Hump Day Headlines, er Just Catching Up

A quick recap of my not-so-exciting life... I was pretty close on my Monday prediction about Trifle Tuesday.

Based on the "leftover" evidence presented, I'm still batting a thousand!

After that lovely "you should start a bakery" day, I shot hoops. Pictures of our Lady Royals middle-schoolers that is. Then got lost in editing last night and never got around to blogging. I'm sure you survived just fine.

Side note: I also had book club after that and based on our ratings, give The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany a try! On average, we rated it 4 out of 5.

Today was a pleasant last-day-of-January surprise. More spring-like temperatures than anything else. It was glorious!

Ironically, this was the day we finally had our Christmas party for the marketing department. We're so busy in December preparing for the January golf tournament we sponsor that this is the only time we can get most people available to attend.

It was fun (even though I didn't win any prizes) but it felt weird saying "Merry Christmas" while stepping outside and we didn't need a jacket!

I'll take that any day, won't you?

P.S. Hey! We survived what felt like the 642 days of January!! Be careful out there – and let's get through this!

Monday Surprises

When the first sight to greet you on a Monday morning is cat puke on your office carpet, you know it's going to be a great day. I mean after that, how can it not go up?

And it did! You'll never guess who finally came to visit. Mr. Sun! About time, dude! I almost didn't recognize you.

I knew temps were suppose to rise this week, but it certainly was a nice surprise to have to squint outside!

I got another surprise, too. Not as good... at least to start with. As my team Birthday Fairy, I pride myself in keeping track of this special occasion so I can decorate the person's desk and... of course, make them a treat (a.k.a. trifle). When one of my co-workers inquired what I was making for the other co-worker's birthday tomorrow, I was speechless. Ope! Missed that one. 

But even though I don't have an oven to bake the cake part, I managed to cobble one together thanks to the bakery section at the store! It's some sort of peanut butter and chocolate vibe. Hope the random mix of things taste OK together. (That would not be a good surprise.) So far, though, I think I'm batting a thousand. I'll let you know.

Now, at day's end, I think there's one more surprise that may be coming. After cleaning up that Princess Pukes-A-Lot mess this morning, I also found a singular "turd" (for lack of a better word). Where is the rest of Princess Poops-A-Lot's gift? 

Question is: Do we look for it or perhaps count on Tuesday having a day break surprise that means the day will just keep getting better?

Hope you get some nice surprises this week! But, per usual, be careful out there!

A Baker's Dozen't

Is it Murphy's Law or Baker's Law when you remodel your kitchen – except for replacing the stove – and then it dies a month later?

This is the last batch of cookies (or anything) baked in our trusty Frigidaire glass-top stove we bought 24 or so years ago. I was trying to be the daughter-in-law of the year Saturday and was excited to discover Cream Cheese chips to add to my spice cookies. But when the first pan was in, all of sudden the temperature was going down. Thankfully, it lasted just enough to get the first 20 cookies out of the oven and give Johnny a dozen.

After further review, the burners no longer worked either. And the clock went black until I turned on the "bake" dial. Yep, far more messed up than when I could simply replace the heating element several years ago. (I was so proud of that DIY moment!) 

So we had to pick out a new stove – and since we have those concrete countertops in place, one that must squeeze into that 30-inch gap exactly! Fingers crossed for the new stove arriving Thursday!

After that, we grabbed some food in Point and went to the Pacelli Co-op Hockey game so I could shoot pictures of their Stick it to Cancer night. I feel like my dates with Mr. Zamboni are now supervised!

Today, we took advantage of our last free weekend for the foreseeable future and went to the movie The Boys in the Boat, based on our 1936 Olympic rowing team. I've read the book and was excited that the movie did a great job reflecting their story. We both liked it.

Then it's been nothing but football and me doing a little photo sorting for scrapbooking weekend. 

Naturally, we ordered Portesi pizza for dinner since we couldn't do a take-and-bake from anywhere. Takes getting used to. I'm wondering if the remaining cookie dough will last in the fridge until I can bake it. Someone seems to like it. And it's not me or the kitty.

But... Did You Die?

So, I did a thing yesterday. I was finally well enough (read: could breathe without coughing) to join the lunchtime fitness class I signed up for in the fitness center at work.

I could say it was challenging because I missed the first two weeks. But in reality, it was challenging because I missed the first two ... forevers. Mercy! I am so out of shape!

The class is called Reps and Sets. As in using weights, etc, and repeating. I guess that's what a "set" is? All I know is 80 squats, 40 lunges, 30 chest presses, and 24 hours later... OUCH! It was by sheer coincidence that I had my monthly chiropractor appointment today. Oh, I love her! She brought out the big vibrating massage thing and hit every muscle in my lower back and glute. Ouch but good!

Of course, that wasn't the worst part of the 30-minute workout. That came when we had to do sit-ups. Just normal sit-ups, except nothing to anchor our feet, just using those core muscles to get up and down. Guess who couldn't do one? 

This girl! The one without core muscles! 

I just laid back on my mat trying to hold back the shameful tears stinging my eyes. Full disclosure: I didn't die in my workout – but I might have cried. At least after pouring out my soul and hopelessness over my meno-induced weight gain and out-of-shapeness, my fitness instructor gave me a hug. A sweaty one, but I needed it.

She also is meeting with me next week to see if we can work out a plan to reverse my misfortune. I could casually say, "I'll try anything!" But if I had that type of commitment, I wouldn't be in my current predicament. 

And unfortunately, I've learned the post-workout pain doesn't really take effect until the SECOND day. If I don't blog tomorrow, it's because I can't lift my arms enough to reach the keyboard!

Be careful out there. And don't judge yourself by what you can and cannot do. Applaud yourself for trying!

Lucky Number 7

It's no surprise in this house that I've been crushing on Joe Mauer for about 20 years now. So I'm ecstatic that my favorite "Twins catcher turned 1st basemen but always hot hitter" is heading to Cooperstown. 

Here's a fun fact for you: Johnny Bench (from hubby's Reds team), Iván Rodríguez -- and now, Joe Mauer are now only three catchers who stand alone as having been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. 

That's my boy! 

For proof, I was going to include a photo of all my #7 gear. Well there is one sweatshirt, two jerseys, at least two t-shirts and a tank top. (That I could readily count, that is.) Yup I'm not quite old enough to be his mother, but he had me at that first smile and first game with a few hits! It was tough to see him retire but to do so to avoid concussions, etc. as the father of twins – who could fault him?

A few pieces of evidence of my obsession. (And now everyone knows he was worth it!)

Sporting #7 in our last Twins game at the Metrodome on August 14, 2009. The Twins won for me, by the way.

My poor hot boy wiping his brow in July of 2011.

Wasn't close seats, but I managed to snag a picture of him at bat in July of 2016.

I'm sure if I took time, I'd catalog more photos – and more apparel. Suffice it to say, I am so happy and proud of him and this accomplishment! Plus, anything that reflects highly on my team is a bonus! 

#TwinsTerritory #winTwins #JM7 💗

What She Says: Let it Go

The worst thing about having holiday packages or this-is-normal-life packages is that sometimes they arrive in the worst conditions. Then, trust me, after an experience of going through the process, do you package and ship them back – or deal with it and keep it?

After so many valuable Christmas gifts I had shipped via the big A this year, this is – quite frankly – the 3rd one I was challenged in my mind if I should return.

Crushed packaging. Crushed product, etc. But after having to deal with 2 or 3 items returned back in the holiday season – via jumping through a lot of hoops – I decide to sing the Let it Go song.

These cylinder kleenex containers are awesome to fit into my cupholder in my vehicle and I love them for that. But since the plastic bottoms of each tissue cube were included in the box, I figured I'd reconstruct them to make the "damaged" cylinders work. 

I'm starting with the dozen that will fit my vehicle's cupholder. After that, we'll see what fits or what we'll let go!

Frankly, I'll see how far I can make that work. I guess I have this mission to be above complaining but also see if that works. 

I'll keep you posted!

Rebounding

 Figured I'd use a rebounding picture from the basketball game to illustrate we're rebounding from our colds and yuckiness period.

Tonight we both felt well enough to go to the boys basketball games versus Edgar. I was able to take pictures for the first time in weeks and Jim sat by friends of ours and caught up on things.

Both our JV and Varsity lost to the very tough Wildcats teams, but at least they survived and we did, too. 

I'm just wrapping up editing the JV pictures though, and then it's bedtime. Don't want to push our luck that we've rebounded entirely.

Be careful out there! 

Germ Snore-fare

So we've heard of "germ warfare" – the use of toxins of biological origin or microorganisms as weapons of war. But what about "germ snore-fare" – the accidental transfer of nagging cough, snot-nosed snore-inducing germs to your spouse?

Well even though it looks like clipart germs are cute and they love to hold dance parties, it's not so cute in real life. 

Obviously, I will not include any real-life illustrations. (Or Snapchats.) But I legitimately feel bad that when I'm just getting over my 10-day cough and cold, the germs hop over to HubbyLand. Sorry!

If this is a test to see if men handle illness as well as women, I'm going to have to break the stereotype and bow out of the competition. I fully admit I was pretty whiny last week! Hopefully these friendly germs are just here for a short visit and will head South for the winter in no time at all.

Be careful out there! And don't fall for that smiling, friendly act.

An F-Word Weekend

It takes a lot of F words to make up a weekend. But I've managed to string a few together...

FUNNY: Let's start with enjoying some of my moments indoors – since it's still quite frigid out! The Grumpy Old Men movies are always good for a lot of laughs.

I watch both movies and was sure to take a picture of Slippery's bar in both. Many years ago we had our sister weekend over in the Lake Pepin / Wabasha area. We made sure we stopped into Slippery's bar, which looks nothing in real life like it does in the movies. But hey, I still had to but a t-shirt! Side note: How does the hoodie queen buy only a t-shirt and not a sweatshirt?!

FOOTBALL: I might as well mention it – even you should note that I waited 24 hours to talk about a sore subject. Still, even though it's frustrating for many of you, it's been fun to watch close games. Congrats, Lions! Now I'll have to see how Taylor Swift's team does! Side note: I can't believe my siblings forced our mother to wear a cheesehead! Who does that?!

FOTOS: If you can believe, I spent most of my free time yesterday and today going through photos and prepping for my upcoming scrapbooking weekend at the end of February. I thought I had most of my pix printed out for my 2017 album. But it turns out I had to upload 300+ for Walgreens to print out for me. That's a freak ton of pictures. Good thing I am still a month ahead!

FUNERAL: We went to visitation tonight for the father of one of Jim's classmates. And father of one of my old volleyball buddies. And my favorite ticket-taker at Assumption basketball games. Mr. P. was the friendliest man on the planet! I'll miss him! Side note: I found out his daughter-in-law reads my blog every day. Thanks for being a fan, Ann!! 

FRIGID: The temps are still below freezing. So even if it was sunny and looked like gorgeous day to get and do something like snow-shoeing, it wasn't nice enough. And I'm still feeling a bit low. And I think I passed it along to hubby. Sorry! Side note: That's what friends are for, right?

FAREWELL: OK, gotta go watch some football. Stay warm and be careful out there, friends!

TGIFF (Thank God it's a Frozen Friday)

I think every Friday in January in Wisconsin should be Ice Age Friday. Especially when Scrat makes such great memes that not only make us laugh but make us feel frigid cold when we imagine his prehistoric squirrel teeth on ice!

We were kind of feeling it today. Since it was below-zero wake-up temps again. But then it was sunny all day and looked (from our inside the house window views) warm. It wasn't.

That's why, when hubby got home late afternoon after visiting his dad and we had to go grocery shopping, I opted to hop into his warm truck rather than go myself – in my cold car.

After shopping at two places, we thought we should stop somewhere for a fish fry. Since The Ridges is right on our way home, we stopped there. I guess a lot of people had the same idea because it was packed and we had quite a wait. At least we saw some people we knew to help pass the time.

Now we're home and the temperatures aren't going to get any better the next few days. Don't be offended if we call on you to help us pass the time – INDOORS that is!

TGIFF and be careful out there!

Let's Keep Advancing the Calendar

It's hard to blog regularly when all I have to talk about is waking up to sub-zero temperatures and this stinking lingering head cold and cough. 

This is why I'm convinced January by far is the longest month. We've got the cold, the snow, the illness, the darkness, the cold (oh, I said that).

For the record, I have accomplished the following things so far:

• Haven't missed a day of work despite struggling a bit.
• Correctly wrote 2024 on the one check I've written.
• Am getting through books (audio and physical) at a great opening year pace!

Definitely haven't kept up a daily blog or a daily adherence to healthy habits. Just keep advancing the calendar page tomorrow and eventually it will all right itself. I say, anyway.

In the meantime, be careful in the cold and do your best to stay healthy. And maybe throw in a positive attitude for good measure!

(Disclaimer: That last part not required if you live in the Dakotas, Minnesota, or Wisconsin!)

Frozen Fun

With a wakeup call below zero, it was so hard to get out of bed! But I managed to bundle up and head to Stevens Point, where is was probably one degree colder.

My challenge actually came after work when I headed to the Pacelli-Assumption-etc Co-op team play hockey. I definitely warmed up my car several minutes before leaving the parking garage. Thank goodness for covered parking even though there was no snow this time!

Even though it was senior night, it was a small crowd due to the sub-freezing temperatures, I'm sure!

I still managed to bond with Mr. Zamboni between periods 1 and 2. But after 2, I left. My lovely cold for the past several days couldn't tolerate the cold air. We were tied 1-1 when I left. But have since found out we lost 3-1.  Now I'm really glad I could be there for the beginning parts.

And glad me and my health are surviving this Polar Vortex so far. Good luck to you, too!

Polar Opposites

One of my formerly favorite nephews and I Snapchat pretty regularly. Why do I say "formerly"? Well imagine getting this lovely view...

After waking up to this? Not nice. (Even though he knows his family back home in South Dakota is experiencing the same Polar Vortex fun.) Yes, I'm purely jealous. And yes, of course, he's still on my favorites list. But only after he just snapped this followup picture to me...

I can be a predictable pushover to please, that's for sure! Plus, despite the fact I am crabby and still suffering from this lingering cold, I have new hair!

Goodbye holiday glitter and silver bells and what not. Just back to my normal "false coloring" self and I am smiling. And yes, my hair artist also knows I'm a predictable pushover to please!

Hope you found something pleasing in your life today!

Purple Power

It stinks that the only purple I'm seeing in the off-season is for the powerful polar vortex blowing through! Ugh.

This is our wakeup projections for tomorrow, but we didn't even leave the house today. The sun was shining and it "looked" like a lovely winter's day. But no. It was 2 degrees. It was one of those "my face hurts when I step outside" days. I was more concerned it would take my breath away during a coughing fit. 

So I bonded with Mr. Recliner again. Taking it easy, drinking fluids, blowing my nose, and listening to an audio book while watching some football. Nice win for most of you Wisconsin people.

I gotta say I'm pulling for the Lions. Two bits of trivia for you... The last time they won a playoff game, I was actually working for a newspaper in Michigan so that was an exciting time. And a few years back Jim bought a Lions' "Perfect Season" t-shirt... as in 0-16. Uff da. I do have a few Lions fans in my life that deserve to smile in the warmth of their homes tonight!

And I personally don't need to see any purple for a while. Especially Polar Purple. I'd rather have the red heat index! Be careful out there. 

Minimalist Mindset

I feel like when I actually take down the Christmas tree and all the decorations, I could declare myself one of those trendy minimalists. I mean seriously, everything looks so bare! The only decorations left are on the front deck...

The usually covered bucket has snow on it – thanks to the wind that came with the snowstorm.

According to my mathematical research, we got a good 8 inches here on Bluejay Drive.

Which means we can comfortably seat a family of 4 looking to chill out this weekend!

Let's just say our little hot pink/purple spot in the southeast corner of Wood County had 8 inches and added the "plus" in other neighborhoods!

And I had no energy to shovel, thanks to this killer cold. I was able to dismantle the tree, etc and then send hubby on his way to sing at church while I wrapped up a few more episodes of "The Crown." Hopefully all these good cold remedies kick in so I can do something far more interesting and fun on Sunday!

Be careful out there!

Negative Attitude

There was no blogging yesterday because I had a negative attitude – as in thankfully negative COVID test after coughing up a lung or two at work. I don't normally consider myself a wimp, but I am so rarely sick that this hit me like a ton of bricks.

This morning I attempted to overcome it by working. Made it less than 90 minutes in the chair and surrendered. Took a 2-hour nap and then a hot shower and more resting. Then... special thanks to my friend and neighbor across the street for loaning me some tea!

I did resume my work day (somewhat) while Jim did the first round of snowblowing. I feel like we're in the Groundhog Day movie. Same scene, different day.

At some point I broke out the ruler to show our non-winter family and friends that we had 7 inches of snow and counting.

Pretty sure that's going to keep going and accumulating til about noon Saturday. Gosh, I hate when those forecasters are right! 

I just hope all my friends with "winter cold" advice are right, too! Hang in there if you're in the same boat (er, snow bank). We shall overcome!

Whoa Wednesday

After yesterday's "snow day," I figured I'd have slippery commute today – especially since the plow didn't go through our neighborhood until midnight.

It was sketchy all the way from here to Stevens Point this morning. I'd hit patches of ice and do my "Whoa!" while death-gripping the steering wheel. But I made it there and back safely today. Then this comes out...

Another storm watch with HIGH chances of 6 or more inches of snow. Oh gosh. Let me turn back the clock to December and act much more grateful for the mild non-winter weather. 

Frankly, I don't know when everything is hitting before the Polar Vortex Sunday and Monday. So be safe out there! If if looks like ice on the road, just assume that it is.

Winter Storm Austin

I realize the Weather Channel always names the major winter storms, starting at the beginning of the alphabet. I don't even know if they've named any yet but since this is the first one in central Wisconsin, let's call it Winter Storm Austin.

And here's our man on the street with one comment...

"This stinks!"

Wait, that was yesterday's theme. There has to be better taglines than that. Well, I have one. "Yay for being able to work from home!" Not a catch phrase but a gratitude statement nonetheless.

So this morning's view...

Since our yard had been green/brown so had the trees. But by late afternoon...

There was a white Christmas vibe – even though we're well past that holiday.

Thankfully, while I was finishing up my work-from-home day, hubby was on the job. Carving a path to the road.

Even though the snow was still coming down. (P.S. It hasn't totally stopped yet.) But he wanted to clear a path to go to his dad's and shovel.

In the meantime, I see this same storm system – blame it on Austin if you will – is impacting the entire East Coast. That means our boy in Raleigh and two of my sisters vacationing in Florida are in tornado watches. 

WTF: What The Forecast?!

Praying all of you will be safe tonight and in the days to come!

Well That Stinks

Sometimes Mondays just stink for being Mondays. But today there are added reasons...

Take my new co-worker, for example. I don't why there has been an influx of stink bugs around the house this winter, but I'm so over it!

Which brings me to another thing that stinks ... winter actually IS coming after all. We'll be in a winter storm warning from tonight until Wednesday morning. Our area is projected to get 5-8 inches of snow with high winds. Thus, school is already called off for tomorrow.

What doesn't stink is me getting to sleep in a bit and work from home tomorrow! Although I suppose more stink bugs will heading indoors for cover. Eww.

Football also stinks. Not talking about the Vikings. There were no surprises there. But may amazing 12-2 fantasy team bit the dust in the championship game. By almost 50 points. Grrrrr. Too many injuries and people with limited playing time. Dang. I really wanted our traveling trophy! 

The one thing that definitely didn't stink was our Lady Royals basketball team. The undefeated ladies had a tough matchup against Neillsville tonight, who was also undefeated in their conference. Assumption held on for the 52-45 win!

So yeah, even stinky days can end on a positive (clean smelling) note! Hope your week is fragrance-free!

Dancing Queen or Something

I've spent a good chunk of the last two days in dance mode – either taking pictures at the recitals or editing them.

What I know for sure is that I would never be cut out to be dancer. Nor would I have been able to endure months of practice like they did to put on these amazing shows!

But is was so fun to watch some of my favorite girls. Here's Paige as Jessie in the Toy Story segment..

And here's Anna in the Race Car role in the Toy Story dances.

And let's not forget my friend's daughters Amelia or ... 

... Raquel who will keep this dance program going! How fun to be a part of it. Pretty sure I'll be trying some (unsolicited) dance moves this week! Way to go, Variations team!