Ol' Kris Kringle

As a full-blooded Scandi-hoovian, I pretty much keep my allegiance to the Swedes and Norwegians. But today, I let the Danes in.

Typically, we celebrate St. Lucia Day in this house with a small gift and homemade, fresh from the can to the oven, cinnamon rolls. However, since my BFF lives in the Racine "home of the Kringle" area during the week for work, she brought me an Almond Kringle this weekend.

Oh my favorite! I had to wait a day for St. Lucia Day to share it with the guys. Apparently somebody besides me likes it, because the ring on flaky, frosting-ed flavor is just about gone!

Guess it was a hit. Will put that info in the St. Lucy Vault for next Dec. 13th.

Was also an atypical Christmas celebration when our area was under a flood watch today. Not a winter storm watch. Nope. A 100% chance of rain in nearly 60-degree weather type of flood watch. Still raining.

Since I was stuck indoors and really didn't want to work – on anything – I jumped at the chance to go to a movie with previously mentioned BFF and her niece and nephew. Saw Mockingjay Part 2.

Here's my opinion because you didn't ask... Mockingjay Part 1 was much better. Mockingjay Part 2 was sort of lame... sort of like the book, in fact. Not an impressive ending to either. But I still enjoyed reading the series immensely and liked 3 of the 4 movies. Plus, I had good movie theater popcorn for lunch. Can't beat that, either.

Came home and did a little work, did some grocery shopping and walked on the treadmill. I discovered if I check out "large print" books from the library, they are pretty easy to read while moving on the treadmill. Well, pretty easy to read, period.

Since the new treadmill is quieter than the last one, I can watch Hallmark Christmas movies while walking, too. I only saw one today. Should probably go get more steps...

On The Hunt

This may have been the first year ever that we were not awakened to the sounds of gun shots on the opening day of deer hunting season. Was it too foggy? Or were hunters smart enough not to shoot so close to a residential area for a change? That would be good.

Irregardless, hubby and I were both up at 7:30 (ugh) because we had our own hunting to do. Definitely no deer in our cross hairs, though.

Jim drove up to Eau Claire to take son number one Christmas shopping. It's our tradition that dad takes the big boys out so they can pick what they want and open what they want on Christmas morning – and perhaps be surprised if they forget what they picked out.

So I was actually not a "hunter's widow" today, I was a "shopper's widow." Now that was quite the opposite.

Though I did do some shopping. First I had to HUNT for the perfect recipe or treat idea to finish up my cookie exchange selection. Once I had an idea, I hit Wal-Mart with a million others and got what I needed for those treats PLUS the fixings for a Thanksgiving Day dinner. We are hosting Jim's family so I needed the turkey, pumpkin pie ingredients, etc. Figured I'd better not wait until the last minute or I'd get squat.

After creating my treats and assembling 11 plates with a dozen cookies/treats each, I sealed them up until next weekend when we gather at my twin's Up North and exchange the goods.

Then I was on the hunt for entertainment. That was already lined up! My friends Christine and Cindy and I went to see the Hunger Games sequel (part 3 actually) Mockingjay: Part 1. The three of us had read all three books before the first movie came out a few years ago. We really enjoyed the movie today! And now only have to wait 361 days until Part 2 – the sequel to the sequel to the sequel – comes to the big screen.

Now I am on the hunt for a couch and a Christmas movie. May have to get in line. Jim's watching college football and flipping channels and Carter has two buddies over and they are allegedly working on a homework video project. Would they mind if I had a Hallmark movie on in the background?

Or am I looking to get shot?

Best wear some blaze orange.

Sneak Preview

Today was like a sneak preview into the weekend. Except for the weather part, that's actually changing for the better! Maybe the other "shows" are, too.

As a sneak peek to Sunday's Packer-Viking game...

Yes, I am a glutton for punishment and wore a Vikings sweatshirt to work today... and long-sleeve Vikings shirt underneath... and Viking socks. Got a little ribbing from Packers fans, naturally, but I explained that I probably wouldn't be wearing purple on Monday. If nothing else, I am a loyal fan but a realistic one.

As a sneak peek to a Mockingjay Saturday...

Finally watched the second movie in the Hunger Games series tonight. So I am all set to see third movie, Mockingjay, tomorrow with my girlfriend Christine. We both managed to get our preview viewing done this week. Now that's homework I can handle.



Speaking of homework...

Carter brought his report card home for the second hex (we do hexes, not quarters) and I hope his Language Arts grade is not a preview of things to come. The reading-writing-editing gene skipped this generation unfortunately. Perhaps he could an English as a Second Language course??

Just kidding. I love him and I just throw that in there once in awhile to see if he reads my blog. So far, I am safe. If you get a sneak peek into the future and know when I won't be, please let me know.

I don't mind a spoiler alert now and then.

Game Day

Today was unofficially an official Game Day around here. And we had quite the variety....

HUNGER GAMES: With the 3rd in the Hunger Games movie sequel coming out next week, by BFF and I decided we better refresh our minds on the first two. So, after church she came over and we watched part one, The Hunger Games. Realizing part two, Catching Fire, is more than 2 hours long, we had to bag our plans and try to watch it separately over the course of this week. Now it's been so long since I read the trilogy that I don't know what adheres to the book storyline and what doesn't. That might be a good thing.

GAME OVER: Since the Packers played late, they had the Vikings-Bears game on around here. Really, you didn't have to do us any favors, CBS. Could have missed that one! Still need to somehow win 2 more games this year to win as many as our struggling team last year. Good grief. They make it hard some years. Won't go to the dark side, though. Never.

GAME ON: While supper was in the oven, hubby and I played some 3 to 13. It is rare that I beat him at that card game and almost unheard of that I beat him twice in a row. So of course I have blog about that. And it was no small margin of victory either!! Too bad we didn't bet on it.

LAME GAME: It was snowing and cold again so I was not going to run or even walk outside. I did do some shoveling so I got my strength and cardio in. But decided later I would do a Jillian Michaels DVD. Oh she herself is not LAME. She kicks butt and that is why the next day I am always LAME, as in moving quite slowly since I did too much even following the easier workout. Yay. Can't wait 'til tomorrow!

GAME NIGHT: Tonight my game of keeping up with all the new Christmas movies will continue. I had to DVR a few I missed last weekend. I know, right? How could I of all people be dropping the ball on this? Good thing no one keeps score in that game. Better get back in the lineup ... now!

Randomness Run Rampant

None of my thoughts are even remotely connected today. It's sort of an ADD Hump Day...

For Your Enjoy-MINT: Here's a picture of the graduation mints I made. You can't really see the detail on the diploma in the photo, but that's what the mints look like. Not that big so you really can't eat just one!

Lovely Lilacs: I just love the smell of lilacs! Normally, I have to steal some from the neighbors but this year, the lilac bush on the property line is blooming nicely. So I can take some flowers from "our" side and fill the house up with that lovely lilac fragrance! Combine it with the freshly cut grass and it's heaven. (See, I'm not high maintenance at all!)

Magnetic Attraction: Sometimes weird things happen at work and you just have to go with it. Today, a friend showed me her fancy fingernails. She said it was "magnetic nail polish." Say what?? Sure enough, another co-worker brought it to work. I went to her desk and jokingly asked for a manicure -- and got one. This doesn't happen every day, that's for sure. Anyway, you put this magnetic polish on one nail, then hold this special magnet with a design on it (note the stripes) over the nail and it takes on that design. But it is smooth, not ridged. Then you move onto the next nail and repeat. Is that not the coolest thing? Naturally, I got the website link and ordered my own on Amazon right away. Six colors and the magnet with 3 designs. How could I not? (And no, I'm still not high maintenance!)

Shady Character: As long as I was shopping on Amazon, I ordered 2 more things -- something for hubby for Father's Day and a book for myself. Remember how I bought into the hype of the Hunger Games trilogy and it turned out I enjoyed the books, too? Well, sometime next week an unmarked brown package will appear on my doorstep with 50 Shades of Grey inside. Forgive me for falling victim to the hype again, but my curiosity is killing me. And who knew -- this is a trilogy, too? I only ordered Book One, I swear, and I'm sure that's all I'll need, er, read.

See, I really am not high maintenance. I'm just plain wicked!

Earth to Robyn...

Earth to Robyn... Come in, Robyn... Can you hear me?

Yes, I felt a little out of it today. I did not realize that "bar-hopping" was a form of exercise and I should have stretched out beforehand. Not sure what I did, but I woke up and could hardly move my neck. Must have been the head-banging music.

Or I slept on it wrong.

Either way, I've been in pain today and trying to nurse it back to health. Ended up sleeping in a bit and going to late church, which means we were not home to "start" our day 'til afternoon. I had intended to do something special for Earth Day. All I managed was this slightly fuzzy butterfly picture. For their part, the guys cleaned up the back yard, Carter planted a little tree and hubby pounded down mole hills and mowed.

I got off easy, I know.

I did have important things to do like run Book #3 of the Hunger Games series over to a friend's house. That couldn't wait. We commiserated a few minutes about our teenage boys and their new-found laziness and attitude. Glad we're not in this alone. I also had to run to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. Ran into my "half" sister Chris there (my half-marathon partner), so more visiting.

By the time I got home and got supper going in the crockpot, it seemed too late to get any major (or minor, for that matter) projects going around the house so I spent an hour helping Carter fill out his first job application. He also had to call up 3 people who could serve as references. Even if he doesn't get this summer job (which I will tell you about if he gets it), it was a good experience. At this rate, between that application and the scholarship essays he's been writing, he'll be a pro by college graduation.

But let's not rush things.

The only other things I accomplished in my non-observance of Earth Day were a 2-mile walk after supper and a phone call to my parents tonight. Both were much needed and both were refreshing.

Glad I saved the best for last.

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Blog-Day to Me...

Happy Birthday to my On the Light Side blog!

It was 5 years ago today -- coincidentally Good Friday that year, too -- that I started this almost daily rambling. And I managed to do it 1,709 times. 1,710 if you count this one.

I looked back at my beginnings and remembered why I started this. Mainly two reasons: One, I wanted to keep my creative juices flowing since I don't do a whole lot of writing with my job any more. Two, I wanted my long-distance family to have a chance to "see" their youngest nephew grow up.

Even when I started, I was wondering how I could do it every single day. I mean really, what do I have to talk about every single day? I think you know the answer: Sometimes, NOTHING. Most times I sit at the keyboard and hope something comes to me. Preferably something that will make you smile, maybe laugh, maybe cry. And once in awhile, make you think. I always hope you think it's worth that precious 90 seconds of your time.

If you been with me for most of the ride, you know plenty about me. Mainly I am not perfect and I am completely honest about that! But also, I love the Lord, my family and my friends. I feel very blessed.

Just today -- since I should blog about something -- I enjoyed a wonderful date with hubby. We went to the Hunger Games movie, which we both enjoyed, then by pure happenstance, our friends Scott and Sandy were coming through town on the way to the Dells. So we met up with them and had dinner. Now, we have a tee time to golf with them down there tomorrow. Just a really nice evening!

Poor Carter was neglected all day (he was off from school), but apparently he wasn't feeling that great. Do you think it's coincidence that he watched the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off this morning then called me at work to say he wasn't feeling well enough to go to Good Friday services? Hmm...

I suspect he didn't mind being "neglected" all day. And probably will suffer through it just fine tomorrow when we're golfing.

Either way, it will give me something to blog about for another day.

Now, I gotta see if there's some blog birthday cake and ice cream waiting for me!

...And We're Back

Hello, House. Yes, I see I've been ignoring you for the past week while I have lost myself in the Hunger Games trilogy. I finished the final book tonight, though, so I'm back!

It is sort of embarrassing that I let it take control of me like that. But at the same time it's been fun sharing this adventure with hubby. And it is encouraging that there still are some "good reads" out there that we can't put down. (Something every writer dreams of accomplishing!)

Other than housework, I haven't missed much. Carter and Jim have had baseball practice every night. Carter then has a load of homework and is unapproachable. So it's been good that I've kept hidden between the pages of a book.

On the downside, I haven't done anything to prep for a garage sale that I go in on each spring with Carter's former babysitter. Besides Carter's small clothes, I don't ever put much on there. Probably because I am too lazy to price things. I am. I really find that too tedious. I don't make an effort to set aside the time. I could. I mean I have this weekend yet. So we'll see...

... what other excuse I'll come up with!

(Hey, I'm honest if nothing else.)

I'm sure I'll find a new book to start by the weekend. I'd say I'm open to suggestions, but you see where that got me this time.

Maybe once the dust settles, er disappears, I'll back to you.

Manic Monday

Manic: Pertaining to or affected by mania.

March may be over, but the madness is just culminating. In more ways than one.

In an unexpected progression of events, hubby and I are simultaneously reading the same book. How is this done? Oh, it's possible.

I was reading the second Hunger Games book 'til I went to bed last night. Since I crash early, hubby started reading it. Weird seeing a book with two bookmarks, but I can understand why he didn't want to wait to get started. So while he drove to and from work today, I got to read some more and finished it late this afternoon while the guys were at baseball practice.

I made supper for them and then just had to go to Wal-Mart to get Book #3. Now I can see why people don't just say they read the Hunger Games, they say they read the trilogy. There's no way to stop at just one or two. I saw another woman there buying Book #2. I said, "You might as well buy #3 while you're at it!"

So tonight I am hoping to get going on it but can't completely ignore my normal Monday night dates -- Adam and Blake on The Voice. Plus I need to keep an eye on the NCAA final. I have my Kansas sweatshirt on in support of Carter's bracket.

While I am sitting here on the couch, I am hearing groaning from the table, where Carter is agonizing over homework, and hear groaning and occasional cursing from the computer room, were Jim is participating in his Fantasy Baseball draft.

Who says Madness is confined to March? Certainly no one in this house!

Now if we can just get through round one tonight!

Out Like a Lamb

Since we did not win the Mega Millions jackpot last night, it was business as usual today.

A neighbor took Carter out to breakfast so I could have slept in... If only I hadn't awakened at 6:30! Couldn't fall back to sleep so I was dragging a bit today. Got my chores done, went for a 3-mile run in the chilly gloom and then, after a shower, found my spot on the couch.

Carter and Jim were at the batting cage so I found myself flipping back and forth between two movies I hadn't seen in ages -- Pretty Woman and The Firm. Sure, I had lots of things I should have been doing, but it was a dreary last day of March (still a lamb, not a lion) and a good to day to lay low on the couch.

In fact, after those movies were done, hubby sat down to read The Hunger Games (I talked him into it) and I said, "I think I'll just lay on the couch and shut the TV off." I don't recall falling asleep but I must have because it was 90 minutes later when I looked at the clock and figured I better get up!

Honestly, I needed the nap so I would be rested and fired up for a date night. Sort of.

We went to a surprise 40th birthday party for a friend and he was surprised! Those don't always work but this time it did. Had a fun evening visiting ... and keeping an eye on the basketball games, of course.

After some recalculating, it appears I had better odds of winning the Mega Millions than I do of winning our NCAA pool at work. So we're pulling for Carter's bracket. He was in 3rd place going into the weekend, but he has Kansas beating Kentucky in the final. That could be huge for him. I know he stayed up to watch the game but somehow we gotta work this in to an April Fool's joke tomorrow.

We'll sleep on it and figure something out. Trust me.

TGIF (Thank God It's Fun)

Since it was Carter's last day of Spring Break today, I opted to work at home so I'd be close by if he needed me, wanted to do anything or go anywhere. With me, that is.

That's not exactly how it worked out.

He went to a friend's house for the afternoon so I ended up, well, working. It was actually a pretty productive day, if I do say so myself. But I clocked out by 4:30 so I could make supper. Now don't get scared that I've lost my undomestic goddess title.... but I did bake salmon. An actual recipe! We aren't huge salmon fans here but it was fine. And it was fish on a Friday, so we accomplished that.

After supper, we realized none of us had anything going on. How unusual. And there were no basketball games on TV that had to be watched. So we made our own fun and turned it into a family game night.

First we played Trivial Pursuit, which is challenging even for us grownups. Carter was a good sport about it and we tried to help him. Daddy kicked butt. I don't know why he doesn't like games when he does so well. When he plays against me anyway.

After that we played 5-Second Rule, where you have to name 3 things in 5 seconds to earn a point. Some were easy like naming 3 vegetables or hotel chains. Some were tough (I couldn't name 3 mattress manufacturers) and some we just got a mind block. I couldn't think of 3 characters from SpongeBob of all things! It was fun, though. And I can say that since Jim and I tied for the win... and Carter was only a few points behind.

That wrapped up a few minutes ago since I was yawning and Carter thought he should probably try to get back on his "school" sleeping schedule. Fine with me. I need to get to bed and start Book #2 of the Hunger Games trilogy.

That's my kind of fun, too!

Hunger Pains

There's one thing that spreads even quicker than gossip -- and that's word of a good book. As a big reader, I love when people suggest great reads that I might not otherwise consider. Most times, I find myself enjoying the suggested book and, in turn, recommend it to someone else.

I don't always follow the hype of a book that's turned into a movie. Sometimes I'm prompted to read the book, but inevitably am disappointed in some aspect of the movie. My Sister's Keeper, for example, completely skipped the big shock value of the book when it had a different ending on the big screen. The movie The Help was quite true to the book, I'm told, so now I want to read it.

A few years ago, when the Twilight hype was overtaking all ages of readers I know, I resisted the temptation. I'm pretty sure vampires in any shape or form are not my thing. This past week, though, as I heard more and more and more about The Hunger Games, I wondered if maybe there could be something to this hype. Is this even my kind of book? Should I give it a try?

I finally fell victim to the pressure and bought the first book in the trilogy on Monday. It was a quick, easy and very interesting read. This morning, I was reading on the way to work and all through the day I wondered if there was a way I could sneak out to the car and keep reading. For the record, I didn't do that. But I wasted no time finishing it up tonight.

I can see how it can appeal to all ages. It's a unique story. The only thing I didn't like about it is that when I finished it, I didn't have book #2 in my possession. I have to get my hands on that! If the movie ends like the book, I can see how they will have a sequel on their hands. I mean they'll have to. No more hints or spoilers.

While I thought I was perhaps the last person in America to read it, I have 3 people on a waiting list to get my book #1 next... not including Carter, who started it once but didn't get the opportunity to finish. I'm wondering how in the world he could not finish it?? But I think he borrowed it from some girl and she needed it back. So he did what she asked.

Now that story never gets old.