Dinner Date

I'm going to guess these two gulls have known each other awhile. They can share a meal and know when to take turns – even if they both love their favorite fish guts or sea urchins or whatever. But if they were married, it may have taken a few hours to decide on where to eat. 

Hubby bird: Where do you want to eat?

Wife bird: I don't care. Where do you want to go?

Hubby bird: I don't care either. That's why I asked you.

To avoid the aforesaid conversation, our friends Mike and Cindy just decided to take Jim and I out to eat for anniversary. They chose the place and we could pick the day and time. As it happened, this evening, our actual anniversary, was open. And they took us to Two Lakes Supper Club. A mutual favorite of all 4 of us! 

So it's been something like 25 years with this guy – but officially 19 years today, according to Clark County, Nevada. (That's Vegas for those not in the know.) 

I had no trouble deciding what to eat since Two Lakes offers the best coconut shrimp on the planet on Thursdays and Saturdays. And obviously, with my hand clutching the container, I couldn't trust my cheesecake-to-go to just anybody.

It was Carter's last evening home so he and Dad shared a New Orleans pizza. Very delish!

My coconut shrimp sister also got cheesecake to go. Notice how we put it down so we look happy and filled with love, friendship, and healthy choices? I'm still full, by the way. 

And my heart is full, too.

I won't get all mushy, but I am so blessed to celebrate another trip around the sun with my soul mate. Just like those gulls, he knows when to share the good stuff, be my wing man during the tough stuff – and never come between me and my cheesecake, of course.

That's true love. (For those not in the know.)

Four, Three, Two, One...

The astrology version of numbers people sure like special dates that appear to mean something. Today's date 4-3-21 looks like a countdown.

In my mind, I hear "4... 3... 2.. 1... Earth below us. Drifting, falling. Floating weightless. Calling, calling home..."

If you know '80s music at all, you'll recognize Major Tom. Here's my 45 of it to refresh your memory. Kids, we used to play smaller records on the phonograph at 45 RPMs so we called them "45s." There's your history lesson for the day.

Meanwhile in Vegas, I saw news reports that it was a popular – and potentially lucky – day today to get married. And meanwhile back in Wisconsin, it was a popular day to do yard work! 

Yup. That's real. A super springy day where we had windows open to clean inside, then commence to working or relaxing outside.

I decided to work on this little area of the backyard. Not so little, really. Every time I tried to rake it or trim things off last summer, I was met with either ground bees and wasps or snakes. So, no. Nothing got today.

Today I crossed my fingers that neither species was hibernating and now waking in that landscaping area. I survived unscathed. Well, except for feeling it in my arm and back muscles. I figured I better just do this area and leave the rest to another day or weekend. 

So maybe it IS a lucky day. No bees. No snakes. And tonight, no loss in Milwaukee for my Twins. Good to even that series up. Now will see what Easter brings... 

Besides peanut butter eggs, that is. Happy Easter! If you get to enjoy some family time, then tomorrow's lucky, too, no matter what the date!

Expectations :: Let's Be Real

I need to keep my productivity expectations in check. Sure there's lots I want to accomplish in the next week or so. But there also is the need for some down time. It's called balance.

And coffee is required either way.

Making coffee wasn't even my first chore today. Nope. It was cleaning up a present from Princess Pukes-A-Lot.

When you start the day stepping in cat puke, it's a good thing the first thing on my To Do list was an hour massage. Thankfully, it was Sylvester's first accident with her human out of town. Hubby is taking the red-eye flight home from Vegas at midnight tonight. Hopefully, the princess can keep it together 'til morning.

I have been treating her with some lavender essential oil because that worked last time in eliminating the plethora of poop piles around the house. I do think the only reason she up-chucked today was because she shoveled in her breakfast too fast.

No matter the reason. It's not fun to step in when you are barefoot. Say it with me, "Ewww!"

So yes, the deep-tissue massage was much deserved and much needed based on all the knots she found. She was breaking up muscle knots in places I didn't know I had muscles OR knots. I hope I drank enough water today so I feel good tomorrow versus wondering if I got hit by a truck.

And while I would have liked to nap after that, I was motivated to get some things done. I did some laundry, windows, dusted, vacuumed, etc, and managed to walk around the lake with my friend Cindy and even baked some banana bread – fresh out of the oven for Carter, who got home tonight for the wedding weekend. He is an usher in our nephew Colin's wedding.

I also managed to get into town for the volleyball playoff game. The Lady Royals were victorious in round 2 of sectionals. They travel to Wausau Saturday in hopes of more victories and a trip to state.

I also managed to escape a kidnapping today. Yup, the temps were up and Mr. Deck Chair kidnapped me out of the blue. I wrestled free after about 40 minutes. Whew. I'm safe but I'm just not sure I'll be in any condition tomorrow to do anything.

Just keeping it real.

Let There Be Peace

Peaceful slumber
Interrupted by reality
What will today's news bring?
Death by natural disaster?
Death by man-made causes?

Something senseless
Selfish
Sad

Another day of needless pain
Needless suffering

Peaceful slumber
Let there be peace on Earth

Amen

Storm Watcher

It was warm enough to bring a snow-melting drizzle all day. Now comes the heavy hitter. I normally don't get too concerned about spring thunderstorms. But when you have a loved one on the other side of the line trying to get to this one, it is concerning.

After being out West since last Tuesday, hubby is flying home right now. Two things are certain about this Slim-Fast line of storms.

One, there's no way it will miss us. And look, there's pretty blue snow behind it. Might as well have all 4 seasons in Wisconsin in one week!

Two, Jim's plane has to go over it/through it because you'd have to go to Texas to skirt around it! Since his flight from Vegas had a layover in Denver, maybe they will go that route. Then he just has to land in Madison by midnight and hopefully beat it out. Prayers for safe travel appreciated!

Sylvester will kill me in my sleep if he doesn't make it home tonight.

What Happens...

I'm beginning to understand the slogan: "What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas." Not because I am doing anything wild and crazy while I help out at a conference, but because there are things you wouldn't believe unless you saw them for yourself.

Or unless someone took pictures.

Here's me trying something new...

Sushi!! I have to admit I did try it last year and could only gulp down one mouthful. I just couldn't get past the words "eel juice" listed as an ingredient on the menu. This year, though, I tried one that had no eel (sounds like a Christmas carol) and was more citrus-y with some cream cheese. Pretty tasty. I had not one, but two!

And I am obviously becoming a master with the chopsticks. I've learned that if I can't pick something up with them in two tries, just stab the food and pick it up that way! Anything goes in Vegas.

To prove my point...

When was the last time you saw cup holders in a bathroom stall? Had to laugh right out loud at the fact it was there. And the apparent design for a two-fisted drinker. Yup, anything goes in Vegas.

Including me staying up past my bedtime every night. Most of my conference is wrapped up now and it will only go 'til noon tomorrow. Then it will be time to say goodbye, hop on a plane and land back in Wisconsin before midnight.

Won't be blogging on Wednesday. You won't miss much as we all will be missing (together) the Pep Rally for the state-bound girls basketball team and a pre-season baseball meeting about a season that may not arrive for awhile.

I'll catch up with you Thursday when I can tell you all about the day in Green Bay, cheering on our Lady Royals... assuming what happens at state doesn't have to stay there!

Irish Blessing?

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Or as I like to call it, Shamrock Shake Day! (Even though I didn't have one.)

The weird thing about St. Patrick's Day is everyone seems to acknowledge it -- even if they are 100 percent Scandi-hoovian like me. My husband, and consequently my son, have a wee bit of Irish in them. They both would have appreciated a true Irish Blessing if I was home.... Woke up with absolutely no voice.

Squeaked my way through the first half of the day. Then managed to make myself heard by midafternoon. Will keep drinking (that's what we do on St. Patty's Day, isn't it?) to keep my throat lubricated. I will skip the green beer, though, and stick with water. Lots of it. Just glad the hard part of the day is over.

As luck would have it -- and some luck is fitting today -- we wrapped up conference meetings and such at 5:35 p.m. Why do I know the exact time? Those of you who know me well can guess.

"Ohmigosh I have time to sit outside before the sun sets!"

Although the temps have been nice since my arrival (according to my phone's weather app), I was only outside to board the cab at the airport and disembark at the hotel. Knowing I had about 20 minutes before the sun set tonight, or at least the pool area with chairs closed, I didn't waste any time.

I didn't bother trying to get up to my room to change. I carried my purse and two bags with stuff and just plopped down on a chair in the sunshine. At least I had short sleeves on. But still long pants and shoes. Who cares? I was sitting in the sun and it was 82 degrees. Despite winds at a constant 20 mph, I braved the windchill just fine.

We'll see if maybe that was a cure for what ails me. Knowing our schedule the next two days, that little dose is pretty much gonna have to do it. Sadly.

Ah well. That's why they call it work. After hearing the winter-storm weather reports for back in Wisconsin, I'll take it.

It's like my personal Shamrock Shake blessing!

The Voice :: Unplugged

A funny thing happened on the way to Vegas... I haven't lost any money yet, but I did lose my voice already. No gambling involved.

It was strange. Despite the fact I got up at 3 a.m. Saturday to catch my flight out of Green Bay, I felt fine. Then, as were descending into Las Vegas, I suddenly got this annoying little cough. By later in the day, my voice was close to gone.

This morning, it was worse. I felt OK but sounded like a heavy smoker or some showgirl with a sexy raspy voice. I didn't have a runny nose or cold-like symptoms, just the squeak. Unfortunately, today was the registration for the conference I am helping at and I had a lot of talking to do greeting people, explaining the schedule, events and so on.

My volume fluctuated and sometimes went to mute.

Typically, back at home, the guys say I am using "The Voice" when I merely am trying to make a stern point. Well, stern but impatient point.

Poor Daddy and Carter, here The Voice finally has been unplugged and they don't get to reap the benefits.

I am hitting the hay early tonight so I can hopefully sleep it off -- whatever "it" is. Three more days of work to be done and this was not on our agenda! Plus I need to be able to cheer at the state basketball tournament upon my return!

I guess what happens in Vegas really will stay in Vegas. I, for one, won't be talking about it.

Royal Rerun

I don't mind when history repeats itself -- when it's a good thing. Like our girls basketball team earning back-to-back trips to state!

In an unusual scheduling conflict, neither Jim nor I could attend the sectional championship game. He had a fantasy baseball draft and I woke up at 3 a.m. to fly out to Vegas for "work". So Carter represented our fan base on Blue Jay Drive and did a fine job of it.

Thankfully there were others taking pictures!

Today's game was held in Wausau -- neutral territory again -- this time versus Goodman-Pembine. I tried to find the game online or listen while on the airplane, since they have wi-fi these days, but had no luck. Thankfully some friends sent me quarterly updates. Our girls ended up winning by quite a decent margin. How awesome!

Now they head to the state championship tournament in Green Bay, starting next Thursday. I will return home just in time. Yay!

When I landed in Vegas and saw we were ahead, I thought, "I bet we're going to state again!" Pretty good wager, huh? Probably used up my luck right there. Better stay away from those penny slots while I'm here.

I know. Just call me high roller.

I'm just glad the Royals are on a roll!

High Five

Oh, you meant it was a high of five degrees today? I was hoping you wanted a high five!

Believe me, the first day it is above freezing, I'll be high-five-ing everybody. Whether they want it or not. By then, hopefully in the next month sometime, we may all be hugging each other out of pure desperation turned jubilation!

OK, enough about the weather. I won't mention the fact it was 60-some degrees warmer in Vegas than here. I will not begrudge hubby his time there since I know he has few available moments to enjoy the warmth. And know that I will be there in 3 weeks and I, too, will see little of the outside of the hotel and convention center except on the way to and from the airport.

Still, if I could squeeze in an hour at the pool... I would be the only one since 70 degrees is too cool for most folks. That's 82 degrees warmer than here -- right now. Sounds HOT, doesn't it??

I do have a legitimate reason for high fives tonight. We just had our wrap-up meeting for Empty Bowls, which raised more than $3,300 to give to anti-hunger causes in the South Wood County area. Great work, team! Feel so blessed to have been a part of it -- long meetings and all. We're definitely encouraged for more growth next year.

And I am, of course, reminded that while I am selfishly complaining about the cold, many are suffering from hunger AND the cold.

My belly's full. My mattress pad is on. I've got it good.

Thanks be to God.

Location, Location, Location

What's one of the keys to a successful business? Location, location, location. What's one of the keys to my happiness? Location, location, location.

Take this morning's location showdown, for instance:

Jim + Vegas + 60 degrees + Local Pollen Alert VS. Robyn + Rapids + minus 6 degrees + Wind Chill Advisory.

Hubby wins this round! And based on our forecast here, he'll win the next two while he works the Strip. I mean works a trade show for work near the Strip. Either way, it sounds way better than this high of 3 degrees and low of -22 business.

I did not venture too far from home today. It was sa cheduled home office day and that was a pleasure. And not necessarily because it was the first time I'd had the house to myself for a day since Jim started his new job months ago. Though that wasn't so bad.

Kitty took naps in the sunshine and I holed up in my office with the heater at my feet, letting the ultra-bright sunshine in while listening to the wind howl. Got Carter after school and got a few groceries. Made him BBQ ribs and cheesy mashed potatoes for supper. Trust me, it was very simple or you know this undomestic goddess would not tackle it.

Now he's in homework land, hubby is probably eating a fantastic meal in the desert heat (hey 50 degrees is heat to me), and I just might catch up some American Idol or, gasp, actually start a book. That hasn't happened in awhile.

Or maybe I'll do something sassy and you'll have to punish me. Here's an idea...

I can start any time.

Please.

What Happens in Vegas...

Now I know why I am so annoyed with that overused phrase: "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." It just doesn't fly when you're a mother!

The good news is that Carter is home safe and sound. I should focus on that rather than what may or may not have transpired since his Friday departure.

Actually, he was pretty good about showing me pictures and telling us what he saw. For example, here's a picture of a Lamborghini parked outside of their hotel.

The pictures I won't share are Carter and his buddy with the Hooters waitress -- they pretended they were fraternal twins and it was their birthday, the photos of him with random women that walked through the hotel lobby, from bachelorettes to... I'm not sure.

I told Carter, "I'm not going to post any pictures now that could come back to haunt you if you run for president some day."

He says, "I'm not running for office. I don't even like Congress."

I replied, "That's the point. You might want to change it."

Anyway, I doubt he would have forwarded me any other pictures. He did see Pete Rose (Jim's hero) but didn't get a chance to talk to him. He did, however, get to chat with several NBA players -- very tall with "big hands" -- while riding in the elevator. They were out there for summer league or something. I didn't recognize names since I only know a few from the Celtics team.

He also pointed out that if he worked at the Four Seasons Hotel, where they stayed, he could take business classes for college and they would pay for them. Oh that's nice. Let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Even though he already plans to go back for his 21st birthday.

With his fraternal twin, no doubt.

Did we miss him? Sure. I think Daddy's welcome home note reflects that...

Weekend Warrior

When the weather man promised a "cool" front today, I had high expectations for comfortable weather for yard work. The cooler temps did arrive -- but not until this evening. That didn't stop me from doing what I had to do!

First thing on today's agenda was a run. That's when I discovered it was still rather warm out! I just did a 3-mile run since I just started back at it this past week. That was far enough in the heat anyway.

Got home and hit the yard work. Now here's the thing. I have not been home much at all since oh, maybe April, between my dad being sick, work and baseball, baseball and baseball. I haven't had time to give the yard and any "garden" type areas any attention. And frankly, with two black thumbs, am not entirely motivated or knowledgeable about what sort of attention to give.

Today, I just wanted to get two overgrown areas cleared of weeds. It was a lot of work. I am so made for a desk job. Cannot handle manual labor! Well, actually, the mission trip taught me I can handle it. In small doses. And wearing gloves.

The good news is, with hubby's help and a weed whacker for certain parts, I got the areas done. The bad news is that I got a blister on my finger (wearing gloves) and I am golfing tomorrow. Ouch. Will tough it out as the weekend warrior that I am.

After yard work came the much-neglected housework. Yes, I will admit, not much has been done since I've turned 45. Seriously, with the mission trip then car show, I was not available until this weekend to clean. I think the house is actually smiling now!

We'll see if I am tomorrow. I am physically exhausted and know I used muscles today that haven't been used in awhile. To help us both recover, we went out for pizza in Point and then watched the neighbor girl's team play softball in a tourney in Point. (Yes, Carter is out of town and we still find ourselves at the ballpark.)

Speaking of Carter, he is having too much fun in Vegas. He did find time to text me. But mostly, he is ogling the scenery, I am sure. Wisconsin Rapids is going to seem boring when he comes back. No more baseball and a smaller list of chores to do.

I'm sure we can still find plenty to add. I'm not so ambitious I am going to do it ALL in one weekend!

Fifteen and Free

We saw Carter off this morning to spend a weekend with a friend. In Vegas. Yup, it's a changed world. When you are 15 and free, apparently, you can jet off to Vegas for a weekend... and leave Mom and Dad behind.

It's one of those unusual situations where a friend's dad has to speak at a convention and he said his son -- Carter's friend and classmate -- could take a friend. So Carter is that said friend. A driver picked him up today and off they went to Minneapolis for their flight.

I hope he realizes he is not escaping the heat! I also hope he doesn't think he's going to "do" much out there besides hang out at the hotel pool and maybe go to the NASCAR simulator at the Stratosphere.

He's got plans, though.

I overheard him tell Daddy this morning that they were for sure going to Hooters and that he and his friend are going to flip a coin to see which one is going to pretend it's their birthday. Hmmm. How much trouble can 2 15-year-olds get into? Good thing they will only be unsupervised for that 2-hour period when the speech is being given! And good thing, according to Daddy, that the Hooters girls in Vegas aren't impressive since the really "good" girls are working elsewhere on the strip.

Yup, good thing.

Of course, I recall myself at 15 and I was looking for trouble. Our parents said we couldn't date until we were 16. The summer we turned 15 we went up to Canada on a vacation. I'm pretty sure my twin and I whined the whole way up and back, begging for permission to go to the county fair with these two boys from Cushing. I'm surprised my parents didn't just drop us off in the Canadian wilderness and make us hitch our own ride back to the States.

It's a boy-crazy, girl-crazy age. But what age isn't?

Tonight, our first childless night in awhile, hubby I went on a date. We dipped our chips in salsa at El Mezcal then dipped our toes in Lake Wazeecha on the way home. We were hoping to catch some of the state water ski championship action there but it had wrapped up for the night.

So we came home and watched The Big Lebowski movie -- and laughed like silly 15-year-olds.

'Cause we're free.

Red-Eye Reduction

I like the setting on my camera that pops an extra flash to magically reduce those evel "red eyes" in photographs. I wish I could magically do that to myself! Now I know why the overnight flight is called a Red Eye.

Uff da. I am dragging!

When we took off from Vegas last night at 11:30 (1:30 AM central), it was obviously way past my bed time. Me, who normally is never comfortable enough to sleep on a plane, was actually asleep before the flight attendant gave her instructions! I slept through takeoff and woke up just in time for landing!

Unfortunately, that was only 4 hours and I had a 2-hour layover in Detroit that was not conducive to sleep. I did sleep that one hour from Detroit to Green Bay, too. What really refreshed me was walking out in the 19-degree Wisconsin sunshine.

Spring has not sprung yet. Not even close!

From Green Bay, I drove to work and thankfully was super busy catching up so I stayed awake. Jim worked from home today because Carter was home sick again (but is OK now). So I didn't get to see them 'til almost 6 p.m.

They liked the few items I got them in Vegas. I probably should have waited until Carter caught up on homework before giving him fun stuff that would distract him. Good thing I am such a good mom I could be gone 6 days and pick up right where I left off with nagging him about homework.

Oh yes. I am that good.

Well this super mom needs to get some shut-eye for the red eyes.

Viva, Las Vegas!

I don't even know if Viva means hello or goodbye or get some sleep. Right now, for me, it means it's time to sign off the computer and head to the airport for my first "red eye" flight!

Got done with our show project today by early afternoon so we had time to kill. I ended up doing some work in case I can't function in the office tomorrow after my red-eye. Then I did more work -- fun stuff -- and hailed a cab and checked out The Auto Collections at The Quad.

It is a prestigious collection of 150 vehicles none of us could dream of owning in our lifetime. Unless we win the Powerball tonight. So I gave my press credentials (well said who I was) and got a nice tour and took photos for our old cars magazine and website for work. I have to do something to ease my guilt for being out of the office, right?

Even worse guilt is that I am not home for Carter. Jim had to go pick him up from school. He has a miserable cold and runny nose and cough, etc. I think the teenager might miss Mom for once. Hopefully he heals fast. He absolutely hates missing school or, more importantly, baseball practice.

Not that spring has arrived in Wisconsin yet. Today at one point I checked temps and it was 77 here and 17 in Rapids. Ouch. Not wanting to go home to that but can't wait to get some hugs.

Good thing I had a few "huggers" to tide me over!

Star Power

My sisters occasionally make fun of me and my knack for finding celebrities... typically stars from days gone by (i.e. Erik Estrada and Henry Winkler) or such minor "celebrities" I have to explain who they are. Whether they are making fun of me or just in awe, I can't explain why I just get a kick out of getting pictures of celebrities or me with them.

Since I haven't had a celebrity (using term loosely) sighting and photo since Michael Waltrip at the Red Sox game last fall, I was due. And in Vegas, well, it just seems logical.

While Carter and the Assumption Royals baseball team start practice indoors this week, I got to attend a tailgating party of my own.

What's a party without a Playboy Bunny? Actually an ex one. Not kidding here, folks. Brande Roderick is an ex-playboy bunny who participated in the Celebrity Apprentice (a few years back) and now has her own trading card.

She was super nice and even took off her 4-inch heels so we'd be the same height in the photo. If you are not sure which one she is, she is the one who looks to be exactly half my Round Robyn size!!

In order to improve my self-image, I had to find someone much larger than me. Former homerun slugger Frank "The Big Hurt" Thomas fit the bill. Of course, after meeting charming me, his nickname is now "The Big Hug" Thomas (according to my hubby). Even though he played for the White Sox at one point, he still generously allowed a photo with a Twins fan. Another super nice person!

Today, I just happened to run into a few of those celebrities that had minor but memorable roles... some years back. Probably the weirdest combo of people in a picture but I had to seize the moment!

Here's me hangin' out with Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi" (no soup for me!) and my new pal "Flick" from A Christmas Story (all grown up and no, he hasn't had his tongue stuck to any flag poles lately).

Other than seeing the stars, I did see the sunset one night out my hotel window...

I haven't set foot outdoors since I got to my hotel from the airport Saturday. But heck, I don't think I'm missing much, do you?

St. Pat

I am 100 percent Scandi-hoovian without a drop of Irish in me, but I am married to Mr. Blarney and we have a son who inherited the Irish charm, so I feel I am allowed to say Happy Shamrock Shake Day! That's St. Patty's to you true Irish men and women!

Did not wear any green today, though, as I was working my butt off and had to be dressed pretty nice. Event management requires very long days but I enjoy being a part of it. For most of you, it would be completely boring for me to talk about. So unless I run into a celebrity or I win big on the penny slots, I won't have much to blog about this week. Besides the fact I am beat by the end of the day!

Sure miss my Blarney Boyz, though! Plus, the only thing I had that was close to a Shamrock Shake was mint gum. Don't ye feel bad for me, though. I'm sure I'll make up for it at some point.

If you were wearin' the green today -- because you qualify or just wish you did -- Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Time for this leprechaun to sleep!

Pot O' Gold

Since it was pre-St. Patty's Day today, it was only fitting our Assumption girls basketball team found a "ball" of gold at the end of their state-tourney rainbow!

As promised, I kept my blue fingernail polish on and wore an AHS hoops t-shirt today to give the girls good vibes that brief hour I was in Green Bay before my plane took off at 9 a.m. I am sure it helped!

The game started at 11:05 a.m. and my next plane was departing at 11:15 a.m. Not enough time to get a real sense of the game at that point. When we took off after a short layover in Minneapolis, I learned there was wi-fi on the plane. For just $5 for an hour, I figured I could log on and watch live streaming video of the game! I was so excited until I realized my laptop was not fully charged and I only had 29 minutes of power left.

So I paid for the connection and had to power down my computer every few minutes to let it rest and let the game continue a little bit. Every time I would power it back up, the game was getting closer and our lead was gone. With less than 4 minutes to go, we were tied and I had to power off since I only had 6 minutes left on my battery. Oh, the agony!

I managed to turn it back on for the last, truly agonizing minute and saw us win. Whoo-hoo!! However, the computer went dead immediately after and I missed all celebrations, etc. Physically, I also missed the pep rally back at the school at 5 p.m. followed by a big ol' pizza party at The Ridges.

I was really busy since the moment I landed this afternoon. And something tells me nothing in Vegas is as exciting right now as the party back home!

Congrats, Lady Royals ... Our new Division 5 State Champions!!

TGIFFF (Thank God it's Fish Fry Friday)

I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off today -- making up for lost time at the office yesterday while preparing to be gone a few days next week... then packing and playing, too.

The playing part was best. That really just involved going out to a fish fry at The Ridges with the guys -- and this time the guys included Casey, who is launching his Spring Break with a day or two at home.

Great to see the college boy again!! We enjoyed a nice meal, some catching up and some quick "Hello"s with friends who just happened to be there, too.

Then it was down to business for me, who has to leave the house before 6 a.m. to head to the Green Bay airport. I am doing a "work" trip as in working to help some friends put on a business event. It will be sad not to see the Assumption girls play their championship game but I will keep my blue fingernail polish on for the day, plus I will be in the same town as them, at least long enough to send them good vibes!

I also feel a bit guilty about leaving the state when my dad is not doing well. He's entering his 18th month of riding the Shingles on-again/off-again pain roller coaster. Right now he's in the hospital while they try to alleviate pain and determine a successful pain management program for him... and help him gain some strength back. He may be 85 but he's a tough ol' bird so I will see him at Easter and I bet he'll be fine. (Prayers still appreciated though!)

Well I better hit the hay. I've gone through the packing list so many times in my head I am sure I have what I need. Now if I can just turn off the brain so I can sleep.

Fast!!