On the Light Side

Plum Crazy

2012-01-30T21:22:00.000-06:00

I love to read. I used to think it was somewhat of a private, individual hobby. But I've since changed my mind.

If you've ever belonged to a book club or just recommended a good book to a friend ("You've got to read this!"), you know what I mean. You suddenly find yourself with something more in common with someone you probably were friends with already.

For years, my twin sister and I have been exchanging books. We pretty much have identical reading interests. No surprise. In recent years, I have discovered this same connection with my friend Christine and, on occasion, my sister-in-law and now one of my husband's aunts.

I can't remember if it was Christine or my friend Susan at work who introduced me to Stephanie Plum. She's the main character in a series of books by Janet Evanovich. I liked her immediately and wanted to write something with that same type of sass and sense of humor. We'll see on that one. As for Ms. Plum, though, I have read every book in the series -- from One for the Money to Explosive Eighteen (a month ago) -- plus several "in between" books.

Since I started, I have discovered among my family, friends and acquaintances, quite a few other Plum fans. We've all been looking forward to this past weekend, when One for the Money premiered on the big screen. Since my friend Christine and I were out of town, we had to wait until tonight to go "Plum crazy" and meet our larger-than-life "boyfriends" Ranger and Morelli.

I'm always leery about seeing movies adapted from books I really like. I've had some disappointments and some winners. In my opinion, the book is always better. But that doesn't mean you still can't like the movie!

Tonight I kept my expectations in check. But really had no reason to be disappointed -- other than it definitely could have been longer than 90 minutes. I really liked One for the Money! If you have read the books -- or even if you haven't -- go and see it. Just remember it is book one and it takes us back a long time ago when all the characters were just getting to know each other. In other words, there wasn't enough Ranger or Morelli "steam."

Maybe they'll do a sequel.

Or I could always hit the books again.

Snooze Button

2012-01-29T18:40:00.002-06:00

In hindsight, it was a bad parenting decision on my behalf to allow Carter to even think of getting up at 5:30 a.m.

Because he did.

And, by scientific deduction regarding the location of the alarm clock, you can logically deduce Carter was not the only one up before sunrise. As a result, while Carter was off hot-tubbing with friends (girls included), you guessed it, we had some crabby grownups in our room.

I didn't quite recover. I really would have loved to have hit the snooze to the off position and get back to some good dream. But no, we were up and therefore on the road well before 9 a.m. The good part about that is we got home at a decent time so I had my "Saturday" chores of dusting, sweeping and vacuuming done by noon.

My plan was to get some final scrapbooking stuff together for next weekend, but I couldn't get the energy. In fact, I actually got sick in a projectile way and knew I needed some more sleep. So while Jim dragged Carter to the batting cage to see if he had energy, I laid down for 2 hours. Didn't really sleep but got enough rest to get on with my day.

And by "get on with my day," I mean sit on the couch and watch male figure skating and then a dramatic finish in a golf tournament on TV. Somewhere in there, I did do Carter's laundry and give him some pointers on an upcoming science presentation. But I still anticipate I'll be on the couch shortly to watch part of the SAG Awards at 7, then probably be in bed by 8.

That alarm and first snooze will come soon enough!

Brains & Brawn

2012-01-28T23:58:00.001-06:00

We got to participate in our first "Brains & Brawn" tournament today. Very interesting, entertaining and exciting. In fact, the fun is still continuing -- but since it is already Sunday, I am going to bed!

The tournament features 8th-graders from 9 Catholic middle schools in the La Crosse Diocese. The "Brains" part features a co-ed academic team and is sort of like the old "High School Quiz Bowl" that used to be on TV. The "Brawn" part features boys and girls basketball teams. Assumption Middle School had a team competing in all three.

As much as I think of Carter as a Brain sometimes, he was on the Brawny hoops team. They played at 8 a.m. and noon. The first game was a close one but we lost 39-34. The second game was not even close. Wausau Newman -- who beats us regularly -- killed us by 40 points. Not kidding. So we were done playing after 2 games.

Our 8th-grade girls team, on the other hand, was dominating and ended up winning the championship! How fun to finally sit and watch them. They are pretty aggressive! I can't wait to see them play in high school.

Our Brains team made it to the finals but ended up finishing 4th. I sat in on a little bit of that competition between games. I was happy I could answer a lot of the questions -- to myself -- but no, I am not smarter than an 8th-grader!

The day wrapped up with a special Mass with the bishop and awards announcement. Turns out our 8th-grade boys team got the coveted Sportsmanship Award for the tournament. Very cool! Jim went with all the other families to the service, but Carter and I stayed at the hotel (a different one from last night). I didn't feel that great after my longest "outing" of 2012. Very long day so I laid down for 2 hours. I got my second wind when everyone got back.

Everyone else did, too. The kids all found places to hang out and so did the grownups. Since it's almost 1 a.m. I am getting Carter to bed and me, too. Carter thinks he's going to get up at 5:30 a.m. so he can get into the pool right at 6 a.m.

Really, Carter?? Now you know why he wasn't in the "brains" competition.

Old School

2012-01-27T21:48:00.000-06:00

If you want to feel old, go back to the town you went to college in... and see how it's changed. In 20 years! Whoa. Has it been that long?

I'm excited we get to spend the weekend in La Crosse, but honestly, our schedule is so full, I really won't get any time for sight-seeing. Not that I haven't seen it all before!

We got into town about 6 and stopped at Edwardo's Pizza for supper. I said, "I remember that was good pizza. Let's stop there." Good thing some things don't change in 20 years. The pizza was still awesome! In fact, 3 hours later and I am still full!

Since our first basketball game is at 8 a.m., most of Carter's teammates are at the Super 8 hotel with us. Tomorrow we switch to a different hotel, but this one will be nice and close to Aquinas High School in the morning.

Tonight, the "kids" hung out in the lobby and us grownups hung out around the pool. No one was swimming. We were just talking stupid. Probably more so than the kids. But that's what makes an overnight trip fun.

Now I gotta be the evil mother and get Carter to bed. I think there are some other mean moms, too, dragging their kids to bed so we're all rested for a big day tomorrow.

I'll just pretend I'm in college and sleep's not that important!

Oh Goody

2012-01-26T17:58:00.000-06:00

My husband said if I was good today, he'd take me to a basketball game tonight. My question is, when am I not good? Especially when I'm working?

He's funny. Of course I'd love to see the high school boys play at Pittsville. We don't get to as many games as we'd like if Carter plays the same night. Plus, this should be a close one.

So I was good today just in case. At least as far as I could tell. And I think I'm a good judge of that.

Today I had a midday appointment so I worked from home. I had so many projects to do, I almost didn't have time to take a shower before heading into town. That wouldn't have been good. That also means I didn't have time to think (a.k.a. worry) about driving there either. So it all worked out.

My voodoo Round 2 appointment on the Couch went well, too. This technique is amazing and I will not jinx it by commenting further. Let's just say I drove home afterwards with no anxiety and I didn't even have to roll the windows down for cold air. Another baby step. I'll take it.

Got home just as Carter was getting off the bus. I still had work to do so I got him going on homework right away and I put supper in the oven. So Jim should come home to dinner on the table and a showered, nice-smelling wife.

That's got to count for something good, doesn't it?

Hooping it Up

2012-01-25T19:58:00.001-06:00

Finally, what all the fans have been waiting for... basketball pictures!

Yes, I finally remembered to bring my camera. And no, it still doesn't take great pictures in the gymnasium lighting. I found if I put it on the "sports continuous motion" setting, it does OK -- but still grainy. Bear with me. I'm sure you can still tell #13 is Carter, right?
Waiting for the free-throw shot to hit the rim so he can go for a rebound while "boxing out" his opponent.

Breaking away during an in-bound play.

Taking a shot. You can tell by the arc, it's not going to swish in. And it didn't.

He did follow through to rebound his own shot. How's that for camera work?

This one's just as grainy but he was excited I caught him in action -- in the air even. After I saw that on my camera, I said to the mom next to me, "My work is done for the night."

Just for the night, though. I'm sure with 3 more weekend tournaments coming up, I'll have ample opportunity to try and top this!

I can't wait to try.

Survivor

2012-01-24T20:11:00.000-06:00

Earlier in the day, I figured the toughest thing I'd have to survive was the drive -- by myself -- to and from work. While that was a 100-mile challenge I'd prefer not to repeat, the biggest test came later.

High school orientation.

Who? What? Huh?

Yup, there was a meeting for upcoming 9th-graders and their parents at the school tonight. Yup, that's us. Uff da.

I sat there half listening, half wondering where the time went. I'm looking at his class requirements for the next 4 years and can't get past the number 4. What? Only 4 years left with my baby?? Oh boy. And I thought driving was stressful these days!

As a side note, I did drive into town for the meeting since Jim wasn't back from his trip yet. At one point halfway through, I glanced at the back of the room and saw my knight in shining armour, back early from this trip, with a slight sunburn on this face. My hero. And my ride home since his travel companion dropped him off at the school. Yay.

Carter had basketball practice and is getting a ride home with the neighbors so Jim and I could come home. And unpack.

Oh, and look at Carter's schedule.

Since he has high school-level Math and German this year, and part-time computer apps, he will earn 2.75 of his required 26 credits by the end of this school year already. That's cool. Looks like he'll keep taking Math for infinity. For his prospective career, he put down math teacher or architect. I've seen his "optical illusions." I don't think I'd want to live in a house like that.

Then again, to Carter, that might seem more normal.

Ahhhh, we'll survive. Right?

Travel Advisory

2012-01-23T20:37:00.003-06:00

When the weatherman says the roads are slick after snow fell on top of ice overnight, you don't have to tell me twice to stay home. I was not going to venture out on my first solo trip in conditions like that!

I am fortunate I have a job that allows me to work from home as needed and still contribute to getting a magazine out the door as if I am there. I took full advantage of that today and it worked pretty slick (no pun intended).
At one point I noticed the icicles outside my "office" window and I just got lucky enough to catch a drop off one!

I saw these cute little baby ones, too. Notice the snow blowing like crazy in the background.

The snow did stop by early afternoon. I think we got about 4 inches. In retrospect, I should have had hubby give me a refresher on how to operate the snowblower before he left town. But I decided to take on the challenge. These days I really need to prove I can do something!

I discovered running the snowblower really is like riding a bicycle -- only you don't get those pesky black gnats in your teeth. So that's a bonus I guess. I managed to get it done on my "lunch break" -- so I could really chalk this up as a productive day!

Tonight Carter had a basketball game in town at the Lutheran school. Normally, we dominate but this time it was a different story. I have to give Carter credit for being aggressive. He got 4 fouls! I think it would have been funny to call Jim and tell him his son fouled out and he missed it. But they took him out of the game before that happened.

He did take a few shots tonight but nothing went in. I told him, if you're gonna get fouls, you better make more points than fouls. Easy to say that from the bleachers! I guess it worked out in the end. We won by ONE point! 39-38.

The only negative was my drive to and from the game. Just too stressful for me. I still feel a little shook up and very much the loser for not being able to handle this. I am counting the hours to my Thursday appointment when I can hopefully put this all this anxiety B.S. behind me.

Would really like to get the Happy New Year started. I should have snuck inside Jim's suitcase after all!

Backup Plan

2012-01-22T21:28:00.001-06:00

When we went to bed last night and hubby said his alarm was set for 2:45 a.m., I suggested I set mine for 3 p.m. as backup. When your wakeup call involves getting to an airport on time, you don't want to take any chances.

As it turned out, Jim got up with his alarm and was ready for his co-worker from Stevens Point to pick him up at 3:30 and head to the airport in Madison. Unfortunately, he got a phone call before then from the person who didn't think to have a backup plan. And just got up.

So to save time, Jim drove over to Plainfield some 20 miles southeast of us to meet this guy at the Interstate. The good news is that they got to their flight on time and landed safely to a sunny 76-degree day in Clearwater, Fla., this afternoon. The bad news is that I had to get someone to drive me to Plainfield to pick up the car parked at a gas station and drive it back. All by myself.

Good thing I have a support network that envies my best sports bra! I just had to call and I had two people willing to drive me down there. So my next-door neighbor did that and followed me while I braved a long drive by myself. Part of my anxiety gets triggered when I get too warm and it feels like that pre-fainting warm feeling. So I have to drive without the heat on. That is not so comfortable in the winter. But it kept me conscious and I really didn't even have a need to pull over and take a deep breath at any time. So that's good progress. Got home and let out a really deep breath, though!

Spent the afternoon getting scrapbooking stuff together for pages I'll be working on during my next getaway. Carter worked on a research paper while I did that. We both were done before the first playoff game so that put an end to any further productivity for the day.

I got a call from Jim later, standing on the balcony outside his 17th-floor hotel room, watching the sun set on the ocean. What a romantic moment to share together... a half-country apart. "I should have brought you with me," he says.

"Darn right," I said. I wouldn't have slept through MY alarm!

What's Up, Doc?

2012-01-21T21:35:00.001-06:00

I realize we are only 3 weeks into the New Year, but it seems like months have gone by since Christmas. Maybe because I have spent so much of that time seeing doctors. That can drag on.

As of today, I have now seen (in 2012) an ER doc, a regular doc, my "back" doc, a new "head" doc and my "lady" doc. No sense waiting too long to meet the insurance deductible for the year! Good grief!

This morning was a previously scheduled annual exam with "Dr. Fun." I don't mind this so much because my OB/GYN doctor makes us ladies quite at ease -- posting pictures of Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford and the like on the ceiling so we have something to distract us. Very nice. Of course, today I was the first appointment for him. Not good on a morning when the temps are 10 below zero or so and he walks in and says, "My hands might be a bit cold." Well, by all means, lay 'em on me! B-r-r. (I may schedule my 2013 appointment in the summer time.)

Glad I got the hard part of the day out of the way. The rest was easy.

Carter and I (as the Cricut operator) finished up his Science Fair poster while hubby grilled up brats for lunch. Oh, how I missed them! A great distraction from the chilly weather.

While those two went to the batting cage this afternoon, I whipped up some cookies, finally using up some of the those mini M&M's I just had to buy for Christmas. I also frosted the cookies with the Peppermint Frosting I never got around to using either. Yummy. We're not picky about what treats look like around here as long as they taste good!

Since the temp got up to 15 above or so, I went for a short walk -- just to get back out there! That was nice. After that, I went through some exercises on my "bouncy ball" (I don't know what it's called). These are part of a list my chiropractor gave me to strengthen my core (abs) and my back. I suspect they will work since my back was feeling it immediately.

When the guys got back, I drove (oh yes, I did) Carter to the library to get some books on the Mayflower for an upcoming research paper. When we got done there, he mentioned the 7th-grade boys were having a home hoops tournament. In one breath he asks if we can stop at the school to see if it's still going on and then mentioned some of the 8th-grade girls may be there to watch their younger brothers play. Might as well not even try to hide your motivation for going, Carter.

As it turned out, we got there before the last game of the day so we did get to see the Assumption 7th-graders play AND win the tournament. Carter sitting with his gal pals and me sitting with mine. I felt just fine in the gym so actually I enjoyed my first game of the year. This is great progress. I drove home, too. This is even greater progress!

We got home a little after 7. So I had time to cut Jim's hair before he leaves on a work trip to Florida tomorrow. He's all packed -- including his golf clubs -- and in bed since he leaves the house at 3:30 a.m. I should probably get to bed, too. Tomorrow might just signal my return to church.

Maybe.

Couch Potatoes

2012-01-20T20:36:00.001-06:00

No school today. First semester wrapped up yesterday so while Mommy and Daddy were hard at work, Carter managed to get out of bed at 10 a.m. and make his way all the way out to the couch in the living room, where an anchor was apparently tied to his butt the rest of the day.

That's a day in the life of a teenager!

I have to admit I had quite a bit of couch time this week as well. But my couch was in someone's office. Oh yes, it is what you think!

I decided to take an aggressive approach to this anxiety business. My friend the psychologist set me up with one of her co-workers who helps patients recovering from trauma -- in all shapes and sizes. I met with her Monday and Wednesday and then yesterday we started a special "technique" this is not exactly hypnosis and not quite voodoo, but just as odd. To me anyway. I won't get into details now but if it works, and I think it will, I'll explain it all later.

I do have confidence it will work. Today already I was able to drive the car longer than 5 minutes without a freakout moment. In fact, I drove it 50 minutes! All the way to work in Iola!

Part of the success is due to hubby riding shotgun and engaging me in conversation for pretty much the whole drive. That was a good distraction. I wasn't completely relaxed or anything, but I was considerably less anxious and agitated. That is huge progress for me. He also helped me make it through a longer shopping list in Wal-Mart tonight. I didn't get too freaked until I had to wait for the cashier to ring me up. That's waaay better than just a few days ago.

Obviously, I was hoping I'd be "all cured" before hubby leaves on his work trip on Sunday, but I won't be. Another session on the infamous couch next week and I should be. But that won't be in time for me to be Miss Independent while Jim is gone. I do hope I can drive by myself to work Monday and Tuesday, but we'll see.

For now, I'll try not to think about it. I'll just be grateful for my progress and try to relax this weekend.

On my own couch.

Mister Freeze

2012-01-19T19:59:00.000-06:00

I'm Mister White Christmas
I'm Mister Snow
I'm Mister Icicle
I'm Mister Ten Below
Friends call me Snow Miser...

Well, he showed up late to the party, but Mister Freeze sure made an entrance.

Yes, I know it's winter in Wisconsin. And yes, I knew he was coming. But that doesn't mean I have to like it!

When I got up this morning, it was 6 below zero in Wisconsin Rapids. Right now it is 6 below zero. I'm not sure what happened in between but I don't think we got above zero. It sure didn't feel like it anyway. The wind was brutal, making the windchill factor super-duper cold. (That's official weather man jargon, I'm sure.)

Probably a good thing I didn't have to be anywhere tonight. There were at least 3 places I would have liked to have been (hubby is at the girls' hoops game), but I opted to stay home with Carter. Where it was warm inside. And we both got sucked into a second evening of American Idol.

I'll be the first to admit I am a fair weather Idol fan. I watch some of the initial tryouts (like this week) then pretty much ignore it -- unless I happen to catch a minute here or there -- until it gets down to the last half dozen to dozen contestants. Unless, of course, there's someone on there I know (which only happened once and that was a remote connection) or someone from Wisconsin kicking butt, a la Danny Gokey (who I still think should have won).

So we listened to some good and bad singers tonight, were entertained and that took our minds of Mister Freeze howling outside our windows. B-r-r-r!

Apparently it really distracted Carter, who just said, "Hey, you want a root beer float?"

Whose kid is that?!

Prep School

2012-01-18T20:57:00.000-06:00

It's Finals Week this week at Assumption and I am having flashbacks to my days as a student. I don't recall high school finals much but definitely remember pulling "all-nighters" for those college tests. Uff da. I could not handle that now!

Carter did not show any signs of stress or late nighters even. I probably wouldn't have known it was Finals Week by his study habits, just happened to see it on the Middle School newsletter. I guess we should have impressed upon him that Finals are a big deal and account for a good chunk of his grade so he better hope to ace them!

Too late now. He'll know for next time.

As an 8th-grader, he only has two high school level classes now anyway -- German I and Algebra I. So he's sort of easing into the Finals thing and getting prepped for next year. If all goes well this week and at the end of the school year, he'll have some high school credits on the books. That's very cool.

At this point, we're going to assume he does OK because next week is already 9th-grade orientation (help!) and the week after that is high school class registration (oh my!). Is this really happening?

I know you think the reason I can't believe my baby is almost a high-schooler is that he's still so cute and cuddly. That could be part of it. But mainly it's because he's almost in high school and yet we still have to tell him 5 times to take a shower each night (tonight was only 4) and remind him practically daily to brush his teeth and make his bed (that's fallen way off his priority list).

He actually did much better with those things when he was younger. We might have to revert to his old daily check-off list of things to do before school: Eat breakfast; brush teeth; feed kitty; make bed; turn down heat.

Of course, he'll probably add his own: Watch ESPN Sportscenter; charge iPod; check emails from girlfriends...

Yep, I'm having flashbacks to my days as a boy-crazy student and this doesn't bode well.

The Other F Word

2012-01-17T18:55:00.002-06:00

So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear... is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance...

~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

The word FEAR -- in a sneaking, cunning, baffling way -- has gained power over me in recent days. It prompted me to look up President Roosevelt's inaugural speech with his famous quote. Upon reading his complete sentence on the matter, I am now curious what he considers "unreasoning" or "unjustified" terror. Is it what today we call "irrational" fears?

The funny thing about irrational fears is that they are totally rational to the person who fears them. And there is nothing funny about them. They aren't silly or inconsequential. In fact, I am sure they hold a great deal of power of the individual. And that alone is scary. Believe me.

Bear with me as I try to process some of this on paper. I feel like -- well, I know -- I am suffering from some irrational fears. And it's somewhat embarrassing. But no less real than any one of your greatest fears.

That's the thing about fear, we really can't compare each other's feelings of fright. It's like pain -- totally subjective to a person's tolerance level. When someone is in pain, don't say to them, "C'mon, that doesn't hurt." You can't possibly know their threshold. The same goes for fear. You can't minimize someone's feelings just because you can't imagine being afraid of flying or thunderstorms or heights or spiders. If you can't identify with their fear, then, as a friend, you just have to be there for them and try to instill some confidence.

That's the key word for me right now: confidence.

I've lost it. I am baffled that simple, somewhat automatic tasks like driving, shopping, going to church, intimidate me to this heart-pounding level. But I can understand it. My fear isn't the task itself. My fear is that while doing one of these things I will just about pass out again or not be able to stop myself from a full-bore faint.

So while my virus is gone and I feel 100% healthy, I don't "normal" yet. I don't feel free to move on.

I am not sure how.

On one hand, I am OK with baby steps, gradually re-entering into society. This seems to be working slowly but surely this week.

On the other hand, I am under a legitimate time crunch with hubby leaving town for work come Sunday and I need to be a functioning, capable adult -- driving to work (45 miles might as well be 4,500 at this point) and getting Carter where he needs to be, too.

This is going to be one helluva challenge. I guess I should feel some comfort that I never back down from a challenge. You know me, I'm too competitive to say "no." I'd rather prove I can do it. No matter what it takes.

I hope that's the case this time.

I am fortunate that some of my closest friends are psychologists. They've got a few tricks up their sleeve. And I tell you, right now, I am willing to try anything. This is no way to live. And I feel badly for people who don't have the support or coping mechanisms to address their fears. I feel for you. I just can't do anything for you.

Heck, I'm just hoping I can do it for myself!

Day Out

2012-01-16T20:35:00.006-06:00

I was reminded today of that Little Golden Book entitled "Baby's Day Out" because it felt like "Robyn's Day Out." A special day highlighting how much I could see and do ... and stay upright.

(Spoiler alert: I did.)

Hubby and I had the day off for the MLK Holiday. My first order of business was a visit to the chiropractor. I decided to try and drive there (about 13-15 minutes) and see if I could handle it without getting anxious. I made it 5 minutes and then had Jim take over. Am just not ready yet.

The chiropractor visit went long because we did some X-rays to make sure things at least looked OK with my upper back and hips. The X-rays looked good. And were quite entertaining. While my doc made sure I didn't have any metal on -- like the drawstring of my sweats -- we forgot about my bra. Here my X-ray has too lovely underwires showing! Ha. I couldn't stop laughing.

After that, our "day out" continued with a trip to Wal-Mart. This was my second attempt to shop there this year. This one went much better -- mainly thanks to the fact we only needed 3 things. And we got them fast. Stayed on our mission and just kept moving. I am trying to outsmart this anxiety!

That didn't work all day, unfortunately.

Carter had a basketball game up in Marshfield. It was my first return to the gym. I think I might have been OK but Carter came up to me before the first tip-off and said, "Mom, I feel like I have to throw up." Oh good grief! Can our family have one normal day in 2012??

So Carter spent the game out in the car, laying down in the back seat while I checked on him -- and was grateful to have a reason to leave the gymnasium a few times. 'Cause I wasn't having an easy time of it. But we had to stay because Jim was doing the scorebook and we were giving a teammate a ride home.

We got through it. And, at the end of the day, this baby-stepping mom survived her day out. Here's hoping it gets a little easier each time.

You Still Have Your Health

2012-01-15T19:42:00.001-06:00

I know this doesn't mean much to Packers fans right now, but you know the old saying when people are down on their luck... "You still have your health." Trust me, that's a bi-i-i-i-i-i-ggg deal!

Again today I can say this is the best I've felt all year. Two weeks into 2012 and that is saying a lot. It sure has made me appreciate every good feeling. And doubly appreciate when, at the end of the day, the good feelings outweighed the bad, icky, dizzy ones. I like those days.

Today, I did not make it to church. I didn't sleep well and didn't want my un-dramatic return to be influenced by lack of sleep again. But once I had breakfast and got some caffeine in me, I was feeling almost normal.

I spent much of the early afternoon helping Carter with his Science Fair project -- and by helping I mean cutting out letters on the Cricut and making him do all the pasting up on his poster board. (He's really had a productive weekend thanks to being grounded.)

And while 9 out of 10 houses in Wisconsin were tuned into the playoff game later this afternoon, I found something of my own to cheer about. My first drive this year!

I got in the car and drove a mile down the road, turned around then drove another mile and turned back toward home. I got a little nervous toward the end, but I stayed conscious -- which is good since I was by myself. I don't know if I am ready for the 45-mile drive to work (which I have to be in a week), but baby steps are good.

And worth celebrating.

Also worth celebrating -- and sorry, Packer fans -- but the final numbers matched up in MY favor so I have 75 big ones coming my way when we go back to work on Tuesday (holiday tomorrow). That will be enough to pay for part of a Camp Crop-A-Lot registration anyway! Thanks, Eli Manning and company.

Happy dance aside, this really is the best I've felt all year. Hopefully someday soon I can say that I have my health, too!

Dancing Queens

2012-01-14T21:48:00.003-06:00

With our life focused on raising boys, every once in awhile we have to "adopt" someone else's daughter as our own. This gives us great excuses to attend softball games, volleyball games, girls basketball games and, today, a dance recital!

One of the dance studios in town was putting on their semi-annual show. We were mainly going because Jim's goddaughter Becca was going to be in it, but we knew of at least 2 other dancing daughters of friends, too.

Obviously, I wasn't sure what to expect. In the back of my mind, I guess I was thinking of girls in tutus doing graceful Swan Lake moves. I couldn't have been more surprised when the first set of songs was Lady Gaga and the second set was Adele. Seriously! The third set was patriotic numbers ranging from Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy to Lee Greenwood's God Bless the U.S.A.

In all, it was almost a 2-hour show. And it was awesome! Becca did great and well, so did everyone. You can tell it was a lot of hours of practice to pull that off. What a treat.

And I was just glad to survive my first big "outing." The rest of the day it put me in the mood to dance. Which helped when I was un-decking the halls since taking down Christmas decorations is typically a downer.

Too bad I didn't have a daughter to help me!

TGIsF (Thank God I Survived Friday ... the 13th)

2012-01-13T20:24:00.000-06:00

With the way our luck has been running in 2012, I was a little hesitant to leave the house today. Did we need a Friday the 13th so soon on the calendar?

Thankfully -- and I type this while knocking on wood -- we survived it OK.

Started off the day shoveling (Carter) and blowing snow (hubby) since we got a few more inches of the winter stuff over night. My first stop of the day was the chiropractor. Remember before all the drama of the flying Dyson and the vertigo virus, I had back problems? That seems so minor now! And the back is doing much better, thanks for asking.

Then it was off to work. I didn't feel that great today (lack of sleep) but got better after a good lunch from Subway (commercial plug). By coincidence, my confidence meter was rising and keeping pace with my "feel good" meter. So I was able to accomplish not one, but two, amazing tasks after work.

First I walked into Walgreens to pick up and pay for photos. Secondly, I walked into Kwik Trip to pick up and pay for a pizza. Both times there were no lines, thankfully, plus I had Jim with me (just in case) -- but felt OK. He said, "You want to try Wal-Mart now?" Ha, I said. "Let's not push it, honey. Baby steps."

Maybe tomorrow.

Tonight after supper we enjoyed some time by a campfire next door, then I came home to sit down and write some bills. (Some things don't stop no matter how you feel.) The boys are still out there.

It was a good thing, I came home, though, or I would have missed a call from my "half" sister (who I ran the half-marathon with). We sort of laughed at the irony that 3 months ago I ran a half marathon and today my big accomplishment was walking 50 feet into a store. What a big girl I am!

Baby steps, right?

I definitely am not pushing it on Friday the 13th. My luck ran out days ago.

Study Buddy

2012-01-12T19:58:00.001-06:00

I don't know what possessed me to volunteer to help Carter study for a social studies test, but it's too late to back out now. I am immersed in pilgrims, Puritans, Quakers and witches on my way to learning everything there is to know about the original 13 colonies. In one night.

Carter has been doing worksheets and various assignments all week on this topic but didn't really start studying it until tonight. Probably a good thing we had a minor snow storm today and basketball practice was canceled for tonight. He needs every minute he can get.

And I really don't know what help I am. I forgot all about what John Rolfe and John Smith and 6 other Johns did back then! But, as always, Daddy and I say we are willing to help quiz him so he can study for a test. Any test.

Of course I am a closet geek. Well, not really closeted. I admit I loved school and I was a book worm and didn't settle for anything less than straight A's. What I have to remember is that my teenage boy is not wired the same way. But the kid has potential.

So even though he "hates" social studies (I wasn't a huge fan either), I am sacrificing my 7 o'clock bedtime and serving as his study buddy. (Thankfully I feel well enough to stay up this late. Ha.)

I just hope it helps. He was very frustrated earlier. "Mom, when in my job will I need to know about the Salem Witch Trials? Seriously!" Yup, a bit frustrated. Although I am enjoying re-learning things (yes, I am that geek), I see this calming him a bit. Right now he is filling out a blank map of the 13 colonies -- one that I am not sure I could do myself -- then we're quizzing on keywords in reverse order.

Oh yeah, I've got the tricks up my sleeve. We'll get there.

I just hope I don't toss and turn all night worrying about Pocahontas or Plymouth Rock!

Better Yet

2012-01-11T20:37:00.003-06:00

Although I don't have much to compare it to, today was the best I have felt this year. And really, that isn't saying much, is it?

For once, after my shower and breakfast, I did not want to crawl back into bed. I felt fine about continuing on with my day at work. Didn't have any dizzy spells or flu-like symptoms all day. Even managed to walk into ShopKo after work to buy one thing -- and did it without incident. Of course, hubby was by my side just in case.

We picked Carter up from basketball practice and dropped him off at church for confirmation. While he was there, we went to visit Jim's aunt and uncle -- the ones I was going to see way back on Jan. 2 when I made a detour into the ER. They were wondering what took me so long!

After getting Carter, we had to stop and gas up and get lottery tickets. Feeling cocky from my successful shopping excursion earlier, I waltzed right into Kwik Trip. Unfortunately, while I waiting in line, my head started getting warm and fuzzy. But I stayed upright. Just kept taking deep breaths and managed to lean against the counter.

The blast of cool air sure felt good when I walked out of there! I guess the small victory was that I was able to walk out of there. In the grand scheme of things, though, this still sucks.

Big time.

I guess I should still feel good that today was a better day than yesterday. I suppose if each day gets a little better, tomorrow will be even better yet.

Hopefully that extra dose of patience I ordered arrives tomorrow, too!

Worth Noting

2012-01-10T19:27:00.001-06:00

A part of me feels badly for those winter outdoors types who haven't even had a chance to dust off their skis or snowmobiles this winter.

But just a teeny part. The rest of me is loving this springlike weather in Wisconsin.

Since I've been pretty much confined indoors, I haven't commented much on what's happening outside but it's worth noting: We've had Spring around here! Not kidding. Sunny and temps in the 40s, nearly 50, for several days. When you see people walking around without coats in January, you wonder if you are still in Wisconsin. It's crazy.

For people like hubby and me, who have that 45-mile commute to work, we don't mind warm temps and bare roads one bit. For runners (and I will be one again someday soon, I hope), this has been perfect weather. I am so envious of those capable of doing that! 40-something degrees is my running temp!

We did do one thing to take advantage of this winter "break." We took our Christmas icicle lights, garland and red bows off the outside of the house this afternoon. Might as well do it now in our shirt sleeves since Winter is bound to show up sooner or later.

And yes, it will.

Life in these northern climes will be back to reality Thursday, I guess. Supposed to get up to 5 inches of snow with a high only in the teens. B-r-r. Just about the time I'll feel better (knock on wood) and get to go outside, it will be to shovel!

So we better enjoy this while we can. If I don't feel up to it tomorrow, promise me you'll at least enjoy it for me. Heck, if you want to run a mile or 2 for me as well, I won't turn you down.

I'll return the favor some day.

2012 Predictions & Resolutions

2012-01-09T19:25:00.002-06:00

Sorry I've been so busy trying to stay upright that I haven't taken time to do any creative writing this year or address the New Year or make resolutions or predictions. So despite the fact that I am still not close to 100%, I am going to try to engage the brain here with some predictions and resolutions...

Health: I predict I will feel like my old self by next week at this time. (Please, please, please!) I resolve that I will focus on my health and keep those great numbers (cholesterol, etc.) where they are and the not-so-great numbers (weight) closer to where they should be.

Running: I predict I will be slowing down this year. Can I get any slower? I mean races. I think I ended up doing 7 last year plus the half-marathon. No wonder I am beat! I resolve to have some fun with exercise (Wii Zumba!) and do more cross-training to strengthen my back, my hip and my resolve.

Attitude: I predict Daddy and I will be dealing with a full-blown teen attitude in the house. It is starting already and there's nothing we can do to stop it, is there? I resolve to practice patience ... and when I don't have it, fake it until I find it.

Family: I predict there will be some drama as 8 kids plan an 80th birthday party for our mother this Spring. I resolve to be a help, not a hindrance... and refer to the previous item on patience.

Scrapbooking: I predict I will be caught up with my chronological family albums in a month (oh yeah!). I resolve to make headway on Carter's grade school and middle school books before he starts high school in the fall!

High School?!?: I predict I will not be able to handle the fact my baby will be in 9th grade!! I resolve to try to hold it together -- at least in public.

Writing: I predict I will keep up with my daily blog but earmark more time to other writing. And you know what I'm talking about. I resolve to pick one of my 5 different "first chapters" and see it through.

Faith: I predict this first roller coaster ride of the year won't be our last. I resolve to be grateful for what I do have -- a loving God, a solid marriage, wonderfully supportive family and friends, and my health. And remember to count those blessings.

Happy New Year!

Support System

2012-01-08T18:55:00.004-06:00

I have learned through my many ups and downs in life that it is critical to have a good support system (and be a good one for others if they need it).

On this Virus roller coaster ride I'm on, today was a down day. I woke up with the right attitude. Thought I am just going to ride this out and it will be all over soon. But forgot about the patience part of it. It was not happening today. In fact, I gave it a good effort, had breakfast but then sent hubby off to church and I went back to bed for a few hours.

I decided in the early afternoon I should probably shower and get to the store since Mother Hubbard's cupboards are getting pretty bare. Since I wasn't in top shape, I had hubby drive. Carter came with because his backpack went out of commission this week -- which I'm sure had nothing to do with toting around 30-50 pounds of books every day.

Well I had good intentions. But I got about 50 feet inside Wal-Mart and said no way. Not gonna make it. So I had Carter walk me to the car and I handed over the grocery list to my support team.

Probably good I know Wal-Mart like the back of my hand and I write the list out from the back of the store to the front so they could get everything in an orderly fashion. I reminded them of that later twice but I did not get the "thanks, that helped" I was looking for. I guess because they were the ones actually doing me a favor.

Plus, they were a little bit crabby. Not sure what all transpired, but I know they don't like shopping and it did take us 3 stores (well, I sat in the car) to find a backpack at this time of year. Probably Carter shouldn't have said at that point, "Well I guess this will do for now" instead of "Thank you!"

Sigh.

I guess we can all do a little better in the gratitude department around here. I did make them a good chili supper before I go off to bed here in a few minutes. And I am grateful that even though today was a down day on the roller coaster, this ride isn't going to last forever.

At least I hope not. Good thing I have a great group of people riding with me. Listening to me scream. Holding my hand. Making sure I don't fall out.

Thanks.

Rest and Fluids

2012-01-07T20:51:00.000-06:00

When the doctor recommended I lay low this weekend and get plenty of rest and fluids, I was wondering if this was code for "drink heavily and watch chick flicks." You never know.

Well, actually I do know. And don't worry, I went light on the fluids (water and some caffeine) but heavy on the chick flicks.

It was a weird day to be by myself. I really, really hate missing any of Carter's events -- sports or otherwise. But hubby kept me posted, texting me scores throughout the day so I could cheer from the couch. I kept saying, "Somebody better be taking pictures for me!"

It seriously was exciting. Each time he texted, it was another win. I couldn't believe it. They haven't played that way all year. So at 3-0, they actually played for the championship at the end of the day... defeating (yes!) tournament host Antigo by 2 points. Whoo-hoo!

How exciting. I wish I could have been there but it was a good call to stay home. I didn't sleep well last night so I woke up feeling "blah" again. Would not have done well in a warm gymnasium all day. In fact I even pooh-poohed my big plans to be daring and drive to the bank this morning. Was not quite ready so had the next-door neighbor escort me.

After I got home, I did some housework, even faced my fear and took on that Dyson again. No stairs this time. In between watching Dirty Dancing, The Sweetest Thing and Pretty in Pink, I downloaded all the pictures off my camera, uploaded them to Walgreens and ordered prints. That was a big accomplishment for me. Now I will be all set for some upcoming scrapbooking weekends -- if I feel well enough to go.

And I think I will. I heard from a friend of mine whose son went through this same "virus" in December. Same symptoms, same tests (EKG and the works) and same results. His took about 2 weeks to run its course, so I feel encouraged I am halfway there at least!

I better be. There's plenty more to do around this house. Not to mention some great basketball games to watch.

Preferably in person.

Clean Bill of Health?

2012-01-06T20:07:00.001-06:00

The trip to the doctor today provided some answers -- but they weren't questions I'd asked yet.

I had an exam and they took blood (didn't faint, ha) and the results were amazing. I have perfectly normal blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid, blood-sugar levels, electrolytes and other things I didn't know needed to be tested. In other words, I am perfectly healthy. Who would have thought?

So while the doctor still couldn't identify exactly what is wrong with me, at least I have everything from my heart to my hemoglobin covered!

Actually, he speculated that it is a virus of some sort that needs to run its course. The funny thing is that I told hubby the other day, "I am not going to let the doctor tell me it's just some virus." But that's what he said and I let him.

Now it seems logical because I am gradually feeling better. He suggested "rest and fluids" this weekend so that I can hopefully be back to normal by Sunday, maybe Monday at the latest.

So I went to work (hubby drove, of course) and was feeling way better than yesterday or the day before. I didn't want to push it so I am staying home from the basketball game tonight (high school boys) and will have to miss Carter's hoops tourney up in Antigo tomorrow. That bums me out but in the long run, this could get me closer to being able to drive and go to church again. Ha. I really do have problems!

At least I know from all these tests this week, that other than the obvious, I am perfectly normal!

House Call

2012-01-05T18:12:00.002-06:00

Since doctor's don't make house calls these days, I just ordered myself to bed rest for the day.

I honestly got up and showered and ate breakfast with all intentions of going to work. But by the time I did that, I just wasn't feeling well enough to continue. So I went back to bed.

Spent the day doing work between naps. Don't feel much better so I skipped out on Carter's basketball game (going on right now) and will head back to bed shortly.

I have a doctor's appointment first thing in the morning. Can't wait to see what he knows. At this point, I don't care what it is -- good or bad -- just so we can treat it and make it go away! I appreciate the prayers and the many "second opinions" out there. One of you may be right!

The Thing

2012-01-04T18:59:00.002-06:00

There comes an age when we don't mind being sent to bed without supper. I have reached that age.

Actually, I will eat a little something first but will hit the hay early tonight in hopes of sleeping off this thing. And by thing I mean this mysterious "unconscious" ailment making me nervous about driving again and even shopping in Wal-Mart. Now you know I'm not right!

As it turns out, our whole clan is just going to single-handedly support the healthcare industry in 2012.

Hubby had a plugged ear (a dream come true for him) so we stopped at the walk-in clinic after work and he got that unplugged (sorry for the short-lived silence, honey).

Then we get to basketball practice and Carter is sitting off on the side, holding his leg. I guess it "got landed on hard" by someone's bony knee. So he is limping around and will relegate himself to the couch with an ice pack. Hopefully he'll be in game-day form in the morning so he can play at his game tomorrow night.

As for me, I have a doctor's appointment at 8 a.m. Friday so I will just have to get through this thing until then. And appreciate my wonderful husband who is willing to drive Miss Crazy around and shop for me.

I'm sure he's hoping for a cure more than anyone :)

Christmas Vacation :: The Sequel

2012-01-03T21:12:00.004-06:00

I almost wonder if there were hidden cameras the past 2 weeks, recording our comedic drama for a sequel to the Christmas Vacation movie. I mean c'mon, other than having a squirrel in the house, it felt like the misadventures of the Grizzwold family!

Glad that's over.

Today it was officially back to the daily grind. And it couldn't have come sooner!

Neither hubby nor myself were feeling 100%, but we gave it a go. It's hard not to go into the office when you've been out for over a week. You just don't want work to pile up even more.

I had a few moments this morning especially when I thought I should have just stayed home in bed. Maybe rest it off for a day. But I got through it. Gatorade helped get me re-hydrated. Focusing on the many, many tasks at hand helped get my mind off a sequel to yesterday's events.

We both made it through then headed up to Marathon after work for Carter's basketball game. They played like they had been off 11 days as well. Not good. We just never got it going tonight. Ended up losing something like 44-21. Dang.

After the game, we stopped at the nearby McDonald's to get Carter something to eat. I figured I was due for an eggnog shake, too, but they said they are all out until next season. Double dang.

Guess we're all hoping the year, the season, each day gets a little better. Good thing we're loaded patience around here.

Right.

Do Over

2012-01-02T20:32:00.000-06:00

Stop me if you've heard this before (or read it)... the Austins need a do over on 2012. Seriously.

I can't make this stuff up -- though it could make some entertaining fiction. I can say that now that no one was killed, seriously injured or hospitalized today.

I guess we can blame Carter. He started the drama at 6:39 a.m. when he burst into our room, turned the bright light on in my face and declared in a quite panicked voice that he overslept. Well, oversleeping for him does not have to be a front-burner crisis. But it always is.

He took his shower last night. Slept in the Badger shirt he was going to wear to school so really had 25 minutes to eat 2 Pop Tarts, put on pants, socks and shoes, and shove in his contacts. He did all that with at least 2.5 minutes to spare.

I think. Hubby and I rolled over went back to sleep. Yep, Jim is still on the mend from the flu. Feeling slightly better -- he can sit up to watch TV -- but nowhere near being in the clear yet. He was supposed to be able to just sit and relax today. And he did that until about 1:30 p.m. when he got a call from his wife saying, "Don't be alarmed. I'm in the Emergency Room."

Seriously, don't be alarmed. It's just more unscripted drama making for one helluva crappy scrapbook for 2012.

I went into town to run a few errands. About halfway into town I wasn't feeling too good. It was that feeling I started getting during those 2 recent "episodes" at church. I tried to talk myself into being fine. Even though it was only 12 degrees out, I cranked open the window to get some cold air to snap it out of me. It worked.

Or so I thought. Just when I was going down the hill by the hospital (thank God), I got hot and started to see spots. I pushed the window "down" button and practically screamed that last few hundred yards to the stoplight so I would stay "awake." I turned at the corner and right into the ER parking lot. By the grace of God, I parked it safely and was OK.

But scared out of my wits. I sat there thinking I was probably going to be fine in a few minutes (as usual). But then good sense overruled for a change. And I thought, "As long as I'm here, I might as well go in." I carefully made my way into ER and didn't pass out but needed to sit right away. I hated to call my sick honey but you know how we women get in emergencies -- we tend to cry and need a hug. And doctors aren't always accommodating.

Long story (already) short. I was there 3-4 hours. They had me hooked up to a heart monitor the whole time, took a chest X-ray and an EKG (lots of wires but painless). I'm normal. Well, normal on some levels. They don't know why I just about loss consciousness 3 times in the last 10 days, but said it could be dozens of reasons -- every from the flu (noted) to hot flashes (though I didn't know we women take our lives -- and other's -- into our hands when we hit menopause). The doctor said I was pretty young for that to be happening anyway.

Since they couldn't do any more for me, they sent me home with a pamphlet listing the dozens of reasons a person can faint. I rode home with Jim. I didn't feel too confident about driving just yet.

I'm actually just anxious to get back to work tomorrow and put all the New Year's drama behind me. Please. No more fainting. No more back pain. No more flying Dysons.

Just give me my everyday stress. This vacation has been hazardous to my health!

False Start

2012-01-01T19:40:00.000-06:00

We haven't quite started our Happy New Year yet. It's been sort of a false start here. We've got the New Year in place, just not the Happy part.

Sometime after the ball had dropped, the clock struck 12 and we had our New Year's kiss, hubby also got something else. A flu bug.

He was up several times during the night and wasn't far from the bathroom all day, laying in bed in sweats and still shivering. The flu sucks!

Meanwhile, I thought for awhile there I would be joining him. Despite the icy roads, we had to get to 8 a.m. church for Carter to acolyte. I was fine beforehand and greeted some old friends and really felt good. Then, about 5 minutes into the service, just like at Christmas, I thought I was going to pass out. Trust me, less than 20 people made it to the early service so it wasn't overcrowded or overheated. Who knows what it was, but I snuck out a side door and laid down in a Sunday School room for awhile. It was a little scary on the drive home but after a few stops, we got here. I slept on the couch awhile and never really had any zip (or Happy) set in.

Jim wasn't up for eating anything and I didn't have much of an appetite either. Finally at 6 tonight I had that piece of cheesecake. Now you know something's not right.

Carter had to spend his last day of Christmas vacation playing video games by himself, shoveling snow by himself and eating by himself. I did watch a movie with him. We got the Kevin Costner Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Blu-Ray for $5 on Black Friday. So that was fun to watch that "old" movie together.

Now I'm trying to get him set for his return to school tomorrow. Thankfully, Jim and I have one more day off to recover and rejuvenate. It's our New Year's holiday. Here's hoping tomorrow we can add the Happy.

The 11th Hour

2011-12-31T23:36:00.003-06:00

I know I should have some inspirational year-end introspective retrospective, but I don't. It didn't feel like the end of a year to me today. It just seemed like a normal Saturday. Had cinnamon rolls for breakfast, spent some time at the indoor batting cage and did some grocery shopping. Just another Saturday.

Although I had intended to hit another area of the house on my de-cluttering campaign, I didn't get around to it. Too busy doing nothing, I guess.

Hubby and I went out on a New Year's Eve date of sorts. Went to The Branding Iron for dinner. I was nice and made Carter supper of his choice -- Chicken Alfredo -- before we went out. They don't take reservations at The Branding Iron, so we had over an hour wait. By chance, another couple shared our "waiting table." They were visiting from the Milwaukee area. Had never met them but managed to pass the time talking with them!

Had an awesome dinner. Jim had the prime rib and I had the stuffed shrimp. Goooood stuff. We were too full for dessert but I got a piece of cheesecake to go. I'm still too full for it.

Got home at 8:30 or so and the three of us played Tripoly until 11:30. That's a card game (sort of) that we always played when I was a kid, too. That was fun. And I'm not just saying that because I won. Though kind hubby did say, "It took all year but we finally found a game Momma could win." Oh yes, he's a smart alec alright.

We ended up watching the ball drop on TV at 11 p.m. and had our "shots" of eggnog then. Carter and I have to get up for 8 a.m. church because he has to acolyte. So we're not sure we'll make it to our midnight. I'll try, though.

Today, I asked some friends what they felt their greatest accomplishment was in 2011. Answers ran the gamut from staying employed to staying married -- with some new ventures in between. I said my greatest was doing the half-marathon. Right now I'm thinking it would be staying up until midnight!

Should have trained harder.

If I forget to tell you later, Happy New Year!

A Walk in the Park

2011-12-30T21:40:00.006-06:00

Today was a walk in the park compared to yesterday. No housework equals no flying appliances equals no injuries. Yay, me.

We actually had quite an enjoyable day on an Austin tour. Visited with the John Austins and Uncle Joe Austins in town, then headed up to Marshfield to see the Uncle Frank Austins. Who says you can't take a "Sunday Drive" on a Friday? It was very nice.

Since it was dark when we left our last stop in Marshfield, we were able to tour the holiday light extravaganza at Wildwood Park. Although we literally could have had that walk in the park today, we did the drive-thru.
Here is the entrance. Apparently, this grows and grows each year with more lights on more trees and more lighting displays. It was all accompanied by holiday music we could listen to in our cars, too.

Of course the purple tree was my favorite!!

See the dome in the distance? You might wonder if there are some Vikings fans creating this! (Oh just humor me.)

Most of my photos are blurry since the car was moving, but you get the general idea. Anything holiday related was illustrated with lights.

Patriotic symbols, too.

Not much snow on the ground around here but Frosty showed up.

The park is actually pretty close to a train track so this is cool.

What Carter thought was cool was the "movement" pictures. The blurring creates some funky lines. So I did a few on purpose to add art to his bedroom wall.

More purple. Of course.

He loves these funky lines.

And these psychedelic "birds" that forgot to fly south. It's all in the camera movement. And yes, I did print those out so he could hang them up. He has an eye for art even if he is color blind.

I just like lights.

Versus seeing stars before passing out...

Dyson: 1, Robyn: 0

2011-12-29T22:20:00.002-06:00

I somehow missed the warning label that housework can be hazardous to your health. Yet, in the back of my mind, I must have known that since I have been known to avoid it all costs. On occasion.

Today should have been one of those occasions.

Carter was going to have a friend over this morning so I wanted to get some quick dusting and vacuuming done first. I was just about done with both when I remembered there were some crumbs or something on the top step going down to the basement.

Now normally when I vacuum the steps, I have the Dyson situated at the bottom of the steps and work my way up with the long hose. Today, since I was just reaching down a step, I kept it up top. Not a dangerous situation until I decided to move down and do "just one more." That was my undoing.

I was standing about 4 steps down and pulled on the hose so I could face the second step at a good angle. In a split second, before I had any awareness to stop it, the whole vacuum cleaner fell down the steps, landing at a sharp angle on my head. Holy crap did that hurt!

I was holding my head, yelling "Ow, ow, ow" and amazingly now swearing, just clutching the top of my head and thinking, "That's gonna leave a mark!" The guys had to grab the vacuum cleaner and turn it off. I just couldn't let go of my head. When Jim asked what happened, I pulled my hands away to show him where I got hit and my hands were filled with blood. Oh crap.

He had Carter grab a towel quick, then wisely got me to the dining room so I wouldn't drip any more blood on the carpet. Rather than faint, I figured I better voluntarily lay on the floor. Jim went to get a pillow so I wouldn't have to lay on the hard floor, but the by the time he got back, the blood was spreading on the floor. That's about the time Carter wisely left the room and sat on the couch a bit.

I just could not believe the blood. Amazingly, I didn't faint either. It took awhile to sit up. I pressed a towel firmly on the area I assumed had the gash. It was hard to tell at first. I thought the whole top of my head had split open. But after awhile, we were able to determine it was only about an inch-long cut and Dr. Austin said it shouldn't require stitches. Good thing I'm hard-headed.

I kept a towel on there a good 2 hours before it completely stopped bleeding. I also had an ice pack on the back of my neck so I wouldn't faint. (I know all the tricks now.) When Jim and Carter returned with Carter's friend, they also brought me an Eggnog Shake. Just what the doctor ordered.

My loving husband rinsed the blood out of my hair (even though he typically likes redheads). And I was ordered to take it easy just long enough to sneak in a Hallmark movie (like that's a surprise).

When I felt normal enough, I decided I better tackle another cleaning/de-cluttering project. I spent about 3 hours in the basement in the area where all my gift bags, bows, wrapping paper, candles and crap are stored in some fashion. At one point, I had to make friends with my Dyson again (You know what they say: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer). I used it without further incident.

In fact, all was well until I was getting ready to go the Assumption girls basketball game this evening. When I slipped a sweatshirt over my head, I must have nicked the scab and my head started bleeding again. There was no way I was going to sit home. So I held a tissue to it for 3o minutes, got it to stop, then wore a baseball hat so no one would get grossed out. That worked.

Of course, it didn't prevent me from telling my story. Hey, I was just doing some public service. It's important people know the dangers of housekeeping. As my brother pointed out, getting attacked by a vacuum cleaner sucks! (Pun intended.)

Or it could be I would do just about anything for ice cream. Trust me when I say, this is not one of those things!

Be careful out there!

Weak Spot

2011-12-28T19:58:00.001-06:00

I discovered something today that could be a matter of national security. I found our weak spot.

Don't tell any terrorist-in-training groups out there, but I found out how they can capture probably half the population in the U.S. It's basic brainwashing, really. And the vehicle to accomplish it: The Hallmark Channel.

Seriously, I was a victim myself today...

This morning I was back on task in the computer room. Around 11:20, I gave hubby a ride over to a local establishment so he could have "lunch" with the guys and not have to worry about driving home later.

I get back home and turn the Weather Channel on, just to see what the snow rumors are about. Then I flip it over to the Hallmark Channel and there is a Christmas movie in progress. Next thing I know, I'm snapping out of a trance-like state 90 minutes later. My eyeliner has run down my face. I'm surrounded by used Kleenex and an empty Reese's Peanut Butter Christmas Tree wrapper.

What the heck just happened? There had to be an outside influence involved. It could easily have been terrorists... enabling my avoidance of cleaning.

Yep. I'll blame them. I know I certainly wasn't looking for a way out of it. Certainly not.

Good thing I was able to snap out of it, recover and finish that room. I was very proud of myself. I managed to clean out some files, too, shred a garbage bag's worth, plus -- and it's a big plus -- finally clear some photos off the computer so hopefully it won't run so sluggish. All this before my 4:30 chiropractor appointment, I might add.

While I was in the waiting room, it seems all the magazine covers were shouting out the "Get Organized" message. Yes, I'm getting the message. And it feels good. I can move on to a new room tomorrow.

Tonight, though, I'm just going to relax.

If you never hear from me again, you know I got sucked into the Hallmark Channel once and for all. Wish me luck!

Deadline De-Cluttering

2011-12-27T21:49:00.002-06:00

What's wrong this picture? Carter is up, dressed and off to breakfast with my friends while I face a day of cleaning.

Lucky.

Actually it was very nice for an old friend of ours to pick him up and take him to breakfast with the "guys" -- a retired (or close to retired) bunch who meet Tuesday mornings. Apparently they welcome the younger set on occasion since Carter met with approval. Apparently what they discuss must fall under some Gentleman's Code because he didn't share a peep. Only that he had fun.

Good for him. I really can't get distracted from my tasks at hand. Remember my New Year's resolution last year (and the year before and the year before) about de-cluttering? I figure I might as well attack that before new resolutions are required. Frankly, I could draw the name of a room (any room) out of a hat and go at it. But I decided to start with one of my "Oh my god" rooms... the office.

One good thing about our computer room is that in addition to two desks and two filing cabinets, there is a closet. So obviously there is a place for everything. It just has to get from Point A (usually the desk) to Point B (a file or drawer or box).

I realized today I couldn't start cleaning off the desk first because if something belonged in the closet, there was no perfect place for it there. It actually made the most sense to start with the closet. Then I could create those perfect places to store some of the items from the desk in an organized fashion. It's a domino effect of sorts.

The closet has 3 shelves plus space under the bottom one. The two top ones hold our family tree stuff (we each get our own shelf). The bottom two house office-type stuff -- batteries, light bulbs and boxes for every piece of software or digital product we've purchased in the past several years -- plus other items that don't have a logical home.

Cleaning and/or organizing it hadn't been done in ... forever. Ever actually. So that is how I spent my day. I did get a break to take Carter to the bowling alley and myself to the chiropractor (finally). He had a great time bowling (and says we should do that much more often). And I had a great time finally getting my back in order. I will do that much more often. I need return trips to the back-cracker tomorrow and Friday so I can be in tip-top shape for my return to work next week! Oh joy.

After our little break, I returned to the closet and, two full garbage bags later, have some semblance of order there. My big finds of the day were an old framed newsroom award for my "Patrick Swayze comes to town" story back in 1997 and some money in an old birthday card. I got excited when I recognized my mom's handwriting but then realized it was for hubby because she signed it "LeRoy and Marlys." (She would just sign mine "Dad and Mom".) Dang.

I gave hubby the money since, well, it's his. Plus he can use it. He and Carter bought a new baseball bat today. They already put it to use in the indoor batting cage tonight. I'll have to go watch next time. This time I had to stay on task.

I may be on vacation but I still have deadlines!

On the Second Day of Christmas...

2011-12-26T20:55:00.002-06:00

...My true love gave to me: Two Dove chocolates...

Oh c'mon, that's way better than Turtle Doves. Unless it's turtle-flavored Dove chocolates. And I mean the good kind of turtle with caramel and pecans.

Yes, I have sweets on the brain. Finally started to dig into the stockpile of Christmas cookies today. I figure we might as well enjoy vacation -- and our treats -- and let January's weigh-in slap us in the face like it always does. Hopefully by then I can actually exercise, too!

Woke up with my lovely back hurting again. Thankfully my chiropractor will finally be back in the office tomorrow. I am looking forward to it and hope it helps. Otherwise I'll have to figure something else out. And I don't know what that is.

Did not get in any exercise of any form, but did get the Christmas presents put away, some laundry done and some grocery shopping. Why did I not remember this is the third-busiest shopping day of the year? Uffda, for people!

I did not have any Christmas items on my list, but I followed the Wal-Mart crowd right to the holiday clearance items. They still had red and green M&M's so I got some of those and made some more pretzel treats when I got home.

Here's your super easy treat recipe for the day:

Lay out round pretzels on parchment paper on a cookie sheet. You can fit like 60 on a pan.

Place a Hugs Chocolate Kiss in the center of each pretzel.

Bake in 275-degree oven for 3-5 minutes.

Take out of oven and immediately place a red or green M&M in the center of each and gently press down. The Kiss spreads out to fill the pretzel.

Chill to get it firm, then store in fridge.

The Hugs Kisses look the prettiest (in my opinion), but any Kiss works and so do Rolo's.

While I was slaving away in the kitchen, hubby was trying to run errands (most places were closed) and Carter was doing some organizing in the basement. That's what I intended to do but didn't get that far on my list. Now I can see what retired people are talking about when they say they didn't have time to get anything done all day! Where does the day go?

Carter must have used up most of his free time on his new keyboard. He has now taught himself Mary Had a Little Lamb. And tonight asked for some blank sheet music so he could compose a song. Seriously. That's quite a jump but his new "song" sounds kind of cool.

It wasn't quite ready for an audience tonight but we did entertain Jim's parents after supper with our beautiful Christmas tree and our HD TV. I think they are in the market but my mother-in-law gets paranoid when there is a new remote to learn.

I know how she feels. But I am bound and determined to learn how to work ours this week. I can now find the Hallmark Channel and Lifetime. Did you know they did a remake of Ice Castles? I discovered that right about the time I was thinking about cleaning or organizing or something...

Good thing I get another chance tomorrow -- when my true love gives me 3 French toasts or something.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T20:57:00.000-06:00

We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Quite predictably, my last Christmas carol blog is "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" because, well, we do wish you a merry one.

I have enjoyed my self-inflicted December challenge to relate my blog to a Christmas carol. I realized there are actually dozens and dozens of carols I didn't even touch. I also realize there are a lot of ways to prepare for and anticipate Christmas. Everything we do in December seems to link to this important holiday. I like that.

I do hope you had a good Christmas and found many blessings to appreciate. I was very pleased to wake up and make breakfast (cinnamon french toast) for my 4 Austin "boys." The five of us have not been together as a family in ages. That was very special to me.

Though, of course, I also appreciated the new Twins sweatshirt, Twins hats, Twins sunglasses... I think the North Pole might just be located in Minnesota!!

We had a few gifts to open this morning. Hubby spoiled me with the aforementioned items and some appropriates signs to hang around the house ("Dull Women Have Immaculate Homes"). I surprised Jim with a few things including a very cool UW-Whitewater sweatshirt. The big boys helped pick theirs out ahead of time so there were no surprises there.

Carter knew what clothes he was getting because we had that shopping excursion in Eau Claire Thanksgiving weekend. But he didn't know about a few other treats like a Vikings hat, Adrian Peterson t-shirt, movies and a keyboard. Carter does not know how to play the piano but he is willing to teach himself on an electronic keyboard. This one has a jack to send all the sound to earphones so everybody wins.

Even the cat got her annual fix of catnip in her stocking!

After gift opening, we lounged around the TV switching between Celtics basketball and John Wayne movies. The big boys left this afternoon and we didn't make our way too far from the couch the rest of the day! Thanks to a Christmas miracle, my back was not in pain today. So I attempted to go out for a walk because the temps were in the high 30s. Sounds mild. But the winds were 20-30 mph so I only made it a mile.

Got home, warmed up and was back on the couch. We did play some games and there were no Christmas miracles happening there. Daddy kicked our butts in Monopoly and cards. I might have him beat in the couch potato category. We'll see. There's a lot more Christmas vacationing to do yet.

Just like Jesus' birthday, this is only the beginning!

Here Comes Santa Claus

2011-12-24T21:43:00.004-06:00

Bells are ringin', children singin',
All is merry and bright.
So hang your stockings and say your prayers,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

You know what's ironic about this Christmas carol? There are very few that combine the actual religious holiday (which is why we celebrate to begin with) and the secular Santa. "Hang your stockings and say your prayers"? Hmm.

When you think about it, we do combine both every year. Most of us go to a church service sometime Christmas Eve and then later hang stockings in anticipation of Santa's visit. In the morning, we open Santa presents and hopefully remember to say "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. Hopefully.

Our Christmas Eve day followed the typical schedule today. Sort of.

Carter and I went to 1 o'clock service this afternoon. Guess who almost fainted in church?? Nope, not Carter this time. Me. We weren't even done with the first verse of the first song, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, and I was seeing stars (not the kind in the clear sky) and had to abruptly sit down.

I put my head down and tried not to draw attention to myself. I was just trying to breathe and not pass out. My most immediate concern was that I had to do the scripture readings in about 2 minutes. I looked at Carter and said, "You're gonna have to read for me." Well nothing like making him want to faint. "What? No, Mom, I can't!"

So I manage to walk to the back of the church and get to the restroom to get some cool water on my face and neck. I do not know how I did it, but I managed to walk back in, go up front and do the readings and get back to my seat -- all while completely conscious. I sat through the sermon and then we exited to the sanctuary, sat there a few minutes 'til we could give our offering, then headed outside. The cold air felt wonderful but I still didn't feel right. We stopped at Burger King and I sent Carter in to get me something to drink, then drove home with the windows cranked down so the cold air would rejuvenate me. It helped a little.

I laid down on the couch about an hour before we had to head back into town to Jim's parents. It took several hours before I felt right again. We had a good meal, but I didn't enjoy it to the fullest. Later, when we were opening gifts, I finally felt better, almost normal. Yikes. And here I thought my sore back was my problem this week. It sucks getting old.

We did have a nice time with in-laws. Jim's sister and brother-in-law were there with our nephew Colin along with the 3 Austin boys and us.

Now we've got 4 Austin "men" sitting out in the living room watching A Christmas Story to get in the holiday mood. At some point they'll get to bed so Santa can visit. Like the song says, I will hang my stocking with the others and I'll say my prayers.

Hopefully, come morning, there'll be an extra dose of Health in mine. That, for me, would be the perfect gift!

White Christmas

2011-12-23T21:44:00.003-06:00

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

Up until today, there'd been much concern in the Midwest about the lack of a white Christmas. Personally, as someone who commutes 90 miles a day (round trip), I don't mind a green or brown Christmas as long as the roads stay clear.

Apparently enough people wished for a white Christmas, though. And it came true today. (Not much but enough to last 48 hours to Christmas.) I'll admit it does make the tree tops glisten and all that nonsense, but I'm only saying that because we are on vacation with no place further than 7 or 8 miles to go.

For our first day "off," it was a busy one. Carter and fellow 8th-graders were wrapping presents at the mall to raise money for charity. He had to report for duty at 8:45 a.m. so there was no sleeping in. Hubby was up early, too, and gone for much of the day helping set up an indoor batting cage.

While Carter did his wrapping gig, I did some grocery shopping. The crowds were unreal. I guess everyone really does wait for the last minute to shop. The cool thing was that between the mall and Wal-Mart, I ran into at least 4 friends I haven't seen in awhile. So it was a good thing that 4 out of 5 people had the day off today.

Spent the afternoon making my grape salad for Christmas Eve dinner and doing some light housework. My back is feeling much better than Monday but I didn't want to push it.

We did finally get in some true relaxation tonight when we met our friends Mike, Christine and Nate out for dinner at Anchor Bay. Had good food and a nice visit back at our place afterwards. All these cookies I could have offered but I was too full to even think about food! Will have to do more entertaining, I guess. I certainly don't want or need to eat them all myself.

Will have to reiterate to Santa (since I didn't use up my wish on the white stuff) that I want a fat bank account and a slim body for Christmas. He accidentally switched those two around last year.

I still believe.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

2011-12-22T20:15:00.006-06:00

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Have you ever wondered who a dentist goes to see when he has a toothache? What about a priest who has something to confess? How about a chiropractor whose back goes out?

Oh yes, the week keeps getting better. My poor chiropractor now has back issues of his own so he had to cancel his appointments for the rest of the week. He's lucky my back feels a little bit better. Mainly due to some pharmaceutical help, but also thanks to a blessedly short work day.

Our company gave us Friday and Monday off for the Christmas holiday, then decided to throw in this afternoon, too. We could check out for the weekend at noon. Good plan but I had some things I needed to wrap up so I wouldn't have to work during my 11-day absence from the office.

That's right. My desk chair gets a break from me until January 3rd! Whoo-hoo! C'mon ring those bells!!

Carter and I did ring bells again this evening. This time, he stayed with me the full 2 hours. I know he was bored but I reminded him of how lucky he is -- and what a good cause we are supporting. "I know, Mom," he says, but still gives that very audible teenage sigh. You know the one -- where he makes it sound like we just asked him to walk barefoot across a field of broken glass. Anything that doesn't involve couch time seems to be torture these days!

I have a feeling that's not going to change much in the next 11 days. Hopefully, I'll be a little guilty of that, too!

I was in a lot of pain tonight during that 120 minutes. Not just my back but my legs, too. I really think some time in the hot tub is in order. Then some decent rest to start off vacation.

The alarm clock is not invited to this party. If we want noise, we'll ring some bells! Or sing a carol or two...

Silver Bells

2011-12-21T19:55:00.004-06:00

City sidewalks busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air
There's a feeling of Christmas

Children laughing
People passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on ev'ry street corner you'll hear

Silver bells silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring a ling hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day
Not only did we hear Silver Bells tonight, we got to ring them! (Well, red ones anyway.) Carter and I put on our Santa hats and did our annual bell-ringing stint for the Salvation Army.

When they called this year to have me sign up, the only time that coordinated in their schedule and ours was tonight and tomorrow night. Little did I know it would be the worse possible week for me to stand 2 hours at a time (lucky there's a bench there) and that Carter would have to ditch me after an hour so he could go caroling with the confirmation kids.

I still enjoyed having him with me for the first hour. It helps pass the time and people are always more willing to give when there's a kid ringing the bell. That's just how it works. We did pick the same store as last year because we don't have to stand completely outside, the shoppers are relatively nice and the guy who runs the store is an old friend of Jim's.

Despite the downturn in the economy, I observed that people still will give to someone who is even more in need. Whether it's the 50-dollar bill we saw one gentleman slip in (wow) or the 50 cents in nickels and pennies someone else dropped in the Red Kettle... It all adds up and we thanked each donor with equal enthusiasm.

Even though the second hour dragged a bit with Carter gone, I was glad he preferred to go caroling and didn't use bell-ringing as an excuse to get out of it. They had quite a group of confirmation kids go -- and some adults from the church, too. They delivered cookies and sang at several area nursing homes.

I love that the Red Kettle slogan is "Doing the Most Good." With such a little effort, we were able to spread some cheer tonight and hopefully do some good for those in need.

Ring a ling hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day...

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

2011-12-20T19:34:00.000-06:00

...Oh, what a laugh it would have been,
If Daddy had only seen
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night!

When I was little, I didn't make the connection why Santa and Daddy couldn't be in the same room at the same time. I just thought it was a cute song about wayward mothers.

No, I didn't think that. Honest. I just thought it was cute.

These days I hear that song and I see Santa (a.k.a. Daddy) still gets all the credit for bringing joy (a.k.a. Gifts) on Christmas. From my experience and the experience of many of my friends, it is actually Mrs. Claus (a.k.a. Mommy) who is responsible for the lists, the shopping, the wrapping and subsequent delivery of joy (a.k.a. Exactly what you wanted).

Not that there's anything wrong with that. Usually.

I mean you know my opinion on shopping. I like making a list and getting what I want. And being done with it. Can't handle endless browsing (in crowds) for ideas and the "perfect" gift. I think that's why I like to get my shopping done and out of the way early. That way I can relax.

And help the guys who are waiting 'til now to figure out what to buy that special someone in their lives. Over time, I have helped my share of Mr. Clauses do this.

I remember an old copy editor at the newspaper wanted to buy a pretty sweater for his wife. It was Dec. 23 so he was running out of time and begged my help. He said, "You're about her size. Can you come with?" For someone who was 60, he probably should have had an idea by then what her size was, but I was happy to oblige. He took me out on dinner break and had me try on about 5 or 6 sweaters. I offered some opinions. He finally picked one and was thrilled to be done. His wife liked it, too.

Fast forward 10 years and I am in the same boat. Only this guy is on the ball because it's only Dec. 20, not the 23rd. His wife and I scrapbook together so he needed a little advice on where to find the gifts she hinted at a few weeks ago. He didn't know these particular items aren't sold in most scrapping stores. Had he asked me a few weeks ago when he got the major hint from his wife, it wouldn't have been a problem. Now, I found the items, ordered them online to get here by Saturday ... and had to pay an arm and a leg for shipping. (Well, he had to pay it.) But I think he's relieved to have his shopping done. And I know his wife will love her gift!

I'm wondering if maybe I could make a career out of this? In my free time (ha, ha) I could be a professional shopper. I know people hire these shoppers in the real world. People with money and no time.

I wouldn't dream of taking money just for helping out. I suppose if they insist, I could take payment in eggnog shakes or Peppermint Stick ice cream.

Then I'll let them get their credit on Christmas morning when the Mommies break out the mistletoe!

Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer

2011-12-19T20:35:00.002-06:00

... When we found her Christmas morning, at the scene of the attack, she had hoof-prints on her forehead, and incriminating Claus marks on her back. ...

I'm not sure if I got run over by a reindeer or a Mack truck... either way, I'm in the hurt box.

I should have known I was in for a strange day when the moon was shining brightly outside our bedroom window -- when I got up for work! I was thinking our clocks were wrong or something. But it's just late December and we're closing in the shortest day of the year.

To back track on my back... It was bothering me a bit last week but I did not get around to seeing my chiropractor. I just ran out of time and when I remembered to call, it was after hours. So Saturday morning, I was really feeling it. Then Saturday afternoon, after our 4-hour drive Up North, I was really, really feeling it. I had my big strong brother-in-law Steve lift me up and try to crack it, but it just didn't work. (It just got me giggling.)

Was fine enough yesterday and even when I woke up this morning. I got through breakfast, curling my hair and brushing my teeth... but as soon as I reached up to put a necklace on, my back went out. And when I say "out," I mean it suddenly felt like the wind was knocked out of me.

There are days I would definitely opt to stay home in bed. But this week, where I have to get 2 weeks of work done in 3 1/2 days, it really isn't an option.

Yet.

I managed to shuffle around at work, like a Grandma -- not necessarily one who got run over by a reindeer. I had a some moments of normalcy where I got work done... then moments that took my breath away... in a painful spasm kind of way. Dang.

Left work at 2 p.m. to get to a 3 p.m. chiropractor appointment. He had a field day. And will see me again in the morning. And probably the morning after that, too.

Was OK to go to Carter's basketball game. Couldn't get too excited, though, because those sudden movements were hell on my upper back and neck. So I quietly cheered when he had a few steals and even made a free throw. Yay. We still lost to Auburndale, 39-30. Dang again.

Carter was playing in Pep Band tonight for the varsity boys game. I really wanted to go but just had to get home and get on the ice. I had one detour through Wal-Mart to get some stocking stuffer treats before they're all gone. But that was it. Now I took some nighttime medicine for the pain and will be out like a light in no time.

Hopefully, I will not wake up with hoof-prints on my forehead. But I expect hubby will be calling me Grandma!

I have been known to drink to much eggnog...

Come On, Ring Those Bells

2011-12-18T17:05:00.006-06:00

Everybody likes to take a holiday
Everybody likes to take a rest
Spending time together with the family
Sharing lots of love and happiness

Come on, ring those bells,
Light the Christmas tree,
Jesus is the king
Born for you and me.
Come on, ring those bells,
Every-body say,
Jesus, we remember
This your birthday.
We were ringing bells and everything else this weekend to celebrate Christmas together as a family. We got to my sister Raylene's early in the afternoon. Her husband Steve had an appointment to play Santa at another gathering so Carter went with to be his helpful Elf. Love his picture!

The program was full of our usual mix of jovial tunes -- like an elf song by Renell's family -- to serious notes from Mom and Dad.

Dad was up and about like he wasn't on his death bed just 10 days before. He was his usual jovial self and even cleaned his plate at supper. Good boy!

Mom was very thankful for all the support from her wonderful kids, too.

My sister Rachel sang a beautiful solo and my brother Ron (above) learned to play the guitar since Thanksgiving just so he could play a Silent Night duet with his son David. Oh the talent in our family!

My twin sister had fun with Jingle Bell Rock and telling her horse to "Giddy up, jingle horse, pick up your feet..."

We sang Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law Rick, who turned 60 on Friday, and Romey shared some inspiring thoughts about second chances. Just like our father got a second chance on life last week, we all have second chances every day to do something good. Something different. Something better.

My nephew led us all in some sharing of "LeRoy-isms." Poor Grandpa. Of course, he knows we all love him. Now he knows some more reasons why! Ha.

Oh, for our family's part of the program... we were inspired by Simon Cowell's musical talent in The X Factor and hosted a game show called The X-Mas Factor... where we pitted two random contestants from the audience against each other. Carter picked a keyword and they had to sing a song with that word -- at least 10 words of it to qualify. The winner's of big money (a large chocolate coin) were Mom (snow), RoAnn (child) and Raylene (reindeer). We had fun with that.

After a delicious meal, it was game time and present exchange time...

The old game of PIT always gets heated.

And loud! That was played in the basement!

Carter got some gifts from his godparents and cousin. Casey shows off a musical Badger football.

After opening 3 boxes within boxes, Raylene was happy to see the final present -- a ticket to Broadway's Mamma Mia! We're going together in April when it comes to the Twin Cities. I am very excited!!

The Austins stayed overnight at Raylene's and hit the road by midmorning. We dropped off Casey in Eau Claire, then had an adventurous trip home. Jim drove Casey's car to Rapids and I followed with Carter in our CRV. Casey's car has been leaking oil so he is getting it fixed in Rapids. We pretty much had to stop every 15 miles to put in more oil. I'm not kidding. Nine, yes nine, quarts later and we were home.

Now to unpack the goodies!

Home for the Holidays

2011-12-17T07:58:00.002-06:00

Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays
'Cause no matter how far away you roam
If you want to be happy in a million ways
For the holidays you can't beat home, sweet home

We're hitting the road to go "home" for the holidays. Or at least part of the weekend.

My side of the family doesn't have a set day we celebrate. It depends on who is hosting and what most people can do. This year, my twin sister Raylene is the hostess with the mostest. So we're heading up to the Siren/Grantsburg area for a family, food, fun and more food.

The plan is to pick up Clay in town and then Casey in Eau Claire on our way through. I expect there'll be around 30 of us when all is said and done. (Most importantly, my dad will be there!) And everyone should be entertained in some way... between the program and any number of games going on. And no one -- absolutely no one -- will go away hungry.

The CRV is packed to the gills (if it had any) and my mission is to get everyone in our vehicle on board with our program piece. And get about 1 and 1/3 Christmas books read so I can give a bag of books to Raylene. The 4-hour drive will fly.

Then I'll be home, sweet home for the Hedberg Holiday.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

2011-12-16T19:58:00.007-06:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Ev'rywhere you go;
Take a look in the five and ten glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes aglow.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Toys in ev'ry store
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door.

I am grateful hubby and I had today off. It seemed my list of things to do outnumbered my available hours to do them today. But somehow, here it is 8 o'clock at night and I have time to watch a Christmas movie!!

Well I'm sort of watching The Bishop's Wife -- an oldie but a goodie -- while packing. We have my family Christmas up north tomorrow so most of the day could have been considered "packing."

I got a few props made up for our part in the program. I got all the gifts we're bringing with wrapped up and ready. That's why it's beginning to look like Christmas in our house. A big pile presents! ... Which will be gone as soon as we pack the car, of course.

We also had lunch together at el Mezcal and did some shopping. I think we should revise the lyrics to say traffic and shoppers are "Ev'rywhere you go." What a zoo in town for a Friday afternoon when people are supposed to be working! Apparently, a bunch of slackers like we are.

As if I needed something extra to do, I decided to make some treats to bring tomorrow. I bought some of the new Chocolate Mint (of course) marshmallows. I thought, "Wouldn't those make tasty Rice Krispy treats?" Well, the marshmallows melted to an ugly grey color practically. So it looks like Cement Mixer treats instead! I told Carter, when all else fails, you just add frosting. So I did drizzle a bit with some red and green and sugar and they sort of look a little like Christmas. If you can get past the Cement, they are darn tasty!

I trust there'll be plenty of other options on the treat table tomorrow anyway. We are never short of sugar or smiles.

That's what makes Christmas look the best!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

2011-12-15T21:32:00.003-06:00

Here we are as in olden days... Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us... Gather near to us once more.

One of the many blessings of the Christmas season is seeing or hearing from friends -- "faithful" or otherwise.

As I get older, I don't really see myself as someone making a lot of new friends but I guess it just happens. You spend time with someone and you can't remember what life was like "before" them.

From my hair artist to my fellow basketball moms and some other "groups" in between -- not to mention Christmas cards from old friends and new-- I was basically surrounded by friends throughout my entire day.

What a neat feeling.

Hubby had the day off so he got to join some buddies for lunch. This particular group of guys are retired so they see each other all the time. On rare occasions, Jim gets to join them. He knows their "schedule." Glad he got the opportunity today.

Carter also got to see an "old" friend at basketball. Assumption played at Amherst -- a convenient stop on the way home from work -- so he was competing against Harry, his pal from many summers together at Kidz Camp in Iola. No matter who wins the game (Harry this time), I think they'll be friends for life.

That's pretty cool, too.

If you haven't given it much thought, take a moment to think of those "faithful friends who are dear to you" -- and let them know you treasure them in your life. As the song says, we just don't know how long they'll be around.

Through the years We all will be together, If the Fates allow...

Thanks, friends, for being an important part of my life!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

2011-12-14T20:59:00.000-06:00

...Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say: "Rudolph, with your nose so bright, won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"...

We could have used Rudolph today to guide our Honda sleigh home from work!

It has been drizzly all day and the fog rolled in by mid-afternoon. Since it gets dark at 4:30-ish, not much of our drive time was in the daylight. I'm so grateful hubby was driving and he got us home safely. I can see why Santa thought Rudolph was a good idea.

Now the weird weather pattern continues. Not 2 minutes ago it was pouring rain... and lightning and thundering. Not joking. The forecasters say that after this un-seasonal part is done, we will have quite seasonal temperatures. As in blasted cold.

I am already nervous about the morning drive (Jim has off) if all this rain turns to ice. Scary.

I was happy to stay home bound tonight. Got my Scentsy orders divided up so I can deliver some good-smelling treats to people tomorrow. I also took some time to get some thoughts down on paper for our Hedberg family Christmas program this Saturday. I have been known to think it up on the drive up. But this one takes a little prep work. Sorry, it's top secret 'til Saturday. It's good, though (if I do say so myself).

Now I have just enough time to read a little bit of a Christmas book in my warm bed.

Rudolph, you can take the night off. We're not going anywhere. If it gets foggy indoors, I'll just use my new mini reading light from St. Lucia!

Santa Lucia

2011-12-13T18:40:00.004-06:00

Nightly, go heavy hearts
Round farm and steading
On earth, where sun departs,
shadows are spreading.
Then on our darkest night,
Comes with her shining light
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Then on our darkest night,
Comes with her shining light
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia.

The 13th of December is the day that people in Scandinavia celebrate Lucia. Over the whole country, people arrange processions with a Lucia, her maids, starboys and small Father Christmases. As far as tradition goes, the oldest daughter in the house is supposed to wear a ring of candles on her head and parade through the house, serving breakfast to everyone.

We don't do that. I don't do that.

For one, due to the possible fire hazard associated with hair spray, I don't think candles on the head are a good idea. Secondly, when St. Lucia Day falls on a school day/work day, there is no time to whip together a breakfast for all. Unless they guys don't mind Pop Tarts in bed.

Who was the "real" Lucia? It a nutshell: This day got its name from Saint Lucia. She was a Catholic saint. She was a young Christian girl who lived in Syracuse on Sicily. That was during the time when Rome was in power. The Romans were not Christians yet. Because Lucia was a Christian, she got killed on the 13th of December in 304 A.D.

Sounds dark but they considered her the "queen of light" so that is what prompted candles. I didn't even celebrate/observe this holiday as a child but I wanted Carter to know something of his Scandinavian heritage, so I started playing the role of St. Lucy each Dec. 13.

And by playing the role, I merely mean I bought and wrapped some little gift for each person in the house (I love my new Christmas book and mini reading light, St. Lucy!). I also made sure we had something sweet -- real candy canes and the plastic ones filled with peanut butter cups -- since I didn't have time to make Lucia Buns. Oh yes, a person could really go all out for their heritage.

I pretty much stick to what comes easy and still marks me as a full-blooded Scandi-hoovian. Lutefisk is out of the question but I wouldn't turn down lefse (if someone else makes it) and certainly will take seconds on krumkaka. I just don't have time or ambition to make it.

I'm not the saint here.

Happy St. Lucia Day!

Christmas Cash

2011-12-12T20:24:00.003-06:00

...Save the aggravation

Haven't I been waiting?

It's really you I'm thinking of

Why not keep it simple?

Why not give a little cash?

Money! (yeah)

~ Fred Figglehorn

Although I typically sing my Christmas carols -- not rap them -- I knew there was one about giving people money for Christmas to save the headaches of shopping. Not that I mind either.

Most of the time.

I just wanted to pick something up tonight so I had hubby take Carter to his basketball game with a plan to swing by Wal-Mart, pick it up and meet them there. My swing, however, was a strikeout. This one item I have seen a dozen times suddenly wasn't there anymore so I had to start re-thinking. That is always dangerous.

And much too time consuming.

With my cart still empty, I was lucky to make it to the game on time. But I did. And we got crushed. Pummeled. Totally schooled by two 3-point shooters from Pittsville. Carter did score again!! ("Mom, did you hear how loud everyone cheered when I made that?") So that is the silver lining in the 49-36 loss. Ouch. I know.

Since we were driving separately, I continued my shopping sojourn. I went straight to ShopKo and got thoroughly distracted. I should have gone for the easy thing I saw right when I walked in the door. But no. I had to putz around and browse. I am a terrible shopper. I like to know exactly what I'm getting and go and get it. I don't like to walk around and wait for an idea to come to me. Forty-five minutes later and that tactic did not play out well.

But I had some items in my cart. There's always something to buy, isn't there?

So there will be no gifts of cash.

I would have to have some myself first!!

Misfit Toys

2011-12-11T20:56:00.001-06:00

We're on the Island of Misfit Toys

Here we don't want to stay

We want to travel with Santa Claus

In his magic sleigh!

We all feel like a Misfit every now and then. In our house, we're pretty much the Island of Misfits from September to January. If we're lucky.

There's quite a shortage of Vikings fans this side of the border. So we don't get no respect. Probably don't deserve it this season either. So no one but the Austins get excited when the team almost has a record come-from-behind win. Or when our second QB of the game is the one who gave us his autograph at training camp -- and shook our hands.

Nope, no one.

I told my dad (who won't waiver to the dark side) that now that he is home from the hospital, he probably shouldn't do anything stressful like watch football today. There's nothing stressful about watching the Vikings because they aren't doing anything, he said early this afternoon. And there's nothing stressful about watching the Packers since they'll win. Oh father. So cruel yet so wise.

The Vikings were on TV today since the Pack played late. Since it was an incredibly mild day and we were down 21-zip, I decided to go for a run/walk. Did 3 miles and it felt like a spring day. Awesome. I was hoping when I got back home, the Vikings would have closed the gap at least to something like 28-21. Not happening. It turned out to be one heckuva game, though -- even if it didn't end like I hoped.

At some point, I had some goodies (same as yesterday but they worked today) to deliver to neighbors but I waited until we scored first. Didn't want to do a walk of shame in my Vikings pants. Just a walk of "Yes, I'm a loser, but am holding out hope."

I found that even if I am a Misfit, a Misfit bearing goodies still fits in... even off her island.

Home for the Holidays

2011-12-10T21:39:00.002-06:00

Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays

'Cause no matter how far away you roam

If you want to be happy in a million ways

For the holidays you can't beat home, sweet home

I guess the folks at the heart hospital have had enough of my dad. They kicked him out today and sent him on his merry way. That's great news. Now he will be home for the holidays!

It felt good to be home for some holiday-ing here today, too. I finally got some more decorations up -- inside and out. With the frigid temps, I got the garland and red bows placed on the front deck in record time. And the rest of the day seemed to fly by just as fast.

Hubby and I took a field trip to Wal-Mart to pick up some groceries and check some more gifts off our list. I bought some ingredients for some Christmas treats for friends that unfortunately can only be described in two words: epic fail.

Seriously.

I was excited I found a tube of black decorating gel at Michaels yesterday so I could do those "I'm Melting!" snowmen again without having to cut up all those licorice arms and hands. Well the black gel did not end up being a "fine point" line so it looks like some big Black Widow spider is attacking the snowmen. Those will not be served as anyone's treats. So we'll get stuck eating the rejects.

I decided to fall back on one of Carter's favorites -- "pretzel doughnuts." That's what he's called them since he was 3. It is just round pretzels (you can only find at Christmas time) dipped in white almond bark and decorated with red and green sugar or sprinkles. We make a ton every year. Today something was not working right. I don't know if it was a bad package of bark or what, but they were not turning out at all. Just plain globby. So I still decorated them anyway and put them in a container. But those will not be served as anyone's treats either. So we'll get stuck eating those rejects, too.

I'm starting to see a pattern here.

Honestly, at least supper turned out. But I think the guys felt bad for me. They let me have the couch for 2 hours so I could watch a Christmas movie on Hallmark.

There's definitely no place like home for the holidays. Where the tree is pretty. The treats are ugly but tasty. And there's always a sappy, happy ending.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2011-12-09T21:49:00.002-06:00

I really can't stay Baby, it's cold outside

I've got to go away Baby, it's cold out there...

As Luck would have it, I was even further Up North for the coldest night of the winter (so far). I suspect it got below zero because at 9 a.m. my mom told me it was one degree out. One stinkin' degree.

My parents do not have a garage so I was amazed the CRV started on the first try. Yay. While that was warming up/defrosting, I helped my mom gather clothes and other important items (like a winter jacket) for my dad. We had high hopes he would come home today.

One of my sisters was picking Mom up to take her down to the Cities and would bring Dad back home later if that worked out. So I hit the road to Rapids. I had a few stops to make in Eau Claire plus a pitstop at the DQ in Osseo for a Candy Cane Blizzard. Baby, it might be cold outside, but it's never too cold for ice cream for this girl!

Got home before 3 p.m. so I just beat Carter home from school. Learned shortly after that that Dad would be staying one more night at the hospital. Apparently, the kidney issue worked itself out but they wanted to keep an eye on him one more night to make sure everything inside is operating smoothly. Good call.

I wanted some normalcy to my routine by that point, so we all went to a JV hoops game at Lincoln High School, where Jim's god daughter Becca played. She scored a few points, the team won, plus we had a nice visit with his aunt and uncle. After that, we went over to the Assumption boys varsity game. They had a nice win, too!

Now I am waiting for my blanket to warm up and am ready to fall asleep at the keyboard. Nothing like a few emotionally packed days to make you feel like you've been gone a week! But, as promised, here are a few pictures...
Here is our "Christmas Miracle"! On Wednesday, Dad looked like he was 100 years old. On Thursday, when I took this, he looked more like 90. Hopefully today he was back to his youthful 80-something self!

Here's Mom in her day as "Robyn." I told she as stylin'. Now I know what to get her for Christmas! Those sweatpants are awesome, especially when it's this cold outside.

And baby, it really, really is cold outside!

Angels We Have Heard on High

2011-12-08T18:36:00.005-06:00

Angels we have heard on high... Sweetly singing o'er the plains...

Do you believe in angels? I do. Sometimes we wonder if God is too busy. But I've realized on more than one occasion that if He is, He sends His angels to do His work and, well, they get the glory.

The more I hear about what transpired yesterday, the more I believe angels were definitely watching over Dad... sweetly singing over the "planes" and helicopters. The doctor reiterated to us again today that Dad got here to the hospital "just in the nick of time." Possibly St. Nick of time. He is our Christmas miracle after all. It was seriously life-threatening and that's scary.

It was such a relief that the first sight we saw when we got here this morning was Dad sitting up in a chair on his own and eating breakfast. Eventually they moved him out of ICU and got him into a "regular" room late this afternoon. As far as his heart goes, things are looking good.

Of course, as things tend to go, there are new concerns for the doctors. They aren't sure his kidneys are functioning properly. That could delay his release by a day or two. We'll see. He's in a top-notch facility and they know what they are doing. Last I saw, he was eating his supper and watching some local news about the latest Vikings stadium proposal. Poor Dad!

I'm about to hit the road to non-Internet territory. I'm taking Mom home and will stay at Mom and Dad's tonight. Thank goodness. Mom had no chance to grab a change of clothes so today she got to sport one of my running shirts and my trendy Sister Bay sweatpants. She looked so cool I am afraid she'll out-fashion me if we stay down here another day. I guess I was her style angel today.

Like I said, angels show up in the darndest places. And thank God for that.

The First Noel

2011-12-07T22:46:00.003-06:00

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel... Born is the king of Israel!

When God looked at his roll of souls for his angels to gather today, the angels asked, "Do we take LeRoy Hedberg?" And the Lord said, "Nope, no L today." No L. Noel. Hallelujah for that!

I got one of those phone calls today we never hope to get, but know, with aging parents thats it's a constant possibility. The first call was that my dad was being taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Possible heart attack. The second call was that he was being airlifted down to Abbott-Northwestern, a heart hospital in the Twin Cities. By the time the third call came that he was in "critical" condition, I was home from work and packing to go!

Let me tell you, a lot can go through a person's mind in a 3+ hour drive, but I was relatively calm. I left hubby at home so he could be there for Carter and to take care of a ton of things on our schedule. I told him I felt too calm. Part of me thought it was because I knew in my heart the odds of an 84-year-old surviving this were slim. But the other part of me said he's too stubborn to die. He'll come out of this OK.

I did a lot praying on the drive over. I'd remember a funny memory and say, "I can see why you want him, God!" Then I'd remember something else on the stubborn side and say, "Are you sure You're ready for him, God?" I don't think He is. At least not for today.

By the time I got to the hospital, Dad had already had his risky procedure to place three stents in (95-100% blockage), was resting comfortably and ready to order meatloaf for supper. Unbelievable.

He said, "You didn't have to come all this way." I said, "I would never pass up a chance to come to Vikings country!" Dad knows that even on his death bed I will not cave and be a Packer fan like him. (No, the stubborn gene did not skip a generation!)

I was just so relieved he was doing well. And he credits Mom, who was still able to dial 9-1-1 on their rotary phone and get help. And we credit lots of prayers. All the siblings were there except my sister in Texas -- plus a half-dozen grandkids. If nothing else, our family makes one heck of a support network.

Dad is still in ICU, but that's good. They can keep an eye on him while Mom and I catch some sleep at the hotel next door. We're just hoping for a quiet night with no phone calls.

No L.

A Joyful Noise

2011-12-06T21:07:00.002-06:00

Make a joyful noise

Send it out across the sky tonight

Send it racin' through the cool starlight

Let it fall on Heaven's ears

~ Jo Dee Messina "Make a Joyful Noise" Christmas album

I can't think of a more joyful noise than children singing -- and playing -- Christmas music. It takes me back to childhood when we would listen to the Children's Christmas album on the record player over and over again. No matter how many times it skipped.

Tonight we got to hear the real thing at the Assumption Middle School Christmas concert.

On the way out the door, Carter casually mentions he has a solo tonight. Huh? What? Who?

Then he clarifies, "I have a solo with Olivia and Gena." OK, is this the time we point out solo is one person? Still, he was nervous. And therefore, Mom was nervous. And I was just relieved I had thought ahead to charge the battery for the video camera.

It was a really nice concert with a huge crowd. All middle school students are required to be in either band or choir. So basically, every middle school parent was in attendance, plus some grandparents -- including Grandpa Austin.

The choir went first. Every time we glanced at Carter sitting with the band, he was fidgeting and looking incredibly uncomfortable. He was messing with his eyes and face, which we later learned was a fuzzy contact situation but Dad and I thought it was Carter about to faint. So I was doubly nervous.

The non-solo "solo" was nothing to be nervous about. The percussion played in the background so he wasn't completely alone. But because it was a "tuba solo" you could really hear him playing his baritone (half tuba) for the part. Perfectly done. (But really wasn't something a non-parent would probably have noticed!)

Still, we celebrated with some Schwan's Andes Mint Pie. Because that's what we do in this house. Make note of the positives with sweet rewards that prompt us to make joyful noises of our own!

Good King Wenceslas

2011-12-05T21:15:00.003-06:00

Good King Wenceslas looked out on the feast of Stephen...

I didn't know King Wenceslas personally, but I trust he was as good as they say. I'm also betting the Feast of Stephen was one heck of a celebration. Not anything like our Feast of Stephen (Stevens Point, that is) tonight.

Nope. Tonight, it was more like Stevens Point feasting on us.

We played hoops at Pacelli. After beating them on our home turf a few weeks ago, I was falsely over-confident going into this game. Assuming we were going to sweep them this year. We know what happens when we assume. It's not a good thing -- even if our school name is Assumption!

The boys fell behind early and were just never able to catch up. We kept it close, though, and were within 2 points several times. Just couldn't get past them. Ended up losing 35-28 (thanks to some last-minute fouls that put Pacelli up even further).

Carter did OK. Nothing to brag about but nothing to hang his head over either. So we still got to enjoy the good part about the Feast of Stevens Point... going to Polito's after the game for those plate-sized slices of pizza!

C'mon, every Christmas carol has a happy ending, doesn't it?

Brightly shown the moon that night, though (our loss) was cruel...

Mary, Did You Know?

2011-12-04T20:41:00.000-06:00

Mary, did you know... that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Are you ready for Christmas? Depends on what you mean by ready. Am I anticipating it? Yes. Am I prepared for it? No.

And I am not alone in this.

Tonight I was among several dozen women who enjoyed an Advent by Candlelight service at my friend Jenny's church in town. Through special readings & scripture, prayer, singing and dessert (Lutheran tradition calls for coffee and dessert, you know), we discussed how we can be ready for Christmas with our Greetings, Goodies and Gifts.

Basically -- and we've heard this before -- we need to slow down and take a moment to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season... Not Black Friday deals or overzealous light displays and everything in between.

It all started with Mary.

Do you honestly think that when she gave birth in a stable that someday the anniversary of the event would evolve into the madness it is today? One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Mary, Did You Know?" Like all mothers, this woman probably just wanted to give birth to a healthy baby. Although she had an inkling how special He would be, I don't think she knew the extent.

And it probably didn't matter. Just like I love my son with all my heart -- and I don't know and don't care if he will be a doctor saving lives some day or crunching numbers for a low-paying nonprofit. I just love him because he brings me joy.

In our candlelight service, we were reminded of this and encouraged to share the real Christmas story in our greetings (cards and letters), our goodies (treats we find in scripture and song) and our gifts (giving of our hearts and time).

I sat there feeling a little bit guilty knowing I have done my share of shopping for material gifts already and spend several hours today -- while watching another Viking loss -- prepping Christmas cards and letters (with little focus on Jesus) for mailing.

I hope the thought counts for something. And it's not too late to keep sharing here either.

Let's do what we can to be ready.

Deck the Halls

2011-12-03T21:09:00.006-06:00

Deck the halls with boughs of holly... Fa la la la la la la la la...

The process of Decking our Halls -- and the whole house for that matter -- luckily started on Thanksgiving.
Hubby put up the icicles lights that day because it was warm (relatively speaking) and sunny. Good move. If he had waited until today it would have been a no go.

It was a miserable rainy day that is still threatening to turn to sleet and snow in the overnight hours. Jim and I had to take an unexpected field trip to Neillsville, which is the halfway point between Rapids and Eau Claire. Casey's car has been leaking oil so we delivered his mom's car to him and I followed in our car so Jim could have a ride back home. It rained the whole drive but stayed above freezing.

When we got back to town, we stopped at Walgreens to pick up our Christmas cards and then picked up groceries at Wal-Mart. Got home and I donned my apron and made a dozen Amish Friendship Bread muffins, 5 small loaves of it (for gifts) and 2 regular-size loaves of it. While that was baking, I took our new "slim" tree out of the box, assembled it and dragged up some Christmas decorations from the basement.

Carter and I usually watch a Christmas movie while we're Decking the Halls. So we plugged in Elf. He watched and I decked. We only had to move the TV over a few inches instead of a foot or so like usual. I think it turned out fine. A slim tree does not have to look like a Charlie Brown tree at all.
I just have to find the tree skirt and add some gifts and we're good to go!

After the decking, we went next door to watch the Badger game in the Man Cave. Hubby grilled brats and burgers in the rain and we had a sloppy winter tailgate ... indoors. Watched the first half but now am home and getting Carter off to bed.

He's had a tough day. Pretty much he was doing this all day...
and honestly, finally took a shower and put "real" clothes on right before supper. I know. I'm jealous, too!

But 'tis the season to fa-la-la-la-lounge.

What Child is This?

2011-12-02T22:19:00.003-06:00

What Child is this, who laid to rest,

On Mary's lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet

While shepherds watch are keeping?

We had our third hoops game of the week tonight at Marathon, just outside of Wausau. I remember last year before our first game against them, I thought, "Oh, little Marathon -- we can handle them!" But that little school handled us. Big time.

Tonight I think I was a bit more prepared. Or so I thought.

The game starts and I did a double-take. Out on the court was #13. What child is this? That's my child out there starting his first game!

That in itself was an exciting moment. I'm not sure how it came to be but I'm glad they were giving him a chance. He played OK, but not great. No one did. We were somewhat out of sync tonight and getting handled badly. Again.

But the angels greeted Carter with something sweet in the fourth quarter... a basket! Yes, he finally scored!

What child is this?? I don't know, but he better keep coming back!

That little 2-point shot really gave his confidence a shot, too. Even though we lost 59-32, he's got that little smile going. And so does Dad. And so does Mom. Stopped at McDonald's on the way home for supper -- and an eggnog shake -- to celebrate!

What child is this? This, this is our blessing.

Blue Christmas

2011-12-01T19:30:00.002-06:00

I'll have a Blue Christmas without you...

I've issued a challenge to my creative self. I am going to try to use the name of a Christmas carol as my blog title each day until Christmas. Somehow I will make the content and title match up -- even if it's a bit of a stretch. (I grant myself total creative license here.)

Today I'm thinking blue -- Assumption Royal Blue to be exact. For a couple reasons.

First, I have been on a hunt for the perfect color of blue cardstock to match our school colors. I need this for Carter's middle school scrapbook, which I would like to start sooner rather than later before I get even more behind in his school books.

This isn't a new obstacle. I have been searching since mid-September -- stopping at every scrapping store in every town I spy one -- with no luck. How hard is it to find blue paper, you ask? Apparently very hard. There are seriously dozens of shades of plain blue scrapping paper. A few have come close, like the sheets I found at Bargain Bill's up north, but once I got them home, they weren't quite it. I also ordered some online this week because they looked like the perfect match on the computer screen. One set arrived today. It is close but still not it.

What price does one pay for perfection? So far, about $22 and counting. Yikes. I'll keep searching.

The other reason Assumption Royal Blue is on my mind is that we have 3 basketball games in 5 nights this week. Tonight was game #2. We played at home against Wausau Newman, who killed us a few weeks ago with 3-pointers and did so again tonight. Carter got to play some. Did OK but nothing for the scorebook. Final stomping was 57-38.

Yikes. I do hope a Blue Christmas has nothing to do with sadness or loss... just that perfect must-have shade of Assumption Royal Blue!

Grand Funk

2011-11-30T19:33:00.003-06:00

Most of the time, I consider myself a Modern Day woman. I can think on my own two feet. And run on them, too. I will not let myself be defined by what job I hold or whose hand I hold.

That's most of the time. But some of the time, well, a lot of the time, I do let something define me.

Just this little thing. Not much bigger than a bread box. But it can make or break my day. My week. My year. Just this little thing. With the power to seduce me some days. And push me around on others. But like a woman trapped in an abusive relationship, I just can't leave it. Tomorrow things may change...

I know I'm not the only woman who gives this power to her bathroom scale. Am I?

Why do we do it? I just don't know.

What I do know is that when the numbers are up, I am feeling down. Not so much the Great Depression kind of down. More like I'm in a Grand Funk these days.

This hip business that ground my running to a halt for a month has done a number on me. Make that a big number. I haven't weighed this much since Carter was 6 months old and I decided to make some changes. Of course, back then I practically starved myself to get down to a size 6 and I certainly don't expect or need to get down there again. And wouldn't do it that way. But I can't get over the fact that in the 8 years I've been at my current employer, I have put on 20 pounds. How does that happen?

Obviously, it doesn't happen overnight, but it can be a shocker when it catches up with you. I never claimed to be a svelte runner. I have said I am more like a runner in a shot-putter's body. And when I am actively running, I am OK with that. I get my daily dose of endorphins so I am happy. At that point, my scale is not defining me -- my feeling of accomplishment is. So is my sense of health and well-being.

I decided this week that while my hip continues to heal and I am gradually getting my runner's high back, I need to find an alternate source of endorphins. Don't worry -- this doesn't get dirty!

Yesterday I went over to the fitness center at lunch (like a I used to) and gently pedaled on the recumbent bike for half an hour. It didn't hurt me or kill me. In fact, I went back again today and hopped on the treadmill to stretch the legs out. That didn't kill me either. In fact, I might go back tomorrow and sit down on the bike again.

You know what else is good about this? For the first time since probably August, I am taking an actual lunch break instead of eating at my desk so I can continue to work. Did you think my scale was the only thing with power over me? No wonder I'm in this funk.

I think I better crank up a little Funky Town on my MP3 player and do something about it! And you know we Modern Day women are always up for a challenge!

Speed Work

2011-11-29T21:17:00.002-06:00

We just got an Internet upgrade so it is something like 5 times faster than what we have so I feel the need to type fast and think fast in run-on sentences to demonstrate my speed work!

Whew! That's too exhausting! Plus I really can't move fast after sitting on the bleachers the last 3+ hours.

Carter had a home game this evening against St. Pete's (from Stevens Point). It started out as a pretty close game but somehow we ran away with it and won 54-39. When we have a good lead, the second string gets more playing time so Carter got to play quite a bit. That's good. He needs more practice and more confidence.

Tonight he definitely was not afraid. He put up the ball 3 times -- was 0 for 3 but he was trying. He also had 3 fouls so I guess he is getting a bit more aggressive. Now he just needs to keep it legal.

After his game, we went directly over to the high school and watched the varsity boys take on Port Edwards. We fell behind immediately and at one point we were down 22-13. But somehow, with some speed work of their own, we got the ball back, the lead back and a win! A big win -- 71-57! What a fun game!

We told Carter he missed a good one. Oh he was there alright, but spent the entire game in the cafeteria with 3 girls.

I don't even want to know about that speed work! Not at all!

Cyber Monday

2011-11-28T21:26:00.000-06:00

For the people not willing (or stupid enough) to go Black Friday shopping, today was their day. Just sit at computer, browse a few websites, find a gift, punch in your credit card number and Santa will add it to his sleigh.

Now why didn't I think of that?

Actually, a good shopper combines Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals... and sandwiches in a Cookie Bake in between!

I did find a few minutes today to find that one thing Carter and I looked for yesterday. So my shopping for my hubby and for my name drawn in his family are all done, too. Carter's godparents are all taken care of. My twin sister's gift arrived in the mail this weekend, too. I am on a roll. And I like it.

Ultimately, the goal is to have most shopping done and the cards sent out in the mail by the first weekend in December so I can enjoy all 12 to 24 days of Christmas in a state of Hallmark-channel induced relaxation.

It's always good to have a goal. I just rarely reach it. Right now I am stuck on one little part of the card project. I think the creativity train has left the station. I also am staring at a bare corner of the living room that usually houses that big, fat useless prelit tree that is slowly burned out to partially lit. And a small part.

We are contemplating getting a different tree. I'd like a "slim" one since the new TV takes up more room now. I also don't care if it's prelit. That's so temporary. You end up stringing lights in 3 years or less anyway! Our problem is what to do with the old one. It's still a big, fat artificial tree. It's just heavy as heck and only one little section of the built-in lights work.

They wouldn't take that at Goodwill would they? Or where?? We're open to ideas. I am still working on that New Year's resolution that requires non-hoarding thinking. Get rid of something then replace. Don't add something to the pile.

It's always good to have a goal.

Right now I have to do some non-fun cyber spending. It's called bill paying.

Bah Humbug!

Safely Home Again

2011-11-27T19:21:00.002-06:00

Amazingly, I put 400+ miles on the car since yesterday morning and not once did I have to brake for a deer or slow down due to slippery road conditions. If this is traveling in late November in Wisconsin, I'll take it!

Actually the drive up to my twin sister's (near Siren) was a tough one. It was foggy and drizzly the whole 4 hours. But it could have been worse, much worse. And we were there before noon so we could make the most of the day.

We definitely packed a lot into our 35 hours away.

Saturday was busy with the Cookie Bake slash Exchange slash Game Day! Had a good crowd of 4 of my 6 sisters, my brother, my mom, two nephews (one w/girlfriend) and 4 nieces (one w/boyfriend). Between visiting, eating and playing games, we were laughing it up til late in the evening.

After everyone left, Raylene and I roped Carter into watching a holiday movie with us on Hallmark from 9-11 p.m. (Oh don't let him fool you, he got into it.)

Got up early today so we could visit my parents a bit and drop a few things off ... and fix a few things. Sometimes I forget how old and needy they are. Glad I can do little things for them -- like show them how to work their remote!

After our visit, Carter and I headed home with a mission to stop at Bargain Bill's in Rice Lake for a scrapbooking mission, then the Oakwood Mall for a major shopping mission. After stopping into every top brand-name store imaginable for Carter's "needs," my wallet was a lot lighter but at least I got some things crossed off his Wish List. On the other hand, hubby's list went unchecked. I had something in mind, just didn't find it. So we headed home. For real this time.

Saw a ton of cars and a lot of speed-trap cops, too. But no deer.

Glad to be home safely. Just in time for another Hallmark movie.

Putzy Cookie Bake Project

2011-11-26T15:35:00.001-06:00

Now that the annual Hedberg Cookie Bake is in full swing at my sister Raylene's house, I can finally unveil my putzy cookie bake project. I just call this "I'm melting!"

Is that not adorable -- if I do say so myself?? I have to give hubby all the credit. He spotted something like this online and said, "You could do this!"
And so I did!

And you can, too. The base is a sugar cookie. You can use small tubes of decorator's icing to make the "surprise" snowman faces on the marshmallow. Set aside so the frosting sets. Then you put the plain white cookie icing on the cookie and spead out with the back of a spoon so it looks like it's melting over the edges. Put snowman head in place and add the frosting buttons and arms.

Now this is where mine got super-putzy. I couldn't find a small tube of black decorator frosting for the eyes, mouth and arms. So I used dark purple for the eyes and mouth, but for the arms, I used licorice. I opted for brown chocolate licorice since I wasn't sure everyone in my family liked black licorice. Then I used my kitchen scissors and cut out all the teeny-tiny arms and twig hands. Uff da.

Super putzy. But worth it.

The Black Side

2011-11-25T11:02:00.004-06:00

When I worked for some retail trade magazines, I learned the meaning behind "Black Friday." If a business makes enough profit the day after Thanksgiving, they could finish the year with their accounting ledgers in the black -- versus red, signifying debt.

I'm pretty sure from my experience last night, though, that they call it Black Friday because the irresistible sales call to the deep, dark, black corner of our hearts where selfishness and greed reside.

And it's ugly.

This year was the first year that most major chains decided to open at midnight Thursday instead of waiting until 5 a.m. Friday. And some, even at 10 p.m. Thursday! I thought, "Who would have the energy to shop Thanksgiving night after indulging in turkey, stuffing, pie and couch time all day??"

The answer: Just about everyone!

Personally, I only started going out on Black Friday the last couple of years when there was something I had been waiting to purchase and it was finally a great deal. I have never been there, though, for the exact moment a store opens and the crowd of thousands rush in. I had no idea what I was missing!

Last night, Carter volunteered to come with me to Wal-Mart, where I had my eye on two items -- one (a gift) going on sale at 10 p.m. and the other (a small digital camera) at midnight. The thing with Wal-Mart is that it is open 24 hours so they have cellophane wrap around all the Black Friday deals, then cut it open at the time it goes on sale and people can grab it. I guess it beats waiting out in the cold for a store to open.

We initially were going to get to the store at 10:30 p.m., grab the item and then just wait for the other. At the last-minute, I decided we should probably get there before 10. I don't know what rock I've been living under but nothing could prepare me for the shock of the full parking lots in and near Wal-Mart and parking on the roads nearby. We're talking a Super Center with a ton of parking. Holy crap. Where did all these people come from?

Armed with my Black Friday Store Map, I knew where we had to head to get this PS3 game. The produce section. I know, right? They have things in weird places. So we get into the store and there is a mass of hundreds of people near the video area. We figured out they were standing around pallets of games but we couldn't see which one had PS3 games and which had Wii. When we finally peeked through enough people to see which one had the PS3 Madden '12 game, we elbowed our way close.

Which, in reality, was nowhere close.

When the time signaled for the cellophane to come off, it was scary. I mean seriously life-threatening scary. Carter and I were trying to reach in, but while getting pushed and jostled and squished from every direction. Were we going to be trampled alive? I thought I was going to faint at one point. But getting flattened against the shelf of apples brought me back in a hurry. Ouch.

Needless to say, the pallet was cleared in 18 seconds tops. And our hands were empty.

Since we were stuck in the mass, we did manage to grab a few Blu-ray movies nearby for $5 a piece -- but nothing we couldn't live without.

Now here's the top-secret deal that the store doesn't want you to know... On a whim, we went back to the electronics department to see if there were any games back there on sale. They are all under lock and key but the attendant had the one by the PS3 games open. When we spotted the Madden game on the shelf, I figured we might as well get it since that's the only thing our nephew Colin wanted anyway. The guy hands it to me and I say, "Can we still get the deal on this even if it wasn't up front?" He says, "As far as I know."

Seriously? We could have waltzed back here -- with all body parts intact -- first? (I'd lock that tip away for later.)

I wasn't going to get my hopes up until we checked out. When they scanned it and the $28 price popped up, Carter and I just looked at each other like we won the lottery.

Pretty pathetic.

So we took the goods out to the car. Gave each other a high five and said, "That's it for Round 1!"

Oh yeah, we knew exactly what we had to do for Round 2...

At 12:21 a.m. my Black Friday shopping was done. Thanks to skirting the rules a bit, I had the two items I wanted.

But I felt kind of black inside.

More Stuffing?

2011-11-24T20:56:00.003-06:00

I can see what turkeys have to squawk about. It is no fun being stuffed! In fact, it's almost painful!

But it's Thanksgiving. The food is good so we eat it. And eat some more. Then just a bit more. Lord knows we won't get pumpkin pie if we don't clean our plate!

Oh, I am thinking of how unhealthy I feel at the moment. But feel fortunate we had an excellent meal at my in-laws and nice time visiting with hubby's side of the family. Casey is home from college this weekend so we got to see him, too. Bonus!

Throughout the month of November leading up to Thanksgiving, I have been posting something I am thankful for each day as my "status" on Facebook. You know, I hardly made a dent. I never had to think "Oh boy, I wonder what I can say today?" It was always, "There are so many things, how do I narrow it down to one?"

That's what I love about this time of year. A real focus on gratitude.

Today -- in central Wisconsin anyway -- we can all certainly be thankful for the gorgeous day. No travel worries, that's for sure. It was sunny and mild. Felt like 50 but who knows if it really got up there. Just nice enough for hubby to hang all the icicle lights outside and for me to attempt another run/walk.

I went at noon. Everyone was either inside eating or watching the Lions game, so no traffic and no deer hunters. I still wore my blaze orange hat, of course. I was thankful that I managed fine on my 4-mile route. Still alternated walking and running with each song but my hip didn't scream at me so I took that as a good sign.

In the midafternoon, we headed into town. Stopped by our friends the Jacksons first since their 13-year-old was visiting from Georgia. So Carter got to spend a little time with him anyway before we went to Jim's parents.

Since we are so far away from my family, it sure makes Thanksgiving special when I can spend it with my other family and close friends. How lucky we are!

I bet you are, too. Hope you all found much to be thankful for today. I'm sure God wouldn't mind if we thanked him for those blessings every day -- not just the last Thursday in November!

Thank you, God. And thank YOU for being a special part of my life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Full Already

2011-11-23T22:05:00.007-06:00

We only had a half day at work today so did not bother with the hour commute. I got done what I needed to and filled the rest of the day. And I mean it was full.

Since we had basketball last night, we missed Parent-Teacher Conferences for Carter. But since there was no school today, they held them again from 9-noon. That worked out even better. No lines and it took just over an hour -- versus a 3-hour evening with much standing. (We'll lock this discovery away for next year.)

So what can we learn about our son in 70 minutes that we didn't already know? Not much. But it's always good to hear it again. While his report card has some areas in need of improvement, he certainly didn't lack for positive reports from his teachers. I will never get tired of hearing he is a "good kid," respectful, reliable and "a pleasure to have in class."

We certainly aren't ones to take that for granted. So when we got home, we decided we'd take Carter out for lunch -- his choice. While I finished up some work, he mulled over his options. I'm so glad he didn't pick fast food! We ended up going to Hong Kong Buffet, where you eat too much then need a nap. Luckily, this was one of those days we could take one!

But I didn't.

I baked up some more Amish Friendship Bread. This time I made muffins, too. Then I whipped together some grape salads for Thanksgiving and the Cookie Bake Potluck. By then it was 4 o'clock already and getting dark. I donned my reflective vest, my blaze orange hat and running shoes, and headed down the road. I did a 2-mile route again of running for one song, walking for one, running again and so on. That seems to do the trick. I still have the discomfort in my "only time will heal" hip, but it's not as bad as it was a week ago and not nearly as bad as a month ago. Patience.

After I showered, I got ready for church. Didn't have to make supper since we were all still full from lunch! Carter and I went to church at 6:30. Had a nice Thanksgiving Eve service. Carter and the confirmation students did all the worship readings, prayers, etc. Afterwards, we had a pie social because a person can never have too much pumpkin pie during Thanksgiving week.

Got home and I really could have just gone to bed after such a full day. But I had this wise idea to play cards with hubby. I must be tired because he beat me and beat me bad. And I didn't even put up a fight.

I better rest up. Tomorrow is going to be just as full. And so will my tummy!

Victory :: We'll take it

2011-11-22T20:58:00.004-06:00

Dateline AUBURNDALE -- When the score at the end of the first quarter was something like 5-5, we knew it wasn't going to be pretty. But in the end, an ugly win is still a win!

Our 8th-grade boys really did do a pretty good job on defense and held Auburndale to just 13 points. For the whole game! So we got our first win -- and on the road to boot -- with a final score of 22-13.

Carter had some good plays on defense and was 0 for 2 on offense. He was up against this giant of a man-child and couldn't get a shot over him. Oh well, at least he was trying.

On the way home, we had to spoil the victor (isn't that how the saying goes?) and stop at Chips Hamburgers to get him supper. He even ordered a mint shake and I didn't. (Just too many visions of sugar plums and pumpkin pies dancing in my head already.)

After depositing the boys at home, I went to Wal-Mart to scope out the store. Not really. I already printed out my Black Friday store map. I was just going to get a few ingredients for some salads I am making for Thanksgiving dinner and my family gathering Saturday. A surprisingly light crowd. And a surprising supply of ingredients still in stock. If I had the time and ambition to make a pumpkin pie, I could!

But I don't have either. Even if this is my "Friday" and I am not back in the office until Monday, I have things to do before the weekend -- cookies to sort and divvy up, an early Christmas present to wrap and at least one more Christmas book to finish.

Oooh, that last one involves relaxing under my warm blankets. Let's start there...

Holiday Greetings

2011-11-21T20:18:00.004-06:00

We were rewarded with an unexpected "free night" tonight. No basketball game or practice to go to. No homework to oversee. No supper to make since the fridge is bursting with leftovers. Nothing on TV that I really have to see.

What to do?

I figured I might as well print out labels for Christmas card envelopes. Don't get all envious. I don't have envelopes yet. Let alone a card picked out or photo for it. But heck, you start one part of the process and the rest is sure to come, right?

It did!

I said to hubby, "Do you think we really need to include a letter this year or can we just send a photo card?" Those who know I try to "create" a different type of letter or card layout each year know this is sure sign I am in a holiday funk. Would I really send something out that doesn't reflect any creativity on my part?

Hubby gave me permission. He said, "That's fine if we just do the card."

Wow, what a relief. One less thing to do!

But of course, as I was sitting at the computer, watching the address labels print out, I was struck with an idea. And I ran with it!

In 30 minutes, I had our "letter" designed, printed and proofed by a top-notch editor. And I like it.

I guess I do work best under deadline. Next deadline should be getting some sort of card to go with it. Oh and stamps, too. First deadline, though, is finishing up that Peppermint Stick ice cream before it melts!

M-m-m... what holiday stress?

What's for Supper -- Besides Elephant?

2011-11-20T20:58:00.004-06:00

There have been more than a few occasions in my life where I failed to get something done because the task was just too daunting. When that happens, I try to recall the sage advice about tackling something larger than life...

How do you eat an elephant?

One bite at a time.

Sounds logical. But we forget sometimes.

After several late nights this school year, I have tried -- and just keep trying -- to instill this philosophy in Carter. He is awesome on the day-to-day homework, but as we found out last week with his big social studies project, he's not the best with time management and long-range planning.

When he doesn't do anything about it, he is suddenly facing elephant for supper.

On Friday, when I realized his next grading period ends Tuesday already, I said he better get done reading his book (that he has been oh-so-gradually reading for a month). I asked him yesterday -- since he didn't read on Friday -- how many pages he had left. Oh about 300.

Good grief.

So he pretty much spent most of the day in his room reading. He is not the quickest reader on the planet to begin with, but I suspect his pouting and self-pity slowed him down even further. I wisely didn't buy into it for a change. I knew I did my part weeks ago when I suggested reading a few pages a night so he could get it done in time. Who wants to sacrifice a whole weekend?

Of course, if he was any sort of chip off this old block, he would love a chance to do nothing but read all weekend! But he's not like that. Yet anyway.

He did manage to finish the book today and thoroughly enjoyed it. Do you think he'll remember this for the next grading period? Probably not. But I've got my own elephant to eat.

Spent a few hours this afternoon at my friend Becky's house scrapbooking. I'm facing lots of pages and albums on my "to do" list but as long as I keep chipping away at it and get a few pages done here and there, I feel good about the progress.

This is a good thing. I have no desire to eat an elephant.

Even if it was covered with ice cream!

Happy Hunting

2011-11-19T18:48:00.005-06:00

Today is opening day of the Wisconsin gun-deer season. Usually we are awakened by the sound of gunshots -- like we're living in the ghetto -- but today, nothing. I don't know if that's because we had a fan on low to create some white noise or if hunters weren't seeing anything in the drizzle.

I still woke up way too early for going to bed at 1 a.m. Good thing I did not have to be that productive today. And I wasn't.

Got a few chores and errands done. Spent probably too much time making a creative treat for our upcoming Cookie Bake. But in the end, it was worth it. I even took pictures but now I can't post them until after the exchange or it won't be a surprise!

I have another surprise under my blaze-orange hat, too! Call it my successful hunt... I have been thinking of ideas for a gift for my twin sister for Christmas. I had a few ideas but then something just fell into my lap and I could not pass it up. So now I am very excited and can't wait to surprise her. Again, I'll have to wait until after our family gift exchange in mid-December to share.

So what can I tell you?

Well, I got off my butt and got out for walk/run again. This time I alternated more frequently. I walked for a song in my mp3 player, then ran for a song, then walked for one and so on. My hip was uncomfortable but not so painful it forced me to stop or anything. So I'll just keep it slow and gradual, exercising patience more than anything else!

I did see a 6-point buck cross the road in front of me when I was just about back to Deer Road. Imagine that, a deer by Deer Road. Hmm... do hunters just think it's too obvious??

Good luck to you hunters searching for the big buck and you other "hunters" searching to spend a few bucks!

A Night at the Opera

2011-11-18T23:58:00.001-06:00

OK, so we weren't exactly at the opera, but my friend Christine and I enjoyed a night at the theatre anyway. And yes, I spelled theatre in the hoighty-toighty way because we are just that special.

We cut out of work a bit early so we could get over to Appleton while it was still light out, park near the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, then grab dinner. We got a free meal at Victoria's, an awesome Italian restaurant nearby.

I'm not kidding about the free meal. We happened to run into one of her co-workers from their Appleton office. Didn't think any more of it. Enjoyed a great meal and even ordered dessert to go. Then our waitress came over and said our check was already taken care of. Say what? OK, mysterious benefactor, thank you! Turns out it was her co-worker, so not so much a mystery any more but still very much appreciated!

The show -- Les Miserables -- was another pleasant surprise.

Sitting way up on the 4th level -- front row -- I was not looking down, just concentrating on the stage and hoping for the best. It did not disappoint.

This is the 25th anniversary Broadway tour but my first time seeing Les Miz (as we say in the theatre crowd). It was quite different from anything I'd seen. For one, it was a lot of male voices. Totally the opposite of Wicked, that's for sure. Secondly, there were few if any spoken lines. Every thing was sung. So in that aspect, it sort of was like a night at the opera.

It's a serious story so I didn't expect any moments of levity. But there were a few and they were incredibly entertaining. Some of the time I wasn't sure what they were singing about, but we both got very caught up in the story and were bawling at the end. Good stuff.

And good to know Culture occasionally makes a pit stop in central Wisconsin.

Special Deliveries

2011-11-17T20:10:00.008-06:00

Once your kid is in school -- well even preschool -- the fundraisers start and there is no end in sight. Now that Carter is going to a private school, the need for "extra" funding seems ten-fold. So pretty much any time one fundraiser ends, another starts.

Good thing I like some of the stuff he's selling!

We just picked up several boxes of those delicious Butter Braids he was selling in October. Tonight hubby and I split up the goods and each took a delivery route. He got to drop off orders out here in the country and I went to town.

Where was Carter in all this? I mean this is HIS fundraiser after all! Unfortunately, he was home on the couch with an "owie tummy" (as we used to say when he was little).

This is the second day he's come home with this. Yesterday he skipped basketball practice and came home to rest instead. He felt fine this morning, which was good since Daddy and Mommy had too much work to do to stay home. (Yes, we're terrible.) He called me at work, though, around 12:30 and said his stomach hurt again. I said, "Are you sure you can't tough it out a few hours? Or is it so bad you just can't make it?" Naturally, he says, "I just can't make it!"

Grandpa Austin's chauffeur business to the rescue!

So Carter had to miss basketball practice again. He got some rest, though, and then did his homework tonight when Jim and I ran around the countryside, spreading good cheer through frozen food!

What is Carter's next fundraiser? I'm glad you asked!

2012 Music Raffle Calendars. For $20 you get a calendar that not only fits in your purse or man bag, but gives you a chance to win money -- every day. My mom bought one last year and covered her expense with one $25 win on a day in May. Contact us for details.

Ha. I'm shameless. At this point I might as well put a plug in for my upcoming Scentsy party. Doing a book party starting Turkey weekend for these awesome "non-burning candles" of sorts. If you want to smell what you're missing, let me know and I'll stop by with samples. If you are interested in ordering, certainly get in touch with me.

I better stop. I don't want anyone to blame me if they don't have money to spend on Black Friday. And based on what I saw in "leaked" advertisements, there are some good deals to be had.

You just won't get a cute delivery guy like Jim or Carter Austin!

It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want to...

2011-11-16T20:51:00.002-06:00

I wasn't wearing a special outfit. I didn't make any fancy food. I didn't even have a guest list. But I was ready for a party today.

Pity Party, that is.

I really, really wanted to have one. But managed to hold off.

Work was a bit too challenging. Am still behind because of my "lack of computer" issues. So am a bit stressed there. Then learned our work team is being "right-sized" from 4 members to 3. Sure, I'm grateful to be among the remaining 3, but don't see it as a good thing for the guy who was shown the door or those of us who will pick up his workload. So I am a bit stressed there, too.

But as usual, just when I am about to don that party dress, I stop, take a breath and think long and hard about why I don't have it so bad.

Today's thought process did not have to be very long or hard.

Remember I told you about that 8-year-old boy who died Friday afternoon when he was hit by a truck while crossing the street? Today was his funeral. I can't even imagine what it would be like to have to bury my son. I have merely an inkling of the pain and sorrow the parents, siblings, family and friends are experiencing. I don't know how I could endure that. Even with God's help, I just don't know.

What I do know is that anything I would have dreamed about whining and complaining about is so petty, it's embarrassing.

And I'm grateful for that. Time to shove that party dress to the back of the closet.

For now.

Fast Break

2011-11-15T20:42:00.003-06:00

It's after 8:30 and I still didn't eat supper yet, so this is just a fast break to blog.

First stop of the day was at the chiropractor. He's a Vikings fan, too -- yes, I surround myself with them -- so we commiserated a bit but were not surprised by the outcome of last night's game. It is a nice surprise, however, to wake and discover I won the Packer pool at work. Weird how that only happens for the Vikings games. Must be my consolation prize!

The chiropractor appointment went fine. Hip and back feel much better but unfortunately, I didn't have time to test it out in a run today.

Work was busy. Finally successfully logged onto to my computer at work this afternoon. Two full work days without a computer is not good for my productivity this week.

Had to get home by 5 so we could get Carter into town for his basketball game. Tonight they played Amherst. This is always a fun matchup because Carter gets to play against Harry, his best buddy from summers in Iola. They even guarded each other tonight. That was cool.

Amherst ended up beating us by 9 points and that was better than it looked for awhile! Carter was zero percent shooting (0 for 2) from the floor. His friend Harry sunk a 3-pointer though! We'll see how it goes when we play at Amherst in a month!

Got home after 7:30 so missed the first half of Glee but caught the end and think it must have been pretty darn good. Carter is still doing homework and has yet to take a shower.

Looks like he could use a fast break, too. I better log off and see if I can help!

Let 'Er Rip

2011-11-14T21:04:00.003-06:00

As we sat in the bleachers in a gymnasium in Wausau watching our 8th-grade boys slowly get stomped on, one mom commented, "This is like slowly ripping a Band-Aid off." That pretty much sums up the day.

Tiny twinges of pain culminating in a big fat headache.

I arrived at work to learn my computer died over the weekend and did not have the strength for a Monday-morning comeback. I called our help line right away but didn't get a human response 'til 10 a.m. Then the human was, well, human -- and erred in his setup of a new computer so it was back to the phone line. It was a slow, painful process that never did get resolved.

I was fortunate someone was absent so I could use her computer. I just didn't have access to some of my files and tried not to think about the hundreds, maybe thousands, of files I lost on my fried computer.

Ouch.

We headed up to Wausau right after work for Carter's 6 p.m. game vs. Newman. I'm not sure what the deal was but we were not in sync at all. Carter played OK, had one steal but missed a few opportunities to get the ball to an open player. But there was a lot of that all around.

I think at the end first quarter Newman was leading 17-2. Then by half it was 33-11. Are you feeling our pain yet? The final score was 60-31.

Big ouch.

Sure glad the Vikings are doing everything we expected against the Packers. Ha. They are actually. I don't think they are expected to score. I feel bad for my poor young boyfriend Christian Ponder. I bet he knows what that slowly peeling Band-Aid feels like right about now. I wish I could just rip it off for you, dear, but we still have another half to play!

Ouch.

No wonder I can't get rid of this headache. Time to take 2 aspirin and call it a night already.

Special Alert

2011-11-13T20:46:00.001-06:00

I have to thank my friend Christine for alerting me of a Christmas movie on the Hallmark Channel. I had heard rumors they started airing already, but I hadn't had time to check into it. Christine's call came just as I found myself with the couch and remote all myself -- a Christmas miracle itself!

So I am enjoying a new holiday flick and relaxing. A perfect way to wrap up what turned out to be a weekend without that much "down time."

Today after church and Sunday school, I spent a few hours baking up my holiday treats for my family's annual Cookie Bake / Exchange coming up Thanksgiving weekend. I figured I better get them done in case next weekend gets busy, too, as weekends tend to do. After that I did some quick grocery shopping so I could get home and take a walk.

We've had 2 mild days in a row so the snow is gradually melting away. Yay! Plus, I figured it was time to hit the road. It's been 3 weeks since my hip went haywire. Thanks to the multiple chiropractor visits, chair massages and my new stretching regimen, it feels 100 times better. But I suspect it needs to feel 200 times better before I can run again.

Today I went for a short 2-mile walk. After the first half mile, I was delighted my hips and legs felt OK. So jogged slowly -- really slowly -- for just a half mile. And it felt fine. But I wisely just walked the last mile home. Don't know how it will feel tomorrow so I didn't want to push it.

That was hard. Don't like holding back. I am getting antsy.

Just glad my hip bone stayed connected to my leg bone! Hopefully, going forward, I won't have any more "body in pain" alerts. Just "Christmas movie on channel 84" ones!

Happy Days

2011-11-12T22:18:00.003-06:00

I've always been a fan of musicals -- from the heart break of West Side Story to the nonsense of Nunsense to the cleverness of Wicked. I love them!

In the past few years, I have been fortunate to see a few productions with Broadway touring groups and they have been phenomenal (Lion King was unreal). But I'll take an unpolished high school production any day, too. One, there's a good chance you know some of the kids. And two, it's a heckuva lot cheaper!

Tonight hubby and I had a date and saw the Assumption High School production of Happy Days. I've said it before, I am a big fan of the Fonz -- especially after he kissed me six years ago! So this was a must-see. They did an incredible job so I'm glad we decided to go.

Hubby and I were apart all day leading up to our date at Arnold's. He drove up to Eau Claire to take Casey Christmas shopping. With the older boys, we tell them what we are spending, they pick out what they want, I wrap it and they act surprised on Christmas morning. It works. They're happy and we get the shopping done early.

Carter and I bummed around this afternoon and, without planning to, got some Christmas shopping done, too. Bonus! We also got my new purple paper at the scrapbooking store, picked out charity Christmas gifts for a shoebox project at church, stopped at Rudolph cheese factory for cheese (and yes, ice cream) and wrapped up our day at ShopKo, where I managed to drop and shatter a Christmas ornament. Thankfully they didn't make me pay for the broken one -- except with embarrassment.

So now I have gifts to wrap. Yay! (Yup, I am one of those weird people who likes wrapping presents.) But I won't get to that tonight.

I'm pretty sure I need to meet someone at Inspiration Point.

A-a-a-a-y-y-y-y!

Those Who Gave

2011-11-11T21:30:00.000-06:00

On Veterans' Day, we have one simple thing to do: think and thank.

We need to think again about all the men and women who have served our country or gave their lives that we might enjoy the freedoms we have in America. Then thank them.

This is really something we should do every day. Heck, I wouldn't be writing this blog if someone somewhere along the line hadn't fought for our right to free speech. So I thank you veterans and all other personnel who served in peace time, too. You deserve much more appreciation than you are getting. Sorry we are falling down on the job.

For Carter's part, he and the Assumption Band played at a Veterans' Day ceremony at the Wood County courthouse in Rapids. Yes, it was cold. But that hour of discomfort can't compare to time in the trenches, in a POW camp or in a desert sand storm. Our mild complaints should be embarrassing when we think about it.

Tonight I was certainly reminded of that in a painful way.

There is one family in Wisconsin Rapids who will now remember Veterans' Day as the worst day of their lives.

Carter played basketball late this afternoon in Pittsville. This was about a 90-minute haul from work in Iola. When we were going through Rapids on the way, there were several emergency vehicles that had blocked the main road -- Grand Avenue -- so we were detoured. We were in a hurry and grumbled about the delay.

At a quick glance, we did not see any damaged vehicles or shattered glass on the scene so we didn't know what type of accident it was. When we got to the game, another parent remarked that it was blocked off when they came through an hour earlier. Nothing more was said, but when we got back to town after our loss (37-29), the road was still blocked and emergency personnel were still on the "scene" of whatever it was that happened. That's not a good sign.

We stopped to grab hamburgers and eat at Chip's. Since it was right on the "scene," we used the back entrance to the parking lot. While we were waiting for our food, just like every other patron before us, I'm sure, we asked what happened. What we learned made me lose my appetite -- and want to cry.

Two grade-school boys were crossing the street after school and one of them was struck and killed by a pickup truck. The emergency personnel were still trying to investigate the accident. And somewhere, a family sat reeling from the news that their son, probably a 4th- or 5th-grader, is gone. Forever.

He didn't give his life for our country. But he will always be remembered on Veterans' Day for his sacrifice.

Since his identity hasn't been reveled, we don't know yet if we know this boy or his family. But our hearts break all the same.

I hugged Carter extra hard tonight. If you can't think of one thing to be grateful for today, find one. If you have someone within a hundred yards of your computer who is still walking, talking and breathing, hug them and appreciate them. Veteran or not, show your love while the special people in your life are still in your life.

May God bless veterans and may God especially bless this newly grieving family.

Turning Pro

2011-11-10T18:45:00.001-06:00

I'm pretty sure when you ask a kid what they want to be when they grow up, they'll pick a pro football player or pro anything over pro crastinator. But if they aren't careful, that's their destiny.

On a day-to-day basis, Carter is excellent with his homework. He comes home from school, gets it done without asking and wouldn't dream of not handing something in in time. But with larger, longterm projects, he is not the best at planning things out and chipping away at it in manageable time blocks to get it done by deadline.

This is the situation we find ourselves in right now. And I say "we" because I lent my Cricut and crafting supplies (and guidance) to this project. It's just a booklet on an explorer that has to include some maps and journals and enough creativity to fill 24 pages. Little pages, but 24 pages nonetheless.

By Tuesday night, I could tell this was going to be a huge undertaking to get done by Friday. I told Carter that if he told me the letters he needed, I'd get them cut out on the Cricut for him and print out his info that is ready to go on pages.

Of course, I find out after I volunteered to help that he knew about this before last weekend. So he could have been working on it all weekend instead of facing a run to midnight tonight (he's got basketball practice, you know).

I envision this being a lesson to both of us -- Carter to better plan out his time and me to not volunteer to "help." (Craftiness is my weakness!)

I also know I can't lecture him about procrastination. We don't live in a glass house or anything, but I probably shouldn't be throwing stones anyway. I might hurt my back.

Honestly, I fully admit I procrastinate. Not in everything, mind you. Just when it comes to things I don't want to do. My Should List. You know you have one: I should clean out the closet... I should organize the office... I should clear off the counter and keep it that way! Oh there's plenty more should where those came from... It's just hard to get to that list. It's large. It's overwhelming. And I don't know where to start.

Too bad none of it requires cutting out letters on my Cricut. Then you know I'd be all over that. I'm sure I'd be a pro in no time!

Life-Sized Slushy

2011-11-09T19:09:00.007-06:00

The signs were all there. We just chose to ignore them. Yes, we heard the rumors this past weekend that snow may be on its way. I think when we got through Tuesday without a flake, we falsely assumed we were in the clear. Then, this morning, we wake up and they no long say Snow Advisory but a Winter Storm Warning... with a chance of 5-8 inches of snow.

In retrospect, the wise move would have been to take the golf clubs out of the car and find the snow brush, shovel and boots to put in. But no one accused us of being smart. Today anyway.

So we watched the snow pile up outside our windows at work. Heard reports of slippery roads. Observed the lights blinking several times through the course of the day as if they were on the brink of a power outage. Then decided to hit the road early.

We found out immediately that early -- 1:30 p.m. -- was not early enough.

Nothing was plowed for the first 30 miles of the trip, where my dear driver couldn't really safely accelerate beyond 30 mph in most places. Jim had to maneuver through a life-sized Slushy. And it was not a treat. It took an extra 20 minutes to get home.

I snapped some pictures quick before Carter got home off the bus and we had to head into town to the dentist. Thankfully, by then all the main roads were just wet. Side roads and parking lots were still a slushy mess. For those of you not in the path of this not-so-surprising Surprise Storm, this is what you're missing...

I think my days with Mr. Deck Chair are over for 2011. Sad.

The heavy, wet snow bent branches big time. We didn't lose any branches but, in many cases, trees fell on power lines and in nearby Stevens Point, for example, I guess thousands lost power. We count ourselves lucky!

Even the teeny tiny branches had a heavy load to bear.

Sorry, hummingbirds. You're on your own today. Unless you like Slushies...

Snow cone, anyone?

No sun was getting through to this solar panel! B-r-r-r! I get cold just looking at this!

The Batting Cage next door should probably close for the season, too.

Jim nominated himself chief groundskeeper and removed that snow before starting up the snowblower -- which started on the first try, by the way. Always a good time.

I'm pretty sure when he got done, he just came inside to warm up. Though he could have just chilled on the back deck. You'd join him, wouldn't you?

Turn the Page

2011-11-08T18:17:00.003-06:00

Why is it that in a child's eyes, parents are idiots?

I take that back. Not usually a child so much as a teen or a young adult. I don't get it.

And yet, I thought the same thing.

The cycle is pretty much a given. We are "gods" in our trusting child's eyes until about 10 or 12 years of age, when they get a bit skeptical, then by 14 or 15, clearly have no doubts that we are too strict, too old and way out of touch with reality. That belief only deepens over time.

I am sure (I hope) I am not the only grown adult who learned almost too late in life that our parents knew a thing or two. And regretted what I thought of them and how I treated them. Seriously, how long does it take to figure this out??

On one hand, I am embarrassed to admit I was 30 years old when I saw the light. On the other hand, I'm just glad it happened -- and it wasn't too late. My parents were (are) still alive so all I had to do was grovel a bit, beg forgiveness, turn the page and start over. It's a beautiful thing -- this adult relationship we can have with our parents. But kids don't get that.

And why should they? We didn't.

But still, knowing that someday they will get it (hopefully), they will turn that corner and we can turn that page together... still knowing that, does not make it any easier to parent. Does not erase the pain when they break our hearts. And it feels like it's on purpose. And they do it again. And it hurts even worse.

We are having a very hard time with this right now. There's an adult child who has not turned that corner. I don't even think he's on the right street yet. We hope and pray for the day it happens, but until then, we just pray. Pray for patience, tolerance, strength, wisdom.

For him and for us.

That's a helpless feeling, isn't it? But not hopeless. Thank God. Not hopeless.

Up on the House Top...

2011-11-07T19:36:00.001-06:00

I sneaked a listen to my Glee Christmas CD at work today so it got me in the mood for holiday tunes. I was thinking I should make my blog title a Christmas Carol every day during the holidays. I realize it's much too early to start that now... but there is a chance for snow the next 2 days.

I know. Don't get me started.

The main reason I chose "Up on the House Top" is I was thinking about Shingles. Not the kind you put on your roof, though. I'm thinking the evil, dreadfully painful, grown-up Chicken Pox version of Shingles that is bringing my poor 84-year-old dad to his knees.

Ouch.

I recall when hubby went through this a year or two ago that it is painful even for big tough guys like Jim. So I can only imagine what my Old Man is going through. I've heard tales of people who have been hospitalized over this, so we do count ourselves lucky that Dad does not have an extreme case. Though I bet he wouldn't turn down a hospital bed and a morphine drip about now.

I suppose if he would have seen a doctor a week earlier, he could have avoided some of this. But who am I to talk? Two weeks into this hip mess and LeRoy Jr. has not made a doctor's appointment either. I did have 4 chiropractor appointments and 2 massages during that time, though. then today, I actually looked up the phone number to call and suddenly realized nothing was hurting.

Seriously? Serious.

I hope that means the advice to "just rest it" holds true. Though I can't give it too much longer. Unlike my ailing father, I still have an appetite and, last time I checked, singing Christmas carols does not burn many calories!

It doesn't hurt to try though.

"Up on the house top, reindeer pause. Out jumps good ol' Santa Claus..."

Girl Power

2011-11-06T19:50:00.004-06:00

In the Lutheran church, we celebrated All Saints Day today. Part of the tradition is lighting candles for loved ones who passed away in the last year or "saints" who may have died years ago but hold a special place in our heart.

Without fail, I tear up when we're singing Amazing Grace or How Great Thou Art -- and my grandmothers and two special aunts come to mind. No offense to my grandfathers or uncles. It's just that these women and their strength influenced me.

Grandma Minnie (on my dad's side) died when I was in junior high. I was old enough to remember and old enough to have gotten to know her over the years. She had lived on her own for most of my lifetime since my grandpa died when I was a toddler. She weathered so many storms in her 90 years. I admired her independence and her perseverance.

My Grandma Florence (on my mom's side) passed away 16 years ago when I was well into my adulthood. Flossie, as she was called, was so young at heart. I always thought, "When I am a grandma, I want to be like her!" She was still bowling regularly well into her 70s -- and walking downtown to the bowling alley to do it. Plus getting on a football pool now and then. And winning. I hope I've inherited her luck!

My Aunt Betty (my dad's sister) was my godmother. She was a hardworking farm wife and incredible cook. She had a wonderful sense of humor and seemed so full of love all the time. She even "adopted" one of our puppies -- the sister to my dog Boomer -- so we were always looking for an excuse to go visit. "Did you get enough to eat?" No one left their house on an empty stomach either. Very caring.

Aunt Virginia (my mom's sister) was one of a kind. It was obvious that she and my mom were not just sisters, they were best friends. I can recall every day during the summer when we were off of school, those "girls" would be on the phone or at each other's houses for coffee and something sweet -- either Gena's homemade banana cake or my mom's chocolate wacky cake or, in a pinch, something from the bakery. They were the best at silly songs and unique costumes.

From all of them, I have inherited special gifts that give me "girl power." I am a hard worker. I have overcome much adversity and become stronger because of it. My running shoes can attest to the fact I am trying to stay active in my old age. I absolutely love entertaining, creating songs and skits, and making people laugh. I also love baking, eating, drinking coffee and spending time with my sisters.

I feel blessed that I got something from each of them that shapes who I am today. "Being a saint" is not on my bucket list, that's for sure. But I can make a darn good impression using my inner power and my higher power.

Some day it might be worth lighting a candle over.

Falling Back

2011-11-05T23:52:00.002-05:00

With an extra hour added to the day thanks to Daylight Saving Time, I feel like I accomplished a lot. But I didn't really.

I was actually bragging that I got to sleep in -- which means past 8 o'clock for a change -- but then Carter trumped me by sleeping in 'til past 11 a.m. Yes, that would be 12 hours of sleep, give or take a few minutes. Wow. Here I made him cinnamon rolls at 9 a.m. so they'd be fresh when he got up. Not so much when you are rolling out of bed closer to noon.

Teenagers.

I did get my chores done, which routinely involves finding the kitchen counter that gets "lost" during the work week. I also managed to take down my fall and Halloween decorations while using my will power not to listen to Christmas music yet. I even squeezed in 2 haircuts. Gave hubby a trim and shaved down Carter's Mohawk a bit. It's almost all evened out now.

We also ran a few errands in town and went out to eat tonight with Jim's family. Initially this was supposed to be a birthday dinner for my second step-son, but he found a better gig in the Twin Cities. All I can say is he missed out on some awesome cranberry dessert at Grandma's afterwards! It was still a nice time.

Tonight Jim and I spent our extra hour watching the movie Bridesmaids together. OK, I've been planning to see this for a month but haven't been home long enough. I wasn't thinking Jim would have to see it but his buddy said it was funny and he should see it. So he was willing. I thought it was hilarious and awesome. And really more of a chick flick. I'm pretty sure hubby wants his hour back.

Don't worry honey. We'll be springing ahead in no time!

Perfect Game

2011-11-04T23:02:00.002-05:00

When we knew we were going to be home tonight, Carter wanted to rent a movie. So while he was at basketball practice from 7-8:30, I got two important errands out of the way. I had to stop at the scrapbook store to find the perfect color of purple paper to go with some upcoming Vikings pages and had to rent a movie.

Normally we go for the new releases of either silly kid movies or super hero types. But tonight I didn't see anything that tripped my trigger so I picked out some unknown movie called The Perfect Game -- which turned out to be a very heartwarming true baseball story about a team from Monterrey, Mexico, that won the 1957 World Series with a perfect last game.

There was good humor and good story lines and some interesting coincidences from my few times in Mexico and Texas. In the movie, the boys crossed the border for their first game in America and had to walk 10 miles to McAllen, Texas. How weird that that is where my sister and brother-in-law live! Though I am sure it's changed since then.

For not ever hearing of this movie, it turned out to be perfect (pun intended) for our little baseball player who is always looking for inspiration. In any sport.

I think for basketball, for instance, he no longer is going to count on his Mohawk for good luck. He wants me to shave it down this weekend. Then he'll just rely on his skill to play well.

And those expensive new shoes we had to buy.

We'll see how perfect any games turn out this season!

Sweet Tooth

2011-11-03T19:06:00.000-05:00

Even though I distinctly recall 13-plus hours of incredibly painful back labor to produce a May Day baby some years back, I sometimes wonder if Carter is mine.

OK, yes he shares my love for ice cream and disdain for exercise. Yes, he likes to be the center of attention, exudes creativity and pretty much maintains an A average in school. Sounds like me, but get this.

It has been 72 hours -- not just 24 or 48 -- since he came home from trick-or-treating and he still has his bag of goodies zipped up and laying in the corner by a chair in the living room. Are you serious? Most kids have scarfed half of theirs down already!

Shh... don't tell him but I had to sneak a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. I doubt he'll miss it because he didn't say a thing about the bite-sized Twix I stole yesterday!

Yes, I have a little bit of a sweet tooth. Carter does, too, but apparently it doesn't apply to Halloween candy. He could eat Pop Tarts and Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls all day long, but every time he gets candy at Halloween, Valentine's Day, Easter and from any parade, it takes him forever to eat it. Usually, I'm throwing one holiday's treats out to make room for the next.

A mom shouldn't complain about this really. But like my mom, I just don't like to see anything go to waste. I have gotten a bit smarter over time. For Carter's treats that I supply, I get him the beef jerky and sugar-free gum he likes. And if he gathers too much in the chocolate category, I "borrow" it and fill up my "community" candy dish at work. No harm, right? It's making someone happy.

Sometimes that someone is me. The good thing is that it is not going to waste. The bad thing is that it is going to waist!

My will power seems to be on the fritz just like my hip. Not good to be ingesting unlimited post-Halloween calories and not burning any of them. I'd hate to put on the typical holiday pounds before the holidays. I mean I'd really, really hate that.

Until I can run again, I'll just have to look for alternate ways to burn calories (don't worry I've got some ideas) ... and remember that every time I stretch my back out at work, my hand does not have to land in the candy dish.

Not every time anyway...

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...

2011-11-02T20:30:00.000-05:00

OK, I admit I purchased my first carton of eggnog before Halloween. And, well, you know I stashed two containers of Schwan's Peppermint Stick ice cream away long before that.

I figured that would hold me for awhile. But honestly, once the calendar turns to November, all bets are off. It 'tis the holiday season! It 'tis the most wonderful time of the year!

Tonight after dropping Carter off at confirmation, I made my way to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. Of course, the cart goes directly to the clearance Halloween candy. I believe I am set for the candy dish at work for the rest of the year. Easy.

While I'm throwing that in the cart, it dawns on me that I am humming. Humming along to the store music overhead. Humming along to Christmas music!

Whoa. Not expecting that. And yet LOVING that! I do have an ounce of sympathy for store employees who for some odd reason don't like this joyous music and must now hear it for the next 60 days. But just an ounce.

With a hop in my step -- as much as I can hop with my hip dysplasia -- I continued shopping and was in for another pleasant surprise.

OK, I have more than one addiction. I do like ice cream, yes. But I don't know if I mentioned I like mint chocolate in many other forms, too. Well, any other form! So those Christmas Hershey's Mint Truffle kisses are a find. So are the mint holiday M&M's. And, you guessed it, I found them tonight!

I wasn't planning to load up on red-and-green anything, but I recalled how many times I go to the store in late November to get ingredients for Christmas cookies and all those treats are long gone. This isn't a joke. Last year, I had to go to Wal-Mart, then ShopKo and Target before finally finding my mint M&M's at Fleet Farm of all places. Yes, I will go to great lengths for good mint chocolate -- and good Christmas anything.

Maybe I was a bit hypnotized by Perry Como singing on the loud speaker. Probably a good thing they didn't have the Glee Christmas CD plugged in or I would have had a full cart!

OK, time to log off, have some eggnog and start reading my first "holiday" book!

Calling All Saints

2011-11-01T19:10:00.006-05:00

Today is All Saints Day. With my non-Catholic upbringing, I'm not completely sure what it takes to be a saint. But I have a good idea.

We call my brother Paul "St. Paul" sometimes because he and my sister have graciously hosted my parents down in Texas several winters. Since my sister still works, her retired saint of a hubby entertains his in-laws day after day.

That earns sainthood in my book.

Have you heard of St. James? I'm not sure how he achieved his sainthood, but I suspect it had something to do with tolerating Glee on Tuesdays, scrapbooking getaways on weekends and King Cone stops on as many days as his whiney wife demands.

On the surface it sort of looks like anyone who puts up with me is a saint! Whoa.

Move over, St. James... St. LeRoy outranks you. Just by a bit!

Now That's Spooky

2011-10-31T19:45:00.001-05:00

Probably the scariest thing that occurred today had nothing to do with evil monsters, haunted houses or trick-or-treaters.

Nope, the scary thing is that I am having withdrawal symptoms... withdrawing from Carter's childhood!

Where did the time go? I remember the days of carving pumpkins together, taking him trick-or-treating and having everyone "oooh" and "aww" over how cute he was in his costume. This year we did not carve a single pumpkin and he went trick-or-treating with some of his "ghoul-friends" from school. (Yes, he's too old now but I made him dress up!)

Daddy and I stayed home, reminisced and passed out candy to a record number of trick-or-treaters -- 11! That's twice as many as last year. And that includes one ex-girlfriend of Carter's from 5th grade who is either stalking him or just hoped to see him. And who wouldn't? I wanted to say, "Thanks for breaking my son's heart. Here's your Kit-Kat. Now go!" But instead I was nice and just said, "Carter's not here" -- which a protective mother might have said even if he was home. Wouldn't she?

When I told Carter about his red-headed visitor (oh, you remember the red head, don't you?), he just rolled his eyes. Bless him.

He also said he may be willing to share his Halloween candy -- all but the peanut butter cups. Not fair. Either way I'll have to wait until tomorrow.

He's changed his costume and is now dressed as a mopey teenager who has too much homework and shouldn't have gone trick-or-treating.

He's pretty convincing.

Happy Halloween!

Not Missing Much

2011-10-30T19:50:00.002-05:00

I think I need to grow some roots and stay home more often.

But I can't deny it was good to get away in a secluded cabin and get 20 more pages done in my 2011 scrapbook. Plus, to hear hubby and Carter tell it, I "didn't miss much" of anything here at home.

It's an interesting dynamic when I am gone scrapbooking. I don't really get a chance to miss my guys but that's because they are never far away. Just about every page I am looking at their smiling faces or funny faces or handsome faces in photos. It's just like having them with me.

So I didn't feel too bad last night when I called home at 9 p.m. and said I'd be spending one more night in the wildnerness with 3 fellow scrappers. I did feel a bit guilty when I got home this morning and realized my "Saturday chores" went un-chored. My loving hubby got some laundry done, though, so that was a bonus! I still didn't get around to the rest yet, either.

After lunch, I had to take Carter shoe shopping so he could get basketball shoes and gym shoes. We went to MC Sports in Plover to get the hoops shoes, then circled back to Rapids and got other shoes at ShopKo. We stopped at the video store to rent Thor and then stopped at Wal-Mart for groceries.

Carter is a casual shopper. As in very casual pace! So we were gone 3+ hours, then spent almost 2 hours watching the movie -- so I guess that's 5 hours of quality time together.

Maybe I didn't miss much, but I missed plenty!

Heading Out

2011-10-28T13:01:00.003-05:00

The kids are off of school today for some imaginary teachers' convention so I took today off, too. As it turns out, though, I am not spending any time with my child.

Carter slept in while I went to see my chiropractor for the third day in a row. Making some progress there but still not 100%. Came home in time for hubby and I to go to the funeral and burial ceremony.

Now I have my scrap packed and I am heading Up North, sort of, to my friend Becky's cottage -- where we will scrapbook to our heart's content (as long as my back holds up). It's not too far away, about an hour, but there is no "connection" up there so I will be computer-free and possibly phone-free.

I don't expect great amounts of productivity, just enough to keep my mojo going on the 2011 album and leave plenty of time for some good girl talk.

See you on the flip side!

Tough Loss

2011-10-27T21:47:00.003-05:00

It's been a week of some tough losses. Oh don't worry -- I'm not going back to the Packer-Viking game. That outcome was pretty much expected anyway.

I'm always reminded, though, that even if we expect things, it doesn't always make it easier to handle them.

Some friends of ours lost an uncle/brother this week. He was quite sick with cancer so it was inevitable. But even with the end in sight, it was hard for some to let go. I can't blame them. Just because we know someone is going to die and just because we have the chance to say "goodbye" doesn't mean their loss doesn't hurt. It doesn't mean we won't miss them.

Hubby and I dropped Carter off at school to play Pep Band for volleyball then we went to the funeral home. We waited in line a long time and it was obvious by the visitation crowd that "Uncle Wally" was well loved and respected. His loss will be felt by many.

After greeting family and friends, we headed back over to the school for the sectional matchup between our Royals and the Wausau Newman Cardinals. During the 2 regular season meetings, Wausau kicked our butt. Tonight our girls played their hearts out and kept it close, but in the end, their season was over and they were sent home while Newman advances in their quest for state.

It was so sad to see our disappointed girls try to hold it together. For the seniors, that's got to be so tough to realize that was their last high school volleyball game. Ever. I can see why they were crying. Even I got a lump in my throat and I don't even have a kid playing! (I do appreciate my friends who let me use their girls for my "daughter fix." I was pretty sad, too.)

A very tough loss. But I see basketball right around the corner so they can't be down for long. Easier said than done, I'm sure, but I have it on good authority God always has something better for us right around the corner.

Sometimes we just have to let go so our hand opens up and He can place something new there.

The Hip Bone's Connected to the Back Bone...

2011-10-26T20:02:00.004-05:00

I need to find my birth certificate. I feel like an 80-year-old woman today and I'm wondering if maybe in some parallel life I am one!

A funny (no, not funny) thing happened after blogging last night. I grabbed the ice pack so I could ice my hip. Then as I maneuvered myself in the chair to angle my body just right, my back went out. And when I say it "went out", that's just a non-medical term for "Holy crap, it hurts and I can hardly move."

Nice, huh?

I had figured I could tough out the hip pain for a few days, but I don't mess around with the back. I wasn't sure how I'd make it through the work day today so thank god my chiropractor could get me in at 7:15 a.m.!

He's a magic man. He did get some of the tension off the hip. Somehow. And the back was readjusted but not enough to ease my discomfort. So I will return to Dr. Tom tomorrow morning and Friday morning and hope for more miracles. If that doesn't work, I figure it's the perfect time of year to find a witch doctor.

Seriously, there is never an opportune time for a sports injury -- can I even call it that when I was not even breaking a sweat? I feel bad for my neighbor who is dealing with knee pain right now -- just 10 days from her first half-marathon. And I have a booked schedule myself the next few days between a funeral and visitation, a volleyball sectional (just a spectator in the hard bleachers while Carter plays Pep Band) and a scrapbooking overnighter Friday to Saturday.

I need my back back.

The only good thing is that since the hip bone is connected to the back bone... my back troubles are overriding the hip problem. That pain seems to have lessened considerably since my morning "adjustment."

I'm still shuffling around like an old woman, though. I figure I could be one for Halloween. All I need to make my costume complete is a bag for treats.

Sad.

Hip to be Square

2011-10-25T19:43:00.004-05:00

It's amazing a body can endure an entire half-marathon, but then be put in its place after a dinky little 2-mile run.

Not sure what caused it, but my hips (mainly my left) have been bothering me since Saturday -- sometime after I forced Carter to go on a run with me down to the dead end and back. It's only 2 miles and we probably walked a third of it for his sake, but later, I was feeling it.

It could be combination of the new Jillian Michaels exercises I was doing this weekend, too, but really? Could that tiny little change mess up my muscles and super strong bones fortified routinely with good ice cream calcium?

Who knows? All I know is that it is not a constant pain or discomfort but when it does strike, it's wicked. If I was a dog, it would probably be diagnosed as hip dysplasia. But since I'm a stubborn human like my old man, I'll probably ride it out, well rest it out, and see if it doesn't get better in a few days.

Yes, it was stupid of me to try to run again today. I thought maybe I'd loosen things up. I never claimed to be very smart -- just determined, I guess.

Guess I'll tone down the hip-shaking moves a few days and keep my running shoes in the corner.

It sucks getting old.

10-Step Prorgam

2011-10-24T20:32:00.004-05:00

Since 12-step programs have met with so much success, I thought I'd try to a 10-step one to see if it works even better. I can tell you, after 10 days, it is awesome. In a super yummy way.

Oh, I'm talking about the 10-day process of making Amish Friendship Bread. What did you think I was talking about?

I got a "starter" batch and instructions from someone at work. If you've never experienced this, I guess I can equate it to a pyramid scheme for people who like to bake.

Someone gives you a "starter" in a gallon Ziploc bag. You mush it (that's the technical term) twice a day for 5 days, add some ingredients on day 6, then mush it until day 10 when you add more stuff, divide a cup each into 4 bags (for friends you beg to take it) and then use the remaining batter to mix up the rest of the bread. It's got a super tasty cinnamon flavor to it so it's no wonder people keep making it.

On baking day, the bakers (that's me tonight) have to decide if they are ending their role and giving all 4 bags of "starter" away or keeping them. It can be a vicious cycle when you run out of people to take them and/or you don't want to bake anymore. I have tossed the "starter" before just to end it. (Probably breaking some sacred law.)

My only bad experience with this was about 5 years ago when I last did this -- and there's a reason. It was summer time, the bag got heated, too much air built up and, like a funny cartoon, exploded. All over the kitchen. It dried hard and we were scraping it off for months. I think we might have had to use turpentine or something to finally get it off.

Now that my 5-year ban has expired, I figured I would give this Program another shot. It worked! I already have plenty of people wanting the "starter" bags, too, but after tasting my first big piece tonight, washing it down with a glass of eggnog, I am definitely keeping one of them for myself!

I'll just have to coincide it with an 11-step exercise program to keep ahead of it.

Happy Birthday, Dad

2011-10-23T19:17:00.003-05:00

My parents did a great job of teaching us kids to respect our elders. In fact, being a bit competitive, I have to do one better. Not just respect our elders -- but give them everything in our power.

So today for my dad's 84th birthday, I gave him a Packer victory over the Vikings. As much as it hurt my purple pride to do so, I figured, heck, the old man deserves it.

Certainly I am his favorite child for doing this. Not that I would do this for personal gain.

I mean, I would have loved nothing better than to actually keep the lead we built at halftime and give our rookie quarterback some confidence. But I knew Dad really wanted a special gift wrapped in green and gold so my boys had to lay down for the No. 1 team in the NFL. Just this once.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

He did tell me tonight he appreciated it -- knowing I have such powers. And I told him his birthday was sort of my lucky day, too. Even though the score didn't go the way I wanted to, the numbers matched up just enough for the "pool" fairy to give me $75. Whoot! (That pays for one of our tickets from our excursion to the Dome earlier this season anyway. Ha.)

As a post-game note: I was encouraged by our rookie Christian Ponder. I would love to see the Vikings move out of the "QB Retirement Home" mentality and actually let a young quarterback help the team grow. If we're having a losing season (not if), let him make his mistakes and learn from them so we can move forward -- instead of our constant "green" efforts to recycle old, washed up quarterbacks.

I am not a fair-weather fan so I am in this for the long haul no matter what the players, coach and front office do. I'm just a little tired of the re-runs. I'll keep watching, though.. sitting in my game day gear and biting my purple nails.

Here's hoping I'll actually have something to celebrate long before I turn 84!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

No Place Like Home

2011-10-22T17:20:00.007-05:00

I realized today this is the first Saturday since Labor Day weekend that I am home with no major events to travel to or participate in. While I loved my two races, my trip to the Dome, my sister weekend and my scrapbooking getaway, it feels really nice just to be home.

My house appreciated it, too. It has been quite neglected. I wasn't sure where to even start but while I was eating breakfast, I heard the kitchen counter yell, "Find me first!" so that's where I started.

Got a little cleaning in, forced Carter to get off the couch and go for a little run with me -- and also took time to snap some pictures of a few pages from my scrapbooking getaway last weekend. I figured I would post these now since I will be out for the evening enjoying the Badger game by the campfire. Yes, it's possible to wheel a large TV down to a fire pit. And a grill, too! Should be fun.

Now for a few other fun memories from earlier this year...

Remember Carter's stint as the Cake Boss?

My nephew Colin's new race car (and new number) debuted in May. Yes, I found a Cricut cartridge that cuts out race cars! And so much more. I ordered it this week so I can't wait to use it. A lot!

Our annual Hedberg family Easter egg hunt always makes for 2 pages of fun!

Found some Twins paper last year on my sister weekend in Minnesota. Always on the lookout for the good stuff!

That same Cricut cartridge that made the race car also has some golf items like the cart and flag I used here. Am gonna love having it!

Speaking of golf... our golf ball-sized hail this spring.

If you ever wonder why I begged Santa for that Cricut last year -- look at my cool jigsaw puzzle letters to go with my Jigsaw Run page! How awesome is that?

And I even found the mountain goat or whatever animal it was on our t-shirts and race bibs for the Point Bock Run!

A simple black-and-white wedding layout for our friends Scott and Sandy's big day. Remember, that's when we went to Lambeau Field for pictures!

And finally, my WICKED page! I had the hardest time matching the green. I thought I did OK, but the camera doesn't lie. Don't worry, I'm not re-doing the page. I still like it.

And still have way more to do... but not today.