See What the Fuss (and Fun) is About

This commercial message is brought to you by your friends in the Park Institute cardio kickboxing class...

It's not really a shameless plug on behalf of the owner. It is a shameless plug on behalf of me, who will be co-starring in the shows at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Saturday!

And by co-starring I mean there are 5 other "stars" in the fitness/kickboxing demonstration. Well let's just call us class participants, not stars. After all, our moment in the spotlight will only last about 5-7 minutes per show. The rest of the presentation focuses on Tae Kwon-Do type stuff, which should be cool to watch, too.

Seriously, stop by. Eat something. Maybe a win a prize. Maybe see just enough of our fitness demo for you to want to give kickboxing a try! You'll see how fun it is. You'll see how easy it can be. You'll see that anyone can do it – all shapes, sizes and ages. Basically, if I can do it, anyone can.

If you can't make it Saturday, let me know and I can give you a private demo.

Just contact my agent.

Working Through It

This is the first year in many that I do not have the week off between Christmas and New Year's. That's what happens when you have a new job and new employee vacation time.

I miss the part about staying in jammies or sweats all day and watching Hallmark movies. I don't miss eating my way through the week and wondering why I have to start New Year's in the same situation as the previous year!

Don't get me wrong. We are all trying to "get rid of" the treats in our houses and therefore, work is a Grand Central Station for Temptation.

Probably a good thing we are so busy we barely have time to think straight, let alone make a special trip over to the treat table. I still did, naturally, because I HAD to get steps! But compared the boredom eating, watching TV eating, playing cards eating, etc eating I would be doing on vacation, I feel justified.

Probably my downfall.

As a preemptive strike to the holi-grazing that will continue New Year's Eve, I went to kickboxing class after work. Our instructor worked us hard. Very hard. Lots of sweat. He said he didn't want us to forget him next year. Like that would happen.

As much as I enjoy the holidays, I will be glad next week when our class schedule is back to normal (honest!), my sleep schedule is back to normal, the amount of sweets in the house is back to normal, and my cholesterol, too.

One more day to work through it!

Cat Days of Indian Summer

First there are the Dog Days of Summer. Then come the Cat Days of Indian Summer.

Had to run home at lunch today and was immediately jealous of my "sun sister" Sylvester, catching all the rays on another gorgeous day of Indian Summer.

I wasted no time breaking the 11th commandment: Thou shalt not covet they kitty's sunning space.

But oh how I was tempted to play hooky and spend the afternoon with Mr. Deck Chair. Pretty sure that was my last chance. Based on the forecast, Indian Summer was short lived and, based on history, isn't likely to return later in the month or in December. Not to the extent Mr. Deck Chair and I enjoy anyway.

So I returned to work and tried to enjoy the sun shining in the window. Helped me feel better, I think, or maybe it was the 5th and final days of antibiotics??

Either way, coughing was down to a minimum at work and I was finally able to return to kickboxing class tonight. Felt good to do some exercise again. Here I had declared the month "NO-vember" as in NO excuses and NO whining and NO slacking. So first thing I do is skip 3 days of class. Ha. Guess I can allow a "doctor's excuse," right?

Hard to get motivated during the dog days and cat days. But we do what we can. Just thankful I am on the mend and that I am not as bad off as a few loved one who are dealing with illness and/or injury. Sending many prayers tonight... including one of thanks for the glorious day.

Although I'm sure our furry little sun seeker already thanked Him for that!

Finding Balance

Didn't I resolve a few weeks ago not to find so many excuses to skip exercise class? Huh. That time went by fast.

I honestly did have a sore back and did have to work late a few times, but I am resolving again to get back into my dedicated rhythm.

My fitness instructor always points out how we "practice balance" in every class. I know he is talking about strengthening ourselves so we don't fall and can't get up. But my head hears "work out one day and have ice cream or pizza the next." Isn't that finding balance?

Thankfully I coerced a girlfriend to try the class with me. So we went last night to cardio kickboxing and this morning (yup, the 5:40 a.m. class) for strength training. Early tomorrow morning will be another round of kickboxing. Like me, she says it's a lot of fun. I hope she sticks with it. It's always helpful to have someone with a like-minded goal pushing or pulling you along.

That's what the balance is. Some give and take so we stay on track.

I won't feel guilty that we had the pizza buffet at lunch. That was a company treat for working last weekend. If I sandwich in a few breadsticks between UBC (Ultimate Body Challenge) classes, I think I'll be OK.

Last time I checked, I had surpassed losing 15 pounds in 2015 and can do push-ups like nobody's business. So I didn't lose too much ground with my "let's go once a week and survive a killer session" attitude. But I'm happy to start mixing it up over 4-6 days again.

That'll help balance "Pumpkin Everything" season, right?

Because Doesn't Tell Me Anything

When the boys were younger and possibly in trouble, Daddy would ask them, "Why did you do that?" And they inevitably would reply: "Because."

He would promptly respond: "Because doesn't tell me anything!"

That's true. Yet, I tried to use that tonight when I made an appearance at kickboxing class for the first time in a week. If I put as much effort into getting to class as I do making up excuses, I'd be so much further ahead. I realize this, but don't always act on that wise thought pattern.

Instead, I was thinking about how I had an aching back and neck last week, then my calves started hurting from a few runs I took. Oh, and I missed BECAUSE my work schedule was a bit crazy so I couldn't get to early or late class on a few of those days. And, well, the teacher and sub were gone for a four-day weekend.

Is that a good enough bundle of excuses?

Nope. Not according to my trainer.

He worked me hard and I will probably start a new round of aches and pains tomorrow. And that's all on me.

Now you know from previous blogs that I really, really love my cardio kickboxing classes. So I really, really do have good reasons if I can't make it. I'll just have to try harder to get my priorities straight.

Don't you find that the longer you fall off the wagon – whatever your "wagon" may be – that it is harder and harder to get back on? I guess we're all human.

Humans with big stockpiles of excuses, but still humans who deserve second chances. Do you have something you've been purposely avoiding? A habit you've been trying to break? A habit you've been trying to start?

Get back on the wagon! I will give you a boost and join you!

No excuses.

I Don't Sweat, I Sparkle

We had some wicked storms throughout the Midwest during the overnight hours. Lots of people lost power, not to mention trees and lightweight lawn chairs. I could hear the wind and rain while I was trying to sleep but all we got was rain. Still had power. And Mr. Deck Chair stayed put.

The post-storm weather was "thick," though.

Pretty sure both the temperature and the humidity approached 90 today. But, because I was naughty this weekend, I knew I better go to kickboxing after work. What was I thinking?

The first sign that I should have just stayed home was that I was the only one there. When that happens, the instructor goes "off course" and puts me through the paces like a personal trainer. Here's a dirty trick ... the batteries in the wall clock went dead so he didn't know how much time had passed. I, on the other hand, was flabbergasted that I had worked out so hard... in only 10 minutes!

When we figured that out, it was too late. I was hot and sweaty, well sparkly, and going blind.

Did you know that if you "sparkle" enough, it can pour down your face, into your eyes and it stings like heck! The salty sparkles burned so bad I could not open my eyes. Yikes. Good thing I always have a towel with me to mop up sparkles.

I still looked like a hot, wet mess but I went on a few errands right after class. Naturally, I ran into someone I knew at the library. She did not comment on how sparkly I looked.

Perhaps she was blinded, too. It can happen to the best of us!

And Counting...

I wasn't just inspired by this quote because I had a good day. I was inspired by it because it reminded me I DID have a good day!

Despite a decent amount of stress, there were blessings to be counted.

First, I sort of got a taste of retirement. Today was my day to work from the home office but I still got up for 5:40 a.m. exercise class. I knew I had a lot to accomplish today and wanted an early start. Well, you know what they say about the best-laid plans...

I got home from class and showered. Then, after seeing Carter off to school, I said to myself, "I am just going to lay down for a minute and take a quick nap." Isn't that what retired folks would do after a hard, early morning workout?

Next thing I know, it is 90 minutes later! So much for an early start. Guess I needed the sleep!

Was cruising along with work when I hit a technical snag. Someone needed some graphic files in a certain format and I was clueless how to do it. Rather than ask for help and risk sounding like an idiot, I searched online, found some instructions and learned a new software program by noon. I mean I had the application downloaded on my computer. I just didn't know how to use it.

I cursed a bit – as the man in the office down the hall can attest to – but then a blessing arrived. Well, two this afternoon.

Not sure which one I am more excited about – getting Mother's Day flowers delivered early (will take pictures when they "open" up) or discovering 4 (yes FOUR) cartons of Schwan's Peppermint Stick ice cream in the big freezer in the garage. Wow.

First of all, of course I appreciate the flowers more. But still, I'm excited about that Peppermint Stick even though it means one of two things: I was either really good on my diet since Christmas or, cringe, I am an ice cream hoarder!

I admit that purchasing it in bulk does reflect a bit of a problem. However, to my willpower credit, I did just finish up a bag of Hershey's Mint Truffle kisses yesterday that I got for Christmas. Had them in the fridge to keep them fresh. They still tasted good. Glad they are gone, though, so I could open up the bag of Dove Mint Chocolate squares that I've had just as long.

Freezers are magical blessing factories, aren't they?

After work, Jim and I went to the Rapids softball game to see our next-door neighbor Madison play since our Assumption teams were playing out of town. She has been having a rock-star season. She leads her conference in batting and was named the central Wisconsin Player of the Week last week when she went 4-for-4 in a game, including 2 home runs.

It was 80 degrees and sunny ... with 25 mph winds. Could have stayed for hours but they beat Wausau by the 10-run rule so the game was shortened. Madison walked 3 times but scored each time. Got my "daughter fix," but will have to go to another game to see her hit one out!

In the meantime, my greatest blessing had to work tonight so I haven't seen him since this morning. He probably doesn't even know he sent me flowers. But I'm sure he would have if he had thought of it first. He got his Debit Card in the mail yesterday so he might as well learn to use it on the RIGHT stuff.

Did you have any blessings today? I hope you remembered to count them!

Mush, Mush

Let's just pretend for a moment that this chiseled athlete is me. I know. Stretch your imagine.

It was sort of me today. When I showed up as the only class member to kickbox at 5:40 a.m., my instructor informed we were going to try something new. (Well, new for me anyway.)

I guess you could say I had my pre-NFL Draft workout today. Just like the photo illustration, I was  pulling my teacher around the room like a sled dog while doing constant Karate Kid moves. Step Pull. Kick. Mush, mush! Step. Pull. Kick. Mush, mush! Then I had to do it with resistance bands on my legs! Uff da.

For the record, I am available as a "free" agent but I would prefer to get paid. King Cone currency is fine.

After that, I went to work and had to take the afternoon off because my mind was mush. Mush! No, not really. I just had a lot of things to get done before I leave town at dawn tomorrow for Garage Sale Palooza.

Knowing I am missing Carter's 17th birthday Friday, I had to find something for him to open in my absence. This is how Robyn shops: Walk into Dunham's Sporting Goods to get Carter a birthday present. Walk out of Dunham's with birthday present... and a pair of golf shoes for herself. 

In my defense, I needed them, they were on clearance, and I just saved Carter and Jim time on shopping for my Mother's Day gift. Everybody wins, right?

Got home and did a few projects before heading off to school for our "final meeting before departure to Germany" meeting. No, Carter is not leaving until June 14, but there were forms to sign, itineraries and rules to review, packing lists and questions, etc. It's getting exciting now!!

Stopped at Wal-Mart on my way home to visit with a girlfriend for 30 minutes in the card aisle. Oh, and to pick up 3 days' worth of snacks for the garage sale workers (aka Mom and the 8 R's). Tomorrow we load everything up from Mom's and set up at the community center. Mom doesn't have a garage AND this guarantees a rain or shine sale. We'll staff it on Friday and Saturday and by Saturday night at this time I will be praising God it's over!

Our minds will be mush. Our bodies may be, too. But I have every type of nourishment from granola bars to chips AND Chips Ahoy. (I am keeping the red Twizzlers to myself. That is my travel food!)

Now, even though my whole being is mush, I better get packing so I can hop on my dogsled at sunrise. Northward, doggies! Mush, mush!

HumpDay Headlinez

After visiting the third funeral home in less than a week this evening, I decided to try to lighten the mood with some absolutely unimportant Hump Day happenings...

Skipping Class: Since I was out of town and couldn't squeeze it into my schedule yesterday, I have not attended my cardio kickboxing class since last Thursday morning. When I arrived this morning, they were so happy to see me... because they were worried I was sick with one of these nasty flu bugs going around. They were concerned. "I know you never miss class," my instructor says. Whoops. Way to worry people. I think I have been appropriately guilted into cutting my slacking rather than cutting class.

We Be Jammin': A tomboy at heart, every once in awhile I gotta bring out the tiara and be a princess. Awhile back I had ordered some "nails" from a friend's Jamberry Jamboree party. I didn't go to a party and didn't know how to put them on, but since I am going to a party in 2 weeks, I figured I better give it a try. These are not stickers. They are sort of like "vinyl cling-ons" you heat and press into place, trim and heat again.... and try not to burn yourself with your hairdryer. If I keep up this girly thing, I may invest in their little heater/dryer thing that won't blister my fingers! Meanwhile, I went bananas (ha, ha) when I realized I could to it myself. These are what I call my "summer fun" colors that I am going to apply to my toenails, too. Funky times. If you are interested in ordering or checking it out, let me know... just in case I am persuaded to have a party, too!

Music Man: When Mr. Pit Band came home after 6 hours of practice last night, I thought, why haven't I promoted his upcoming event yet?? Please join Carter, the awesome band and many, many talented singers (including some alumni) as we continue to celebrate Assumption's 60th anniversary year with the annual musical Friday and Saturday nights... Take a trip down memory lane and enjoy favorite songs from many past AHS musicals. They have worked so hard at this Musical Revue. I hope they get a good crowd. You'll likely know every song! Tickets are $10 and available at Assumption Scrip Office. Doors open Friday night at 6:40pm (due to Dinner Show) and Saturday at 6pm – with performances starting at 7 pm both nights. Maybe we'll see you there!

Brack-Cat-ology: In case you were on pins and needles wondering how my bracket turned out... For the work pool, hubby finished 4th, which was one spot out of the money, with 90 points. I had 75, Carter had 69 and Sylvester had 51. And yes, she did finish ahead of one human. So not only am I smarter than my cat, she is smarter than someone else, too. But she could have told you that!

Move Over, Daniel-San...

When I pulled into the martial arts joint at 5:39 a.m., there was only one vehicle there. My mind quickly processed a brutal personal training session in my future – and I said, "Oh, crap."

Sure enough. No one else showed up in the last 60 seconds before class so I was in for another "private lesson." Also known as my own sweet "private hell."

Bring it.

I think I vowed after last week's accidental one-on-one class that I would not say "bring it" ever again. But my instructor brought it anyway. Today started out the same as last week with regular cardio kickboxing. Then we moved into some high-intensity interval training with me chasing him around the room, punching and kicking his moving targets. It is way harder than I make it sound. And the "intervals" only allow 15 seconds of rest between.

Proudly, I wasn't feeling like I was going to puke or pass out. That is some improvement from last time. Unfortunately, that was a signal to push me harder.

Learned a new move today. A tough new move.

You can just called me the Karate Kid. Remember when Mr. Miyagi had "Daniel-san" balance on a post on the beach and kick up with one foot, then kick up with the other before the first one lands (and not fall over)? See photo above to see if it jogs your memory.

That was my move today. Quick double kicks. With air time. And chasing my target around the room.

Move over, Daniel-san, I got this.

And while we could have finished the session with "wax on, wax off," we did sit-ups and punches and push-ups and punches (no more girl push-ups for me!).

As my reward, God gave me this for my short drive to home and shower...

I would get on my knees and thank You, God. But I might not get back up...

17-Second Miracles

I listened to an uplifting audio book this week called The Seventeen Second Miracle
by Jason F. Wright.

I finished it on the ride home from work tonight and, without giving too much of the story away, I can tell you the main message is this: Seventeen seconds can change a life forever.

In the book, one of the characters must overcome a tragedy that occurred because his attention was diverted for 17 seconds. Instead of letting it define his life in a negative way, he incorporated 17-second miracles in his everyday life. He chose to live every day believing the smallest acts of kindness could change the world.

I for one believe they can.

What most would call "random acts of kindness" or just plain ol' "good manners" do not necessarily fall into an exact 17-second time slot. They may be a 5-second gesture to open the door for someone or they may take 15 minutes to give someone a ride home. Some times it's just a two-second "hello" to a stranger and other times it's 2 hours of serving meals at The Neighborhood Table.

Every act of kindness has an impact. Miracles can happen – but you must participate in them.

In the book, those learning this concept were encouraged to keep a journal. Not a self-serving record of everything they did for others, but what others did for them. It's sort of like the month of November, "Gratitude Month," when we think of 3 things each day for which we are grateful. It doesn't take us long to realized how blessed we are, does it?

Now take it step further and just incorporate that line of thinking the other 11 months, too. Reflect each day and recall: Who performed a 17-second miracle for you today?


My fitness instructor performed a 45-minute miracle, which I did not appreciate at the time. I was the only person to show up for 5:40 a.m. kickboxing class so he said he'd make a private lesson. And by "private" he meant personal torture for Robyn. I was not sure if I was going to puke or pass out. I did neither. And when I was done and did my weekly weigh-in, I was thankful for his efforts!

If I really pay attention, I'll realize that someone complimented me at work, I received a much-appreciated phone call from a friend, had a sister offer to take some extra work off my hands and my hubby did our laundry (and even tri-folded this diva's underwear).

I may not necessarily keep a journal of these small favors, kind gestures and miracles, but I will make a note to self to recognize them, appreciate them and pay them forward. It's just the right thing to do, don't you think?

A seventeen second miracle can change a life – if you let it. The clock is ticking.

Are you in? I am.

Wacky Wednesday

What is wrong with this picture? Keep your list to fewer than 10 items, please!

First of all, boots and capri leggings don't jive. I realize that. In my defense, though... When I go to kick boxing, I need to switch into my athletic shoes quickly so I wear "fashion" boots that will slip right off. When it's nice, I will wear flip-flops.

Secondly, I should not be standing in snow on March 25! Here I broke out my new springy bottoms and there was no spring.

Woke up to an inch or so of heavy, wet snow covering our recently exposed dead, brown grass. Apparently Mother Nature is having another hot flash and doesn't know how to cope with it. I should let her know I have an essential oil for that!

I actually won't complain about our cold white mess, though, because some areas of Wisconsin have gotten a foot this week. Not a pasty-white leg and foot in a non-fashionable boot, but an actual 12 inches of snow.

The good news is that according to the forecast – if you choose to believe it – calls for melting weather. And I mean all the way up to 60 degrees by Tuesday.

Maybe then Miss Fancy Pants can swap out her boots for something more appropriate for the season. Which could be any of the 4 when it comes to March in Wisconsin!

Just Whistling Past

Had our monthly book club meeting this morning at the coffee shop and bakery right next to my kickboxing place. How convenient after class to walk around the corner for a cinnamon roll and latte!

Our book this month was Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall. Another good read!

The plot is basically this: The summer of 1963 begins like any other for nine-year-old Starla Claudelle. Born to teenage parents in Mississippi, Starla is being raised by a strict paternal grandmother, Mamie, whose worst fear is that Starla will turn out like her mother. Starla hasn’t seen her momma since she was three, but is convinced that her mother will keep her promise to take Starla and her daddy to Nashville, where her mother hopes to become a famous singer—and that one day her family will be whole and perfect. She ends up running away and, once out in the country, Starla is offered a ride by a black woman, Eula, who is traveling with a white baby. She happily accepts a ride, with the ultimate goal of reaching her mother in Nashville. As the two unlikely companions make their long and sometimes dangerous journey, Starla’s eyes are opened to the harsh realities of 1963 southern segregation.

Pretty interesting. We got to talking about the meaning of "whistling past the graveyard," too.

According to legend (or myth), whistling in the dark – or any other time – is considered an ancient way of summoning spirits to help you in your time of need. Presumably one doesn't whistle near a graveyard in case one summons the spirits of the dead! In modern times, I would say it means a situation in which a person does something (whistling, maybe singing or talking to oneself) to make a show – to others, or even more commonly, to oneself — of bravery, or at least nonchalance, in the face of danger or difficulties.

Have you ever done this? What was the situation?

I can't whistle worth crap – unless I use two fingers in my mouth – so I either distract my "fear" with singing or talking to myself. I remember when I first had my anxiety attacks a few years ago I would carry on a 50-minute, one-sided conversation with God on my commute to work. I had to keep my mind distracted. Plus, we all know God's a good listener.

Back in the old days (aka my childhood) I was scared to death the Bogey Man was going to get me when I had to go to the outhouse in the dark. I would just say in a sing-song voice something like, "OK, I don't care if you're out here but I really have to pee so just let me be..." and keep the one-sided (again) conversation going until I did my business and was back safely in the house.

These days, I usually am conjuring up some courage only when I have situations like dealing with my fear of heights.  For one thing, I sternly tell myself not to look down. Good thing I am a good listener. It has gotten me through some scary moments.

Today, my overwhelming task was going to be cleaning up my office. Scary business. I didn't whistle, but I sure distracted myself. I road tripped up to Marshfield with hubby to visit his aunt and uncle. They weren't home so it was a somewhat wasted trip. Tonight we had to work at a fundraiser for the junior class (to help with prom expenses). Now I have to update my broken bracket.

I guess my office will still be here tomorrow. I still won't be able to whistle, but I sure am good at coming up with alternatives...

The Really Off Season

While Carter didn't play basketball, he was plenty involved performing in Pep Band for every home game and we as parents were involved as devoted fans of the sport (and the band, of course). Now basketball for both our girls and boys teams is done.

We are currently entering the longest "off season" we've had in our household since Carter was in kindergarten. Why?

Well, after much deliberation (very much), Carter has decided not to play baseball this spring. We already knew that due to the timing of his Germany trip in June and July that Legion ball was out of the question this summer. But we (Dad and Mom) assumed he still would play for Assumption.

Carter loves baseball but has been feeling the pressure of school this year and wants to finish strong. The junior year is the toughest and we can attest to witnessing grueling, nightly homework sessions lasting well after us old folks have gone to bed. As it is, Carter's after-school time is taken up with practices (6 times a week) for the upcoming school musical. He'll be playing in the pit band for that. A neat experience to be sure. It will be the second weekend in April so he will have nearly 2 months of school after that with no after-school requirements.

Except running.

The other part of his deliberations was changing his focus to running. He told us he and his cross country teammates really want to return to state this fall AND Carter personally wants to shave off major time from his pace. He and a few of the guys who aren't in a spring sport are going to run together (daily if they can) now and in the summer so there is a better chance for improvement.

We can respect having goals. It's just going to be hard on us baseball fans to not watch him play. We'll still go to games to support the Royals. And now I guess I won't feel guilty if I sneak off to catch a softball game or heck, even soccer. Who knows? I doubt our schedule will free up as much as we think! It just never does.

Speaking of seasons... I just wrapped up my 10-week Ultimate Body Challenge at the Park Institute. What a hoot. I loved it. From the cardio kickboxing and "piloxing" (pilates and boxing) to the kettlebells and body bar, it was a lot of fun. I have renewed my membership to go to whatever classes I wish for the next 3 months. I am sure I will try to do Monday-Saturday as often as possible. My body is just starting its transformation. I need to keep the progress going!

While the scale only moved about 8-10 pounds, depending on the day, I did lose 2 inches around my waist so that's a start. There will be no "Before" and "After" photos yet. I have to wait until I start tanning. Isn't that how that works? It always seems like the "After" pictures feature a toned and tanned body. Since I'm not toned yet maybe the tan will disguise it?? Hmmm. I don't know.

Another benefit is the strength training. That comes and goes, I guess. Yesterday during the birthday party I had to have my father-in-law help me open a pickle jar. A few minutes later he asked how my fitness classes were going. I said, "I can do push-ups now. I'm getting stronger." He said, "But you can't open a pickle jar?" Oh, whoops. I guess I FEEL stronger, but maybe I'm not quite there yet.

We'll see what happens as I move into the next season of my "sport" and cope with Carter not moving into his. Change can be good.

Right?

Green Eggs and Ham

I'm pretty sure on Dr. Seuss' birthday that Carter would agree that Sam character who did not like Green Eggs and Ham. With his queasy tummy, probably everything looked like that to him, too.

On the plus side, even though Carter missed his first day of the school year, he is doing better and will be back at it tomorrow. Even after 12 hours of sleep last night, he was not road-ready this morning. He slept some more, finally got non-green food in him and some fluids.

Felt well enough by afternoon to tackle two days of homework and study for 3 tests. That would make me want to crawl back into bed.

For the rest of the week.

Meanwhile, it was nice to have Daddy working at home to keep an eye on him as needed. I worked in Iola and got home in time for kickboxing, which worked out well since Carter was typing a paper on my computer anyway. Then, since he was still working away when I got home, I was forced to sit on the couch and watch The Voice.

The way I suffer!

Of course, now I am up late, wrapping up my work and sanitizing my mouse and keyboard so I don't get green around the gills tomorrow... or around my breakfast eggs and ham.

I do not like green eggs and ham.
Because I am picky.
Picky I am!

In One Air Horn and Out the Other...

While hubby is enjoying his jambalaya down South, I forget that it falls on me to get the teenager out of bed in the morning since he doesn't respond to the atomic air horn alarm.

I didn't completely forget.

I was done with my kickboxing class and stretching out when it dawned on me that Carter might not have gotten up on his own. Never a good sign to round the bend at 6:37 a.m. and see a dark house. Or walking in the door and hearing that atomic alarm that is loud enough to wake the dead, but not a 16-year-old.

So I race downstairs and flick on his lights and do the "mother air horn" with a shake and a "Carter, you don't have much time!"

He got up.

Actually, he had a half hour to get ready before he had to leave for school. But he was panicked and said, "You better call school and tell them I'll be late." What?

Riddle me this... How is it I showered, dressed, curled my hair and was out the door to work before he was leaving for school? It goes without saying that I am amazing, but seriously, what does a boy have to do but quick splash, throw on clothes, grab a Pop Tart and go? I don't know how 30 minutes is not enough time.

But he was late to school. I did not call or write an excuse because I know it could have been avoided. Tomorrow I'll be better prepared.

In fact, I know I have a real air horn around here somewhere... You'll hear it if I find it. Carter might not, but you will.

Fatted Calves

I was going for Mom of the Year when I got up at 5 a.m. and noticed that Carter's homework project was in the computer printer queue, waiting for a yellow cartridge to be installed.

I didn't have a yellow cartridge. But, I hoped that before sunrise, somebody would!

If you see my photo on the People of Wal-Mart website, just skip to the next one, please. I did not look pretty for my homework "emergency printer cartridge" run. Immediately after 5:30 a.m. kickboxing class, I strolled (well, almost trotted) through the aisles, vulnerable to the public eye... unshowered, "glistening" from class, and my face – au naturale.

Thank the Lord they had my yellow cartridge AND special appreciation that for once I did not run into anyone I knew! I guess that makes up for the fact I didn't get a "Thanks, Mom" from the frazzled teenager.

That also was my cue that I deserved a Freakishly Fat Tuesday!

OK, I didn't go too far. After working out first thing and trying to reduce my fatted calves, I kind of was guilted into behaving all day. That and I was too busy at work after 3 days out of the office. I stayed late to wrap up a video-editing project and rejoiced that it was a success.

And that's when Fat Tuesday just got fatter.

It dawned on me that if I went home via the Stevens Point route, I would drive right past Arby's and could get one of their Andes Mint And Chocolate Swirl Shakes. Oh yes I did!

It was too much, though. And now I know why it can be easy to proclaim a sacrifice for Lent. With all our gluttonous behavior on Tuesday, come Ash Wednesday morning we vow never to eat or drink "that" again. I won't go so far as to say that about anything mint-related, but I can enjoy in moderation, right?

(Note to self: Arby's size Medium is not moderation. Uff da.)

My unimpressive Fat Tuesday has come to this... My stomach has no more room for any more Mardi Gras goodness. And since hubby is gone bowling, there will be no beads coming my way. Perhaps I'll just sink my teeth into a big FAT book and go crazy.

Just keep me off the Wal-Mart website!

Presidential Sweet

Thank you, Mount Rushmore, for memories of a warm summer day (without windchill). And thank you, presidents, for a Monday off from work. Sweet!!

For those keeping score at home, the next time I have a holiday I will get to spend it with Mr. Deck Chair. Memorial Day seems like a long way off...

It was a nice "extra" day to the weekend and I took advantage of it. Got my Cardio Kickbox class in this morning, then stopped at the scrapbook store to get "just a few" pieces of paper I need for the weekend. After a shower, I got all of our tax stuff in order for the tax man, then spent an hour or so with my BFF, who always gets Federal Holidays off!

Tonight I got the last of my camp stuff together (except for my clothes and bedding, etc), so that feels good. I also got some last minute posters and labels done for the Empty Bowls event next weekend. Just whipped through my "To Do" list!

I did take some time for fun. Watched the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special from last night and got some good laughs out of that.

Then I called my mom to see how she's acclimating to winter now that's she been back from Texas for a week. She's not a fan. She said Valentine's Day was the coldest it's been since she was around 10 or 12 years old. Uff da. On a positive note, she is liking her brand-new push-button phone! She still has the two rotary ones on the wall so when a call comes in, all 3 ring. At least we know she won't miss a call because she can't hear it!

It was good to talk to her and, as always, she loved talking to "grown-up" Carter. "I hope you don't mind I gave him some advice," she said. Basically, she told him to make good decisions because the results follow you everywhere.

I think some presidents could have heeded that advice. Still got a holiday out of it, though!

Love Life

Our neighbors are always good about using their barn to remind us what season it is. It's been nice to see the lighted heart-shaped wreath for the past month. Every time I drive by I think about LOVE. What could be better than that?

As one of those "word people," I have come to discover the many meanings of love and many levels. Today, on Valentine's Day, it was good to experience quite a few!

Woke up feeling a bit under the weather but LOVE that my essential oils have improved that situation throughout the day.

My mood at 7 a.m. was also lifted by a Valentine's present from hubby. Something soft and WARM to wear after a shower and something chocolate and minty for ANY time! And what did I get Jim? A toaster, of course! And he LOVES it! Hey, we've seriously needed a new one for a few years but it's just not one of those things you think of when you are buying groceries and what not. Now I finally remembered. He and Carter were both excited about it. I was just happy to heat up the romance, er bread.

Went to my Ultimate Body Challenge class at 7:45 a.m. Still LOVE it after 6 weeks and LOVE that I am starting to see, well feel really, results. Just a bit. Apparently, the body doesn't really start making noticeable changes until the 8-week mark (that's for any major health and exercise transformation, not just UBC). So I'll stick with it and probably continue after the 10-week session is up. It is tough but so fun, too! And it warms you up on a day when it is single digits and the windchill is way below zero!

After class, I walked around to the front of the building, which is a cafe and bakery, for my monthly book club meeting. Three things to LOVE there... reading, good coffee and, most importantly, girlfriends! We discussed the book The Kitchen House and rambled on about other "important" topics, too. What a nice way to start a Saturday!

Got home and got to see Carter for a bit before he ran some errands with friends and went to the girls basketball game this afternoon versus Elk Mound. He had to work tonight so no dates and no other social life. That's OK, Mom and Dad took care of that.

We went to the game as well. It was a good one. We had a huge lead early on, then the Mounders (I can't make that up) got their act together. Our girls managed to hold off a comeback and won. Afterwards, we went out with a couple of friends to eat, drink and be merry at Sportsmen's Bar & Grill. I had an excellent Buffalo Chicken Wrap (because I LOVE hot stuff!). And we had very nice visit.

It feels good to be home early. All this lovin' can wear a girl out! Plus I need to hit the hay early. I LOVE being healthy and need to see if I can stave off this unhealthy tickle in my throat.

Just waiting for the bed to heat up... and I do mean the electric mattress pad! You know I LOVE a good night's sleep, too...

On Your Best Behavior

My Thursday was 5:40 a.m. UBC class, then off to work, followed by secret shopping for Saturday, then off to back-to-back meetings. Somewhere in there I sneaked in a drive-thru visit and got my first Shamrock Shake of the season... finally!! I am home now and ready to drop.

I will not gripe about it, though.

Each item on my schedule made me a better person.

The workout helped me physically and emotionally. Work helped me mentally and financially (didn't win the Powerball last night). My secret shopping merely made me a better wife and mom – even though I don't need material things to show my guys love on Valentine's Day.

But the meetings were the most important. By taking time to help others, I am helping myself. There's a phrase that goes something like "You can't share the perfume of happiness without getting some on yourself." It's true. I might complain about time commitments, but in the end, knowing that my help – along with other dedicated folks – is making someone's life a teeny bit better makes mine better, too.

I like the message in that photo. Basically, actions speak louder than words.

You know me. I always have plenty of words to say. Now it's time to act on them! You can give it a try, too. It's amazing really – you can give and receive at the same time.

What a blessing.