Another Year in the Rearview Mirror

I love the simple wisdom here. If you are like me, you tend to use the New Year time to think about what you need to change, rather than reflecting on the past year and acknowledging all you've accomplished (including staying up until midnight to ring in the new year!)

It's not a bad thing to want to improve, just don't sell yourself short. Yes, I am speaking to myself, too!

Looking back, I did have a good year overall. A very good year.

Mostly it was a year marked by change. And yet, we survived it all.

Let's see...

I have learned to let go. Well, first we did help my mom let go by helping her with a "downsizing" project and sale, but I still have a ways to go under my own roof. Some progress, though. I also managed to let my baby go... all the way across the ocean to Germany! I guess you could say we survived our dry run of being Empty Nesters. Wasn't too tough to take in the summer time when there are distractions like golf and golf. Will be tougher in 2016!

I have become stronger, physically, at least. A year ago, I couldn't do one push-up and now I have nearly a year of strength and kickboxing training under my belt. Speaking of letting go, I did let go of a few pounds and hubby let go of a lot. Somehow we both did pretty well sticking to our routines this year – he much better than I. Still, the progress towards health will stay with us as we round the bend and enter the  Leap Year.



I have found courage. Never would I have dreamed a year ago that I would not be in publishing any more – at least not by my choice. But I ventured out to a new job in a new career in the educational software business writing field. And this dog is learning new tricks. A lot of them. Still lots to learn as my courage transforms into confidence.

Of course, I still haven't found the courage or strength to let go of some habits. I still love ice cream, I still can't make it to church early, I still interrupt too much, I still have a hundred things on my home "to do" list but I am a good person. Right?

Another year gone and another year of abundant blessings. And by blessings I mean the incredible people in my life – Jim and the boys, in-laws and out-laws, "family" from the neighborhood, church, book club, college, work, school (who we rang in the New Year with tonight) and more.

So amazed at these people and so privileged to be part of their lives. I can't accomplish anything, can't find strength, can't celebrate successes, can't take steps forward without them!

What did I achieve in 2015? Serenity. Satisfaction. Love. Joy.

See if you can top that, 2016!

Working Through It

This is the first year in many that I do not have the week off between Christmas and New Year's. That's what happens when you have a new job and new employee vacation time.

I miss the part about staying in jammies or sweats all day and watching Hallmark movies. I don't miss eating my way through the week and wondering why I have to start New Year's in the same situation as the previous year!

Don't get me wrong. We are all trying to "get rid of" the treats in our houses and therefore, work is a Grand Central Station for Temptation.

Probably a good thing we are so busy we barely have time to think straight, let alone make a special trip over to the treat table. I still did, naturally, because I HAD to get steps! But compared the boredom eating, watching TV eating, playing cards eating, etc eating I would be doing on vacation, I feel justified.

Probably my downfall.

As a preemptive strike to the holi-grazing that will continue New Year's Eve, I went to kickboxing class after work. Our instructor worked us hard. Very hard. Lots of sweat. He said he didn't want us to forget him next year. Like that would happen.

As much as I enjoy the holidays, I will be glad next week when our class schedule is back to normal (honest!), my sleep schedule is back to normal, the amount of sweets in the house is back to normal, and my cholesterol, too.

One more day to work through it!

Shake It Off

The good news is that the snow quit sometime in the middle of the night so the plows actually had time to go through our neighborhood before we got up.

The bad news is that when hubby went to snowblow the newest layer since last night, the snowblower died. As in a cable broke and we will have to pray for no more snow for a few days at least. Not the time to say "Just shake it off," so I bit my tongue and meekly asked for a ride to work.

Roads were not great. Did OK in the CRV but my little hybrid would have been all over the place, so it was nice to have an escort right to the door at work!

Work got a little crazy. I can't just shake it off sometimes. So I indulge in chocolate and feel worse before I feel better.

Did reward myself with non-food tonight by going to the Assumption girls basketball game with Jim. Thought it was going to be a close game since Abbotsford has a similar record. Not sure who they've been playing, but our lady Royals beat them something like 70-22. Crazy. A quick game, though, so that means I'll get to bed at a decent time tonight.

On the way home, Jim swung through the McDonald's drive-thru and an Eggnog Shake fell right into my lap. Not sure how that happened. I had to drink it, of course, since it was – for the record – my first McD's Eggnog Shake of the season! I swear.

Probably should swear it was my last, too, since I will not be able to shake it off my hips anytime soon. I will have to dig into my memory bank of Zumba moves to at least give it a try.

Now if I could only shake off the memories of how good it tasted. M-m-m-m...

Taking on Goliath

I'm not a fan of the weathermen naming winter storms like they're friends we should get to know. And when they name it after a giant – Goliath – it can't be a good thing.

And it isn't.

The forecast kept changing throughout the day and each time I saw it, I liked it less and less. Bad enough it predicted 6-8 inches. But by day's end, Wisconsin Rapids (the pretty snowflake above) was in the path forecast to get maybe 13 or 14 inches. Not nice.

I'm always skeptical when the weather dudes can pinpoint the start of snow by the hour – days in advance. Yet, I was surprised today when the flakes started falling at 1 p.m. instead of the announced 3 p.m. start. I looked out the window at work and this was at 2 p.m. An hour in and grass still showing.

At 4 p.m. the grass was covered – and so was the parking lot and the roads. It was just an awful drive home but I was so grateful it was less than 10 miles away instead of 45! Don't miss that.

It's still falling heavily and the wind is whipping. Of course, the authorities strongly suggested people stay home tonight, but the invincible teenager drove off to pick up a gal pal and bring her back to our house. So they're watching a movie and the snow will pile up even more on the roadways before he takes her home. 

Guess teen boys have their priorities!

Hubby's priority is putting a dent in the "first round" so it won't be such a Goliath task in the morning. I guess I should go clear off the decks to do my part. David might have been able to defeat Goliath on his own, but it will take a team effort here.

And by team, I mean us old folks who don't have anything better to do!

Moving Forward

It's not uncommon at this time of year to reflect on the past 365 while looking forward. It doesn't have to be New Year's to make an effort to move forward, but sometimes it just works out that way.

Today our church finally took a step forward. We have been without a pastor for nearly 18 months. We have had substitutes, long-term and short-term interim pastors, and special guests to cover that time space while a transition committee worked on a mission statement and the call committee searched for and interviewed candidates.

This morning we had a special congregational meeting to consider extending a call to a candidate the call committee was pretty excited about. We had just shy of 100 members there and it was nearly a unanimous vote!

It just feels good to know we may be moving forward to some stability and consistency – and hopefully growth in many forms at our church.

This afternoon, I also change in motion.

I went over to Winnebago to visit my nephew. Each time I see him, he is more upbeat and positive, and I am more encouraged that he is truly turning his life around. When he finally is "free," he does not want to go back to his old life, his old habits, his old demons. He has plans and goals now. May God give him the strength to keep them!

I would love to add that am also moving forward and sticking with positive, healthy changes. But... two out of three ain't bad. Let me get back to you on New Year's.

In the meantime, I've got a game to catch to see if my team will keep moving forward this season. SKOL and good luck to you, too, in your efforts to move forward!

VIP Pit Stop

My Southern sister Rayna and husband Paul have been nestled in the Northwoods since they surprised us last weekend at our family Christmas party.

Their plan was to start heading back to Texas today, with an overnight pit stop in Wisconsin Rapids. Then the winter wonderland hit Up North and they weren't sure what they were going to do. I assured them the weather "wasn't doing anything" down here so they hit the road and arrived at our house in midafternoon.

Had a nice visit, played some dice, let Carter win money off of us, then went out to eat at Anchor Bay. It was not until coming home from there that it finally started misting a bit. Glad we didn't listen to the forecast!

After we got home, the teenager headed off to an evening with friends. Us old folks meandered across the street for a neighborhood get-together. Our special guests stayed awhile and then headed into town to the hotel. Still just misting then, but turned into a layer of ice on the road by the time Jim and shuffled home.

Yikes. I hope the roads clear up so Rayna and Paul can continue safely on their journey tomorrow. They will be back again in May for Carter's graduation. Not that I don't want to see them soon, but that suddenly seems to close. Time will fly too quickly.

Guess we'll have to treasure all the important pit stops between now and then. Try to extend a few, too.

Safe travels, everyone!

Grown-Up Christmas

Merry Christmas from the Austins! I did not do a long or creative letter this year – just this photo card of Carter in Germany, looking out over the Bavarian Alps from Hitler's Eagle's Nest of all places. I felt it could symbolize peace anywhere. And we hope you found it!

Our household was actually peaceful this morning. The beauty of having "older," almost-grown-up kids under your roof is that no one is up at the crack of dawn looking for Santa's presents. Instead we got to sleep in until 8:30 or so. And just when hubby left for church, Casey and Carter got up.

No opening presents unless we're all here so I made them waffles (with yummy Vermont syrup) in my new "cheap holiday sale" waffle maker! Took a few tries, but I got the hang of it. No one went away hungry so that's good. And it wasted enough time until Jim got back home.

Kitty was anxious to see what was in her stocking, so we let her open her present first. Oh, look a ball...

Whoa.... Catnip!!!

"No one lays a hand on MY catnip!"

Was Carter really this good?? While it might look like he was spoiled, Santa wrapped each item separately so that it looked like a lot. Since Carter only has 6 months of high school left, he wanted some "grown-up" gifts, mainly clothes that don't have to adhere to the school dress code.

So here's a shirt he can wear at college. Any college, I guess.

Casey got a few shirts, including one for the Vikings and one for the Cubs.

Meanwhile, Jim got a Reds shirt. Yup, there's no family loyalty when it comes to baseball. We're all on different bandwagons.

Casey got some gift cards, too. Always interesting to take pictures of that! This one's for Granite Peak, where he can go snowboarding.

 Carter got some wireless light-up speaker that he had to have!

Our next-door neighbors dropped by with this awesome gift for Jim. Mick and Niki made the sign, but it was "from" their dogs Murphy and Charlie. Since Jim works in a home office, he walks the "boys" every day. Such thoughtful dogs!

 

Speaking of thoughtful... Look at the cool shirt I got! Apparently Jim bought it before the game last week and had to hide it in his jacket the whole time. Good thing I was distracted by the great game!

After presents, the living room was filled with wrapping paper and empty boxes, and the guys settled down to watch the Hallmark Channel. Wait... what? OK, they watched John Wayne and I went down to the basement and watched the Hallmark Channel. (Gotta love Photoshop, though!)

Casey left in mid-afternoon and I decided it was nice enough to go for a walk. My phone said it was 30 degrees but felt like 35. Hmmm.... So on Christmas we get a heat index? Either way, I put on my warm hat and ventured out and had my phone playing Christmas music in my pocket.

This is why, when I saw the cows, I thought of song lyrics and had to take a picture. I call this a Christmas carol "mashup"... The cattle are lowing while I am walking in a winter wonderland.

I know. Too much eggnog.

Too much everything. I can stay full for a day! Certainly wasn't going to exert myself too much. Christmas day is a guilt-free, couch-potato kind of lazy day. Just sit around, checking out photos from celebrations near and far, and counting another year of blessings.

Merry Christmas and peace to you and yours!

Almost White, Almost Christmas

When we woke up to this scene in our backyard, we thought we might be in for a white Christmas after all. Frankly, that is just enough for me. Don't need so much that it's hazardous to GO anywhere.

But would it last? My pictures from the doorways made it look like just a dusting. Then, as I skated my way out to the mailbox, I remembered how much it poured last night and that rain must have turned into sleet, then snow. Uff da. Don't need that.

Figured I'd stay home as long as I could. Got my Saturday chores done from last weekend, which I will just count as "early" for this Saturday. Happened to receive the last gift in the mail today so I got that wrapped, too.

It did warm up enough that the main roads were fine by the time Carter went to 1 p.m. church. So that was good. Stopped at Wal-Mart to get a few items for tomorrow's breakfast. Oh my. What a zoo there! Not only lines at all the checkouts, but already at the customer service counter. How can you return things BEFORE Christmas? Who knows? I was out of there quickly.

At 4 p.m. we went over to Jim's parents for the Austin get together with his sister Sherry, husband Baird and son Colin. Casey made it home from Eau Claire to join us, too. We were missing Clay, but he lives out in North Dakota now and we don't know when he'll be back home again.

Still had a very nice time. Ate too much, but it was soooo good, as usual! Exchanged gifts and talked stupid awhile. Ha. In that good, family way!

Took the annual "boys" picture. Not sure if Carter is catching up to cousin Colin or if he was on his tippy toes. Only Carter knows that, I guess. I was just concentrating on getting a good photo. But with these guys, how could it not be?

Came home to our house after 9. Casey is staying over night so Santa can visit all of us. It's snowing a bit again. Hopefully Santa can handle the delayed transition from fall to winter in Wisconsin.

I'm not ready for it. But I don't have far down the hall to deliver my gifts!

Hope you all are spending the holidays with the ones you love! Travel safely! Merry Christmas!

Holiday Cheer

I giggled out loud when I saw this today because, naturally, this is the worst time of year to even think of losing weight or cutting back on calories – no matter what your goals were back in January.

Well, for me anyway.

I thought, yep, I have more progress to make, but no, I am not going to miss out on holiday cheer – in all its forms, from cool treats to cookies.

First I figured I would enjoy my first (and maybe last) Eggnog Shake from McDonald's for the season. I told a co-worker I was going to head there for lunch but when she mentioned she was going to run to the cheese factory in Rudolph, I decided to join her instead. Cheese is good but we all know they have some spectacular ice cream there.

If you want to talk about Christmas cheer, it was at Dairy State Cheese. First, the parking lot was full and it was packed inside, with long lines at all three registers. Guess everyone is going to spread Christmas cheer in the form of cheese this year. Secondly, while waiting in line for ice cream, the couple ahead of me paid for mine. Wow, merry Christmas to me! Either I looked desperate for my favorite treat or the true spirit of Christmas is still alive.

I believe.

The fun part – the important part – will be paying it forward as soon as possible. Since I only had one quick stop on my way home from work, the opportunity hasn't presented itself yet. It will.

I encourage you all to do the same. If only we had more people concerned about giving than receiving. That would push cheer up to a whole new level.

I like that idea. Between the free ice cream, a chance to finally open our Christmas cards AND view a Hallmark movie tonight, I am inspired to make it happen.

Wishing you much Christmas cheer in the days to come!

Winter :: That's Putting it Mildly

I created this little graphic this morning because I was in a sassy mood. The days are getting longer, after all.

Actually, the first official day of winter did bring some snow. Just enough to cover roads. It didn't even stick to the grass. So I had a bit of a slippery drive to work, but so thankful it was not my old Iola commute!

For a moment I thought we were in a for a white Christmas. Pretty sure the rain and 44-degree temps predicted for tomorrow will clear that off.

Tomorrow is also the last day of finals and school for the semester. This also means the Golden Mass service will be held at Assumption once again. I have made this a few times but cannot take off from work this time. Still, I get to be a part of it, sort of.

Tonight, the senior class and parents had to set up the gymnasium for the event. That meant everything from lining up chairs to stringing lights to make it all pretty. I'm sure it will be beautiful as always. Came home and ironed some shirts for the guys, then finally sat down and addressed the last of the Christmas cards.

Well, probably not the last since I keep thinking of more people! As long as I have cards left, I might as well send them, right? People like Christmas cheer in their mailboxes after Christmas, too. It helps ease the pain of the credit card bills coming in January. I'm all about spreading the cheer, ya know.

Jingle all the way!!

The Long and Short of It

In the grand scheme of things, having the shortest day of the year fall on a Monday is ideal.

Mondays and the inevitable re-entry into the work week are tough – especially after a full weekend. Wasn't Friday 7 days ago? So much in such a short time that a "normal" day seems boring!

I wish.

I had a non-boring, crazy busy work day then went to kickboxing tonight. Came home and did some freelance work while Carter studied for finals (he has 3 tomorrow) and hubby went with friends up to an Assumption basketball double-header at Stratford. (Girls won; boys lost.)

It would have been nice to go but I have too many projects going on. And the fact that it is also the "longest night" of the year as well doesn't necessarily give me more time for working or sleeping or watching Hallmark movies. Shucks.

Plus, in case you didn't know, the shortest day of the year is also Short People Appreciation Day. Yup, I just read that on Facebook so it has to be true. Too bad King Cone AND Dairy Queen are closed for the season. Can't celebrate there, but thanks for all the cards I got in the mail today. You're the best!

What do you mean those are Christmas cards? Where's the love?!

Good thing this isn't the shortest temper day of the year. Or it really would be the longest night!

Happy Winter Solstice!

I Must Have Been a Good Girl...

According to Santa's elf, I must have been a really good girl this year – because I got one heckuva present today.

I actually found out Thursday night from my niece Caryn that the Austin 3 (sorry, Casey had to go back to Eau Claire to work) was going to the Vikings game today! Caryn works games at the U of M TCF Bank Stadium, used by the Vikings, too, while their new palace is under construction. So she was able to get us in with no debt to our credit or debit cards. Oh yes, the best present ever!

Especially since they actually won today as well when they annihilated the Bears!!

I know you Packers fans couldn't care less about Game Day photos, but I'm sharing them anyway...

The college stadium is much smaller than the Dome was but not a bad seat in the place.

We were there almost 3 hours before game time so had time to walk around and get a pregame family photo.

With about 2 hours to go, Caryn and I ventured over to the tunnel where the Vikings players enter and exit the field – just in case we saw people we knew up close.

Here's the television sideline reporter Pam Oliver. I figured it was illegal to jump on her so I could take her spot for the day. So I let her pass.

QB Teddy Bridgewater taking a few warmup throws.

 Only 90 minutes to game time!

 Teddy heads for the locker room

Had to get a picture of the Bears warming up since I do have in-laws who lean that way.

 Coaches Norv Turner and Mike Zimmer enter.

 Teddy geared up and heading back the field.

Zygi, our ba-jillionaire owner!

One of the pre-game huddles before taking the field to warm up.

Heading in.

Oh this is just WR Mike Wallace (11) and Jarius Wright (behind him) moments before they noticed that adorable woman from Wisconsin and came over and gave me high fives. Oh yes, I've been touched by the color purple!!

Huddle with some more people you may now.

Definitely the closest I'll ever be to Adrian Peterson. Glad he's healthy!

 Almost game time.

 And now it is!

So nice to keep scoring so we could keep singing our "Skol Vikings" fight song!

When hubby doesn't want a game day date photo. I will not let it ruin my scrapbook!

Notice I have a different hat than the beginning of the game? Well I had to get some hand warmers for Carter's and my shoes, so while I was in the game shop, I figured I better get a warm and "cool" hat like Caryn, my favorite elf! Plus this hat was much warmer. Though I must say we were spoiled having dry weather close to 40 degrees.

 Carter staying warm with hot chocoloate!

 Our last touchdown throw...

 To Zach Line...

And it's GOOD!!

SKOL VIKINGS!

And the final score: 38-17. Awesome! Now that we broke our dreadful streak, it's almost a given we have to go back for next week's game, right?

I'm guessing Santa doesn't make a habit of more than one visit per year. Pretty sure I'd have to relinquish my spot on the Naughty List for that to happen.

And pretty sure that's not in the cards. Hopefully another win (or more) is, though.

Merry Christmas to me!