I guess if tomorrow's the big day for just about every kid in Wisconsin, I guess tonight is School's Eve or something.
To celebrate the festive occasion we went to... school! Where else?
Tonight after football practice, there was Middle School orientation at Assumption. Carter got his new locker and combination -- and promptly stuffed it (in an organized fashion, of course) with tons of school supplies needed for 8th grade. Yikes, 8th grade!
Then we got to have brief meeting with all the 7th- and 8th-graders and their parents to meet the new principal and hear about any new rules, etc. Before it started, Carter was sitting by all the boys. I was surprised when he came over to sit by us. "Don't you want to sit with all your friends?" I asked. "No, I'm fine," he says.
I was busy shuffling papers in the information folder and the next time I look up, he's already moved away from me. Conveniently landing in a group of girls! Did I think for a moment this school year would be any different? I shouldn't have.
He's a smooth one.
Got home in time to fill out a bunch of forms, wash some football items and get the backpack packed. That's when Carter just about broke down in tears. "Summer's really over?!"
Well, I guess. I mean you go to school 2 days. Then you have a 3-day weekend. Then just a 4-day school week. I think you'll ease into this.
Let's hope the homework and friendly phone calls don't pile up any faster either.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Black & White
I didn't know it then, but I was born during a turbulent time in the late '60s. As a nation we were fighting enemies in other countries and fighting each other on U.S. soil. Sadly, it was more than 100 years after the Civil War and we were still treating Blacks like second-class citizens.
And getting away with it.
Any time I read or view news coverage or stories (fiction and non) about that time period, I am ashamed at our behavior. Really ashamed. And sad. Sure we've made progress, but we have so far to go. We are still so judgmental. Maybe it's not Black & White now, maybe now it's Rich & Poor or Gays & Straight or Republicans & Democrats.
Trust me, I'm not casting any stones. I was just reminded of all this again tonight.
My girlfriend and I went to see the movie The Help. We've both been wanting to read the book but haven't gotten our hands on it yet. So to break from our usual behavior, we saw the movie first.
I won't spoil it. All I can tell you is that it is all kinds of excellent. Really excellent.
Without giving it away, the previews will tell you, too, this is a story set in the 1960s when Black people were hired to work in White people's homes as "the help." One of the main characters is a girl like me, working as a journalist but aspiring to be a novelist. She decides maybe her big story is actually their story.
That's all I'm going to say. Just see it. If you do anything before Summer draws to a close in the next week or so, go see The Help.
The only thing about it you might not like is what it does to you. It makes you think. And makes you wonder. Are we still judging people by the color of their skin? Do we judge people for other reasons?
Can we stop?
I don't know, but I had a good talk with God on the drive home. It's certainly something I'll strive for.
And getting away with it.
Any time I read or view news coverage or stories (fiction and non) about that time period, I am ashamed at our behavior. Really ashamed. And sad. Sure we've made progress, but we have so far to go. We are still so judgmental. Maybe it's not Black & White now, maybe now it's Rich & Poor or Gays & Straight or Republicans & Democrats.
Trust me, I'm not casting any stones. I was just reminded of all this again tonight.
My girlfriend and I went to see the movie The Help. We've both been wanting to read the book but haven't gotten our hands on it yet. So to break from our usual behavior, we saw the movie first.
I won't spoil it. All I can tell you is that it is all kinds of excellent. Really excellent.
Without giving it away, the previews will tell you, too, this is a story set in the 1960s when Black people were hired to work in White people's homes as "the help." One of the main characters is a girl like me, working as a journalist but aspiring to be a novelist. She decides maybe her big story is actually their story.
That's all I'm going to say. Just see it. If you do anything before Summer draws to a close in the next week or so, go see The Help.
The only thing about it you might not like is what it does to you. It makes you think. And makes you wonder. Are we still judging people by the color of their skin? Do we judge people for other reasons?
Can we stop?
I don't know, but I had a good talk with God on the drive home. It's certainly something I'll strive for.
Monday, August 29, 2011
A Bit Premature
We all hope our children will make good, sound, mature decisions as they age. It's sort of a crap shoot really. I mean sometimes they are oh so mature, you stick your chest out with pride. "That's MY kid!" you say.
Other times, though, they can act so premature.
Yup, that's right pre-mature.
Take these two youngsters in our front yard...
Don't you think it's a bit premature to be sporting fall colors?! Someone needs to tell them it's so NOT fashionable to be wearing those colors BEFORE Labor Day! Seriously, take a closer look...
Yes, pretty to look at -- but just not this early!
Other times, though, they can act so premature.
Yup, that's right pre-mature.
Take these two youngsters in our front yard...
Don't you think it's a bit premature to be sporting fall colors?! Someone needs to tell them it's so NOT fashionable to be wearing those colors BEFORE Labor Day! Seriously, take a closer look...
Yes, pretty to look at -- but just not this early! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love fall. But when temps dip into the 40s like they did last night and we get this fashion show out front, I'm not happy. Believe me, if this is a sign of things to come (and it usually is and it usually does) then I'll be like a squirrel gathering nuts for winter.... savoring every drop of sunshine I can find in the coming weeks.
Listen, kids... er, trees. I'm not about to put my white shoes away just yet. So you can hold off on your post-Labor Day rituals, too.
Please. Just a little while...
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Steps in the Right Direction
Since Carter was home last week by himself, I pretty much said there was only one thing he had to get done in his "free time"... Clean his room.
Yes, that is a multi-day project. And yes, he wisely broke it up in little increments so it wouldn't seem so overwhelming.
On Day One, he cleaned out his dresser, removing all pants, socks and underwear that no longer fit. Some that haven't fit since kindergarten! On Day Two, he proudly proclaimed, "I can do homework on my desk now!" And on Day Three, he hit the jackpot: "I can see my floor!"
Of course, evil Mom with the critical eye cannot see much of a difference. Sort of like he pushed the "piles" out to the edge of the room. Granted, very neat piles.
But I didn't say anything. I am pleased he is taking some steps in the right direction. Also pleased he bagged everything up for me so I can either mark it for the annual spring garage sale or give it to Goodwill or toss it.
Today I decided to do my part of the project. But before I could sit inside messing with that fun stuff, I made sure I got my sunshine and some steps of my own.
Hubby took a long walk this morning so while he was out, I ran 4 miles, stopped home and saw Carter was still sleeping (at 10:30!) then grabbed a cold water bottle and walked until I met hubby on the road so we could finish up together.
"There. Now I won't feel bad about sitting inside today." Part of it, too, was that I had borrowed some movies from a girlfriend -- mainly for Carter -- but I wanted to see one before I took them back to her today.
So after lunch, hubby and I became the last two Americans to see the movie The Blind Side. And absolutely loved it! I bet you're thinking we sure don't watch movies very often if we're that far behind the times. And you're right.
I was glad to finally see it. And before the final credits rolled, multi-tasking me was glad to price up all the clothes headed for the garage sale box.
Of course, by then it was much too late in the afternoon to even think about starting another "clearing house" project, so I sat on the deck and finished a book.
It might feel gratifying taking some steps in the de-cluttering direction, but it sure feels good to soak up some Summer while it's here!
Baby steps...
Yes, that is a multi-day project. And yes, he wisely broke it up in little increments so it wouldn't seem so overwhelming.
On Day One, he cleaned out his dresser, removing all pants, socks and underwear that no longer fit. Some that haven't fit since kindergarten! On Day Two, he proudly proclaimed, "I can do homework on my desk now!" And on Day Three, he hit the jackpot: "I can see my floor!"
Of course, evil Mom with the critical eye cannot see much of a difference. Sort of like he pushed the "piles" out to the edge of the room. Granted, very neat piles.
But I didn't say anything. I am pleased he is taking some steps in the right direction. Also pleased he bagged everything up for me so I can either mark it for the annual spring garage sale or give it to Goodwill or toss it.
Today I decided to do my part of the project. But before I could sit inside messing with that fun stuff, I made sure I got my sunshine and some steps of my own.
Hubby took a long walk this morning so while he was out, I ran 4 miles, stopped home and saw Carter was still sleeping (at 10:30!) then grabbed a cold water bottle and walked until I met hubby on the road so we could finish up together.
"There. Now I won't feel bad about sitting inside today." Part of it, too, was that I had borrowed some movies from a girlfriend -- mainly for Carter -- but I wanted to see one before I took them back to her today.
So after lunch, hubby and I became the last two Americans to see the movie The Blind Side. And absolutely loved it! I bet you're thinking we sure don't watch movies very often if we're that far behind the times. And you're right.
I was glad to finally see it. And before the final credits rolled, multi-tasking me was glad to price up all the clothes headed for the garage sale box.
Of course, by then it was much too late in the afternoon to even think about starting another "clearing house" project, so I sat on the deck and finished a book.
It might feel gratifying taking some steps in the de-cluttering direction, but it sure feels good to soak up some Summer while it's here!
Baby steps...
Saturday, August 27, 2011
The Sky's the Limit
Since today is the last Saturday of summer -- in the mind of a child going to school in a few days -- I asked Carter if there was anything special he wanted to do. Anything. Or I'd come up with a few things.
After a successful early morning appointment at the eye doctor, he said he wouldn't mind heading down to the Adams Flea Market (about a half hour away). "Mom, do you realize we haven't been there all summer?" OK, we don't always go there. Just happened that when we did last year, he started his license plate collection there with a plate from Alaska. So he was on a mission to find another plate -- which he did -- and I was looking for something for my upcoming sister weekend -- which I found.
We actually had a fun time looking at stuff and pondering buying cool crap we don't need. Carter did find some light thing to hang in his room. The tag was asking for $8 or $9. I said, "Why don't you see if they'll take $5 for it." They did! He felt very proud of that moment. In fact, later when he paid "full price" for something, he said, "Well look at how much I saved on that light. It all evens out." I guess.
On the way home, we had to stop at a good ice cream place (yes, I have one in every county). Then it was a little relaxing on the deck, a short bike ride and a trip into town to the annual Children's Miracle Network Balloon Rally.
There was supposed to be a 6 p.m. launch but it was too windy so the balloons that were there stayed on the ground and a few that took off north of town landed. So we got a few pictures (naturally).
Coming in for a landing at the airport -- Alexander Field -- where the crowds were.
Love how colorful the balloons are!
And creative, too. See the fish bowl? Cute.
I also saw some neat photo opportunities facing the setting sun.
Kind of neat silhouette shots!
When I was taking a picture of Carter with a balloon in the background -- way in the background -- that's when I was hit with another creative moment.
Mirror, mirror, on the wall...
Cool, eh? I thought so. I think Carter was happy to be my model... as long as he got cheese curds and a snow cone out of the gig! (Yup, a day with mom means lots of spoiling.)Since they didn't have the launch, we didn't stay all that long. We went home so Jim and I could go back for a "date" and listen to a band playing there. A friend of ours is the guitarist. So we listened to Surrender Dorothy and watched fireworks at the rally. Huge, huge crowd and we saw quite a few people we know.
Got home and Carter was still up, claiming he missed us. Between my two dates with guys today, I feel pretty loved!
That's what makes for good sleeping weather :)
Friday, August 26, 2011
Final Lap
Tonight our nephew Colin wrapped up his first "full time" season in the Super Late Model division (that's the fast one) at Golden Sands Speedway.
It has been a lot of fun watching his success this year as he really got acquainted with his new, fast car and realized what he could do with it! Tonight he qualified 3rd in time and finished the final feature of the season in 7th place. It was an exciting race and he was as far up as 3rd, 4th and 5th at times, but it was hard to hold onto.
They didn't have official results, but he may have wrapped up the season 3rd in points. Not too shabby at all! We're very proud of him.
Funny that his season is just taking its final lap and lots of other sports are just starting. We had a tailgating party at work today to celebrate the Brewers' hot season and kick off football for the Badgers, the Packers and yes, even the Vikings -- I say that because one employee was wearing an Adrian Peterson jersey, so it counted. (There also were 2 Bears fans so I wasn't the only one who went out on a limb.)
There was food and games and prizes. We took part in all of that and still managed to get out of work on time -- 3 p.m. -- for our last early-release "summer hours" Friday!
Got home in time to change into racing gear, fan gear that is, and go pick up Carter from football practice. He has had a tough, challenging and rewarding week. He may be a bit bruised and sore, but he is liking football. We'll get back to you on that in a week after his first game!
For now, let's have some fun and get the next sports season rolling...
It has been a lot of fun watching his success this year as he really got acquainted with his new, fast car and realized what he could do with it! Tonight he qualified 3rd in time and finished the final feature of the season in 7th place. It was an exciting race and he was as far up as 3rd, 4th and 5th at times, but it was hard to hold onto.
They didn't have official results, but he may have wrapped up the season 3rd in points. Not too shabby at all! We're very proud of him.
Funny that his season is just taking its final lap and lots of other sports are just starting. We had a tailgating party at work today to celebrate the Brewers' hot season and kick off football for the Badgers, the Packers and yes, even the Vikings -- I say that because one employee was wearing an Adrian Peterson jersey, so it counted. (There also were 2 Bears fans so I wasn't the only one who went out on a limb.)
There was food and games and prizes. We took part in all of that and still managed to get out of work on time -- 3 p.m. -- for our last early-release "summer hours" Friday!
Got home in time to change into racing gear, fan gear that is, and go pick up Carter from football practice. He has had a tough, challenging and rewarding week. He may be a bit bruised and sore, but he is liking football. We'll get back to you on that in a week after his first game!
For now, let's have some fun and get the next sports season rolling...
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Geek Squad
I'm not sure how I earned the reputation, but I am the live-in Geek Squad at our house. (Don't worry Steve Jobs, even when you're gone, I can't touch Apple or find my way around a Mac!)
But somehow, I can "fix" the PC/computer when it doesn't work, the printer when it quits printing, hook up the home theater system for a Blu-Ray player (when I don't even know what Blu-Ray is) and tonight, restore sound to the TV.
I got home at 9:30 or so and the first thing I notice is the silence. I thought the guys were in bed but then I hear hubby on the phone in the living room while he and Carter sit in front of the TV. When Jim hangs up, I don't hear the TV yet and am quickly informed they've been watching without sound for an hour or so -- but "no one touched anything" so it's no one's fault it happened! It just suddenly became soundless.
So I figure I should investigate since I assumed they explored all options. I get the owner's manual out. Yes, it's conveniently located in the TV stand where anyone can access it. Then look under "troubleshooting" and learn how to do a sound check. Did the sound check and heard sound. But when it was done, there was silence. The manual said it could be our signal. But since the TV downstairs was working fine, we figured that couldn't be it.
But wait, our upstairs TV gets a signal now from a separate HD box. How about turning that off and on? I ended up resetting the power strip and once it all loaded back up, ta-da! We have sound.
I'll let you in on little secret about being a Geek Squad member. When all else fails, you just shut the thing (whatever the thing is) off. Wait 30 seconds and turn it back on again. Even if you have to force it off by resetting the power strip, this is what you have to do. And it works 9 times out of 10.
Just don't tell anyone else in my house about that. I want them to think I'm smart. Plus they might be so grateful, they'll pay me.
In ice cream.
But somehow, I can "fix" the PC/computer when it doesn't work, the printer when it quits printing, hook up the home theater system for a Blu-Ray player (when I don't even know what Blu-Ray is) and tonight, restore sound to the TV.
I got home at 9:30 or so and the first thing I notice is the silence. I thought the guys were in bed but then I hear hubby on the phone in the living room while he and Carter sit in front of the TV. When Jim hangs up, I don't hear the TV yet and am quickly informed they've been watching without sound for an hour or so -- but "no one touched anything" so it's no one's fault it happened! It just suddenly became soundless.
So I figure I should investigate since I assumed they explored all options. I get the owner's manual out. Yes, it's conveniently located in the TV stand where anyone can access it. Then look under "troubleshooting" and learn how to do a sound check. Did the sound check and heard sound. But when it was done, there was silence. The manual said it could be our signal. But since the TV downstairs was working fine, we figured that couldn't be it.
But wait, our upstairs TV gets a signal now from a separate HD box. How about turning that off and on? I ended up resetting the power strip and once it all loaded back up, ta-da! We have sound.
I'll let you in on little secret about being a Geek Squad member. When all else fails, you just shut the thing (whatever the thing is) off. Wait 30 seconds and turn it back on again. Even if you have to force it off by resetting the power strip, this is what you have to do. And it works 9 times out of 10.
Just don't tell anyone else in my house about that. I want them to think I'm smart. Plus they might be so grateful, they'll pay me.
In ice cream.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Against the Wind
The weather today was 80 and sunny with wind gusts up to 20-30 mph. Great day to fly a kite. Not so great day to run. Unless you can figure out a way to run your whole route with the wind at your back -- and have someone pick you up at the end.
If I would have done that, hubby would have had to drive practically to Plover to pick me up. Yup, I don't mean to brag, but I ran 12 miles tonight... and no one was chasing me! I'm pretty sure I can handle that last 1.1 miles tacked on the end to make it a full half-marathon.
I really can't do much bragging though. Carter has been working his tail off in football practice this week. Two-hour practices every afternoon from 4-6 p.m. We knew he was working up a sweat when he uncharacteristically announced after the first day, "I can't wait to take a shower!"
Yesterday's practice was shortened due to a tornado warning. What a bunch of wimps! If they can't handle a little wind, they won't get too far.
I will say the wind made for a tough outing tonight. I did get an unexpected break between miles 8 and 9 when I ran into another "baseball mom" I hadn't seen in awhile. So we chit-chatted in the middle of the road until I realized I better start moving my legs again or they wouldn't move at all!
Thankfully, I made it home before dark -- which seems to be arriving at 8:15 already. A sure sign Fall is right around the corner.
And I don't even want to think about the cold winds that come after that!
If I would have done that, hubby would have had to drive practically to Plover to pick me up. Yup, I don't mean to brag, but I ran 12 miles tonight... and no one was chasing me! I'm pretty sure I can handle that last 1.1 miles tacked on the end to make it a full half-marathon.
I really can't do much bragging though. Carter has been working his tail off in football practice this week. Two-hour practices every afternoon from 4-6 p.m. We knew he was working up a sweat when he uncharacteristically announced after the first day, "I can't wait to take a shower!"
Yesterday's practice was shortened due to a tornado warning. What a bunch of wimps! If they can't handle a little wind, they won't get too far.
I will say the wind made for a tough outing tonight. I did get an unexpected break between miles 8 and 9 when I ran into another "baseball mom" I hadn't seen in awhile. So we chit-chatted in the middle of the road until I realized I better start moving my legs again or they wouldn't move at all!
Thankfully, I made it home before dark -- which seems to be arriving at 8:15 already. A sure sign Fall is right around the corner.
And I don't even want to think about the cold winds that come after that!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Gleekin' Out
My fellow Glee fans (a.k.a. Gleeks) will appreciate why I started counting down to tonight the minute I got up this morning.
My plans were to meet a girlfriend and her sister in town, then head up to Stevens Point for the Glee 3-D Concert Movie. If you were a Gleek, you'd be excited, too.
I actually didn't give it a ton of thought today but was looking forward to it as soon as I got out of work. I wisely kept my expectations in check. I had heard some poor reviews from some uneducated movie reviewer types who obviously wouldn't know a Puck from a Kurt. So I took those reports in stride and decided to just enjoy it.
And we did!
Apparently, others must have took the movie reviews to heart because the 3 of us had the theater to ourselves! I'm not kidding. Do we have a shortage of Gleeks in central Wisconsin??
Of course, they really made us feel the geek part of Gleek making us wear 3-D glasses. But they are quite stylish, in a Roy Orbison kind of way. Honestly, the movie did not need to be in 3-D, but it made for a few interesting moments.
I won't spoil it for the few of you interested, but I will say this, when it was done, I turned to my friend Jenny and said, "Wait a minute. I could watch another hour of this!"
Yup, I figured I would like it but didn't think I'd love it! If you love Glee, you will, too. If you don't, it's just another happy place in my heart I guess I can't share with you.
But I want to! So get your Gleek on and join the cool kids.
My plans were to meet a girlfriend and her sister in town, then head up to Stevens Point for the Glee 3-D Concert Movie. If you were a Gleek, you'd be excited, too.
I actually didn't give it a ton of thought today but was looking forward to it as soon as I got out of work. I wisely kept my expectations in check. I had heard some poor reviews from some uneducated movie reviewer types who obviously wouldn't know a Puck from a Kurt. So I took those reports in stride and decided to just enjoy it.
And we did!
Apparently, others must have took the movie reviews to heart because the 3 of us had the theater to ourselves! I'm not kidding. Do we have a shortage of Gleeks in central Wisconsin??
Of course, they really made us feel the geek part of Gleek making us wear 3-D glasses. But they are quite stylish, in a Roy Orbison kind of way. Honestly, the movie did not need to be in 3-D, but it made for a few interesting moments.
I won't spoil it for the few of you interested, but I will say this, when it was done, I turned to my friend Jenny and said, "Wait a minute. I could watch another hour of this!"
Yup, I figured I would like it but didn't think I'd love it! If you love Glee, you will, too. If you don't, it's just another happy place in my heart I guess I can't share with you.
But I want to! So get your Gleek on and join the cool kids.
Monday, August 22, 2011
!@#$% My Hubby Says
Someday Carter may have his own blog about "Stuff" My Dad Says, but for now I will have to fill you in on some of the wisdom passed down from one Austin to the next.
Carter, our chronic worry wart, has been quite concerned for days about middle school football practice starting today.
We tried to help him prepare with our mini Boot Camps (even Dad made him run yesterday by threatening to out-run him, bad knee and all).
I also have stressed that "official" practice is not that much different from his Football Camp he had last week. It will be the same group of kids, probably the same drills, too -- perhaps just a tad more intense.
Carter is home this week so he also had all day to chew on these words advice from Dad: "Make sure you pick something for lunch that will taste good coming up later."
Yup, Carter had nothing to worry about, did he?
Now that's it over, he can say yes, it was very tough, but yes, I survived it and no, I did not puke. Tomorrow may be a different story, but let's hope not. We do want him to do well and not suffer too much. As operators of the Ma & Pa Boot Camp, though, we just can't let him know that.
As my wise hubby often says to Carter: "The only reason people have kids is so they have someone to pick on!"
Yup, that's BLEEP My Hubby Says. And rarely can I argue with his logic.
Can you?
Carter, our chronic worry wart, has been quite concerned for days about middle school football practice starting today.
We tried to help him prepare with our mini Boot Camps (even Dad made him run yesterday by threatening to out-run him, bad knee and all).
I also have stressed that "official" practice is not that much different from his Football Camp he had last week. It will be the same group of kids, probably the same drills, too -- perhaps just a tad more intense.
Carter is home this week so he also had all day to chew on these words advice from Dad: "Make sure you pick something for lunch that will taste good coming up later."
Yup, Carter had nothing to worry about, did he?
Now that's it over, he can say yes, it was very tough, but yes, I survived it and no, I did not puke. Tomorrow may be a different story, but let's hope not. We do want him to do well and not suffer too much. As operators of the Ma & Pa Boot Camp, though, we just can't let him know that.
As my wise hubby often says to Carter: "The only reason people have kids is so they have someone to pick on!"
Yup, that's BLEEP My Hubby Says. And rarely can I argue with his logic.
Can you?
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Think Pink
My mother always said her girls were "blessed." Trust me, she wasn't talking about money or any material riches. She just meant we had plenty to fill our hope chests, er shirts! And thankfully, we still do today. And double thankfully, none of us girls have had to deal with the pain, sorrow and related struggles of breast cancer.
Today I had a chance to help those who are.
Some friends and I dubbed ourselves Team Hakuna Ma Tatas, donned our matching pink shirts and ran the Race for the Cure in Wausau.
It was an incredible experience. Everything that could be pink, was pink -- including the many sponsor signs!
Here a crowd starts to gather in the square. The Parade of Survivors was a very moving event. They walked through the square with their heads held high -- sometimes wrapped in a pink scarf, sometimes peeking through a pink boa. But always smiling. While the thousands of us onlookers clapped, cheered and felt lumps in our throats. What a bunch of incredible women!
Here are the Hakuna Ma Tatas at the starting line with our games faces on! Pink anti-glare stickers courtesy of New Balance. We look tough, don't we? (You may recognize a few of the Desperate Housewives of Blue Jay Drive.)
Everything was pink -- even the pretty flowers around the square!
An arch of pink balloons marked the finish line. Here I am with my friend Chris who I have been training with for the half-marathon. We ran the 5K together, keeping the same pace and finishing together. We felt pretty good about the run today and saw that as sign of good things to come!
The Hot Hakuna Ma Tatas after the race! That water fountain looks so inviting!
The neat finish line arch.
The team gathers one more time at the finish line. We raised an average of $100 each for breast cancer research. We hope to expand our team in 2012 so feel free to join us -- you can walk it, too!
Today I had a chance to help those who are.
Some friends and I dubbed ourselves Team Hakuna Ma Tatas, donned our matching pink shirts and ran the Race for the Cure in Wausau.
It was an incredible experience. Everything that could be pink, was pink -- including the many sponsor signs!
Here a crowd starts to gather in the square. The Parade of Survivors was a very moving event. They walked through the square with their heads held high -- sometimes wrapped in a pink scarf, sometimes peeking through a pink boa. But always smiling. While the thousands of us onlookers clapped, cheered and felt lumps in our throats. What a bunch of incredible women!
Here are the Hakuna Ma Tatas at the starting line with our games faces on! Pink anti-glare stickers courtesy of New Balance. We look tough, don't we? (You may recognize a few of the Desperate Housewives of Blue Jay Drive.)
Everything was pink -- even the pretty flowers around the square!
An arch of pink balloons marked the finish line. Here I am with my friend Chris who I have been training with for the half-marathon. We ran the 5K together, keeping the same pace and finishing together. We felt pretty good about the run today and saw that as sign of good things to come!
The Hot Hakuna Ma Tatas after the race! That water fountain looks so inviting!
The neat finish line arch.
The team gathers one more time at the finish line. We raised an average of $100 each for breast cancer research. We hope to expand our team in 2012 so feel free to join us -- you can walk it, too!And maybe by next year we'll have advances toward a cure that we can cheer about. Either way, we'll be thinking pink and wearing it!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Lif'e's a Picnic
If you looked in the dictionary under "Perfect Summer Day," you'd probably find August 20, 2011, listed. Or perhaps some photos like I'm sharing today.
It was mid-70s and mostly sunny and just perfectly pleasant! One of those days it was not too hot to go outside, but just nice enough you felt guilty being inside and not enjoying it!
After the late races last night, we all slept in. Then hubby went for a walk and I put Carter through the paces of Momma Boot Camp another day. Well, he's sort of had a day or two off. We just went for a 2-mile walk/run again and he did better this time.
I had plans to just relax in the sun but those darn weeds and errant shrubs in the front yard were calling my name.... as they have all summer and I've just ignored them. Today, since it wasn't so hot and humid, I really didn't have an excuse not to pay them some attention. So I got some sun and some work accomplished.
Hubby suggested we go on a picnic supper at Lake Wazeecha. This is the lake that has a mostly paved path around it -- for walking, running and biking -- and a ton of picnic areas off the path. So we called in a pizza order, picked up a pizza and had a nice supper on the lakeshore.
Of course I had my camera! Jim tested the waters after we ate and found them a bit chilly, but easy to get used to.
By the way, we all still had our "grubby" clothes on so no, he is not suddenly a Brewers fan. He's still true to the Reds -- just happened to be wearing one of those free t-shirts we got somewhere. (Though there's no shame in being a Brew Crew fan these days!)
I found a neat spot for Carter's senior pictures. Ha. Let's not even start thinking about that!
He enjoyed dipping his toes in, too, and ended up skipping rocks for 20 minutes.
I don't think he set any world records, but he had good form. (For a baseball player!)
Nice sidearm, Carter!
Had to try a nature shot or two. The tree root I was sitting on jutted out towards the water...
And was part of this weird tree that somehow is still standing despite having most of its foundation washed away. Cool to look at. Just glad it wasn't windy today.
Was going to have Carter pose for some pictures but found it was easier to shoot them when he was just talking to us.
And it was cool to see the "background" change after a boat would go by and create waves. "Boy, I could come here all the time," Carter says. Well, yeah, he could have biked there all summer but we always had to twist his arm to do anything related to exercise!
Something tells me we'll all be going back for another picnic soon. And it won't even have to be a perfect summer day. Sipping cappuccinos on a cool fall day will be nice, too.
It was mid-70s and mostly sunny and just perfectly pleasant! One of those days it was not too hot to go outside, but just nice enough you felt guilty being inside and not enjoying it!
After the late races last night, we all slept in. Then hubby went for a walk and I put Carter through the paces of Momma Boot Camp another day. Well, he's sort of had a day or two off. We just went for a 2-mile walk/run again and he did better this time.
I had plans to just relax in the sun but those darn weeds and errant shrubs in the front yard were calling my name.... as they have all summer and I've just ignored them. Today, since it wasn't so hot and humid, I really didn't have an excuse not to pay them some attention. So I got some sun and some work accomplished.
Hubby suggested we go on a picnic supper at Lake Wazeecha. This is the lake that has a mostly paved path around it -- for walking, running and biking -- and a ton of picnic areas off the path. So we called in a pizza order, picked up a pizza and had a nice supper on the lakeshore.
Of course I had my camera! Jim tested the waters after we ate and found them a bit chilly, but easy to get used to.
By the way, we all still had our "grubby" clothes on so no, he is not suddenly a Brewers fan. He's still true to the Reds -- just happened to be wearing one of those free t-shirts we got somewhere. (Though there's no shame in being a Brew Crew fan these days!)
I found a neat spot for Carter's senior pictures. Ha. Let's not even start thinking about that!
He enjoyed dipping his toes in, too, and ended up skipping rocks for 20 minutes.
I don't think he set any world records, but he had good form. (For a baseball player!)
Nice sidearm, Carter!
Had to try a nature shot or two. The tree root I was sitting on jutted out towards the water...
And was part of this weird tree that somehow is still standing despite having most of its foundation washed away. Cool to look at. Just glad it wasn't windy today.
Was going to have Carter pose for some pictures but found it was easier to shoot them when he was just talking to us.
And it was cool to see the "background" change after a boat would go by and create waves. "Boy, I could come here all the time," Carter says. Well, yeah, he could have biked there all summer but we always had to twist his arm to do anything related to exercise!
Something tells me we'll all be going back for another picnic soon. And it won't even have to be a perfect summer day. Sipping cappuccinos on a cool fall day will be nice, too. Just as long as I have my dinner dates with me!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Family Time
Typically, when you live long distance from your family, the only time you see extended family (cousins) is for weddings, funerals and the occasional baby shower or high school graduation party.
Three out of four of those are loads of fun, but when you get to a certain age -- say my age -- we know that one of them is more likely to occur than the others. Sadly.
Today it was so nice to see so much of my family on my mom's side. Unfortunately, it was due to my uncle's funeral, but we had some good visits nonetheless. As a bonus, I got to see 2 classmates from high school, too. And as a super bonus, I got to see all my siblings but the one who lives more long distance than me.
We ended up leaving that neck of the woods around 2 p.m. or so, which meant we made it back to Rapids in time to go see our nephew Colin race. As a bonus, we got to spend some time with my "other" family... my in-laws!
Carter chose to stay home tonight. Hubby and I left the races after Colin's race -- where he finished 8th or 9th -- since it was already 11 p.m. Lots of delays tonight. There was still more racing going on when we left, but I am just plain tuckered out and wanted to get home.
As a bonus, we are sleeping in our own bed and, you guessed it, staying in our own Honeymoon Suite. Free of charge!
Now that is suite! I mean, sweet!
Three out of four of those are loads of fun, but when you get to a certain age -- say my age -- we know that one of them is more likely to occur than the others. Sadly.
Today it was so nice to see so much of my family on my mom's side. Unfortunately, it was due to my uncle's funeral, but we had some good visits nonetheless. As a bonus, I got to see 2 classmates from high school, too. And as a super bonus, I got to see all my siblings but the one who lives more long distance than me.
We ended up leaving that neck of the woods around 2 p.m. or so, which meant we made it back to Rapids in time to go see our nephew Colin race. As a bonus, we got to spend some time with my "other" family... my in-laws!
Carter chose to stay home tonight. Hubby and I left the races after Colin's race -- where he finished 8th or 9th -- since it was already 11 p.m. Lots of delays tonight. There was still more racing going on when we left, but I am just plain tuckered out and wanted to get home.
As a bonus, we are sleeping in our own bed and, you guessed it, staying in our own Honeymoon Suite. Free of charge!
Now that is suite! I mean, sweet!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
We're In Luck
We're in Luck. And I mean that quite literally.
We decided that rather than hitting the road at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow to get to my uncle's funeral, we'd come up here tonight after work and keep our fingers crossed we'd get a hotel room in Luck.
I say that kind of jokingly because really, how many people would need a hotel room in little Luck, Wis., on a weeknight? Apparently quite a few because we got the last room at the Luck Country Inn! And yes, the 3 of us are in the Honeymoon Suite! That's how we roll, I guess.
We could have gotten here sooner but we took a nice detour through Eau Claire, which included dinner at Milwaukee Burger Co. with my oldest stepson Casey. He stayed up there this summer and is about to start his junior year at UW-EC. He has a part-time job at a pizza place but he's still a "starving college student" in need of a free meal now and then.
So that was a nice bonus to a trip that otherwise does not have a happy ending.
I am looking forward to seeing lots of family tomorrow but the reason is unfortunate. I'm just glad we could all get the day off so we can give hugs where they are needed.
And get some, too.
We decided that rather than hitting the road at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow to get to my uncle's funeral, we'd come up here tonight after work and keep our fingers crossed we'd get a hotel room in Luck.
I say that kind of jokingly because really, how many people would need a hotel room in little Luck, Wis., on a weeknight? Apparently quite a few because we got the last room at the Luck Country Inn! And yes, the 3 of us are in the Honeymoon Suite! That's how we roll, I guess.
We could have gotten here sooner but we took a nice detour through Eau Claire, which included dinner at Milwaukee Burger Co. with my oldest stepson Casey. He stayed up there this summer and is about to start his junior year at UW-EC. He has a part-time job at a pizza place but he's still a "starving college student" in need of a free meal now and then.
So that was a nice bonus to a trip that otherwise does not have a happy ending.
I am looking forward to seeing lots of family tomorrow but the reason is unfortunate. I'm just glad we could all get the day off so we can give hugs where they are needed.
And get some, too.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Holy Buckets :: Part 2
In exactly a month from right now, I'll be checked into my hotel over in the Fox Cities, tucked into bed and hopefully having sweet dreams about waking up to run a half-marathon...
Wow, it's only a month 'til I can cross that off my Bucket List??
Amazingly, for as scary as this whole endeavour sounds, I am not afraid. I feel good about it -- especially after tonight.
We have been busy the past 2 evenings so I told the guys that no matter what, I had to do my weekly long run tonight or I'd fall way off schedule. So we got home by 6 and I hit the pavement by 6:30.
Some 2 hours later, after seeing a total of 9 deer cross the road in front of me and after writing a chapter of my book in my head, I made it home in one piece. After the longest run of my life... 11 miles!
I actually felt good and could have kept on going the full 13, I think. But darkness fell faster than my running pace, so I had to head home.
I realized the one time running really hurts is when you're done and you've been sitting at the computer a few minutes. My fingers still work but I don't know about my legs any more, or my back.
Good thing I have a loving hubby who supports this crazy old lady's goal... and has towels warming in the dryer. I better get to bed so my masseuse can get to work.
It's tough working on that Bucket List, I tell ya.
Wow, it's only a month 'til I can cross that off my Bucket List??
Amazingly, for as scary as this whole endeavour sounds, I am not afraid. I feel good about it -- especially after tonight.
We have been busy the past 2 evenings so I told the guys that no matter what, I had to do my weekly long run tonight or I'd fall way off schedule. So we got home by 6 and I hit the pavement by 6:30.
Some 2 hours later, after seeing a total of 9 deer cross the road in front of me and after writing a chapter of my book in my head, I made it home in one piece. After the longest run of my life... 11 miles!
I actually felt good and could have kept on going the full 13, I think. But darkness fell faster than my running pace, so I had to head home.
I realized the one time running really hurts is when you're done and you've been sitting at the computer a few minutes. My fingers still work but I don't know about my legs any more, or my back.
Good thing I have a loving hubby who supports this crazy old lady's goal... and has towels warming in the dryer. I better get to bed so my masseuse can get to work.
It's tough working on that Bucket List, I tell ya.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Aged to Perfection
I'm beginning to think 43 is the new 33. Well, let's not get carried away.
Tonight we had our next-door neighbors over for supper to celebrate the fact that someone else in the neighborhood is finally as old as me! Mick isn't the type to call attention to his birthday, so we had to do that for him. It tends to work better in an "off year" (non-milestone) because people don't expect it and they appreciate it more.
It wasn't a major party or anything. Just good Ski's Meats brats on the grill with other summertime fixin's. Good stuff. Ate too much. But I'm young yet so I'll be OK.
Today also is my niece Beth's birthday and nephew Travis' birthday - one year apart. This is the part of the day that makes me feel old, really old.
The summer Travis was born, I was living in the Twin Cities with my very pregnant sister, babysitting my nephew Timmy. That was the summer I was saving up to buy my first pair of contacts. (I keep telling Carter he is lucky he doesn't have to wait until he's 18!)
A couple things I remember about the day Travis was born. I swear my sister was in labor and still making chocolate chip cookies. But that may have been the day before. I know I was nervous and kept asking when she was going to the hospital! I also remember she had a tough labor, but thank the Lord, every one pulled through with flying colors.
To celebrate, there were some beverages consumed and some cigars smoked. Don't tell my mom, but I smoked my first cigar that night. I don't think it was the whole thing. But I got sick enough that I vowed not to do that again -- I don't care who is born!
Hard to believe that was 25 years ago already -- or a quarter of a century, as I used to tease my older sisters when they were turning 25. Now, it's not so funny.
Thankfully, I can just say I've lived through one quarter century so far. But it's a been a darn good one. I bet sweet little Travis would agree.
Tonight we had our next-door neighbors over for supper to celebrate the fact that someone else in the neighborhood is finally as old as me! Mick isn't the type to call attention to his birthday, so we had to do that for him. It tends to work better in an "off year" (non-milestone) because people don't expect it and they appreciate it more.
It wasn't a major party or anything. Just good Ski's Meats brats on the grill with other summertime fixin's. Good stuff. Ate too much. But I'm young yet so I'll be OK.
Today also is my niece Beth's birthday and nephew Travis' birthday - one year apart. This is the part of the day that makes me feel old, really old.
The summer Travis was born, I was living in the Twin Cities with my very pregnant sister, babysitting my nephew Timmy. That was the summer I was saving up to buy my first pair of contacts. (I keep telling Carter he is lucky he doesn't have to wait until he's 18!)
A couple things I remember about the day Travis was born. I swear my sister was in labor and still making chocolate chip cookies. But that may have been the day before. I know I was nervous and kept asking when she was going to the hospital! I also remember she had a tough labor, but thank the Lord, every one pulled through with flying colors.
To celebrate, there were some beverages consumed and some cigars smoked. Don't tell my mom, but I smoked my first cigar that night. I don't think it was the whole thing. But I got sick enough that I vowed not to do that again -- I don't care who is born!
Hard to believe that was 25 years ago already -- or a quarter of a century, as I used to tease my older sisters when they were turning 25. Now, it's not so funny.
Thankfully, I can just say I've lived through one quarter century so far. But it's a been a darn good one. I bet sweet little Travis would agree.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Holy Buckets
My oldest sister, Rayna, just one week shy of her 60th birthday, was able to cross Pike's Peak off her Bucket List today.
Holy buckets!
I don't even know how one gets to the top. I am almost positive they didn't hike it. I'm pretty sure they just drove or took a cable car or maybe a donkey. Who knows? But it's the highest point of land she's been on and she's walking on air. Practically.
I am proud of her and can assure you there is nothing height-related on my Bucket List. Some days I am just happy to make it through the day on my lowly level here. Nothing I could have done today -- and I mean nothing -- could compete with that.
So I'll let her have her moment in the sun... really close to the sun, I might add... and maybe prompt you all to think of your own Bucket List. Heck, if my old sister can do something like this, so can you.
Way to go, Rayna!
Holy buckets!
I don't even know how one gets to the top. I am almost positive they didn't hike it. I'm pretty sure they just drove or took a cable car or maybe a donkey. Who knows? But it's the highest point of land she's been on and she's walking on air. Practically.
I am proud of her and can assure you there is nothing height-related on my Bucket List. Some days I am just happy to make it through the day on my lowly level here. Nothing I could have done today -- and I mean nothing -- could compete with that.
So I'll let her have her moment in the sun... really close to the sun, I might add... and maybe prompt you all to think of your own Bucket List. Heck, if my old sister can do something like this, so can you.
Way to go, Rayna!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Waste Not...
A day is a span of time no one is wealthy enough to waste.
My "fortune" at the Hong Kong buffet tonight definitely reflected my day for a couple of reasons.
First of all, I have this personal mission to make my free time either productive or enjoyable -- or both if that's possible. I can look back at a weekend and wonder "What in the world did I accomplish?" But if I recall some fun, relaxing moments mixed in with the "work," then it was not wasted.
Today I felt good that I went through a few closets and gathered up 4 bags' worth of shoes and clothes to drop off at Goodwill. Yes, it's just a start, but if I chip away at it, maybe we'll get somewhere. I said to hubby, "I was finally able to say 'Goodbye' to some t-shirts I couldn't let go of last time.'" It's definitely a work in progress. (I guess I am, too!)
My other accomplishment -- and I will take credit -- was getting Carter out for a 2-mile walk/run. This is for his own good. He is still sore from football camp and will be miserable by practice in a week. So I went all drill sergeant on him and made him get moving! I made it easy for him -- run 2 minutes, walk 1 minute, repeat for 2 miles. Well that lasted through about a mile. That boy is out of shape. I'm gonna have do the Momma Boot Camp this week! He'll thank me later.
Maybe.
I felt I deserved a good 30 minutes reading a good book with Mr. Deck Chair. That was not wasted time. That was my time.
I do my best -- and teach Carter, too -- that we cannot take these moments in the sun, so to speak, for granted.
When my mom called me this afternoon to tell me my uncle died, I was not surprised because he and his cancer had been getting worse. It shook me up, though, thinking of my cousins (his children) who now don't have any parents. (My aunt died 10 years ago.) I started crying on the phone and said, "Mom, I'm so lucky to still have both you and Dad!" I can't take that for granted. Life can change on a dime. What I have today, I have today. That may be it.
My fortune is right. No one can afford to waste time -- especially with loved ones. Some day they'll be gone, whether it be due to death or going off to college and moving out of the house or something else. So hug them and love them while you got them.
As a teenager now, I know Carter's gonna hate our "smothering" the next 5 years, but as I mentioned before, this is my time, too. (Right? Or no?)
Sometimes he appreciates it. This afternoon, all 3 of us went into town to drop off our donations and eat dinner at the Hong Kong buffet -- Carter's choice.
We all ate too much, which is what one tends to do at a buffet. So hubby and I went for a short walk this evening. Carter opted out since he already had gotten far too much exercise today!
Gotta love that kid. And we do!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Summer Scenes
It started out on the cloudy and cool side today so I figured I should try to be as productive as possible indoors.
Got my housework done, then buzzed Carter's hair (new look to go with no glasses, I guess), baked cranberry bars and cookies. When the sun decided to stay out, I ran 4 miles, tossed the football to Carter a few times and educated him on soaking up the sun.
I also had time to upload a few recent photos and some that I magically captured today!
This is our friend Sandy and me in our golf outing in Green Bay last Friday -- when the girls beat the boys!
There was no shortage of 'Vettes in the car show in Rapids last weekend. Carter definitely had a hard time choosing! Wouldn't you?
We hate bees! Went out on the front deck today and noticed busy bees in two little hives off the front of the house. They are doomed to die tonight by the hand of Jim the Bee Slayer and his weapon of Deadly Foam.
My excitement today is that after months, yes months, of trying to capture a hummingbird at our feeder, I finally got a photo IN FOCUS! Those birds are too fast for me and my camera. One shot out of probably 2 dozen tries will just have to do!
I captured this cool dude, too! What's funny was that Top Gun is on last night -- a movie made waaaaay before his time -- but he looks like he could fit in. I doubt I'll start calling him Maverick, but I should start warning the girls!
Got my housework done, then buzzed Carter's hair (new look to go with no glasses, I guess), baked cranberry bars and cookies. When the sun decided to stay out, I ran 4 miles, tossed the football to Carter a few times and educated him on soaking up the sun.
I also had time to upload a few recent photos and some that I magically captured today!
This is our friend Sandy and me in our golf outing in Green Bay last Friday -- when the girls beat the boys!
There was no shortage of 'Vettes in the car show in Rapids last weekend. Carter definitely had a hard time choosing! Wouldn't you?
We hate bees! Went out on the front deck today and noticed busy bees in two little hives off the front of the house. They are doomed to die tonight by the hand of Jim the Bee Slayer and his weapon of Deadly Foam.
My excitement today is that after months, yes months, of trying to capture a hummingbird at our feeder, I finally got a photo IN FOCUS! Those birds are too fast for me and my camera. One shot out of probably 2 dozen tries will just have to do!
I captured this cool dude, too! What's funny was that Top Gun is on last night -- a movie made waaaaay before his time -- but he looks like he could fit in. I doubt I'll start calling him Maverick, but I should start warning the girls! For now, I need to get off the computer. Carter has a Fantasy Football draft tonight with several of his cousins on my side of the family. After doing a league with me and the Austin boys last year, he's a pro now. If you recall his obsession with it, you know he can handle teams in 2 leagues this year.
Maybe I should warn my nieces and nephew! Nah, with a Rocky-related team name like "I Pity the Fool," I think they'll find out soon enough!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Two By Four
Drum roll, please... Carter officially went from Mr. Four Eyes to Mr. Two Eyes again!
Trust me, if you knew the depth of the drama and trauma the first time he tried to get those contacts in 2 weeks ago, you'd appreciate our excitement!
As it turned out, Carter's new glasses came in today as well so while we waited for his "contacts" appointment, they fitted him in his new grownup-looking specs. Very nice. And much better than the duct-taped pair that somehow survived 3 days of football. Nothing beats duct tape!
When it was time for the contact attempt, the eye doctor helped him. Apparently all the assistants turned down the opportunity. Or he drew the short straw.
It took about a half hour to get the first one in. Not kidding. And that was only after the doctor said maybe Carter would have to practice some more and come back in a week. Magically after that, he got the first one in! He pretty much decided he was not going to go home again without contacts. It did take another 15 minutes to get the second one in. At this rate, he'll have to get up very, very early for school!
When they were both in, the doctor had him take them both out, clean them and put them back in. The second time around, it took only 8 minutes for the right eye and 2 minutes for the left. He's improving.
He practically skipped out of there and I can't blame him. "We should celebrate! Like go to Dairy Queen or something!" (He is his mother's son alright.)
I'll have to get used to the non-glasses look and, naturally, his primary concern is evening out the tan lines on the face before school starts. Yes, boys can be vain, too. And believe me, Carter already picked out and purchased his first pair of "cool sunglasses" ... two months ago in anticipation.
Some things are definitely worth waiting for. And I hope he finds this is one of them.
Now I have to log off so we can celebrate. No, not Dairy Queen. I just happened to have a Schwan's Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Pizza in the freezer.
I was just waiting for a special occasion!
Trust me, if you knew the depth of the drama and trauma the first time he tried to get those contacts in 2 weeks ago, you'd appreciate our excitement!
As it turned out, Carter's new glasses came in today as well so while we waited for his "contacts" appointment, they fitted him in his new grownup-looking specs. Very nice. And much better than the duct-taped pair that somehow survived 3 days of football. Nothing beats duct tape!
When it was time for the contact attempt, the eye doctor helped him. Apparently all the assistants turned down the opportunity. Or he drew the short straw.
It took about a half hour to get the first one in. Not kidding. And that was only after the doctor said maybe Carter would have to practice some more and come back in a week. Magically after that, he got the first one in! He pretty much decided he was not going to go home again without contacts. It did take another 15 minutes to get the second one in. At this rate, he'll have to get up very, very early for school!
When they were both in, the doctor had him take them both out, clean them and put them back in. The second time around, it took only 8 minutes for the right eye and 2 minutes for the left. He's improving.
He practically skipped out of there and I can't blame him. "We should celebrate! Like go to Dairy Queen or something!" (He is his mother's son alright.)
I'll have to get used to the non-glasses look and, naturally, his primary concern is evening out the tan lines on the face before school starts. Yes, boys can be vain, too. And believe me, Carter already picked out and purchased his first pair of "cool sunglasses" ... two months ago in anticipation.
Some things are definitely worth waiting for. And I hope he finds this is one of them.
Now I have to log off so we can celebrate. No, not Dairy Queen. I just happened to have a Schwan's Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Pizza in the freezer.
I was just waiting for a special occasion!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
No Pain, No Gain
It's always an interesting wake-up call when those of us who think we are somewhat healthy and active try something new and we definitely pay for it the next day. Sometimes two days.
I have not heard as much moaning and groaning from Carter in his life as I have the last two mornings after football camp. And this is just a 90-minute "fun" camp to learn some drills. Practice won't start until the 22nd!
Still, he's using different muscles than what he uses in his regular workout of sitting on couch, lifting remote, exerting pressure with his right thumb and changing channels.
Actually, he's been more active than that, thanks to his time in the Adventures in Leadership program in Iola. He gets to swim most days, he's biked some and even went kayaking. He loved that! Even after developing a wicked blister on each thumb, he insists we need to get a kayak!
He may just save his money and get one. He cashed in his first bags of cans last week and got a total of $11 for approximately 2-3 months' effort. He did the math -- and he's good at math -- and realized he'll probably be 20 years old before he earns enough money for a go-kart. "I might as well save my money for a car instead!"
Yep, that's a different kind of pain, son. Perhaps your new workout regimen can include pinching pennies.
It's a lot harder than it sounds, trust me.
I have not heard as much moaning and groaning from Carter in his life as I have the last two mornings after football camp. And this is just a 90-minute "fun" camp to learn some drills. Practice won't start until the 22nd!
Still, he's using different muscles than what he uses in his regular workout of sitting on couch, lifting remote, exerting pressure with his right thumb and changing channels.
Actually, he's been more active than that, thanks to his time in the Adventures in Leadership program in Iola. He gets to swim most days, he's biked some and even went kayaking. He loved that! Even after developing a wicked blister on each thumb, he insists we need to get a kayak!
He may just save his money and get one. He cashed in his first bags of cans last week and got a total of $11 for approximately 2-3 months' effort. He did the math -- and he's good at math -- and realized he'll probably be 20 years old before he earns enough money for a go-kart. "I might as well save my money for a car instead!"
Yep, that's a different kind of pain, son. Perhaps your new workout regimen can include pinching pennies.
It's a lot harder than it sounds, trust me.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
And We're Clear
I love when drugs do what they're supposed to. I mean legal drugs, of course.
Thanks to some good antibiotics, Carter's Pink Eye is completely cleared up! It has really helped that Mr. Anti-Medicine has been very good about letting us put the drops in. We have also wisely kept him out of the swimming pool, too, so we aren't doing anything to irritate the eyes and prevent full recovery.
This is good news because this means when we're done with the drops at the end of the week, we'll have another shot at getting those contacts in. Hopefully we'll find success this time without any drama.
This time, too, Carter really, really, really wants it to work. Partly because he is embarrassed he couldn't get them both in last time. And partly because playing football the past 2 days with broken glasses has been no picnic!
Thankfully, they haven't had any player-to-player contact yet. That's when things will get interesting. Carter is much more the sensitive type over the aggressive type. If he would have grown up with a younger sibling to boss around, I'm sure it would be much different. Heck, my twin sister and I would only have to be slightly bored and we'd say, "Let's fight!"
Not that I'm competitive in any way.
Right.
Maybe Carter will grow into that some day when he hits his "regular" growth spurt. That will be coming soon, I suspect. We checked tonight and he is 5 feet, 1 1/2 inches tall. Yes, he's closing in on me. And yes, that means I'm actually taller than 5' 1"!
Not that I'm competitive in any way. Just so we're clear.
Thanks to some good antibiotics, Carter's Pink Eye is completely cleared up! It has really helped that Mr. Anti-Medicine has been very good about letting us put the drops in. We have also wisely kept him out of the swimming pool, too, so we aren't doing anything to irritate the eyes and prevent full recovery.
This is good news because this means when we're done with the drops at the end of the week, we'll have another shot at getting those contacts in. Hopefully we'll find success this time without any drama.
This time, too, Carter really, really, really wants it to work. Partly because he is embarrassed he couldn't get them both in last time. And partly because playing football the past 2 days with broken glasses has been no picnic!
Thankfully, they haven't had any player-to-player contact yet. That's when things will get interesting. Carter is much more the sensitive type over the aggressive type. If he would have grown up with a younger sibling to boss around, I'm sure it would be much different. Heck, my twin sister and I would only have to be slightly bored and we'd say, "Let's fight!"
Not that I'm competitive in any way.
Right.
Maybe Carter will grow into that some day when he hits his "regular" growth spurt. That will be coming soon, I suspect. We checked tonight and he is 5 feet, 1 1/2 inches tall. Yes, he's closing in on me. And yes, that means I'm actually taller than 5' 1"!
Not that I'm competitive in any way. Just so we're clear.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Cool!
Had a blessed break from the heat and humidity today!
Carter attended his first day of a 3-day Football Camp and agreed it wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. Yes, we sort of twisted his arm about this. We figured he should go out for a "new" sport by 8th grade because you don't want to try to walk onto a high school team next year with no knowledge or experience. So he very, very reluctantly agreed to go out for middle school football. And we were very, very relieved he might just be OK with it!
While he was at camp this evening, I went for my long run. You know, 8 miles doesn't feel bad when you can actually breathe the non-humid air and feel a cool breeze. Love it! Felt fine but decided not to go any longer than 8 since there were dark clouds rolling in. Got on the front porch just before the rain hit.
I had to spend the rest of my evening on a work project so I am totally ready for bed. Yes, it's good sleeping weather but is my mind clear enough to take advantage of it?
Let's hope so. Last night my mind was going and going too late. And Carter's nerves (yes, about football) were keeping him up.
I suspect even those pesky crickets are going to chill out tonight so we can sleep!
G'night, my cool friends!
Carter attended his first day of a 3-day Football Camp and agreed it wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. Yes, we sort of twisted his arm about this. We figured he should go out for a "new" sport by 8th grade because you don't want to try to walk onto a high school team next year with no knowledge or experience. So he very, very reluctantly agreed to go out for middle school football. And we were very, very relieved he might just be OK with it!
While he was at camp this evening, I went for my long run. You know, 8 miles doesn't feel bad when you can actually breathe the non-humid air and feel a cool breeze. Love it! Felt fine but decided not to go any longer than 8 since there were dark clouds rolling in. Got on the front porch just before the rain hit.
I had to spend the rest of my evening on a work project so I am totally ready for bed. Yes, it's good sleeping weather but is my mind clear enough to take advantage of it?
Let's hope so. Last night my mind was going and going too late. And Carter's nerves (yes, about football) were keeping him up.
I suspect even those pesky crickets are going to chill out tonight so we can sleep!
G'night, my cool friends!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Re-entry
Back in the days we had a Space Shuttle program, you might recall the drama when the spacecraft would re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. It can be dangerous and risky but downright necessary. If one wants to return home, that is.
Today's re-entry into the work atmosphere after a week off was no less dramatic. Well, slightly less.
The first danger was whether the obnoxious alarm clock would survive several hefty slams to the snooze button. Then, as we left the driveway, we thought, "Do we remember the way?" Darn. We did.
Seriously, though, it wasn't like it was anything we didn't expect. It was a whole lot of "catch up" and figuring out how to get on top of things so we wouldn't be too far behind this week. No sense erasing 9 days in the stress-free atmosphere on the first day back!
When we got home this afternoon, I took Carter into town to order new glasses. Even if he does successfully get those contacts in later this week during official Try #2, he is going to need glasses as a backup. Thankfully, there was a back-to-school special but I still dropped a decent chunk of change.
If I had any doubts about why it was necessary to re-enter the workforce today, that cleared it up. Money doesn't grow on trees, you know. And even if it did, you know me and my black thumb...
Today's re-entry into the work atmosphere after a week off was no less dramatic. Well, slightly less.
The first danger was whether the obnoxious alarm clock would survive several hefty slams to the snooze button. Then, as we left the driveway, we thought, "Do we remember the way?" Darn. We did.
Seriously, though, it wasn't like it was anything we didn't expect. It was a whole lot of "catch up" and figuring out how to get on top of things so we wouldn't be too far behind this week. No sense erasing 9 days in the stress-free atmosphere on the first day back!
When we got home this afternoon, I took Carter into town to order new glasses. Even if he does successfully get those contacts in later this week during official Try #2, he is going to need glasses as a backup. Thankfully, there was a back-to-school special but I still dropped a decent chunk of change.
If I had any doubts about why it was necessary to re-enter the workforce today, that cleared it up. Money doesn't grow on trees, you know. And even if it did, you know me and my black thumb...
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Stick a Fork in it
You can stick a fork in our vacation. It is officially done.
Had one final good day, though, so I won't complain... until the alarm goes off tomorrow morning.
Got to sleep in today since we had a late church service at the park. We got lucky and the rain held off. It was a nice service with extra music, which I always enjoy. Hey, if you can get Lutherans to clap along to a song during church, you know it's something different! Afterwards, we had a picnic lunch in the shelter.
Since the sun was coming out to stay, Carter wanted to stop at the car show at the Lions Park. These were most of the cars we saw drive by last night in the cruise. Carter just wanted to drool over the Corvettes and I definitely enabled him! I picked out a Mustang or two I could live with, too.
When we got home, I knew I should do some housework but my deck chair is having withdrawal symptoms, so I thought I better tend to him first. It was pleasant out today -- high 70s -- so I sat outside and read for a bit. Then did the chores I neglected yesterday.
Got some grocery shopping done so we have stuff for lunch this week. Do not want to be thinking about that! After I got home, I went for a little run and then Carter and I watched the movie Rio, our first Blu-Ray rental. Cool!
Somehow during the movie he was going to take his glasses off and they broke. Not just a screw loose, the whole bow broke off. So now we really, really should get contacts but we'll have to wait until the Pink Eye totally clears up. I taped the glasses so he will look like a first-class nerd when he goes to football camp in 2 days. But I guess I won't have to worry about him breaking them in football!
See, there's a positive side to everything.
Except the end of vacation.
Had one final good day, though, so I won't complain... until the alarm goes off tomorrow morning.
Got to sleep in today since we had a late church service at the park. We got lucky and the rain held off. It was a nice service with extra music, which I always enjoy. Hey, if you can get Lutherans to clap along to a song during church, you know it's something different! Afterwards, we had a picnic lunch in the shelter.
Since the sun was coming out to stay, Carter wanted to stop at the car show at the Lions Park. These were most of the cars we saw drive by last night in the cruise. Carter just wanted to drool over the Corvettes and I definitely enabled him! I picked out a Mustang or two I could live with, too.
When we got home, I knew I should do some housework but my deck chair is having withdrawal symptoms, so I thought I better tend to him first. It was pleasant out today -- high 70s -- so I sat outside and read for a bit. Then did the chores I neglected yesterday.
Got some grocery shopping done so we have stuff for lunch this week. Do not want to be thinking about that! After I got home, I went for a little run and then Carter and I watched the movie Rio, our first Blu-Ray rental. Cool!
Somehow during the movie he was going to take his glasses off and they broke. Not just a screw loose, the whole bow broke off. So now we really, really should get contacts but we'll have to wait until the Pink Eye totally clears up. I taped the glasses so he will look like a first-class nerd when he goes to football camp in 2 days. But I guess I won't have to worry about him breaking them in football!
See, there's a positive side to everything.
Except the end of vacation.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Hall of Fame
This evening they televised the induction into the Football Hall of Fame. I don't care what team those guys played for or whether I cheered for or against them, they obviously are stellar athletes with long lists of accomplishments in their wake.
Wouldn't it be cool if we had a Hall of Fame for moms and dads? With all the blood, guts and glory we go through, we'd pretty much earn our spot on a daily basis!
Just today, I saved my child's life... well, I rescued him... well, actually I got him to the doctor so he could officially be diagnosed with Pink Eye. Then got to the pharmacy to get his antibiotic drops so we can get this cleared up as soon as possible.
Then being of sound mind and body -- well body anyway -- I rescued my slightly injured hubby, letting him nurse his very sore back as much as possible while I mowed the grass. I shouldn't admit how easy it was but dang, that self-propelled lawn mower I got him for Father's Day is awesome! It really did almost mow the lawn by itself. That was not as big a sacrifice as I was going to make it. Plus, I got 2 hours of sun!
In the category of organization and planning, I got Carter's school supply shopping done. I think that was more painful for Carter than his Pink Eye. He really does not want to think about school being only 27 days away! Neither do I. Let's look at it as almost a whole month left of summer!
The only reason I wanted to get the shopping out of the way is because I couldn't turn down the deals like paying pennies for folders, etc. We still ended up investing $60 in this next school year -- this does not include clothes -- so he better get straight A's. Or really good grades anyway.
This evening, Carter and I watched a big classic car cruise held in Rapids each August. Basically, spectators park their lawn chairs along the 21-mile loop and just wave, take pictures and admire the hundreds, yes hundreds, of different cars. It started out nice and sunny but was cloudy and then raining at the end. Not good for those expensive wheels!
Got home and hubby was gone taking a walk to loosen up his back. He called when it started to downpour and this time I really did get to rescue him! He was able to stand under a park shelter to stay somewhat dry but it was really, really coming down when I went to get him.
Now it looks like our hot streak has snapped and we are in for a welcome cool spell. It's still warm enough to have some ice cream, naturally. There's definitely gotta be a Hall of Fame category for that streak.
I'm counting on your vote!
Wouldn't it be cool if we had a Hall of Fame for moms and dads? With all the blood, guts and glory we go through, we'd pretty much earn our spot on a daily basis!
Just today, I saved my child's life... well, I rescued him... well, actually I got him to the doctor so he could officially be diagnosed with Pink Eye. Then got to the pharmacy to get his antibiotic drops so we can get this cleared up as soon as possible.
Then being of sound mind and body -- well body anyway -- I rescued my slightly injured hubby, letting him nurse his very sore back as much as possible while I mowed the grass. I shouldn't admit how easy it was but dang, that self-propelled lawn mower I got him for Father's Day is awesome! It really did almost mow the lawn by itself. That was not as big a sacrifice as I was going to make it. Plus, I got 2 hours of sun!
In the category of organization and planning, I got Carter's school supply shopping done. I think that was more painful for Carter than his Pink Eye. He really does not want to think about school being only 27 days away! Neither do I. Let's look at it as almost a whole month left of summer!
The only reason I wanted to get the shopping out of the way is because I couldn't turn down the deals like paying pennies for folders, etc. We still ended up investing $60 in this next school year -- this does not include clothes -- so he better get straight A's. Or really good grades anyway.
This evening, Carter and I watched a big classic car cruise held in Rapids each August. Basically, spectators park their lawn chairs along the 21-mile loop and just wave, take pictures and admire the hundreds, yes hundreds, of different cars. It started out nice and sunny but was cloudy and then raining at the end. Not good for those expensive wheels!
Got home and hubby was gone taking a walk to loosen up his back. He called when it started to downpour and this time I really did get to rescue him! He was able to stand under a park shelter to stay somewhat dry but it was really, really coming down when I went to get him.
Now it looks like our hot streak has snapped and we are in for a welcome cool spell. It's still warm enough to have some ice cream, naturally. There's definitely gotta be a Hall of Fame category for that streak.
I'm counting on your vote!
Friday, August 5, 2011
T.G.I.F. (Thank Golf it's Friday)
Remember what I said the other day about having a Plan B? Well our golf got rained out on Tuesday and we wisely rescheduled for today -- and it was perfect!
We hit the road by 8 a.m. to go to Green Bay. Carter actually got up before we left because his left eye was sort of red and a bit swollen. I suspected he might have gotten some pollen in there last night when we were golfing. It didn't seem all gummied up like Pink Eye would be, so I gave him a few eye drops and told him, just in case, to not touch it all day if he could help it. And wash his hands as often as possible.
Naturally, we'd check in on him via phone throughout the day, too. He said it hadn't gotten any worse and that he'd given himself more eye drops. So we sort of put that out of our minds and had fun golfing with our friends Scott and Sandy.
The course today was the Brown County Golf Course. It was a really nice course and we had some fun pitting the boys against the girls. Yes, the girls won. Did you doubt it? Yes, they had to spot us strokes since I am a terrible player and we needed to even it up a bit. But that doesn't take away from the sweet taste of victory!
We did luck out and have perfect weather -- low 80s with enough clouds to keep it bearable. Plus not nearly as muggy as it has been. Made for a great day.
Afterwards we went back to their place for supper then headed back to Rapids by 7 p.m. For some reason the car insisted on stopping at King Cone, but then we got straight home.
Carter's eye definitely does not look any better and I am much more inclined to think it might be Pink Eye. So we'll have to bring him somewhere tomorrow if he wakes up and it's no better. This also will postpone another eye appointment to try those contacts again, too. But let's worry about one thing at a time.
Daddy and Mommy need to rub lotion on our pink skin. And Carter needs to not rub anything!
We hit the road by 8 a.m. to go to Green Bay. Carter actually got up before we left because his left eye was sort of red and a bit swollen. I suspected he might have gotten some pollen in there last night when we were golfing. It didn't seem all gummied up like Pink Eye would be, so I gave him a few eye drops and told him, just in case, to not touch it all day if he could help it. And wash his hands as often as possible.
Naturally, we'd check in on him via phone throughout the day, too. He said it hadn't gotten any worse and that he'd given himself more eye drops. So we sort of put that out of our minds and had fun golfing with our friends Scott and Sandy.
The course today was the Brown County Golf Course. It was a really nice course and we had some fun pitting the boys against the girls. Yes, the girls won. Did you doubt it? Yes, they had to spot us strokes since I am a terrible player and we needed to even it up a bit. But that doesn't take away from the sweet taste of victory!
We did luck out and have perfect weather -- low 80s with enough clouds to keep it bearable. Plus not nearly as muggy as it has been. Made for a great day.
Afterwards we went back to their place for supper then headed back to Rapids by 7 p.m. For some reason the car insisted on stopping at King Cone, but then we got straight home.
Carter's eye definitely does not look any better and I am much more inclined to think it might be Pink Eye. So we'll have to bring him somewhere tomorrow if he wakes up and it's no better. This also will postpone another eye appointment to try those contacts again, too. But let's worry about one thing at a time.
Daddy and Mommy need to rub lotion on our pink skin. And Carter needs to not rub anything!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Earning Power
I had more than 21,500 steps on my pedometer today. And let me tell you, I earned every one.
Got up very early to join my co-half-marathon-runner friend Chris for a 9-mile run. Our feet were on the pavement by 6:30 a.m. and it was already muggy. Gotta love training in Wisconsin. Good thing we still got 6 weeks left.
When I got home, hubby was off golfing with his dad and Carter was still in bed. I put our last Butter Braid in the oven and took a shower. Of course, Carter got up at the smell of blueberry baking. Wouldn't you?
I did not sleep well last night so I was just beat by mid-morning. I relaxed on the front deck with my new BFF Mr. Deck Chair, then honestly just had to lay down at noon. I took a 90-minute nap! I've never done that! And it was awesome. Yes, vacation rocks!
Got my energy together by late afternoon and earned some more steps on the golf course -- finally. Went with hubby, my younger stepson Clay and Carter to the Ridges. This is just my third time golfing this summer so I sort of wanted to warm up before our outing in Green Bay tomorrow. It was a nice warm-up.
Hubby had some good drives as usual but was not pleased with his overall score.
Clay did much better than I expected. And I didn't know what to expect since it's been a few years since we golfed with him. He's gotten out more this summer than Dad and I combined. Lucky!
Putting didn't go too bad. I forgot to keep count, but I know I had way fewer 3 putts this time out.
This was Lefty's first time out this year. Yes, Carter is right-handed but swings a baseball bat and golf club left.
He did have a few decent shots so didn't do too badly overall. He definitely wants to get out to the driving range sometime while we're still on vacation.... which sadly means sometime in the next 3 days.
He apparently inherited my putting ability, but something tells me he will overcome it long before I will! Good for him.
Got up very early to join my co-half-marathon-runner friend Chris for a 9-mile run. Our feet were on the pavement by 6:30 a.m. and it was already muggy. Gotta love training in Wisconsin. Good thing we still got 6 weeks left.
When I got home, hubby was off golfing with his dad and Carter was still in bed. I put our last Butter Braid in the oven and took a shower. Of course, Carter got up at the smell of blueberry baking. Wouldn't you?
I did not sleep well last night so I was just beat by mid-morning. I relaxed on the front deck with my new BFF Mr. Deck Chair, then honestly just had to lay down at noon. I took a 90-minute nap! I've never done that! And it was awesome. Yes, vacation rocks!
Got my energy together by late afternoon and earned some more steps on the golf course -- finally. Went with hubby, my younger stepson Clay and Carter to the Ridges. This is just my third time golfing this summer so I sort of wanted to warm up before our outing in Green Bay tomorrow. It was a nice warm-up.
Hubby had some good drives as usual but was not pleased with his overall score.
Clay did much better than I expected. And I didn't know what to expect since it's been a few years since we golfed with him. He's gotten out more this summer than Dad and I combined. Lucky!
Putting didn't go too bad. I forgot to keep count, but I know I had way fewer 3 putts this time out.
This was Lefty's first time out this year. Yes, Carter is right-handed but swings a baseball bat and golf club left.
He did have a few decent shots so didn't do too badly overall. He definitely wants to get out to the driving range sometime while we're still on vacation.... which sadly means sometime in the next 3 days.
He apparently inherited my putting ability, but something tells me he will overcome it long before I will! Good for him.My excitement was that I was actually putting for birdie once. A mile away but still putting for it. No, I didn't make it and actually bogeyed that hole, but did have one par on my card. That's typical Robyn golf -- one par per 9 holes.
And I am OK with that. Heck, we golfed. that's all that matters!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Show Your Horns
Had an awesome time today at Vikings Training Camp in Mankato! It was nice having our hotel right across the street so we could just walk on over and get there when it started. Skol!
We realized quickly that even though the autograph session with select QBs and wide receivers wasn't happening until after the 2 1/2-hour practice, we had 2 options: Either stand in an autograph line immediately and get an autograph of new team member Donovan McNabb and the popular Percy Harvin -- but miss all of practice to do so -- or watch practice and hope for some pictures and be happy with that. We opted to watch practice since Carter hadn't seen that before.
Lots of neat things to see around the Vikings Village before practice started. Here hubby looks pretty small next to the Vikings. He obviously has no Scandinavian blood in him.
Carter and I were happy to be decked out in purple -- like just about everyone else!
We realized quickly that even though the autograph session with select QBs and wide receivers wasn't happening until after the 2 1/2-hour practice, we had 2 options: Either stand in an autograph line immediately and get an autograph of new team member Donovan McNabb and the popular Percy Harvin -- but miss all of practice to do so -- or watch practice and hope for some pictures and be happy with that. We opted to watch practice since Carter hadn't seen that before.
Lots of neat things to see around the Vikings Village before practice started. Here hubby looks pretty small next to the Vikings. He obviously has no Scandinavian blood in him.
Carter and I were happy to be decked out in purple -- like just about everyone else!The practice spanned 3 fields next to each other so some players were closer than others. Carter kept watch and told me where to zoom for his favorites...
Here Joe Webb throws one down field. We have adored Joe since he joined the team 2 years ago and was supposed to quarterback instead of that Favre guy. He ended up finishing up last season for us but now has a lot of competition for the starting job. Always QB drama in Minnesota!
Sure, it's impressive to see Percy Harvin catch a pass. But look as those muscular legs! Now that's impressive! Carter will be starting to pump iron ASAP.
What's not to love about Jared Allen? Too bad I never got a picture of him with his mullet. He still looks tough, though!
And the newest member of the team .... another aging quarterback. That's just what we do in Minnesota. Not sure why. I have no feelings one way or the other about McNabb. I don't dislike him but don't think he's a savior either. We'll see how it goes.
He seemed pretty confident already. By league rules, he was not allowed to practice yet but could hang out with rookie Christian Ponder (next to him) who said this week he can't wait to learn from McNabb... then use it to take the starting QB position from him. Always a QB controversy in Minnesota. (Or did I mention that already?)
Here Carter waits for Joe...
And here Joe signs his pennant. I also got an autograph and made sure to shake his hand. Gotta have that human touch. No time for hugs or personal photos, though, in the autograph line!
Did manage to sneak a shot of Christian Ponder, who will be just fine to look at all season, too. I mean watch due to his athletic ability, of course!
We sort of broke the rules, but Carter really wanted a closeup of his idol Percy Harvin (second to Adrian Peterson -- who was not at practice because he is a new father).
Personally, I just opted for a team photo with all the guys! I'm not picky!
Carter has some growing to do, too, before he catches up to these guys, who in real life, are even taller, I'm sure!
All in all, it was a great day. Lots of fun to be hanging around other people with "horns" and getting a good luck "Skol" from the mascot for our long trip home. Definitely worth it!
Here Joe Webb throws one down field. We have adored Joe since he joined the team 2 years ago and was supposed to quarterback instead of that Favre guy. He ended up finishing up last season for us but now has a lot of competition for the starting job. Always QB drama in Minnesota!
Sure, it's impressive to see Percy Harvin catch a pass. But look as those muscular legs! Now that's impressive! Carter will be starting to pump iron ASAP.
What's not to love about Jared Allen? Too bad I never got a picture of him with his mullet. He still looks tough, though!
And the newest member of the team .... another aging quarterback. That's just what we do in Minnesota. Not sure why. I have no feelings one way or the other about McNabb. I don't dislike him but don't think he's a savior either. We'll see how it goes.
He seemed pretty confident already. By league rules, he was not allowed to practice yet but could hang out with rookie Christian Ponder (next to him) who said this week he can't wait to learn from McNabb... then use it to take the starting QB position from him. Always a QB controversy in Minnesota. (Or did I mention that already?)We decided after watching practice for the first hour that we would brave the autograph lines after all. Basically it came down to waiting in one line for over an hour to get 2 autographs. Since Percy's line was full, we stood in Joe Webb's line and got his autograph and rookie wide receiver Dominique Johnson's.
Here Carter waits for Joe...
And here Joe signs his pennant. I also got an autograph and made sure to shake his hand. Gotta have that human touch. No time for hugs or personal photos, though, in the autograph line!
Did manage to sneak a shot of Christian Ponder, who will be just fine to look at all season, too. I mean watch due to his athletic ability, of course!
We sort of broke the rules, but Carter really wanted a closeup of his idol Percy Harvin (second to Adrian Peterson -- who was not at practice because he is a new father).
Personally, I just opted for a team photo with all the guys! I'm not picky!
Carter has some growing to do, too, before he catches up to these guys, who in real life, are even taller, I'm sure!
All in all, it was a great day. Lots of fun to be hanging around other people with "horns" and getting a good luck "Skol" from the mascot for our long trip home. Definitely worth it!
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