Other than the few inches of snow predicted tonight, it appears March is going out like a lamb.
I just can't believe the month is over already. Time to start a new month -- and a few other things I hope are as pleasant as lambs.
Let's start with my new location... When I got back to the office today, I discovered my computer had been moved to a new desk. We knew it was coming. I was just a day behind moving my "stuff" since I was out yesterday.
Remember what I said about spring cleansing? Today was a good day to get rid of some stuff before moving it to my new area. This might be a 2-day process since I did have to get work done, too. I'm just glad I'm sitting by a window now. I'll be daydreaming about golf and maybe even baseball...
Today was the start of the MLB season, too. Opening day for most teams but my Twins don't play until tomorrow. Usually baseball would start the first Monday in April but I think they got tired of competing for headlines with the Final Four. Seriously, you know it has to be about money!
As Carter's Spring Break draws to a close, I told him we could do something together this evening while Dad locks himself in the computer room and does his fantasy baseball draft. We decided on a movie and I decided to introduce him to another classic from the '80s. This time we watched Back to the Future. No, I am not trying to brainwash him -- between that and the sunglasses -- and yes, he enjoyed the movie. Hey, we could have gone with the March "lamb" theme and seen a nasty thriller. I opted for an action comedy and hope that's a sign of good things to come.
Of course, we'd prefer more action than comedy when it comes to our baseball teams. Go Twins!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The Eyes of March
Since Carter and I both had afternoon eye appointments, I worked from home today so I wouldn't waste that pesky commute time.
It was a pretty good setup. I was on the computer before 8 a.m. as usual and Carter slept until 10 so I had 2 hours of uninterrupted work! Then he was on the couch watching TV awhile since he really has to ease into his day. Poor kid. So I kept working in the computer room.
About 11 a.m., I brought out the laptop and did some putzy work that could allow me to carry on a conversation with Carter or, in our case today, sort of watch a movie with him. Thankfully, Megamind did not require my 100% attention!
I did take a lunch break to go for a little 2-mile run with him. We are not even close to being ready for a race in 10 days. Oh well, that's why they call them "fun runs" right?
We had eye appointments in the late afternoon. On the way, we stopped to drop off some tables at the babysitter's for the garage sale next weekend. (Yes, I still call her "babysitter" even though Carter's all grown up!)
The eye appointments were your standard annual exams. Except they dilated my pupils, which I hate, especially on bright, sunny days!
We knew Carter would need updated glasses because his eyes have gotten slightly worse in the past 2 years. He was happy to learn that he isn't color blind just color deficient. That's the politically correct way to say it. After the eye doctor was done examining him, he said to Carter, "So, do you have any questions for me?"
"Yes," Carter replies, "It's sort of an eye doctor question. How do scientists know that animals are color blind?"
Hmmm, good question.
The doctor was so surprised at the question, he almost laughed. He explained a good "LeRoy" answer, like I would, but then admitted, "That's what Google is for." (I bet he doesn't ask kids for questions again!)
They were able to cut Carter's new lenses to fit his old frames. While they did that, Carter and I went to grab a bite to eat. He felt very strange not having any glasses on. I was dying from the bright sun. We made quite a pair walking into Taco John's. I couldn't even see my money right and the cashier just looked at me waiting for me to give her enough. Duh, me.
After we picked up his "new" glasses, Carter realized they take some getting used to. If you've ever put on a pair of stronger glasses, you know how the floor can tilt and things are a bit skewed. So he can't walk a straight line and I am wearing my sunglasses indoors. Now we really made quite a pair -- the blind leading the blind -- when we stopped in at church to help with the soup supper.
Thankfully neither one of us poured any hot soup or coffee on anyone!
It's just good to be home safe and sound with reasonably sized pupils once again.
It was a pretty good setup. I was on the computer before 8 a.m. as usual and Carter slept until 10 so I had 2 hours of uninterrupted work! Then he was on the couch watching TV awhile since he really has to ease into his day. Poor kid. So I kept working in the computer room.
About 11 a.m., I brought out the laptop and did some putzy work that could allow me to carry on a conversation with Carter or, in our case today, sort of watch a movie with him. Thankfully, Megamind did not require my 100% attention!
I did take a lunch break to go for a little 2-mile run with him. We are not even close to being ready for a race in 10 days. Oh well, that's why they call them "fun runs" right?
We had eye appointments in the late afternoon. On the way, we stopped to drop off some tables at the babysitter's for the garage sale next weekend. (Yes, I still call her "babysitter" even though Carter's all grown up!)
The eye appointments were your standard annual exams. Except they dilated my pupils, which I hate, especially on bright, sunny days!
We knew Carter would need updated glasses because his eyes have gotten slightly worse in the past 2 years. He was happy to learn that he isn't color blind just color deficient. That's the politically correct way to say it. After the eye doctor was done examining him, he said to Carter, "So, do you have any questions for me?"
"Yes," Carter replies, "It's sort of an eye doctor question. How do scientists know that animals are color blind?"
Hmmm, good question.
The doctor was so surprised at the question, he almost laughed. He explained a good "LeRoy" answer, like I would, but then admitted, "That's what Google is for." (I bet he doesn't ask kids for questions again!)
They were able to cut Carter's new lenses to fit his old frames. While they did that, Carter and I went to grab a bite to eat. He felt very strange not having any glasses on. I was dying from the bright sun. We made quite a pair walking into Taco John's. I couldn't even see my money right and the cashier just looked at me waiting for me to give her enough. Duh, me.
After we picked up his "new" glasses, Carter realized they take some getting used to. If you've ever put on a pair of stronger glasses, you know how the floor can tilt and things are a bit skewed. So he can't walk a straight line and I am wearing my sunglasses indoors. Now we really made quite a pair -- the blind leading the blind -- when we stopped in at church to help with the soup supper.
Thankfully neither one of us poured any hot soup or coffee on anyone!
It's just good to be home safe and sound with reasonably sized pupils once again.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Please Stand By
I feel like I'm having a few of those work days where a sign should be illuminated above my desk stating: Technical Difficulties. Please Stand By.
This morning, I told hubby we better go do our weekly weigh-in and BP check early because my blood pressure was rising by the minute! It was still plenty normal so I caught it just in time. Saying the Serenity Prayer a few times also helped. (As usual.)
I did not have time to take a lunch break and go running or anything to create those happy endorphins. So after work, I was still a bit on edge.
I had to run some errands in town and, I'll admit, when I drove by Culver's and saw that Mint Brownie was the Flavor of the Day, I just about stopped. Hey, no one was with me. No one would be any wiser, right?
Well, I would know. And, God, of course. So I stayed on track and wisely kept my eyes on the road. Honest!
This evening, since the guys were gone to batting practice, I dialed into an informational call about a 5-day cleansing program designed to rid your body of some toxins and its desire for sugar and carbs.
Not sure I'm going to invest in that, but it's a good reminder to stop for a minute, tell everything else in your life to "Please Stand By" while you assess your health (or non-health), your stressors, etc.
Needless to say, I found a few. I don't think I need to cleanse my body of toxins as much as I need to cleanse my house and life of toxic clutter. Seriously.
I know I get into this frame of mind after every visit to my parents' house. God bless them, but they just love to hang onto things. Everything. The problem is, if you don't keep an eye on it and control it, it can start to squeeze you out of your home, surface by surface, room by room.
I don't want to be like that.
I see it quietly accumulating and suddenly we're in our house 10 years and I'm like "Where the bleep did this all come from?? It's not like I'm buying things all the time!"
It scares me. If you've ever seen the TV show Hoarders, you know why. Can we children of Depression-era parents break the cycle?
I have confidence we can. Heck, if I can drive past a mint ice cream sign, I think I've got the power to do just about anything, don't you?
Let the spring cleaning, er, life cleansing, begin.
This morning, I told hubby we better go do our weekly weigh-in and BP check early because my blood pressure was rising by the minute! It was still plenty normal so I caught it just in time. Saying the Serenity Prayer a few times also helped. (As usual.)
I did not have time to take a lunch break and go running or anything to create those happy endorphins. So after work, I was still a bit on edge.
I had to run some errands in town and, I'll admit, when I drove by Culver's and saw that Mint Brownie was the Flavor of the Day, I just about stopped. Hey, no one was with me. No one would be any wiser, right?
Well, I would know. And, God, of course. So I stayed on track and wisely kept my eyes on the road. Honest!
This evening, since the guys were gone to batting practice, I dialed into an informational call about a 5-day cleansing program designed to rid your body of some toxins and its desire for sugar and carbs.
Not sure I'm going to invest in that, but it's a good reminder to stop for a minute, tell everything else in your life to "Please Stand By" while you assess your health (or non-health), your stressors, etc.
Needless to say, I found a few. I don't think I need to cleanse my body of toxins as much as I need to cleanse my house and life of toxic clutter. Seriously.
I know I get into this frame of mind after every visit to my parents' house. God bless them, but they just love to hang onto things. Everything. The problem is, if you don't keep an eye on it and control it, it can start to squeeze you out of your home, surface by surface, room by room.
I don't want to be like that.
I see it quietly accumulating and suddenly we're in our house 10 years and I'm like "Where the bleep did this all come from?? It's not like I'm buying things all the time!"
It scares me. If you've ever seen the TV show Hoarders, you know why. Can we children of Depression-era parents break the cycle?
I have confidence we can. Heck, if I can drive past a mint ice cream sign, I think I've got the power to do just about anything, don't you?
Let the spring cleaning, er, life cleansing, begin.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Rose-Colored Glasses
Today was Carter's first day of Spring Break. This year, he's one of those unfortunate souls who has a "stay-cation" -- as in not going anywhere and having a boring time at home because Dad and Mom have to work.
I figure to keep him just on the busy side of boredom, I'd make a little list of things for him to do each day. C'mon, I'm not an evil mother. There is no dusting or vacuuming -- just things like blowing his bugle and getting some reading done. Today, he also had the "game closet" to tackle.
A week ago, when we needed the new water pump installed, we had to remove a shelf (and games) from the closet where the old pump sits. As long as we had half the games out, I said Carter should go through them and see what he's "too old" to play with anymore. Then we can put those games on the upcoming garage sale.
Much to my surprise, he actually went through this and found some to get rid of. Then he found a jackpot, too, in a box of treasured junk I probably have moved with me 8 times since high school.
Seriously.
So when I got the following email from him at work, I laughed right out loud. Very loud.
"Mom, I just found 7 AWESOME sun glasses in the closet and they're all mine after I wash them."
OK, picture Tom Cruise in Risky Business and you know what two of the pairs look like. Then we've got some white ones and colorful lenses on another pair -- not quite rose-colored glasses since they come from more of a neon stage.
Oh boy, the '80s live on! At least in one corner of a closet! And Carter thinks they're cool so maybe the '80s weren't as laughable as everyone thinks.
Right. Now who's looking through rose-colored glasses??
I figure to keep him just on the busy side of boredom, I'd make a little list of things for him to do each day. C'mon, I'm not an evil mother. There is no dusting or vacuuming -- just things like blowing his bugle and getting some reading done. Today, he also had the "game closet" to tackle.
A week ago, when we needed the new water pump installed, we had to remove a shelf (and games) from the closet where the old pump sits. As long as we had half the games out, I said Carter should go through them and see what he's "too old" to play with anymore. Then we can put those games on the upcoming garage sale.
Much to my surprise, he actually went through this and found some to get rid of. Then he found a jackpot, too, in a box of treasured junk I probably have moved with me 8 times since high school.
Seriously.
So when I got the following email from him at work, I laughed right out loud. Very loud.
"Mom, I just found 7 AWESOME sun glasses in the closet and they're all mine after I wash them."
OK, picture Tom Cruise in Risky Business and you know what two of the pairs look like. Then we've got some white ones and colorful lenses on another pair -- not quite rose-colored glasses since they come from more of a neon stage.
Oh boy, the '80s live on! At least in one corner of a closet! And Carter thinks they're cool so maybe the '80s weren't as laughable as everyone thinks.
Right. Now who's looking through rose-colored glasses??
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Piece of Cake
You can tell a lot about a person's day by the steps on their pedometer. Yesterday I logged 11,044 steps, which means I was busy, busy, busy. Today, so far at 9:15 p.m., I have only 941 -- which means I'm either lazy, near death ... or I sat in the car 8 hours on a roundtrip to Luck.
Thankfully, it was the third option. And the long travel hours were worth it.
Obviously, I did what we typically do at our family gatherings: Travel the greatest distance and arrive first (or second).... Find a chair suitable for eating, visiting, more eating and game playing... Occasionally adding steps by getting up to take a picture or two or, in today's case, showing off my latest scrapbook.
Yup, that's how we roll. It was a nice day with family. We had 6 of us 8 kids there plus 9 grandkids. My mother enjoyed her cake and Carter was quite proud of it, defending his Boss title saying, "I'm the designer!"
He also mentioned a bit of my perfectionist behavior when decorating and my mom said, "Oh boy," then laughed and added, "Oh no!" Yup, she knows she's responsible for that! And should know that creativity and perfectionism often go hand in hand, right? Right. That's what I'll keep telling myself.
We reluctantly cut our trip short so we could head home and arrive here at a decent hour. The good thing about a long car ride (with hubby driving) is that I finished that 553-page book of Carter's on the way home!
So that book's done, my scrapbook is done, the cake is done, is Lent done? Just thought I'd ask. That birthday cake was pretty naked without ice cream!
Not that I would have walked it off by now... 941... 942... 943...
Thankfully, it was the third option. And the long travel hours were worth it.
Obviously, I did what we typically do at our family gatherings: Travel the greatest distance and arrive first (or second).... Find a chair suitable for eating, visiting, more eating and game playing... Occasionally adding steps by getting up to take a picture or two or, in today's case, showing off my latest scrapbook.
Yup, that's how we roll. It was a nice day with family. We had 6 of us 8 kids there plus 9 grandkids. My mother enjoyed her cake and Carter was quite proud of it, defending his Boss title saying, "I'm the designer!"
He also mentioned a bit of my perfectionist behavior when decorating and my mom said, "Oh boy," then laughed and added, "Oh no!" Yup, she knows she's responsible for that! And should know that creativity and perfectionism often go hand in hand, right? Right. That's what I'll keep telling myself.
We reluctantly cut our trip short so we could head home and arrive here at a decent hour. The good thing about a long car ride (with hubby driving) is that I finished that 553-page book of Carter's on the way home!
So that book's done, my scrapbook is done, the cake is done, is Lent done? Just thought I'd ask. That birthday cake was pretty naked without ice cream!
Not that I would have walked it off by now... 941... 942... 943...
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Martha Made Me Do It
I'm proud to say I'm pretty much drug-free. I don't have any prescriptions but I do take daily vitamins that are good for old ladies like me who need strong bones and all that. Today I would have done just about anything, though, for a magic little pill that would have turned me into Martha Stewart for the day.
So I had to fake it.
And I must say I did a pretty good imitation. While cinnamon rolls were in the oven, I was mixing up cake #1. While cake #1 was in the oven, I was mixing up cake #2 which actually was made into cupcakes. While all that was cooling, I got my dusting, vacuuming, sweeping and laundry done. That was followed by a 4-mile run (with some walking) which Martha would never do, would she? Then it was time to decorate my mother's birthday cake according to the Boss' instructions.
What I did not realize was that Carter truly was the Cake Boss -- as in give orders but I did most of the work. Now I can't blame him that it looks like a kid did it! Oh well, "we" got it done just in time for company to arrive.
We had a little get together for March birthdays in hubby's side of the family. Well Casey was earlier this month but my mother-in-law and brother-in-law were both in the past week or so. Thankfully, since I was Martha-ing it, Jim picked up some pizzas so I did not have to make supper for everyone! My sister-in-law Sherry brought a cake, too. (Not that I didn't have enough cupcakes around.)
The reason I needed the cupcakes, too....
So I could cut them half and use them as flowers. A little 3-D action here! Yes, you can feel free to be impressed. Ha.
Once we had the house to ourselves again, I did get down to the Scrap Cave and finished up my 2010 album. Now I can do a "show and tell" with that tomorrow, too!
Wow, baking, decorating, running, hosting, scrapping... all in one day? Eat your heart out, Martha!
So I had to fake it.
And I must say I did a pretty good imitation. While cinnamon rolls were in the oven, I was mixing up cake #1. While cake #1 was in the oven, I was mixing up cake #2 which actually was made into cupcakes. While all that was cooling, I got my dusting, vacuuming, sweeping and laundry done. That was followed by a 4-mile run (with some walking) which Martha would never do, would she? Then it was time to decorate my mother's birthday cake according to the Boss' instructions.
What I did not realize was that Carter truly was the Cake Boss -- as in give orders but I did most of the work. Now I can't blame him that it looks like a kid did it! Oh well, "we" got it done just in time for company to arrive.
We had a little get together for March birthdays in hubby's side of the family. Well Casey was earlier this month but my mother-in-law and brother-in-law were both in the past week or so. Thankfully, since I was Martha-ing it, Jim picked up some pizzas so I did not have to make supper for everyone! My sister-in-law Sherry brought a cake, too. (Not that I didn't have enough cupcakes around.)
Here's Casey -- now 20! -- and Jim's mom. The store-bought cake was good and just begging for ice cream! That's the first time during Lent where I just about caved. But then no one had any so I had some support. Nice.
During all this, my sister in Texas called and wanted to know if I got the cake done. Since she won't see it tomorrow at my mom's, she asked me to post some pictures. That is why I am putting them here. It is not because I think I did a good job. In fact, I heard Carter tell her on the phone, "Mom's not happy with it. Of course, something could be a centimeter off and she's not happy with." OK, OK, I perhaps am a bit of a perfectionist. But not 100% -- or I would have re-done the word "Mom" and fixed some crooked lines, etc.
Anyway, here it is and does match Carter's general idea (since Grandma likes flowers and gardening). And, like I said, nothing at all fancy. My hands were so sore from squeezing the frosting bags, I just couldn't add any more to it. There is a border around the bottom but I realize you can't see it from this angle.
The reason I needed the cupcakes, too....
So I could cut them half and use them as flowers. A little 3-D action here! Yes, you can feel free to be impressed. Ha.Once we had the house to ourselves again, I did get down to the Scrap Cave and finished up my 2010 album. Now I can do a "show and tell" with that tomorrow, too!
Wow, baking, decorating, running, hosting, scrapping... all in one day? Eat your heart out, Martha!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Fried-Day
I am just beat, just fried. But you know me, I can't go to bed without blogging!
Bracket Bust: With Duke's loss, you can stick a fork in my NCAA bracket. It's done. I have no chance of winning anything ... even if our "commissioner" did a 2nd and 3rd chance pool. Maybe he should! Hint... hint...
Birthday Beauty: Today was my mother's 79th birthday. I hadn't realized until this week that she and Elizabeth Taylor were the same age. I told my mom that and she said, "Oh but she's so beautiful and I'm not!" Well, there's all kinds of beauty. My mom can't help it she had 8 kids to give her gray hair... and Liz Taylor had something like 8 marriages to give her money to color her gray hair!
That's why it's best not to compare ourselves to others, isn't it? (Of course, I write that but I don't always follow it!)
Cave Dweller: I spent part of my evening in the Scrap Cave. Finished up my multiple Christmas pages. I am officially 2 pages away from finishing my 2010 album! I just can't stay up any longer! I will have to find some time tomorrow to finish up. Not sure if I can squeeze it into my schedule, but I'll try.
Spring Break: Carter is officially on Spring Break now through next week. I still told him he has to go to bed since it's 10:30. He wasn't happy about that. Now he said he's bored. That's not good. He's got 10 days of nothing ahead! Well, I do have a to-do list or two that will give him plenty of "breaks." We'll see how long boredom lasts!
I wish I had time to be bored, don't you??
Bracket Bust: With Duke's loss, you can stick a fork in my NCAA bracket. It's done. I have no chance of winning anything ... even if our "commissioner" did a 2nd and 3rd chance pool. Maybe he should! Hint... hint...
Birthday Beauty: Today was my mother's 79th birthday. I hadn't realized until this week that she and Elizabeth Taylor were the same age. I told my mom that and she said, "Oh but she's so beautiful and I'm not!" Well, there's all kinds of beauty. My mom can't help it she had 8 kids to give her gray hair... and Liz Taylor had something like 8 marriages to give her money to color her gray hair!
That's why it's best not to compare ourselves to others, isn't it? (Of course, I write that but I don't always follow it!)
Cave Dweller: I spent part of my evening in the Scrap Cave. Finished up my multiple Christmas pages. I am officially 2 pages away from finishing my 2010 album! I just can't stay up any longer! I will have to find some time tomorrow to finish up. Not sure if I can squeeze it into my schedule, but I'll try.
Spring Break: Carter is officially on Spring Break now through next week. I still told him he has to go to bed since it's 10:30. He wasn't happy about that. Now he said he's bored. That's not good. He's got 10 days of nothing ahead! Well, I do have a to-do list or two that will give him plenty of "breaks." We'll see how long boredom lasts!
I wish I had time to be bored, don't you??
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Next Cake Boss
There's no doubt I get my creativity from my mother. Everything from decorating pillow cases to putting the finishing touches on a pistachio salad... There was a lot of "presentation" going on.
Sometime during my childhood, she decided to take a cake-decorating class through the Community Education program at school. She loved it. And she did a good job with it. From birthday ballerinas to bunny rabbits, there was a lot creativity behind those calories.
From time to time, I've dabbled in the decorating myself. Not to the extent she did. I can't make those flowers or perfect borders, but I can at least make it look homemade (even if it looks like a grade-schooler did it).
Earlier this week I volunteered to bring the cake up to my mom's birthday party this weekend. With a four-hour drive, I thought it was the easiest thing to do. Order it from a local bakery, pick it up Sunday morning on the way out of town, then not have to worry about keeping it hot or cold for the noon meal. Perfect, stress-free plan.
But then my son -- who is addicted to that TV show Cake Boss -- had other ideas.
He drags out his sketch pad, measures off a 9x13 rectangle and starts drawing. "This is how the Cake Boss does it," he said, then asks if we're going to be using fondant. Oh yes, he really pays attention to the Boss. And no, we are not.
He just started drawing and assuming that "we" can handle this. I don't know. His design concept looks do-able but we'll have to spend all Saturday doing it.
I guess if it looks too homemade, I can say middle-schooler did it! I will have to have him do some of it. He can't be the next Cake Boss until he is a Cake Slave first.
Yum. I'm pretty sure I'd love that job!
Sometime during my childhood, she decided to take a cake-decorating class through the Community Education program at school. She loved it. And she did a good job with it. From birthday ballerinas to bunny rabbits, there was a lot creativity behind those calories.
From time to time, I've dabbled in the decorating myself. Not to the extent she did. I can't make those flowers or perfect borders, but I can at least make it look homemade (even if it looks like a grade-schooler did it).
Earlier this week I volunteered to bring the cake up to my mom's birthday party this weekend. With a four-hour drive, I thought it was the easiest thing to do. Order it from a local bakery, pick it up Sunday morning on the way out of town, then not have to worry about keeping it hot or cold for the noon meal. Perfect, stress-free plan.
But then my son -- who is addicted to that TV show Cake Boss -- had other ideas.
He drags out his sketch pad, measures off a 9x13 rectangle and starts drawing. "This is how the Cake Boss does it," he said, then asks if we're going to be using fondant. Oh yes, he really pays attention to the Boss. And no, we are not.
He just started drawing and assuming that "we" can handle this. I don't know. His design concept looks do-able but we'll have to spend all Saturday doing it.
I guess if it looks too homemade, I can say middle-schooler did it! I will have to have him do some of it. He can't be the next Cake Boss until he is a Cake Slave first.
Yum. I'm pretty sure I'd love that job!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Pain and Suffering
I'm trying to decide who I should sue -- Punxutawney Phil for his false prediction of an early Spring... or the calendar company for boldly proclaiming Spring started some 3 days (and 5 inches of snow and 2 inches of ice) ago.
Who's with me?
I really shouldn't complain too much. It did give us a day off. Sort of.
Upon waking, we learned all the schools from Rapids to Iola were closed so we shut off our alarms, rolled over and went back to sleep.
I had wisely brought home a bunch of work on a flash drive so I had plenty to keep me busy. It was interesting to see who actually braved the roads and went into the office. Not many, that's for sure. By late morning, they said people could go home if they felt uncomfortable. By 1 p.m., they officially closed the office. That has only happened once in the 8 years I've been there. So you know it was bad.
Since work was actually shut down, I figured I should shut down, too.
Naturally, I found myself in the Scrap Cave for awhile. I still want to finish the 2010 album! After that, I hopped on the treadmill like a good girl, then helped hubby with snow and ice removal. That was some heavy-duty lifting, I tell ya! During all of this, Carter was next door playing Wii games with the neighbors. I finally called him home so he could help out the old folks a little bit.
The plow finally came through around supper time. It's just ice under that snow so we did not venture into town for church. For all I know, it might have been canceled. I know the early services were.
Just not a good day to be out and about. Hopefully, tomorrow will be back to normal but it's not going to get above freezing until next week so I don't where the ice and snow are going to go!
That lawsuit is looking better by the minute! C'mon, this storm is definitely causing pain and suffering!
Who's with me?
I really shouldn't complain too much. It did give us a day off. Sort of.
Upon waking, we learned all the schools from Rapids to Iola were closed so we shut off our alarms, rolled over and went back to sleep.
I had wisely brought home a bunch of work on a flash drive so I had plenty to keep me busy. It was interesting to see who actually braved the roads and went into the office. Not many, that's for sure. By late morning, they said people could go home if they felt uncomfortable. By 1 p.m., they officially closed the office. That has only happened once in the 8 years I've been there. So you know it was bad.
Since work was actually shut down, I figured I should shut down, too.
Naturally, I found myself in the Scrap Cave for awhile. I still want to finish the 2010 album! After that, I hopped on the treadmill like a good girl, then helped hubby with snow and ice removal. That was some heavy-duty lifting, I tell ya! During all of this, Carter was next door playing Wii games with the neighbors. I finally called him home so he could help out the old folks a little bit.
The plow finally came through around supper time. It's just ice under that snow so we did not venture into town for church. For all I know, it might have been canceled. I know the early services were.
Just not a good day to be out and about. Hopefully, tomorrow will be back to normal but it's not going to get above freezing until next week so I don't where the ice and snow are going to go!
That lawsuit is looking better by the minute! C'mon, this storm is definitely causing pain and suffering!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Rain + Sleet + Snow = Wisconsin Spring
If the mailman can brave rain, sleet and snow to get his job done, we parents can do the same to get to parent-teacher conferences. It's just what we do.
Today was a miserable messy March day that is so typical of Wisconsin. A little rain here, some snow there, top it off with some sleet and make it really hazardous. That's Spring for you.
We had teacher conferences at school from 4-8 p.m. We did not take Carter with us but slid, er drove, straight there from work. I white-knuckled it on the way there, but in the end, it was worth it.
Heard some good things about Carter -- he's polite, smart, respectful, a "steady Eddie," proper, funny and friendly. No surprise since he takes after me, right? (OK, I'll give Daddy some credit, too.) Yes, we are very proud. We told him it's just as important to hear positive reports on his behavior, attitude and demeanor as it is to hear about good grades. Though it doesn't hurt to hear our math whiz is being placed in a high school algebra class next year. (Honestly, math was one of my best subjects!)
After conferences, we slipped, slided and slushed our way home. I was so focused on just getting home and hoping we don't have to leave again that I completely forgot I was going to stop at a friend's to borrow some Cricut cartridges. You know the weather is bad if it can block out scrapbooking thoughts!
I'll have to get those another day. It's lightning and thundering out now. And the way the "mixed" forecast looks, tomorrow might not be the day either.
Be careful out there!
Today was a miserable messy March day that is so typical of Wisconsin. A little rain here, some snow there, top it off with some sleet and make it really hazardous. That's Spring for you.
We had teacher conferences at school from 4-8 p.m. We did not take Carter with us but slid, er drove, straight there from work. I white-knuckled it on the way there, but in the end, it was worth it.
Heard some good things about Carter -- he's polite, smart, respectful, a "steady Eddie," proper, funny and friendly. No surprise since he takes after me, right? (OK, I'll give Daddy some credit, too.) Yes, we are very proud. We told him it's just as important to hear positive reports on his behavior, attitude and demeanor as it is to hear about good grades. Though it doesn't hurt to hear our math whiz is being placed in a high school algebra class next year. (Honestly, math was one of my best subjects!)
After conferences, we slipped, slided and slushed our way home. I was so focused on just getting home and hoping we don't have to leave again that I completely forgot I was going to stop at a friend's to borrow some Cricut cartridges. You know the weather is bad if it can block out scrapbooking thoughts!
I'll have to get those another day. It's lightning and thundering out now. And the way the "mixed" forecast looks, tomorrow might not be the day either.
Be careful out there!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Iron Man
...This is the way we iron our clothes,
Iron our clothes, iron our clothes.
This is the way we iron our clothes,
So early Tuesday morning...
Iron our clothes, iron our clothes.
This is the way we iron our clothes,
So early Tuesday morning...
The women of my mother's generation were lucky enough to have a guidebook to good housekeeping.
A simple tune like The Mulberry Bush and they knew which days to wash, iron and mend their clothes. Then they had the luxury to sweep the floor on Thursday and not have to scrub it until Friday. On Saturday they'd bake the bread and on Sundays, I imagine they could break the bread -- at church.
Sounds like the good life, doesn't it?
I know it wasn't. Though I can tell you my mother took much of this to heart and I have vivid memories of her spending hours and hours at the ironing board!
Since we had a ringer washer and a clothesline out back, the dry clothes came in wrinkled -- even on days there was a brisk wind whipping things dry. So my mother, who for some reason could not abide wrinkles, would iron everything. And I mean everything. From our pretty floral dresses to the pink sheets on our beds. Yes, even the sheets! I am not sure about towels -- maybe just the thin dish towels.
I think she liked it.
Weird as it sounds, this undomestic goddess doesn't mind it either. I don't get many opportunities, though. We race down to the dryer when the buzzer goes off so I can snatch the clothes out of there before they get wrinkles. Then it's a nice fold or straight to the hanger. So I guess I try to avoid ironing if possible, but most times, I don't mind when I have to. It's sort of relaxing. You definitely have to pay attention and clear your mind of everything else so you don't scorch your delecates!
It can be stressful, though, when I am running behind in the morning and anything I might want to wear to work needs ironing. Or those days when someone else needs something ironed. And quickly.
This morning, Carter realized he left his Friday school clothes crammed into his gym bag because he changed into jeans after school at a friend's before they went to a movie. So he forgot all about them... until today.
He pulls out his khaki pants and fully expects to wear them -- even though they've been bunched up into a tiny ball for 50-some hours. I look at him and say, no, don't even think about. He goes to his room and comes out wearing a pair that almost look as bad as the first. "What? Did you put those on anyway?" No, he said, this was a different pair.
I look at him, look at the clock, see I'm running behind but think: Screw it, I've got to iron these pants!
Of course I plug in the iron and as I move it, it is leaking water everywhere. It probably spontaneously combusts from lack of use at some point. Anyway, I clean up the mess and try to iron as fast as possible so Carter can still make the bus and I can get ready for work. At that point, I did not even know what I was going to wear but hoped it did not need ironing!
I should have just let him go to school with wrinkled pants but somewhere in the back of my mind, my thoughts were echoing a previous generation that insisted wrinkled clothes would reflect badly on the wearer and his or her mother! So I just had to do it.
In hindsight, I should have told him he'd just have to wait until Tuesday. According to the musical mantra of motherhood, Monday is for washing the clothes only!
A simple tune like The Mulberry Bush and they knew which days to wash, iron and mend their clothes. Then they had the luxury to sweep the floor on Thursday and not have to scrub it until Friday. On Saturday they'd bake the bread and on Sundays, I imagine they could break the bread -- at church.
Sounds like the good life, doesn't it?
I know it wasn't. Though I can tell you my mother took much of this to heart and I have vivid memories of her spending hours and hours at the ironing board!
Since we had a ringer washer and a clothesline out back, the dry clothes came in wrinkled -- even on days there was a brisk wind whipping things dry. So my mother, who for some reason could not abide wrinkles, would iron everything. And I mean everything. From our pretty floral dresses to the pink sheets on our beds. Yes, even the sheets! I am not sure about towels -- maybe just the thin dish towels.
I think she liked it.
Weird as it sounds, this undomestic goddess doesn't mind it either. I don't get many opportunities, though. We race down to the dryer when the buzzer goes off so I can snatch the clothes out of there before they get wrinkles. Then it's a nice fold or straight to the hanger. So I guess I try to avoid ironing if possible, but most times, I don't mind when I have to. It's sort of relaxing. You definitely have to pay attention and clear your mind of everything else so you don't scorch your delecates!
It can be stressful, though, when I am running behind in the morning and anything I might want to wear to work needs ironing. Or those days when someone else needs something ironed. And quickly.
This morning, Carter realized he left his Friday school clothes crammed into his gym bag because he changed into jeans after school at a friend's before they went to a movie. So he forgot all about them... until today.
He pulls out his khaki pants and fully expects to wear them -- even though they've been bunched up into a tiny ball for 50-some hours. I look at him and say, no, don't even think about. He goes to his room and comes out wearing a pair that almost look as bad as the first. "What? Did you put those on anyway?" No, he said, this was a different pair.
I look at him, look at the clock, see I'm running behind but think: Screw it, I've got to iron these pants!
Of course I plug in the iron and as I move it, it is leaking water everywhere. It probably spontaneously combusts from lack of use at some point. Anyway, I clean up the mess and try to iron as fast as possible so Carter can still make the bus and I can get ready for work. At that point, I did not even know what I was going to wear but hoped it did not need ironing!
I should have just let him go to school with wrinkled pants but somewhere in the back of my mind, my thoughts were echoing a previous generation that insisted wrinkled clothes would reflect badly on the wearer and his or her mother! So I just had to do it.
In hindsight, I should have told him he'd just have to wait until Tuesday. According to the musical mantra of motherhood, Monday is for washing the clothes only!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Eeyore Was Here
It was one of those Eeyore kinds of days today. No sun at all, on and off steady rains and just plain gloomy out.
Although Eeyore was the resident pessimist in the Hundred Acre Woods, I saw it as a great opportunity to get some stuff done inside that I needed to. Not that I wanted to, just needed to. Stuff like cleaning our office a bit, cranking up the paper shredder, putting my Camp stuff away in the Scrap Cave, pricing a few garage sale items, folding some laundry, grocery shopping and buzzing Carter's hair. Somewhere in there I also made 2 meals and took a cat-nap with hubby on the couch.
You, too, can have a productive day like this if you don't watch basketball!
Seriously, I must have gotten burned out on it Friday and Saturday because I just had no desire to watch it today. Must have the Bracket Blues! (Or more aptly named "My Bracket Bites" Blues!)
Carter also scored some points in the productivity department. He finished The Lost Hero, a 557-page book that rivals his Bible in thickness and is definitely the longest, biggest book he's read to date. He really enjoyed all 5 books in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & The Last Olympians series (I did, too). This is Riordan's first book in a new series -- The Heroes of Olympus -- involving some of the same characters but a lot of new ones, too.
Carter said it was sooo good now it's my turn to read it. So I better get off the computer and get started. I can't count on every day being a productive "stay inside and read to your heart's content" Eeyore kind of day.
Though I wouldn't mind a few more!
Although Eeyore was the resident pessimist in the Hundred Acre Woods, I saw it as a great opportunity to get some stuff done inside that I needed to. Not that I wanted to, just needed to. Stuff like cleaning our office a bit, cranking up the paper shredder, putting my Camp stuff away in the Scrap Cave, pricing a few garage sale items, folding some laundry, grocery shopping and buzzing Carter's hair. Somewhere in there I also made 2 meals and took a cat-nap with hubby on the couch.
You, too, can have a productive day like this if you don't watch basketball!
Seriously, I must have gotten burned out on it Friday and Saturday because I just had no desire to watch it today. Must have the Bracket Blues! (Or more aptly named "My Bracket Bites" Blues!)
Carter also scored some points in the productivity department. He finished The Lost Hero, a 557-page book that rivals his Bible in thickness and is definitely the longest, biggest book he's read to date. He really enjoyed all 5 books in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & The Last Olympians series (I did, too). This is Riordan's first book in a new series -- The Heroes of Olympus -- involving some of the same characters but a lot of new ones, too.
Carter said it was sooo good now it's my turn to read it. So I better get off the computer and get started. I can't count on every day being a productive "stay inside and read to your heart's content" Eeyore kind of day.
Though I wouldn't mind a few more!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Water Under the Bridge
In retrospect, we should have spent less time watching basketball and the moon, and more time paying attention to what was happening in our house.
We thought our water pump was running for a few hours last evening because it does when the water softener cycles through every few days. But then it wouldn't quit. When hubby realized it was hot to the touch, he shut it off. When he turned it back on, there was water spewing out. So he wisely shut it back off and unplugged it.
Unfortunately, it was too late to call anyone so we used the last few drops to brush our teeth and I was allowed to go potty once but couldn't flush. The guys, being guys, could just go outside. I felt like I had reverted back to my somewhat impoverished childhood. But back then, we were lucky enough to have an outhouse as an option at least (and I don't say that often).
Needless to say. Today was an interesting day.
I now appreciate running water and indoor plumbing more than ever. Let's see, I couldn't wash my hands, couldn't make coffee, couldn't do the mountain of laundry, couldn't run the dishwasher, couldn't mop the floor (and I swear that was on my to-do list today because it was going to be warm and sunny).
By 11 a.m., I made the excuse to run to Wal-Mart just so I could really go potty. Of course, with Murphy's Law on our side, I get there and the bathroom is "Closed for Cleaning." They are just lucky they have extra bathrooms in back that I knew nothing about until today!
While that was going on, Jim had no luck with plumbers or professional "water pump people" of any kind in the yellow pages. Thankfully, our next-door neighbor put us in touch with someone who got someone else and they ended up taking care of us. Expensive, but worth it.
Carter and I went for a run while they were finishing up. When we got back, I had a shower, sweet shower! We all got our showers done, then laundry, then dishes. Yay!
You'd think that would have been the highlight of the day, but no, it got even better.
Today was the first day single-game tickets went on sale for the Twins. Last season -- their inaugural year outside -- I got shut out. Tickets were sold out immediately. Today it seemed that the same thing was going to happen. Finally, after sitting 44 minutes in the "Virtual Waiting Room," I got in! I had a tough time getting 3 tickets but finally found 3 for their July 4th game. We'll be sitting pretty high up, but hey, we will be sitting in Target Field! I am so excited! Yay again!
Now if the Badgers can pull out a win tonight, the cheering around here will continue. It'll seem like our plumbing problems are already water under the bridge.
Until we get the bill.
We thought our water pump was running for a few hours last evening because it does when the water softener cycles through every few days. But then it wouldn't quit. When hubby realized it was hot to the touch, he shut it off. When he turned it back on, there was water spewing out. So he wisely shut it back off and unplugged it.
Unfortunately, it was too late to call anyone so we used the last few drops to brush our teeth and I was allowed to go potty once but couldn't flush. The guys, being guys, could just go outside. I felt like I had reverted back to my somewhat impoverished childhood. But back then, we were lucky enough to have an outhouse as an option at least (and I don't say that often).
Needless to say. Today was an interesting day.
I now appreciate running water and indoor plumbing more than ever. Let's see, I couldn't wash my hands, couldn't make coffee, couldn't do the mountain of laundry, couldn't run the dishwasher, couldn't mop the floor (and I swear that was on my to-do list today because it was going to be warm and sunny).
By 11 a.m., I made the excuse to run to Wal-Mart just so I could really go potty. Of course, with Murphy's Law on our side, I get there and the bathroom is "Closed for Cleaning." They are just lucky they have extra bathrooms in back that I knew nothing about until today!
While that was going on, Jim had no luck with plumbers or professional "water pump people" of any kind in the yellow pages. Thankfully, our next-door neighbor put us in touch with someone who got someone else and they ended up taking care of us. Expensive, but worth it.
Carter and I went for a run while they were finishing up. When we got back, I had a shower, sweet shower! We all got our showers done, then laundry, then dishes. Yay!
You'd think that would have been the highlight of the day, but no, it got even better.
Today was the first day single-game tickets went on sale for the Twins. Last season -- their inaugural year outside -- I got shut out. Tickets were sold out immediately. Today it seemed that the same thing was going to happen. Finally, after sitting 44 minutes in the "Virtual Waiting Room," I got in! I had a tough time getting 3 tickets but finally found 3 for their July 4th game. We'll be sitting pretty high up, but hey, we will be sitting in Target Field! I am so excited! Yay again!
Now if the Badgers can pull out a win tonight, the cheering around here will continue. It'll seem like our plumbing problems are already water under the bridge.
Until we get the bill.
Friday, March 18, 2011
That's B.S.
I'm not sure if I should blame my crumbling NCAA bracket on the blasted Blarney Stone (appropriately initialed B.S.) or the full moon, which is stinkin' huge tonight! Either way, my picks suck and I have no chance of recouping my lofty investment of 5 dollars.
That still won't stop me from watching hoops, though.
The fun part about this weekend is that Wisconsin's state high school tournament is also on TV. Luck did not make it this year, but nearby Grantsburg did. I normally wouldn't be caught cheering for the Pirates, but since I was born in the Grantsburg hospital and still have family up there, I will support them 100% (even if they are playing my mother-in-law's hometown of Marathon for the state championship tomorrow).
Clayton, another Northwoods team, also is playing for the title in Division 5. I will not give them any support. They have ousted Luck from the "bracket" too many times!
As for the NCAA tourney.... It's kind of fun to see some of the teams we saw last year in person when we were in Milwaukee for Rounds 1 and 2. We recall that lumbering 7-footer from Xavier -- who is playing against Marquette right now but didn't see as much action last year. Sorry, Marquette, but I picked Xavier on my bracket only because I remembered their "We are (clap, clap) Xavier" cheer. It didn't do me any good. Marquette is handling this game nicely.
So my bracket bites and Carter is out for the evening. We have the whole house to ourselves and we both are so tired we'd be asleep right now if one, we didn't have to wait up for Carter; two, basketball wasn't on; and three, I wanted to get some pictures of the full moon, which allegedly is the biggest full moon in decades. I say it all depends on the camera zoom anyway.
But what do I know? I've got bracket-itis so bad I don't even know how to spend a romantic evening alone with hubby.
Time to get off the keyboard and work on that ...
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Kiss Me, I'm Irish (for Today)
I woke up with an Irishman in my bed. I kissed a young Irishman on the couch on my way to my first cup of coffee. So that makes me Irish by some sort of osmosis, right? At least for today.
We all wore some form of green -- Jim a Celtics shirt and sweatshirt, Carter a St. Patrick's Day t-shirt that said "Kiss me I'm Irish" (but he had no takers, allegedly), and me, just a generic green sweatshirt.
It was good enough to get me a cupcake with mint green frosting for an early morning snack and a doughnut with green sprinkles on it for a late-morning snack. It looked like I was on a mission to consume a whole lotta empty green calories, but I tapered off. A Shamrock Shake would have been the perfect ending of the day... but, of course, I didn't give it a second thought.
Today was also the first real action in the NCAA tournament. All 3 of us did a bracket for a work pool. I did mine in record time this morning just to get it in in time. Based on early games, it would appear I consulted a Blarney Stone for my picks. Yikes. I do not see a pot o' gold in the hands of this leprechaun after the Big Dance!
Since yesterday was my mother-in-law's birthday, we stopped over there this evening to drop off her card and gift. She convinced us to have a bowl of her yummy beef soup -- much better than corned beef and cabbage, in my opinion.
After we left there, we stopped at ShopKo and I bought Carter his first pair of "real" running shoes! Now he doesn't have to log miles in his basketball shoes -- which were great for the vertical leap and fast breaks but not so good for the long haul (in my self-proclaimed expert opinion). So now he should be able to kick my butt sooner rather than later.
We got home just in time to meet up with the Schwan's man. I told him he better have an Andes Mint Pie in his truck. I knew he didn't. Those were so last season. I did let him know I've given up ice cream for Lent so he might as well not show up until after Easter! I don't think he has confidence in my willpower 'cause he said he'll be back in 2 weeks.
I can do this!
Tomorrow is just another normal, non-minty day. I'll still kiss a couple of Irishmen in the morning. I'll still put up with their blarney all day. But I'll probably just wear red.
We all wore some form of green -- Jim a Celtics shirt and sweatshirt, Carter a St. Patrick's Day t-shirt that said "Kiss me I'm Irish" (but he had no takers, allegedly), and me, just a generic green sweatshirt.
It was good enough to get me a cupcake with mint green frosting for an early morning snack and a doughnut with green sprinkles on it for a late-morning snack. It looked like I was on a mission to consume a whole lotta empty green calories, but I tapered off. A Shamrock Shake would have been the perfect ending of the day... but, of course, I didn't give it a second thought.
Today was also the first real action in the NCAA tournament. All 3 of us did a bracket for a work pool. I did mine in record time this morning just to get it in in time. Based on early games, it would appear I consulted a Blarney Stone for my picks. Yikes. I do not see a pot o' gold in the hands of this leprechaun after the Big Dance!
Since yesterday was my mother-in-law's birthday, we stopped over there this evening to drop off her card and gift. She convinced us to have a bowl of her yummy beef soup -- much better than corned beef and cabbage, in my opinion.
After we left there, we stopped at ShopKo and I bought Carter his first pair of "real" running shoes! Now he doesn't have to log miles in his basketball shoes -- which were great for the vertical leap and fast breaks but not so good for the long haul (in my self-proclaimed expert opinion). So now he should be able to kick my butt sooner rather than later.
We got home just in time to meet up with the Schwan's man. I told him he better have an Andes Mint Pie in his truck. I knew he didn't. Those were so last season. I did let him know I've given up ice cream for Lent so he might as well not show up until after Easter! I don't think he has confidence in my willpower 'cause he said he'll be back in 2 weeks.
I can do this!
Tomorrow is just another normal, non-minty day. I'll still kiss a couple of Irishmen in the morning. I'll still put up with their blarney all day. But I'll probably just wear red.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Mind over Melted Matter
For the record, it is very hard to not be thinking about a green, minty cool Shamrock Shake when St. Patty's Day is just hours away! But I'll stay strong. For now.
Was too busy today to even think about ice cream. I do not know where the work day went, but somewhere in there I escaped outside (on the warmest day of the year so far) and got a run in. It was so nice out! Made it to 50 degrees, why stop now?
Carter had to do "our" run on his own after school because we had to head into town as soon as I got home. Our church holds Soup Suppers before Lenten services each Wednesday. All the confirmation kids have to help out at these to get credit towards fundraising for confirmation camp. He has to do "cleanup" 3 of the weeks and I only have to do it one of those 3 -- unless I'm feeling generous with my time.
Tonight we actually got home in time for me to catch a few of the singers on American Idol. I tend to watch it sporadically until it gets close to the end. Since our pastor's sermon tonight was about regular church attendance (even on Wednesdays), I suspect I won't see a whole lot of Idol between now and near "final" time anyway!
And church attendance is very important. Did you know our church is only 2 blocks from Dairy Queen? I just know they serve something cool and minty there! Ugh. This can be hard.
I had to break down and do the only thing a person can do when they can't have what they're craving -- turn to an alternative. Sorry, no, it was not carrot sticks or yogurt. I broke into the Cashew Crunch. Carter had some, too, and said, "Sorry, Mom, but I just don't think your love of Cashew Crunch is carried on to the next generation." What? Seriously?
I am not disappointed. It just means more for me and, well, all my siblings if I put it out in the freezer NOW and keep it there until my next trip Up North.
Of course, that freezer is a dangerous place...
Was too busy today to even think about ice cream. I do not know where the work day went, but somewhere in there I escaped outside (on the warmest day of the year so far) and got a run in. It was so nice out! Made it to 50 degrees, why stop now?
Carter had to do "our" run on his own after school because we had to head into town as soon as I got home. Our church holds Soup Suppers before Lenten services each Wednesday. All the confirmation kids have to help out at these to get credit towards fundraising for confirmation camp. He has to do "cleanup" 3 of the weeks and I only have to do it one of those 3 -- unless I'm feeling generous with my time.
Tonight we actually got home in time for me to catch a few of the singers on American Idol. I tend to watch it sporadically until it gets close to the end. Since our pastor's sermon tonight was about regular church attendance (even on Wednesdays), I suspect I won't see a whole lot of Idol between now and near "final" time anyway!
And church attendance is very important. Did you know our church is only 2 blocks from Dairy Queen? I just know they serve something cool and minty there! Ugh. This can be hard.
I had to break down and do the only thing a person can do when they can't have what they're craving -- turn to an alternative. Sorry, no, it was not carrot sticks or yogurt. I broke into the Cashew Crunch. Carter had some, too, and said, "Sorry, Mom, but I just don't think your love of Cashew Crunch is carried on to the next generation." What? Seriously?
I am not disappointed. It just means more for me and, well, all my siblings if I put it out in the freezer NOW and keep it there until my next trip Up North.
Of course, that freezer is a dangerous place...
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Ides of March
We are warned to "beware the Ides of March!" But if you are not Julius Caesar, who was assassinated on this date in 44 B.C., there's nothing to be afraid of. Is there?
Not really. Especially if it's just your average, sunny, snow-melting kind of Spring day.
In fact, I think I figured out what the Ides of March really mean in modern times. Every year about mid-March, I am sure I am not the only one thinking:
Ide rather be somewhere warm.
Ide rather be golfing.
Ide rather be sitting out on the deck than shoveling it.
Ide rather be tan than winter white.
Ide rather be in the "after" picture of my fitness makeover than still in the "before."
And, of course, Ide rather be eating ice cream than Lent-induced low-fat pudding or yogurt!
Yup, the only true danger of the Ides of March is when my mind is Idle.
Not really. Especially if it's just your average, sunny, snow-melting kind of Spring day.
In fact, I think I figured out what the Ides of March really mean in modern times. Every year about mid-March, I am sure I am not the only one thinking:
Ide rather be somewhere warm.
Ide rather be golfing.
Ide rather be sitting out on the deck than shoveling it.
Ide rather be tan than winter white.
Ide rather be in the "after" picture of my fitness makeover than still in the "before."
And, of course, Ide rather be eating ice cream than Lent-induced low-fat pudding or yogurt!
Yup, the only true danger of the Ides of March is when my mind is Idle.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Pace Maker
I've opened up an interesting can of worms in our household... Oh, maybe I shouldn't say "worms" with Carter around.
Anyway, I mentioned earlier that Carter went running with me Saturday. I often ask for company before I head out but I usually (OK, never) get any takers in this house. So I think maybe Carter just said yes because he didn't want me to feel bad. Like I said, we eased into it so it wouldn't be a negative (or painful) experience for him. So in the end, he was OK with it and said, sure, he'd go again.
Fast forward 24 hours to Sunday evening when I am filling out a registration form for an upcoming 5K race in Wisconsin Rapids. As usual, it's for a good cause, this one benefits the local Task Force Against Child Abuse.
I turned to Carter and asked if he wanted to run it with me. I wasn't expecting him to, so I gave it a soft sell. I said we'd only have a little more than a month to get him ready, but I promised I would run with him the whole race -- I wouldn't worry about beating any personal time. I would run with him at his pace and walk with him if he needed it.
He said, "Sure! This will be good, Mom. You can pace me and encourage me and I can do the same for you if you get tired."
Really? Wow, OK.
So I added his name and mailed it in, reminding him that now he really couldn't come up with a million excuses not to run a few times a week. And you know what? I can't either!
Fast forward another 24 hours to this evening.
Thankfully, with Daylight Saving Time, it is light out later so Carter and I could go for a little walk/run after I got home from work. We went a little further this time -- 2.5 miles -- and I think walked a little less. He did great. In fact, I think he even enjoyed himself. And, since I can't seal this can of worms, I am quite prepared that in the near future, he's going to start to like it like I do and, eventually, he's gonna kick my butt!
Competitive Robyn would hate that! And maybe slightly competitive Momma does, too. But mostly, I think this is a darn cool (and healthy) way to spend some extra one-on-one time with my baby.
Even if he sets a fast pace!
Anyway, I mentioned earlier that Carter went running with me Saturday. I often ask for company before I head out but I usually (OK, never) get any takers in this house. So I think maybe Carter just said yes because he didn't want me to feel bad. Like I said, we eased into it so it wouldn't be a negative (or painful) experience for him. So in the end, he was OK with it and said, sure, he'd go again.
Fast forward 24 hours to Sunday evening when I am filling out a registration form for an upcoming 5K race in Wisconsin Rapids. As usual, it's for a good cause, this one benefits the local Task Force Against Child Abuse.
I turned to Carter and asked if he wanted to run it with me. I wasn't expecting him to, so I gave it a soft sell. I said we'd only have a little more than a month to get him ready, but I promised I would run with him the whole race -- I wouldn't worry about beating any personal time. I would run with him at his pace and walk with him if he needed it.
He said, "Sure! This will be good, Mom. You can pace me and encourage me and I can do the same for you if you get tired."
Really? Wow, OK.
So I added his name and mailed it in, reminding him that now he really couldn't come up with a million excuses not to run a few times a week. And you know what? I can't either!
Fast forward another 24 hours to this evening.
Thankfully, with Daylight Saving Time, it is light out later so Carter and I could go for a little walk/run after I got home from work. We went a little further this time -- 2.5 miles -- and I think walked a little less. He did great. In fact, I think he even enjoyed himself. And, since I can't seal this can of worms, I am quite prepared that in the near future, he's going to start to like it like I do and, eventually, he's gonna kick my butt!
Competitive Robyn would hate that! And maybe slightly competitive Momma does, too. But mostly, I think this is a darn cool (and healthy) way to spend some extra one-on-one time with my baby.
Even if he sets a fast pace!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sprung Ahead
With the clock change, I went to bed "early" last night, but I still felt so tired this morning! I am hoping I do not have any adjustment problems like I did last year, when I felt tired for a month after we sprung ahead. Not good.
Got to sleep in a bit since Carter had to acolyte at the 10:30 service. I dropped him off at Sunday School at 9:15, then got our weekly grocery shopping done. Since it was still plenty cold out (20s) for a Spring day, I didn't worry about anything getting too warm in the car during church.
When we got home, had a quick lunch and Carter and Daddy took some indoor batting practice down the road. I just finished reading my book, Complete Book of Women's Running, so I figured I better log some miles in my new training journal!
Now yesterday, after we got back from our Cashton trip with a big lunch stop at China Buffet in Tomah, I did get out for a little run. And dragged Carter with me. (Well it was partially his idea.)We just did a little 2-mile route that was sort of like walking a bit, running a bit, walking a bit, running a bit more. I didn't want to push it or he'd be sore and never want to do it again.
He wasn't sore today but since he was off hitting baseballs, I figured he wouldn't want to go a second day in a row. So I bundled up and headed out in the sunshine. It was pretty nice out by then. Around 30 with a bit of a wind, so quite manageable. I did my 4-mile route but walked a minute after each mile so I can ease back into a routine of some sort. At least it gave me something to log!
After a shower and some laundry, Carter wanted to watch the second National Treasure movie. So we ended up doing that, with a break for a yummy BBQ ribs supper.
It was still light out at 7:15! That's the part I love about springing forward. At 6 p.m. or so, it starts to look like a warm-weather type evening (even if it isn't). Do I even need to turn my electric mattress pad on tonight?
Silly question. We're not Springing into Summer, are we?
Got to sleep in a bit since Carter had to acolyte at the 10:30 service. I dropped him off at Sunday School at 9:15, then got our weekly grocery shopping done. Since it was still plenty cold out (20s) for a Spring day, I didn't worry about anything getting too warm in the car during church.
When we got home, had a quick lunch and Carter and Daddy took some indoor batting practice down the road. I just finished reading my book, Complete Book of Women's Running, so I figured I better log some miles in my new training journal!
Now yesterday, after we got back from our Cashton trip with a big lunch stop at China Buffet in Tomah, I did get out for a little run. And dragged Carter with me. (Well it was partially his idea.)We just did a little 2-mile route that was sort of like walking a bit, running a bit, walking a bit, running a bit more. I didn't want to push it or he'd be sore and never want to do it again.
He wasn't sore today but since he was off hitting baseballs, I figured he wouldn't want to go a second day in a row. So I bundled up and headed out in the sunshine. It was pretty nice out by then. Around 30 with a bit of a wind, so quite manageable. I did my 4-mile route but walked a minute after each mile so I can ease back into a routine of some sort. At least it gave me something to log!
After a shower and some laundry, Carter wanted to watch the second National Treasure movie. So we ended up doing that, with a break for a yummy BBQ ribs supper.
It was still light out at 7:15! That's the part I love about springing forward. At 6 p.m. or so, it starts to look like a warm-weather type evening (even if it isn't). Do I even need to turn my electric mattress pad on tonight?
Silly question. We're not Springing into Summer, are we?
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Treasure Hunters
Carter and I are watching the movie National Treasure. He is enjoying it much more this time around because he has been to Washington, D.C., and other points of interest out East. Since we both like puzzles and clues, we are enjoying it.
This is, of course, our second "treasure hunt" of the day.
Today, Carter participated in a free-throw contest in Cashton -- a place I like to call Cashew Crunch Country.
A few years ago, we were down there for a sister weekend and we discovered this delightful treat that looks like peanut brittle but tastes oh so much better. The Amish make it with cashews and it is not quite so "brittle" and therefore, easier to eat (in too large quantities!). As soon as I learned the next level of his Knights of Columbus competition was to be in Cashton, I knew I had to find that treasure!
When we arrived in Cashton this morning, we were there early enough to find the shop I knew carried it. But it was closed. So we went to the school.
I'm sure Carter hoped to get a piece of the treasure there -- one of the medals for the top 3 places -- but that was not to be. He was in a tough group that did quite well in their quest to make 25 out of 25 free throws. None of them did but there were 3 guys who came close and they had to have a "shoot off" to determine the winner. Carter shot less than 50% so he wasn't in the hunt, at all.
After the competition, we headed home and stopped in Tomah, where I also suspected we might find clues to a Cashew Crunch trail. After a little detour, we did find an "Amish Country Store" and I hit the jackpot!
I have a feeling Nicholas Cage will find his treasure by the end of this movie, too. But will it really be as satisfying as Cashew Crunch?
I don't think so!
This is, of course, our second "treasure hunt" of the day.
Today, Carter participated in a free-throw contest in Cashton -- a place I like to call Cashew Crunch Country.
A few years ago, we were down there for a sister weekend and we discovered this delightful treat that looks like peanut brittle but tastes oh so much better. The Amish make it with cashews and it is not quite so "brittle" and therefore, easier to eat (in too large quantities!). As soon as I learned the next level of his Knights of Columbus competition was to be in Cashton, I knew I had to find that treasure!
When we arrived in Cashton this morning, we were there early enough to find the shop I knew carried it. But it was closed. So we went to the school.
I'm sure Carter hoped to get a piece of the treasure there -- one of the medals for the top 3 places -- but that was not to be. He was in a tough group that did quite well in their quest to make 25 out of 25 free throws. None of them did but there were 3 guys who came close and they had to have a "shoot off" to determine the winner. Carter shot less than 50% so he wasn't in the hunt, at all.
After the competition, we headed home and stopped in Tomah, where I also suspected we might find clues to a Cashew Crunch trail. After a little detour, we did find an "Amish Country Store" and I hit the jackpot!
I have a feeling Nicholas Cage will find his treasure by the end of this movie, too. But will it really be as satisfying as Cashew Crunch?
I don't think so!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Speed Bumps
Nothing like waking up to news of a devastating earthquake and tsunami to put our problems into perspective.
Who cares if we have to re-enter hundreds of family tree names and dates? We have a computer to do it on, in a dry room, with a roof over our heads. That is a blessing we can't overlook.
It makes me realize that for today anyway, my "bumps" in the road are barely something to trip over compared to what others are going through. And maybe those bumps aren't necessarily rough spots, after all. They are just speed bumps reminding me to slow down, look around and take stock of all my blessings.
If a giant wave came today and washed away all my things -- including our family tree information -- I would be upset, yes. Devastated, no. Not if I still had my family (except those nameless ancestors -- and yes, I will recover from this) and my friends. That is what means more to me than any thing -- even ice cream (and yes, I will recover from that, too).
Sometimes we just need to hear of a natural disaster or great loss closer to home to stop and think about how good we have it.
I had a crazy day at work but it's employment (yay) where I can use my talents and skills every day (and get paid for it). I had a nice fish fry with my guys and a girlfriend over at St. Lawrence tonight. Hubby always knows everyone but I saw several of MY own friends, too. What a treat to have such great people in my life! Later, I dropped off Carter to see a movie with some friends. What a blessing to have a healthy, caring and obviously charming child who makes new friends (girls included).
Yep. It's all good.
Thanks be to God.
Who cares if we have to re-enter hundreds of family tree names and dates? We have a computer to do it on, in a dry room, with a roof over our heads. That is a blessing we can't overlook.
It makes me realize that for today anyway, my "bumps" in the road are barely something to trip over compared to what others are going through. And maybe those bumps aren't necessarily rough spots, after all. They are just speed bumps reminding me to slow down, look around and take stock of all my blessings.
If a giant wave came today and washed away all my things -- including our family tree information -- I would be upset, yes. Devastated, no. Not if I still had my family (except those nameless ancestors -- and yes, I will recover from this) and my friends. That is what means more to me than any thing -- even ice cream (and yes, I will recover from that, too).
Sometimes we just need to hear of a natural disaster or great loss closer to home to stop and think about how good we have it.
I had a crazy day at work but it's employment (yay) where I can use my talents and skills every day (and get paid for it). I had a nice fish fry with my guys and a girlfriend over at St. Lawrence tonight. Hubby always knows everyone but I saw several of MY own friends, too. What a treat to have such great people in my life! Later, I dropped off Carter to see a movie with some friends. What a blessing to have a healthy, caring and obviously charming child who makes new friends (girls included).
Yep. It's all good.
Thanks be to God.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Decisions... Decisions...
If you could go back in time and change one teeny tiny decision, what would it be, Mr. and Mrs. Austin?
Oh, that's easy. BEFORE we brought the computer in to get it fixed, we would have saved a backup file of our family tree information!
Why? Because it's not there anymore. And we are un, un, unhappy!
And completely mad at ourselves because we were in such a rush to get it fixed, we didn't take time to do that. In fact, it didn't cross our minds. So we are doubly mad. Now it seems like a big "duh" moment that we can't go back and re-do. And we can't blame the guy who fixed the computer. He was just trying to be nice and upgrade that program for us. He couldn't have known replacing the program also replaces the data.
We do have a backup copy from a few years ago but that was before hubby went out East on his "quest" to Vermont and New York. That was before a whole lotta names and dates and more were entered.
Now we learned our lesson.
I suppose that could be said about a lot of things in life, couldn't it? We can't change the past, our decisions, our actions, but we can learn from them and become better people because of it.
And, God help us, not make the same mistakes again!
Oh, that's easy. BEFORE we brought the computer in to get it fixed, we would have saved a backup file of our family tree information!
Why? Because it's not there anymore. And we are un, un, unhappy!
And completely mad at ourselves because we were in such a rush to get it fixed, we didn't take time to do that. In fact, it didn't cross our minds. So we are doubly mad. Now it seems like a big "duh" moment that we can't go back and re-do. And we can't blame the guy who fixed the computer. He was just trying to be nice and upgrade that program for us. He couldn't have known replacing the program also replaces the data.
We do have a backup copy from a few years ago but that was before hubby went out East on his "quest" to Vermont and New York. That was before a whole lotta names and dates and more were entered.
Now we learned our lesson.
I suppose that could be said about a lot of things in life, couldn't it? We can't change the past, our decisions, our actions, but we can learn from them and become better people because of it.
And, God help us, not make the same mistakes again!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Just Desserts
If you ever question whether you've chosen the correct "vice" to give up for Lent, experience a stressful moment and see if that's the first thing you want to turn to. But can't.
I did have a good day. Productive day at work. Got home and hubby went to a funeral visitation then church while Carter and I ran 5 errands before heading to our Ash Wednesday service. I was marked with the cross and felt very positive heading home.
Then I made the mistake of calling to activate a new phone. Well, the mistake was trying to transfer our current number to the new phone. For 17 minutes and 9 seconds, I talked to a woman whose English was not her first language. After practically pulling out my hair that was graying by the minute, the number still isn't transferred and I am not sure what she still needs from me. I got off the phone and said, "Dang, I want some ice cream!"
During our call, I kept pressing the phone closer to my ear but her volume was not the problem. It was saying Three like "twee" and other words I am unsure of. I think "account" was one of them, but I will have to log on to their website to finish this up! I can't go around losing my serenity the first day of Lent. I've got too far to go.
Probably a good thing I am not giving up desserts altogether. One of my sisters wished me good luck with my "mint sacrifice." I'm like, no, no, no. This is not a mint sacrifice. This is ice cream only. Mint in all its other forms is still acceptable.
Luckily, my twin sister gave me a 3/4-pound mint chocolate bar for Christmas that I still have in the freezer! OK, seriously, I did not eat this in one sitting! Way back when it was still 2010, I broke it up into several small packages so I could have my mint fix occasionally. Just like everything else (including that orphaned container of Peppermint Stick ice cream), I know how to make things last.
... Except for my sanity and patience, that is!
How many days to go??
I did have a good day. Productive day at work. Got home and hubby went to a funeral visitation then church while Carter and I ran 5 errands before heading to our Ash Wednesday service. I was marked with the cross and felt very positive heading home.
Then I made the mistake of calling to activate a new phone. Well, the mistake was trying to transfer our current number to the new phone. For 17 minutes and 9 seconds, I talked to a woman whose English was not her first language. After practically pulling out my hair that was graying by the minute, the number still isn't transferred and I am not sure what she still needs from me. I got off the phone and said, "Dang, I want some ice cream!"
During our call, I kept pressing the phone closer to my ear but her volume was not the problem. It was saying Three like "twee" and other words I am unsure of. I think "account" was one of them, but I will have to log on to their website to finish this up! I can't go around losing my serenity the first day of Lent. I've got too far to go.
Probably a good thing I am not giving up desserts altogether. One of my sisters wished me good luck with my "mint sacrifice." I'm like, no, no, no. This is not a mint sacrifice. This is ice cream only. Mint in all its other forms is still acceptable.
Luckily, my twin sister gave me a 3/4-pound mint chocolate bar for Christmas that I still have in the freezer! OK, seriously, I did not eat this in one sitting! Way back when it was still 2010, I broke it up into several small packages so I could have my mint fix occasionally. Just like everything else (including that orphaned container of Peppermint Stick ice cream), I know how to make things last.
... Except for my sanity and patience, that is!
How many days to go??
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Fatter Tuesday
I've never been to New Orleans so I have never been to the "real" Mardi Gras either. The downside, I suppose, is that I have no beads to show for it. The upside, without question, is that I still can participate in Fat Tuesday... no matter where I live!
Whoever thought of calling the day before Lent starts "fat" anything was a genius. If you're thinking of giving up anything for Lent -- especially anything related to food or beverage -- it's the last chance to load up before denying yourself the calorie-filled pleasure until Easter.
You down that last Hershey bar. You take a deep last drag from that cigarette. You swig your last beer. You enjoy the last feelings of caffeine-inspired alertness. You lick the last bit of mint ice cream off the spoon.
What? Wait. That might be going too far.
I got a special treat today. Last night I was digging around the chest freezer out in the garage and lo and behold, I clamped my hands on a neglected carton of Schwan's Peppermint Stick ice cream! How did I overlook this? I think it was hiding from me! Too late now. This just made my Fat Tuesday fatter!
So while I am licking the last bit of mint ice cream off my spoon, I am contemplating if I can put this once abandoned carton back into the freezer, only to purposely avoid it for some 40 days. Can I? I always wimp out and "give up" something I really can live without. Like broccoli. OK, not that obvious. But really, I don't challenge myself in a way that would constitute a "sacrifice."
Until this year.
OK, I'm only going to say this once. I'm giving up ice cream for Lent.
Well, that was tough to type.
But when I held the spoon in my mouth and used both hands, I could type way better.
Whoever thought of calling the day before Lent starts "fat" anything was a genius. If you're thinking of giving up anything for Lent -- especially anything related to food or beverage -- it's the last chance to load up before denying yourself the calorie-filled pleasure until Easter.
You down that last Hershey bar. You take a deep last drag from that cigarette. You swig your last beer. You enjoy the last feelings of caffeine-inspired alertness. You lick the last bit of mint ice cream off the spoon.
What? Wait. That might be going too far.
I got a special treat today. Last night I was digging around the chest freezer out in the garage and lo and behold, I clamped my hands on a neglected carton of Schwan's Peppermint Stick ice cream! How did I overlook this? I think it was hiding from me! Too late now. This just made my Fat Tuesday fatter!
So while I am licking the last bit of mint ice cream off my spoon, I am contemplating if I can put this once abandoned carton back into the freezer, only to purposely avoid it for some 40 days. Can I? I always wimp out and "give up" something I really can live without. Like broccoli. OK, not that obvious. But really, I don't challenge myself in a way that would constitute a "sacrifice."
Until this year.
OK, I'm only going to say this once. I'm giving up ice cream for Lent.
Well, that was tough to type.
But when I held the spoon in my mouth and used both hands, I could type way better.
Monday, March 7, 2011
How to Eat Fried Worms
Funny how names of certain books from childhood can still stick with you years (and years) later. I recall the Little House books, of course, but I also know I was a fan of Encyclopedia Brown, Harriet the Spy, any Judy Blume book and, for some reason, a book called How to Eat Fried Worms.
In the book, the main character, Billy F., has a problem vomiting on the spot and wonders how he'll get along in a new school where they are taunting him with worms. Hmm, sounds like a boy I know who seems to faint on the spot -- at his new school! Thankfully no worm taunting (before today).
Carter has read the book and even enjoyed the movie about it, released about 5 years ago. That must have been before he turned squeamish on us!
Last Friday, he came home from school and announced that Monday (today) they would be dissecting earthworms in Science class. "And guess what's for lunch on Monday, Mom? Spaghetti!" (Who checks the lunch menu ahead anyway??)
If you think he didn't think about that all weekend, then you don't know Carter. Though he says now he was not the least concerned.
Right.
I told him the whole menu option was just a coincidence but I wondered secretly if the Science teacher is in evil cahoots with the lunch lady!
Needless to say, I was fully expecting a call from school at some point today. Based on recent history, that is, not because I didn't have faith in my "Man up!" speech this morning. I was pleasantly surprised and relieved not to hear from Carter until he was home after school. Yay, he survived.
I asked how he managed to choke down his lunch OK. "I just didn't look at it," he said, but quickly added, "I'm just kidding. I wasn't that nervous."
I felt like saying, "Maybe not. But you're the one who brought it up 3 days beforehand!" But I didn't say that. I just said good job .... and bypassed the container of leftover spaghetti in our fridge tonight and opted for pork chops.
In the book, the main character, Billy F., has a problem vomiting on the spot and wonders how he'll get along in a new school where they are taunting him with worms. Hmm, sounds like a boy I know who seems to faint on the spot -- at his new school! Thankfully no worm taunting (before today).
Carter has read the book and even enjoyed the movie about it, released about 5 years ago. That must have been before he turned squeamish on us!
Last Friday, he came home from school and announced that Monday (today) they would be dissecting earthworms in Science class. "And guess what's for lunch on Monday, Mom? Spaghetti!" (Who checks the lunch menu ahead anyway??)
If you think he didn't think about that all weekend, then you don't know Carter. Though he says now he was not the least concerned.
Right.
I told him the whole menu option was just a coincidence but I wondered secretly if the Science teacher is in evil cahoots with the lunch lady!
Needless to say, I was fully expecting a call from school at some point today. Based on recent history, that is, not because I didn't have faith in my "Man up!" speech this morning. I was pleasantly surprised and relieved not to hear from Carter until he was home after school. Yay, he survived.
I asked how he managed to choke down his lunch OK. "I just didn't look at it," he said, but quickly added, "I'm just kidding. I wasn't that nervous."
I felt like saying, "Maybe not. But you're the one who brought it up 3 days beforehand!" But I didn't say that. I just said good job .... and bypassed the container of leftover spaghetti in our fridge tonight and opted for pork chops.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
One of These Days...
Tell me what is wrong with this picture: Hubby wakes up at 5 a.m. to go to work on a Sunday. I wake up at 7:30 and am out the door an hour later to go scrapping (just like any day, ha). And Carter is left alone with a list of chores on what normally would be a "day of rest."
I guess nothing is wrong with this picture if you're ME!
Yeah, one of these days the three of us are all going to be home... together... with nothing we HAVE to do! That will be nice one of these days (and I'm not sure when).
Of course, in the back of my mind I'm thinking that one of these days I need to finish that 2010 scrapbook! So when my scrappin' buddy Jenny said there would be a "vacancy" at her scrap retreat today, I volunteered to fill the chair. We were there a few hours and I got 8 pages done so now I am in the final stretch. Just have all the December and Christmas stuff left. Yep, one of these days, I will be just about caught up ... with the family chronological albums anyway.
When I got home a little after 3 p.m., I found Jim and the 2 neighbor guys trying to fix our garage doors. Apparently one got jammed today. The other one hasn't been able to close with garage door opener for ages. Now, several well-deserved Budweisers later, both doors work great! Thanks, Buds and buddies!
We initially had planned to go to a Rib Fest fundraiser over in Scandinavia this afternoon to support the Iola girls softball team. (Carter loves BBQ'd ribs!) Unfortunately, with the garage door debacle, we couldn't fit that in. So we tried to compensate by taking him to Applebee's in town. Just not the same. Not the same at all.
So now he is showered and in bed reading. And the mister and I are going to relax in the hot tub. What is wrong with this picture?
Absolutely nothing if you are Mr. and Mrs. Austin!
I guess nothing is wrong with this picture if you're ME!
Yeah, one of these days the three of us are all going to be home... together... with nothing we HAVE to do! That will be nice one of these days (and I'm not sure when).
Of course, in the back of my mind I'm thinking that one of these days I need to finish that 2010 scrapbook! So when my scrappin' buddy Jenny said there would be a "vacancy" at her scrap retreat today, I volunteered to fill the chair. We were there a few hours and I got 8 pages done so now I am in the final stretch. Just have all the December and Christmas stuff left. Yep, one of these days, I will be just about caught up ... with the family chronological albums anyway.
When I got home a little after 3 p.m., I found Jim and the 2 neighbor guys trying to fix our garage doors. Apparently one got jammed today. The other one hasn't been able to close with garage door opener for ages. Now, several well-deserved Budweisers later, both doors work great! Thanks, Buds and buddies!
We initially had planned to go to a Rib Fest fundraiser over in Scandinavia this afternoon to support the Iola girls softball team. (Carter loves BBQ'd ribs!) Unfortunately, with the garage door debacle, we couldn't fit that in. So we tried to compensate by taking him to Applebee's in town. Just not the same. Not the same at all.
So now he is showered and in bed reading. And the mister and I are going to relax in the hot tub. What is wrong with this picture?
Absolutely nothing if you are Mr. and Mrs. Austin!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Good Effort
Our day of competitions turned out alright today.
The guys were up and out the door a little after 9 a.m. for Carter's Knights of Columbus math competition. He won at district, where only one person could advance to the diocesan level. So today he was competing against all the district winners in the La Crosse Diocese. The top 2 finishers advance to state.
Carter was pretty confident going into this thing. This morning, he said, "Who knew I'd be a math whiz? It's kind of fun." He told me later he felt good about the test when it was done so yes, he was surprised and disappointed not to finish in the top 2. The good news, though, is that he finished 3rd so not only does he get a medal, he is an alternate to state -- just in case.
We are very proud of him! He's already talking about "acing it" next year!
Meanwhile, the Desperate Housewives of Blue Jay Drive were at it again! We bundled up good (thankfully!) for a chilly, windy Point Bock Run.
Every time I have a race, I go into it with 3 goals based on my training and relative preparedness and confidence. A finishing time that will make me Happy (something I can live with but won't brag about), one that will make me Thrilled (doing much better than expected based on lack of training and prep work) and one that will make me Ecstatic (a personal best time for that distance).
Today I told myself I'd be thrilled with an 11-minute mile pace (55-minute finish) because I just haven't been running regularly or far enough. I would have been ecstatic to beat my previous 5-mile time of about 51 minutes (just a hair over 10-minute miles).
This was the biggest race I've ran in terms of participation -- 2,000 runners! When the starting gun went off, it literally took a minute before I reached the starting line! Thank goodness this was on electronic chip timing so we didn't lose anything by starting further back in the pack.
The course itself was pretty straightforward -- out 2.5 miles then back. There was a lengthy slow incline hill toward the turn-around but I was not forced to walk it. There was plenty of wind, though, so I am glad I added one more thin layer before I left the house!
I wasn't totally dying or anything with my legs or breathing, but I had planned ahead I'd walk a half minute every 15 minutes. This is probably what helped me keep going. I shouldn't have had to walk at all -- but in the end, I think that gave me just enough recovery time to finish strong. I was totally surprised -- and Thrilled -- that I finished only a minute slower than my last race! Whoo-hoo! Plus, only due to the number of participants, I can say I finished faster than nearly 400 women (ha). My neighbors Cindy and Niki did well, too, so we were a happy bunch.
The big draw of this race was that runners get free Point Bock Beer after the race -- if you can imagine actually drinking beer after a 5-mile run! People certainly did. After my water and banana, I enjoyed Point Bock Root Beer and that was fine with me.
Several hours later, I got a better treat. I told Carter no matter how we did in our respective competitions today, we'd celebrate with Shamrock Shakes.
Hey, I don't have a shirt that says "I run on ice cream" for nothin'!
The guys were up and out the door a little after 9 a.m. for Carter's Knights of Columbus math competition. He won at district, where only one person could advance to the diocesan level. So today he was competing against all the district winners in the La Crosse Diocese. The top 2 finishers advance to state.Carter was pretty confident going into this thing. This morning, he said, "Who knew I'd be a math whiz? It's kind of fun." He told me later he felt good about the test when it was done so yes, he was surprised and disappointed not to finish in the top 2. The good news, though, is that he finished 3rd so not only does he get a medal, he is an alternate to state -- just in case.
We are very proud of him! He's already talking about "acing it" next year!
Meanwhile, the Desperate Housewives of Blue Jay Drive were at it again! We bundled up good (thankfully!) for a chilly, windy Point Bock Run.Every time I have a race, I go into it with 3 goals based on my training and relative preparedness and confidence. A finishing time that will make me Happy (something I can live with but won't brag about), one that will make me Thrilled (doing much better than expected based on lack of training and prep work) and one that will make me Ecstatic (a personal best time for that distance).
Today I told myself I'd be thrilled with an 11-minute mile pace (55-minute finish) because I just haven't been running regularly or far enough. I would have been ecstatic to beat my previous 5-mile time of about 51 minutes (just a hair over 10-minute miles).
This was the biggest race I've ran in terms of participation -- 2,000 runners! When the starting gun went off, it literally took a minute before I reached the starting line! Thank goodness this was on electronic chip timing so we didn't lose anything by starting further back in the pack.
The course itself was pretty straightforward -- out 2.5 miles then back. There was a lengthy slow incline hill toward the turn-around but I was not forced to walk it. There was plenty of wind, though, so I am glad I added one more thin layer before I left the house!
I wasn't totally dying or anything with my legs or breathing, but I had planned ahead I'd walk a half minute every 15 minutes. This is probably what helped me keep going. I shouldn't have had to walk at all -- but in the end, I think that gave me just enough recovery time to finish strong. I was totally surprised -- and Thrilled -- that I finished only a minute slower than my last race! Whoo-hoo! Plus, only due to the number of participants, I can say I finished faster than nearly 400 women (ha). My neighbors Cindy and Niki did well, too, so we were a happy bunch.
The big draw of this race was that runners get free Point Bock Beer after the race -- if you can imagine actually drinking beer after a 5-mile run! People certainly did. After my water and banana, I enjoyed Point Bock Root Beer and that was fine with me.
Several hours later, I got a better treat. I told Carter no matter how we did in our respective competitions today, we'd celebrate with Shamrock Shakes.
Hey, I don't have a shirt that says "I run on ice cream" for nothin'!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Ready or Not
Saturday will be a challenging day for us. Physically challenging for me and mentally challenging for Carter.
To prep for my 5-mile Point Bock Run, I concentrated on hydrating today, carbing up on spaghetti at supper and will get to bed early.
To prep for his math competition, Carter is "boxing" on the Wii.
That seems to be the better approach. He's concentrating on his moves so he has no time for worries. Sounds good until someone like me tries it and I throw my back out the night before a race.
Yup, I best stay put.
I am looking forward to a little reading tonight. Unfortunately too late for tomorrow's run, I got in the mail this week my new running training journal and The Complete Book of Women's Running. I just started the book and am already loving how it caters to us females. The two pieces of running equipment we must not pinch pennies over are shoes and a good sports bra. Oh yes, this is my kind of book!
I look forward to using the training journal for my future races this year. Tomorrow, I will just have to wing it and, well, just do it! Physically, I'm not quite ready for it but we have to start the new "season" somewhere.
Hopefully, my lucky Twins hat will carry me through again!
Carter, on the other hand, doesn't need any luck. He's got the skill. ...If he's not too sore to lift his pencil!
To prep for my 5-mile Point Bock Run, I concentrated on hydrating today, carbing up on spaghetti at supper and will get to bed early.
To prep for his math competition, Carter is "boxing" on the Wii.
That seems to be the better approach. He's concentrating on his moves so he has no time for worries. Sounds good until someone like me tries it and I throw my back out the night before a race.
Yup, I best stay put.
I am looking forward to a little reading tonight. Unfortunately too late for tomorrow's run, I got in the mail this week my new running training journal and The Complete Book of Women's Running. I just started the book and am already loving how it caters to us females. The two pieces of running equipment we must not pinch pennies over are shoes and a good sports bra. Oh yes, this is my kind of book!
I look forward to using the training journal for my future races this year. Tomorrow, I will just have to wing it and, well, just do it! Physically, I'm not quite ready for it but we have to start the new "season" somewhere.
Hopefully, my lucky Twins hat will carry me through again!
Carter, on the other hand, doesn't need any luck. He's got the skill. ...If he's not too sore to lift his pencil!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Sense of Normalcy
Day Three of Single Motherhood was as close to normal as it gets, I suppose. Carter went to school ALL day. And Momma went to work ALL day. That's how people do things, right?
Wait, here's something even more "normal." Let the record show I ate leftovers for supper. Yes, my husband believes that Momma and Carter are too good for leftovers. And, well, the record does sort of reflect that. So I figured I better eat up some leftovers from the other night or he'd think we've gone out to eat all week. Which we haven't -- because we're still waiting for our mint fix!
So I ate leftovers and lived to tell about it. So far.
Of course, we just couldn't stay home for the evening, could we? No, we had to go to a girls basketball. Because, well, there are girls there.
So while Junior met up with his gal pals -- I'm serious, he was in the middle of a circle of them -- I sat with some of friends of my own and cheered on the girls in their last home game. It was a very close match-up but they pulled off the win in the end. Yay!
Now Carter is taking a speed shower and I am writing a speed blog so we both can be tucked into bed by 9:30... about the time Jim is halfway back from Indianapolis, I imagine.
It will be nice when we truly are back to normal with no single parenting, no traveling and 3 people plus 1 cat getting to bed (our own beds) on time! Very nice, indeed.
Wait, here's something even more "normal." Let the record show I ate leftovers for supper. Yes, my husband believes that Momma and Carter are too good for leftovers. And, well, the record does sort of reflect that. So I figured I better eat up some leftovers from the other night or he'd think we've gone out to eat all week. Which we haven't -- because we're still waiting for our mint fix!
So I ate leftovers and lived to tell about it. So far.
Of course, we just couldn't stay home for the evening, could we? No, we had to go to a girls basketball. Because, well, there are girls there.
So while Junior met up with his gal pals -- I'm serious, he was in the middle of a circle of them -- I sat with some of friends of my own and cheered on the girls in their last home game. It was a very close match-up but they pulled off the win in the end. Yay!
Now Carter is taking a speed shower and I am writing a speed blog so we both can be tucked into bed by 9:30... about the time Jim is halfway back from Indianapolis, I imagine.
It will be nice when we truly are back to normal with no single parenting, no traveling and 3 people plus 1 cat getting to bed (our own beds) on time! Very nice, indeed.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Here We Go Again
Day Two of Single Parenthood began with one of us getting a good night's sleep and the other one, not so much.
I finally was feeling myself again but Carter was out of sorts in a tired way. Later, the lack of sleep and a graphic science class discussion on tapeworms was Carter's undoing.
So while I am trying to be good and run on the treadmill at the fitness center over lunch, Carter is calling his mommy 3 times at work... and having to leave 3 messages. The first said, "Please come get me." The second said, "Grandpa's coming to get me." The third said, "I'm home." And the fourth call I answered on the second ring as I got back to my desk.
But I'm not losing my Mother of the Year points due to a lack of availability. Oh, it's much worse.
Carter is fine being home by himself but we all know a child just wants his mother nearby when he's not feeling well. So he asked if I could come home early. I said I had an important "meeting" at 1:30 but could probably leave the office by 2:30. No, I did not mention that the "meeting" was actually a chair massage. And no, I really couldn't pass it up after my tense weekend.
Yes, you are free to judge me at this point.
I told Carter to sleep and I'd be home. He actually slept for about 90 minutes and then felt good. So it just must have been that. Hopefully we are not seeing a pattern of him getting sick when Dad's away just so he can spend time with Mom. It just seems to work out that way. Good thing this is Jim's last trip for awhile!
So since he was better, I shuttled him into town for confirmation. Then, dropped off those priceless Cricut cartridges at my friend's Jenny's house so she could use them this coming weekend on her scrap retreat. Of course, I brought my "work in progress" album so she could "ooh" and "ahh" appropriately. Us scrappers are very supportive of one another and definitely appreciate the thinking and creativity behind each page!
Her son, who's a big fan of Carter, was looking at the album, too. When Jenny said Carter is cute, her son said, "No he's not." She said, "Is he handsome then?" He answered, "No, he's cool!"
So there's a difference between cute and cool, in case you didn't know. I suppose it's all how you look at it. Just like there's a difference between a selfish mom and a chiropractically health-conscious one, right?
Right?
I finally was feeling myself again but Carter was out of sorts in a tired way. Later, the lack of sleep and a graphic science class discussion on tapeworms was Carter's undoing.
So while I am trying to be good and run on the treadmill at the fitness center over lunch, Carter is calling his mommy 3 times at work... and having to leave 3 messages. The first said, "Please come get me." The second said, "Grandpa's coming to get me." The third said, "I'm home." And the fourth call I answered on the second ring as I got back to my desk.
But I'm not losing my Mother of the Year points due to a lack of availability. Oh, it's much worse.
Carter is fine being home by himself but we all know a child just wants his mother nearby when he's not feeling well. So he asked if I could come home early. I said I had an important "meeting" at 1:30 but could probably leave the office by 2:30. No, I did not mention that the "meeting" was actually a chair massage. And no, I really couldn't pass it up after my tense weekend.
Yes, you are free to judge me at this point.
I told Carter to sleep and I'd be home. He actually slept for about 90 minutes and then felt good. So it just must have been that. Hopefully we are not seeing a pattern of him getting sick when Dad's away just so he can spend time with Mom. It just seems to work out that way. Good thing this is Jim's last trip for awhile!
So since he was better, I shuttled him into town for confirmation. Then, dropped off those priceless Cricut cartridges at my friend's Jenny's house so she could use them this coming weekend on her scrap retreat. Of course, I brought my "work in progress" album so she could "ooh" and "ahh" appropriately. Us scrappers are very supportive of one another and definitely appreciate the thinking and creativity behind each page!
Her son, who's a big fan of Carter, was looking at the album, too. When Jenny said Carter is cute, her son said, "No he's not." She said, "Is he handsome then?" He answered, "No, he's cool!"
So there's a difference between cute and cool, in case you didn't know. I suppose it's all how you look at it. Just like there's a difference between a selfish mom and a chiropractically health-conscious one, right?
Right?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Single Parenthood
This is that crazy time of year where hubby does all of his traveling for work, I go away on my long weekends and Carter is left to wonder: Which parent will spoil me more?
After spending the weekend with Dad, now Carter is stuck with Mom for 3 nights. My first thought this afternoon was where should we eat tonight? Jim tends to think we always eat out and I never cook a meal for Carter when he's gone. It's not on purpose. We just tend to be in town at supper time.
Anyway, I was thinking a Shamrock Shake sounded good. But then I got an email from Dairy Queen and they announced that Mint Oreo is the Blizzard of the Month for March. Hmmm. Decisions, decisions.
In the end, I got neither. We just got our computer back from the fix-it man this afternoon so I knew I had to hook that up tonight. So I burnt a pizza (dang), hooked up our now super-fast computer and then Carter schooled me on Just Dance 2 -- a Wii game/exercise type thing where you mimic the singer's moves no matter how fast and twisty. Thankfully, I beat him on the '80s songs. (Of course!) But he did way too well. I may have to buy that for my new workout routine!
Especially if I keep that yummy, minty green stuff on my "menu"!
After spending the weekend with Dad, now Carter is stuck with Mom for 3 nights. My first thought this afternoon was where should we eat tonight? Jim tends to think we always eat out and I never cook a meal for Carter when he's gone. It's not on purpose. We just tend to be in town at supper time.
Anyway, I was thinking a Shamrock Shake sounded good. But then I got an email from Dairy Queen and they announced that Mint Oreo is the Blizzard of the Month for March. Hmmm. Decisions, decisions.
In the end, I got neither. We just got our computer back from the fix-it man this afternoon so I knew I had to hook that up tonight. So I burnt a pizza (dang), hooked up our now super-fast computer and then Carter schooled me on Just Dance 2 -- a Wii game/exercise type thing where you mimic the singer's moves no matter how fast and twisty. Thankfully, I beat him on the '80s songs. (Of course!) But he did way too well. I may have to buy that for my new workout routine!
Especially if I keep that yummy, minty green stuff on my "menu"!
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