Troubling 2012

I recall 10 or 11 months ago, when I was in the depths of despair, hubby assured me that some day we'd look back and say, "2012 sure started off on a crappy note. Glad we got through it!"

Don't tell him I said this, but he was right.

If you recall, during the holidays, I had those near-fainting episodes -- one while driving -- and ended up in the E.R. (above) on New Year's Day. That spiraled into the weird flu/virus that had me light-headed for several weeks and eventually unsurfaced severe anxiety. Somewhere between dizzy spells and outright panic attacks, I found myself on the Witch Doctor's couch for some voodoo magic and, later, at the pharmacy for anti-anxiety meds. (And let's not forget the cancer "scare" with Dr. Fun. Thankfully, that was caught early and removed.)

Uff da.

Yes, with a lot of help and support, I did get through that and, come to think of it, we never really did get to ring in the new year!

I don't mind saying good riddance to 2012 at all!

On a positive note, though, I learned some valuable lessons. I am not alone. And I do not have to do anything alone. I have a husband, family and friends who are ultra-supportive. I saw that in the last 365 days. A lot.

I also was reminded that I can't take anything for granted. Anything can go on a moment's notice -- my health, confidence, loved ones, financial stability, even faith. I must cherish what I have while I have it. I'd rather not be reminded again with such a dramatic wake-up call!

As I say goodbye to my troubling 2012, I will carry these lessons with me into 2013. There is no guarantee this new year will start any better than the last, but I can handle it. If I can't, I can just reach out to one of you and know we'll be able to tackle it together!

I hope you found much to be thankful for this year. We're all here, right? I'd say that's a great way to start 2013!

Too Close for Comfort

I guess if we're gonna have a too-close-for comfort, last-second-scoring, Packer-Viking game, I'm glad the Vikings came out on top for once!

I have just two words: WHEW and SKOL!

Had fun today helping some Viking friends celebrate a birthday while watching the game at their house. It was actually sort of a mini-reunion for 7 of us who worked in one capacity or the other with each other at the daily newspaper years ago (when they remember Carter as a baby).

So it was great to catch up... and cheer, jeer and bite our nails together. Oh sure, there were a few Packer fans in the mix, but we had enough Purple Pride to go around. I was decked out in Vikings pants, socks, t-shirt, sweatshirt and winter coat and scarf. I think what put my good karma over the edge was wearing all the purple and gold beads some of my sisters (even a Packer fan) gave me for Christmas! Thanks, RoAnn and Romey!!

I was bummed Adrian Peterson fell just 9 yards short of breaking the single-season rushing record. When you think of how many yards he ran all season (2000+), that was soooo close. I feel bad for him. But I'll take the win.

Too bad we have to turn around and play them again next week. AT Lambeau.

And too bad I'm on vacation Monday and Tuesday and only have 3 days of work this week to wear purple! I'll do my best to represent the Purple Nation but the next two days are Badger Red.

Wow, this really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Saturday Shorts:

Snow Removal: Good thing Carter learned how to operate that snow blower yesterday. It just kept right on snowing all night and this morning. So he got another crack at it today. I think he'll do just fine if it snows when Daddy is on his work trips in January and February. (Or even if he is here!)

Happy Trails: My sister Rayna and husband Paul -- who weathered the crazy blizzard weather on their way up from Texas -- took our parents back with them. They left Thursday, got rear-ended Friday (everyone's OK) and arrived at their home on Saturday. That's a lot of miles traveled in winter with two octogenarians! I give them credit for taking my parents along and keeping them for 6 weeks. I know they'll enjoy some warm weather. Who wouldn't?

Pizza Pals: Had some friends over tonight for pizza, ping-pong and pop (or something)! Their son Nate (Carter's age) was home for the holidays so it was nice for them to get together -- and us grownups, too. Our schedules all around have been so busy in recent months. Time to take a breather and enjoy the finer things in life... food and friends (mainly friends).

Let it Snow?

We were told by the weathermen that we were just going to get a dusting of snow today, maybe accumulating to an inch. It turned out to be a couple inches. Like we needed any more.

It made for snow-covered and slippery roads so hubby was nice enough to drive me to the chiropractor this afternoon so I didn't have to battle with the road conditions. He dropped me off and while I was getting "adjusted," he made a Golden Arches run and got me an eggnog shake! Did I mention he was the best hubby in the world??

When we got home we decided it was time to turn over the snow removal reins to the teenager. Whether he liked it or not.

Snowblowing 101: Follow your lines closely to avoid unnecessary "laps." Watch which direction your snow is blowing.

Jim handled the shoveling and I took pictures. I'm sure I was busy doing something. I just can't remember what.

Carter did the neighbor's driveway, too. He agreed that snowblowing is better than shoveling. Don't we all? Now we'll be fighting over the snowblower to see who has to shovel. I might as well just stay out of this fight and let them handle it. Right?

So besides having a new snow slave (let it snow!), our other good news today is that Sylvester had a clean bill of health at the vet. She had her annual visit -- that only Jim dares to take her to -- and the doc said she is more like a 2-year-old than an 8-year-old. She is that healthy!

She even maintained the same healthy weight for at least three years in a row now. Maybe I should be more like a cat. Take naps. Act like a princess. I think I'm getting the lazy princess part down during vacation. Before I start licking my paws I figured I better get motivated today. So I reacquainted myself with the treadmill and did not watch any Hallmark movies.

I watched a chick flick tonight -- The Lucky One -- but that was between folding clothes and staying out of the line of fire in the ping-pong arena! It had to be done.

Krickety Karma

My back was protesting as I tried to roll out of bed this morning. I ended up having to go to the chiropractor. Apparently that is the price one pays for sitting on the couch watching too many Christmas movies on Hallmark.

Not kidding.

Either I stop watching or I need to sit in a more supportive chair. I have to go back tomorrow for another adjustment. Plus, I forced myself to schedule an hour massage for Monday. That's what karma dealt me today!

On the positive side, I was very productive -- updating my Christmas card mailing list, putting away the stockings and Santa hats, and sorting/tossing/organizing my sock and underwear drawers. C'mon, that has to count.

I didn't get beyond that since I welcomed a few distractions. First we went down to the Dells to watch our next-door neighbor Madison (Carter's age) play in a fast-pitch softball tournament. Yes, softball in the middle of winter. And yes, it was indoors -- the "dome" at the Chula Vista Resort.

While we were there, hubby got a text that one of his high school classmates was in town and getting together at another classmate's house in Rapids. So after the softball wins, we headed home, dropped Carter off and enjoyed some grownup fun and reminiscing. Well, the guys reminisced and us girls were just there to be supportive and laugh on cue -- even though we didn't have a clue who they were talking about most of the time.

Still a fun night and I managed not to turn into a pumpkin at midnight. Though I am heading towards a vegetative state promptly.

Yin & Yang or Ping & Pong

Hubby warned me that having a ping-pong table would get a little loud. Apparently his mother yelled at him a lot when he and his sister played in their basement. All that ball-bouncing racket!

I discovered today that it is not the Ping and the Pong that make the noise. It's the Dad and the Son talking smack down there! Here we have Jim, who has always been good, he says. And we have Carter, who plays almost daily in the basement at school and thinks he's pretty good. Jim warned us that we shouldn't get a table or there would be a lot of crying... when he wins all the time.

So he and Carter went to Wal-Mart to pick up some paddles and balls and are keeping an all-time, forever score sheet between the two of the them. As I type right now and hear some exclamations from down below now and then, I can tell you the latest tally I saw was Dad with a 16-1 record so far.

You think they've done anything else today??

Actually Carter had a friend over for awhile and they played a few games while hubby and I had a date. It's true.

We went to the matinee of "Life at 40." I thought it was going to be a straight comedy but it actually had some serious story lines. We laughed plenty, though. And we probably identified with more than we expected! We both liked it so that will hold us for another year or so before we return to the theater. That's just how it plays out. It's not that we don't like movies. It's just that we don't usually find the same one we want to see on the big screen. So I end up renting them. These days, probably a year after they are in theaters! I'm a bit behind.

Perhaps because I'm watching too many made-for-TV Christmas movies. Did I say "too many"? Well, I hate to say it, but there are 3 on right now on 3 different channels and I've seen them all. Uh-oh. I probably should make better use of my time the rest of vacation!

This home office could use a day-long cleansing and reorganization. And then I could spend 3 days in the Scrap Cave. And not do any pages!

Hmm... Actually re-runs don't sound too bad right now!

I Still Believe

It was like Christmas morning Bizarro World around here -- with the grownups up early, anxiously waiting for the kids to get out of bed so we could open presents! In the end, we waited until 10 a.m. and then lured them out of bed with the smell of bacon. Works every time!

Even though Casey and Carter pretty much knew everything they were getting, Christmas morning is still fun. You never know when there is going to be a surprise! This year, I was floored.

Remember how I told you Carter has been begging for a ping-pong table and Daddy Claus was saying, "No way. No how. No room"? Well, Mrs. Claus ordered a portable, table-top ping-pong set that could be set up on one of our folding tables downstairs. Not ideal, but at least it was something. Imagine my surprise when I went down in the basement to feed the cat this morning and I saw box on the floor for a real, life-size ping-pong table!

Wow, Mr. Claus definitely pulled one over on ol' Mrs. Claus! Certainly made a believer out of me!

In the end, we had Carter open all his presents, including the portable ping-pong set, then suggested he go downstairs to set up the folding table for it. He was just as surprised as me at what he found -- and pretty darn thrilled! Of course, there was not just "some assembly required," but "all assembly required." So that took up the rest of the morning. It didn't come with paddles, so we'll have to get those tomorrow when stores are open again. In the meantime, the boys used the ones from the portable set -- which now has a new home with Casey. Apparently college kids like to play ping-pong and drink root beer.

Jim and I didn't exchange presents since our gift to each other is our new bathroom. That might be for Valentine's, too. We just hope we have it all done by then. We have some more gunk to get off the walls before the painting is done, but we all took today completely off. Just watched TV -- the guys watching John Wayne and me watching some Christmas flicks -- and mellowed. Tomorrow we'll get back to "work" on our vacation.

By then, the smell of bacon might be gone for good. But our memories will still linger, reminding us we are never too old to believe!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Forget about the headaches of shopping, traveling, too much eating and stress. This really is the most wonderful time of the year when you can spend it with the ones you love.

It was not every day I can go from one family -- saying so long to my parents and siblings at the hotel Up north -- to the other -- celebrating with hubby's family over Christmas dinner.

I feel blessed that everyone I got to celebrate with last year was around this year. That's not something I can take for granted -- especially as my parents age and well, the world sees random violence erupting in every corner. I'm not kidding when I say all I want for Christmas is peace on earth! As a close second, I want quality time with loved ones. And I'm thankful I got that.

It was nice to host Christmas with my long-distance sister and brother-in-law, who are taking my parents back with them down to Texas for a month or so. It was also just great to see everyone able to make our celebration. Today, we hit the road in the late morning so we could get back into town in time to unload the vehicle from one celebration and reload it for the other.

We got to Jim's parents' by 4, joining his sister and her family. Our college boy Casey also was there and is here now to spend the night as we wait for Santa to come. Our middle blessing, Clay, chose not to take part and we miss him. Like I said, I just have to be grateful for the ones who are here and enjoy my time with them.

So I better get off the computer so I can crash in the "guy talk" in the living room. Then see if I can't assist Santa in any way.

Hope you all were blessed with a few more Christmas memories made with those special people in your lives!!

Family Fa-la-la-ing

My Texas sister Rayna and I hosted our family Christmas party today in Siren. This way, everyone did not have to travel 4 hours to my house or 3 days to hers. And we still were considered the hosts!

We used a meeting room/banquet room and crammed in 31 of us with no problem. Had a good lunch with everything from hot tamales and Texas barbecued brisket to cheesy potatoes and our traditional sugar crisp cookies. I really shouldn't have to eat for 2 days. But I will, of course.

We had our traditional program for my parents, with each of us siblings and our clan presenting something -- this year with the theme of favorite Christmas carols. My family did a bit on bells and my twin impressively managed to get every niece and nephew participating in hers. Funny stuff and emotional stuff all around. It always ends with my parents telling us how grateful they are that we are all there with  them and, naturally, such an awesome family.

We are!

I love my family. Had fun playing games later and got a few gifts, too. Viking beads I can't live without and, from my twin, a ticket to go with her to the Broadway show "Rock of Ages!" Now I've got until May to get my '80s hair back. Ha. Should be fun!

We have two more "Christmases" to go this week so I better get some shut-eye so we can leave Siren early enough tomorrow. Plus, Santa still sees me when I'm sleeping -- so I better give him something to do!

Game Night

It's not every day you have to go north to get to warmer weather. But this morning when we got up, it was only 6 degrees in Wisconsin Rapids and reportedly 13 degrees in Luck (and 10 in Siren, our final destination). Time to hit the road!

We only had two pit stops on the way up -- our normal potty stop in Neillsville and then a lunch stop in Rice Lake. Checked into our hotel in Siren around 4 and got to see my sister Rayna and brother-in-law Paul, who were finally calmed down and a little more acclimated to winter after their challenging 1,600-mile trip up from Texas!

I accidentally took a nap for awhile but got up in time to go to a Game Night hosted by my cousins Laryn and Paula in Frederic. Had a great time seeing cousins I normally just "see" on Facebook or through Christmas cards. Learned a few new games and played an old one I haven't played in years. That was fun.

It was nice to see that my cousins and their siblings are just as competitive as I am with mine. Ha. I might just have to teach my family some new games tomorrow when we all get together here for Christmas!

We'll see who's up for the challenge!

Love Letter

Dear Sweet Vacation:

I haven't seen you in awhile but that doesn't mean I don't love and appreciate you. I am looking forward to spending the rest of 2012 with you. Now that the world didn't come to its predicted end today, I am committed to you, I promise.

Can you return the favor?

I have great plans for us! Tonight, while Carter and hubby are off at a basketball game, I am just finishing movie #2 out of 3 tonight on the Hallmark Channel. Yes, I am getting my fill now in case I don't get that remote back very much during our time together.

I must say your time of arrival couldn't be more perfect. Now that the storm Draco has passed, I can head Up North tomorrow to see my sister and brother-in-law, who arrived in Wisconsin safely (thank God) after a hellish trip from Texas... then see all my family on Sunday, then hubby's family on Monday.

Oh, Vacation, I am excited for time with loved ones and time to celebrate Jesus' birth. It's going to be great to also have some time to relax and find ways to relieve stress. Maybe that will come in the form of movies or games with the guys or scrapping or reading or running. If I get ambitious, and please don't allow that too much, I may even get a few things done around here.

Either way, we're stuck together until Jan. 2 so let's make the most of it. I'm willing if you are!

Love always (and I mean that),
Robyn

Snow Day

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but this comfy Viking blanket and the Hallmark Channel are so delightful...

Thankfully I have no place to go. Today anyway.

It was actually an "official" snow day for all of us. They closed down our office at work today so I didn't have to worry about attempting the drive anyway. So I stayed in my jammies and worked at the computer while hubby was out snowblowing our driveway and the neighbor's -- and Carter, well, Carter was a typical teenager and slept through it all. I did wake him up at 10 just so he would be able to get to sleep tonight!

Jim had to do snow removal in two rounds today. In the midmorning and then again in late afternoon. I guess our total was something between 10-11 inches. It was windy but at least it wasn't icy and we kept our power. It was a lot worse in other parts of Wisconsin.

It does look pretty though, doesn't it? It makes me think of Christmas songs about winter wonderlands. Or frosty snowmen or my favorite things... which today happen to be gingerbread tea with a splash of eggnog ... and the Hallmark Channel.

Better get back to it. This snow day is almost over!

Two Sides to Every Story

As a news reporter in a former life, I know a thing or two about balancing out a story. While my blog is heavily one-sided (As Robyn Sees It), I can occasionally see both sides. Today just happened to be one of those days where the positive and negative were a little more obvious.

Hair - Part 1: I went into work early today so I could make an appointment later in the morning. A very important appointment. I met with my hair artist in Waupaca and traded in my "50 shades of gray" for some "holiday hair." Oh yes, this girl is happy!

Hair - Part 2: It's been 3 weeks since Carter's haircut, which I really like, by the way, and he has already been whining that it's too long. He loves the style but wanted it trimmed before the special Christmas mass at school this Friday. Since the woman who cut his hair has Thursday office hours and I know it's going to storm, we stopped at a "walk-in" place tonight for his trim. Well, now it's way too short, in his opinion and his "side burns" are gone. Gasp! At least this time he can't blame me. I held no scissors in my hand (and probably won't again, as far as his hair goes!)

At least one of us had a good hair day!

Blizzard - Part 1: After I got my hair done, I just had to stop at the DQ across the street to try out a Candy Cane Blizzard for lunch! Who cares if I've been freezing at work? That was some goooood stuff! Funny thing is that 6 hours later, my sister Rayna (officially on the road for their 1,500-mile trip Up North) texted me their first pit stop was at DQ for a Candy Cane Blizzard! Sisters to the core, er cone.

Blizzard - Part 2: While the weather forecasters have shifted the path of Draco (when did we start naming snow storms?) just a bit, it still looks like we'll get somewhere between 6 and 16 inches. No sense being more accurate, right? Either way, it's an all-out blizzard with serious travel advisories. There's no way in heck, I (or most of us) am driving to work tomorrow. School is already canceled for Carter. And Jim is already home on vacation. I don't know think he wants us invading his space for the day.

Unless we help out with snow removal. Good thing we got our snow blower fixed in the nick of time.

Snow-tivation

What moves you?

I know my motivation is kicked into high gear this week as I try to get two weeks' worth of work done in one so I can have next week off. Add to that, today's motivation: Snow!

Or, maybe I should say BLIZZARD! This is what is allegedly coming down the pike....

Yes, that little line of "locally" totals is pointing right at us! This means there is a 99.9% chance I am working from home on Thursday. Hubby is on vacation and there are not enough anti-anxiety pills in my arsenal to get me to attempt that drive on my own. Plus, they are already discouraging it!

I am more concerned at this point for my sister Rayna and brother-in-law Paul who are trekking north from Texas to Wisconsin this week. I hope the blizzard is passed and roads are clear by the time they hit the Midwest late Thursday and early Friday. If they can just get past the narrow band (if the whole state of Iowa could be called that), then they should be home free! Let's hope!

I can still get plenty of work done at home Thursday and be back in the office Friday. IF the weather man is right. I think they still have another day here to correct the path of the storm. After all, they started predicting this on Sunday.

In the meantime, it's business as usual. Had a holiday potluck at work today for our division and ate too much. Got home and changed into warm clothes to do my last bell-ringing stint of the season. This time I brought a CD player with me so I could play Christmas music. That and the reindeer hat certainly put people in the giving spirit... plus it helped the time go by quicker. It also helped I ran into a few people I knew. Those short visits help pass the time, too.

I could have come straight home after that but stopped to see the boys basketball game versus Marathon. We got smoked by 40 points. Yup, I could have come straight home and I wouldn't have missed anything.

But I suppose it would have given me more time to dwell on the weather that I cannot control!

Doing Some Good

I don't know if it's the national sense of caring and concern spurred by the recent shooting tragedy or just good old-fashioned Christmas spirit, but my Red Kettle bell ringing stint went quite well tonight.

It felt different this time than when I rang earlier in the month.Sure, I still tried to use my cute Rudolph hat to charm donations, but this time I was also more aware of the significance of what my little two-hour shift means.

I just finished reading the Danielle Steel book "Gift of Hope," a nonfiction work detailing her 11-year outreach to the homeless in San Francisco. It is pretty moving -- mainly because I know this is happening anywhere and everywhere. It got me thinking about what programs/services are actually out there for people in need.

The Salvation Army is definitely one of them.

According to their website, in this new century, The Salvation Army is serving more people in the USA than ever before. "We are already seeing large increases in the number of Americans seeking the basic necessities of life -- food, shelter and warmth. Approximately 30 million people received help from The Salvation Army in 2011, but the magnitude of the mission facing The Salvation Army in communities throughout the United States remains great."

This makes me really grateful I signed up for 3 shifts this year. The Red Kettle is in dire need of volunteers to ring the bell. I see empty "stations" everywhere in town, including high-traffic stores like Wal-Mart. What a shame.

It is not hard to do. Sure, it gets chilly and if you have a bad back like me, it can be difficult to stand the whole time. But you can sit down and still keep that bell ringing. In the scheme of things, how hard is that, really? Is it harder than living without food, shelter or warmth in the winter? Is it  harder than facing your first Christmas without the grade-schooler in your life?

I didn't think so.

Give it a chance. You will feel blessed that you can play some small part in Doing the Most Good. I know I do!

Getting Shorter

The calendar doesn't lie. My days definitely are getting shorter. Of course, if I rolled out of bed at a decent time, I'd have plenty of hours to get things done.

I was so exhausted after two late nights  followed by two early mornings, that this morning, I just slept until my body was refreshed. Yes, I got up before noon. No, Carter didn't. I had his door open at 11 a.m. and was making some noise but he didn't budge 'til I nudged him after noon. Now the challenge will be falling asleep tonight. (I'm up for the challenge!)

Since my day was short, I had to take advantage of the non-raining daylight hours to get a run/walk in. Then I had some Amish Friendship Bread and Muffins to bake while keeping tabs on the Vikings game. It was not on our network here but we saw updates while watching the Bears blow it in their totally possible game to win against the Packers. Shoot.

Just glad the Vikings won.

After the games I found a few more presents to wrap, then went grocery shopping and made supper. After supper, the three of us played a game each of Scrabble and 10,000 (a dice game). Daddy was the winner of both but graciously thanked Carter and me for inviting him to play. Whatever.

Next time!

We called my parents after that and I was relieved to hear my dad has had 2 good non-painful weeks! Yeah! They enjoyed talking to Carter and I am not sure what they all talked about since I wasn't near him the whole time. I wouldn't be surprised if he mentioned to them, too, that he wants a ping-pong table for Christmas. He is relentless about this and, sadly, it's not going to happen.

Today I reiterated that there just isn't room in our basement so he went downstairs and reorganized even more. I said, "Carter, stop already! It's not happening." Not 10 minutes later he shows me a picture on the computer of something else he wants. Really? Still adding to the list? I said, "You really think Santa's not done shopping yet?"

I could tell he is disappointed about the ping-pong thing. Now, no matter what he gets, it's not going to be as good as he hoped. Oh well, I did break down and got something close to what he wants. But he doesn't have to know that. And I certainly hope he'll be fine with it.

By then, the days will be longer so we'll have plenty of time to find out!

Rain Date

When the weather forecasters casually mention the possibility of freezing rain or icy snow, I tend to pay attention.

This morning, after only maybe 5 hours of sleep, I got up and wanted to be sure that dangerous traveling weather wasn't heading our way too soon since we had boys to deliver home at some point. They were not as concerned as they slept until 11 a.m. But when I checked the forecast and realized it was just going to rain -- for the next 24 hours -- I didn't disturb them.

So what does one do on a rainy wintry day? With my lack of sleep, I wanted to opt for a day on the couch with some serious bonding with the Hallmark Channel. It was nothing close to that.

After making the boys brunch, hubby and I headed into town on a rain "date" to do a little shopping. We really just needed to pick up one birthday gift, one Christmas gift and our family Christmas party essentials (plates, napkins, etc.). That took awhile... as everyone in the Rapids area apparently had the same idea. What a zoo! Glad our list was short, but that still took time!

Got home and my goal was to get the presents wrapped. All of them. Came close. Am waiting for a thing or two coming next week, but other than that, it's all wrapped and ready for delivery. Whoo-hoo! About the time I was done, I was past my need for a nap, though. I did lay down for a half hour but didn't sleep. Then it was time to get up and energized for a surprise 50th birthday party.

This wasn't the typical surprise party setup where we wait for the special guest to arrive at an agreed-to location. Instead, we all met at a house and drove in a caravan over to the birthday boy's house and surprised him. Since his birthday was earlier in the month, he thought he dodged the bullet. But his wife had other plans. And it worked! He was surprised.

So it was another night with friends -- playing games and chatting and laughing... and not getting home until 1 a.m. again.

I better be careful or I might actually be getting a social life.

Dark Side

I can't always find a "Light Side" on this blog. I mostly try to keep it funny or inspiring in a positive way. But occasionally I am at a loss for words.

Today is one of those days.

I was at work when I learned early on of the school shooting in Connecticut. As a parent, I immediately have an uncontrolled physical reaction. I got chills, something akin to goose bumps, as I sat there, stunned. Every time a detail came out, my body reacted the same. Like when I first learned it was at an elementary school, not a high school or college. And then when I learned of the unbelievably large number of victims. I just got chills to the point I was numb, I guess.

It's just so shocking. My mind raced with questions. Who would do this? Why? Why innocent children? What would someone have against them? Isn't it safe to send my kid to school? Is it safe anywhere?

It's so incredibly tragic. I can only pray God will offer some comfort and understanding to the hundreds who are grieving. I know I couldn't wait to see Carter after school to give him a hug! I vowed that I was going to hug him no matter how much it would embarrass him in front of his friends. But I sort of tempered that a bit.

Carter and two of his friends stayed after school and went to the girls basketball game. Since his two friends are staying overnight tonight, I had to go pick them up. First, hubby and I went to a nearby saloon to hear our friend "Kat" play in her band. When it was halftime of the basketball game, I left the establishment and went to town to pick up the boys. (I got to see the fourth quarter of the game. We won.)

I dropped the boys off at our house, gave Carter an earnest hug in front of his 2 friends (they only picked on him a little), then left the boys on their own. I picked up Jim and we went to an "adult gathering" with 3 other couples from school. It was a great time. And so good to sit and laugh and not think about the dark day.

We got home at a little after 1 a.m. and I am ready to drop. Carter and friends, however, are still wide awake in the basement, sipping soda, eating chips and playing video games like they could do it all night long. Wasn't I young and full of energy like that once?

I'm a little bit jealous. But mostly just grateful we have a group of healthy boys here ... and my baby is safe. For today.

Thanks be to God.

Happy Skol-idays

All week I've had it my head that it was St. Lucia Day on Saturday. I kept thinking the 15th and wondered how I would, er she would, get presents to Carter without embarrassing him in front of the friends he's having over Friday night.

All this thought going into it and then I realized a half hour ago that TODAY is St. Lucia Day!

Whoops.

Just about missed our Scandi-hoovian holiday!

So I quickly threw our gifts in some bags -- Wal-Mart bags, not gift bags -- and spread some good old Swedish cheer!

Hubby got a nice cheese slicer (built in on a bread board) to replace our old one. Carter got an Asteroids video game t-shirt. And I, following Norse tradition, got a new Vikings apron! Skol!

Or in today's case: Happy Skol-idays!

For the record, for the real Christmas, I do have my shopping all done now. Maybe I better write it on the calendar that my family's gifts are due the 23rd, Jim's family's gifts are due for delivery the 24th, and the boys will get theirs the 25th.

Our bathroom may "arrive" by New Year's. We'll see. Good thing I'm not completely in charge!

Happy St. Lucia Day!!

12-12-12

{  12  }

It's just a number but it drew plenty of attention today -- on 12/12/12... the only time in any of our lives we will see that. And not because the world ends next week. There's just no months higher than 12.

Of course, Packer fans made a huge deal out of this since their QB wears #12. I guess someone who I didn't vote for declared it Aaron Rodgers Day. Here's my answer to that!

Unfortunately, Percy Harvin is out for the season, but you get my point.

Carter's school actually had a "dress down" day today. So they didn't have to wear dress code as long as they were wearing Green & Gold. Here's Carter's answer to that... He wore his St. Patrick's Day t-shirt that looks like a GREEN leprechaun suit with GOLD pieces in the pockets.

Oh yes, we are so clever in this house!

Typically, when I'm thinking of 12/12 it's in reference to 12x12 paper for scrapbooking. That's really my kind of 12! Tonight though, we realized our bathroom tiles come in 12x12 size, too. Now I just have to pick out a style and color.

Trust me. It will not be green and gold!

Festive Fifteen

Other than candy canes and figgy pudding (whatever that is), there aren't many Christmas carols or stories that actually mention food. Yet somehow it is the center of most holiday celebrations.

It's no wonder the Festive Fifteen looms as dangerous to most of us as the Freshman Fifteen does for college students. It's almost inevitable, isn't it? I mean we could fight it, but how? And more importantly, why? It's the only time of year I get Schwan's Peppermint Stick Ice Cream, all varieties of cookies and fudge and, of course, eggnog in every conceivable way.

I don't want to miss out!

I guess it's no wonder that when I came across this cartoon, I laughed right out loud. And guiltily avoided the scale the rest of the day.

Today we had our holiday potluck at work. I did very well with my "portion control" during the main meal. It was the second plate that did me in. OK it was a very small plate but there were sooooo many dessert treats to choose from, a person (with or without self control) couldn't choose just one. (And might I add, the eggnog fudge was divine.)

Honestly, I felt so full of sugar by early afternoon, I was convinced Popeye would nickname ME Sweet Pee, er Pea. Now I've crashed from the sugar high and am ready for bed! It's a good thing I don't have that many eating engagements on the calendar this season. Or I might not even be able to hold myself up in a plank position for 15 seconds!

I just have to be sure the Festive Fifteen is something more like a manageable Festive Five. Either way, my scale will run and hide in January as usual... while I suck on the last candy canes and gobble down the last red-and-green spice drops...

Just to get them out of the house, of course.

For the Moment

It was a year ago today that my dad was released from a hospital in Minneapolis after his heart attack and subsequent flight for life.

In some ways it seems like years ago -- so much has happened to fill up that year -- but in other ways, it seems like yesterday -- I'll never forget the shock, the worry, the realization that we could lose someone we love at a moment's notice.

Or no notice.

I've been praying the last few days for some people on both ends of the age spectrum. One is my second cousin's 17-year-old son who died a few days ago -- with no notice. A senior in high school, he had his whole life ahead of him. Now his family is left to deal with the questions, the pain and the empty place in their hearts as they go through life and wonder what he'd be doing if he were still here.

Since I live so far away from my family and cousins, I never got the chance to meet this boy. That doesn't lessen my grief or concern for those closest to him. The thought of losing a child, at any age really, just breaks my heart. I pray my cousins will find comfort.

The second person on my mind is my brother-in-law's mother, who ironically was airlifted to that same Minneapolis hospital late Saturday after a massive stroke. Things aren't looking too good for her. And while she has lived a full life, that doesn't lessen the shock and worry her family is experiencing.

This woman and her wonderful son have been a part of my life since I was Carter's age. My sister married him some 30 years ago so my brother-in-law isn't exactly "extended family" any more. He IS family. He and my sister have two wonderful sons and two adorable grandsons. All who are praying now for this woman to recover, but at the same time, preparing to say goodbye.

I remember when Dad was in the hospital. I realized it could be time for the final farewell. I wasn't ready. I'm still not ready. Are we ever? I know I couldn't handle saying goodbye to a parent or child right now. But I guess that's why we pray. To give people in that situation the strength to get through it.

In the meantime, all we can do -- and must do --  is cherish our loved ones for the moment... while they are here so we have no regrets.

Let It Snow

I don't mind looking at snow but absolutely hate driving in it... oh and shoveling it. But, as the song says, if I have "no place to go," then you can let it snow.

Tomorrow, when we head back to work, it will be a different story!

The first storm of the year made its way across Minnesota, dumping a foot or so in some places, and has been falling steady here since I woke up this morning. Not blizzard-like steady. Just softly falling so that it deceives us with its beauty.

The roads, however, are a mess. But our driveway isn't -- thanks to hubby's manpower. Yup, the snowblower didn't start so we'll be getting that fixed ASAP. There is a whole lotta winter left.

I did spend the day indoors, but not really relaxing and enjoying the view. Worked most of the day in the bathroom and that is down to one section left to strip. I finally gave up around 5:30 and took a shower.

Don't be too impressed. I got a late start to begin with and had to take several breaks in the early afternoon to be sure my Vikings didn't blow their lead. As usual, they kept it too close for comfort. But we won. And I appreciate all the Packers fans who found it in their hearts to cheer with Purple Pride today, too. Thanks!

Carter did some work today, too. After rolling out of bed just before noon, he did some cleaning and even vacuuming in the basement. One, he's getting ready to have some friends over next weekend. And two, he really, really, really wants to prove that a ping-pong table will fit down there. He has not given up on that Christmas wish. Yikes. I'm not sure what we're gonna do about that.

I'll have to watch some more Hallmark movies so I really catch that giving spirit! I might as well since tonight, we have no place to go.

Just hope the plow drivers will be by before we do!

''The Pretty Lady'

Anyone who's played in Pep Band (or listened to one) knows one of the fun songs is The Stripper. Just think of the melody in your head and you'll be swaying back and forth in no time. Right?

I don't know if it's because it's a Catholic school or what, but Carter's band director does not call that song The Stripper. She calls it The Pretty Lady.

So I guess I was a Pretty Lady today. Yup, the painter came and took a look at our bathroom and said we really have to get the wallpaper backing stripped off. He's not going to be able to paint over it in case pieces decide to flake off at some point.

So it was back to stripping.

Good thing we didn't have much scheduled for the weekend. I put in a couple of hours then HAD to go to a cosmetic/skin care party. I left and told the guys, "I'll be back in an hour to start stripping again." Well that turned into 2 hours or so. I didn't know we were doing the whole Beauty Queen Makeover thing! But it was nice.

And, when I got home and changed back into my grubby workin' clothes, I was still the best-looking Pretty Lady in the house!

Hubby ended up helping a lot. It was good to take turns since we both don't have the best backs in the world and you really end up using muscles not typically exercised with our desk jobs. No, we did not finish today. Jim had a few-hour break, too, taking Carter to the batting cage. And I reserved the couch for a 7 p.m. Hallmark Christmas movie. Now it's probably too late to do any more. I mean you're not supposed to "work out" too close to bedtime, are you?

We "pretty ladies" need our beauty sleep!

Packin' Heat

There's something non-functional about our heating system at work.

Today I never had the opportunity to take my jacket off. It just was never quite warm enough. I drank plenty of coffee to warm my core, but I am pondering packing some heat next week -- as in hand warmers, hot tea, maybe an electric lap blanket or a funky Snuggie. (Heaters are outlawed by the maintenance cops.)

We'll have to see.

In order to warm ourselves up after work, we immersed ourselves among as many sweaty people as possible. Sort of. In a less gross way.

Carter stayed after to school to "lift" and then go straight to Pep Band for the boys' games versus Auburndale. So hubby and I headed straight to Lincoln High School (the other Rapids school) to watch his goddaughter Becca play JV. Rapids did not play too well against Merrill. The primary JV team on which Becca played lost by 10 or 12. The secondary JV team lost 58-8. That is not a typo. It was still nice to see her play anyway.

After that game, we went over to Assumption High School to catch the boys varsity game. The gym was pretty packed with plenty of representation from Auburndale so I finally warmed up. Our team, however, was less than hot. They lost by a LOT.

Disappointing after seeing our girls kick butt and win by 40 points or something like that last night. It just never works out that both teams are hot at the same time. Oh well, it's early in the season.

Lots more cold nights to come... where sweaty people gather and my electric mattress pad is my BFF!

Beats Me

Our workplace has invested in the health of its employees. Maybe just to minimize insurance claims and sick days, but still they do what they can to keep us thinking of healthy alternatives to, well, everything. That is why hubby and I are each saddled with a pedometer year-round. And why every Wednesday or Thursday, a massage therapist comes to the office to give chair massages for a reasonable fee.

That's my idea of a health kick!

While I enjoy the girl on Wednesdays (we talk a lot of scrapbooking), I love the alternate Thursdays when the man shows up. Kurt literally beats the crap, er knots, out of me and it's awesome! You know, when pain is good.

Today it was magical. I don't know what I do to get so wound up, but those two make enough progress in their beatings and kneadings that I can avoid going to the chiropractor as often. That's a win right there.

This week I think my sore muscles come from my competitive nature that has forced me (not really) to prove something (as usual). The fitness center is having a planking competition of sorts. They ask: How long can you plank? I was like, beats me, but I'll give it a shot.

If you are unfamiliar with a plank, you basically are in a position like you are going to do a push-up (there are no "girl" push-ups on the knees here) but you don't move. For this competition, we are resting on our elbows and holding the pose. Though the word resting is quite a misnomer. It is much more difficult than it sounds -- especially for those of us out of shape with a weak core (as in flabby belly). When I saw that someone already timed in over 6 minutes, I was going to pass on the "offer" to participate. But then one of the workers said, "Well we consider 'most improved,' too."

I took the bait.

So last Thursday, I gave it my first try. I unfortunately didn't jump into this until after my workout. So I really didn't have a store of energy waiting to be expended. While the sweat was dripping off my forehead, my arms quickly turned to rubber and I made it all of 1 minute, 8 seconds. Hold the applause.

While I told myself I would start working my core and do some planking on my own time, I did not find or make the time to do so. As a result, today, a week later, I was in no better shape than before. However, I remembered to record my efforts before a run this time. How did I do? Drum roll, please...

I doubled my time! 2 minutes, 15 seconds!

I admit I am pathetic, but if I keep up this pace, there is a chance I could beat that 6-minute record. All I have to do is keep doubling my time each week.

Right.

And I will need Kurt to beat me on a more regular basis. Not necessarily beat out the knots, but maybe beat some sense into me.

Do you think anyone is capable?

Robyn's Workshop

I was somewhat of a cross between Martha Stewart and an elf on speed today. In the end, it was as productive a day off as I could have hoped! And I still have time to get  few more things done.

Rolled out of bed after 8 (sounds great already, doesn't it?). Had the last cup of coffee in the pot then got down to business...

Did one load of laundry, baked 3 loaves of banana bread, baked 3 dozen Amish Friendship Bread muffins, made 100-some Christmas pretzel/chocolate kiss treats, put up and decorated the tree, decked a few halls and even squeezed in 1 1/2 Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel. (I was interrupted for the last half -- but I'd seen it before. No surprise.)

Oh yes, it was a good day.

I also wrapped up my Christmas shopping and card project and may even get some wrapping of presents done tonight. I just gotta see if there's something on Hallmark I could watch at the same time.

I may be on vacation, but I still have to multi-task!

Take a Breather

As I looked around the kitchen this morning, I realized my typical whirlwind of life has landed like a cyclone on the counter tops. There's mail to be sorted, bills to pay, Amazon delivery boxes to be opened, aging bananas to be made into bread and a gallon Ziploc bag of Amish Friendship Bread dough ready to burst at the seams.

Yup. I need a day off.

In order to make that happen, I had to work like a mad woman today and get a lot done. I did! I even got in a noon-time run at the fitness center. That worked well. I still could have got all that baking done by "deadline" tonight but opted to wait until tomorrow so I could enjoy a night out.

It's not that we don't like our house... It's just that there are things to do, people to see and places to go!

Hubby and I stopped home after work to pick up Carter and head to Pittsville for boys hoops. Now the only thing I like about Pittsville is their school colors: Purple and Yellow. Even though I was loving their purple Nike basketball shoes, I was not happy to see how well they worked for them!

They killed us 50-32 (I think) in both the JV and Varsity games. Of course, they have a 6-foot-9 starter so that helped them. He has really, really, really big purple Nikes! Anyway, it was still nice to go and root for the Royals. Hopefully next game will be against a team of normal high-school-sized boys!

We'll have a little breather here until the girls play on Thursday -- coincidentally, the same day I return to work. I vow to use my time wisely. Just wait 'til tomorrow night when I report on all my progress...

Or about the great daytime Christmas movies I saw on the Hallmark Channel!

Jingle Bell Rock!

It's rare when I would pass up a night plopped down on the couch, watching a Christmas movie on the Hallmark Channel. But just give me a LIVE Christmas program and I am off the couch and out the door!

Tonight was Carter's band concert for the Assumption High School Christmas Program.Choir performed, too, giving the audience a beautiful preview of the sounds of the season!

Of course I took photos. Thanks for asking...

All dressed up with at least one place to go! (Plus, I had to get a snapshot of his new 'do!)

Carter didn't really have a "solo" but for one song he was the only brass (as the only Baritone player) who played with the trumpets. Sounded good!

 Assumption High School Band in its entirety. Not a super big group but boy did they sound great!

 My favorite song was"Holiday Treat" -- a mix of all kinds of versions of Jingle Bells.

 Kickin' some brass!

 Time to embarrass Carter and take a picture at school! He's definitely smiling because it's over and the next stop is McDonald's.

 Carter and Brady, who had to wear a suit jacket for choir. Looking like some sharp-dressed men!

Carter and "some" of his gal pals. Here he is flanked by Sam and Hannah.Nice girls.

Now we just have to get him off his musical cloud 9 and back down to earth to do homework!

Anticipation...

Remember that old ketchup commercial with the song Anticipation playing in the background? The message was clear: Some times things take awhile but good things are always worth waiting for!

This time of year, the air is filled with excitement and anticipation about many things. Sometimes we look forward to certain football games, which I'd rather not talk about, but mostly it's all things Christmas related Now that Advent has officially started, we kick that into high gear.

This evening I was fortunate to take part in an "Advent by Candlelight" event at my church. I had attended one of these with a friend at her church a few years back, but this was the first time taking part in my own church's event.

Our event is a "ladies only" opportunity. And I might add that the "younger set" like myself was under-represented. Maybe we can correct that in years to come. The way it's set up, each "hostess" sets up a table with elegant Christmas decorations and tableware. Ours looked spectacular! Then that hostess also provides a pre-event appetizer and a dessert. The appetizers were good and the dessert table offered plenty of mint options!

Besides musical entertainment from some of the young ladies of the congregation -- ranging from 8 to 18 -- we listened to a nice devotion about Advent and anticipation.

Good focus (and reminder) about concentrating on Christ's birth and second coming. It's no small wonder that when we focus our energies on shopping and preparing food, that the stress pushes the real meaning of Christmas to the back of our minds. Our challenge is to have a more spiritual mindset as we prepare for the special birthday.

It doesn't mean we have to stop shopping altogether. But if we are out shopping, could we pick something up for someone truly in need? It's fine to send out dozens of Christmas cards, too. But as long as we're sending them, is there a shut-in from your congregation or an anonymous soldier who would enjoy receiving one as well? This is what we mean about getting prepared.

When you are decking the halls, don't forget the halls of you heart. Are they ready to greet a king?

I know I have much to do, inside and out. Good thing we at least know the first time He's coming!

Run, Run, Rudolph!

On Dasher... On Dancer... On Prancer... On Vixen...

Santa wasn't exactly cracking the whip today but 4 of the Desperate Reindeer of Blue Jay Drive got up early and headed south to Nekoosa for the first-ever Heart of Wisconsin Reindeer Run 5K. I was sooo tired from my minimal sleep last night, but I did fine.

We planned ahead that we would all wear antlers or Santa hats on our heads and Christmas socks over running tights!

I had found a Rudolph hat when Carter and I shopped in Eau Claire. It covered my ears so I liked that today. It was in the upper 30s but a bit windy.

We're like a chorus line here.. Dasher (Cindy), Dancer (Niki), Prancer (Niki's daughter Mya) and Vixen (oh yes, I call Vixen. Tee hee.)

Love our fun and festive feet? They didn't actually help us run faster, but it didn't matter -- it was an untimed event. An actual "fun run" with no competition.

I couldn't handle that so just treated it like a race. Didn't walk, ran the whole thing, even though it ended up being almost 3.5 miles instead of 3.1. No wonder my time was off a bit! We had fun, though, and it was very festive. If people didn't have their own headgear, antlers were provided! Plus, Rudolph was there to lead the race ... the first 3 blocks anyway.

Afterward, I came home and showered and Carter and I went to the 6th-grade girls basketball tournament at Assumption. I went to see my friend Jenny's daughter Allison play (Carter babysat her last summer) and Carter went because the 9th-grade girls basketball players had to help out with the tournament. (He's so transparent sometimes!)

Saw one game and came home to get a few things done. Then I dropped Carter back off at the tournament and went to ring the bell for the Salvation Army from 3-5 p.m. I had to follow a shift of two elderly gentlemen who played Christmas carols on their trumpets. Very tough act to follow. I wore my Rudolph hat, though, and that helped attract attention and, more importantly, donations!!

My feet, back and hip were tired by the time that was over. But always worth it when it's such a small gesture to help! When I was done, I stopped back at the school to get Carter and see Allison play her last game of the day. Then it was homeward bound!

Hubby pretty much had the house to himself until 7:30 tonight! Now the Badgers are on so I couldn't get a seat on the couch or chair in the living room if I wanted to. There's a chance there's a Christmas movie on somewhere so I may just have to go down in the basement and watch.

Right now, though, I just don't think I would have the energy to come back up!

TGIF and lots of other things

I'll keep this brief since it is the bewitching hour of midnight! Am thankful for many things today...

Thankful it's Friday and I managed to get caught up at work.

Thankful my father-in-law's surgery went OK.

Thankful we got to take in the Assumption boys basketball games vs. Edgar -- seeing Carter's old teammates play plus seeing the varsity team win a very physical battle!

Thankful for time and treats and table talk with friends after the game.

Thankful it's the last day of No-Shave Movember so I can shave tomorrow!

OK, gross. I made that last one up. But I am sincerely thankful for Fridays!

Transitions

Our household is in a state of transition -- and I'm not just talking about our ripped-up bathroom that better transition into something soon. All three of us embarked on a different chapter of our lives today. Nothing earth-shattering. Just signals of changing times.

Jim worked from home and joined the old "gang" at lunch. This was the first time without their friend Davey, who died last month. Just won't be the same any more. I'm sure they probably spent some of the time talking about him and most of the time missing him. I am quite sure Davey will always be there in spirit.

My transition is more a sign of aging, I guess. I picked up my new "night driving" glasses. Yay. While it is good that I can see better, I'm just less than thrilled that my eyes are progressing to that stage. Next it will be my hearing. And before you know it, I'll be wearing Mom Jeans. Gasp!

Carter's transition was thrilling for him and a bit of a bittersweet moment for me. After 14 years of getting his hair cut -- and usually buzzed with the clipper -- by Mom, he went to a hair "artist" today for the first time. Ever. Trust me, I had to hold back the urge to take photos. Ha. That's just the scrapbooking mom in me.

The hair-cutting mom will miss being needed. But he wants something more, shall we say, trendy now. Ms. Tina did a fine job and she definitely has a new fan in Carter. I like how it looks, too. And at some point, he may even give me permission to take a picture!

The only family member who didn't have to cope with a change today was Sylvester. According to Jim, she has been on the same chair for 6 hours now. Eventually, she may make her way to the food dish or litter box.

I hope she can handle the transition as well as we did!

Golden Tickets

Powerball fever is definitely sweeping through my neck of the woods. Probably yours, too, with tonight's jackpot estimated at some $500 million. Even the cash payout of maybe $280 million isn't too shabby either.

Hubby and I play the numbers regularly -- same ones week to week -- so we don't think it's fair that people who just buy it when it's "big" have the same chance of winning. Like a piddly little $8 million jackpot wouldn't be enough??

I guess we're guilty of doing that, too, though. We are in with 40 other people at work, who only do this when it gets "big." As in big enough to split between 42 people and maybe allow us all to retire. Quickly. Oh the dream!

So we have our tickets and, as usual, I won't give it another thought until I hear about the winners... usually from some other state.. or someone who's won before. Whoever has the Golden Ticket is going to have one heckuva holiday season!

But don't you worry about me. A friend just tormented me with this picture from her kitchen counter...

This season is heaven for mint lovers. And I don't need millions to enjoy it! Maybe a thousand minutes on the treadmill, but if I win the lottery, I can pay someone to do that for me!

Back to dreamland...

Back on Track

The first rude awakening was hearing an alarm for the first time in 7 days. Oh yes, I was that spoiled. Back to reality today after being out of the office from Wednesday to Monday.

After dropping off the steamer at 8, we got a little bit of a late start to work but was neck deep in "it" in no time once I got there. Plenty to catch up on and get on pace for my normal deadlines. Was pretty productive and even made my lunch-hour trip over to the fitness center.

That was a tougher reality than the alarm. To illustrate...

Yup, a bit of a challenge today. But hey, I went and am doing my best to get back on track.

From work, we went straight to the high school for the girls basketball games. I was able to watch JV play (Carter's classmates mainly) and they kicked butt. Then I had to work concessions for the Varsity game. So I not only missed my "adopted daughter" playing on her 17th birthday, I also missed a major butt kicking -- something like 70-23 over Pittsville. Gosh, I hope the rest of the season goes as well!

Got home just before 9:30 so we're having a bit of a late night here at the Austin household... Carter started homework, I started some laundry and hubby's taking out the trash.

Life it back on track... just a few hours behind.

Getting Steamed

Final score from today's action: Wallpaper Steamer -1, Robyn - Big Fat Zero.

I guess I'm not cut out to be a stripper! How is that the always reliable Diff didn't work on our wallpaper and now the highly recommended steamer didn't? Is it just me?

Grrr. I think it is!

Took today off and rented the steamer. Got it home and was getting steamed almost immediately when I couldn't get the hose connected to the "hot pan" thing. Well I tried everything, including Googling it, and couldn't make it work. Had to call on the next-door neighbor, who was at his shop 10 minutes away. He saved the day. And no, I couldn't have figured it out on my own.

Once I got it going, it required some sweat equity, but was easier than the Diff attempts.I had the wallpaper off the wall in about 3 hours.

Or so I thought.

In reality, I just had the first layer. In most places, the "backing" was still adhered to the drywall. Is it OK to score that and steam it again? I had to call on Mr. Neighbor again and after an educated consultation (of course), we decided to give that a try. Well, I would be giving it a try!

That was quite unsuccessful. It required much scrapping and the backing was only coming off in little shavings -- like wet sawdust. After it took a full hour to get two little areas stripped, I called it quits. Probably too late for my back and arms to thank me, but just in time to prevent my steam from blowing its top!

Next step: We'll return the steamer first thing in the morning then consult with our painter to see what he wants us to do. Then we'll see if I have to strip some more or if we pay someone else to. Legally and fully clothed, of course!

Round Trip

Carter and I just got back from a 500-mile Round Trip. And by round, I mean a trip where we ate enough fatty food to make us round in no time!

The first miles came early Black Friday. Well, not early like most hard-core BF shoppers refer to as early! I slept in until 7 a.m. and attempted to get my shopping partner up and out of bed. Of course, Carter changed his tune from the previous evening. He groggily asked which stores were we going to, then said, "Oh, we can go there any time." And rolled over and went back to sleep.

This was the only snow we had to contend with in the Rapids area. So I made my way to 2 stores in Stevens Point -- JoAnn's and Dunham's Sports -- got in and out with no problems and got the items I needed. Well, wanted and sort of needed.

Got home and loaded up the vehicle with our suitcases and treats for the Cookie Bake. We stopped at school to take in game 1 of the Cranberry Classic Basketball Tournament. Got to see our girls JV (with Carter's classmates) win against Marshfield Columbus.

Then we hit the road, stopping first in Rudolph, then in Luck, then at my parents, then Grantsburg, then to Romey's, and finally to Raylene's for the night. Each mile north we saw more and more snow. Yuck.

Saturday dawned cold -- as in single digits or close to zero. The Cookie Bake "party" started about a 11 a.m. and carried on a good 8 or 9 hours!

 New this year we had a distinguished panel of judges to taste test and determine the best cookies! From right, Carter, my grand-nephew Anthony and his friend Jared.

It didn't take long for Romey to try to bribe the judges. Didn't work.

They had quite a task, too! Look at the variety! With 11 participants, that was a lot to sample. Trust me, they only got a few "leftovers." But after judging the entries with a 1-5 grading system for both taste and presentation (this is serious business), they determined a winner.

Your blogger/photographer got 3rd place... Romey the briber got 2nd... and RoAnn, who may or may not have bribed them, got 1st!

First prize was very important because the boys, er judges, had been taking pictures of us with their phones and using a Fat Booth app that made us all look hideously blimp-ish... which could happen after a Cookie Bake anyway! They also could "age" our mugshots, too. We're doing that on our own. So as the winner, RoAnn got to have her picture deleted with a promise of no future use. The rest of us have to wonder if and when our fat faces will show up on the Internet.

Dang. Shoulda tried the bribery route!

Of course, some people got gifts or prizes anyway. Raylene got a cute towel and gift bags from Romey and RoAnn who are trying to show their non-Fat Booth, skinny chin faces. Ha. My sisters always make me laugh.

 

Holiday clothing is not mandatory, but encouraged. Romey had blinking earrings and here Renell shows off her blinking snowflake and her sassy shirt with 3 reindeer: Prancer, Dasher and VIXEN.

Game time! Ashley and Angie wait to start "In a Pickle," a fun new game.

Renell, Sara and her fiance, my nephew David, wait their turns.

In the other room was a close battle of "Sequence." Note the snow-covered field in the background!

Afternoon capped off with a noisy game of "Pit" followed by a quieter game of "What's Yours Like?"

Had a great time and it was so good to see everyone who could make it!

Carter and I stayed another night then made our way home in the busy traffic today, with one major pit stop at the Oakwood Mall in Eau Claire. Got some gifts taken care of there. Got home in the late afternoon and am ready for bed right now!

Just have to finish unpacking and try to keep away from 11 dozen cookies!

Giving Thanks

I made this little graphic for my Facebook page to illustrate that I may be thankful for many things, but most importantly, I am thankful for the people in my life. Family and friends I hold dear.

Of course, I don't have photos of everyone so this is the tip of the iceberg. That's what's so amazing! I can't believe I would ever have a bad day or anything to complain about when I have all these people in my life and my heart... plus my church family, my school family, my sports family, my work family, etc.

Lucky me!

Today I also have to give thanks for a perfect Thanksgiving Day! Oh not perfect in the mind of a mighty hunter who wants snow to track deer, but perfect for a sun-worshipper like me!

The temps were 60-ish again so after I got my salad made for dinner and my last Christmas Cookie Bake items made, I went for a 3-mile run in shorts and short sleeves, then relaxed in a lawn chair for half an hour in the sun.

Oh yes I did!

That's my kind of Thanksgiving! Especially when I've learned my family in northern Wisconsin and in Minnesota have 2 inches of snow or so. Keep it! (And please be gone when we drive up there tomorrow!)

The day was capped off by a great meal at Jim's parents. His sister and her family were there and Casey was home from college to join us. I am still so full I can't imagine having to eat until Sunday. But of course, I will. I saw a cute cartoon today that said, "It's the holiday season: Don't forget to set your scales back 10 pounds tonight!" No kidding.

Right now, as I digest and blog, Carter is feverishly cleaning the basement in hopes we'll buy a ping-pong table on Black Friday. I can tell you right now, I am not going to any store tonight to get nearly trampled like last year. And I may set an alarm, but not before 6 a.m. And there will be no ping-pong table purchased on Black Friday.

But I certainly won't tell him that until he's got the basement cleaned! Ha.

I am also thankful today for my wisdom. Maybe manipulative wisdom, but it's getting some cleaning out of a teenager. Can't beat that for a finale to a beautiful day.

Thank the Lord!

Task Master

Well my career as a stripper is over before it started. A wallpaper stripper, that is.

Could not get the DIF method to work so it looks like I will be using a vacation day Monday to rent a "steamer" that helps it along much better than my spray, scrape and strip method. We shall see. So with that task on the backburner, you'd think I just relaxed away the day.

Nope.

Woke up when Carter nudged me at 6:50 a.m. to help him tie his tie for school. Then, naturally, I couldn't fall asleep. So I got my "Saturday chores" done after breakfast -- as in last Saturday since I am that far behind. Then I sent hubby and my father-in-law off to golf while I went to the eye doctor. I had a feeling they were going to dilate my pupils for the exam so I did not want to try and golf after that.

The sacrifices we make.

Had an interesting time with the eye doctor. He warned me 9 years ago when I had Lasik surgery that eventually, probably in my early 40s, I'd need reading glasses and maybe more. Well the time has come for that. I can use the "reader cheaters" you buy at Wal-Mart and that's fine. My concern has been night driving and not seeing things too clearly. Turns our the astigmatism that haunted my childhood and early adulthood is sneaking its way back. Grr. So I will be getting "driving glasses" for night-time navigating. That's a good thing as far as I'm concerned.

With that task out of the way, I stopped at the Post Office to get Christmas stamps, then went home and made some treats for my contribution to this weekend's cookie bake. So far I have the chocolate mint cookies my friend Julie and I made, plus some other cookies I made up and then the treat today I created. Maybe I'll take some pictures and share the recipes one of these days. I still am not done with my cookie treats so I will have to tackle some tasks in the morning.

This afternoon, since it was the perfect 60-degree golfing day, I got out for a run anyway before we went browsing at Home Depot for bathroom flooring and cabinetry (oh, and paint), then grocery shopping. By the time that was done, it was time to get Carter so I let Jim do that while I started supper. We had an early supper of pancakes and sausage -- sometimes breakfast is the best meal of the day at any time of the day!

Carter and I went to 6:30 Thanksgiving Eve church, where part of the service included that Heroes of Faith video I helped with and the other part of the service, well, AFTER service, included a pie social. Can't beat that! I steered clear of the pumpkin just in case I get my hands on a piece tomorrow!

Got home from church and headed back out on the date with hubby. We went to Rusty's Backwater Saloon near Stevens Point to hear his high school classmate Kathy sing with a country/rock band called Swamp Donkey. Don't ask. She doesn't even know what that's supposed to mean!

She is an awesome singer so we had a great time listening to great music. Yes, I felt old with all the college "kids" out and about, but at least we felt "cool" knowing someone in the band! Ha.

On Break

What's the reward for squeezing 5 days of work into 2? Three days off... well, make that a 5-day break from the office!

I'm officially on my Turkey Break and may even take next Monday off to extend it. Have to use up vacation days or lose them and, as you can tell from the Christmas ads and movies on Hallmark, time is running out!

My plans? Well, right now I've got some DIF soaking into the wallpaper in the bathroom so I can get my stripping routine started. Somehow this probably isn't what hubby had in mind when I volunteered. Ha.

Later, I get to help Carter study for an English test. That will be more fun for me than him, trust me. Likely I will lose patience when he can't define words or use them in a sentence. But I will try to remain calm. I'm on break, after all.

Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be that fantastic Almost Indian Summer day with highs near 60. Somebody in this house better find an open golf course! Just sayin'.

I do have cooking and cleaning and baking and blah, blah, blah that I SHOULD do. And there's always more stripping to do. Maybe I'll be on a mission tomorrow so I can relax the rest of the week. I'm nothing if not goal-oriented.

Right now my goal is to get this stripping business down to a science. If anyone wants to slip one-dollar bills my way, that's fine. I will use them to buy Band-Aids for my blisters when this is all said and done!