Shh... Don't tell anyone in my house, but I am listening to Christmas music as I type this! I've popped in one of Manhein Steamroller CDs and I am in the mood to get this holiday season started!
Now that Halloween is over, it is safe to talk about Christmas, just not time yet to crank the volume on the holiday tunes unless others are out of earshot. Some people just aren't ready for it yet. I can't help but love this time of year -- and cooking up surprises left and right. Yes, these are the kind of surprises I do like!
I'm sure any parent will agree. This is our opportunity -- our responsibility, really -- to help spread the magic. We are selfishly grateful that for just one more year, our children still believe in Santa. Still believe in surprises. Still believe in the power of giving.
For the past few years, Jim and I have concentrated our "surprise" efforts on gifts for the boys. The bigger boys are getting tougher and tougher to buy for each year, but Carter still lives in that bubble of anticipation and happiness around Christmastime.
During this same time period, Jim and I haven't really given each other gifts. We try to get something for the family or for the house. Last year, we painted our living room and got new furniture. "Santa" still had to buy something little for our stockings, though, so we're not left out on Christmas morning.
Honestly, I have so much fun trying to surprise others, I don't mind knowing what I'm getting. And this year will be no different. Since we had the day off together yesterday, Jim and I managed to get some Christmas shopping done. (Wow, before Thanksgiving even!) We helped Santa pick out a Carhartt jacket for Daddy and a set of golf clubs for Mommy. What? No gifts for the house? They must have been very good this year!
To cap off our day, we attended a surprise 40th birthday party for someone at work. And he really was totally surprised! That was cool.
It really does feel good to give when someone isn't expecting anything. Isn't that was this season is all about? The greatest gift? What a wonderful surprise! No wonder I love Christmas!
OK, I better shut off this music before I get busted! Plus, I have more surprises to plan -- and actually have wrapping to do! Let the season begin...
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Gr(ey)ve concerns
Have you been paying attention to this Hollywood writers' strike? Since I'm not much of a television watcher, it didn't concern me ... at first.
I heard about late-night shows having to air reruns. I'm in bed before 10 so I don't care much about that. Then I heard about some sitcoms and dramas that were only shot a week or so in advance so their fresh material will soon run its course. I probably can live with that. But now I heard Grey's Anatomy only has limited episodes. Yes, I'm sitting up to take notice!
Never fear, Grey's fans. I have it on good authority there's no need for alarm just yet. According to McDreamy (oh yeah, he has a real name -- Patrick Dempsey), one of the celebs lending support to the Writers Guild of America and their cause, Grey's probably has enough episodes to get us to Christmas.
OK. So then what? If they run reruns for the New Year, does the season extend to summer? The last major writers' strike happened back in 1988 and lasted nearly 6 months. Do you really think this one will last that long? And how do I become one of these valued writers who actually gets paid?
I probably should treasure each Grey's episode like it's my last! Maybe this will give the show's writers some time to think up some good story lines. No offense, but there's been some lack of sizzle this season.
Perhaps they are looking for some writers to fill in. I know of someone who would write for cheap. And I'm sure she'd be very professional about meeting McDreamy, McSteamy, McAnybody she could ...
I heard about late-night shows having to air reruns. I'm in bed before 10 so I don't care much about that. Then I heard about some sitcoms and dramas that were only shot a week or so in advance so their fresh material will soon run its course. I probably can live with that. But now I heard Grey's Anatomy only has limited episodes. Yes, I'm sitting up to take notice!
Never fear, Grey's fans. I have it on good authority there's no need for alarm just yet. According to McDreamy (oh yeah, he has a real name -- Patrick Dempsey), one of the celebs lending support to the Writers Guild of America and their cause, Grey's probably has enough episodes to get us to Christmas.
OK. So then what? If they run reruns for the New Year, does the season extend to summer? The last major writers' strike happened back in 1988 and lasted nearly 6 months. Do you really think this one will last that long? And how do I become one of these valued writers who actually gets paid?
I probably should treasure each Grey's episode like it's my last! Maybe this will give the show's writers some time to think up some good story lines. No offense, but there's been some lack of sizzle this season.
Perhaps they are looking for some writers to fill in. I know of someone who would write for cheap. And I'm sure she'd be very professional about meeting McDreamy, McSteamy, McAnybody she could ...
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Side effects
Television commercials for pharmaceuticals these days are so scary they're almost entertaining.
Whether it's your head, heart, feet or parts we don't need to talk about, most of the commercials start out with this serene scene on the beach or in a hammock or perhaps enjoying a Sunday drive. Your life will be so calm and wonderful with this new drug.
Then you hear the "possible" side effects. Typically, you'll deal with fatigue, nausea and headaches. But in some rare cases, they say, your heart will race, you'll poop your pants, you'll bleed out of your ears and you'll grow hair on your nose.
Then, they suggest, you should report that to your doctor and stop taking the medication. You don't say?! Usually when I see these commercials I'm convinced I'd rather suffer with the health problem than the side effects!
My sister told me tonight she ran across the side effects for the medication our mom is taking for her restless legs syndrome -- called RLS these days, but known to all of us kids as "jerky legs." Apparently the drug Mom takes is capable of triggering compulsive behaviors.
I wish I was joking, but according to the company's Web site, the side effects for this drug really say: There have been reports of patients taking certain medications to treat Parkinson's disease or RLS (including Mom's) that have reported problems with gambling, compulsive eating, and increased sex drive.
Well I know my parents, especially Mom, enjoy an awful lot of time at the casino -- and I don't want details on anything else! I always associated the gambling with their retirement age. I mean who else has time to take all these casino bus trips? But could Mom's love for the nickel slots be tied to when she began those meds? If so, can we sue the drug company for her one-armed bandit losses?
Interesting, isn't it? Makes you want to start reading labels ... or perhaps start taking the Jerky Leg pills. You might be fat and poor, but according to patient reports, it'll spice up your marriage!
Whether it's your head, heart, feet or parts we don't need to talk about, most of the commercials start out with this serene scene on the beach or in a hammock or perhaps enjoying a Sunday drive. Your life will be so calm and wonderful with this new drug.
Then you hear the "possible" side effects. Typically, you'll deal with fatigue, nausea and headaches. But in some rare cases, they say, your heart will race, you'll poop your pants, you'll bleed out of your ears and you'll grow hair on your nose.
Then, they suggest, you should report that to your doctor and stop taking the medication. You don't say?! Usually when I see these commercials I'm convinced I'd rather suffer with the health problem than the side effects!
My sister told me tonight she ran across the side effects for the medication our mom is taking for her restless legs syndrome -- called RLS these days, but known to all of us kids as "jerky legs." Apparently the drug Mom takes is capable of triggering compulsive behaviors.
I wish I was joking, but according to the company's Web site, the side effects for this drug really say: There have been reports of patients taking certain medications to treat Parkinson's disease or RLS (including Mom's) that have reported problems with gambling, compulsive eating, and increased sex drive.
Well I know my parents, especially Mom, enjoy an awful lot of time at the casino -- and I don't want details on anything else! I always associated the gambling with their retirement age. I mean who else has time to take all these casino bus trips? But could Mom's love for the nickel slots be tied to when she began those meds? If so, can we sue the drug company for her one-armed bandit losses?
Interesting, isn't it? Makes you want to start reading labels ... or perhaps start taking the Jerky Leg pills. You might be fat and poor, but according to patient reports, it'll spice up your marriage!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Winds of change
As Winnie the Pooh would say, it's a blustery day in the Hundred Acre Wood -- or in our case, the One Acre Wood. With gusts up to 40 mph or so, I thought it might even by Winds-Day already.
When I stopped to get gas this morning, my gloveless hands were freezing as the wind whipped all my hairspray out of my head. While I stood there shivering in our first "windchill" of fall, I thought, wow, I wish this wind could blow away some of these extra pounds, too. How about some of my troubles while it's at it.
Then I had my first cup of coffee and reality returned. Unfortunately, experience has taught me that for some things, there are no quick fixes -- not even cold, purpose-driven windblown ones. Most things I gotta tackle one day at a time, maybe just an hour at a time. The key is taking that first step. If your feet ain't moving, you ain't going anywhere!
I had this dream last night about a friend of mine who lives far, far away. I see her maybe 3 times a year. In this dream, I was surprised when I saw her. She had lost like 60 pounds and she looked awesome. How did you do it? I asked. Weight Watchers, she replied. I was immediately a little jealous of her success and a lot disgusted with my own efforts (or lack of them). If only I had stuck with the program, I'd be there, too!
When I awoke, that dream stuck with me all day. It definitely mirrors my current reality -- my current struggle, my current lack of dedication. In October, I got so caught up with my month of mini-vacations and travels (complete with many mammoth meals, of course), that I lost sight of my "plan" of action to lose weight. In fact, I completely lost the action part altogether. It's no wonder my progress has been reversed. I basically took a month off!
I know I didn't tack on the extra pounds overnight. And I know, as much as I hope and wish on stars, that it won't come off overnight either -- or in a strong windstorm. I need to pick up where I left off and start moving forward, just one step at a time.
If I'm lucky, there'll be times the wind is at my back, helping to push me along... maybe even bouncing along like Tigger in our One Acre Wood.
When I stopped to get gas this morning, my gloveless hands were freezing as the wind whipped all my hairspray out of my head. While I stood there shivering in our first "windchill" of fall, I thought, wow, I wish this wind could blow away some of these extra pounds, too. How about some of my troubles while it's at it.
Then I had my first cup of coffee and reality returned. Unfortunately, experience has taught me that for some things, there are no quick fixes -- not even cold, purpose-driven windblown ones. Most things I gotta tackle one day at a time, maybe just an hour at a time. The key is taking that first step. If your feet ain't moving, you ain't going anywhere!
I had this dream last night about a friend of mine who lives far, far away. I see her maybe 3 times a year. In this dream, I was surprised when I saw her. She had lost like 60 pounds and she looked awesome. How did you do it? I asked. Weight Watchers, she replied. I was immediately a little jealous of her success and a lot disgusted with my own efforts (or lack of them). If only I had stuck with the program, I'd be there, too!
When I awoke, that dream stuck with me all day. It definitely mirrors my current reality -- my current struggle, my current lack of dedication. In October, I got so caught up with my month of mini-vacations and travels (complete with many mammoth meals, of course), that I lost sight of my "plan" of action to lose weight. In fact, I completely lost the action part altogether. It's no wonder my progress has been reversed. I basically took a month off!
I know I didn't tack on the extra pounds overnight. And I know, as much as I hope and wish on stars, that it won't come off overnight either -- or in a strong windstorm. I need to pick up where I left off and start moving forward, just one step at a time.
If I'm lucky, there'll be times the wind is at my back, helping to push me along... maybe even bouncing along like Tigger in our One Acre Wood.
Monday, November 5, 2007
In the dark
The clocks on the walls are all changed now to reflect Daylight Saving Time. But our internal clocks are a bit off kilter.
I don't mind when we "fall back" -- but just for that one night when we get an extra hour of sleep. What I don't like is driving home from the work in the dark. And, within probably two weeks, we'll be driving to work in the dark, too.
Could it be worse? Yes. Guess what I saw today? Not to use any four-letter words in the blog, but there was SNOW in Wisconsin today. I thought I saw a few flakes outside my window, but was in denial. Jim confirmed later that it snowed just a teensy bit on his way home. According to Mr. Weatherman, we might get snow showers a couple of times this week.
Yuck! I guess I'm not ready yet. Why can't we do this one step at time? Change the clocks one day and oh, say a month later, we get the climate change. I could deal with that!
In the meantime, I'll have to be sure to take a walk at lunchtime so I actually see some sunlight. I'll have to be more productive at work since I won't be able to read anything during the commute. But first and foremost, I'll have to see if I can find Carter's winter jacket from last year -- then pray it still fits!
See, I told you I'm not ready. You'd think Mother Nature would understand we mothers need a period of adjustment before we spend another extended period of time in the dark!
I don't mind when we "fall back" -- but just for that one night when we get an extra hour of sleep. What I don't like is driving home from the work in the dark. And, within probably two weeks, we'll be driving to work in the dark, too.
Could it be worse? Yes. Guess what I saw today? Not to use any four-letter words in the blog, but there was SNOW in Wisconsin today. I thought I saw a few flakes outside my window, but was in denial. Jim confirmed later that it snowed just a teensy bit on his way home. According to Mr. Weatherman, we might get snow showers a couple of times this week.
Yuck! I guess I'm not ready yet. Why can't we do this one step at time? Change the clocks one day and oh, say a month later, we get the climate change. I could deal with that!
In the meantime, I'll have to be sure to take a walk at lunchtime so I actually see some sunlight. I'll have to be more productive at work since I won't be able to read anything during the commute. But first and foremost, I'll have to see if I can find Carter's winter jacket from last year -- then pray it still fits!
See, I told you I'm not ready. You'd think Mother Nature would understand we mothers need a period of adjustment before we spend another extended period of time in the dark!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Fired up
Did you hear the air horn sound off from our deck just a moment ago? The Vikings finally got a win! And by some stroke of luck, we actually got to watch the game on TV. We don't see too many of their games here in the heart of Packer country, so it was awesome to see a good one!
It was especially sweet to see them beat the Chargers. The last time I watched them play, it was in person, and it wasn't pretty.
Four years ago this weekend actually, Jim and I flew out to San Diego expecting to see a rockin' game. The Vikings had started out undefeated. We were on a roll. So on a whim -- and trust me, we don't have whims very often -- we decided to go out to the game and stay with a couple I knew through my new job.
At first, we were lucky to even get there. Just like this fall, the dry conditions and Santa Ana winds had fed wildfires everywhere out there. Just days before we were supposed to fly out, our friends had many of their belongings packed and were on standby for evacuation. Fortunately for them, the winds subsided, the fires were under control and their visitors from Wisconsin were able to come. Unfortunately for us, we still flew out there and learned an expensive lesson in humility.
I can't remember the exact circumstances, but for some reason Chargers QB Drew Brees was benched and old man Doug Flutie got to quarterback. He had just turned 41 so we were thinking: No problem, we'll kick his retirement butt.
Never underestimate the little guy. With his help, the Chargers kicked our purple pride all over San Diego, soundly defeating us 42-28. It was a long trolley ride back to the 'burbs. At least we enjoyed some sightseeing and sailing while we were out there -- so I did get a few scrapbook pages out of the trip! (Priorities, you know!)
Having learned my lesson in pride and all that, I will quietly enjoy the feeling of a W this week... and maybe not so quietly hope we stay "on fire" for next week's match-up against the Pack. I think I know better than to talk smack or boast prematurely. I think I know better... but that hasn't stopped me before!
It was especially sweet to see them beat the Chargers. The last time I watched them play, it was in person, and it wasn't pretty.
Four years ago this weekend actually, Jim and I flew out to San Diego expecting to see a rockin' game. The Vikings had started out undefeated. We were on a roll. So on a whim -- and trust me, we don't have whims very often -- we decided to go out to the game and stay with a couple I knew through my new job.
At first, we were lucky to even get there. Just like this fall, the dry conditions and Santa Ana winds had fed wildfires everywhere out there. Just days before we were supposed to fly out, our friends had many of their belongings packed and were on standby for evacuation. Fortunately for them, the winds subsided, the fires were under control and their visitors from Wisconsin were able to come. Unfortunately for us, we still flew out there and learned an expensive lesson in humility.
I can't remember the exact circumstances, but for some reason Chargers QB Drew Brees was benched and old man Doug Flutie got to quarterback. He had just turned 41 so we were thinking: No problem, we'll kick his retirement butt.
Never underestimate the little guy. With his help, the Chargers kicked our purple pride all over San Diego, soundly defeating us 42-28. It was a long trolley ride back to the 'burbs. At least we enjoyed some sightseeing and sailing while we were out there -- so I did get a few scrapbook pages out of the trip! (Priorities, you know!)
Having learned my lesson in pride and all that, I will quietly enjoy the feeling of a W this week... and maybe not so quietly hope we stay "on fire" for next week's match-up against the Pack. I think I know better than to talk smack or boast prematurely. I think I know better... but that hasn't stopped me before!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Bugging out
I'm not a fan of creepy-crawly things -- especially ones that fly, too. Lady bugs are incredible pests this time of year, but do you get those Box Elder bugs in your house? We call them "stink bugs" 'cause if you kill them, they let off a stench. Trust me, I rolled over one in bed the other night, and that wasn't pleasant!
I also hate spiders and no one in our house wants to be anywhere near a bee these days. But to humor my dear son, I saw movies with him today about both of those critters. I don't go to many movies so I'm not qualified to "judge" them, but I'll put on my movie-critic hat anyway (we can do what we want in blogs, you know).
There has been some hype -- on kids cable channels anyway -- about The Bee Movie. I realized as much as I like Seinfeld, 90 minutes of Jerry was too much. They just tried too hard with the puns in this movie. They also threw in a bunch of adult humor and references that kids wouldn't understand. Carter has never heard of Sting, Larry King or Ray Liotta, so that was lost on him -- and I'm sure a lot of young viewers.
Carter and I agreed it was OK, just wasn't the best kids movie we've seen. Believe me, though, I've sat through worse! (My worst endurance test was Son of the Mask and Jim's was Rugrats in Paris. Oh, the sacrifices we make for our children!)
I asked Carter if seeing the funny bees in the movie make him less scared of bees. He said no, but if bees could really think like humans then they'd probably feel bad, especially if they sting someone who's allergic. But since they don't have human brains, they'll keep stinging us, unfortunately! Good point.
The other movie we watched was Spider-Man 3 on DVD. Carter went to see this in May with a buddy for their birthdays. This was the first Jim and I got to watch it. There's some creepy, scary stuff, but I liked it. This one I'd recommend!
Lots of action I'll probably re-live in weird dreams tonight! Good thing we turn the clocks back. I'll have an extra hour to see if Seinfeld will take on the Sandman! Whoops. Different movies. This is what happens when I watch two movies in one day. Now I know why I stick to one TV show a week. And if McDreamy shows up to save Spider-Man, then we know I've got problems ... well, we sort of know that already.
Seen any good movies lately?
I also hate spiders and no one in our house wants to be anywhere near a bee these days. But to humor my dear son, I saw movies with him today about both of those critters. I don't go to many movies so I'm not qualified to "judge" them, but I'll put on my movie-critic hat anyway (we can do what we want in blogs, you know).
There has been some hype -- on kids cable channels anyway -- about The Bee Movie. I realized as much as I like Seinfeld, 90 minutes of Jerry was too much. They just tried too hard with the puns in this movie. They also threw in a bunch of adult humor and references that kids wouldn't understand. Carter has never heard of Sting, Larry King or Ray Liotta, so that was lost on him -- and I'm sure a lot of young viewers.
Carter and I agreed it was OK, just wasn't the best kids movie we've seen. Believe me, though, I've sat through worse! (My worst endurance test was Son of the Mask and Jim's was Rugrats in Paris. Oh, the sacrifices we make for our children!)
I asked Carter if seeing the funny bees in the movie make him less scared of bees. He said no, but if bees could really think like humans then they'd probably feel bad, especially if they sting someone who's allergic. But since they don't have human brains, they'll keep stinging us, unfortunately! Good point.
The other movie we watched was Spider-Man 3 on DVD. Carter went to see this in May with a buddy for their birthdays. This was the first Jim and I got to watch it. There's some creepy, scary stuff, but I liked it. This one I'd recommend!
Lots of action I'll probably re-live in weird dreams tonight! Good thing we turn the clocks back. I'll have an extra hour to see if Seinfeld will take on the Sandman! Whoops. Different movies. This is what happens when I watch two movies in one day. Now I know why I stick to one TV show a week. And if McDreamy shows up to save Spider-Man, then we know I've got problems ... well, we sort of know that already.
Seen any good movies lately?
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