For those of us not on vacation, this week is a scheduling nightmare. Work during the day, baseball every night plus some extra curricular events like dentist visits and meetings. And here I was looking forward to a "short" week!
This afternoon, Carter and I both had dentist appointments and each had some work done. So we get home with our numb mouths and faces just in time for supper. We couldn't really delay since Carter had a 7:30 game tonight.
This week they are doing regular league games and some tournament games. So he plays a regular game Wednesday night but tournament games Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A point of information here. I knew he had 5 games on the schedule. I just hadn't seen the schedule and did not know the times and locations. I didn't even know if we were the "home" team or what. I asked Coach Austin last night if he had to have someone work concessions for each of those tourney games. He said probably, yes. So I thought I'd be nice and volunteer to take that first game (tonight). You know what they say about good intentions... they can come back to bite you in the ass. Or something.
Seriously.
After supper, Jim says we should probably drive separately in case he has to stay late to close concessions and I can take Carter home since it's a school night and all that. They take off a few minutes before me, I grab my purse and head out.
Since Mead Field is located on the other side of Rapids, I was a bit worried about getting to my shift on time because I had to stop for gas. No worries, I was there in time to relieve some other mom just in time.
I start selling concessions and was keeping plenty busy. I saw the teams warming up but didn't pay any more attention to it until the game was going to start. That's when I noticed the red team was not our Reds team, but the Cardinals. What the heck? Where is my team?
There's no one else playing at the other field so I call up the other member of the Coaches' Wives Club and ask: "Where the heck's the game?" She was thinking I'm calling from the concession stand wondering why our game hadn't started yet. So she says, "I know. They're still playing softball." I say, "No, I mean where the heck are we playing??" Oh, "Kellner," she says.
For those who don't know Rapids. Mead is 20 minutes away from home. Kellner is less than 5. Grrrrr.
I was completely embarrassed, humiliated and pissed off -- at hubby and me. He didn't hang up a schedule anywhere at home. And I didn't look for it. I assumed and you definitely know what happens then!
Total rookie mistake a veteran baseball mom like me shouldn't make. But it gave plenty of people a good laugh. (I haven't found the humor yet.) And, of course, it gave me something to blog about. Well past my bedtime.
By the way, the Reds (the real ones) did win the very late game 13-9. Good thing someone's paying attention!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Redneck Woman
I'm not saying I'm a Redneck Woman because I hung out at a race track for 5 hours on my day off. I'm saying I'm a very RED neck woman because I literally have a red neck, arms, face, legs, any body part exposed for those 5 hours. Ouch.
Yup, the blue jay on Blue Jay Drive officially declared it summer today! With a high of 88, we will agree. It has arrived. (For today anyway.)
I knew we were in for a hot one when it was super muggy already at 8:30 during my morning run. That was not a good time. Came home and kitty was wedged up to the screen door, soaking in as much sunshine as possible. If there's anyone who can give me a run for loving the most sun, it's her. She was not too happy when we closed up the house later to turn the air-conditioning on!
Before the race, 10 lucky young fans got to meet Colin and all the Super Late Model drivers and give them high-fives.
There's his new #44 car! We were pretty excited he qualified with the 3rd-fastest time. The race was 100 laps and, since I was there shortly after 1 p.m., I was quite toasted -- neck and all -- by the time his race started. I ended up moving around taking pictures to get some good angles. Unfortunately, Colin bumped into someone after a crash not involving him, and he got some damage.
You can see the damage here. He ended up leaving the race for some other mechanical reason. So we have another DNF (did not finish) on his record this year. It turned out to be a bad day for a lot of drivers. Of the 24 cars in that same race, only 15 ended up finishing it! Weird. Must have been the heat!
Despite my sunburn pain, we all trekked down to the Pits afterward to get his autograph (hey, the family still has to ask!).
Yup, the blue jay on Blue Jay Drive officially declared it summer today! With a high of 88, we will agree. It has arrived. (For today anyway.)
I knew we were in for a hot one when it was super muggy already at 8:30 during my morning run. That was not a good time. Came home and kitty was wedged up to the screen door, soaking in as much sunshine as possible. If there's anyone who can give me a run for loving the most sun, it's her. She was not too happy when we closed up the house later to turn the air-conditioning on! Jim and Carter had tournament team baseball practice at 6 p.m. so they wisely stayed home in the A/C and I was off to the races by myself. Don't worry, I've got my "racing family" of fans we always sit by so I knew I wouldn't be alone. Plus, my in-laws were going.
The races started at 3 p.m. but the time trials were at 1:15 p.m. So I got there at 1:10 p.m., just so I wouldn't miss our nephew Colin's qualifying. After taking some sketchy photos last week during the night race, I wanted to get some good photos today since it was guaranteed sunny out.
Before the race, 10 lucky young fans got to meet Colin and all the Super Late Model drivers and give them high-fives.
There's his new #44 car! We were pretty excited he qualified with the 3rd-fastest time. The race was 100 laps and, since I was there shortly after 1 p.m., I was quite toasted -- neck and all -- by the time his race started. I ended up moving around taking pictures to get some good angles. Unfortunately, Colin bumped into someone after a crash not involving him, and he got some damage.
You can see the damage here. He ended up leaving the race for some other mechanical reason. So we have another DNF (did not finish) on his record this year. It turned out to be a bad day for a lot of drivers. Of the 24 cars in that same race, only 15 ended up finishing it! Weird. Must have been the heat!
Despite my sunburn pain, we all trekked down to the Pits afterward to get his autograph (hey, the family still has to ask!). Then I came home and took a cool shower and yes, you don't have to guess... enjoyed just a spoonful or two of a cool treat! Ahh, summer...
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Extra, Extra
With this 3-day weekend, I had to treat one of the days as an "extra" -- as in "I should probably do something today I don't want to do because I'll still have a day off tomorrow." In other words, nothing too fun, that's for sure.
It probably didn't help, we slept in a bit and went to late church. That throws the Sunday schedule off by a few hours. After church, Carter and I had a little shopping to do so it was afternoon already when we got home.
I put on my old floral apron -- which I pretend transforms me into a domestic goddess -- and got to work. I "baked" potatoes on the grill after the brats were done, made a tasty grape salad and balled a watermelon. (Sounds funny, but I think that's what I did.) It was already 2 p.m. when I sat down to eat lunch but at least I got some things made for the week.
After that, I had to choose between 2 time-consuming projects. Since the weather was cool and somewhat sketchy, I chose the indoor one.
Basically, I spent several hours loading 5 months' worth of photos off our camera, saving them on our computer, uploading them unto the Walgreens website, ordering prints, them moving the photos off the computer onto a flash drive. Just a time-consuming, laborious project that had to get done so I could clear the camera off for more baseball and racing photos!
When supper was over, I decided to take a little 2-mile walk so I could at least get some exercise and fresh air. It was never really sunny out today or warm enough, for that matter, for me to worry that I was missing any deck chair time.
There are rumors, though, that tomorrow may be perfect for that. Something tells me that 4 or 5 hours at the race track will give me all the sun I need! Then I'll need an extra day again to recover!
Unfortunately, I won't get it.
It probably didn't help, we slept in a bit and went to late church. That throws the Sunday schedule off by a few hours. After church, Carter and I had a little shopping to do so it was afternoon already when we got home.
I put on my old floral apron -- which I pretend transforms me into a domestic goddess -- and got to work. I "baked" potatoes on the grill after the brats were done, made a tasty grape salad and balled a watermelon. (Sounds funny, but I think that's what I did.) It was already 2 p.m. when I sat down to eat lunch but at least I got some things made for the week.
After that, I had to choose between 2 time-consuming projects. Since the weather was cool and somewhat sketchy, I chose the indoor one.
Basically, I spent several hours loading 5 months' worth of photos off our camera, saving them on our computer, uploading them unto the Walgreens website, ordering prints, them moving the photos off the computer onto a flash drive. Just a time-consuming, laborious project that had to get done so I could clear the camera off for more baseball and racing photos!
When supper was over, I decided to take a little 2-mile walk so I could at least get some exercise and fresh air. It was never really sunny out today or warm enough, for that matter, for me to worry that I was missing any deck chair time.
There are rumors, though, that tomorrow may be perfect for that. Something tells me that 4 or 5 hours at the race track will give me all the sun I need! Then I'll need an extra day again to recover!
Unfortunately, I won't get it.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Helping Hands
We can't always measure our productivity by what we accomplish for ourselves. Sometimes it accumulates in what we do for others.
That's just my fancy way of saying we didn't do squat in our yard or house today, but we managed to lend a helping hand to a few others. So we don't feel too badly about it!
I got up before 8 -- not because I wanted to go running, but because the phone rang. Since I was up, I got dressed and did the longest run in my life -- 7 miles! And I lived to tell about it. Somehow you're going to get the false impression this is getting easy for me. It's not. But I'm always amazed I only need to walk when I am "scheduled" to and I don't run out of breath or cramp up in my legs or my side. I hope my slow progression of increased miles keeps that in check.
Got home from my run and Jim and Carter were already helping the neighbor across the street dig out some stumps from a handful of trees he recently cut down on purpose -- not from any storm damage. The guy next door was helping, too. When I later saw them carrying a ladder to fix a yard light for a guy down the street, I started to suspect this was going to be one of those guys' days where they keep finding projects to keep them out of the house and away from the women. It might have just been a coincidence -- but then I saw one guy changing the light bulb and 3 of them holding the ladder. I'm just sayin'...
I realize I still could have gotten started in our yard but after I showered, I didn't want to get dirty again. I had some errands to run and then we had a graduation party later. There's always tomorrow...
After the graduation party, we decided to drive around and tour some of the tornado damage from last Sunday. There are so many trees down! I kept thinking of my parents' yard after their tornado last year. It's just sickening.
Our tour ended up at an ice cream place. (Jim is learning!) So Carter and I were thrilled with that!
When we got home, some friends called and invited us over for supper and batting practice and a camp fire. What the heck, we might as well go there and ignore our yard some more!
I took my own car over there because I had to leave at 7 p.m. and head up to Stevens Point for a gathering with some very special friends. It was one of things where I set out to help someone else and, in the end, it ended up helping me. Funny how that works.
I like it.
Maybe we'll get to our weeds and planting tomorrow. If we don't, something tells me I'm not going to be that bothered by it. But if I see the guys walking around with that ladder again...
That's just my fancy way of saying we didn't do squat in our yard or house today, but we managed to lend a helping hand to a few others. So we don't feel too badly about it!
I got up before 8 -- not because I wanted to go running, but because the phone rang. Since I was up, I got dressed and did the longest run in my life -- 7 miles! And I lived to tell about it. Somehow you're going to get the false impression this is getting easy for me. It's not. But I'm always amazed I only need to walk when I am "scheduled" to and I don't run out of breath or cramp up in my legs or my side. I hope my slow progression of increased miles keeps that in check.
Got home from my run and Jim and Carter were already helping the neighbor across the street dig out some stumps from a handful of trees he recently cut down on purpose -- not from any storm damage. The guy next door was helping, too. When I later saw them carrying a ladder to fix a yard light for a guy down the street, I started to suspect this was going to be one of those guys' days where they keep finding projects to keep them out of the house and away from the women. It might have just been a coincidence -- but then I saw one guy changing the light bulb and 3 of them holding the ladder. I'm just sayin'...
I realize I still could have gotten started in our yard but after I showered, I didn't want to get dirty again. I had some errands to run and then we had a graduation party later. There's always tomorrow...
After the graduation party, we decided to drive around and tour some of the tornado damage from last Sunday. There are so many trees down! I kept thinking of my parents' yard after their tornado last year. It's just sickening.
Our tour ended up at an ice cream place. (Jim is learning!) So Carter and I were thrilled with that!
When we got home, some friends called and invited us over for supper and batting practice and a camp fire. What the heck, we might as well go there and ignore our yard some more!
I took my own car over there because I had to leave at 7 p.m. and head up to Stevens Point for a gathering with some very special friends. It was one of things where I set out to help someone else and, in the end, it ended up helping me. Funny how that works.
I like it.
Maybe we'll get to our weeds and planting tomorrow. If we don't, something tells me I'm not going to be that bothered by it. But if I see the guys walking around with that ladder again...
Friday, May 27, 2011
Gateway to Summer
Hello, Weekend. You have been a longtime coming! Not just because you are just any old weekend, but this one is considered the "official" beginning of summer. So let's get it started!
I know lots of peoplewho are traveling or camping or jamming their 3-days' schedule with activities. Knowing this is our last "free" weekend until August, we are not going to do that. And we (certainly not me) are not going to feel guilty about any lack of productivity!
Today was a great start -- to the weekend, not the slacking part.
This was Carter's last Friday of school so his summer vacation is right around the corner. Hubby enjoyed some beautiful sunny weather playing golf with a friend in Green Bay. I had a crazy busy day at work but didn't mind because "Summer Hours" started today -- that's that great perk of a 3 p.m. "dismissal" on Fridays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
It really is an appreciated bonus. It's nice for people traveling who want to hit the road early. It'll be great for our baseball tournaments that start Friday evenings in various cities in Wisconsin. And it's awesome to get home early and get my Saturday chores done on Friday night. OK, I probably won't keep that up too long, but it was nice tonight to get some things done so I can sleep in tomorrow and ease into day 1 of the 3-day weekend.
Carter and I had also talked about hitting some garage sales tomorrow but we'll see how that goes. Found out this evening my next-door neighbor is having one this weekend. I loaned her some tables in exchange for "renting space" and selling some of my books and Carter clothes left over from my spring sale with the babysitter. It was already organized and marked so I figured it was worth a shot.
Carter also is putting his old "too small" bike on there since he got a new one for his birthday. Right away he says, "I get the money for it!" I asked the neighbor if she figured I could get 10 bucks for it. When she said I mostly likely could, Carter says, "Put $12 on it!" He's a wheeler dealer already! (And we ended up putting $15 on it, but said we'd take $10.)
Hopefully, if he's still so profit minded, I can get him on another can-gathering walk this weekend. I saw some cans in the ditch on my new running route. Probably only 8 cents' worth, but every penny counts, right?
I just hope it's nice enough to get outside. Between rain showers and cool temps, it doesn't look too promising until Monday, but we'll make the best of it.
We better. I promised my deck chair some serious quality time!
I know lots of peoplewho are traveling or camping or jamming their 3-days' schedule with activities. Knowing this is our last "free" weekend until August, we are not going to do that. And we (certainly not me) are not going to feel guilty about any lack of productivity!
Today was a great start -- to the weekend, not the slacking part.
This was Carter's last Friday of school so his summer vacation is right around the corner. Hubby enjoyed some beautiful sunny weather playing golf with a friend in Green Bay. I had a crazy busy day at work but didn't mind because "Summer Hours" started today -- that's that great perk of a 3 p.m. "dismissal" on Fridays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
It really is an appreciated bonus. It's nice for people traveling who want to hit the road early. It'll be great for our baseball tournaments that start Friday evenings in various cities in Wisconsin. And it's awesome to get home early and get my Saturday chores done on Friday night. OK, I probably won't keep that up too long, but it was nice tonight to get some things done so I can sleep in tomorrow and ease into day 1 of the 3-day weekend.
Carter and I had also talked about hitting some garage sales tomorrow but we'll see how that goes. Found out this evening my next-door neighbor is having one this weekend. I loaned her some tables in exchange for "renting space" and selling some of my books and Carter clothes left over from my spring sale with the babysitter. It was already organized and marked so I figured it was worth a shot.
Carter also is putting his old "too small" bike on there since he got a new one for his birthday. Right away he says, "I get the money for it!" I asked the neighbor if she figured I could get 10 bucks for it. When she said I mostly likely could, Carter says, "Put $12 on it!" He's a wheeler dealer already! (And we ended up putting $15 on it, but said we'd take $10.)
Hopefully, if he's still so profit minded, I can get him on another can-gathering walk this weekend. I saw some cans in the ditch on my new running route. Probably only 8 cents' worth, but every penny counts, right?
I just hope it's nice enough to get outside. Between rain showers and cool temps, it doesn't look too promising until Monday, but we'll make the best of it.
We better. I promised my deck chair some serious quality time!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Slacking Off
It's that time of year when the last day of school is within sight and just about every student is gradually slacking off.... and closing their eyes, wishing it was here already. We have one of them living under our roof.
Carter is getting so anxious. I can't blame him. Most nights he's busy with baseball and doesn't want to be "bothered" with homework. (Will that last book ever get read, I wonder?) Plus, there's the fact the days are longer and it's "too light out" to go to bed.
I can almost feel sorry for him, but I don't.
I am completely jealous, though. Of him and Daddy.
Yup, hubby is taking off starting tomorrow and all next week. He's not really going anywhere, other than the golf course, but that's just what worked into his schedule. Unfortunately, it doesn't work into mine. We may work at the same place but we are in 2 completely different departments and have 2 completely different deadline schedules. Once in awhile we get a day or 2 off together if it coincides with some event or plans. But that's not going to work this time.
And yes, I am completely jealous if him!
At least we all get Monday off for Memorial Day.
I do hope Jim enjoys his time off and that Carter can suffer through these last 3 1/2 days of school OK. (He's done next Thursday at noon.) My hope is that I will have an ultra-productive 3 days at work next week and join those slackers on Friday.
Just like the school kids, I'm gonna close my eyes and wish it...
Carter is getting so anxious. I can't blame him. Most nights he's busy with baseball and doesn't want to be "bothered" with homework. (Will that last book ever get read, I wonder?) Plus, there's the fact the days are longer and it's "too light out" to go to bed.
I can almost feel sorry for him, but I don't.
I am completely jealous, though. Of him and Daddy.
Yup, hubby is taking off starting tomorrow and all next week. He's not really going anywhere, other than the golf course, but that's just what worked into his schedule. Unfortunately, it doesn't work into mine. We may work at the same place but we are in 2 completely different departments and have 2 completely different deadline schedules. Once in awhile we get a day or 2 off together if it coincides with some event or plans. But that's not going to work this time.
And yes, I am completely jealous if him!
At least we all get Monday off for Memorial Day.
I do hope Jim enjoys his time off and that Carter can suffer through these last 3 1/2 days of school OK. (He's done next Thursday at noon.) My hope is that I will have an ultra-productive 3 days at work next week and join those slackers on Friday.
Just like the school kids, I'm gonna close my eyes and wish it...
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Rain Check
It's hard to believe I am looking out the window at a pretty pink and blue sunset sky now when it's been raining for some 12 hours. Love how it stops just in time for the moon to show up, but not in time for any sporting events in our area anyway.
Part of me is not terribly bummed about having Carter's "40-some degrees out and 7:30 p.m. on a school night" game called off. I think you know why. But now we have no ball park action until next Tuesday night! What will we do with ourselves?
Probably become couch potatoes like we did this evening!
Tonight I got some groceries while hubby did a load of laundry and we both got to watch the season finale of a mutually favorite show, Modern Family. Laugh-out-loud funny as always!
Now I'm going to catch the finale of the season finale of American Idol. Don't hate me for jumping in at week 24 or whatever. I actually did see parts of about 3 or 4 episodes. I've heard the finalist Scotty sing before, but this was the first I heard Lauren, the other finalist sing. They are both talented. I think it doesn't really matter who wins. They both will go someplace in the entertainment biz.
They'll never be as famous as Oprah, though!
I know today was her last episode of her talk show. My work schedule has not allowed me to watch her much at all in the past 10 years or so. But I catch highlights once in awhile and know she's still trying to do some good and change lives. My only regret is not finishing my book in time to make it on her "Oprah's Book Club" list!
Meh. Who needs her?
Part of me is not terribly bummed about having Carter's "40-some degrees out and 7:30 p.m. on a school night" game called off. I think you know why. But now we have no ball park action until next Tuesday night! What will we do with ourselves?
Probably become couch potatoes like we did this evening!
Tonight I got some groceries while hubby did a load of laundry and we both got to watch the season finale of a mutually favorite show, Modern Family. Laugh-out-loud funny as always!
Now I'm going to catch the finale of the season finale of American Idol. Don't hate me for jumping in at week 24 or whatever. I actually did see parts of about 3 or 4 episodes. I've heard the finalist Scotty sing before, but this was the first I heard Lauren, the other finalist sing. They are both talented. I think it doesn't really matter who wins. They both will go someplace in the entertainment biz.
They'll never be as famous as Oprah, though!
I know today was her last episode of her talk show. My work schedule has not allowed me to watch her much at all in the past 10 years or so. But I catch highlights once in awhile and know she's still trying to do some good and change lives. My only regret is not finishing my book in time to make it on her "Oprah's Book Club" list!
Meh. Who needs her?
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
That's Entertainment
There are lots of little things we do to escape the stressors in our lives. Sometimes it's as simple as squeezing a stress ball at your desk or yelling "Serenity now!" Other times it works best to remove ourselves ... and get away somewhere for a little entertainment. It doesn't have to be far. It can be a ballpark or even the couch.
Today I went to both. Not that I need any stress relief with this perfect life of mine!
Since we had to pick Carter up in town after a late afternoon dentist appointment, we decided to stop at the ballpark and take in an Assumption Girls Softball game. Sometimes we just need to watch girls play. Plus we are personal fans of one of the girls on the team.
It was a great game. Despite some close calls, they pulled out a win. Fun stuff!
My other stress escape was an easy one.
Tonight, I reserved the couch from 8-9 p.m. -- hung up the proverbial "Do Not Disturb" sign -- and watched the season finale of Glee. Yes, it was good. But I was expecting more of an emotional roller coaster. Tears are a great way to pour out stress, you know! Still, it was great to sit and watch and be entertained for an hour. I only had to hang up on one person who dared disturb me, but I called him right back as soon as Glee was done.
Now I'll have to find another escape until my show resumes in the fall. I guess I can watch reruns all summer.
Or, for a more immediate taste of serenity, check the freezer to see what the Schwan's man left.
Today I went to both. Not that I need any stress relief with this perfect life of mine!
Since we had to pick Carter up in town after a late afternoon dentist appointment, we decided to stop at the ballpark and take in an Assumption Girls Softball game. Sometimes we just need to watch girls play. Plus we are personal fans of one of the girls on the team.
It was a great game. Despite some close calls, they pulled out a win. Fun stuff!
My other stress escape was an easy one.
Tonight, I reserved the couch from 8-9 p.m. -- hung up the proverbial "Do Not Disturb" sign -- and watched the season finale of Glee. Yes, it was good. But I was expecting more of an emotional roller coaster. Tears are a great way to pour out stress, you know! Still, it was great to sit and watch and be entertained for an hour. I only had to hang up on one person who dared disturb me, but I called him right back as soon as Glee was done.
Now I'll have to find another escape until my show resumes in the fall. I guess I can watch reruns all summer.
Or, for a more immediate taste of serenity, check the freezer to see what the Schwan's man left.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Damage Assessment
The more I learn about how damaging last night's storm was, the more grateful I am we escaped it.
Turns out the path closest to us -- the one that leveled at least one house and damaged about 35 more -- was about 4 "country blocks" away. So about 4 miles or less. Much too close for comfort!
I talked to Carter's old babysitters today since they were just north of it, too. As of this afternoon, they were still waiting for power. And it wasn't projected to be back on until tomorrow morning -- some 36 hours after the storm.
Why was the power out? Just south of them on 80th Street near Evergreen, where the confirmed tornado hit, 4 power poles were knocked over "like dominoes," she said. Not good at all.
I guess overall, there was a million dollars in damage estimated in the area south of Rapids. Yikes.
I am pretty grateful that the only thing I had to really worry about today was keeping the score book at the baseball game. This was my first go at it this season since I have worked concessions his previous 2 league games. I'm guessing I did a pretty good job. I gave us a 13-8 win!
Yay, Coach Austin and son!
Turns out the path closest to us -- the one that leveled at least one house and damaged about 35 more -- was about 4 "country blocks" away. So about 4 miles or less. Much too close for comfort!
I talked to Carter's old babysitters today since they were just north of it, too. As of this afternoon, they were still waiting for power. And it wasn't projected to be back on until tomorrow morning -- some 36 hours after the storm.
Why was the power out? Just south of them on 80th Street near Evergreen, where the confirmed tornado hit, 4 power poles were knocked over "like dominoes," she said. Not good at all.
I guess overall, there was a million dollars in damage estimated in the area south of Rapids. Yikes.
I am pretty grateful that the only thing I had to really worry about today was keeping the score book at the baseball game. This was my first go at it this season since I have worked concessions his previous 2 league games. I'm guessing I did a pretty good job. I gave us a 13-8 win!
Yay, Coach Austin and son!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
What the Hail?
Spent some unexpected quality time with the family tonight in my basement. Just an ending to a Sunday that saw quite the mixed bag of weather!
Was super sunny and warm this morning and early afternoon. Today was the Royal Event -- Assumption School's annual big fundraiser and entertainment day. The three of us joined a whole bunch of friends in the 3-mile walk to raise money for a scholarship fund we support. It was actually warm enough to sweat. Thankfully there was a nice breeze. And it was especially pretty along the Wisconsin River where the pink Hopa trees are in bloom.
Fast forward to 2 hours later. We are still at the school enjoying good food, good ice cream (that's in its own category), fun games and nice company. The sun has all but disappeared now. And the clouds are getting pretty dark. We decided to head home by 3 and got home just in time for the first major lightning and rain storm.
The sun came out a short time later and I made sure I got my running around done (grocery shopping, etc.) because we knew another line of storms was headed our way by supper time. Of course, as things tend to go, I have pork chops in the oven and they are set to get done in about 16 minutes when we hear the Tornado Warning for a storm that should hit us in 20 minutes. Should I just shut it off or do we grab it when it's done and bolt for the basement?
We chose plan B. There's something a little disconcerting about eating on TV trays in the basement, watching the radar on TV and seeing the storm get closer and closer, while hearing rain and hail pounding outside. Let me tell you, pork chops and corn are not my idea of the "last supper." Good thing we survived.
We know from early reports and hearing the many sirens that emergency personnel are dealing with something somewhere relatively close. But this is the extent of our "hit"...
A whole lotta hail! Nothing damaged or broken anywhere that we can tell.
Some of it was pretty big stuff! I would say mostly pea-sized but some bigger ones like this one...
And the bigger than eyeball-sized one...
And this almost golf ball-sized one that melted pretty fast while Carter was finding a golf ball for comparison.
We also got a small lake in our driveway. This has only happened when there's been a ton of snow melting in spring. Never like this from a rain storm!
Had some branches down in back. This one actually was driven right into the ground by the wind and was sticking up on its own.
This one was, too! Tells you there was some wicked winds blowing out there, too!
These 2 big branches were about it for tree damage. So not major at all on Blue Jay Drive anyway.
Was super sunny and warm this morning and early afternoon. Today was the Royal Event -- Assumption School's annual big fundraiser and entertainment day. The three of us joined a whole bunch of friends in the 3-mile walk to raise money for a scholarship fund we support. It was actually warm enough to sweat. Thankfully there was a nice breeze. And it was especially pretty along the Wisconsin River where the pink Hopa trees are in bloom.
Fast forward to 2 hours later. We are still at the school enjoying good food, good ice cream (that's in its own category), fun games and nice company. The sun has all but disappeared now. And the clouds are getting pretty dark. We decided to head home by 3 and got home just in time for the first major lightning and rain storm.
The sun came out a short time later and I made sure I got my running around done (grocery shopping, etc.) because we knew another line of storms was headed our way by supper time. Of course, as things tend to go, I have pork chops in the oven and they are set to get done in about 16 minutes when we hear the Tornado Warning for a storm that should hit us in 20 minutes. Should I just shut it off or do we grab it when it's done and bolt for the basement?
We chose plan B. There's something a little disconcerting about eating on TV trays in the basement, watching the radar on TV and seeing the storm get closer and closer, while hearing rain and hail pounding outside. Let me tell you, pork chops and corn are not my idea of the "last supper." Good thing we survived.
We know from early reports and hearing the many sirens that emergency personnel are dealing with something somewhere relatively close. But this is the extent of our "hit"...
A whole lotta hail! Nothing damaged or broken anywhere that we can tell.
Some of it was pretty big stuff! I would say mostly pea-sized but some bigger ones like this one...
And the bigger than eyeball-sized one...
And this almost golf ball-sized one that melted pretty fast while Carter was finding a golf ball for comparison.
We also got a small lake in our driveway. This has only happened when there's been a ton of snow melting in spring. Never like this from a rain storm!
Had some branches down in back. This one actually was driven right into the ground by the wind and was sticking up on its own.
This one was, too! Tells you there was some wicked winds blowing out there, too!
These 2 big branches were about it for tree damage. So not major at all on Blue Jay Drive anyway.We're feeling lucky. And hope God kept everyone else in the storm's path out of harm's way as well!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
No-pocalypse
I usually hate when the weather man is wrong. But I really love when the "World is Ending" man is!
Thankfully -- as expected by us faithful and reasonable folks -- the Apocalypse scheduled for today did not happen. That's fine by me. I was doing what I enjoyed anyway. Got to go out for a good 6-mile run. Did some garage sale-ing with my boy. And spent 5 hours at the ball park. Yup, I would have been going out in style!
I was worried for a little bit that something was up because our Internet was down from yesterday afternoon to this morning. That's why I couldn't get any pictures posted last night. But the Internet is now working and I have the famous pitching photos for you. They are all pretty blurry since it was early evening (and a nervous mother couldn't get her hands steady). I think you'll still get the idea...
Carter concentrates on his target at home plate.
Stepping back to get set for the pitch.
Almost grunting! A mighty pitch!
This one is completely blurry but I like that his teammate Brady is in focus and obviously smiling about the strikes!
Last part of the heave to the catcher.
Looking for the call from the ump. "He's outta here!"
Game over. Good game, good game...
That's a wrap on the season, guys!
Nice team photo of the 2011 Assumption Middle School Baseball team!
"No, I'm not gonna stop smiling about my pitching!!"
Thankfully -- as expected by us faithful and reasonable folks -- the Apocalypse scheduled for today did not happen. That's fine by me. I was doing what I enjoyed anyway. Got to go out for a good 6-mile run. Did some garage sale-ing with my boy. And spent 5 hours at the ball park. Yup, I would have been going out in style!
I was worried for a little bit that something was up because our Internet was down from yesterday afternoon to this morning. That's why I couldn't get any pictures posted last night. But the Internet is now working and I have the famous pitching photos for you. They are all pretty blurry since it was early evening (and a nervous mother couldn't get her hands steady). I think you'll still get the idea...
Carter concentrates on his target at home plate.
Stepping back to get set for the pitch.
Almost grunting! A mighty pitch!
This one is completely blurry but I like that his teammate Brady is in focus and obviously smiling about the strikes!Last part of the heave to the catcher.
Looking for the call from the ump. "He's outta here!"
Game over. Good game, good game...
That's a wrap on the season, guys!
Nice team photo of the 2011 Assumption Middle School Baseball team!
"No, I'm not gonna stop smiling about my pitching!!"I wouldn't either.
Friday, May 20, 2011
It's Not Whether You Win or Lose...
There's some truth to the old adage that "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game." I was reminded again tonight that there is still some fun to be had on the losing side. There can still be a positive experience.
We wrapped up our Assumption Middle School baseball season this afternoon with a double-header at home versus St. Pete's (from Stevens Point). Carter just couldn't seem to connect with the ball like he has been this week, but that is just a teeny tiny memory compared to what else happened.
First of all, I will spoil this and tell you we lost both games by a bunch. Just didn't want you to get your hopes up this was a come-from-behind rally for a victory.
In the second game, Carter got to play second base. He likes that. It keeps him on his toes and he did well with it. Then, the last inning I see him walking toward the pitcher's mound. What is he doing? He's never pitched on the "big field." Can he even throw it far enough to reach the plate? Oh boy. This could get embarrassing.
Watching him warm up, I was convinced this wasn't going to be pretty. But then, as it sometimes happens, I was pleasantly surprised.
First batter up. First pitch. Strike!
What? How did he do that?
Before I could register what was happening, he struck out -- yes, struck out -- the first batter.
Second batter up. First pitch. Strike!
What? Is this for real?
Before too many pitches were thrown, the second batter struck out, too!
Whose kid is that??
Third batter up. First pitch. Strike!
He's a rock star! Two balls, then the batter got a piece of it and hit a grounder to the infield. Carter scooped it up and threw him out at first! This half inning was all his!
He's totally a rock star now! Good thing those 7th-grade girls were there watching!
They couldn't rally in their last at bat, but that hardly mattered. Carter could not stop smiling. Neither could his mom! Too bad that was the last game of the season. And good thing there is plenty more playing time between his league team and tournament team. This summer is going to be fun!
After his games, we had to book it out to Golden Sands Speedway to see how our nephew Colin was faring in his debut. First race of the season in his new super late model #44.
Jim got out there before we did (and missed Carter's pitching debut) so he let us know Colin's good news right away. He qualified fast time! What an exciting night this was shaping up to be.
During the 75-lap feature, he worked his way up to 4th and we were looking at a top-5 finish for his first race. But the thing about racing (and every sport) is that it ain't over 'til it's over. His car had an electrical problem that put him out of the race with just 22 laps to go. Bummer!!
So sad for him but the crew was excited about his fast time and how well Colin was handling the car. There was plenty to be taken away from this night that can be applied to the next race.
Like I said, whether these 2 "kids" win or lose, this is going to be a fun summer!
We wrapped up our Assumption Middle School baseball season this afternoon with a double-header at home versus St. Pete's (from Stevens Point). Carter just couldn't seem to connect with the ball like he has been this week, but that is just a teeny tiny memory compared to what else happened.
First of all, I will spoil this and tell you we lost both games by a bunch. Just didn't want you to get your hopes up this was a come-from-behind rally for a victory.
In the second game, Carter got to play second base. He likes that. It keeps him on his toes and he did well with it. Then, the last inning I see him walking toward the pitcher's mound. What is he doing? He's never pitched on the "big field." Can he even throw it far enough to reach the plate? Oh boy. This could get embarrassing.
Watching him warm up, I was convinced this wasn't going to be pretty. But then, as it sometimes happens, I was pleasantly surprised.
First batter up. First pitch. Strike!
What? How did he do that?
Before I could register what was happening, he struck out -- yes, struck out -- the first batter.
Second batter up. First pitch. Strike!
What? Is this for real?
Before too many pitches were thrown, the second batter struck out, too!
Whose kid is that??
Third batter up. First pitch. Strike!
He's a rock star! Two balls, then the batter got a piece of it and hit a grounder to the infield. Carter scooped it up and threw him out at first! This half inning was all his!
He's totally a rock star now! Good thing those 7th-grade girls were there watching!
They couldn't rally in their last at bat, but that hardly mattered. Carter could not stop smiling. Neither could his mom! Too bad that was the last game of the season. And good thing there is plenty more playing time between his league team and tournament team. This summer is going to be fun!
After his games, we had to book it out to Golden Sands Speedway to see how our nephew Colin was faring in his debut. First race of the season in his new super late model #44.
Jim got out there before we did (and missed Carter's pitching debut) so he let us know Colin's good news right away. He qualified fast time! What an exciting night this was shaping up to be.
During the 75-lap feature, he worked his way up to 4th and we were looking at a top-5 finish for his first race. But the thing about racing (and every sport) is that it ain't over 'til it's over. His car had an electrical problem that put him out of the race with just 22 laps to go. Bummer!!
So sad for him but the crew was excited about his fast time and how well Colin was handling the car. There was plenty to be taken away from this night that can be applied to the next race.
Like I said, whether these 2 "kids" win or lose, this is going to be a fun summer!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
sMiles Per Hour
It dawned on me today that it was exactly 8 years ago when I waved goodbye to the daily grind of newspaper land and embarked on my first 45-mile commute to Iola.
Now, some 200,000 miles later, I'm wondering where the time went... How we managed to go through an entire car (a gas-friendly Honda, no less)... How many learning opportunities (read: changes) I've experienced on the job... How many wonderful people have touched my life... and How empty my life would be without them.
I'm also wondering how we managed to stay in Rapids for the boys -- first the big boys, now Carter -- and not move any closer, especially the first time (a few years ago) gas was up to 4 bucks a gallon. Now it's gone up to that critical level again and we are staying put.
You might think it's because we have the coolest neighbors on the planet... or that our jobs are so great, any mileage is worth it.
That may all be true, but I'll let you in on a little secret...
There's this really cute guy in my carpool... And I wouldn't want to do anything to short-change my 2 hours a day with that one!
Now, some 200,000 miles later, I'm wondering where the time went... How we managed to go through an entire car (a gas-friendly Honda, no less)... How many learning opportunities (read: changes) I've experienced on the job... How many wonderful people have touched my life... and How empty my life would be without them.
I'm also wondering how we managed to stay in Rapids for the boys -- first the big boys, now Carter -- and not move any closer, especially the first time (a few years ago) gas was up to 4 bucks a gallon. Now it's gone up to that critical level again and we are staying put.
You might think it's because we have the coolest neighbors on the planet... or that our jobs are so great, any mileage is worth it.
That may all be true, but I'll let you in on a little secret...
There's this really cute guy in my carpool... And I wouldn't want to do anything to short-change my 2 hours a day with that one!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Adventures in Leadership... and Baseball
It looks like our summer is quickly taking shape... around Carter's schedule, that is.
Actually, we couldn't be prouder of some news we recently received. One, Carter made the Rapids baseball tournament team again! Looking forward to 6 or 7 weekends of baseball. I'm serious, we love it! And so glad Carter's hard work in the batting cage this winter paid off.
The second bit of news was that he has been accepted into the new "Adventures in Leadership" program at the Iola fitness center this summer. Since he is 13, he is officially too old to go to the Kidz Camp child-care program. We weren't sure what we were going to do with him this summer so keep him active enough not to die of teen boredom. Then we heard they were starting this leadership program for teens going into 8th and 9th grade. They will learn skills like CPR and photography, but also help with the younger "kids" at the Kidz Camp while learning team leadership skills.
He had to fill out a lengthy application for this -- very lengthy in his mind -- and we let him fill it in his words, not ours, run-on sentences and all.
When asked "What are the top five things at which you are best?", he listed: Math, Band, Baseball, Soccer and making people laugh.
His greatest asset or strength? "My positive attitude. I'm easy to get along with because I'm smart, sensitive, friendly, and have a great sense of humor."
Sounds like my kid!
What does leadership mean to you? "To me, leadership means to be a good role model and setting good examples. It does not mean bossing people around, but working well with them, too."
I think we should hire him, don't you?
So our summer schedule looks like he'll commute to Iola with us Tuesday-Thursday, then we'll travel to tournaments Friday-Sunday. His Mondays are open. We had previously talked to someone about babysitting a day a week. I asked him, "Would you still want to babysit on Mondays if that's your only free day?"
"Well, Mom, how else am I gonna make money?"
Oh boy, this summer will be an adventure, indeed!
And personally, I can't wait.
Actually, we couldn't be prouder of some news we recently received. One, Carter made the Rapids baseball tournament team again! Looking forward to 6 or 7 weekends of baseball. I'm serious, we love it! And so glad Carter's hard work in the batting cage this winter paid off.
The second bit of news was that he has been accepted into the new "Adventures in Leadership" program at the Iola fitness center this summer. Since he is 13, he is officially too old to go to the Kidz Camp child-care program. We weren't sure what we were going to do with him this summer so keep him active enough not to die of teen boredom. Then we heard they were starting this leadership program for teens going into 8th and 9th grade. They will learn skills like CPR and photography, but also help with the younger "kids" at the Kidz Camp while learning team leadership skills.
He had to fill out a lengthy application for this -- very lengthy in his mind -- and we let him fill it in his words, not ours, run-on sentences and all.
When asked "What are the top five things at which you are best?", he listed: Math, Band, Baseball, Soccer and making people laugh.
His greatest asset or strength? "My positive attitude. I'm easy to get along with because I'm smart, sensitive, friendly, and have a great sense of humor."
Sounds like my kid!
What does leadership mean to you? "To me, leadership means to be a good role model and setting good examples. It does not mean bossing people around, but working well with them, too."
I think we should hire him, don't you?
So our summer schedule looks like he'll commute to Iola with us Tuesday-Thursday, then we'll travel to tournaments Friday-Sunday. His Mondays are open. We had previously talked to someone about babysitting a day a week. I asked him, "Would you still want to babysit on Mondays if that's your only free day?"
"Well, Mom, how else am I gonna make money?"
Oh boy, this summer will be an adventure, indeed!
And personally, I can't wait.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Tee for Two
Had a date today with my Prince Charming, enjoying "tee" for two at the Lake Arrowhead Golf Course, just south of us in the town of Rome-ance. We saw a deal we couldn't pass up and, after seeing the forecast for 60+ and sunny, we decided to take the day off and enjoy ourselves.
We played the Lakes course (there are 2 others there) so there was plenty of water and plenty of people, too. We had to wait pretty often but that beats sitting in the office, right?
I realized this was the first time I'd even touched my clubs in 9 months. So I was rusty. And let me tell you, the long par 5's were even longer today!
We ended up keeping our windbreakers on for most of the day. Very windy, which kept it a bit cool. Still got plenty of sun, though, on our pasty-white legs!
There were some pretty holes with water fountains and...
plenty of sand, too! I ended up losing 4 balls today between the water and woods. But that didn't spoil the mood one bit.
I had a few shots I was happy with, but overall, I played like it was my first time out, so that was expected. I also was wearing my Twins hat -- hoping for good luck -- but I played as poorly as they are these days! (Not to mix sports or anything.)
Turned out to be a great "date" -- with waterfalls and everything! When we were done golfing, we got another treat. I just "happened to know a place" that sells good hard ice cream down in Rome. So after 18 holes of sunny golf, I got my Blueberry Waffle Cone fix, too!What a day!
The only downer was the baseball game later, where the Royals got smoked by East Junior High. I guess they had to lose some time. At least I know there's plenty more baseball to be had this summer.
And hopefully, a lot more golf, too!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner
Dateline MARSHFIELD -- Fresh off a weekend that started with 2 wins in Auburndale, the Assumption Middle School took another double-header... this time handing it to the Marshfield Tigers 14-2, and 7-6. Yay!
I was just happy that it was a nice sunny day for picture-taking! It could have been a bit warmer, but I'll take a slightly cool wind over just about every other weather scenario we've had this spring baseball season.
Carter was hot at the bat today. He struck out once but then hit the ball the other 4 times he was up. Twice he made it to base, once he grounded out and the final at bat he hit a flyball to center. The centerfielder caught it, but that was a nice hit!
My excitement was catching his first hit on "film". Look at that action!
Here he stands on first, waiting for a chance to steal.
Did I mention my son was vertically challenged? Those junior high kids come in all shapes and sizes!
Looking for a chance to run home. He looks fast anyway.
In the second game, he got to play 2nd base. He did OK there. No mistakes but was on the receiving end of some bad throws. That's how that goes.
He certainly looks ready for anything.
This guy was stealing second and Carter was waiting for the ball. Somehow a collision was avoided! Not too many bumps and bruises to brag about today.
Got the picture and got to thinking that maybe the full moon gave our Royals their extra energy today. Hey, whatever works. Let's bottle it and save it. We've still got 6 more games between now and Saturday!
I was just happy that it was a nice sunny day for picture-taking! It could have been a bit warmer, but I'll take a slightly cool wind over just about every other weather scenario we've had this spring baseball season.
Carter was hot at the bat today. He struck out once but then hit the ball the other 4 times he was up. Twice he made it to base, once he grounded out and the final at bat he hit a flyball to center. The centerfielder caught it, but that was a nice hit!
My excitement was catching his first hit on "film". Look at that action!
Here he stands on first, waiting for a chance to steal.
Did I mention my son was vertically challenged? Those junior high kids come in all shapes and sizes!
Looking for a chance to run home. He looks fast anyway.
In the second game, he got to play 2nd base. He did OK there. No mistakes but was on the receiving end of some bad throws. That's how that goes.
He certainly looks ready for anything.
This guy was stealing second and Carter was waiting for the ball. Somehow a collision was avoided! Not too many bumps and bruises to brag about today.Just nice to get 2 more wins and yes, with the winner, winner, comes the chicken dinner... at KFC in Marshfield. Got home after 8 p.m. and my fun wasn't over yet. Saw the moon rising over the trees so had hubby drop me off by a farm field on the way home.
Got the picture and got to thinking that maybe the full moon gave our Royals their extra energy today. Hey, whatever works. Let's bottle it and save it. We've still got 6 more games between now and Saturday!Let's hope the great weather and the winning keep comin'.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
I'd Buy That
Anyone who's watched the Super Bowl -- and who hasn't? -- knows the power of advertising. People, millions of them, look forward to the commercials as much as the football game itself. If the ad succeeds, they win big. If they fail, well, they still get talked about.
It isn't that way with every PR campaign.
In his sermon today, our pastor threw out some ad slogans to see if we recognized them. The ones we didn't had been "failures" for brands that still do well for themselves (KFC and Coke). But I felt the power of advertising when I heard "Where's the beef?" and without hesitation knew, 25 years after that campaign had ended, that it was for Wendy's.
The question for us in the congregation was how are we promoting, marketing and carrying God's message? His story? Based on my "campaign," would a person recognize me as a Christian now and, hopefully, 25 years from now?
It gave us plenty to think about, that's for sure. And, not surprisingly, the subject came up again later.
This afternoon, because it was a relatively warm and sunny day, Carter and I decided to go on another can-collecting mission. There were some ditches on my run yesterday that I noticed had cans littered in them.
So we walked in the sunshine, picking up a few soda cans but mainly beer cans. Cheap beer and old school beer. I knew some people still drank Pabst Blue Ribbon, but Hamm's? I did not even know they still made that!
I picked up the can and naturally couldn't help but start to sing the old theme song from the commercials. C'mon, you know it, too... From the land of sky-blue waters...
Well I got a big eye roll from Carter. "Mom, how could you still know that?" I tried to explain that I was probably his age or younger when the commercials were on, but they had a cartoon bear and, as a kid, you really weren't thinking it was a beer commercial. Just more of a, well, bear commercial.
We really can't deny the power of advertising, can we?
The question we need to ask ourselves, though, is are we sending the right message?
It isn't that way with every PR campaign.
In his sermon today, our pastor threw out some ad slogans to see if we recognized them. The ones we didn't had been "failures" for brands that still do well for themselves (KFC and Coke). But I felt the power of advertising when I heard "Where's the beef?" and without hesitation knew, 25 years after that campaign had ended, that it was for Wendy's.
The question for us in the congregation was how are we promoting, marketing and carrying God's message? His story? Based on my "campaign," would a person recognize me as a Christian now and, hopefully, 25 years from now?
It gave us plenty to think about, that's for sure. And, not surprisingly, the subject came up again later.
This afternoon, because it was a relatively warm and sunny day, Carter and I decided to go on another can-collecting mission. There were some ditches on my run yesterday that I noticed had cans littered in them.
So we walked in the sunshine, picking up a few soda cans but mainly beer cans. Cheap beer and old school beer. I knew some people still drank Pabst Blue Ribbon, but Hamm's? I did not even know they still made that!
I picked up the can and naturally couldn't help but start to sing the old theme song from the commercials. C'mon, you know it, too... From the land of sky-blue waters...
Well I got a big eye roll from Carter. "Mom, how could you still know that?" I tried to explain that I was probably his age or younger when the commercials were on, but they had a cartoon bear and, as a kid, you really weren't thinking it was a beer commercial. Just more of a, well, bear commercial.
We really can't deny the power of advertising, can we?
The question we need to ask ourselves, though, is are we sending the right message?
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Fresh Air
Remember when our kids were little and after playing outside all day, we'd say, "Oooh, all that fresh air! They're gonna sleep good tonight!"
That's me tonight, alright.
For the weather being about as crappy as possible, I managed to spend a good deal of time outdoors today.
Carter had his third and last Saturday session of "basketball camp" at the high school from 8:30-10 a.m. While the boys were gone, I did my Saturday morning chores of sweeping, dusting and vacuuming. When I saw the Weather Channel say it was going to be raining steady for most of the day (thankfully they were wrong), I figured I better get out for my long run of the week.
The plan is to do my normal 3-4 mile runs during the week but on Saturday or Sunday do one long run -- and that will progressively get longer each week during training. Today I did 6 miles. I've only done that one other time and that was a 10K race I did last fall. It didn't feel too bad. I stuck with my pace plan and all that and was pretty pleased with how it went. (Thank you, Lady Gaga and Gloria Gaynor for getting me through it!)
After I got home, I showered quick and met the guys over at the Kellner ball fields, where the Assumption girls softball team was hosting a tournament. Every once in awhile I need a testosterone break and need to watch "girly" stuff!
So I arrived just in time for the end of Assumption's first game. Since it was starting to drizzle, we decided to head home and return for the next game at 2 p.m. I used my time wisely and got grocery shopping done and some errands in town. It was too darn cold and windy to even stop at any garage sales. That's not right.
We went back for the afternoon game and bundled up under blankets to watch our girls kick some butt. After that, it was just too windy and cold to stay for a second game. That's not right either.
I think the combination of a little wind burn and the process of warming up to a toasty level just wiped me out. I could have gone to bed at 5 o'clock!
Now, I've spent 2 hours on the couch with no ambition and really, no reason I have to stay up late. I think we're all going to sleep good tonight. I just wonder who's going to carry me from the couch to my bed...
That's me tonight, alright.
For the weather being about as crappy as possible, I managed to spend a good deal of time outdoors today.
Carter had his third and last Saturday session of "basketball camp" at the high school from 8:30-10 a.m. While the boys were gone, I did my Saturday morning chores of sweeping, dusting and vacuuming. When I saw the Weather Channel say it was going to be raining steady for most of the day (thankfully they were wrong), I figured I better get out for my long run of the week.
The plan is to do my normal 3-4 mile runs during the week but on Saturday or Sunday do one long run -- and that will progressively get longer each week during training. Today I did 6 miles. I've only done that one other time and that was a 10K race I did last fall. It didn't feel too bad. I stuck with my pace plan and all that and was pretty pleased with how it went. (Thank you, Lady Gaga and Gloria Gaynor for getting me through it!)
After I got home, I showered quick and met the guys over at the Kellner ball fields, where the Assumption girls softball team was hosting a tournament. Every once in awhile I need a testosterone break and need to watch "girly" stuff!
So I arrived just in time for the end of Assumption's first game. Since it was starting to drizzle, we decided to head home and return for the next game at 2 p.m. I used my time wisely and got grocery shopping done and some errands in town. It was too darn cold and windy to even stop at any garage sales. That's not right.
We went back for the afternoon game and bundled up under blankets to watch our girls kick some butt. After that, it was just too windy and cold to stay for a second game. That's not right either.
I think the combination of a little wind burn and the process of warming up to a toasty level just wiped me out. I could have gone to bed at 5 o'clock!
Now, I've spent 2 hours on the couch with no ambition and really, no reason I have to stay up late. I think we're all going to sleep good tonight. I just wonder who's going to carry me from the couch to my bed...
Friday, May 13, 2011
Blogger Down!
Whew! I survived that past 48 hours without you!
And this wasn't your ordinary kidnapping either. I was held hostage by a technology I had no control over. In other words, the main website that hosts my blog -- and a million others -- was down due to some technical difficulties that I think lasted about 24 hours longer than they anticipated.
It was tough not to blog last night. I sat down at the computer with the most inspirational thoughts at the tips of my fingers, but alas, they had nowhere to go. Oh sure, I could have typed them up and saved them. But then the Schwan's man rang the doorbell and all thoughts (but one) went out the window....
A few things to report:
Yesterday was the warmest day of the year! Sunny and 70s! Awesome! I went for a run over lunch hour. Took a new route so I could get 4 miles in. This one goes near a lake, sort of. Close enough that for the first time in my "fabled" running career I was the hare instead of the tortoise! And I was grateful I could outrun that ferocious turtle. He was huge. I suspected he might have been a snapping turtle but I didn't hang around to find out. As far as I know, he's across that road by now but he did not beat me to the finish line.
In the late afternoon and evening we were hit with sporadic wicked storms. Carter still managed to get through his school baseball practice then tryouts later for the Rapids Rage 12-and-under tournament team (They take your age as of April 30 so even though he turned 13 the next day, he tried out for the 12U team). Hopefully we'll know in a few days how he did!
This morning, it being Friday the 13th and all, Carter overslept and I expected we might be in for an unlucky day. But that was it. He got to the bus on time, we went to work and the rain held off for a double-header baseball game over in Auburndale.
It was still very windy and cold (especially after yesterday's heat wave), but the kids played well. I was sitting with cold purple toes since my shoes and socks got wet in the super-soggy grass. But hey, it's not about me and my comfort.
We won the first game and then the second game looked like it was going Auburndale's way. But in the last inning, down 7-2, our boys rallied big time with 6 runs to win 8-7! Whoo-hoo! How exciting! It almost made us forget we were cold!
I vowed I would not need ice cream for 24 hours and just wanted to get home to turn my blanket on. But then we stopped at Chip's hamburger joint on the way home and would you believe they have mint shakes there? All year round? Not just St. Patty's Day? Well I was still cold but really, how could I pass that up?
I was almost relieved it didn't taste as good as McDonald's. Otherwise I'd be finding excuses to get over to the west side of town. We don't need that.
The last thing I need is to have my readers fear that the next time my blog goes missing it's because I've fallen off the wagon. And landed in a deep-freeze somewhere... surrounded by gallon containers and a big scoop...
And this wasn't your ordinary kidnapping either. I was held hostage by a technology I had no control over. In other words, the main website that hosts my blog -- and a million others -- was down due to some technical difficulties that I think lasted about 24 hours longer than they anticipated.
It was tough not to blog last night. I sat down at the computer with the most inspirational thoughts at the tips of my fingers, but alas, they had nowhere to go. Oh sure, I could have typed them up and saved them. But then the Schwan's man rang the doorbell and all thoughts (but one) went out the window....
A few things to report:
Yesterday was the warmest day of the year! Sunny and 70s! Awesome! I went for a run over lunch hour. Took a new route so I could get 4 miles in. This one goes near a lake, sort of. Close enough that for the first time in my "fabled" running career I was the hare instead of the tortoise! And I was grateful I could outrun that ferocious turtle. He was huge. I suspected he might have been a snapping turtle but I didn't hang around to find out. As far as I know, he's across that road by now but he did not beat me to the finish line.
In the late afternoon and evening we were hit with sporadic wicked storms. Carter still managed to get through his school baseball practice then tryouts later for the Rapids Rage 12-and-under tournament team (They take your age as of April 30 so even though he turned 13 the next day, he tried out for the 12U team). Hopefully we'll know in a few days how he did!
This morning, it being Friday the 13th and all, Carter overslept and I expected we might be in for an unlucky day. But that was it. He got to the bus on time, we went to work and the rain held off for a double-header baseball game over in Auburndale.
It was still very windy and cold (especially after yesterday's heat wave), but the kids played well. I was sitting with cold purple toes since my shoes and socks got wet in the super-soggy grass. But hey, it's not about me and my comfort.We won the first game and then the second game looked like it was going Auburndale's way. But in the last inning, down 7-2, our boys rallied big time with 6 runs to win 8-7! Whoo-hoo! How exciting! It almost made us forget we were cold!
I vowed I would not need ice cream for 24 hours and just wanted to get home to turn my blanket on. But then we stopped at Chip's hamburger joint on the way home and would you believe they have mint shakes there? All year round? Not just St. Patty's Day? Well I was still cold but really, how could I pass that up?
I was almost relieved it didn't taste as good as McDonald's. Otherwise I'd be finding excuses to get over to the west side of town. We don't need that.
The last thing I need is to have my readers fear that the next time my blog goes missing it's because I've fallen off the wagon. And landed in a deep-freeze somewhere... surrounded by gallon containers and a big scoop...
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Stuck in Park
I don't know which is more disturbing -- the fact that I am sitting in the church parking lot stealing free wireless from some unsecure network in the neighborhood, or the fact I just offered to take my pastor golfing in Iola this summer when I know that it is physically impossible for me not to golf without cursing.
Hmm. I suppose if I was something other than Lutheran, I'd figure I was going to Hell for either one of the two -- or both. Instead, I'll just write an inspiring blog while I'm sitting here and that oughta make up for it.
Right?
Seriously, I have an hour to kill and I already gassed up the car and picked up a loaf of bread. I must keep typing or my mind (and perhaps my legs or even the car) will wander over to Dairy Queen 2 blocks away. We can't have that.
I gotta hold out for the good stuff at King Cone.
What? You thought you were witnessing a rare display of willpower? Sorry to disappoint.
But I do need to get back on that King Cone Diet to lose some weight before swimsuit season. I seriously don't know how it worked, but I managed to have my ice cream and eat it too -- and lost weight last summer and fall. Suddenly, with months of "closed for winter" signs in my head, I find myself back in Fluff Land and I need to do something. My body is stuck in Park and it needs to get in gear.
All dairy talk aside, it feels good to have nice enough weather so I can run outside and get back into logging some miles each week. Today, on my "off' day, I went to the fitness center to do strength training. I need to cross-train, as they call it, so my whole body can somehow get in shape and somehow, 4 months from now, survive a half-marathon!
Well, I had to let the cat out of the bag sometime! Now that I said it, I will have to do it! I seriously am excited about it and already registered for it. At first this was just going to be an adventure for a friend of mine from church and me. Now, there are a handful of ladies from work doing it, too. Total support network every where. Look out, Fox Cities!
While I am pretty sure my body couldn't handle 13.1 miles right now, I'll get there gradually. I'll just keep thinking my Tortoise and Hare mantra -- you go slow, you go far.
Plus, the extra training coupled with the King Cone Diet will get me in smashing shape in no time! Stay tuned will I shift into gear!
Hmm. I suppose if I was something other than Lutheran, I'd figure I was going to Hell for either one of the two -- or both. Instead, I'll just write an inspiring blog while I'm sitting here and that oughta make up for it.
Right?
Seriously, I have an hour to kill and I already gassed up the car and picked up a loaf of bread. I must keep typing or my mind (and perhaps my legs or even the car) will wander over to Dairy Queen 2 blocks away. We can't have that.
I gotta hold out for the good stuff at King Cone.
What? You thought you were witnessing a rare display of willpower? Sorry to disappoint.
But I do need to get back on that King Cone Diet to lose some weight before swimsuit season. I seriously don't know how it worked, but I managed to have my ice cream and eat it too -- and lost weight last summer and fall. Suddenly, with months of "closed for winter" signs in my head, I find myself back in Fluff Land and I need to do something. My body is stuck in Park and it needs to get in gear.
All dairy talk aside, it feels good to have nice enough weather so I can run outside and get back into logging some miles each week. Today, on my "off' day, I went to the fitness center to do strength training. I need to cross-train, as they call it, so my whole body can somehow get in shape and somehow, 4 months from now, survive a half-marathon!
Well, I had to let the cat out of the bag sometime! Now that I said it, I will have to do it! I seriously am excited about it and already registered for it. At first this was just going to be an adventure for a friend of mine from church and me. Now, there are a handful of ladies from work doing it, too. Total support network every where. Look out, Fox Cities!
While I am pretty sure my body couldn't handle 13.1 miles right now, I'll get there gradually. I'll just keep thinking my Tortoise and Hare mantra -- you go slow, you go far.
Plus, the extra training coupled with the King Cone Diet will get me in smashing shape in no time! Stay tuned will I shift into gear!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Glee -- Live!
I was a little hesitant to go to the Assumption Spring Choir Concert tonight because one, I knew the only reason Carter wanted to go was to either watch or sit by girls, and two, there was a new episode of Glee on tonight.
The part of me that still wanted to hold onto that "Best Mom" title one more day won out.
And I'm so glad we went.
Besides seeing some friends, the concert was tailored for a gal like me. Three '80s songs -- including Toto's Africa (not kidding) -- and the show choir performing Journey's Don't Stop Believing with all the music and moves totally ripped off of Glee.
But I didn't mind a bit. It was like seeing a live version of Glee. (But since I did miss the real episode, no spoilers about who got to be prom king and queen until I can watch it in the morning!)
So while Carter enjoyed himself with his gaggle of girls, I had a good time and, as usual, recalled my own concert choir days in junior high and high school -- especially when we did some off the wall songs that garnered laughs and applause.
Maybe show choir is making a bit of a resurgance thanks to Mr. Schuster, Rachel, Finn and the gang. I for one enjoy the occasional wicked night of Glee karaoke on the Wii. (Oops, did I type that?!)
Keep the music alive!
The part of me that still wanted to hold onto that "Best Mom" title one more day won out.
And I'm so glad we went.
Besides seeing some friends, the concert was tailored for a gal like me. Three '80s songs -- including Toto's Africa (not kidding) -- and the show choir performing Journey's Don't Stop Believing with all the music and moves totally ripped off of Glee.
But I didn't mind a bit. It was like seeing a live version of Glee. (But since I did miss the real episode, no spoilers about who got to be prom king and queen until I can watch it in the morning!)
So while Carter enjoyed himself with his gaggle of girls, I had a good time and, as usual, recalled my own concert choir days in junior high and high school -- especially when we did some off the wall songs that garnered laughs and applause.
Maybe show choir is making a bit of a resurgance thanks to Mr. Schuster, Rachel, Finn and the gang. I for one enjoy the occasional wicked night of Glee karaoke on the Wii. (Oops, did I type that?!)
Keep the music alive!
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Day After
The day after Mother's "weekend" is a downer.
Had to make my own breakfast. Had to go to work and do my own job. Then had to watch the rain fall all afternoon, thus canceling baseball, thus canceling my first opportunity to use my new GPS. Phooey.
The only upside was that I no longer had a scheduling conflict with my church book study on The Shack. So I got to hang out at the coffee house for 90 minutes, sharing time with people who, just like me, happen to love reading and God.
It was a great discussion and I feel lucky my friend Christine is doing this with me. She's a reader, too, and we swap books all the time. We both read at least 2 books a week and, frankly, I'm surprised neither one of us has thought about a book club -- I mean starting one!
See, you give a mom some free time on the weekend and she starts thinking of ways to fill it.
It's nice to have a free evening, too, but I would hope Mother Nature would just get over herself and not give us rainy days all the time. It's hard to keep up a winning streak when we're not playing, lady.
Perhaps she's in a bad mood because she didn't have as nice a Mother's Day as me.
But then, how could she?
Had to make my own breakfast. Had to go to work and do my own job. Then had to watch the rain fall all afternoon, thus canceling baseball, thus canceling my first opportunity to use my new GPS. Phooey.
The only upside was that I no longer had a scheduling conflict with my church book study on The Shack. So I got to hang out at the coffee house for 90 minutes, sharing time with people who, just like me, happen to love reading and God.
It was a great discussion and I feel lucky my friend Christine is doing this with me. She's a reader, too, and we swap books all the time. We both read at least 2 books a week and, frankly, I'm surprised neither one of us has thought about a book club -- I mean starting one!
See, you give a mom some free time on the weekend and she starts thinking of ways to fill it.
It's nice to have a free evening, too, but I would hope Mother Nature would just get over herself and not give us rainy days all the time. It's hard to keep up a winning streak when we're not playing, lady.
Perhaps she's in a bad mood because she didn't have as nice a Mother's Day as me.
But then, how could she?
Sunday, May 8, 2011
New Directions
You know it's going to be a good Mother's Day when your hubby makes breakfast reservations. At the kitchen table. And serves you up the Mother's Day Special -- Eggs Benedict.
That's how the past several Mother's Days have started so yes, I've come to expect it. And yes, I am spoiled.
But I deserve it, right?
Carter was very excited for me to open my card and present before going to church. I can see why. He made the card himself and even wrote all the mushy stuff:
20 years from now, it won't matter....
The jeans you bought,
The car you drove,
The sneakers you had,
The phone you used,
The hairstyle you had.
The ONLY thing that will matter is that YOU are the best mom ever!
Mom: This is for you so you can find me wherever life leads me. Thanks for giving me direction, even when I think I don't need it.
Love, Carter
Am I the only one crying? Then I opened my present and it was a Garmin GPS! Wow, he's right. I will be able to find him wherever life leads him!
I really didn't need anything else to happen to make it a perfect Mother's Day. But more did, of course...
Came home from church and hubby had installed a new screen door on the front deck. We've needed a new one for years and that is what i actually asked for. Still need to make some adjustments to get that project done, but it's the thought that counts!
Was able to enjoy some time in the sun again since we had temps of 66 degrees. Got to read in my lounge chair for an hour. (Happy Mother's Day, Mother Nature!)
Talked to my 79-year-old mother who is recovering today after doing a Cancer Walk in Luck yesterday. She mailed out 270 letters asking for donations to help "stamp" out cancer and single-handedly raised $2,788, making her the second-highest fundraiser. Way to go, Mom! My brother and 2 of my sisters also did the walk with her. Very cool.
Carter and I had some mother-son time late this afternoon when we took an 8-mile bike ride. Basically, we biked to the lake and pedaled the same trail I ran yesterday. It's a heckuva lot easier to bike than run, but enjoyable either way.
After we got back, we went to see Jim's parents and brought a card and cake (from our church fundraiser) for his mom. Came home and grilled burgers for supper. Yum. I am actually too full for ice cream!
But it's early yet. Mother's Day doesn't get over until midnight.
Hope your day was as special as mine!
That's how the past several Mother's Days have started so yes, I've come to expect it. And yes, I am spoiled.
But I deserve it, right?
Carter was very excited for me to open my card and present before going to church. I can see why. He made the card himself and even wrote all the mushy stuff:
20 years from now, it won't matter....
The jeans you bought,
The car you drove,
The sneakers you had,
The phone you used,
The hairstyle you had.
The ONLY thing that will matter is that YOU are the best mom ever!
Mom: This is for you so you can find me wherever life leads me. Thanks for giving me direction, even when I think I don't need it.
Love, Carter
Am I the only one crying? Then I opened my present and it was a Garmin GPS! Wow, he's right. I will be able to find him wherever life leads him!
I really didn't need anything else to happen to make it a perfect Mother's Day. But more did, of course...
Came home from church and hubby had installed a new screen door on the front deck. We've needed a new one for years and that is what i actually asked for. Still need to make some adjustments to get that project done, but it's the thought that counts!
Was able to enjoy some time in the sun again since we had temps of 66 degrees. Got to read in my lounge chair for an hour. (Happy Mother's Day, Mother Nature!)
Talked to my 79-year-old mother who is recovering today after doing a Cancer Walk in Luck yesterday. She mailed out 270 letters asking for donations to help "stamp" out cancer and single-handedly raised $2,788, making her the second-highest fundraiser. Way to go, Mom! My brother and 2 of my sisters also did the walk with her. Very cool.
Carter and I had some mother-son time late this afternoon when we took an 8-mile bike ride. Basically, we biked to the lake and pedaled the same trail I ran yesterday. It's a heckuva lot easier to bike than run, but enjoyable either way.
After we got back, we went to see Jim's parents and brought a card and cake (from our church fundraiser) for his mom. Came home and grilled burgers for supper. Yum. I am actually too full for ice cream!
But it's early yet. Mother's Day doesn't get over until midnight.
Hope your day was as special as mine!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Mother's Eve
If there is Christmas Eve before Christmas Day, there might as well be Mother's Eve before Mother's Day. That gives us ladies an extra day of pampering and doing what we love to do but rarely get time.
Today I was lucky to do all kinds of things I liked -- running, sunning, rummage sale-ing and more.
This morning was the Jigsaw Run around Lake Wazeecha. The reason it's called the "Jigsaw" is because this is a benefit for Autism and Autism is such a puzzle. I think it can also be called the "Jigsaw" because the race trail winds and wends its way around the lake, back and forth and up and down. It's the up and down that killed me.
This is the third year of the event, which drew roughly 600 runners and walkers. This was my first time doing it since Carter usually had soccer in previous years. This was also my first 6K, which boils down to 3.7 miles. Not a big deal. But again, I cannot stress how unprepared I was for all the little but annoyingly painful hills.
The Desperate Housewives of Blue Jay Drive made another appearance. Cindy and Niki both ran it last year. I was hoping to finish in 40 minutes or less, but closer to 37 minutes -- since that would be my typical pace of 10-minute miles.
Here I am almost at the finish. It was a nice day for the run -- temp-wise. It was about 52 but very windy around the lake. I struggled at times, but right towards the end I sucked it up and finished strong, passing about 6 people in the last quarter mile! (That's why I'm smiling.)
I finished at 37:32 -- a little slower than 10-minute miles, but I was OK with that for my first effort. I see some hill training in my future if I am going to do races like this again. (Tomorrow I might feel differently.)After the race, there was even more fun to be had.
Carter had some baseball scrimmages at the Kellner fields so I stopped there for a little while before venturing out to the Kellner-area garage sales. I think ended going to 9. Whoa. Did not realize that until I just counted that in my head. Only came away with a dozen books for me, two shirts for Carter and 3 PS2 games for him -- they were only $2 each so I splurged on him.
Got home in time to enjoy some sun time. It was higher than 60 and sunny so I caught a few rays in my lounge chair. The guys got home around 4 and ran up to Stevens Point -- something about a Mother's Day present...
Now they are likely going to go in the Man Cave next door and watch the Celtics. So am free to have the couch AND remote to myself. Think I'll pop in a total chick flick. Hmmm, Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing, 27 Dresses, Mamma Mia... Good thing this is my most stressful decision on Mother's Day eve!
Next decision: Popcorn or ice cream?
I think I'll go with popcorn for supper and ice cream for dessert. (Mom's can break all the rules!)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Play Dates
I remember when Carter was "little" and he'd have friends over to play. It was so easy to impress them with pizza and something special like root beer floats (or hot chocolate with marshmallows in the winter). I liked those days.
Flash forward to today.
Carter called from school to say he didn't have baseball so he'd be riding home on the bus. "(Friend X) wants to know if he can come over and stay overnight." Since Carter has basketball practice at 8:30 in the morning, I said no to the sleepover. I said his friend could ride the bus with Carter and come over for awhile, though, and we'd take him home at 8:30 tonight. So that was the plan.
Later, we were only halfway home from work when Carter called again. This time he asked if some other kid who lives a mile away could come over, too. Some other kid I'd not only never met but never even heard of. I said sure, but he could only stay until supper time. I was not prepared to feed a bunch of extras. (Seriously, I wasn't sure what was in the house to feed these boys.)
By the time we get home, there are 3 shirtless teens playing hoops and it's a testosterone festival in the driveway -- conveniently in view of 2 seventh-grade girls outside next door. Ahh, boys!
These "play dates" sure are different. For one, Carter's play mates are taller than me! Two, they don't need me (or want me) to entertain them. They do their best to be in a different area of the house or outside -- which is fine on a nice day like today. They actually went for a bike ride after supper! Boys + exercise = girls, I'm guessing.
They still try to get away with something -- like when they were little. This time, Carter was sure we'd let him watch an R-rated movie just because he has a friend over. No way, kiddo. You just graduated to PG-13! (And no, I don't care what other mothers do.)
I guess I better get used to this new idea of a play date. The one thing I like is that I still have to drive his friends home. That'll change before I know it. And definitely before I'm ready.
Flash forward to today.
Carter called from school to say he didn't have baseball so he'd be riding home on the bus. "(Friend X) wants to know if he can come over and stay overnight." Since Carter has basketball practice at 8:30 in the morning, I said no to the sleepover. I said his friend could ride the bus with Carter and come over for awhile, though, and we'd take him home at 8:30 tonight. So that was the plan.
Later, we were only halfway home from work when Carter called again. This time he asked if some other kid who lives a mile away could come over, too. Some other kid I'd not only never met but never even heard of. I said sure, but he could only stay until supper time. I was not prepared to feed a bunch of extras. (Seriously, I wasn't sure what was in the house to feed these boys.)
By the time we get home, there are 3 shirtless teens playing hoops and it's a testosterone festival in the driveway -- conveniently in view of 2 seventh-grade girls outside next door. Ahh, boys!
These "play dates" sure are different. For one, Carter's play mates are taller than me! Two, they don't need me (or want me) to entertain them. They do their best to be in a different area of the house or outside -- which is fine on a nice day like today. They actually went for a bike ride after supper! Boys + exercise = girls, I'm guessing.
They still try to get away with something -- like when they were little. This time, Carter was sure we'd let him watch an R-rated movie just because he has a friend over. No way, kiddo. You just graduated to PG-13! (And no, I don't care what other mothers do.)
I guess I better get used to this new idea of a play date. The one thing I like is that I still have to drive his friends home. That'll change before I know it. And definitely before I'm ready.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Overtime
Ever notice that over time, things change?
You know you've been seeing your chiropractor too long when he gives you a flower for Mother's Day...
Dr. Tom and I figured it out this morning, and I've been seeing him off and on for 12 years. Even after I said, "And you still haven't fixed me yet?!" he gave me a pink carnation. Technically, I've seen him more in those 12 years than any family member! And we've vicariously watched each other's kids grow up. So I guess we are close. Plus he's a Twins and Vikings fan.
Maybe next time I should be giving him flowers! Father's Day is just around the corner...
Over time, things change.
You know you're getting old when you prefer a siesta over a fiesta on Cinco de Mayo...
I don't know what it is about Americans putting their heart and soul into holidays that have absolutely no connection to us. But there is never a shortage of green beer on St. Patty's Day and I suspect margaritas and mucho cervezas will be flowing tonight. Personally, if I were to adopt any part of the Mexican culture, it would be their daily nap time. Gotta love a schedule with a built-in siesta. Yup, a power nap right around 2:30 p.m. would suit me just fine...
Over time, things change.
You know you're going senile when you can't remember anything unless it's written on the calendar...
With all these rain-outs and snow-outs for baseball, our calendar is a complete mess and I really don't know what's going on from one day to the next. Tonight I finally was home to make supper and had the spaghetti and fixings all ready when Jim and Carter got home from baseball practice. But they had an extra kid with them and their plan did not involve my perfectly formed meatballs I labored so hard ... to get out of the bag.
That didn't stop me from eating my supper while they swung their bats outside. I was nice and kept all the food warm for them and kept their milk cold in the freezer. (I spoil them.) That was when I stumbled upon something else I forgot. I still had my leftover Mini Cadbury Egg ice cream from Belt's in the freezer! I guess being senile has its perks.
Over time, things change.
But it's not all bad!
You know you've been seeing your chiropractor too long when he gives you a flower for Mother's Day...
Dr. Tom and I figured it out this morning, and I've been seeing him off and on for 12 years. Even after I said, "And you still haven't fixed me yet?!" he gave me a pink carnation. Technically, I've seen him more in those 12 years than any family member! And we've vicariously watched each other's kids grow up. So I guess we are close. Plus he's a Twins and Vikings fan.
Maybe next time I should be giving him flowers! Father's Day is just around the corner...
Over time, things change.
You know you're getting old when you prefer a siesta over a fiesta on Cinco de Mayo...
I don't know what it is about Americans putting their heart and soul into holidays that have absolutely no connection to us. But there is never a shortage of green beer on St. Patty's Day and I suspect margaritas and mucho cervezas will be flowing tonight. Personally, if I were to adopt any part of the Mexican culture, it would be their daily nap time. Gotta love a schedule with a built-in siesta. Yup, a power nap right around 2:30 p.m. would suit me just fine...
Over time, things change.
You know you're going senile when you can't remember anything unless it's written on the calendar...
With all these rain-outs and snow-outs for baseball, our calendar is a complete mess and I really don't know what's going on from one day to the next. Tonight I finally was home to make supper and had the spaghetti and fixings all ready when Jim and Carter got home from baseball practice. But they had an extra kid with them and their plan did not involve my perfectly formed meatballs I labored so hard ... to get out of the bag.
That didn't stop me from eating my supper while they swung their bats outside. I was nice and kept all the food warm for them and kept their milk cold in the freezer. (I spoil them.) That was when I stumbled upon something else I forgot. I still had my leftover Mini Cadbury Egg ice cream from Belt's in the freezer! I guess being senile has its perks.
Over time, things change.
But it's not all bad!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Martha Knows Best
Except for the whole prison thing, I admire Martha Stewart and her sense of creativity -- even though it can add precious minutes, even hours, to make something move beyond the classification of "just average."
I often wondered how the heck she got all that done. Then I remembered. She had a whole arsenal of assistants to help. I am often reminded of this after a major baking binge when hubby kindly inquires, "Hey, Martha, you waiting for your TV crew to clean this up?"
Oh how I wish I had one!
Tonight I was relieved to get home before 8 p.m. the first time this week. But then I remembered I had to get 4 cakes baked for a Mother's Day cake fundraiser at a our church. So I got right on that!
Yes, the magnet on the fridge still screams: "Stop me before I volunteer!" But this is to help offset Carter's Confirmation Camp costs so I couldn't turn this down.
So while cakes #3, #4, #5 and #6 of the week are cooling, I'll have to tell you that cake #1 -- Carter's birthday Dirt Cake -- was quite delicious. And cake #2 -- my "made-up" Thailand dessert for Carter's social studies presentation -- was a hit with the kids, he said. Excellent.
Do you notice a common theme here -- besides the fact I am living, breathing Cake Boss? All these cakes are for Carter, in one way or another. How does that work? He's right. I am the world's greatest mom!
I just won't tell him that the reason I was late picking him up at baseball practice was my "detour" to King Cone for their Blueberry Waffle Cone ice cream! Naw, no need to tell him.
I'll consider it my Martha Money!
I often wondered how the heck she got all that done. Then I remembered. She had a whole arsenal of assistants to help. I am often reminded of this after a major baking binge when hubby kindly inquires, "Hey, Martha, you waiting for your TV crew to clean this up?"
Oh how I wish I had one!
Tonight I was relieved to get home before 8 p.m. the first time this week. But then I remembered I had to get 4 cakes baked for a Mother's Day cake fundraiser at a our church. So I got right on that!
Yes, the magnet on the fridge still screams: "Stop me before I volunteer!" But this is to help offset Carter's Confirmation Camp costs so I couldn't turn this down.
So while cakes #3, #4, #5 and #6 of the week are cooling, I'll have to tell you that cake #1 -- Carter's birthday Dirt Cake -- was quite delicious. And cake #2 -- my "made-up" Thailand dessert for Carter's social studies presentation -- was a hit with the kids, he said. Excellent.
Do you notice a common theme here -- besides the fact I am living, breathing Cake Boss? All these cakes are for Carter, in one way or another. How does that work? He's right. I am the world's greatest mom!
I just won't tell him that the reason I was late picking him up at baseball practice was my "detour" to King Cone for their Blueberry Waffle Cone ice cream! Naw, no need to tell him.
I'll consider it my Martha Money!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
On the Bright Side
After watching the snow fall all day outside my window at work (I wish I was kidding), I figured we were in for a crappy day. But we shouldn't let Mother Nature define our day, should we?
Just in time for Carter's baseball game, the snow stopped (not that it ever "stuck" during the day) and the sun came out. That was a good omen...
After some previous walks and strikeouts, Carter had his first real HIT of the baseball season. He also made an out catching a fly ball in right. And Assumption Middle School chalked up their first win! Yay!
Since just about half of the players are also band members, there was a quick transition from the baseball field to the Performing Arts Center for their evening concert. Some of the guys changed in cars on the way over. We were fortunate Jim's parents live close by the field we played at, so we stopped there and had a quick bowl of homemade soup and Carter changed.
It was a very nice Spring Band Concert, held at the huge Performing Arts Center to give kids some real "stage" experience!
Here Carter plays a few numbers with the Jazz Band. His band instructor recruited him about a month ago. She said she needed his "low brass" and she was confident he could learn the music quickly and do well. And he did. When there are only a handful of people playing, you have to be spot on. And we was. (Very proud mom moment!)
The whole Middle School Band played 3 songs and later the middle schoolers got to join with the High School Band for one song. Nicely done. Of course, the highlight for me was an '80s music montage by the high schoolers. I don't think it was universally appreciated as much as it should have been! But that's just my opinion. And it certainly didn't steal the spotlight from my teenager.
Even if I was the only one who noticed him!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Brought To You By The Letter B
Besides the fact that I have been saying, "Brrr" for several hours, it seems that B words have made up my entire day...
Bin Laden: Obviously, I was tucked into bed and sound asleep by the time the Osama bin Laden news broke last night. When I heard it this morning, I honestly had no reaction. I think the newspaper reporter in me was skeptical about believing it when there is no "body" of evidence. I eventually got to read some details on this this afternoon and am a little more convinced he's really dead. However, this achievement is like successfully stopping one leak in a dam when water is spewing out in several places. It doesn't stop the other activity. But hopefully, it is a good start.
Baseball: The "Brrr"-ing started this afternoon at the cold and windy baseball game. You know what's worse than sitting huddled under blankets in 36-degree temps and watching baseball? Sitting huddled under blankets in 36-degree temps and seeing your team get smoked. Again. 10-nothing. Again. Poor Carter did not have a good outing. Never got on base. But then, not many teammates did, either. Oh well, it was a chance to travel down to Port Edwards so I at least know where the field is next time. Thankfully, I had an excuse to leave early...
Book: My pastor is conducting a book study over three Mondays on The Shack. I left the baseball game a bit early so I could pick up my friend Christine and head to the coffee house. It was great to see about 20 people show up for this! I read the book a year ago or so and enjoyed it. Learned a lot then. Now, going through it a second time and discussing it, I am getting even more out of it. Due to baseball conflicts, I may not get to participate fully in the next two Monday discussions. I'm going to try, though. It's definitely a worthwhile read. You're free to borrow my copy when this is done, too!
Baking: For some reason, Carter enjoys volunteering to make or bake things as part of class presentations -- even though his volunteering means mother's time and energy. So he needs a "Thailand dessert" for social studies. I tried to find the easiest thing possible but this will still be a two-night process because I got home around 8:30 from the book study and just pulled the bars out of the oven 10 minutes ago. I'm not staying up 'til these "Pineapple Dream Bars" cool completely so I can add the glaze. I will have to do that tomorrow night when I allegedly have more time and energy -- after another baseball game, followed by a band concert. Does it help that Carter hugged me and said I was the best mom in the world? A little bit. But not quite enough.
Right now I just want one more B word... Bed!
Bin Laden: Obviously, I was tucked into bed and sound asleep by the time the Osama bin Laden news broke last night. When I heard it this morning, I honestly had no reaction. I think the newspaper reporter in me was skeptical about believing it when there is no "body" of evidence. I eventually got to read some details on this this afternoon and am a little more convinced he's really dead. However, this achievement is like successfully stopping one leak in a dam when water is spewing out in several places. It doesn't stop the other activity. But hopefully, it is a good start.
Baseball: The "Brrr"-ing started this afternoon at the cold and windy baseball game. You know what's worse than sitting huddled under blankets in 36-degree temps and watching baseball? Sitting huddled under blankets in 36-degree temps and seeing your team get smoked. Again. 10-nothing. Again. Poor Carter did not have a good outing. Never got on base. But then, not many teammates did, either. Oh well, it was a chance to travel down to Port Edwards so I at least know where the field is next time. Thankfully, I had an excuse to leave early...
Book: My pastor is conducting a book study over three Mondays on The Shack. I left the baseball game a bit early so I could pick up my friend Christine and head to the coffee house. It was great to see about 20 people show up for this! I read the book a year ago or so and enjoyed it. Learned a lot then. Now, going through it a second time and discussing it, I am getting even more out of it. Due to baseball conflicts, I may not get to participate fully in the next two Monday discussions. I'm going to try, though. It's definitely a worthwhile read. You're free to borrow my copy when this is done, too!
Baking: For some reason, Carter enjoys volunteering to make or bake things as part of class presentations -- even though his volunteering means mother's time and energy. So he needs a "Thailand dessert" for social studies. I tried to find the easiest thing possible but this will still be a two-night process because I got home around 8:30 from the book study and just pulled the bars out of the oven 10 minutes ago. I'm not staying up 'til these "Pineapple Dream Bars" cool completely so I can add the glaze. I will have to do that tomorrow night when I allegedly have more time and energy -- after another baseball game, followed by a band concert. Does it help that Carter hugged me and said I was the best mom in the world? A little bit. But not quite enough.
Right now I just want one more B word... Bed!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Rated PG-13
Hard to believe that it's been 13 years already since this little angel entered our lives! Yes, we are now the proud parents of a teenager. And yes, we've been warned about what happens next! For now, let's focus on the positive...As far as birthdays go, it is harder each year to really surprise Carter for his birthday. He tends to get what he wants and clearly remembers what he asked for. This year was no different. He wanted a bike and even test-drove a few with me. But that's not what he opened this morning.
We had a yummy butter braid for breakfast and he wanted to open the gift bag on the table. So we let him open some baseball stuff he bought with Dad at Wal-Mart yesterday and then opened his Polito's t-shirt he picked out last night. That was it. He was clearly disappointed but we did not indicate at all that he was getting anything more. Poor kid.
Went to late church since he had to acolyte today. No break for your birthday. Then stopped to pick up the pizza for his party later. His afternoon was blessed with phone calls from aunts, babysitters and the entire middle school basketball team -- girls team, that is. They were apparently out to eat and wanted to give a shout. Yes, there is definitely a teenager in the house.
At one point, we had Carter go to the next-door neighbors for something just so we could get his new bicycle out of from hiding in the Scrap Cave and up into our bedroom on the main floor -- just so it would be easier to access later.
Jim's parents and sister came mid-afternoon, along with our friends Mike and Christine. Had pizza for supper, then it was onto some gifts.
He was wearing his new Polito's t-shirt so at least we know that was a nice gift. When Daddy rolled out the bike, though, he was completely surprised.
And pretty happy about it, too! This is an adult-size bike so the last one we'll be buying for him, anyway.
Didn't take him long to get his shoes on and take if for a test drive. This is his first bike with gears so this will take a bit getting used to. Frankly, it was just too darn cold and windy today for me to stand out there and show him. Another time when it feels more like May!
After the gift opening, he got a phone call from a friend to go batting practice so it didn't take him long to blow out candles (all but one!) and ditch the party. We couldn't blame him, really. There were no kids at our party and there looked to be at least one "teenage" girl playing ball.I guess we better get used to this!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
