He'll play a few rounds with his old irons, get into the swing of things, and keep an eye out for something irresistible (besides me, of course).
After not spending any money shopping (my will power amazed me), we went to HuHot Mongolian Grill to eat. Good, good food! If you've never tried a place like that, the experience alone is worth it. Pick your meat and veggies and "create" your own sauce. Then they grill it up right in front of you. It can be hot and spicy or just plain hot. I'm still sooooo full!
We are assuming Carter had a full day and evening, too, since he didn't take time to call. Good for him! We're all living it up in our own way this week.
I like that!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday Drive
I felt like I was re-enacting parts of my childhood today. Only this time, I got to "play" the adult!
Since we had nothing on the agenda after church, hubby and I decided today would be a good day to take a Sunday drive and see some relatives. This was something we often did when I was a child, many times driving around a wildlife preserve and then stopping in at this cousin's house or that one. Even if us kids were crammed in the backseat -- sometimes 4 of us -- we didn't mind all that much. We knew our aunt (no matter which one) would have something yummy and homemade in her kitchen ... pies, cake, cookies. Sunday drives were A-OK.
Today we headed northwest. We first stopped in Marshfield to see Jim's aunt and uncle. Since it was her birthday, she had other family coming to take her to the casino. So that was a short visit.
Next we headed east past Stratford and into Halder or, as Jim likes to call it, "God's Country." I guess it is sort of like when God created it. They've still got gravel roads and all. We stopped at Austin's Pour House to visit the owners -- another aunt and uncle. Since the bar was closed, we sat around their kitchen table a few hours and had a very nice visit.
On the way home, we decided to stop somewhere to eat since today is sort of an anniversary for us -- 13 years of lovin', baby! We were north of Rapids so we swung over to Rusty's Backwater Saloon and enjoyed their awesome chicken strips. (Some things just aren't the same, though, without Carter with.)
Speaking of Carter (and Sunday drives), we finally talked to him tonight! He is having the time of his life. The trip out featured all kinds of interesting things to an 11-year-old, from a special penny machine in Cleveland to driving through the mountain tunnels in Pennsylvania.
Today they tooled around Washington, D.C., where he rode on a train for the first time and saw all the "big" sites, like Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, etc. They also toured the Air and Space Museum, which I did, too, years ago and he agreed was waaaay cool. He was firing off World War II facts like nobody's business so this has turned into a learning trip, too.
He said the drive out went much faster than he expected -- with the help of a portable DVD player and other diversions. Now, he said, "When we go 4 hours Up North the time will just fly by!" We'll see if he remembers that the next time we go to Luck.
I'm just glad he made it out there safely and that he is having a ton of fun. And glad, of course, that I finally got to hear his voice.
That's better than any homemade treat after a Sunday drive.
Since we had nothing on the agenda after church, hubby and I decided today would be a good day to take a Sunday drive and see some relatives. This was something we often did when I was a child, many times driving around a wildlife preserve and then stopping in at this cousin's house or that one. Even if us kids were crammed in the backseat -- sometimes 4 of us -- we didn't mind all that much. We knew our aunt (no matter which one) would have something yummy and homemade in her kitchen ... pies, cake, cookies. Sunday drives were A-OK.
Today we headed northwest. We first stopped in Marshfield to see Jim's aunt and uncle. Since it was her birthday, she had other family coming to take her to the casino. So that was a short visit.
Next we headed east past Stratford and into Halder or, as Jim likes to call it, "God's Country." I guess it is sort of like when God created it. They've still got gravel roads and all. We stopped at Austin's Pour House to visit the owners -- another aunt and uncle. Since the bar was closed, we sat around their kitchen table a few hours and had a very nice visit.
On the way home, we decided to stop somewhere to eat since today is sort of an anniversary for us -- 13 years of lovin', baby! We were north of Rapids so we swung over to Rusty's Backwater Saloon and enjoyed their awesome chicken strips. (Some things just aren't the same, though, without Carter with.)
Speaking of Carter (and Sunday drives), we finally talked to him tonight! He is having the time of his life. The trip out featured all kinds of interesting things to an 11-year-old, from a special penny machine in Cleveland to driving through the mountain tunnels in Pennsylvania.
Today they tooled around Washington, D.C., where he rode on a train for the first time and saw all the "big" sites, like Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, etc. They also toured the Air and Space Museum, which I did, too, years ago and he agreed was waaaay cool. He was firing off World War II facts like nobody's business so this has turned into a learning trip, too.
He said the drive out went much faster than he expected -- with the help of a portable DVD player and other diversions. Now, he said, "When we go 4 hours Up North the time will just fly by!" We'll see if he remembers that the next time we go to Luck.
I'm just glad he made it out there safely and that he is having a ton of fun. And glad, of course, that I finally got to hear his voice.
That's better than any homemade treat after a Sunday drive.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Somewhere Out There
Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight
Someone's thinking of me and loving me tonight...
I feel like Fievel in the An American Tail movie from way back in the '80s, wondering where my favorite family member is! Didn't hear from Carter today, which we figured might happen on the "travel day," but still is tough to take.
Since I had no plans whatsoever today, I pretty much stuck close to home and to the phone just in case.
Jim had to go to work so I set about working at home on some spring cleaning. It wasn't really warm enough to have the windows open, but I opened them for awhile anyway just to get the fresh air circulating. After being out of town last weekend, it was nice to finally get to the dusting, sweeping, vacuuming and laundry -- plus getting to the bottom of the mail pile. I can see our kitchen counter now! I also hauled our winter boots and hats and snowpants to the basement. I know. It's still not "safe" to do that until May, but I was feeling spring-y.
Got a 3-mile run in. My left leg started bothering me a bit. I am going to be ticked if this turns into a pulled muscle like I had in my right leg this winter. Hopefully, it will be fine tomorrow.
I rested it -- and my body -- tonight on the couch. Hubby and I had a movie night. For something new, we watched The Air Up There. Not sure what all the buzz was about. Sort of depressing, if you ask me. For something vintage, we watched 48 Hours. I am probably the only person my age who never saw that movie, so hubby had to educate me! I liked it (of course).
Now it's almost 10 and we know that somewhere, out there, beneath the pale moon light, our baby is sleeping ... because he's in the Eastern time zone and it's waaaaay past his bedtime -- even on vacation!
So I'll just say a little prayer for him and hope to hear tomorrow night about his first fun day in Washington, D.C.
Sweet dreams!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Going, Going... Gone
Well we finally shipped off the 11-year-old so we are child-free for 8 days. Now I'm sitting here waiting for the joy to set in. Hmmm. I don't think it's going to come that quickly.
It was a fast day today leading up to the ETD (estimated time of departure). Carter did not have school since the quarter ended yesterday. Daddy and I had to work so we wisely took him to the babysitter so Carter wouldn't go stir crazy with impatience waiting for "go" time.
I intended to get out of work by 1:30 to come back to Rapids and get him. That ETD never works -- especially on a Friday. Did get out by 2:10. Picked up Carter. Threw him in the shower (in case he doesn't get to shower for awhile on the road) and packed the car. I quadruple-checked to be sure he had everything. Let him eat a quick snack and we hit the road by 3:40.
Got to our friends' north of Nelsonville at 4:20 and said goodbye.
I sort of said my mushy goodbye at home before we left the house. I didn't want to embarrass him in front of his friend (just this once). As we're driving over there, he says from the back seat, "I don't know if I should say this but I will miss you, Mom, just so you know that." OK, not good to be tearing up while you're driving!
Without sounding overly eager, we did say he could use their cell phone (no, he did not get one of this deal) and call us once a day, whatever worked out. He said, "Or even if I just see something that's unbelievable that I want to tell you about?" Yes, even then, you can call, too.
I suspect he'll be too busy having fun to actually think of that. Now I just have to be a big girl and accept that.
We managed to start off our "honeymoon" with a fish fry at St. Lawrence, then a brief visit at Jim's parents. Now, of course, there's basketball on -- which could eat up a weekend. I even sucked on my second-chance loser bracket, so I don't really have to watch anything.
The nice thing is I don't have anything on the agenda for tonight or the weekend. Jim says, "Well, I suppose you'll be in bed by 9." Nope, I said. We just got home. That's not enough time for my blanket to warm up!
(And I don't think I'll get hot towels and a massage two nights in a row. Though, that's what honeymoons are for, right?)
We'll miss you, Carter!
It was a fast day today leading up to the ETD (estimated time of departure). Carter did not have school since the quarter ended yesterday. Daddy and I had to work so we wisely took him to the babysitter so Carter wouldn't go stir crazy with impatience waiting for "go" time.
I intended to get out of work by 1:30 to come back to Rapids and get him. That ETD never works -- especially on a Friday. Did get out by 2:10. Picked up Carter. Threw him in the shower (in case he doesn't get to shower for awhile on the road) and packed the car. I quadruple-checked to be sure he had everything. Let him eat a quick snack and we hit the road by 3:40.
Got to our friends' north of Nelsonville at 4:20 and said goodbye.
I sort of said my mushy goodbye at home before we left the house. I didn't want to embarrass him in front of his friend (just this once). As we're driving over there, he says from the back seat, "I don't know if I should say this but I will miss you, Mom, just so you know that." OK, not good to be tearing up while you're driving!
Without sounding overly eager, we did say he could use their cell phone (no, he did not get one of this deal) and call us once a day, whatever worked out. He said, "Or even if I just see something that's unbelievable that I want to tell you about?" Yes, even then, you can call, too.
I suspect he'll be too busy having fun to actually think of that. Now I just have to be a big girl and accept that.
We managed to start off our "honeymoon" with a fish fry at St. Lawrence, then a brief visit at Jim's parents. Now, of course, there's basketball on -- which could eat up a weekend. I even sucked on my second-chance loser bracket, so I don't really have to watch anything.
The nice thing is I don't have anything on the agenda for tonight or the weekend. Jim says, "Well, I suppose you'll be in bed by 9." Nope, I said. We just got home. That's not enough time for my blanket to warm up!
(And I don't think I'll get hot towels and a massage two nights in a row. Though, that's what honeymoons are for, right?)
We'll miss you, Carter!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Much Ado About Much To Do
As much as anal-retentive me loves the concept of the "To Do" list, I have this small problem with it... I just can't stop adding to it!
I was thinking we were quite organized getting most of Carter packed up last night. We just left a few things "To Do" for tonight. But that was a few too many when we did not have a wide open schedule.
After we picked Carter up at the sitter's, I ran to town to get the last few things while Daddy drove Carter over to Grant Elementary for his last Spring Carnival. (Sob, sob...) Then Daddy had to take off by 6:10 to get to a coaches' meeting for baseball. I dropped off those few items at home and headed over to the school to make sure the sixth-grader was staying in line. Thankfully, most of our neighborhood was there so they kept an eye on him for those 15-20 minutes he was on his own, so to speak. We had to book it out of there by 7:30 because had a few things to do yetj.
Got laundry done and the last items in Carter's suitcase. Got the camera cleared off and gave him a quick tutorial. Got his movies and games in a small "back seat" bag. Got the second batch of cookies made for his "snack" bag. Got his hair cut -- just a trim (that of course we had planned all week to do!). Got to blog, too!
Is it any wonder I got my 10,000 steps today. Well, close. I'm just a few shy -- but I will deal with that. I'm making a B-line to bed. I hear someone may spoil me with a back rub for a few minutes... And that wasn't even on my list!
I was thinking we were quite organized getting most of Carter packed up last night. We just left a few things "To Do" for tonight. But that was a few too many when we did not have a wide open schedule.
After we picked Carter up at the sitter's, I ran to town to get the last few things while Daddy drove Carter over to Grant Elementary for his last Spring Carnival. (Sob, sob...) Then Daddy had to take off by 6:10 to get to a coaches' meeting for baseball. I dropped off those few items at home and headed over to the school to make sure the sixth-grader was staying in line. Thankfully, most of our neighborhood was there so they kept an eye on him for those 15-20 minutes he was on his own, so to speak. We had to book it out of there by 7:30 because had a few things to do yetj.
Got laundry done and the last items in Carter's suitcase. Got the camera cleared off and gave him a quick tutorial. Got his movies and games in a small "back seat" bag. Got the second batch of cookies made for his "snack" bag. Got his hair cut -- just a trim (that of course we had planned all week to do!). Got to blog, too!
Is it any wonder I got my 10,000 steps today. Well, close. I'm just a few shy -- but I will deal with that. I'm making a B-line to bed. I hear someone may spoil me with a back rub for a few minutes... And that wasn't even on my list!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
In Focus
This week has been flying by in a blur! So much to do, so little time.
Monday night was consumed by laundry and "catching up" after a long weekend away. Tuesday was a trip to the eye doctor for Carter. His eyes have worsened by "one click" on the focusing machine so he does not need new glasses just yet. If he grows a lot this summer -- or breaks this pair in baseball or chasing a girl, then we'll have to replace them with a new prescription.
He is still color blind -- or challenged is more politically correct -- as evidenced by the spring pictures we just got back...
Nice brown shirt under a black-lined hoodie. Oh well. The only thing that tops it is his wet hair. No, this is not the just-showered look. It is the "I just came from gym class and I'm a sweaty 6th-grade boy" look. Who schedules these things?
Ah, he's still adorable to me!
This afternoon Carter and I had our 6th-month dental checkups so we had to race home from work early, pick him up at school and get to the dentist office (to wait, of course) by 4. No cavities for either of us and it looks like Carter's teeth are straightening themselves out OK so, knock on wood, he may not need braces!
Tonight it's been a whirlwind of packing! Yikes. Carter is still floating around in excitement while I dictate "the list" so we don't forget anything. Since tomorrow is the last day of the quarter and they have the spring carnival tomorrow night, I wanted basically everything done tonight. We did pretty good.
The only thing I forgot in the "blur" this week was to get a birthday card to my mother. It's her birthday tomorrow but she'll get a nice card on Friday and hopefully appreciate the late greetings.
I did remember to pay all my bills -- but I had to give it a second thought because our power was off for several hours today. Turns out we have (or had) a squirrel in the neighborhood that could use some new glasses, too. Perhaps then he would have avoided the transformer box. Z-z-z-t-t! The squirrel didn't fare well, but hubby and neighbor guys managed to save the beer before it got too warm! Our heroes.
So much excitement around here. Uff-da! It's going to be quiet around here next week!
Monday night was consumed by laundry and "catching up" after a long weekend away. Tuesday was a trip to the eye doctor for Carter. His eyes have worsened by "one click" on the focusing machine so he does not need new glasses just yet. If he grows a lot this summer -- or breaks this pair in baseball or chasing a girl, then we'll have to replace them with a new prescription.
He is still color blind -- or challenged is more politically correct -- as evidenced by the spring pictures we just got back...
Nice brown shirt under a black-lined hoodie. Oh well. The only thing that tops it is his wet hair. No, this is not the just-showered look. It is the "I just came from gym class and I'm a sweaty 6th-grade boy" look. Who schedules these things?Ah, he's still adorable to me!
This afternoon Carter and I had our 6th-month dental checkups so we had to race home from work early, pick him up at school and get to the dentist office (to wait, of course) by 4. No cavities for either of us and it looks like Carter's teeth are straightening themselves out OK so, knock on wood, he may not need braces!
Tonight it's been a whirlwind of packing! Yikes. Carter is still floating around in excitement while I dictate "the list" so we don't forget anything. Since tomorrow is the last day of the quarter and they have the spring carnival tomorrow night, I wanted basically everything done tonight. We did pretty good.
The only thing I forgot in the "blur" this week was to get a birthday card to my mother. It's her birthday tomorrow but she'll get a nice card on Friday and hopefully appreciate the late greetings.
I did remember to pay all my bills -- but I had to give it a second thought because our power was off for several hours today. Turns out we have (or had) a squirrel in the neighborhood that could use some new glasses, too. Perhaps then he would have avoided the transformer box. Z-z-z-t-t! The squirrel didn't fare well, but hubby and neighbor guys managed to save the beer before it got too warm! Our heroes.
So much excitement around here. Uff-da! It's going to be quiet around here next week!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Nice Little Surprise
Sometimes life throws little surprises my way that turn out to be pretty good. Even if they aren't necessarily for me.
I thought the highlight of my day was finally getting the way cool running shirt I earned for putting 350 miles on during the winter for the Frost Bite challenge. The shirt was well worth the effort (I can say that now), but something even better occurred...
I later got a free Mint Oreo Blizzard! But even that wasn't it...
Some friends of ours near Iola have been planning a spring break trip out East with their 12-year-old son --who has become a friend of Carter's over the past several summers at Kidz Camp. This morning, 3 days before they are set to hit the road, they had the idea (and a good one, at that) that perhaps it would be a more enjoyable trip for their son if he could have another sixth-grade boy with him. And why not Carter?
Why not, indeed? We certainly didn't hesitate to say yes on Carter's behalf. This would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Washington, D.C., some of the historic sites around Jamestown and Williamsburg, Va., not to mention all of the states he'll get to travel through while NOT asking "Are we there yet?" -- or he'll never get to do anything again!
I can attest to Carter's excitement about this. We told him 3 hours ago and he hasn't stopped smiling yet! He is trying to do homework but keeps stopping and saying things like, "I can't believe next week at this time I will be in our nation's capitol!"
I made a similar road trip with my parents nearly 20 years ago. So I dragged out the photo album and he called Grandma and Grandpa to tell them the news. They are partly disappointed because Carter was going to be spending a few days with them next week (before this all went down), but mostly very, very excited about his opportunity. We all are!
Naturally, hubby and I are checking the forecast because we will be child-free for 8 days and could golf at will -- or do whatever we want. Oh wait, this surprise isn't about us, is it??
I thought the highlight of my day was finally getting the way cool running shirt I earned for putting 350 miles on during the winter for the Frost Bite challenge. The shirt was well worth the effort (I can say that now), but something even better occurred...
I later got a free Mint Oreo Blizzard! But even that wasn't it...
Some friends of ours near Iola have been planning a spring break trip out East with their 12-year-old son --who has become a friend of Carter's over the past several summers at Kidz Camp. This morning, 3 days before they are set to hit the road, they had the idea (and a good one, at that) that perhaps it would be a more enjoyable trip for their son if he could have another sixth-grade boy with him. And why not Carter?
Why not, indeed? We certainly didn't hesitate to say yes on Carter's behalf. This would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Washington, D.C., some of the historic sites around Jamestown and Williamsburg, Va., not to mention all of the states he'll get to travel through while NOT asking "Are we there yet?" -- or he'll never get to do anything again!
I can attest to Carter's excitement about this. We told him 3 hours ago and he hasn't stopped smiling yet! He is trying to do homework but keeps stopping and saying things like, "I can't believe next week at this time I will be in our nation's capitol!"
I made a similar road trip with my parents nearly 20 years ago. So I dragged out the photo album and he called Grandma and Grandpa to tell them the news. They are partly disappointed because Carter was going to be spending a few days with them next week (before this all went down), but mostly very, very excited about his opportunity. We all are!
Naturally, hubby and I are checking the forecast because we will be child-free for 8 days and could golf at will -- or do whatever we want. Oh wait, this surprise isn't about us, is it??
Monday, March 22, 2010
Not Seen on TV
And now some highlights from the NCAA tourney that you WON'T see on TV....
I was excited to be among the Tubby Town fans at the Bradley Center but dismayed when I realized my sweatshirt was older than some of the players!
Action from the first game, where Minnesota fell to Xavier. Just to irk me (maybe), Jim was cheering for Xavier and was doing the school fight song -- complete with actions -- quite well by the end of the weekend!
Nobody kicks it like a gopher!
Georgia Tech beat the Oklahoma State cowboys -- who had some cool orange school color. Since orange is my favorite color, I said to hubby, "We should send Carter there someday -- or Tennessee." He responds, "How about UW-Platteville? They're orange!" (Am thinking that wouldn't be the same!)
The skee ball-type setup at Koz's Mini Bowl. You can see our pin-setters in back.
Our smart scorekeepers Christine and Jim. No electronics here. They had to do old-school scoring -- and they knew how!!
Our friend Mike (a twice-decorated 300-game bowler in real life) shows off his usual form. Always end with a leg hop for good measure.
So many colorful shot puts to choose from!
I found one that matched my shirt (of course) and it was good for more strikes than I've ever managed in "real" bowling (probably lifetime combined)!
Mike and brother-in-law Craig (far right) pose with the local "celebrities" -- the guy who racked up a 300 game at Koz's (as his shirt attests) and his wife, who sported a Girl Scout beret. They are the only people I know who could sing along to every Yooper song on the juke box. Entertaining to be sure.
College roommates Sue and Robyn smile because we know we haven't aged a bit!
A blurry slam dunk picture. Hey, what do you expect from 357 rows up!
Ohio State shoots a free throw and keeps adding to their margin of victory Sunday.
I had to take a picture of one of the bands so Carter could see they have FIVE tuba players! Something to aspire to.
Xavier celebrates a last-second win ... and the end of our memorable weekend!
I was excited to be among the Tubby Town fans at the Bradley Center but dismayed when I realized my sweatshirt was older than some of the players!
Action from the first game, where Minnesota fell to Xavier. Just to irk me (maybe), Jim was cheering for Xavier and was doing the school fight song -- complete with actions -- quite well by the end of the weekend!
Nobody kicks it like a gopher!
Georgia Tech beat the Oklahoma State cowboys -- who had some cool orange school color. Since orange is my favorite color, I said to hubby, "We should send Carter there someday -- or Tennessee." He responds, "How about UW-Platteville? They're orange!" (Am thinking that wouldn't be the same!)
The skee ball-type setup at Koz's Mini Bowl. You can see our pin-setters in back.
Our smart scorekeepers Christine and Jim. No electronics here. They had to do old-school scoring -- and they knew how!!
Our friend Mike (a twice-decorated 300-game bowler in real life) shows off his usual form. Always end with a leg hop for good measure.
So many colorful shot puts to choose from!
I found one that matched my shirt (of course) and it was good for more strikes than I've ever managed in "real" bowling (probably lifetime combined)!
Mike and brother-in-law Craig (far right) pose with the local "celebrities" -- the guy who racked up a 300 game at Koz's (as his shirt attests) and his wife, who sported a Girl Scout beret. They are the only people I know who could sing along to every Yooper song on the juke box. Entertaining to be sure.
College roommates Sue and Robyn smile because we know we haven't aged a bit!
A blurry slam dunk picture. Hey, what do you expect from 357 rows up!
Ohio State shoots a free throw and keeps adding to their margin of victory Sunday.
I had to take a picture of one of the bands so Carter could see they have FIVE tuba players! Something to aspire to.
Xavier celebrates a last-second win ... and the end of our memorable weekend!Sunday, March 21, 2010
Connections
We are back home again after a fun-filled weekend in Milwaukee.
Today's highlights included two exciting Round 2 games in the NCAA tourney. The key today was connections. If you weren't making your shots, the other team would find someone who could... and eventually walk away with the win.
In the first game, Ohio State did not have to much trouble with Georgia Tech. Their win seemed to come easily enough. In the second game, Xavier got out front first and Pitt never captured the lead. They were tied numerous times, which kept the game close and exciting -- even down to a last-second shot that could have sent the game into overtime (but didn't). Fun stuff.
The biggest highlight of the day actually came 2 blocks away from the Bradley Center at the Midwest Airlines Center, where I connected with my old college roommate who was there watching her daughter in a regional volleyball tournament.
Sue and I had not seen each other in 20 years and had just "found" each other again about a year ago or so. Since she lives somewhat near Milwaukee, I gave her the heads up 6 weeks ago that we would be in the fair city this weekend. As it turned out, she was going to be there, too, for her sixth-grader's games. How cool is that? We had a nice time reconnecting and plan to have our "clans" meet each other sometime soon!
We got home just before 10 p.m. and Carter was still up (naughty boy) to greet us. I guess he missed us -- or figured we probably brought something home for him (which we did, of course). Now we all have expensive NCAA tournament t-shirts. Yay!
OK, it's way past my bedtime and tomorrow work returns with its bracket discussions -- oh and "real" work, too, I'm sure. I'll try to get some pictures up tomorrow night!
Now it's time for my head to connect with my pillow...
Today's highlights included two exciting Round 2 games in the NCAA tourney. The key today was connections. If you weren't making your shots, the other team would find someone who could... and eventually walk away with the win.
In the first game, Ohio State did not have to much trouble with Georgia Tech. Their win seemed to come easily enough. In the second game, Xavier got out front first and Pitt never captured the lead. They were tied numerous times, which kept the game close and exciting -- even down to a last-second shot that could have sent the game into overtime (but didn't). Fun stuff.
The biggest highlight of the day actually came 2 blocks away from the Bradley Center at the Midwest Airlines Center, where I connected with my old college roommate who was there watching her daughter in a regional volleyball tournament.
Sue and I had not seen each other in 20 years and had just "found" each other again about a year ago or so. Since she lives somewhat near Milwaukee, I gave her the heads up 6 weeks ago that we would be in the fair city this weekend. As it turned out, she was going to be there, too, for her sixth-grader's games. How cool is that? We had a nice time reconnecting and plan to have our "clans" meet each other sometime soon!
We got home just before 10 p.m. and Carter was still up (naughty boy) to greet us. I guess he missed us -- or figured we probably brought something home for him (which we did, of course). Now we all have expensive NCAA tournament t-shirts. Yay!
OK, it's way past my bedtime and tomorrow work returns with its bracket discussions -- oh and "real" work, too, I'm sure. I'll try to get some pictures up tomorrow night!
Now it's time for my head to connect with my pillow...
Saturday, March 20, 2010
March Madhouse
Greetings from the heart of March Madness ... well, for Rounds 1 & 2 of the NCAA playoffs anyway.
Yesterday we were treated to some exciting action in the upper echelon of the Bradley Center. Or, in layman's terms, the "nosebleed seats." We were joking that we have now officially become members of the "mile high club" -- but I'm pretty sure that refers to something quite different than sitting for 10 hours in the very last row of the upper deck. Yup, the wall was behind us and the ceiling not far above us. So yes, Miss Scared of Heights Robyn, was freaking out. But got over it.
Amazingly, we had good seats! Seriously, the venue is just small enough we could see the action pretty well. We did not miss a single dunk and we even saw some calls the refs missed!
Other than the Minnesota loss, it was a lot of fun and a very cool environment for us "old folks" to hang around in. Saw some close games and not-so-close ones where, being kind-hearted, we just had to cheer for the underdogs.
The last game ran late and we ran to our vehicle in the wind and rain, maneuvered road construction, too, and found our hotel after midnight. It sure felt good to sleep in a soft bed after sitting all day!
Today we played it low-key. Watched some college hoops and a little of the Wisconsin state boys basketball tournament on TV. Then we headed out for some unique entertainment...
Our friends knew of a place called Koz's Mini Bowl, which looks like a house from the outside -- a house with a few beer lights in the window. Inside, we found a bar and a side room that had 4 bowling lanes, about 15 feet long and raised up a foot off the ground. Picture a Skee Ball game with pins at the end. The balls could fit in your hand and were slightly bigger than Skee Balls -- with no holes drilled in them. The other unique feature is that once you rolled your ball down, a teenage boy with a dream weekend job, reset the pins and rolled your ball back. Nothing automatic about this place -- except the fun.
Since I fancy myself a pretty good Skee Ball player (the once a decade I play it), I did well. My inaugural game was a 232! That's right -- I was on a strike streak! My second game fell under 200. The old "my arms getting tired" excuse. We all had fun, though. My friend Christine almost got a 300 in one of her games. I'll share pictures after we get back. In case you get inspired to build one of these at home! (Teenager not included.)
After that, we went to eat at Beer Bellies, a place we visited a year ago when we were in Milwaukee for the Bucks-Celtics game. While we were waiting for our fabulous meal, we saw #1 ranked Kansas lose to Northern Iowa. There go 75% of the brackets! I hope whoever wins ours at work appreciates my 5-dollar donation. Dang.
Even Carter called to let us know (in case we don't have TV in Milwaukee). Funny. None of our brackets have a chance anymore so I just hope our Round 2 playoff games tomorrow are just plain old close and exciting. I think there's a pretty good chance of that happening.
Can't wait to get back to the top deck of the Madhouse!
Yesterday we were treated to some exciting action in the upper echelon of the Bradley Center. Or, in layman's terms, the "nosebleed seats." We were joking that we have now officially become members of the "mile high club" -- but I'm pretty sure that refers to something quite different than sitting for 10 hours in the very last row of the upper deck. Yup, the wall was behind us and the ceiling not far above us. So yes, Miss Scared of Heights Robyn, was freaking out. But got over it.
Amazingly, we had good seats! Seriously, the venue is just small enough we could see the action pretty well. We did not miss a single dunk and we even saw some calls the refs missed!
Other than the Minnesota loss, it was a lot of fun and a very cool environment for us "old folks" to hang around in. Saw some close games and not-so-close ones where, being kind-hearted, we just had to cheer for the underdogs.
The last game ran late and we ran to our vehicle in the wind and rain, maneuvered road construction, too, and found our hotel after midnight. It sure felt good to sleep in a soft bed after sitting all day!
Today we played it low-key. Watched some college hoops and a little of the Wisconsin state boys basketball tournament on TV. Then we headed out for some unique entertainment...
Our friends knew of a place called Koz's Mini Bowl, which looks like a house from the outside -- a house with a few beer lights in the window. Inside, we found a bar and a side room that had 4 bowling lanes, about 15 feet long and raised up a foot off the ground. Picture a Skee Ball game with pins at the end. The balls could fit in your hand and were slightly bigger than Skee Balls -- with no holes drilled in them. The other unique feature is that once you rolled your ball down, a teenage boy with a dream weekend job, reset the pins and rolled your ball back. Nothing automatic about this place -- except the fun.
Since I fancy myself a pretty good Skee Ball player (the once a decade I play it), I did well. My inaugural game was a 232! That's right -- I was on a strike streak! My second game fell under 200. The old "my arms getting tired" excuse. We all had fun, though. My friend Christine almost got a 300 in one of her games. I'll share pictures after we get back. In case you get inspired to build one of these at home! (Teenager not included.)
After that, we went to eat at Beer Bellies, a place we visited a year ago when we were in Milwaukee for the Bucks-Celtics game. While we were waiting for our fabulous meal, we saw #1 ranked Kansas lose to Northern Iowa. There go 75% of the brackets! I hope whoever wins ours at work appreciates my 5-dollar donation. Dang.
Even Carter called to let us know (in case we don't have TV in Milwaukee). Funny. None of our brackets have a chance anymore so I just hope our Round 2 playoff games tomorrow are just plain old close and exciting. I think there's a pretty good chance of that happening.
Can't wait to get back to the top deck of the Madhouse!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Hoopin' it Up
With my "vintage" Gopher sweatshirt on and our bags packed, we are heading to Milwaukee for some NCAA tournament action! As soon as our friends and fellow ticket-holders Mike and Christine arrive, we're off!
This is one of those weird things where we had to actually apply for a chance to get the tickets last May. Then we got them but even doing this 10 months in advance, we are still stuck up on the 4th level of the Bradley Center. But who cares? It's live basketball and it will be exciting!
Today's lineup looks like this:
Friday - Session 1
11:25 a.m. (11) Minnesota vs. (6) Xavier
1:45 p.m. (14) Oakland vs. (3) Pittsburgh
Friday - Session 2
6:15 p.m. (10) Georgia Tech vs. (7) Oklahoma State
8:35 p.m. (15) UC Santa Barbara vs. (2) Ohio State
Somewhere between the 2 sessions, we'll run to the hotel to check in, grab some food and head back to the Bradley Center. The winners of the 4 games will play off on Sunday. So we'll see 2 games then before having to come home in a forecasted snowstorm of sorts. Yikes.
On Saturday, there's a good chance we'll be watching basketball on TV (ha). There's also a chance I will connect with my college roommate who also will be in Milwaukee for her daughter's volleyball tournament. I hope so. We haven't seen each other in nearly 20 years. Yes, we are that old. But don't look it one bit.
Carter will be passed around by Jim's family while we're gone. He probably won't have time to miss us but I better go kiss him and hug him goodbye just in case.
Time to go hoop it up!
This is one of those weird things where we had to actually apply for a chance to get the tickets last May. Then we got them but even doing this 10 months in advance, we are still stuck up on the 4th level of the Bradley Center. But who cares? It's live basketball and it will be exciting!
Today's lineup looks like this:
Friday - Session 1
11:25 a.m. (11) Minnesota vs. (6) Xavier
1:45 p.m. (14) Oakland vs. (3) Pittsburgh
Friday - Session 2
6:15 p.m. (10) Georgia Tech vs. (7) Oklahoma State
8:35 p.m. (15) UC Santa Barbara vs. (2) Ohio State
Somewhere between the 2 sessions, we'll run to the hotel to check in, grab some food and head back to the Bradley Center. The winners of the 4 games will play off on Sunday. So we'll see 2 games then before having to come home in a forecasted snowstorm of sorts. Yikes.
On Saturday, there's a good chance we'll be watching basketball on TV (ha). There's also a chance I will connect with my college roommate who also will be in Milwaukee for her daughter's volleyball tournament. I hope so. We haven't seen each other in nearly 20 years. Yes, we are that old. But don't look it one bit.
Carter will be passed around by Jim's family while we're gone. He probably won't have time to miss us but I better go kiss him and hug him goodbye just in case.
Time to go hoop it up!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Just Pretending
This is the time of year many us pretend we know something about college basketball -- even if we don't watch a minute of it the rest of the season.
Somehow, we feel smart enough to fill out a bracket of some 66 teams and determine the winners of some 66 games, right down to choosing (very confidently, of course) the NCAA champion. All these smart people and their brackets! (That is probably where the term March Madness came from.)
A guy at work is coordinating a pool so Jim, Carter and I all put pencil to paper in hopes of increasing our chances of a financial windfall to the family. We'll see. We haven't had much luck in previous years. But we get smarter with age, don't we?
I realize action started today but I haven't paid much attention to it. Had to do some last-minute grocery shopping, then laundry so I can start packing for the weekend. I squeezed in a quick 2-mile run and showered. Now I'm waiting for my Golden Gopher maroon-colored toe nails to dry while I listen to the Assumption girls in their sectional game on the radio.
Jim is at a concert with his dad if you can believe that. The Kingston Trio is performing in Rapids tonight. Yup, I know you're all jealous but tickets were hard to come by.
Not really.
I just heard the dryer buzz so I better get back at it. I'll have to check sports scores, too, just to see who's bracket in our household is holding up.
Not that we're competitive or anything.
Good luck to all you bracketologers!
Somehow, we feel smart enough to fill out a bracket of some 66 teams and determine the winners of some 66 games, right down to choosing (very confidently, of course) the NCAA champion. All these smart people and their brackets! (That is probably where the term March Madness came from.)
A guy at work is coordinating a pool so Jim, Carter and I all put pencil to paper in hopes of increasing our chances of a financial windfall to the family. We'll see. We haven't had much luck in previous years. But we get smarter with age, don't we?
I realize action started today but I haven't paid much attention to it. Had to do some last-minute grocery shopping, then laundry so I can start packing for the weekend. I squeezed in a quick 2-mile run and showered. Now I'm waiting for my Golden Gopher maroon-colored toe nails to dry while I listen to the Assumption girls in their sectional game on the radio.
Jim is at a concert with his dad if you can believe that. The Kingston Trio is performing in Rapids tonight. Yup, I know you're all jealous but tickets were hard to come by.
Not really.
I just heard the dryer buzz so I better get back at it. I'll have to check sports scores, too, just to see who's bracket in our household is holding up.
Not that we're competitive or anything.
Good luck to all you bracketologers!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Going Green
Being 100% Scandi-hoovian, I don't have an ounce of Irish in me. But since I live with 2 Irishmen and my height resembles that of a tall leprechaun, I decided to go green like millions of other non-Irish (and Irish, naturally) who celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
I opted for some very unexciting olive green pants but did find myself wearing a button by the end of the day that said, "Get Lucky. Be Irish." Nice gift.
The only other way I "observed" the holiday was at lunch time. No, not corned beef and cabbage! I was getting my hair cut across the street from a DQ so how could I not treat myself to some Mint Oreo Blizzard action? While waiting in line, I noticed they even had a handful of Mint Oreo Blizzard CAKES for sale! Be proud of me. I resisted snatching one of those up -- but did buy a bag of Mint Chocolate Dilly Bars for the folks back at the office. (Crossing my fingers for leftovers, of course.)
Hubby wore a Celtics sweatshirt (quite appropriate) and Carter squeezed into an old St. Patrick's Day T-shirt he received a few years ago that said: "You're LUCKY I'm not your kid." We're hoping this increases our chances of finding our pot o' gold at the end of the Powerball rainbow tonight!
But just to go green one step further... Instead of driving both vehicles to the garage to drop the car off then have hubby drive me back home before heading into town for an NCAA Draft Party, I drove the Civic over and hoofed it back. Some of you may recall this garage is the one I thought was 3 miles away, but ran there only to discover, huffing and puffing, that it in fact is 4.3 miles away.
Knowing this, I still did it again. The good thing is that I was under no deadline to get home so I could run slowly or even walk awhile if I needed to. I did both of these but still made it home in 50 minutes so it was a good green experience.
Now Carter and I just have to fill out our brackets and wait for our winning lottery numbers to be drawn...
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I opted for some very unexciting olive green pants but did find myself wearing a button by the end of the day that said, "Get Lucky. Be Irish." Nice gift.
The only other way I "observed" the holiday was at lunch time. No, not corned beef and cabbage! I was getting my hair cut across the street from a DQ so how could I not treat myself to some Mint Oreo Blizzard action? While waiting in line, I noticed they even had a handful of Mint Oreo Blizzard CAKES for sale! Be proud of me. I resisted snatching one of those up -- but did buy a bag of Mint Chocolate Dilly Bars for the folks back at the office. (Crossing my fingers for leftovers, of course.)
Hubby wore a Celtics sweatshirt (quite appropriate) and Carter squeezed into an old St. Patrick's Day T-shirt he received a few years ago that said: "You're LUCKY I'm not your kid." We're hoping this increases our chances of finding our pot o' gold at the end of the Powerball rainbow tonight!
But just to go green one step further... Instead of driving both vehicles to the garage to drop the car off then have hubby drive me back home before heading into town for an NCAA Draft Party, I drove the Civic over and hoofed it back. Some of you may recall this garage is the one I thought was 3 miles away, but ran there only to discover, huffing and puffing, that it in fact is 4.3 miles away.
Knowing this, I still did it again. The good thing is that I was under no deadline to get home so I could run slowly or even walk awhile if I needed to. I did both of these but still made it home in 50 minutes so it was a good green experience.
Now Carter and I just have to fill out our brackets and wait for our winning lottery numbers to be drawn...
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Some Assembly Required
With another day of temps in the 60s, we are close to waving goodbye to our final little piles of snow. In our house that means one thing -- we are close to getting our two-wheeled non-motorized vehicles out.
We have a rule that the bikes and scooters aren't to be used until the snow is gone. Don't need anyone leaving their bike out in the snow to rust. There's no worry that I am going to jump on my bike if it's much below 70 degrees anyway. But you know how boys can be. Look at those puddles!
Luckily, the snow melted at a slow and steady pace so we aren't in Mudville like some Springs. So we relented and let Carter ride today.
But first, I had to assemble the fancy 3-wheeled scooter he got for Christmas! Yes, we've had nearly 3 months to do this. But what's the rush? It surprisingly didn't take too long. And surprisingly, and very thankfully, it held together in its inaugural run -- and the brakes worked, too!
So we're all put together and ready for Spring. Too bad there's snow in the forecast by the weekend.
See, I knew there was no hurry!
We have a rule that the bikes and scooters aren't to be used until the snow is gone. Don't need anyone leaving their bike out in the snow to rust. There's no worry that I am going to jump on my bike if it's much below 70 degrees anyway. But you know how boys can be. Look at those puddles!
Luckily, the snow melted at a slow and steady pace so we aren't in Mudville like some Springs. So we relented and let Carter ride today.
But first, I had to assemble the fancy 3-wheeled scooter he got for Christmas! Yes, we've had nearly 3 months to do this. But what's the rush? It surprisingly didn't take too long. And surprisingly, and very thankfully, it held together in its inaugural run -- and the brakes worked, too!
So we're all put together and ready for Spring. Too bad there's snow in the forecast by the weekend.
See, I knew there was no hurry!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sound the Alarm
There's a reason they call it an alarm. It is intended to jolt you to attention. If you ignore it or shut it off, you will be in for a bigger alarm when you oversleep and then, due to some unknown noise, you are jolted awake. Glance at the clock. And panic.
That about sums up Carter's morning.
Like clockwork, he calls me each weekday morning at 7:45 to let me know he's fine and we'll run down any special instructions for the day -- start dishwasher, feed cat, ride bus home, etc. Then, at 8 a.m., he walks next door and gets on the bus with them at 8:20.
Being a typical Monday morning, I got busy dealing with weekend messages and emails and, before I knew it, it was 7:50 and Carter hadn't called. So I called home. Got voicemail after 6 or 8 rings. Waited half a minute and called again. Same thing. I was going about 5 minutes before I alerted hubby. He then called our next-door neighbor and asked her to walk over and ring the door bell. We hoped he was just sleeping and something hadn't happened.
Finally, a few minutes after 8, he answered (my 9th time calling) and he was in a panic. The neighbor had just been there and he was running late and he was definitely shedding a tear or two. He just kept saying, "I'm sorry." I didn't think he had anything to apologize for. I just wanted him to get dressed and eat something quick before going to school. There wasn't much I could do over the phone to comfort him but tell him to take some deep breaths .... and get a move on!
After school, he called when he got home and let me know his day went OK. He was much more calm. "You know what's weird, Mom? On Thursday I forgot my sweatshirt at school. On Friday I forgot my trumpet on the bus. And today I forgot to get up!" Well, I told him, "They say bad things happen in 3's so maybe you are done." Sure, he replies, "Let's just go with that analogy."
OK, first of all, I am happy he's all better -- even though he insists on jumping out of bed from now on like it's a true "alarm." Secondly, what 11-year-old uses the word "analogy"?
Yikes.
Daddy did joke that Carter should probably get to bed by 7:30 tonight just so he gets enough sleep.
I blame Daylight Savings Time. If I didn't have a slumbering body next to me kicking me out of bed, I probably would have overslept today, too!
That about sums up Carter's morning.
Like clockwork, he calls me each weekday morning at 7:45 to let me know he's fine and we'll run down any special instructions for the day -- start dishwasher, feed cat, ride bus home, etc. Then, at 8 a.m., he walks next door and gets on the bus with them at 8:20.
Being a typical Monday morning, I got busy dealing with weekend messages and emails and, before I knew it, it was 7:50 and Carter hadn't called. So I called home. Got voicemail after 6 or 8 rings. Waited half a minute and called again. Same thing. I was going about 5 minutes before I alerted hubby. He then called our next-door neighbor and asked her to walk over and ring the door bell. We hoped he was just sleeping and something hadn't happened.
Finally, a few minutes after 8, he answered (my 9th time calling) and he was in a panic. The neighbor had just been there and he was running late and he was definitely shedding a tear or two. He just kept saying, "I'm sorry." I didn't think he had anything to apologize for. I just wanted him to get dressed and eat something quick before going to school. There wasn't much I could do over the phone to comfort him but tell him to take some deep breaths .... and get a move on!
After school, he called when he got home and let me know his day went OK. He was much more calm. "You know what's weird, Mom? On Thursday I forgot my sweatshirt at school. On Friday I forgot my trumpet on the bus. And today I forgot to get up!" Well, I told him, "They say bad things happen in 3's so maybe you are done." Sure, he replies, "Let's just go with that analogy."
OK, first of all, I am happy he's all better -- even though he insists on jumping out of bed from now on like it's a true "alarm." Secondly, what 11-year-old uses the word "analogy"?
Yikes.
Daddy did joke that Carter should probably get to bed by 7:30 tonight just so he gets enough sleep.
I blame Daylight Savings Time. If I didn't have a slumbering body next to me kicking me out of bed, I probably would have overslept today, too!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
March Gladness
I guess it's true what they say about the squeaky wheel... We squeak and moan about the awful weather long enough and Mother Nature finally gives in!
What a glorious, sunny, springy day today!
After church and Sunday school, Carter had a friend over for the afternoon. I made some lunch and was contemplating what project to tackle when I decided to step out on the front deck. Could it really be this warm out? Or is it just because I'm in long sleeves? No, I really think it is this warm out!
Needless to say, a project I did not tackle. Instead I changed into a tank top and sat out on a chair for a good half hour... soaking up every drop of sunshine I could! I was positioned just right to be out of the wind, so if I shut my eyes so I didn't see the melting snow banks, I would have thought it was a summer day. Love that!
I felt like I should do something. So I did my Jillian Shred workout then, to "cool down," went for a 2-mile walk while hubby the hard worker took the Christmas lights off the gutters. I should have felt guilty but didn't. I took my time on the walk, not knowing when I could do this in short sleeves again. (I thank Mother Nature for the nice day... but I don't trust her.)
Carter's friend left in the late afternoon and that front deck beckoned me again. Well, I just had like 20 pages to finish in the book I was reading. Why not do it outside, right?
I had just finished up when Jim was yelling through the screen about the bracket pairings. We have tickets to the first and second rounds in Milwaukee this coming weekend so we have an interest here. Unfortunately, the Badgers are not playing there, but I am very excited I'll get to cheer on the Golden Gophers all weekend!
I had to go dig up my old Gopher sweatshirt. I knew it was in one of two places and, sure enough, it was in the second. We will see 4 games on Friday, including one with Ohio State so there'll be more Big Ten action, and 2 games on Sunday. I was excited to go but now that I can actually cheer for someone, I'm really excited! Should be some great games.
I can see why they call it "March Madness." Between high school and college hoops, it's a crazy time. I love it.
... But not as much the sunshine!
What a glorious, sunny, springy day today!
After church and Sunday school, Carter had a friend over for the afternoon. I made some lunch and was contemplating what project to tackle when I decided to step out on the front deck. Could it really be this warm out? Or is it just because I'm in long sleeves? No, I really think it is this warm out!
Needless to say, a project I did not tackle. Instead I changed into a tank top and sat out on a chair for a good half hour... soaking up every drop of sunshine I could! I was positioned just right to be out of the wind, so if I shut my eyes so I didn't see the melting snow banks, I would have thought it was a summer day. Love that!
I felt like I should do something. So I did my Jillian Shred workout then, to "cool down," went for a 2-mile walk while hubby the hard worker took the Christmas lights off the gutters. I should have felt guilty but didn't. I took my time on the walk, not knowing when I could do this in short sleeves again. (I thank Mother Nature for the nice day... but I don't trust her.)
Carter's friend left in the late afternoon and that front deck beckoned me again. Well, I just had like 20 pages to finish in the book I was reading. Why not do it outside, right?
I had just finished up when Jim was yelling through the screen about the bracket pairings. We have tickets to the first and second rounds in Milwaukee this coming weekend so we have an interest here. Unfortunately, the Badgers are not playing there, but I am very excited I'll get to cheer on the Golden Gophers all weekend!
I had to go dig up my old Gopher sweatshirt. I knew it was in one of two places and, sure enough, it was in the second. We will see 4 games on Friday, including one with Ohio State so there'll be more Big Ten action, and 2 games on Sunday. I was excited to go but now that I can actually cheer for someone, I'm really excited! Should be some great games.
I can see why they call it "March Madness." Between high school and college hoops, it's a crazy time. I love it.
... But not as much the sunshine!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Sauntering Forward
We had such a full day it's no wonder I don't have any energy to actually "spring" forward. However, I have changed all the clocks in the house so it's officially past my bedtime!
I'm wondering if we lose this hour if the weather gods will compensate by giving us a sunny day ahead. Heck, I wouldn't mind just a 5-minute glimpse of the sun!
Today was cloudy and drizzly again. I went for a very short run this morning because I was not in the mood to be cold and wet. Then got my Saturday "chores" done -- dusting, sweeping, vacuuming -- in record time because we had things to do and places to go and people to see...
We donned our blue clothes, picked up Jim's sister and headed up to Mosinee to cheer on the Assumption girls basketball team in the Regional championship game. After easily winning the first games this week, today they were much more evenly matched against this Almond-Bancroft team.
In other words, we couldn't really relax until the end, when we were ahead by 10 points with half a minute to go. Even then, I would have been concerned but the other team subbed in their entire bench so everyone could play. Then I knew they were conceding. Quite the game. Pretty cool to pack more than half the gym with Assumption fans. Fun stuff. High basketball rocks!
Afterward, we connected with an old friend of hubby's who lives in Mosinee. We popped over to the Airport Lounge for some beverages and B.S.ing. Got home in the late afternoon but still had time to get some laundry done and watch a movie.
Carter and I watched a kids flick, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. Kind of a cute movie. I was wishing I was part of the action when it was "raining" ice cream from the sky (hmm, maybe our weather gods could stir that up since they insist on rain).
I feel full, though, just from watching it. And definitely won't be doing any springing forward. This year maybe I'll just saunter along and make sure I'm pointed in the right direction...
I'm wondering if we lose this hour if the weather gods will compensate by giving us a sunny day ahead. Heck, I wouldn't mind just a 5-minute glimpse of the sun!
Today was cloudy and drizzly again. I went for a very short run this morning because I was not in the mood to be cold and wet. Then got my Saturday "chores" done -- dusting, sweeping, vacuuming -- in record time because we had things to do and places to go and people to see...
We donned our blue clothes, picked up Jim's sister and headed up to Mosinee to cheer on the Assumption girls basketball team in the Regional championship game. After easily winning the first games this week, today they were much more evenly matched against this Almond-Bancroft team.
In other words, we couldn't really relax until the end, when we were ahead by 10 points with half a minute to go. Even then, I would have been concerned but the other team subbed in their entire bench so everyone could play. Then I knew they were conceding. Quite the game. Pretty cool to pack more than half the gym with Assumption fans. Fun stuff. High basketball rocks!
Afterward, we connected with an old friend of hubby's who lives in Mosinee. We popped over to the Airport Lounge for some beverages and B.S.ing. Got home in the late afternoon but still had time to get some laundry done and watch a movie.
Carter and I watched a kids flick, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. Kind of a cute movie. I was wishing I was part of the action when it was "raining" ice cream from the sky (hmm, maybe our weather gods could stir that up since they insist on rain).
I feel full, though, just from watching it. And definitely won't be doing any springing forward. This year maybe I'll just saunter along and make sure I'm pointed in the right direction...
Friday, March 12, 2010
Little Pieces of Sunshine
It has been rainy and foggy all week. Very strange weather. Without any sunshine, the fog never burns off. It just hovers close enough to the ground to block our view -- or an least slightly obstruct it -- while driving.
There are silly little things, though, that can bring sunshine to your life. Here are a few examples:
~ Did you know you can get a 30-second back rub when someone is sucking up to you get something? We pick up Carter from the sitter, he hands me a note with a phone number and the words "go-cart" on it. As he sits behind me in the car and starts rubbing my shoulders while telling me this go-cart was listed for sale on Craig's List (which I was not aware he knew existed) and says, while working out my knots, "This sure would make a nice birthday present."
Then stops rubbing. Apparently that was supposed to be enough to convince me he loved me and, if I loved him back, I'd call about buying this contraption. One, that's not gonna happen. Two, I suspect this is a diversion. He asks for something big. Something outrageous. Then we say, "No way" and he says, with a dramatic hint of exasperation, "Fine, I guess I'll just take a cell phone then." Can you not see it playing out that way? Oh my little sunshine...
~ Did you know that when you've had your arm in a cast and/or sling for several weeks, one of your first "treats" is shaving under that arm? I won't reveal this person's identity but warned her she might make the blog! I just thought it was hilarious. When she said it out loud, I think both our husbands looked at each other like, "Is nothing sacred?" But ask any woman. They would agree. It would be a treat. It would bring sunshine to your life after many dreary days of "confinement"...
~ Did you know that even without experience or a major sponsor, we can out-drive a race car driver? OK, it didn't exactly play out that way. We were on the 4-lane highway when we saw our nephew Colin up ahead, going the same direction. So we pulled up alongside him. I stuck out my tongue and made blabber faces at him. Then we sped off ahead. Actually, it was good to note he was not going over the speed limit. We promise not to tell his fans he was passed by an old couple in a car with 200,000+ miles on it! Well, we won't tell everyone...
~ Did you know that ordering baked fish is only "healthy" if you ignore the dish of melted butter? We went out to eat tonight. One of those things where you go to the place closest to home but have the longest wait. Luckily, we knew one of the waitresses and she served us in the bar area so we didn't have to wait an hour. I'm sure we would have wasted away, you know. I ordered baked fish but could not resist the occasional dip in the melted butter. I should have just gone with the deep-fried...
~ Did you know that you can still enjoy the weather despite the rain and fog? Just ask our cat. We get home from work tonight and I see that Daddy propped open two windows for the princess this morning. I'm sure she napped in the fresh air all day! Yes, I'm jealous...
~ Did you know that a little message from a family member can make your day? My sister sent me a note in the mail -- the real mail, the snail mail. On the envelope she had my name and then on the second line it said, "Noted author of On the Light Side." Too funny. I might have to frame that if I never get my book done! Or even if I do...
Thanks, everyone, for bringing me my little pieces of sunshine this week!
There are silly little things, though, that can bring sunshine to your life. Here are a few examples:
~ Did you know you can get a 30-second back rub when someone is sucking up to you get something? We pick up Carter from the sitter, he hands me a note with a phone number and the words "go-cart" on it. As he sits behind me in the car and starts rubbing my shoulders while telling me this go-cart was listed for sale on Craig's List (which I was not aware he knew existed) and says, while working out my knots, "This sure would make a nice birthday present."
Then stops rubbing. Apparently that was supposed to be enough to convince me he loved me and, if I loved him back, I'd call about buying this contraption. One, that's not gonna happen. Two, I suspect this is a diversion. He asks for something big. Something outrageous. Then we say, "No way" and he says, with a dramatic hint of exasperation, "Fine, I guess I'll just take a cell phone then." Can you not see it playing out that way? Oh my little sunshine...
~ Did you know that when you've had your arm in a cast and/or sling for several weeks, one of your first "treats" is shaving under that arm? I won't reveal this person's identity but warned her she might make the blog! I just thought it was hilarious. When she said it out loud, I think both our husbands looked at each other like, "Is nothing sacred?" But ask any woman. They would agree. It would be a treat. It would bring sunshine to your life after many dreary days of "confinement"...
~ Did you know that even without experience or a major sponsor, we can out-drive a race car driver? OK, it didn't exactly play out that way. We were on the 4-lane highway when we saw our nephew Colin up ahead, going the same direction. So we pulled up alongside him. I stuck out my tongue and made blabber faces at him. Then we sped off ahead. Actually, it was good to note he was not going over the speed limit. We promise not to tell his fans he was passed by an old couple in a car with 200,000+ miles on it! Well, we won't tell everyone...
~ Did you know that ordering baked fish is only "healthy" if you ignore the dish of melted butter? We went out to eat tonight. One of those things where you go to the place closest to home but have the longest wait. Luckily, we knew one of the waitresses and she served us in the bar area so we didn't have to wait an hour. I'm sure we would have wasted away, you know. I ordered baked fish but could not resist the occasional dip in the melted butter. I should have just gone with the deep-fried...
~ Did you know that you can still enjoy the weather despite the rain and fog? Just ask our cat. We get home from work tonight and I see that Daddy propped open two windows for the princess this morning. I'm sure she napped in the fresh air all day! Yes, I'm jealous...
~ Did you know that a little message from a family member can make your day? My sister sent me a note in the mail -- the real mail, the snail mail. On the envelope she had my name and then on the second line it said, "Noted author of On the Light Side." Too funny. I might have to frame that if I never get my book done! Or even if I do...
Thanks, everyone, for bringing me my little pieces of sunshine this week!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Oral Presentation
I wonder if a parent ever tires of hearing how wonderful their kid is. I mean my mom seemed to handle it well. And she must have had to endure years and years of it.
Right.
I had emailed Carter's teacher this morning to inquire about a "6th-grade graduation" meeting we parents have to attend tonight. She gave me the run down on the meeting and then added the following P.S.:
"I just thought I would let you know that Carter's oral reading skills have been an excellent model for other students! I have really enjoyed his ability to give expression in reading content, paying attention to the types of sentence punctuation, and character quirks. I highly recommend that he looks for forensics. speech contests, or roles in a school play/drama next year. He's a natural and I would love to see that fostered!"
Carter being dramatic? Entertaining? The center of attention? How unlike his shy parents!
Right.
Of course, I love hearing positive feedback about my child -- considering we've had to also address his love for entertaining at "inappropriate times." Basically any time it's not recess, it's not a good time to be Mr. Charming in the classroom. (No wonder he's got a waiting list of girls ready to call him when he gets a cell phone!)
Anyway, the geek in me would be thrilled if he wandered down the forensics/speech road. I enjoyed 3 years in high school forensics, experiencing the anxiety and thrill of state competition all 3 of those years. I know you find it hard to believe I was ever nervous speaking in public, but I was. And I think forensics helped reduce that fear to a manageable amount. (You'd probably find it harder to believe I did the 4-minute speech competition for 2 of those years -- that's the shortest speech category!)
So we'll see where this leads -- if anywhere. If nothing else, Wonder Boy will have something to throw back in my face 5 years from now when I'm yelling at him about missing curfew. "But, Mom, remember when my teacher said I'm a leader? I was just out mentoring people..."
Right.
Right.
I had emailed Carter's teacher this morning to inquire about a "6th-grade graduation" meeting we parents have to attend tonight. She gave me the run down on the meeting and then added the following P.S.:
"I just thought I would let you know that Carter's oral reading skills have been an excellent model for other students! I have really enjoyed his ability to give expression in reading content, paying attention to the types of sentence punctuation, and character quirks. I highly recommend that he looks for forensics. speech contests, or roles in a school play/drama next year. He's a natural and I would love to see that fostered!"
Carter being dramatic? Entertaining? The center of attention? How unlike his shy parents!
Right.
Of course, I love hearing positive feedback about my child -- considering we've had to also address his love for entertaining at "inappropriate times." Basically any time it's not recess, it's not a good time to be Mr. Charming in the classroom. (No wonder he's got a waiting list of girls ready to call him when he gets a cell phone!)
Anyway, the geek in me would be thrilled if he wandered down the forensics/speech road. I enjoyed 3 years in high school forensics, experiencing the anxiety and thrill of state competition all 3 of those years. I know you find it hard to believe I was ever nervous speaking in public, but I was. And I think forensics helped reduce that fear to a manageable amount. (You'd probably find it harder to believe I did the 4-minute speech competition for 2 of those years -- that's the shortest speech category!)
So we'll see where this leads -- if anywhere. If nothing else, Wonder Boy will have something to throw back in my face 5 years from now when I'm yelling at him about missing curfew. "But, Mom, remember when my teacher said I'm a leader? I was just out mentoring people..."
Right.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Flog or Food?
What a weird weather day. It rained all day -- causing flood concerns in some areas. And then the fog hit this afternoon right before our drive home -- causing some visibility concerns in a lot of areas.
I was trying to figure out if Flood + Fog = Flog or does Fog + Flood = Food? That can't be right. But it would explain, in part, why we compare fog to "pea soup," right?
The good news is the rain (predicted for the next 2 days, too) should make the snow disappear -- making Punxsutawney Phil look like quite the prognosticator. I won't mind seeing green, er brown, again. But we all know in Wisconsin and Minnesota that we will have at least one more arctic blast before we can officially declare it Spring.
The sad part of it is that our Olympic sled run is disappearing by the day. Ironically, we got the most use out of it before Christmas -- then we had that awful freezing rain and it mucked it up pretty good. The happy part is that once the snow goes, we can get our bikes out and, more importantly for the 11-year-old, a certain scooter that Santa brought. (Assembly still required.)
We'll see how this plays out -- or melts out. I have a feeling I'll be writing the same thing in a month. Spring is almost here!
Dang, this Spring Fever is quite the vicious disease.
I was trying to figure out if Flood + Fog = Flog or does Fog + Flood = Food? That can't be right. But it would explain, in part, why we compare fog to "pea soup," right?
The good news is the rain (predicted for the next 2 days, too) should make the snow disappear -- making Punxsutawney Phil look like quite the prognosticator. I won't mind seeing green, er brown, again. But we all know in Wisconsin and Minnesota that we will have at least one more arctic blast before we can officially declare it Spring.
The sad part of it is that our Olympic sled run is disappearing by the day. Ironically, we got the most use out of it before Christmas -- then we had that awful freezing rain and it mucked it up pretty good. The happy part is that once the snow goes, we can get our bikes out and, more importantly for the 11-year-old, a certain scooter that Santa brought. (Assembly still required.)
We'll see how this plays out -- or melts out. I have a feeling I'll be writing the same thing in a month. Spring is almost here!
Dang, this Spring Fever is quite the vicious disease.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The Sum of All Parts
One of the reasons I love scrapbooking is because it gives me so much pleasure to capture a moment in our family's life and present it creatively so we can remember it for years to come.
It would be unfair, though, to grab a scrapbook, open it to a random page and say, "Oh this must have been a great year. Look at how much fun we had on vacation!" Or conversely say, "Wow, look how the back yard was flooded. That year must have been the worst ever." We can't judge an entire year by one moment. It is made up of hundreds and thousands of "moments" -- not all of them presented in the scrapbook (or this blog).
In the same vein, we can't label a day based on one teeny part of it. But we sure do that a lot, don't we?
I could say my day was "depressing" because I had been optimistic going into my weekly weigh-in, knowing I had vamped up my cardio and my daily steps, but then the scale went up, too. Dang. That was disappointing.
I could say my day was "awesome" because I learned my nephew finally made it out of Iraq and onto neutral soil in Kuwait. Now, it's just a matter of days until he is home in the States. What a relief!
I could say my day was "emotionally painful" as I observed the hurtful way some teenagers I know (and love) are treating their parents. I was not a perfect child. I don't know when I finally "got it" and understood my parents did the best they could. It's tough when I see it could be a loooonnnnngg time before certain individuals "get it." Listen up, kids. As parents, we do what we do -- whether it's with a firm hand or gentle hug -- because we love you. That's all. We just want what's best for you. Please believe that. (Someday you will.)
I could say my day was "encouraging." I was able to push myself on a good run over lunch and, despite what the evil scale says, I am not going to give up. I'll just do what I can and be grateful I don't have some of the health issues some family and friends are facing.
I could say my day was "fanta-bulous," sportswise, after we saw the top-ranked Assumption girls outscore that poor Lutheran team by more than 50 points! Great game. Onto the next round of Regional Playoffs!
So looking back at my day -- my whole day -- I could say it was good. The sum of all parts make me grateful I have love, I have health, I have God. And, in the end, isn't that what matters?
It would be unfair, though, to grab a scrapbook, open it to a random page and say, "Oh this must have been a great year. Look at how much fun we had on vacation!" Or conversely say, "Wow, look how the back yard was flooded. That year must have been the worst ever." We can't judge an entire year by one moment. It is made up of hundreds and thousands of "moments" -- not all of them presented in the scrapbook (or this blog).
In the same vein, we can't label a day based on one teeny part of it. But we sure do that a lot, don't we?
I could say my day was "depressing" because I had been optimistic going into my weekly weigh-in, knowing I had vamped up my cardio and my daily steps, but then the scale went up, too. Dang. That was disappointing.
I could say my day was "awesome" because I learned my nephew finally made it out of Iraq and onto neutral soil in Kuwait. Now, it's just a matter of days until he is home in the States. What a relief!
I could say my day was "emotionally painful" as I observed the hurtful way some teenagers I know (and love) are treating their parents. I was not a perfect child. I don't know when I finally "got it" and understood my parents did the best they could. It's tough when I see it could be a loooonnnnngg time before certain individuals "get it." Listen up, kids. As parents, we do what we do -- whether it's with a firm hand or gentle hug -- because we love you. That's all. We just want what's best for you. Please believe that. (Someday you will.)
I could say my day was "encouraging." I was able to push myself on a good run over lunch and, despite what the evil scale says, I am not going to give up. I'll just do what I can and be grateful I don't have some of the health issues some family and friends are facing.
I could say my day was "fanta-bulous," sportswise, after we saw the top-ranked Assumption girls outscore that poor Lutheran team by more than 50 points! Great game. Onto the next round of Regional Playoffs!
So looking back at my day -- my whole day -- I could say it was good. The sum of all parts make me grateful I have love, I have health, I have God. And, in the end, isn't that what matters?
Monday, March 8, 2010
Words of Encouragement
Two notes of note this week:
Carter brought home a little card from Sunday School yesterday about focusing on "Vigilance" this third week of Lent.
It read: "This week I will make plans to discard possessions that are not useful or beautiful. Too many possessions weigh us down and prevent us from noticing God's presence, from attending to God's voice presenting us with possibilities. It is difficult to change direction and follow a new path if we are burdened with more than we need. Seasoned travelers travel light. A cluttered home creates a cluttered mind and heart. It's time to begin spring cleaning!"
Wow, is that packed with a dozen messages for Robyn Austin! Good thing it doesn't say we need to act on this advice and accomplish it all in one week.
I did start by gathering up some "extra" arts and crafts supplies to donate to Carter's school for a giveaway. I went so far as to add a note that urged them to contact me if they didn't get enough items. I'd be happy to donate more.
That's such a teeny, tiny start but as one of my sisters pointed out this week, sometimes we gotta start out with baby steps and maybe that's all we can do for awhile. I could waste time saying, "It's overwhelming! I don't know where to start!" -- then get nowhere.
The important thing is to start. Somewhere! Take baby steps. Be vigilant!
Carter got some mail today. It was a card and note from my mom wishing him good luck at his next spelling competition. She had good intentions (mailing it last week) but unfortunately it arrived 2 days after the contest. Trust me, though, it was worth the wait.
In it Grandma (who could be called "Grammar" with her perfect language arts skills) gave Carter some words of encouragement, then ended it by writing (in her perfect penmanship), "I wuz allways good in Speling and I stil am tooday."
That's my mom and her sneaky, clever humor. Carter thought it was pretty darn funny. I said, "Now you know where I get my sense of humor!"
I also know it probably took her longer to figure out how to misspell the words than it did to write the whole note. Gotta luv her!
Vigilance
Carter brought home a little card from Sunday School yesterday about focusing on "Vigilance" this third week of Lent.
It read: "This week I will make plans to discard possessions that are not useful or beautiful. Too many possessions weigh us down and prevent us from noticing God's presence, from attending to God's voice presenting us with possibilities. It is difficult to change direction and follow a new path if we are burdened with more than we need. Seasoned travelers travel light. A cluttered home creates a cluttered mind and heart. It's time to begin spring cleaning!"
Wow, is that packed with a dozen messages for Robyn Austin! Good thing it doesn't say we need to act on this advice and accomplish it all in one week.
I did start by gathering up some "extra" arts and crafts supplies to donate to Carter's school for a giveaway. I went so far as to add a note that urged them to contact me if they didn't get enough items. I'd be happy to donate more.
That's such a teeny, tiny start but as one of my sisters pointed out this week, sometimes we gotta start out with baby steps and maybe that's all we can do for awhile. I could waste time saying, "It's overwhelming! I don't know where to start!" -- then get nowhere.
The important thing is to start. Somewhere! Take baby steps. Be vigilant!
Spellbound
Carter got some mail today. It was a card and note from my mom wishing him good luck at his next spelling competition. She had good intentions (mailing it last week) but unfortunately it arrived 2 days after the contest. Trust me, though, it was worth the wait.
In it Grandma (who could be called "Grammar" with her perfect language arts skills) gave Carter some words of encouragement, then ended it by writing (in her perfect penmanship), "I wuz allways good in Speling and I stil am tooday."
That's my mom and her sneaky, clever humor. Carter thought it was pretty darn funny. I said, "Now you know where I get my sense of humor!"
I also know it probably took her longer to figure out how to misspell the words than it did to write the whole note. Gotta luv her!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Pressure
There are at least three occasions where it is essential to apply pressure:
Last night, when Carter was getting ready to fall asleep, he told me a little more about his experience at the skate place (where nobody skated). He really was not that thrilled about it. In fact, even though he was escorting 2 girls there, he said he was bored. He then goes on to say, "Someone even said to me, 'Wow, you must be bored.' And I said, 'I sort of am, why?' And he said, 'Because you're phoneless.'"
Apparently, the kids just hang out and text each other all night. I asked what was the point of going "out" somewhere just to text with people who aren't there? It doesn't make sense to this "old-fashioned" mother, but it's enough to get Carter applying the full-court press on us to consider giving him a phone.
He told the neighbors this week he was going to ask for one for Easter, then if he didn't get one, he'd ask for it for his birthday. You just keep asking, Carter!
We had said he does not need a cell phone in grade school. If he is not with us, he's at school, at the sitter's or someone's house. If he needs to get ahold of us, it's pretty easy.
He also is rarely on our "land line" anyway. He only calls up boy classmates on weekends to ask them to come over. I reminded him last night, "If you need to call someone, just use the phone. You don't have to worry about a signal or anything." That wasn't what he wanted to hear. I also reminded him that this costs money, sometimes a lot of money, every month to have a cell phone with the coveted texting. He didn't want to hear that either.
In past discussions between hubby and me, we figured by junior high (next school year) we might have to have one available for his use. But we're going to play it by ear and see if there's a need.
In the meantime, I guess we'll prepare ourselves for his power of persuasion attempts. I hope he realizes if he gets too annoying, we're just going to delay it even longer.
Then he'll be bored and crabby! ... And he'll have no way to tell anyone.
- One involves stemming the flow of blood from a wound.
- Another is evident when a basketball team plays tough defense.
- And a third, apparently, is when a sixth-grader tries to convince his parents he needs a cell phone.
Last night, when Carter was getting ready to fall asleep, he told me a little more about his experience at the skate place (where nobody skated). He really was not that thrilled about it. In fact, even though he was escorting 2 girls there, he said he was bored. He then goes on to say, "Someone even said to me, 'Wow, you must be bored.' And I said, 'I sort of am, why?' And he said, 'Because you're phoneless.'"
Apparently, the kids just hang out and text each other all night. I asked what was the point of going "out" somewhere just to text with people who aren't there? It doesn't make sense to this "old-fashioned" mother, but it's enough to get Carter applying the full-court press on us to consider giving him a phone.
He told the neighbors this week he was going to ask for one for Easter, then if he didn't get one, he'd ask for it for his birthday. You just keep asking, Carter!
We had said he does not need a cell phone in grade school. If he is not with us, he's at school, at the sitter's or someone's house. If he needs to get ahold of us, it's pretty easy.
He also is rarely on our "land line" anyway. He only calls up boy classmates on weekends to ask them to come over. I reminded him last night, "If you need to call someone, just use the phone. You don't have to worry about a signal or anything." That wasn't what he wanted to hear. I also reminded him that this costs money, sometimes a lot of money, every month to have a cell phone with the coveted texting. He didn't want to hear that either.
In past discussions between hubby and me, we figured by junior high (next school year) we might have to have one available for his use. But we're going to play it by ear and see if there's a need.
In the meantime, I guess we'll prepare ourselves for his power of persuasion attempts. I hope he realizes if he gets too annoying, we're just going to delay it even longer.
Then he'll be bored and crabby! ... And he'll have no way to tell anyone.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Consolation Prizes
Today was the day Carter competed in the next level of the Knights of Columbus spelling contest. We headed to Plover with butterflies in our stomachs. Seriously, I was just as nervous as Carter!
The format of the competition was the same. He would have 50 spelling problems. Each "problem" was a list of 4 words. The contestants had to identify if any were misspelled, then spell them correctly. If all were correct, they would just write "none." When Carter got done, he was not as confident as last time. Much harder words. "I think they were making words up!" Well, I guess that means he hadn't seen them before so didn't know if they were spelled correctly or not.
Needless to say, when the winners were announced, Carter Austin (or Austin Carter as he was called last time) was not among the top 2 6th-graders going onto state.
I could tell Carter was really disappointed. And I felt so bad for him, I wanted to cry. We just want our kids to do well, ya know?
I think he's over it. He really would like to know his score so he knows if he was just a point behind the winners or if he sucked (those are his words). We won't ever know the scores so I tried to convince him that if he did the best he could, that's all that matters.
I don't know if I did a good job consoling him or not, but here are a few things that probably could qualify as "consolation prizes":
~> We went out to lunch afterwards at iHop. If chocolate chip pancakes can't cure what ails you, what can?
~> By coincidence, they finally printed the results of the first round of the competition in today's newspaper. Carter was in two photos and his name was listed 3 times: spelling, 1st place; math, 2nd place; free throws, 2nd place. So at least he has his 15 minutes of fame.
~> It was a beautiful day. Sunny with temps in the mid-40s. So Carter got to release some frustration playing hoops (and I got to go for a run). Endorphins are always uplifting.
~> Carter 'fessed up that he is "back together" with that red head. This is a relatively new development. About 24 hours old so I am wondering if that was what was on his mind today. Hmmm. This is the part where I'm still the mom wanting him to be happy -- but stipulating that I prefer academic satisfaction. More on this in a moment...
~> We rounded out the day with a campfire next door. While us grown-ups were there, Carter, the next-door neighbor girl and the red head were all at Skate City -- not skating, just "hanging out." So while it should have been a relaxing time, I couldn't help looking at my watch and thinking of the latest "report" Carter was seen holding hands with his gal pal the evening before (photo proof) and wondering what they are doing now. When they did return, he claims it was pretty boring, but I think I recognize that twinkle in his eye. It's got nothing to do with correcting spelling errors.
Yikes. Where's my consolation when I need it?
The format of the competition was the same. He would have 50 spelling problems. Each "problem" was a list of 4 words. The contestants had to identify if any were misspelled, then spell them correctly. If all were correct, they would just write "none." When Carter got done, he was not as confident as last time. Much harder words. "I think they were making words up!" Well, I guess that means he hadn't seen them before so didn't know if they were spelled correctly or not.
Needless to say, when the winners were announced, Carter Austin (or Austin Carter as he was called last time) was not among the top 2 6th-graders going onto state.
I could tell Carter was really disappointed. And I felt so bad for him, I wanted to cry. We just want our kids to do well, ya know?
I think he's over it. He really would like to know his score so he knows if he was just a point behind the winners or if he sucked (those are his words). We won't ever know the scores so I tried to convince him that if he did the best he could, that's all that matters.
I don't know if I did a good job consoling him or not, but here are a few things that probably could qualify as "consolation prizes":
~> We went out to lunch afterwards at iHop. If chocolate chip pancakes can't cure what ails you, what can?
~> By coincidence, they finally printed the results of the first round of the competition in today's newspaper. Carter was in two photos and his name was listed 3 times: spelling, 1st place; math, 2nd place; free throws, 2nd place. So at least he has his 15 minutes of fame.
~> It was a beautiful day. Sunny with temps in the mid-40s. So Carter got to release some frustration playing hoops (and I got to go for a run). Endorphins are always uplifting.
~> Carter 'fessed up that he is "back together" with that red head. This is a relatively new development. About 24 hours old so I am wondering if that was what was on his mind today. Hmmm. This is the part where I'm still the mom wanting him to be happy -- but stipulating that I prefer academic satisfaction. More on this in a moment...
~> We rounded out the day with a campfire next door. While us grown-ups were there, Carter, the next-door neighbor girl and the red head were all at Skate City -- not skating, just "hanging out." So while it should have been a relaxing time, I couldn't help looking at my watch and thinking of the latest "report" Carter was seen holding hands with his gal pal the evening before (photo proof) and wondering what they are doing now. When they did return, he claims it was pretty boring, but I think I recognize that twinkle in his eye. It's got nothing to do with correcting spelling errors.
Yikes. Where's my consolation when I need it?
Friday, March 5, 2010
Friday Thoughts
A person's mind focuses on the word weekend all day Friday and it becomes a challenge to think. But I do have some thoughts because my brain never stops (and my mouth sometimes doesn't, either)...
Spring Has Sprung: This is the third day in a row we've reached 40 degrees and it doesn't look like this warming trend is ending soon. Yay! Today I finally got out for a run at noon. It was beautiful out. The only ugly part is that once the snow melts, all the litter from winter is visible in the ditch. What I learned today on my trek on County J is that litterers on that route prefer Pepsi products and Miller Lite. Ugh. How hard is it to find a trash can?
Dangerous Commute: There was a nearly 40-car pileup this morning on Highway 41 on Wisconsin's "East Coast." What a scary time for morning commuters -- even those of us who don't take that particular road. Every day hubby and I travel nearly 100 miles going to and from work. It is always in the back of our minds that anything can happen. We are always mindful to be grateful, though, when it doesn't. Thank you, God for keeping us safe today.
Out with the Old; In with the New: With spring training games starting yesterday, baseball season is officially here. (I wore my new Mauer jersey today to commemorate it.) However, we still can't quite say goodbye to the old football season. Favre was on Leno last night and surprise, announced he hasn't decided what he's doing next season. Glad I didn't stay up for that. Today, Chester Taylor, the running back who alternated ball-carrying duties with Adrian Peterson, announced he's signed with the Bears. We'll miss him. He knew how to carry the ball -- and hang onto it.
Who Do You Think You Are: Tonight was the first night of a six-week TV series geared toward us genealogy geeks. Who Do You Think You Are? featured actress Sarah Jessica Parker's search for roots in America. Of course, she can afford to fly to all these different places and look things up in person (with lots of help), but it was inspiring to us family tree freaks who love to see a story come together. Now that my time-consuming camp is done, I need to get digging some more in my own roots. I'm excited to keep the momentum of new-found facts this winter going! Who do you think I am?
Excite-Mint: Everyone knows I love mint. I love ice cream. I love mint ice cream. Even my Schwan's man. Last night he informed me he still has the holiday Peppermint Stick ice cream left. I love that stuff. With two containers in my freezer still, I declined to buy more. But he says, "Well I'll check back with you in 2 weeks. We've got like 40 units left and you're the only one asking for them." Good lord! Do you think the freezer out in the garage can hold them all?!
Spring Has Sprung: This is the third day in a row we've reached 40 degrees and it doesn't look like this warming trend is ending soon. Yay! Today I finally got out for a run at noon. It was beautiful out. The only ugly part is that once the snow melts, all the litter from winter is visible in the ditch. What I learned today on my trek on County J is that litterers on that route prefer Pepsi products and Miller Lite. Ugh. How hard is it to find a trash can?
Dangerous Commute: There was a nearly 40-car pileup this morning on Highway 41 on Wisconsin's "East Coast." What a scary time for morning commuters -- even those of us who don't take that particular road. Every day hubby and I travel nearly 100 miles going to and from work. It is always in the back of our minds that anything can happen. We are always mindful to be grateful, though, when it doesn't. Thank you, God for keeping us safe today.
Out with the Old; In with the New: With spring training games starting yesterday, baseball season is officially here. (I wore my new Mauer jersey today to commemorate it.) However, we still can't quite say goodbye to the old football season. Favre was on Leno last night and surprise, announced he hasn't decided what he's doing next season. Glad I didn't stay up for that. Today, Chester Taylor, the running back who alternated ball-carrying duties with Adrian Peterson, announced he's signed with the Bears. We'll miss him. He knew how to carry the ball -- and hang onto it.
Who Do You Think You Are: Tonight was the first night of a six-week TV series geared toward us genealogy geeks. Who Do You Think You Are? featured actress Sarah Jessica Parker's search for roots in America. Of course, she can afford to fly to all these different places and look things up in person (with lots of help), but it was inspiring to us family tree freaks who love to see a story come together. Now that my time-consuming camp is done, I need to get digging some more in my own roots. I'm excited to keep the momentum of new-found facts this winter going! Who do you think I am?
Excite-Mint: Everyone knows I love mint. I love ice cream. I love mint ice cream. Even my Schwan's man. Last night he informed me he still has the holiday Peppermint Stick ice cream left. I love that stuff. With two containers in my freezer still, I declined to buy more. But he says, "Well I'll check back with you in 2 weeks. We've got like 40 units left and you're the only one asking for them." Good lord! Do you think the freezer out in the garage can hold them all?!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Under the Weather
God afton! That's "good evening" in Swedish. Jag skulle vija ha Shamrock Shake. "I'd like a Shamrock Shake."
No, I am not really learning Swedish. I just ordered a dictionary to potentially help me translate a few words on some family tree documents. It came in the mail today and I suspect it will be well worth what I paid for it (2 cents + $3.99 shipping on Amazon) in no time.
I was thinking it might be easiest to have another native language and learn English second. However, I'm coming to realize the English language (as we use it) has soooo many words and phrases that mean the same thing, that it would very, very challenging.
The other night we were on our way to the basketball game and some announcer on the radio mentioned someone wasn't appearing somewhere because they were "under the weather." Carter asks, "What does that mean?" Hubby and I look at each other and both ask, "You've never heard that?" Nope, he says.
We explain that it simply means someone isn't feeling well, they're not 100%, sort of like Carter was Monday when he stayed home from school. Good explanation, but, asks the inquiring mind, "Why do we say that?"
Good question. I had to look it up since I wasn't completely sure and didn't want to pull a LeRoy and make something up. Turns out it stems from back in the days when sailors would feel seasick and would go below deck -- away from and under the weather -- to settle their stomachs and feel better. It made sense on land, too, since the weather can affect some people with certain ailments like arthritis.
Wow, you've learned so much already. Shall I go on?
Actually, that's all I know about that. But it is funny when we stop and listen to ourselves. How many phrases did we use this week without thought to their origin? I was talking with a friend about old wives' tales. Anyone mention March coming in like a lamb? Does anyone have cabin fever? Spring fever?
No wonder English can be a "foreign" language even to our kids. I'm sure Carter will figure it out eventually. After all, he's smarter than the average bear.
... But I have no idea how he stacks up against the above-average ones.
No, I am not really learning Swedish. I just ordered a dictionary to potentially help me translate a few words on some family tree documents. It came in the mail today and I suspect it will be well worth what I paid for it (2 cents + $3.99 shipping on Amazon) in no time.
I was thinking it might be easiest to have another native language and learn English second. However, I'm coming to realize the English language (as we use it) has soooo many words and phrases that mean the same thing, that it would very, very challenging.
The other night we were on our way to the basketball game and some announcer on the radio mentioned someone wasn't appearing somewhere because they were "under the weather." Carter asks, "What does that mean?" Hubby and I look at each other and both ask, "You've never heard that?" Nope, he says.
We explain that it simply means someone isn't feeling well, they're not 100%, sort of like Carter was Monday when he stayed home from school. Good explanation, but, asks the inquiring mind, "Why do we say that?"
Good question. I had to look it up since I wasn't completely sure and didn't want to pull a LeRoy and make something up. Turns out it stems from back in the days when sailors would feel seasick and would go below deck -- away from and under the weather -- to settle their stomachs and feel better. It made sense on land, too, since the weather can affect some people with certain ailments like arthritis.
Wow, you've learned so much already. Shall I go on?
Actually, that's all I know about that. But it is funny when we stop and listen to ourselves. How many phrases did we use this week without thought to their origin? I was talking with a friend about old wives' tales. Anyone mention March coming in like a lamb? Does anyone have cabin fever? Spring fever?
No wonder English can be a "foreign" language even to our kids. I'm sure Carter will figure it out eventually. After all, he's smarter than the average bear.
... But I have no idea how he stacks up against the above-average ones.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
March-ing to the Beat of our Own Drum
The month of March has undoubtedly ushered in a feeling of Spring -- and a return to "normal" in our household. (Our definition anyway.)
Now that Camp is done and the Olympics are over, I am trying to remember what I was doing with myself a month ago. Did I actually have free time?
Oh yeah, now it's coming back to me. Carter had just finished basketball, but our nephew Colin was still playing JV for Assumption. While I was "out," the regular high school boys basketball season also wrapped up. But it ain't over yet...
Last night was the first night of regional playoffs. We traveled down to Port Edwards to watch the Assumption boys play. What a game! We (as in Assumption) were down by 10 points at several points in the game but came back in the 3rd quarter to lead by 3 and kept it close in the 4th. With less than 10 seconds left, it was tied but we had the ball. Then, the unthinkable happened. Port stole it and went down for a basket. We fouled the guy and he made his free throw. So Port was leading 49-48 with 3.4 seconds left. We inbounded it and did the old half-court heave... but it didn't go in. How sad.
On the positive side, my Luck boys stomped over Weyerhaeuser, something like 84-30. Wow. That would be exciting if they could get down to state again. But one step at a time...
Also while was "out" I somehow lost track of my health and fitness regimen. It's a new month so never too late to start over (again), right? There's nothing like making up for lost time than trying a new workout. The one I did today was appropriately called "Insanity." I'm not kidding. I think it could also be called "Hell" and that would work, too. It seriously was insane and I am wondering what that first move in the morning is going to feel like... will I be able to sit up and get out of bed? And how about that walk to the shower? Hmm.. what was I just saying? Oh yeah, one step at a time...
I will say it will be nice for this next month -- until soccer then baseball starts. We'll have a little free time. I should be able sneak in at least one trip to the Golden Arches for a Shamrock Shake. And a friend just informed me Mint Oreo is the Blizzard of the month at DQ.
Ahhhh... one sip at a time...
Now that Camp is done and the Olympics are over, I am trying to remember what I was doing with myself a month ago. Did I actually have free time?
Oh yeah, now it's coming back to me. Carter had just finished basketball, but our nephew Colin was still playing JV for Assumption. While I was "out," the regular high school boys basketball season also wrapped up. But it ain't over yet...
Last night was the first night of regional playoffs. We traveled down to Port Edwards to watch the Assumption boys play. What a game! We (as in Assumption) were down by 10 points at several points in the game but came back in the 3rd quarter to lead by 3 and kept it close in the 4th. With less than 10 seconds left, it was tied but we had the ball. Then, the unthinkable happened. Port stole it and went down for a basket. We fouled the guy and he made his free throw. So Port was leading 49-48 with 3.4 seconds left. We inbounded it and did the old half-court heave... but it didn't go in. How sad.
On the positive side, my Luck boys stomped over Weyerhaeuser, something like 84-30. Wow. That would be exciting if they could get down to state again. But one step at a time...
Also while was "out" I somehow lost track of my health and fitness regimen. It's a new month so never too late to start over (again), right? There's nothing like making up for lost time than trying a new workout. The one I did today was appropriately called "Insanity." I'm not kidding. I think it could also be called "Hell" and that would work, too. It seriously was insane and I am wondering what that first move in the morning is going to feel like... will I be able to sit up and get out of bed? And how about that walk to the shower? Hmm.. what was I just saying? Oh yeah, one step at a time...
I will say it will be nice for this next month -- until soccer then baseball starts. We'll have a little free time. I should be able sneak in at least one trip to the Golden Arches for a Shamrock Shake. And a friend just informed me Mint Oreo is the Blizzard of the month at DQ.
Ahhhh... one sip at a time...
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
A Digital Scrapbook
Most of you don't care, but for fellow scrappers, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite/fun pages from the weekend...
Meeting Ponch. "California Hottie Patrol." Need I say more?
Used a new "frame" cutter to illustrate fun at Kidz Camp in Iola.
You gotta love friends who forgive our Purple-ness. (Had to draw my own cheese wedge. Will have to find a sticker for that!)
Weekend getaway to Milwaukee, including Bucks beating hubby's Celtics at the Bradley Center -- and hanging around with Fonzie.Wow, my scrapbook is filled with cute guys!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Crop Report
Ahhhh, I'm home again. I survived another scrapbooking weekend at Camp Crop-A-Lot. Had a fun time visiting with my twin and old friends -- and was just as productive as I hoped.
We had a record turnout this year -- 49 of us, including one male (the father of 2 of the consultants). Raylene made the 4-hour trek down while I had just a 40-mile drive for a change. (Just like going to work!)
It probably worked to my advantage to stay the extra day. That way, I could get some sleep on Friday and Saturday nights and not have to worry about "running out of time," so to speak. The weather was so gorgeous that Raylene and I even took time on Saturday afternoon to walk around the lake at the camp. That was about the extent of logging steps on my pedometer, that's for sure.
Most of the weekend found us sitting or standing over our books -- and definitely hunched over until we remembered to sit back and stretch. New this year has a massage therapist who offered nice 15-minute "chair massages" for a mere 10 bucks. Couldn't go wrong there. Raylene and I took advantage of that Saturday morning and then, Sunday evening, I got another one. There were a lot more kinks and knots to be worked out by then. (The price we pay!)
Raylene left on Sunday and I stayed along with about 8 or 9 others last night. I stayed up until 2 a.m. and got up way too early this morning to keep going. Jim called and said Carter was home sick so I finished up a few pages and packed up.
In the end, I got 58 pages done (a career high for me), which means the 2008 book is done (yay!) and I have a good start on 2009. Feel awesome about that.
Now I could use a nap. Maybe I'll lay down with Mr. Owie Tummy. After I get some laundry going. And unpack. ONLY what I have to!
We had a record turnout this year -- 49 of us, including one male (the father of 2 of the consultants). Raylene made the 4-hour trek down while I had just a 40-mile drive for a change. (Just like going to work!)
It probably worked to my advantage to stay the extra day. That way, I could get some sleep on Friday and Saturday nights and not have to worry about "running out of time," so to speak. The weather was so gorgeous that Raylene and I even took time on Saturday afternoon to walk around the lake at the camp. That was about the extent of logging steps on my pedometer, that's for sure.
Most of the weekend found us sitting or standing over our books -- and definitely hunched over until we remembered to sit back and stretch. New this year has a massage therapist who offered nice 15-minute "chair massages" for a mere 10 bucks. Couldn't go wrong there. Raylene and I took advantage of that Saturday morning and then, Sunday evening, I got another one. There were a lot more kinks and knots to be worked out by then. (The price we pay!)
Raylene left on Sunday and I stayed along with about 8 or 9 others last night. I stayed up until 2 a.m. and got up way too early this morning to keep going. Jim called and said Carter was home sick so I finished up a few pages and packed up.
In the end, I got 58 pages done (a career high for me), which means the 2008 book is done (yay!) and I have a good start on 2009. Feel awesome about that.
Now I could use a nap. Maybe I'll lay down with Mr. Owie Tummy. After I get some laundry going. And unpack. ONLY what I have to!
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