Hollow-ween

If there is an Ebenezer Scrooge for Halloween, I must be it.

Been so busy with my own stuff, I neglected to buy a pumpkin to carve and did not set out any decorations -- inside or out. We did not have a dress-up day for work today either. And while I did buy some treats to hand out this evening, we had zero trick-or-treaters stop by.

Bah-humbug.

Even the weather seemed like a perfectly dreary setting for the holiday. It drizzled all day. There was a dense fog advisory this morning so I waited until 7 a.m. to leave the house, hoping for a little daylight. Trust me, the 20-minute delay is significant. It was a bit lighter out AND I had time to really curl my hair!

The unfortunate part about leaving later is I had to stop for a train at a place where I've only had to stop maybe 2 times in all the years we've been commuting. We're usually early enough to miss it. Needless to say, watching the train go by in the fog and having woods on each side of you is a bit freaky on Halloween. Thanks to that new TV show Sleep Hollow, I envisioned the Headless Horseman galloping out of the woods at any moment.

Thank goodness I had my smart phone to keep me occupied. (Don't worry, the car was in Park.)

I did try to dress for the occasion today with my one Halloween t-shirt that reads "The Witch is In" -- and my WICKED zipper fleece I just HAD to have when I saw the musical. I'm wicked and witchy. Sounds Halloweeny to me.

After seeing photos online of kids in their costumes and all the creative pumpkins, I felt a bit empty, though. Is Carter getting too old for Halloween or is it just me? To cheer myself up, I took a picture of a picture (ha) I keep on my desk at work. It always brings a smile.

How can you not smile, right? This was when Carter was a helpless 6-month-old and had no control over his costume. For the record, he never once tried to take off the wig or anything. He was just a charming clown.

Maybe someday he'll forgive me for dressing him like that, but he probably won't give me any leniency about posting this in my blog! Oh well, it cheered me up on this hollow holiday.

That and this bag of leftover treats no one bothered to claim.

Happy Halloween!

Four Eyes

I started wearing glasses in kindergarten. Though I might find this school picture adorable now, there was nothing cute or charming about glasses back then.

Ever.

After high school, when I'd saved up enough babysitting money, I got myself some contacts, which I wore for some 15 years. I honestly couldn't live without some sort of corrective lenses. I was pretty much blind as a bat. (Which doesn't really make sense since they can see at night, can't they?)

About 10 years ago, hubby and I decided it was time for me to have Lasik surgery. The procedure had been around a few years by then and I'd heard mixed reviews. Mostly it was "you get what you pay for." If you go for the screamin' deal, you may have to go back a time or two for enhancements (at extra cost, I'm sure). I decided to spend more on a respected eye doctor -- and inventor of some of the Lasik procedures -- down in Madison.

First, I had to see a local doc so they could determine the health of my eyes and the severity of my vision. I can still remember when told me to walk toward the sign and stop when the big E on top was clear. I honestly was only about 2 inches away, if that, when it was clear. I don't think they had a prescription number big enough. So instead of 20/20, they wrote down 20/400!

"Are my eyes too bad? Can I still get Lasik?" I was very concerned. They assured me I was a safe candidate. So off to Madison I went -- 10 years ago today. As it happened, Jim had just started work in Iola with me and was on a business trip already. So I had to have a friend take me (and Carter) down there.

After talking through the procedure and explaining that there would be a moment in there where my cornea flap would be open and I would be blind -- only seeing gray -- I was relieved they gave me a Valium to relax me and edge out those fears of going even blinder than a bat.

When I was laying on the table and they had to pry my eyes open, they were having some difficulty because my Hedberg eyes are so small. I said something like, "Oh no!" And they were like, "Don't worry, we'll make it work.You're not leaving until we do this."

So I had my laser beams shot in my eye (you need more "clicks" when your eyes are worse), they closed up the flap and sent me on my way with some groovy big black sunglasses you see on cataract patients. I was to keep my eyes closed as much as possible for the rest of the day.

The next morning was the first time I awoke and could see my alarm clock clearly! I seriously had 20/20 vision pretty much already! Amazing. I did all my antibiotic/recovery drops and was very good about resting my eyes for a few days. I healed perfectly and have had no problems.

They did warn me that after 40, I guess that's now, my aging eyes would eventually need reading glasses and such. I held off pretty long. It's only been in the last several months that I have used those "cheaters" on occasion and have a prescription for nighttime driving glasses. I can live with that.

The bonus, of course, through all of this is that I finally could wear sunglasses. Ask Jim or Carter and they will tell you I probably have 2 or 3 pairs in each vehicle plus a few by my car keys. I will not say I have an obsessive penchant for purchasing them, but it didn't take me long today to find 6 different pairs in 6 somewhat recent pictures on Facebook.

I must say, FINALLY four eyes never looked so good! Ha.

Clocking Out

The summer my twin and I were born, my oldest sister turned 17 and began her senior year of high school. There are 5 other siblings between us. Thus, the age gap that technically makes her old enough to be my mother.

Not to rub it in.

I will openly state I was not jealous of her when she turned 40 way before me, then 50 way before I will and even 60. But today, I am jealous.

She shut off her alarm clock this morning for the last time. She clocked out of work tonight and is now a retiree like her husband.

Lucky.

Actually, I can't really say "lucky," since she had hoped to retire a few years ago. But then the economy tanked and set all of our retirement savings plans back a few steps. And by steps, I mean years.

But now, starting tomorrow, she is free to travel about the country and beyond. She is quite the road warrior and I am sure had her eye on a road sign like the one pictured for quite some time! Their first adventure will be a trip to Hawaii. Then she'll only have one state she hasn't been in -- West Virginia. Yup, she's a gypsy. And I wish her well as she follows her dreams.

Not to steal her thunder, but I had some of my own traveling excitement today.

One of the main roads that gets me to and from work has been under construction since early June. So yes, I have been detoured for four months via Stevens Point, which doubles my "stop and go" lights and slows me down.

Now, County B is like a whole new road -- and it gets me to work and home quicker -- by 5 whole minutes.

I know. Not as exciting as a retirement cake and party and trip to the islands, but I've got to start small. If I follow my sister's schedule, I have at least 17 more years to build up to that big moment.

Who knows - by then they might have built another King Cone on my route. We all have our dreams.

Mixed Up

Plenty of people might say I am mixed up in the head for a variety of reasons -- not just that I support the lowly Vikings. But I am not as mixed up as they appeared to be last night. Again.

I was not kidding about our crazy messed-up cable signal, was I? All the pixelation and disjointed audio quickly gave me a headache... which was compounded by the home team's inadequacy. I realized I was not missing much after all.

And no, I didn't win any money in the Packer Pool either. In fact, Carter lost a 2-dollar bet with his old babysitter. Why he deliberately sought out a losing wager is beyond me!

Tonight, unfortunately, that cable mess on just that one station is still mixed up. Just that one station, which happens to air The Voice. So now I am actually missing some scenery (a.k.a. Adam and Blake) that I really like. Phooey.

So I decided to mix up a cake of some sort using apples a friend gave me from her "orchard." Just pulled an Apple Spice Cake out of the oven. Gonna have to let it cool just enough so our mouths don't burn... but it still melts the ice cream on top.

See, my thinking isn't always so mixed up, is it?

Signals Crossed

We keep losing the cable TV signal for the station airing tonight's Packer-Viking game. That might be for the best!

I decided to blog quickly before the game for two reasons. One, I don't think it's going to be pretty. Still a fan, but also a realist. And two, I am not sure I can stay awake for the whole game. I am living on little sleep (and see point number one.)

It's a little late in the season to still be trying to figure out our offense. We are changing our starting quarterback more often than I stop at King Cone. And that's saying something.

Still, I'll don my Viking lounge pants and settle in for what I hope is a game that yields a purple W and / or money from the Packer pool. I am not picky at this point. Just tired.

I am feeling quite accomplished, though. I ended up getting 50 pages done this weekend so that means over the past two weekends I have scrapbooked 103 pages of Carter's life in pictures... for those of you keeping score at home.

And trust me. I'd rather you just pay attention to that score for now!!

Sleep Scrappin'

Since I am moments away from 2 a.m., I feel like I am sleep blogging -- and probably have been sleep scrapping for a few hours.

It did not feel like it was a very productive day compared to yesterday but I got a good start on Carter's sports book. Here is the first page with that photo we love. (And the camera angle makes some of the letters look crooked, but they are not. I would not allow that!)

I managed to get through his recreation sports in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and part of 2007. I realized I must have forgotten that year's summer ball and fall soccer photos somewhere at home. At least I hope so. I left some blank pages for them!

So I skipped to 2008 and my productivity has been diminishing by the hour. We still have one more day -- or part of one -- to get more done. Now it will be a matter of whether I'll be out like a light immediately or if I suddenly get my third wind and can't sleep!

I can't wait to see what I have done in the morning as the past few hours have been a blur. If this blog doesn't make sense, I'll do my best to interpret later!

In the meantime, sweet dreams. I'm pretty sure I'll have visions of little kids' soccer and baseball all night!

Creation Station

Just moments ago -- 14 minutes past my self-imposed midnight deadline -- I finished the freshman year of Carter's high school scrapbook. Anyone awake to celebrate with me??

While I do feel proud of some of my creations today, nothing can compare to what God presented us.

Quite the fabulous sunset on the shores of Mission Lake. One of those things where someone pointed it out by the window and I promptly dropped whatever I was doing on my scrapbook page, grabbed a camera or two (ha) and rushed outside.

I took what I thought was an OK shot. Then I went inside and looked out that window again and I saw God was not done creating his magic yet. So I raced back to the lakefront and got this image.

Nothing I've done this weekend or in my lifetime could compare. And I am OK with that. It looks like a lot of work to make something that beautiful.

I'll leave that one in God's hands and keep plugging away at my own creations.

Throwback Thursday

When you're scrapbooking, every day is a "Throwback Thursday." We look at all the old photos and re-live those moments in time that surround the image.

This weekend, I am at it again. My friend Becky and I have actually started our weekend already and have arrived at Scrap Camp -- located at the Waypost Camp on Mission Lake... which is rural Hatley... which is rural Bevent... which is super rural Wausau maybe? Hard to find on the map, but we found it!

My mission, if I choose to accept it (and try to accomplish it), is to get Carter's freshman year done in his High School scrapbook. Then it's starting his Life in Sports album beginning with this beauty...

Hubby and I absolutely love this photo of Carter -- his first professional sports photo, mind you, at the tender age of 4. You just want to pinch his adorable little cheeks, don't you?

I have a feeling I'm going to be doing a lot of ooooh-ing and awww-ing this weekend.... like I do every other weekend or any day with this little cutie.

Don't tell him I called him that, though. It will be bad enough when I take pictures and share the pages with you! Someday he'll understand.

But let's not rush it.

Birthday Bummer

It's not exactly commonplace to throw a big party for an 85th birthday, but for some reason we did it for my dad last year. Turns out it would be his last one.

Here on Earth anyway.

When you look at the picture, he doesn't look too bad. Certainly doesn't look like he was just months away from death's door. But looks can be deceiving.

I had to remind my mom and myself of this today when I called her to see how she was handling Dad's birthday without him. "I wonder what he'd be like if he'd lived to be 86. I wonder if he'd be even more frail -- or better," she said in a voice shaking just enough I could tell she was crying.

"It was his time, Mom," I said. Those pictures from last year's party just happened to catch a snapshot in time where Dad was in a good place. He had that month or two in there where he was free from shingles pain and other bodily aches. He felt better and, therefore, looked better.

That didn't last long, though.

Today, we just have to believe he is enjoying coffee, cake and a polka or two with the other angels we are missing from our lives. In my mind I am believing that, but my heart was still aching today. It was more difficult, more emotional, than I expected. Those waterworks I accidentally turned on a few weeks ago sprung a leak or two.

Our family was together in spirit, though, holding each other in our thoughts and prayers. A handful even got together in person at Mom's to honor the day with a birthday dinner and cake.

And made a stop at the grave site, where someone signed my "R" to a Packer sign without my permission!

Sorry, Dad. It may be your birthday, but you are not getting that "switch" from me. Now that you are older and wiser, I am sure you know better.

I do send a great big hug, though. You can have that in any color you want, birthday boy!

A Sleeper

Sometimes when there is an unexpected talent or success we call it a sleeper.

It's that player in fantasy football you pick in the last round to fill your roster and you suddenly are ruling the league with his points. It's the low-budget movie that makes millions and wins an Oscar. It's the Minnesota Vikings...

Wait a minute. What??

Oh yes, they put me to sleep last night. After halftime I changed my position on the couch from upright to horizontal and the next thing I knew, hubby was waking me up so I could sleep in bed. "Did we win?" I asked. I was really sleepy, but I'm pretty sure his reply was a laugh followed by a "Heck no" or something.

It's no surprise I have had this cartoon shared with me multiple times already this week:

Funny stuff, eh? I can't defend myself so I'll just play along and laugh. Or go back to sleep!

Speaking of sleep or lack of it... The next few nights might be late ones. At first I thought signing up for back-to-back scrapbooking weekends was a good a idea. But when you finish one project completely the first weekend, you only have a few days to get everything in order for the next.

Right now I am multi-tasking. I am blogging while uploading 307 photos to the Walgreens site for prints.

And not quite half will be used, but I can't seem to find time to figure out which ones -- ahead of time. Sigh.

Maybe I should sleep on it.

That would be a good kind of sleeper.

Little Victories

I decided I should probably blog now while the Vikings haven't completely blown the Monday Night Football game.

Yet.

If they lose yet again, it probably won't be the worst thing in the world, just the worst part of the day.

Had a pretty good Monday at work, followed by a stop at home to pick up hubby and go to parent-teacher conferences at the high school. Pretty much no surprises there. He is pretty much getting all A's except for that darn English!

On the positive side, we heard he's a pleasure to have in class, chatty at times but always respectful. The new principal, who also teaches Carter's religion class, said he wouldn't expect anything different if he has the same sarcasm and sense of humor as his dad (who had this guy as a teacher way back when on his first day of high school. Wow, someone is getting old.)

Other than that, it was super conference. Got home in time to send Carter downstairs to do homework and me to grab the couch for some MNF... That's Monday Night Football... not MN Football.

Dang.

Wrap Party

Every major theatrical production concludes with a wrap party for the cast and crew. A post-Crop-toberfest celebration is no different.

First, the production...

What grade school looks like in a nutshell... or in this case, in two scrapbooking albums. Grades 1-3 in one and Grades 4-6 in the other. ALL DONE!

It feels great to be done but it was such a trip to spend a few days seeing my baby when he was still a little boy, instead of a tall teen with no inclination to pose for a photo. Ever.

My silly, adorable child! I miss him!

I did get high school started today but cut it off to get home by noon to make a cake for that "wrap party" later. Technically, it was a Packer party, but we don't call it that in our house. We went to some friends' and watched TV and ate stupendous jumbalaya. Yum, yum, yummy! My butterscotchy Hornet's Nest Cake for dessert provided a nice opposite to create balance on our spicy taste palates.

Had a nice time and were home early enough to give Carter (who allegedly stayed home to do homework) some still-warm leftovers. Now I've got about an hour 'til I am calling it an early night.

After my 53-page weekend production and stellar wrap party, I think this diva deserves it. Don't you?

We Interrupt this Scrapbooking Weekend to Bring You...

Even on our most productive days, interruptions aren't all bad.

Was back in town scrapping again by 8:30 this morning. Finished Carter's 5th-grade pages right away and moved onto 6th. Was almost done with that in the mid-afternoon when I got a from my sister Rachel.

On Friday, she had driven our mom down to the Cashton area to meet up with old friends. They stayed overnight and were gradually making their way back up north today. They called from the Tomah / Black River Falls area when they realized they were only an hour away from Rapids.

Probably a good thing I was "out" for the weekend, but not out of town. They met me at the hotel where I was scrapping and I drove us out to my house to see the guys.

Although I had been up north in August, Mom hadn't seen Carter (tall Carter!) or Jim since June. She was looking good and seemed to be doing OK. Visited a bit then took them out to eat. After that, it was back to the hotel, where they hit the road north and I hit the scrapbook again.

I finished 6th grade and, as a result, the 4th album in Carter's K-8 series! Yes! Now it is onto high school!

I think I am at 48 pages for the weekend so far. Now that I got that grade school book done, any work on 9th grade is just icing on the cake.

Just as sweet as having a surprise visitor on a Saturday!

Crop-toberfest

After a day of scrapbooking at Crop-toberfest, I should know better than to blog when I am tired.

I realized, too late, that last night when I wrote about Carter's great finishing time, it probably didn't make sense. I had his previous best at 12:30 and it should have been 20:30. Ha. That's a big difference! He'd be in the Olympics doing a 5K at that rate!

Oh boy. Sorry.

Today was my fourth annual fall scrapping weekend with my Scrap Sister Jenny. Typically this one has been held in Stevens Point -- just close enough where we didn't have to stay overnight but just far enough where it seemed like a long 25-minute drive coming home at night. This year, it is at a hotel in Wisconsin Rapids. So I get to sleep in my own bed at night and, if I forget anything, I can run home or beg hubby to meet me halfway or deliver it. Hopefully, I won't need that service.

My mission for this weekend is to finish Carter's grade school album for Grant Elementary. I finished up his Grades 1-3 this spring, with a start on the Grades 4-6 album. If I finish that, then I jump to high school since I already did his Grades 7-8 Middle School album.

Today I finished 4th grade and as soon as I got to 5th, realized I didn't have Carter's first day of school pictures for that year. I didn't make Jim deliver them. I am just looking for them on the 2008 discs now and will print them and do that page in the morning. Other than that, 5th grade is done!

Yup, 18 pages today!

So I'll do 6th grade tomorrow and most definitely will finish it at some point so I can move onto the AHS album. The key is getting to bed NOW so I can get an early start. And keep that motivation going.

Red Bull, anyone?

Conference Kudos

I should have known. A new set of spikes on the cross country shoes can't hold a candle to the presence of six to eight sophomore girls when it comes to motivating a runner to go faster.

That's what happened for tonight's conference meet in Pittsville. The guys were pretty psyched, hoping to end the regular season with a new personal best.

And they did.

I could tell by the temperatures around 50 degrees or so that it was going to be an ideal running day. Not too much of a wind, either. And the sun was trying to break out. At least it wasn't raining.

Throughout the race, Carter looked pretty good and not too winded. Coming down the home stretch, I kept my eyes on his time. Prior to today's run, his PR was something like 20:30. Watching his approach to the Finish Line and seeing the official clock at under 18 minutes, I screamed for him to kick it in the end.

And he did. Finishing just under 19 minutes -- unofficially.

All the Assumption boys had PR times! So amazing! And we had two freshman make the all-conference honorable mention team.


I still think those new spikes helped. But to hear your homecoming "date" and a lot of her friends encouraging you to go faster, I imagine that certainly cheered them all on and kicked in some major energy pheromones.

Whatever works, I say. Whatever works.

Now, if only we could repeat this next Friday at Sectionals in Athens!

Needle in a Haystack

I wasn't going for the Mother of the Year Award when I offered to run a favor for Carter. I was just trying to be helpful.

Next time, maybe I'll know better. Maybe.

With the big sectional cross country meet approaching Thursday, he mentioned Monday that he needed some new spikes for his running shoes. (In case you are learning in CC 101 like me - cross country (CC) runners wear shoes that have little needle-like spikes in them to help them gain traction on the typically grassy and hilly terrain on race courses.)

At this point in the season, his spikes are a little worn down and he wanted replacements. Since I drive through Stevens Point on my way to and from work, I offered to stop at the "sports store" there and get them. He even gave me a sample spike to show them.

I stopped yesterday after work. The sales associate held up the spike to the containers of new ones and said they did not have that size -- the 1/4 inch -- left. She did suggest another store that I had planned to stop at today.

Plans changed.

I ended up taking the afternoon off to buzz over to the Fox Valley area to visit a friend in the hospital in Neenah. On my way home, I stopped at the Appleton mall where they have the biggest sports store in the area. Stopped in there and they had 1/4-inch spikes -- but in the Pyramid style, not the Needle style. (Are you keeping up in class, my CC students?)

They suggested I check the other sports and sport shoe stores in the mall. Stores no. 2, 3 and 4, did not have anything. So my 5th stop was back at the original store and I bought the Pyramid ones because I figured that was better than nothing. And really, I would only be out $4.99 if they were absolutely wrong. (Which, of course, they were!)

There was one other store in town that I had to find and check out. Found it, marking my 6th stop, and they had a few sizes of spikes, but not the Needle variety for 1/4. They had them for 1/8 and 3/8 but not 1/4. So I texted Jim and Carter and gave them the update. I was just about out of town when Carter replies, "That's OK, I needed the 3/8 anyway."

Are you kidding me? 3/8 not 1/4? I was looking for the wrong size -- based on the sales lady's statement and the fact Carter never corrected me when I said I would get his quarter-inch spikes. And here I just left the store that had them!!

This time, since I had now escalated my hopes to a nomination for Mother of the Year, I did turn around and went back to that last store, now my 7th stop of the afternoon. But thankfully, my last.

Now he has his correctly sized and shaped spikes for tomorrow's sectional showdown. All I can say is, he better set a new PR! (Remember, class, that's his Personal Record for finishing time.)

No pressure, though, since Mothers of the Year are always supportive no matter what. Right?

Sprung a Leak

It used to be that just about anything could trigger a leak in my tear ducts. A sad song. Just about any Hallmark commercial. And yes, even those Saturday-morning stories of personal triumph on ESPN.

It really didn't take much.

Things changed a little over a year ago when I had to get on some anti-anxiety medication to temper down those random panic attacks I was suddenly experiencing. One of the good things about being on this medication is that it keeps my heart rate and emotions on a pretty even keel most of the time. One of the bad things about being on this medication is that it keeps my heart rate and emotions on a pretty even keel most of the time.

It sometimes feels like I have an inability to feel.

Honestly, the only time this has bothered me is the past several months as I have been grieving -- or trying to grieve -- my father's death. While I appreciate the assurance these pills have against those dreaded attacks, I would have given just about anything for one good cry.

I guess it just took the right trigger.

October is a tough month. I've been thinking about my dad more because his birthday would have been next week. Last year we held a nice 85th birthday party with family and friends. Typically, we'd be planning at least some sort of get-together for this weekend or next just to celebrate.

Not this year.

It was with those thoughts in the back of my mind that I sat down to catch up on the latest of episode of Glee. It happened to be a farewell to the character Finn, played by actor Cory Monteith, who in real life died of a drug and alcohol overdose this summer.

I don't know if it was the show's first song selection or what, but I suddenly had tears streaming down my cheeks. I thought: What is wrong with me? I can cry over a complete stranger's death but not my own dad's?

The more I thought about that, the more I connected each song to Dad. And the more I cried.

With 10 minutes left of the episode, I reached for another tissue and found the Kleenex box empty. That didn't stop the waterworks from continuing. In fact, an hour later and this is starting up again as I write. I miss you, Dad!

In a good, cleansing way, it feels good to feel again. Even if it hurts.

Yes, even if it hurts.

What a Treat!

I know it sounds sarcastic to call a Monday blog a "Treat," but it's for real. Part of it might be because I am enjoying a slice of Ande's Mint Pie as I type this. Definitely a mood picker-upper.

Another reason is that a co-worker came back from working a car show in Hershey, Pa., and brought back a...

You guessed it. A Hershey bar bigger than a car!! Yes, we had to share. With the whole building!

A wonderful treat now that hubby is working from a home office is coming home to supper on the table. Not kidding. Jim has morphed into Martha, er Martin, Stewart and I love it! Tonight was sweet corn on the cob with barbecued ribs. A person could get used to this. (And I know such a person.)

Sometimes, when Carter is in the right mood, that's really a treat. Today he had a good field trip they dubbed "The Heavy Metal Bus Tour" to visit area manufacturers, paper mills and the technical college, where they had lunch with the governor. His take on the governor's message that students should consider a career via the tech school is that "I understood what he was telling us, but I'm sure he got paid to say that." Well, not exactly.

Anyway, he had a good time. He also heard from the boy from Germany who will be living with us awhile next spring. That's cool. And we learned Carter was named to the all-conference honors band. That's very cool. He'll have some music day soon where the chosen band (and choir) students from the conference schools will practice and perform together. That's very, very cool.

Now do you see why it was a treat day?

Sometimes we just have to ignore the calendar shouting "Monday!" at us. It was probably fitting that today was Columbus Day. He discovered a new country and I discovered new reasons to be grateful.

Enjoy the holiday.

Sunday Snippets

Overtired Teen: Ended up going to 8 o'clock church on my own this morning. I could not get Carter up and I knew it was just going to make me late if I kept trying. I finally relented because I know he needs rest. He's been up late for homework every night then up early for school. Don't know how he functions on such little sleep. I know I can't!

Foreign Favorite: Apparently my Vikings can't win on American soil. We still have only one victory this season and that was overseas during a special game in England. Today's contest was not televised here but I am sure it had its moving moments when they showed or talked about Adrian Peterson losing one of his sons in a horrific child abuse case. Beyond sad.

Last Laundry: Since we haven't been home much that past several days, today was laundry day. After the third load was done, however, the dryer refused to turn on. Hubby was still at church at the time and I had hoped to fix it before he got home. I must be losing my touch. Couldn't fix his computer last week and now this. I had to dry socks out on the front deck since I do not have a clothes line. When I talked to my mom tonight I assured her I ended up using the neighbor's dryer a few minutes and did not resort to drying the socks in the oven overnight. I can't really make fun of her since it did work! We may resort to that yet -- depending what the repair man says tomorrow.

Still Shuffling: Carter and I are still in the midst of our room shuffle. We have most of the stuff out of each other's "new" rooms but much of the contents are in the basement "waiting room," waiting for their to be room to fit in one of our rooms. I was working on that most of the day. While it doesn't look like I have anything to show for it yet, I feel like I got a lot accomplished. Now if I can just start to figure out what I have to pack for scrapping this next weekend!

Osmosis: We are still experiencing Sunday nights with the "time to start homework" routine. Although Carter did do some when we were at the wedding yesterday, he had plenty more left. When he was done with the other classes, he had to do some reading on mythology. He said he was going to work on that later so he could go to sleep with it on his mind and it would be easier to remember tomorrow. You think? Not so sure about that one but I would love for him to prove me wrong.

Spirited Saturday

Our Saturday travel for our last regular season cross country meet was a mere 5 minutes away as Wisconsin Rapids' Lincoln High School hosted the meet at The Ridges Golf Course.

That was nice. I slept in while hubby got Carter to the course by 9 and set up our team tent. He came home and picked me up and returned with team snacks and water by the first JV race at 10:30 Very convenient to be close to home -- for us and for the teenager who forget who his official team warmup pants.

Despite rain overnight and sprinkles on our way to the meet, the rain held off and the sun made an appearance for the big day. Our boys did really well, I don't think any of our boys got a personal record for their time, but pretty close. Carter was 20 seconds off his PR but also 4 minutes or so faster on this course than his 2012 time. Great improvement!

I think I might have gotten a few decent pictures today, too, but will have to upload them at a different time. Right now I am just beat.

We got home by 2 and I spent a good farewell moment with Mr. Deck Chair. I keep threatening that "this is it" for the season, but Mother Nature feels sorry for me and I get these little summer-like surprises once in awhile.

After that, I had to run to the store for a few quick groceries and race home -- since Wal-Mart trips are never brief -- with 15 minutes to get changed and ready for a wedding we were invited to at the neaby Wildhorse Saloon. The good news is this wedding was super casual so we could just wear jeans and a nice shirt. Works for me.

Here are Jim and the groom, Chet, who have known each other for a lifetime -- including fun times over softball games, going to the races and occasionally enjoying Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.

There were hundreds of people at this wedding and the DJ was rockin' the tunes. Now that's the spirit

Unfortunately we reached our party-pooping point of tiredness like old people and were home by 10 p.m. Gotta make sure we still  have some spirit leftover for 8 a.m. church!

The Alphabet Song

I'm not a fan of talk radio in the morning. I need music to get me going!

When hubby was driving us to work, I'd just read a book while he listened to "Bob & Tom." I could still hear it and chuckle once in awhile, but for the most part, I was into my book.

Typically, our family rule is that whoever is driving gets to be in charge of the radio. Now that I am on this lonely commute on my own, that means ME. I get to choose the station and crank the tunes. Bring it!

What I quickly discovered, though, is that no matter what station I click on -- even the one that boasts "fewer commercials" -- there is still too much talking and not enough songs for me to belt out like I know them. I need more tunes to liven up my morning drive!

So I decided to dust off my eclectic CD collection and go through that. (You remember what CDs are, don't you?)

I started yesterday with Tegan & Sara, but my OCD quickly kicked in and I knew I'd have to start back at letter "A" and do these in alphabetical order. (They are organized in my tower that way anyway.)

I skipped ABBA since I listen to that one often enough. So today's alphabet songs were from Paula Abdul and Bryan Adams. I'm skipping Adele since I just listened to her CD the other night. Resuming Monday, Rockin' Robyn will be spinning some Aerosmith and The Best of Bread.

Told you this is an eclectic collection! Should keep me awake at least.

It's been suggested I listen to audio books as well. Have you tried books on CD? Will it be more of a distraction when I am driving since I will be listening and imaging? Or does it really just help the drive go quicker? I'm curious about that -- and will happily take book suggestions.

The music, on the other hand, is not open for negotiation. As long as I have the wheel, you'll learn to love the '80s -- or walk!

Elvis (and Neil Diamond) Have Left the Building

Tonight was Carter's last Pep Band gig for the fall sports season. They entertained before our home volleyball game against Stevens Point Pacelli. It was "senior night" so there was a decent crowd.

The varsity game started later than usual -- 7:30 instead of 7 -- so naturally hubby and I were concerned about keeping Carter out late on a school night.

At one point after the games were in progress, I texted him to see how many hours of homework he had tonight. When he responded "3+ hours" I figured we should go home then. But no, hanging out with girls and such, he insisted he'll be just fine getting it all done whenever we got home.

Well I hope he does. I for one am not going to stay up to find out.

While I will miss hearing Elvis' "Jailhouse Rock," Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" and other great Pep Band songs, it's not like we have nothing else going on.

Cross country lasts almost another month. And, as Carter mentioned on the way home tonight, he will be starting to practice Christmas music next week.

It would be fitting for our band to play Elvis' "(Royal) Blue Christmas," wouldn't it?

Keep on rockin' in the off season!

Keep it Simple

Just because something is simple does not mean it is easy. Trust me, I can take a simple anything and complicate the heck out of it.

Case in point -- these rules to live by...

They are laid out in a simple fashion, so it sounds easy. Yet the task each one assigns is challenging. No doubt worth the effort, though.

Depending on the day, the month and even the weather, I struggle with all of these to varying degrees, which just proves I'm human, I guess. I wish I didn't let my past define me or let my present get jumbled worrying what other people think -- or what they have or what they do.

I love #5. Stop thinking too much! I guess I have enough on my plate without fretting over other people's opinions of me and letting that set the barometer for my mood.

#6 is quite a valid statement, too. No one is in charge of my happiness, except me. So I can't blame my losing sports teams, my grumpy teenager, my crappy computer or my aching back. I just have to grin and bear it.

Sounds simple enough for me to at least give it try.

Remember K.I.S.S. ... Keep it simple, silly. (And if your memory is going like mine, have chocolate KISSes on hand to help you remember. Everybody wins.)

Homecoming Scrapbook

Finally some photos from the Pep Rally, Game and Homecoming Pre-Dance Extravaganza...

Pep Rally... Cross Country team is introduced and Carter knows I am trying to take a picture. I do not exaggerate about this, do I??

He and cross country teammate Seamus share a laugh about something it's best I know nothing about.

I already shared a picture of the bonfire on Friday night but when I uploaded this one today it reminded me of some big rock concert where everyone is taking pictures with their phones. If you look closely, the two in front have pretty decent pictures of the burning "A"!

Game Day... Pep Band plays in the mist to get the crowd excited.

At least when Carter is reading his music, he can't hide his face behind the horn. Score one for Scrapbooking Mom!

Pregame huddle: Let's go, Royals!

Halftime Show.... The "Love" theme included plenty of moving and grooving to "The Power of Love."

They put their instruments down to get the crowd into "I Love Rock 'n' Roll"!

Carter and his buddy Olivia did a pretty good job!

Really raining by the end of their performance. Here they are forming an "A" and playing the school song. Water droplets on the camera lens so time to put it away.

Pre-Dance Rituals: Emily attempts to put the boutonniere on Carter. Look at that face! Who is loving every minute of this???

They smiled for someone else's camera at least. And in the end, I ended up putting the flower on him -- and poking him in the process... just so he'd remember who's boss! Ha. He gave her a wrist corsage and put it on but was already tired of me taking pictures. But wait, Carter, we're just getting started!

The dinner party, from top stairs, Hannah and Tyler, Ellie and Jarret, Emily and Carter, Samantha and Joey.

Girls looking pretty.

Guys looking sophisticated??? Hmm...

Rain stopped for a few minutes only for outside shots. Here the girls are hamming it up.

And the guys looking sharp!

One more group shot before it started sprinkling.

And when I say Carter and Emily are just friends, I believe they are. They do joke around like brother and sister sometimes. Good to know someone else can keep him in line once in awhile!

And that's a wrap. Lighting was too poor in the gymnasium to get decent photos of the Grand March. So you are off the hook for any more play by play of my teenager's life. (He'll probably be relieved, too!)

They're Ba-a-ack!

And now for this shameless commercial message...

If you've been waiting a whole calendar year to order your next Butter Braid, your wait is over!

Carter is selling these scrumptious breakfast pastries for the next 10 days.

Flavors: Apple, Blueberry & Cream Cheese, Caramel Roll, Cherry, Cinnamon (pictured), Cream Cheese, Raspberry, Strawberry & Cream Cheese.

Cost: $12 each.

Servings per braid: 11 (if you are willing to share with others).

Let us know by Oct. 16 if you wish to order. Checks payable to Assumption Catholic Schools if you are able to pay ahead of time.

Now back to regular programming...

You know what else is back? Although, I prefer to get through one holiday at a time before the next is thrust upon us, I just happened to be buying milk tonight and they had EGGNOG on the shelf! If you are a fan of it like me, you know it is never too early to have that in your fridge.

You know what else is back? Schwan's Peppermint Stick ice cream! Even though the Schwan's man was yanking my chain and saying he wasn't sure it was coming back this year, I found out from a very reliable source (Schwan's website) that it's back.

You know what else is back? The 15 pounds I lost this year will be if I eat Butter Braids, wash them down with eggnog and have Peppermint Stick ice cream for dessert.

Enjoy in moderation, Robyn. Enjoy in moderation.

Dynamic Duo

Any plans of being productive today flew out the window by the time I rolled out of bed with my post-Homecoming headache (from being tired!) and plans to have some adult fun of our own today. So while we left Carter at home to do homework, hubby and I spent the day away with friends.

The first stop was Bowlmor Lanes, where the Austins and my girlfriends Christine and Jenny (above) and their husbands participated in a Scotch Doubles Bowling Competition.

Notice I said "participated." We bowl once or twice a year at most. So while this was an actual competition, we did it more to socialize and have fun -- and give all the other couples there the chances they deserved to win.

The format in Doubles is that for two of the four games, I bowl first and Jim has to pick up my spare if needed. Oh, it was needed alright. I had one or two strikes all day. That was it. Then the other two games, he'd go first and I'd have to TRY to pick up the spare. I got plenty of bench time, which suited me fine. We didn't win any competitions but we did win a 50/50 pot to cover entry expenses.

So why did I call this blog entry "Dynamic Duo"? Well, it had nothing to do with the Mr. & Mrs. Austin team. It has to do with combining bowling with, you guessed it, pizza! When that means Portesi's pizza in Rapids, then it is a Dynamic Duo!

First time eating there if you can believe it, and it ranks right up there as the local favorite. Crispy thin crust and perfectly spicy sauce. Yum. Had a hard time leaving enough on the platter to box up for Carter. Needless to say, he enjoyed the leftovers, but they weren't enough!

Maybe next time when we aren't selfishly spending a day to ourselves (after a week of someone ELSE's homecoming activities), we'll bring more home.

Maybe.

I can guarantee we'll have a better chance of that happening than bringing home any bowling trophies!