Digging Deep

My two new favorite words? Trigger Point. As in Trigger Point Therapy. As in dig deep and deeper!

My back has been out of whack for about two weeks now and I keep muscling through the pain and discomfort, rolling on my foam roller, applying my essentials oils, stretching, everything. It's mainly the mid- to upper right-hand side that gets extra work due to the computer mouse in may hand countless hours a day.

What I realized today was that I am falling apart without my bi-weekly chair massages I used to get at work! So I broke down and made an appointment at a local chiropractic office that also has massage therapy services. On my lunch, I got a 15-minute does of TPT.

Basically, Trigger Point Therapy targets the cause of your pain with deep, pointed pressure to release stubborn knots. This is not a massage for sissies. They gotta dig deep and drill. It hurts like heck but it sure helps to break up the knotted muscle.

Since I was in pretty rough shape, I made an appoint to see my new "drill" sergeant again tomorrow. She just wants to see if she can dig deeper and make sure the rest of my back gets pounded on if needed.

So I took the night off from my cardio kickboxing class. I know I said last week NO EXCUSES, but I found one anyway. This will better serve me in the long run, right? I hope so.

No pain, no gain? I should gain a lot of fire power back in my punch!

Sitting in the Corner

After being gone for 12 hours yesterday, it would have been nice to have a free day to say, do my Saturday chores and then some. But my day was booked.

Had to read in church this morning. Since we only have one service on Sundays in the summer – at the late hour of 9 a.m. – I can handle it!

By lucky coincidence, another photographer friend from college and the newspaper was attending our service to take pictures of his great-niece's baptism. So John was up from Madison and it was the first time I've seen him in at least 10 years or so. Cool. Two Sundays in a row I see old shutterbug buddies. Love it!

After I got home from church it was work, work, work on a freelance assignment. I finally sent myself to sit in the corner. And by corner I mean the corner where the sun still shines on Mr. Deck Chair & Associates. My neighbor Cindy and I took full advantage of my 30-minute "time out" and got some sun and conversation.

This evening, after I caught up, I went into town to grocery shop and pay a birthday visit to my BFF. Actually, Christine's birthday is tomorrow, but she works out of town so I wanted to catch her. Plus, I heard she had cake.

Kidding. I did not KNOW that going into the visit. It was just a bonus! Great to see her and hubby since we have not connected in person this summer. Where did those 3 months go? Shame on us.

Got home and realized I really need an extra day between Sunday and Monday to, yes, do those Saturday chores and then some. Something tells my I'll get around to that on Tuesday. I've been so bad I should probably send myself to sit in the corner again.

And by corner I mean warm bed and new book!

Fore a Good Cause

Not that all we do is Assumption-related activities in our lives, but for the third day in a row we were sporting Royal Blue – or variations thereof – and supporting the school. This time, the football team. And this time, WE were the ones playing.

Golf, that is.

Today was the third annual John Swendrowski Memorial Golf Outing at Bull's Eye Country Club. Swendro, as he was called was a football coach at AHS plus a teacher (while hubby was in high school). 

Jim has his established foursome so last year when I had the date open, I ended up golfing with two college-aged "kids" who had previously graduated from Assumption. This year, I got a friend of mine to be my partner and we latched onto a husband-and-wife duo to make up a foursome. We had an absolute blast!

Marlene, my partner in crime and missed birdie putts, graduate with Jim so has known him forever. Not that either is old. We had a lot of fun. And the couple, Jeff and Amy, were great to hang around with. We were not good enough to take the game too seriously, so we just enjoyed ourselves. I other words, we did NOT finish under par!

We were just grateful it was not raining or too hot. Just cool enough to wear long pants and sometimes our light jackets.

There were various prizes on holes, including the "drive closest to the tackling dummy." We did not get that, but it was certainly fun to try.

When we had the banquet afterwards, I found out I won two prizes. On a par 3 I had the "women's drive closest to the pin." And I made the longest putt – of everyone – on the 18th hole. I am sure you heard the screaming around 4 p.m. when I sunk that!!! It was very, very, very long. And for a typical 3-putter, I was doing a much deserved happy dance with high fives all around! For each of those prizes I got some golf balls and ball markers.

They also had raffle giveaways, too. One board had 100 tags with numbers on them. I bought the #68, since that is the year my twin sister was born. And guess what number they called? Oh yes, you are looking at the winner of $250! Whoot! That covers our entry fees and all the money we spent on raffles today. LOL.

Tired now. Having fun and winning all those prizes takes a lot out of a girl! But it was FORE! a good cause.

Raining, er Reigning, Royals

What do you get when you add Friday Night Lights with Umbrellas and Loyal Fans? Royal Football!

Tonight we hosted Thorp on our home turf. I was subbing in for a gentleman who wasn't able to sell admission tickets. I was prepared with a warm sweatshirt and rain coat and umbrella. Thankfully someone brought in one of those little pop-up canvas tent things so as least I could keep myself, the rosters and the money dry!

My view was what you see above. Lots of fans with umbrellas and a soggily blurry view of the field. I could hear the announcer, though, and he was busy!

Just like last week, we rolled over the competition. We're talking final score: Assumption 56, Thorp 0. (That's us scoring 105 points in 2 games and our opponents scoring none!) A long ride home for the Thorpedoes (or whatever their nickname is).

I admit I did not stay for the whole game. After standing 2 hours, when my shift was done and we no longer needed to sell tickets, I grabbed my umbrella and headed home. At that point, there would have been no dry place to sit AND it wasn't a close game where I needed to cheer extra loud for a win.

Plus, I had some freelance work to do. I already know tomorrow will be booked up with golf in the DRY, SUNNY weather (attention, Mother Nature) so I wanted to make some headway tonight. Took a break after the game was done to hang out with some of the Royal parents. Now it is off to bed before midnight so we get plenty of rest for a fun-filled, golf-filled day tomorrow.

Hope Mother Nature cooperates!!

Royal Start

I might as well let the photo speak for itself. For the first time in years and years, the Assumption Boys Cross Country team took first place at a meet! Sweet!

What an awesome way to start the season tonight – edging out rivals Marathon and Stratford at the Pittsville Meet.

It was awesome to see both a full boys team and full girls team. That hasn't happened in awhile either.

Carter didn't have his best night but you gotta start somewhere, right? Just build from there and keep on improving during the season. And, for now, just enjoy the feel of that first place trophy and victory lap. I am still uploading dozens of photos so I will have to continue this at another time!

Way to go, Royals!

Because Doesn't Tell Me Anything

When the boys were younger and possibly in trouble, Daddy would ask them, "Why did you do that?" And they inevitably would reply: "Because."

He would promptly respond: "Because doesn't tell me anything!"

That's true. Yet, I tried to use that tonight when I made an appearance at kickboxing class for the first time in a week. If I put as much effort into getting to class as I do making up excuses, I'd be so much further ahead. I realize this, but don't always act on that wise thought pattern.

Instead, I was thinking about how I had an aching back and neck last week, then my calves started hurting from a few runs I took. Oh, and I missed BECAUSE my work schedule was a bit crazy so I couldn't get to early or late class on a few of those days. And, well, the teacher and sub were gone for a four-day weekend.

Is that a good enough bundle of excuses?

Nope. Not according to my trainer.

He worked me hard and I will probably start a new round of aches and pains tomorrow. And that's all on me.

Now you know from previous blogs that I really, really love my cardio kickboxing classes. So I really, really do have good reasons if I can't make it. I'll just have to try harder to get my priorities straight.

Don't you find that the longer you fall off the wagon – whatever your "wagon" may be – that it is harder and harder to get back on? I guess we're all human.

Humans with big stockpiles of excuses, but still humans who deserve second chances. Do you have something you've been purposely avoiding? A habit you've been trying to break? A habit you've been trying to start?

Get back on the wagon! I will give you a boost and join you!

No excuses.

Today's Snapshot

What?! I figured you've seen enough pictures of Carter to last awhile so why not see his parents? Ha. Lucky you. Pictures from the photo booth at my niece Beth's wedding.

All together now: Awwww.....

Don't worry. Boy Wonder will return to the spotlight one of these days.

Since this blog serves as my journal of sorts and, more importantly, my timeline for my scrapbooking, I thought I better note a few things going on!

Chilling Out: Weather is crazy cool this week. We're talking temps in the 40s at night. They say "good sleeping weather." I say "hard to get out of bed weather." Either way, the electric mattress pad is on!

CHiPs: My sister Rayna and hubby are on a very long roadtrip out in the northwest sector of the States. They have seen the wildfires and the beautiful wildlife. My sister texted me today that she saw a real, live California Highway Patrol officer. Ponch alert!! Lucky!

Buyer's Remorse: Since Carter is a senior now we are almost done with begging you to support his fundraisers. I say ALMOST. He is selling Royal Cards with discounts at multiple Rapids businesses. They are $15 and quickly pay for themselves at Dairy Queen, I mean grocery stores! If you have been waiting to buy one, let me know. Otherwise, NO PRESSURE. We've only got a few left anyway. (The begging will come with the Music Calendar sale later this fall.)

1 D: I've learned the difference between having a teenage boy instead of a teenage girl is that I have several friends at the One Direction concert tonight. Meanwhile, I am the only one under this roof who knows any of their songs. Just enough where I would go to the concert if my "daughter" begged me. She'd have to deserve it, though. Or pay for the t-shirt.

Treats: Instead, I spent part of the evening prepping for Carter's first cross country meet of the season. I am one of the parents providing post-race snacks Thursday so I got my "pretzel rods dipped in almond bark" treats done tonight and will do other stuff tomorrow night. Am getting excited for the season. I am pretty sure the runners are, too!

Contributing Member: Work has actually been busy, which means I am moving beyond training and am a contributing member of the team. There. I feel better now.

Oh, boy. My train of thought has left the station. I think I'm distracted because I hear my warm bed calling me. That's right, Mr. Deck Chair. Get mad and do something to change this weather!

Lasts Shall Be First

The emotional day has arrived. It was Carter's LAST first day of school – as far as this scrapbooking momma goes. I mean, I could take a picture his first day of college next year, but then he'd never come home again!

Assumption high schoolers started today and the seniors did not have to report until 10 a.m. so that was nice. Except I had to take my "lunch break" at 9:30 a.m. to run home and get the all-important photo! If you can't read the sign, it says "278 days until graduation!"

Uff da.

Every time I think time is going fast, it starts to go even faster! I was warned by other parents about this, but I guess I have been in denial. Now we have come to the first "last."

This will be the year of a lot of LASTs – from athletic competitions to band concerts to having Carter home for every little holiday and birthday. OK, now I might cry.

Of course, this will also be our last year of serving as his personal alarm clock and dragging his butt out of bed. He did get up on his own this morning, but how hard it that when you get 8 hours of sleep AND you start school mid-morning? We'll see how it goes this year.

His schedule is not super easy. He's got his 5th year of German, 6th year (counting junior high) of band, some good ol' calculus, statistics and physics, some non-favorites – English and religion – and I think creative writing. Not sure but it's a full load so we can expect more late nights and grumpy mornings. But enough about me...

Seriously, I hope he treasures these last two Royal semesters and makes the most of them. I know in his mind, especially after senior pictures yesterday, he is already ready to move on. Guess I'll have to hold him hostage in my arms a little bit longer...

Another Senior Moment :: Pictures

Not to age myself, but it was 30 years ago around this time of year when I, too, was planning for senior pictures. The main point "back then" was to have a nice enough portrait for the yearbook and one that could be an 8x10 to hang on the wall at home.

My twin and I wore the ONE outfit to the studio and took our turns. We had to sit on a stool, face left, face right, tilt head, then neck, and painfully smile while performing upper torso gymnastics. We picked one pose and got our wallet-sized photos for friends. Pretty simple.

And boring.

Nowadays, the kids – whether boy or girl – have a few wardrobe changes AND location changes. Crazy, right? But it's so worth it once you see the final results!

Hubby and I were in a bit of a conundrum in choosing a photographer. In our publishing background we have a lot of friends who are photographers and many still shoot portraits. Plus, we have friends who do it and some starting out. Didn't want to hurt any feelings, so we went with who we knew the longest (I went to college with Steve) and, by coincidence, could possibly be the best. (Of any photographers anywhere. He's a master.)

The only downside is that he lives in La Crosse, but it was a worthy road trip today for Carter and me. Dad didn't want to tag along for some reason!

We met them in a shopping center parking lot and jumped in their vehicle since they obviously knew where they were going. Here is the master at work – with the help of his lovely assistant and wife, Chris.

These were just quick shots with my phone. Nothing impressive for my quality. Just wanted to give you a sneak peek at some senior moments from his session.

Drove by this building then stopped and turned around. Steve got a variety of photos on all four sides.

Brick on two sides then battered tin on two, plus these beautifully aged red doors!

Spent an hour in the alleyways of downtown La Crosse. Pretty cool stuff and the type of settings Carter had in mind, too.

Fun on a fire escape. There was not enough room for me to stand up there. Despite my fear of heights, I did go up there, then realized it lacked space.

Wardrobe change for some more "formal" shots.

The serious model look.

That smirk we know and love!!

Final shot: The senior selfie!!

Carter had a blast, which is always a bonus. Can't wait to see what the master does with his hundreds of photos!

If you want to check out his work on other subjects, check out Aperture by Steve Davis on Facebook or on the web: www.aperturebystevedavis.com. Great stuff!!

Why, Oh Why-Fi

Sometime in the middle of the night – I think around 4 a.m. – the power went out. Not sure why. It wasn't storming or anything. We only noticed because our fan (aka white noise machine) stopped. It was suddenly very quiet.

And you know what we heard? Coyotes. Lots of them. Somewhere. I guess near enough for us to hear them. Yikes.

The power came back on after an hour, I think. So waking up meant fixing all the electric clocks in the house and more. The "more" part was not fun. First, the cable television signal was out. I had to reset and restart all kinds of things before that got going. Then it was onto the Internet.

No matter how many times I reset and restarted any and every thing related to our Internet and wi-fi, I could not get a signal on our computers. I tried switching the wireless routers and everything. No success. To use the Internet on my computer, I had to use my smartphone as a hotspot. Now that's just a pain.

So I gave up and went shopping.

Well, first I ran 3 miles and got laundry going, then showered and went to Stevens Point shopping. But not for me, of course. For Carter. Just needed to get a shirt for his senior pictures tomorrow. But then, since there was no one home waiting for me – Carter was tubing and Jim was at a funeral in Green Bay – I decided to shop for myself. I had a $50 Kohl's gift card burning a hole in my pocket since my birthday. That was well spent. Ha.

Retail therapy is underrated.

When I got home, Carter was there there trying to figure out our darn wireless connection. How will we live without it?!? We were both frustrated so I got in touch with our Internet provider and no one else was having this problem since the power outage. Between the support guy and me, we determined it was our own wireless routers that must have gone to pot somehow, maybe a surge during the power outage. Who knows?

So after some time with Mr. Deck Chair and a dinner date with Carter, we picked up a new router... because I'm sure I had $70 burning a hole in my pocket! Got home and hooked it up and, I gotta tell ya, this new one works better than the two we had. My connection is faster and not slowed at all when we have two computers and three phones using it.

An expensive pain in the butt, but they don't make things to last. They know the consumers will fork over money for replacements because, well, we can't live without the Internet, can we?

I managed to most of today but I can't shop and go out to eat every day to fill the void! Not unless this new magical router is so good it prints money... or Kohl's cards.

TGIFF (Thank God It's Football Friday)

Are you ready for some football?? Could it possibly be high school football season already? For those of us who love summer, we are in denial that this could be a signal of fall. For those of us who love summer AND football, we're OK with this – as long as summer hangs around awhile to watch!

Although schools in Wisconsin are not in session yet – Carter starts Monday – most of them had their first game of the season tonight.

Hubby and I ventured up to Greenwood to cheer on our Assumption Royals. If you look on the map, it's somewhere north of Neillville and in the heart of Amish Country. Thus the quick drive-by photo through the dirty windshield...

Despite the fact is was more than an hour away, Royal Blue was well represented on the visitor side! And the team put on a great performance for us.

Not sure if it was the caliber of the other team, the fact our players worked their butts off in the off-season, or both, but Assumption took a commanding lead in the first quarter and never looked back.

This was the score at halftime. No typos. No scoreboard malfunction. We were dominating.

Strangely enough, there was no scoring in the second half so this was also the final score. What a great way to start the season. A win and no injuries! Quite a confidence builder, too.

Carter had to work so I kept him in the loop via text. After all, with tonight's game, that officially means his senior year is in session.

I may be ready for some football... but NOT that!

Baby Steps

Don't you hate those dreams where you show up to class (sometimes clothed, sometimes not) and the teacher hands out a pop quiz for a subject you've never studied? Panic ensues and you hope to god the person having this dream wakes up and gets you out of this mess.

I have that nightmare occasionally. This last one has lasted a whole month!

Well, let's just say I'm happy to report it is transitioning from Nightmare to Dream status. So that's a positive. Who knew a new job doing something I've never done before about topics I know nothing about could be stressful?

I am trying to be patient, mainly with myself. I feel like I should be contributing more to the team. My higher-uppers say I am right where they want me to be, but my own set of standards puts me in a different place -- that I haven't reached and feel like a should. That's my own problem, I guess. Darn work ethic!

Today I marked one month on the new job. I know my way around the building, have made some new work friends and even remember their names, have saved $100 on gas, and have only succumbed to the free ice cream temptation 3 times. No wonder I NEEDED King Cone so badly last week!

Despite my intermittent frustrations, I am glad to be there. Just gotta keep taking baby steps and eventually I'll learn what I need to know and inevitably contribute. Maybe those baby steps will find their way to the soft-serve machine again... 

Only for a baby portion, of course.

Leaving Our Mark

Probably fitting that it was a chilly August day when Dad's gravestone marker was installed. He really disliked heat and humidity!

Hard to believe it took two years to get this chosen, purchased, delivered and installed. But sometimes delays happen when there are 9 people in the decision-making process. Not that I'd trade my big family for anything!

Among decisions were the symbols engraved near each of our parent's names. Dad's tree represents "The Lone Spruce," his CB handle back in his trucking days, plus his enjoyment of nature in general and the sunshine (as long as it wasn't too hot or humid). Mom's was harder, partly because she is still with us and had her say in the matter. We were thinking flowers since she has the this super-duper green thumb, but she wanted a pen and paper to illustrate the countless letters she has and continues to write. I think my mom single-handedly keeps the U.S. Postal Service in business!

What would be on your marker? What would symbolize your life?

I'm not sure about me. I always say that's why I could never get a tattoo. Could not choose that ONE thing that symbolizes me or what mark I am leaving. That, and I am not a big fan of needles or pain or the guaranteed fainting spell!

Regarding Dad's stone, though, it will be nice to have something concrete to talk to when I visit him. I can carry on a pretty good conversation with the flower stand that had been posted at his gravesite all this time, but this will be firmer sign of his presence.

And of his absence.

Thank goodness he often visits me in my dreams. And, of course, I am a mini-version of him every time I offer an opinion. I'm surprised we didn't put a Wikipedia or Google icon on his side of the stone, because he knew everything!

There, I guess I have an idea for mine now, as well. I, too, have answer for everything.

Not that there is anything wrong with that, Dad. I'm on your side!

How to Defeat Goliath

Normally, I wouldn't just give you a link to a video and call it a blog, but I found this message inspiring.

Last week, football hall of famer and announcer Frank Gifford died. You know his wife Kathie Lee from days gone by with Regis and now some segment on the Today Show. She went back to work Monday and shared this meaningful story about her husband and his faith.

When you're done watching, think about what YOUR stone is. I'm going to find mine...

Waterfront Property

With our recent heat wave and total lack of rain, I'd be surprised if we've had an inch of precipitation in August. Of course, I could look it up but I like to pretend I know things! Plus, I have had to water those three flower plants every day so I KNOW it hasn't been raining.

Today, the temps started to cool down finally and it was sprinkling on and off this morning. I had to run home at lunch to take care of some paperwork. It was lightly raining, but as soon as I parked in the garage, a downpour began.

If you ever wondered what happens when a month's worth of rain falls in 5 minutes, you go from country home to waterfront property. Real fast!

Isn't that insane? It has been so dry that the ground couldn't soak up the water as fast as it was arriving. 

When it stopped, I headed back to work and wondered how Carter was going to get into his car for cross country practice later in the afternoon. Through the trunk, maybe?

As it turned out, the ground eventually caught up and drank up the abundant rain. So he had no problem going to practice. The farmers around here are happy. And I didn't have to water my flowers tonight!

Everybody wins.

55 and Alive

To say the least, it has been one heck of a challenging year for my twin and her family.

During the winter, her truck-driving husband Steve got into a terrible accident while driving through a snowstorm. Due to injuries, he hasn't been able to work since. He recently underwent back surgery and now has a shoulder surgery on his agenda this week. Next Sunday, he turns 55. Raylene decided a few weeks ago it would be a good time to hold a "I'm 55 and Still Alive" surprise celebration today.

So, with some good Sunday polka music to accompany us, Jim and I headed Up North to Siren this morning and we let our own party boy sleep in. While my niece Ashley was leading her dad on a wild goose chase to keep him out of the house, we all parked next door, walked to Steve and Raylene's and set up.

In the picture above, Raylene is thanking us all for our support.

Here we are waiting for Steve's arrival. It was a great crowd, mostly Steve's relatives and friends, but two of my sisters, my mom and one of my nephews were there, too.

Was he surprised? Oh yes! Even though he saw the big crowd when they parked the truck, I don't think he realized it was for HIM until we yelled the traditional "Surprise!" and "Happy Birthday!"

Giving Raylene a hug and giving Ashley the third degree about her "involvement." Good job, girl!

Steve and Jim: Brotherly love. Well, brother-in-lawly love!

After some good food and cake, we hit the road to head back to Rapids. We made a pit stop in Eau Claire to see son No. 1 at work.

Casey styling in his Toppers uniform! We weren't hungry since we had just eaten but decided to share a small order of their famous Toppers Stix.

Jim's half was TacoStix and mine was Chocolate BaconStix. Why yes, that dipping sauce IS chocolate frosting! One stick was enough. But I had two. Brought the other two home for Carter, who did clean up the back yard today and did get most of his German project completed.

We're all tired. I think I need an extra day between Sunday and Monday! But so grateful for family, friends and health. That makes it all worth it!

Pre-Senior Moments

Since before his birthday in May, Carter has wanted to hold a class party with a campfire. With the busy summer schedule between work and a trip to Germany, he finally scheduled a "senior class party" for today.

Obviously, there was no way to know he'd be hosting a hot fire on the hottest day of summer. But the incoming AHS senior class was not deterred.

I knew we had some work to get done in the backyard before the party. And by "we" I mean mostly me. And as usual (like my July 4th weekend rock garden project) I picked the hottest day to do yard work. Between the heat and my first sight of the day being a snake, I almost said, "forget it." But I couldn't turn my back on the overgrown weeds and everything thing else crying for help back there.

So I clipped and cleaned and filled two wheelbarrows with those "extras." It was so hot out, I was literally dripping with sweat. Yet, Carter seemed surprised that I asked HIM to mow the back yard. I said, "I have had enough physical labor today!"

After that we were a team. He helped me move furniture back on the recently painted decks. And I helped him set up in the backyard. Oh and made cookies and bars and bought chips and other snacks. Hubby went to 6 p.m. church tonight and picked up pizzas on the way home so there was plenty to eat. And Carter filled 3 coolers with much-needed cold drinks on this hot day.

He told people to come at 7. After more than a dozen girls had arrived, I started to wonder if he had really invited his whole class or just the girls! Granted, his class is about 2-to-1 girls to boys, so I shouldn't have been surprised. Finally, some guys showed up and, before we knew it, there were a dozen cars in the driveway and road and some 25-30 seniors bonding before the start of their last year together.

From our view in the air-conditioned house, it looked like they were having a great time. So glad it worked out for our host!

Jim and I were invited to a fire, too, just down the road. So I walked down and enjoyed some "friend time" and now it's Jim's turn. The party is still going strong and I think the kids are going to outlast me. When did 11 p.m. become so LATE?

Guess I'm starting to have my pre-senior moments, too.

The Missing Lick, er Link

I've been feeling a bit out of sorts lately. I thought it was due to my adjustments to the new job. Today, I realized it was something else.

Did you know I have gone a whole month – a whole 31 days – without King Cone?

It's unheard of!

Yet, with my wonderful short commute, I am no longer "just passing by" and stopping in on my way home from work. In fact, I apparently haven't even needed to do even a small portion of my commute – just as far as Plover 15 minutes away – since I left my job in Iola. Have I lost sight of my priorities?

I had two fears today. One was that my systems would start to shut down from withdrawal. And two was that King Cone had gone out of business without my "occasional" patronage! This is serious stuff, people!

Not wanting to put life and lick, er limb, on the line, I made a trip to Plover after work. Well, of course, I HAD to go to Fleet Farm and Dunham's and Staples. So as long as I was "just passing by," I stopped.

Even Maggie, the girl behind the counter, recognized that I was having withdrawals. (OK, she DID say that but she does know me since I worked with her dad for years– not just because I frequent the establishment.)

Reunited and it tastes so good... Oh yes, a big ol' scoop of Blueberry "Yes, Please" Cake Ice Cream and my universe has righted itself.

Whew. Avoided a catastrophe there. Always good to get your priorities in order.

Always.

Golden Opportunity

This evening was our monthly Face to Face Book Club meeting. Tonight we discussed Gold by Chris Cleave.

Among other themes, the book focuses on the ultimate test of a mother's love. If your dreams pull you in one direction and your heart in another, which should you follow? This is the question that haunts main character Kate Meadows, a world champion cyclist whose eight-year-old daughter Sophie is battling a recurrence of childhood leukemia just as Kate is about to compete for her last chance at an Olympic gold medal.

For years, Kate has sacrificed everything for her family and watched her best friend and closest rival, Zoe Castle (the other main character), conquer the world stage. Kate has never won gold and will have to go through Zoe—who has everything to lose—to get it. Now her child is facing a life-threatening illness, and the stakes are higher than ever. How can she do what is right for her daughter without abandoning all of her dreams?

Since the book centered on the competition of cycling, my neighbor Cindy and I decided it was the golden opportunity to dust off our bicycles and pedal to book club. Good thing we've had all this Olympic training while reading the book so we could make it the 1.7 miles to the hostess' home!

Whew.

Then to have to bike all the way back home when it was done? We deserve gold medals!

Actually, it was nice to wheel around and get some exercise at the same time. Not enough to burn off the cupcake calories from the meeting, but a start. Is it too late to get some use out of our bikes this late in the summer?

Hopefully not. Actually after this heat wave blows by sometime early next week, it might be ideal. Except it's already getting dark earlier and I am out of shape and do have a laundry list of excuses in my fanny pack.

Whoa. I do not have one of those. Just checking if you are still paying attention!

By the way, I do recommend the book. It's a good story that is not as predictable as you might think. Plenty of plot twists and lump-in-your-throat moments. And it is a good reminder as a parent of what we sometimes sacrifice (or don't) for our children. When do we deserve "gold" for our hard work and when should we re-examine our priorities? And can we have both?

You decide.

Just like real life, the book illustrates why it's not a cut-and-dried decision.

I guess we take the golden opportunities while we can. Even pedaling 3.4 miles with a friend can be a win-win.

Even though I crossed the finish line first. But who's keeping score...

Germany :: Through the Lens

This is sort of cheating. I don't even know what these pictures are of exactly, but I know they were taken in Germany and Austria. And, without a doubt, I know Carter has an eye for the artistic shot.

Since a picture paints a thousand words, I'll just let a handful of photos speak for themselves... until he gets his report done and I can share more photos and, obviously, more details.

Actually this first one I know. Instead of carving initials on trees, couples put their names or initials on padlocks and lock them on bridges. Carter said it was a common sight there. Interesting.

My favorite scene!