The Power of Un-Powered Tools

Full disclosure: This is all going to seem like it's coming out of left field... because it sort of is.

My main agenda item today besides getting through work was delivering two pair of arborist pants to my cousin's son. Have I lost you already. He's in Stevens Point (well-known for its DNR related programs and degrees) and saw these for sale through Facebook Marketplace – but in Wisconsin Rapids.

So I picked them up and yesterday I was like, "Dude, I have your pants in my car. When do you want them?" So it worked out that I could meet him and his fiancee for a dinner after work. 

So what exactly are "arborist pants"? Turns out that if you're using a chainsaw like the well-intentioned beaver above, they're chainsaw-resistant. A bullet-proof Kevlar protection layer from serious harm. I can see why he wanted to buy these 20-dollar pants that normally sell for almost $200. Good call. (Also note that according to my blog title they are un-powered tools.)

But who cares about arborist pants? Obviously it was most important to hear about their upcoming wedding plans in 2027. And perhaps dish about our families. Lol.

So after that meal I headed into Wisconsin Rapids to WalMart to find a replace my hair dryer – who died inconveniently, of course. RIP.

And I can't make this stuff up. First my TIRE PRESSURE IS LOW warning comes on. So I pull over knowing that I have to have it in park to "calibrate" or whatever. That happened again when I got WR WalMart. So I did recalibrate again but that wasn't my main concern.

I've recently attached my key fob to a lanyard because it sometimes can fall our of the very shallow pockets of work pants. Well when I parked, I realized the lanyard was there... out of my pocket... but no fob was attached.

So I knew it was in that deeply imbedded spot under the seat that is impossible to reach with human hands. What can I do?

You know, I suddenly realized that I still had scrapbooking tools in my vehicle that I've neglected to unpack that might include some sort of tweezers to grasp it from its secret hiding spot.

And the tweezer for tiny stickers or alphabet letters won the day! A powerful tool that requires no power.

So after that, of course, I wanted to tell my scrap sisters about our life-saving tools!

Well, it turns out my monthly Girls Night Out group was meeting and eating a Whoudini's and I still had time to catch them there. I zealously shared my story with my scrap sister Jenny and then they all asked me what "arborist pants" are and I could not understand how they knew this.

They said, "Well you texted your husband about your dinner plans." I'm like "Yeah, did I accidentally send that to this group too?" No, they said. He's here.

So here we were – my girls night and his last-minute three classmates from high school meeting at a bar we go to maybe once a year. (Including your hubby, A.P. my loyal blog reader. Not that I'm tattling!)

As Rick in Casablanca says: "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine." Ope sorry.

Of course I really just wanted to show off a cute shirt I got at GW Boutique (yes, Good Will) the other day...

Random patterns and such a steal. I pointed out that I was fashionably late because I was so fashionable. Thank you to the person that donated it. You've added some POWER-ful spice to my life!!

Love Favorite Feelings

Our nephew Colin's wife does an amazing job each Christmas of creating a family calendar of sorts for the next year. 

So when Endless January did indeed finally end, it was nice to see cute pictures of him with his family at the racetrack, with his mom at the awards ceremony, and just a random shot of his favorite uncle and aunt at the Nashville Music Hall of Fame Museum.

I like the title: You are my favorite feeling.

What's your favorite feeling? Does it involve a person, place, or object?

I can tell you I love goodbye kisses in the morning from my husband... but also loved the feeling of eating that Andes Mint Chocolate Cupcake at work 2 hours later today (Bless you, 2 1/2 Cups Bakery in Marshfield!)

I also love when people drool over my trifles, genuinely appreciate my photography, and give me the best hugs ever (usually my sisters – there's no holding back!).

But it depends on the day, doesn't it? 

On many Sundays my favorite feeling is nailing our choir song in church. Then later hanging out with BINGO friends I didn't even know a year ago – whether we win or lose.

On Mondays, my favorite feeling is sleeping until the last possible minute to just cross the hallway into my office to work! No shower. Maybe comb my hair.

On Tuesdays, it's going into the office and seeing the people I sincerely like and respect, who care if I had a decent weekend and days out of the office.

Wednesdays typically mean my monthly Girls' Night Out dinner then church choir squad. (Yes, a squad. We're that cool.)

On Thursdays, my favorite feeling only applies in the summer when I have my Foxy Ladies Night golf league.

Friday it's ditto of Monday with an occasional fish fry sprinkled in.

On Saturdays, my favorite feeling is no alarm and no plans. 

So yes our favorite feeling can vary by the calendar. But mine, no matter what, is just feeling loved, respected, and appreciated – no matter who or what prompts that feeling! 

Hope you all have some favorites that never let you down!

Sisterhood Hump Day

It's much easier to get through the workday when you've got time with some of your "sisters" afterward.

Tonight our Girls' Night Out group met for dinner at the Barbecue Shack (formerly Danny K's) for our January outing. This is where I ate with Jim and the boys Thanksgiving weekend.

Last time I had a brisket sandwich. Tonight my friend Jenny and I both tried the Pulled Pork Tater. An extra large baked potato topped with butter, sour cream, cheese, and pulled pork. We got to choose the mild, medium or hot BBQ sauce to go on top. I liked the hot but the medium had the most delicious flavor. There were 6 of us and we all agreed it was good!

After that I went to see my soprano sisters at church choir practice. Our numbers get pretty small in the winter, that's for sure. But there were 8 of us crossing our fingers we can all show up Sunday morning to sing! Between cold weather and coughs & colds, you just never know.

I'll tell you, that hot sauce certainly cleared my sinuses. Might have to try that trick Sunday morning.

Do what you can to stay warm at least in the coming days! 

Tell Me it's Finally Above Freezing

This is my "Tell me it's above freezing in Wisconsin winter without telling me the temperature" photo. 

I knew on the way to work that on the way OUT of work, I'd have to get gas or risk the Low Fuel light humiliation. That's when I realized we actually had a surge from sub-zero a few days ago to 40 degrees ABOVE zero.

Now you see the evidence! 😀

It was a whirlwind of a day. Got to work early to get work done but then stayed late to help wrap presents for the family our Marketing Dept "adopted" through Operation Boot Straps. Also where I confirmed I am a bit of a gift wrapping perfectionist with advice from my mother in the back of my mind. In the best possible way.

I'll admit when our new hire on the writing team volunteered to help – but didn't know how to wrap a present – I was a bit surprised and challenged but realized quickly I could teach a class on how to wrap presents! So that's my post-retirement plan.

Which based on current work stress I sure hope falls in 4 years, 192 days, and 1 hour. Not that I'm counting down or anything!

After work and wrapping, I sort of sped (don't tell the officers) to Gordie's on Rapids' west side for our monthly Girls Night Out at 5:30. I was slightly late. By the time I got my food, I got a few bites and had to box it up to head to choir practice.

We're singing Sunday, Christmas Eve (2 songs) and January 4. So this was a longer practice since the next 2 Wednesdays are holidays. I am sure we have it down and will entertain the large audience of church choir fans. Ha.

Hubby also had his Christmas practice at his church. Based on our post-work schedules I think I'll see him late Thursday night. We can't ignore that hockey photos have also sneaked into the schedule!

Embrace the "warmth," people!

Tuesday Randomness

Tuesday mornings are hard after being home and away from the office Friday through Monday. Add in cold air temps and darkness – and I wonder why I live here and why I can't win a lottery that equals early retirement. Ugh.

Of course, seeing that my Swedish Chef Mafia fantasy football team won again to remain the only undefeated status in our two Marketing Department leagues gives me reason to smile. I've got injuries and a very shallowly qualified bench so this status could change any week. Still it's kind of a fun as a "girl" to be kicking ass!

This Tuesday in particular also meant it was Veterans Day, so thank you to all of you who have served! Something I don't take for granted because I know I am too selfish to ever consider putting my life on the line for anything other than my hubby, kids and family. God bless you all!

This Tuesday in particular was also our monthly Girls' Night Out. We had 8 of us tonight at Ida's. So nice to catch up. And no, we're not girls anymore. Our conversations are around health issues and grand-babies and challenging Millennials at work (ha). As always, though, good food and great company!

I'm excited that this Tuesday also calls for a great chance to see the Northern Lights! 

Unfortunately, we have a cloud cover here in Wood County, Wisconsin. As of 8 p.m. failed photo shoot. I'll try again later. Or tomorrow night. 

Happy Tuesday to you all – and let's hit Hump Day with some attitude (and energy, please!).

Pretty Tuesday

 

Although I hated to hear the alarm this morning after so few hours of sleep (I think it's an age thing). But Got rewarded me with a lovely morning commute.

It was just pretty and gave me some hope that another week of work in the office. Of course, it's still our jam-packed United Way campaign going on, so it was fun today. We got some cool pictures of our team. But I'll have to wait and share them tomorrow because I didn't get all of them from our photographer. Oh yes, when you work in marketing you can have professional photographers take your picture and not just a phone! 😁

Tonight after work I headed to Girls' Night Out at the new Rodeo Tex Mex Grill in the building formerly occupied by Polito's. Yes, second night in a row of Mexican food. If you haven't been, check it out. You wouldn't even recognize it as the same place. Secondly, my food was delicious. I got the Chori Pollo (which is spicy chorizo with chicken) and it was excellent! Nice to have a few new options at relatively the same price points as El Mezcal.

Also, great to see the lady friends!

Got home and just fielded a catch-up call from my baby boy so my day is literally pretty and pretty good!

Soul Sistahs

It's only appropriate during Mental Health Awareness Month that we mention the best type of therapy is free – spending time with your soul sisters.

It turned out I got a double dose this week and I probably needed it.

Finally connected with my fellow work-from-home-on-Mondays friend Jenny on Monday for a lunchtime walk. Great to catch up and of course, air our concerns about our adult children in their 20s. I wonder if kids realize we never outgrow motherly worries (and wanting the best for our babies) no matter how old they or we get?

It was a nice walk!

Tonight we had our monthly Girls' Night Out group dinner at Tamaracks Pub and Grill. Sometimes there are a dozen of us and tonight we just had 3. Probably the best scenario for some honest and heartfelt conversations. 

My advice for improved mental health? Spend time with people who you can be REAL with. No false pretense. No fake personality. Just you being you. And they still loving you for it. 

It's so good for the soul!

Reaching Out

I find this statement to be so true. I mean here we are, empty nesters, and yet life somehow gets too busy to stay connected with friends. It's such a travesty, especially when many of us live in the same town. And some of us in the same neighborhood.

I'll be the first to admit I'm a bad friend that way. Not sure where the time goes and suddenly I wonder how people are doing. It's worse when you learn too late they've been dealing with challenges and heartbreak that you knew nothing about. Because you weren't paying attention!

That's one reason I'm grateful for my Girls Night Out group. I can't recall when or how I got in it, but it's great. They make a point of getting together to go out to eat somewhere once a month. Sometimes there's 6 and nights like tonight, we had 11. I don't always make it, but I've started to be more diligent in trying. 

We all need friendship. Whether it's other couples or girls nights without our hubbies or our sisters. 

If I were to actually make a New Year's resolution with some meaning behind it, it would be to be a better friend. To reach out more. To make and take the time to connect – either virtually or physically. 

I've had enough unexpected losses in my life that I really don't want to have regrets. 

But know that even if you don't hear from me, I really do think of you. And hope God is smiling on you with all the blessings you deserve. He's way better at keeping in touch and in tune to your needs. I will try to follow His lead!

Oh Sweet Hump Day

Today was another reminder that we somehow managed to work 5 days in a row most of last year – and now it feels like a challenge.

For me, a "5 days in a row" work week hasn't happened since before Thanksgiving. So I'm already caving to mild exhaustion this week. Who made up this rule of 5 days in a row anyway?

Luckily there has been plenty to keep me awake – er, mind occupied – at work so I can be productive. And tonight I had our monthly Girls Night Out to look forward to and carry me through Hump Day.

There was 8 of us who met at Gordie's (formerly Layla's, Goose's, etc on the west side of Rapids). Our food was amazing and we were there catching up for at least 2 hours. That's how you jump into Hump Day and gain momentum to finish out the week!

Hope all of you are adjusting back to your reality after the holidays. Don't judge yourself. It does take a minute!

It's Almost Hermit Season

It's a good thing it's still light out at 5:30 p.m. or might have skipped our monthly Girls Night Out dinner. We're getting close to that time of year when it takes a lot to get me to leave the house when I get home from work. Especially if it's dark.

And super especially if it's cold.

And that cold is here! Tonight is going to be the coldest night in months. Ugh. My heated mattress pad is cranked to HIGH and I'm ready to dive under the covers. 

But am grateful I did leave the house and meet the "girls" at Whoudini's. It's always nice to visit and catch up. And the food wasn't bad either. I could not believe how busy they were for a Tuesday night. I must be getting old. I forgot that bars have dart night and pool night and all that kid stuff on school nights! 

I really am old. And cold.

I'm hoping to hold off on turning into a hermit too soon. Gotta make it through the time change anyway.

Bundle up and hang in there, everyone!

Red Sky in Morning...

When I turned onto Deer Road just before 7 this morning, I saw a colorful sunrise. Not so much the clouds today, but the sun. I stopped to take a picture with my phone and really zoomed in. It was a definite red sky.

According to all the fokelore, a red sky mean's take warning... Or a red sunrise actually can mean that a high pressure system (good weather) has already passed, thus indicating that a storm system (low pressure) may be moving to the east. A morning sky that is a deep, fiery red can indicate that there is high water content in the atmosphere. So, rain could be on its way.

I zoomed out and it ended up looking more orange and yellow – not red really – so I figured we were in for an OK day.

Not that I had anything outdoors planned anyway. But a bunch of us marketing writers did eat outside in the courtyard for lunch today. So it was nice that the red sky at morning wasn't too much of a warning.

After work, I had to deliver some senior photos (on flashdrive) and then had choir practice. With my tight time schedule, I skipped our monthly Girls' Night Out, but just happened to catch a few still gathering on my way home. 

Yup. Ignore that Farmers' Almanac B.S. and just enjoy each day to the fullest! No matter what the color is!

Just Girls Cruising Through the Change

Ohmigosh. I think my cheeks still hurt 24 hours later after smiling and laughing for 2 hours straight during the musical "Menopause 2: Cruising through the Change." Hilarious!

Every month, a group of us "girls" get together somewhere in the Wisconsin Rapids area for dinner. Usually a group of 6 to 8. A few months ago, one of the ladies suggested going to the "Menopause 2" musical at the Grand Theater in Wausau. 

The funny part was that I was meeting a girlfriend on the way up to Wausau and while I got a tour of the private jets in her hanger, I just pretended I was flying like a millionaire does. Sorry if you fell for that. I mean I have flown a corporate jet for work – but not Girls' Night Out. Yet. 

Got to see my friend Katie – a coworker and our kiddos graduated together!

This is my friend Jenny looking up at our reflection at the garage door at The Garage.

Before the show, I was wondering (and bit scared) by how much I would identify with during the show.

Turns out.. a LOT! It was well done and so hilarious. We could not stop smiling and laughing. They took a lot of popular tunes and changed the lyrics a bit. Like this one was called Stayin' Awake to the tune of the Bee Gees Stayin' Alive:

Well you can tell by the way I slump my walk,
I am a tired a girl, no strength to talk;
In the mirror, my eyes so red, I've been up all night, sittin in my bed.
Well it's not alright, not ok and you can look the other way
My husband tries to understand, it's just no concept for a man,

Whether you're a sister or whether you're a mother, your stayin awake, stayin awake,
see the sunrise breakin and you're up cooking bacon and you're stayin awake, stayin awake
ah ah ah ah staying awake,staying awake
ah ah ah ah staying awake...
I'm staying awake

So yes, it was 100% a girls night out. And if you are somewhere between 45 and 65 and can see the show, we all highly recommend it! Accept the change!

Lofty, Lightning, and Ladies

It was a stressful work day but glorious weather day today. Like I've previously stated this week, I'll grab the gorgeous sunset pictures when I can. It helped slow down my stress rate on the way home.

And then I discovered our record high, yes lofty Mother Nature goals, for Wisconsin Rapids. We were the warmest in our local news' viewing area. Wow. Too bad I was stuck in the office all day. But just thinking how close we are to 60 degrees BEFORE Super Bowl weekend is unheard of.

Then, when I went to my monthly Girls Night Out, it really felt like spring. As much as I was concentrating on my favorite Jennings burger – the Pineapple Express – I couldn't ignore the flashing lights out the window behind me.

Turns out we had a major thunderstorm and lightning happening! How spring is that?

I learned later there were tornado warnings in Wisconsin this evening as well. What a crazy middle-of-the-winter spring season. 

Now we all know we can attribute it to a psychotic episode by Mother Nature. Because come Saturday, the highs will just be above zero. 

At least I had the lofty temps this week, the lightning show tonight, and a great time catching up with my ladies! You can't take that away from me, Mother Nature!

Long-Winded Women

Never underestimate the impact you can have. Somewhere 1,500 miles to the north of here wildfires rage in Alberta, Canada, not realizing they are giving us a dazzling sunset.

I mean they do have to give the wind credit for carrying the smoke on that lengthy (er, long-winded) trek. But still, those flames are just dancing up there and out of control, not realizing some goofy photographer in central Wisconsin appreciates their efforts.

And I would've totally missed it if I had stayed home this evening, surrounded by tall trees instead of having a long-winded night of my own.

Lucky me I had simultaneous girls' night out happening.

First our Face to Facebook Club met tonight since Saturday morning didn't work. Thanks, Applebee's, for that big corner booth that could seat 6 of us. 

Tonight we talked about The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper. What I love about our book club – besides these amazing page-turning girlfriends – is that we rotate who picks the book each month so we have quite a variety of books throughout the year. Would I have chosen to read about life in the brothels of Pompeii in A.D. 79? Probably not. But I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. Always an interesting mix!

From there, I scooted over to Ida's for my monthly Girls' Night Out crew. Since I ate at Applebee's, I just plopped down in a chair while they finished their Wing Night specials and the 6 of us chit-chatted for an hour. There again, another great group of girlfriends.

It was as I was pulling out of the parking lot that I noticed the colorful sun ball in the sky. And thought about the cause of it. 

And thought about how each of these women have impacted my life. Some here for a short time but most for that long journey, carrying support, love, and laughter my way like the breeze carrying that wildfire smoke. 

They probably don't realize that every time they overcame an obstacle like cancer or grief or wayward children, they inspired me to be as strong as them. They inspired me to more giving to others, too. When I'm doing OK, I can share my strength. When I'm on fire, let me brighten your day. When I'm stressed, laugh with me so we can all fake it 'til we make it. 

Thank you, God, for inventing girlfriends.

A Bit Extreme

Apparently Mother Nature doesn't do anything half-arsed. When we want it to warm up for spring sports, she says, "Here. How about setting a heat record!" Wow.

I'm here to tell you I don't mind one bit. I raced home from work just to bond with Mr. Deck Chair awhile before heading to my monthly Girls' Night Out. That's a relaxing evening all around!

We went to Aaron's Wines and Steins down by the river. And they lived up to their reputation of having super delicious pizza. I tried the April pizza of the month – a shrimp concoction – and it was amazing!

The company was good, too! Nice to spend time with my friend Jenny – and the other six in attendance too, of course!

It was also nice to hang out after wearing a path between the baseball and softball fields last night. Since both teams were hosting a double-header against Stratford, I didn't have a problem "covering" both sports. Started with baseball game at Witter Field and got each of our Royals at bat before heading over to softball at Robinson Park to do the same.

Our Division 5 defending state champion Lady Royals managed a victorious sweep. Our boys, however, struggled against the Tigers and lost each of their games by 10 runs. We gotta start somewhere. Nowhere to go but up now, right guys?

Shake it off. Enjoy the weather and the gorgeous sunsets and get back at it on Friday!

With the snow melting Up North, the Wisconsin River is flowing high and fast. Be careful out there!

March Madness Eve

At first glance, I'm pretty sure my bracket will stink again this year. But all signs point to a pretty good outcome if you base it on March Madness Eve. First I had a gorgeous sunrise on my morning commute. (The one plus of Daylight Saving Time beginning.) 

Then I was following this car and, like, totally got a Big Hair play list in my head. Pour some sugar on me... 

Work was fine and then afterward, I got to hang out with Jenny on the Block and the other ladies in our monthly Girls Night Out crew. Had some decent wings at Gordie's on the western west side. From there, I went to church choir practice 'til 8 p.m. Then raced home to make a St. Patty's "trifle for hire."

I cracked the first egg for the "cake layer" and lo and behold I got the first double-yoker in my life! From store bought eggs even. That has to be a lucky omen for our brackets!

And I say "our" because after baseball practice, hubby got together for his own boys night and annual NCAA bracket draft. And by annual, I mean every year since sometime in the early 1980s. About the time those bands on the bumper stickers were popular.

Another sign of good luck, right? 

Good luck to all you real bracket-ologists – and wannabes like me! Let the fun begin.

Prep Work

When I realized my 23rd annual sister weekend is only a month away, I figured I better practice up. So tonight I went to "Girls' Night Out" at Anchor Bay on the Wisconsin River. And as it happened, there were 7 of us. Just like a sister weekend.

So I got used to a special order here and there – of course, I confirmed there was no onions before I ordered – and sides of ranch. Lots of sides of ranch. And everyone talking at once. And laughter. Lots of laughter.

In fact I was laughing and couldn't hold my phone still for a selfie with my friend Jenny. So we'll need to do that again. And just re-do the whole delicious meal along with it.

But yep, I'm prepped now. I can handle eating, laughing, and breathing simultaneously without losing consciousness. That's always a good sign. 

Bring it on, sisters. Can't wait to see y'all in 4 weeks!

Ladies' Fun Night

I don't mind being a substitute if it means I get to do something fun because somebody else couldn't. Tonight I got to be a sub at the women's golf league at The Ridges.

I said I was able to do it because of 3 reasons: One, I'm working from home so don't have to leave work early to get there. Two, The Ridges is only 5 minutes from my house. And three, my friend Wendy assured me it's a FUN league when she asked me to sub.

And thank goodness it wasn't competitive because this is me smiling after my one and only par dance tonight. Although I did putt for par a few times. Just didn't sink 'em. 

Yet, they still said I could come back if they ever need a sub again. So that's exciting. I miss the old days – pre-pandemic – when I was working in the office and we had golf league at SentryWorld across the street. This will definitely do for now.

Love the "almost normal" moments these days, don't you?

Boom Box

No clever squirrel or chicken stories on this rainy, windy day. Just want to thank the fighter jets in training for the three sonic booms today. That kept me awake during work hours. You did your job so I could do mine.

Then hubby went to baseball practice and golf league (indoors again) and I went to a scaled-down version of Girls' Night Out. Nothing sonic-boom worthy. 

There's always tomorrow! 

Buckle Up, Ladies

In honor of International Women's Day – which is every day, isn't it? – here is today's public service message:

Fasten your straps and your seat belts. It's pothole season! You'll avoid back injuries and potential black eyes if things get outta hand. 

You're welcome.

And you thought this was going to be a sappy blog about all the special women in my life who've inspired me and loved me for who I am. 

OK, there are a lot of them. And I hope they're all buckling up for pothole season!