I sneaked a listen to my Glee Christmas CD at work today so it got me in the mood for holiday tunes. I was thinking I should make my blog title a Christmas Carol every day during the holidays. I realize it's much too early to start that now... but there is a chance for snow the next 2 days.
I know. Don't get me started.
The main reason I chose "Up on the House Top" is I was thinking about Shingles. Not the kind you put on your roof, though. I'm thinking the evil, dreadfully painful, grown-up Chicken Pox version of Shingles that is bringing my poor 84-year-old dad to his knees.
Ouch.
I recall when hubby went through this a year or two ago that it is painful even for big tough guys like Jim. So I can only imagine what my Old Man is going through. I've heard tales of people who have been hospitalized over this, so we do count ourselves lucky that Dad does not have an extreme case. Though I bet he wouldn't turn down a hospital bed and a morphine drip about now.
I suppose if he would have seen a doctor a week earlier, he could have avoided some of this. But who am I to talk? Two weeks into this hip mess and LeRoy Jr. has not made a doctor's appointment either. I did have 4 chiropractor appointments and 2 massages during that time, though. then today, I actually looked up the phone number to call and suddenly realized nothing was hurting.
Seriously? Serious.
I hope that means the advice to "just rest it" holds true. Though I can't give it too much longer. Unlike my ailing father, I still have an appetite and, last time I checked, singing Christmas carols does not burn many calories!
It doesn't hurt to try though.
"Up on the house top, reindeer pause. Out jumps good ol' Santa Claus..."
Monday, November 7, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Girl Power
In the Lutheran church, we celebrated All Saints Day today. Part of the tradition is lighting candles for loved ones who passed away in the last year or "saints" who may have died years ago but hold a special place in our heart.
Without fail, I tear up when we're singing Amazing Grace or How Great Thou Art -- and my grandmothers and two special aunts come to mind. No offense to my grandfathers or uncles. It's just that these women and their strength influenced me.
Grandma Minnie (on my dad's side) died when I was in junior high. I was old enough to remember and old enough to have gotten to know her over the years. She had lived on her own for most of my lifetime since my grandpa died when I was a toddler. She weathered so many storms in her 90 years. I admired her independence and her perseverance.
My Grandma Florence (on my mom's side) passed away 16 years ago when I was well into my adulthood. Flossie, as she was called, was so young at heart. I always thought, "When I am a grandma, I want to be like her!" She was still bowling regularly well into her 70s -- and walking downtown to the bowling alley to do it. Plus getting on a football pool now and then. And winning. I hope I've inherited her luck!
My Aunt Betty (my dad's sister) was my godmother. She was a hardworking farm wife and incredible cook. She had a wonderful sense of humor and seemed so full of love all the time. She even "adopted" one of our puppies -- the sister to my dog Boomer -- so we were always looking for an excuse to go visit. "Did you get enough to eat?" No one left their house on an empty stomach either. Very caring.
Aunt Virginia (my mom's sister) was one of a kind. It was obvious that she and my mom were not just sisters, they were best friends. I can recall every day during the summer when we were off of school, those "girls" would be on the phone or at each other's houses for coffee and something sweet -- either Gena's homemade banana cake or my mom's chocolate wacky cake or, in a pinch, something from the bakery. They were the best at silly songs and unique costumes.
From all of them, I have inherited special gifts that give me "girl power." I am a hard worker. I have overcome much adversity and become stronger because of it. My running shoes can attest to the fact I am trying to stay active in my old age. I absolutely love entertaining, creating songs and skits, and making people laugh. I also love baking, eating, drinking coffee and spending time with my sisters.
I feel blessed that I got something from each of them that shapes who I am today. "Being a saint" is not on my bucket list, that's for sure. But I can make a darn good impression using my inner power and my higher power.
Some day it might be worth lighting a candle over.
Without fail, I tear up when we're singing Amazing Grace or How Great Thou Art -- and my grandmothers and two special aunts come to mind. No offense to my grandfathers or uncles. It's just that these women and their strength influenced me.
Grandma Minnie (on my dad's side) died when I was in junior high. I was old enough to remember and old enough to have gotten to know her over the years. She had lived on her own for most of my lifetime since my grandpa died when I was a toddler. She weathered so many storms in her 90 years. I admired her independence and her perseverance.
My Grandma Florence (on my mom's side) passed away 16 years ago when I was well into my adulthood. Flossie, as she was called, was so young at heart. I always thought, "When I am a grandma, I want to be like her!" She was still bowling regularly well into her 70s -- and walking downtown to the bowling alley to do it. Plus getting on a football pool now and then. And winning. I hope I've inherited her luck!
My Aunt Betty (my dad's sister) was my godmother. She was a hardworking farm wife and incredible cook. She had a wonderful sense of humor and seemed so full of love all the time. She even "adopted" one of our puppies -- the sister to my dog Boomer -- so we were always looking for an excuse to go visit. "Did you get enough to eat?" No one left their house on an empty stomach either. Very caring.
Aunt Virginia (my mom's sister) was one of a kind. It was obvious that she and my mom were not just sisters, they were best friends. I can recall every day during the summer when we were off of school, those "girls" would be on the phone or at each other's houses for coffee and something sweet -- either Gena's homemade banana cake or my mom's chocolate wacky cake or, in a pinch, something from the bakery. They were the best at silly songs and unique costumes.
From all of them, I have inherited special gifts that give me "girl power." I am a hard worker. I have overcome much adversity and become stronger because of it. My running shoes can attest to the fact I am trying to stay active in my old age. I absolutely love entertaining, creating songs and skits, and making people laugh. I also love baking, eating, drinking coffee and spending time with my sisters.
I feel blessed that I got something from each of them that shapes who I am today. "Being a saint" is not on my bucket list, that's for sure. But I can make a darn good impression using my inner power and my higher power.
Some day it might be worth lighting a candle over.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Falling Back
With an extra hour added to the day thanks to Daylight Saving Time, I feel like I accomplished a lot. But I didn't really.
I was actually bragging that I got to sleep in -- which means past 8 o'clock for a change -- but then Carter trumped me by sleeping in 'til past 11 a.m. Yes, that would be 12 hours of sleep, give or take a few minutes. Wow. Here I made him cinnamon rolls at 9 a.m. so they'd be fresh when he got up. Not so much when you are rolling out of bed closer to noon.
Teenagers.
I did get my chores done, which routinely involves finding the kitchen counter that gets "lost" during the work week. I also managed to take down my fall and Halloween decorations while using my will power not to listen to Christmas music yet. I even squeezed in 2 haircuts. Gave hubby a trim and shaved down Carter's Mohawk a bit. It's almost all evened out now.
We also ran a few errands in town and went out to eat tonight with Jim's family. Initially this was supposed to be a birthday dinner for my second step-son, but he found a better gig in the Twin Cities. All I can say is he missed out on some awesome cranberry dessert at Grandma's afterwards! It was still a nice time.
Tonight Jim and I spent our extra hour watching the movie Bridesmaids together. OK, I've been planning to see this for a month but haven't been home long enough. I wasn't thinking Jim would have to see it but his buddy said it was funny and he should see it. So he was willing. I thought it was hilarious and awesome. And really more of a chick flick. I'm pretty sure hubby wants his hour back.
Don't worry honey. We'll be springing ahead in no time!
I was actually bragging that I got to sleep in -- which means past 8 o'clock for a change -- but then Carter trumped me by sleeping in 'til past 11 a.m. Yes, that would be 12 hours of sleep, give or take a few minutes. Wow. Here I made him cinnamon rolls at 9 a.m. so they'd be fresh when he got up. Not so much when you are rolling out of bed closer to noon.
Teenagers.
I did get my chores done, which routinely involves finding the kitchen counter that gets "lost" during the work week. I also managed to take down my fall and Halloween decorations while using my will power not to listen to Christmas music yet. I even squeezed in 2 haircuts. Gave hubby a trim and shaved down Carter's Mohawk a bit. It's almost all evened out now.
We also ran a few errands in town and went out to eat tonight with Jim's family. Initially this was supposed to be a birthday dinner for my second step-son, but he found a better gig in the Twin Cities. All I can say is he missed out on some awesome cranberry dessert at Grandma's afterwards! It was still a nice time.
Tonight Jim and I spent our extra hour watching the movie Bridesmaids together. OK, I've been planning to see this for a month but haven't been home long enough. I wasn't thinking Jim would have to see it but his buddy said it was funny and he should see it. So he was willing. I thought it was hilarious and awesome. And really more of a chick flick. I'm pretty sure hubby wants his hour back.
Don't worry honey. We'll be springing ahead in no time!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Perfect Game
When we knew we were going to be home tonight, Carter wanted to rent a movie. So while he was at basketball practice from 7-8:30, I got two important errands out of the way. I had to stop at the scrapbook store to find the perfect color of purple paper to go with some upcoming Vikings pages and had to rent a movie.
Normally we go for the new releases of either silly kid movies or super hero types. But tonight I didn't see anything that tripped my trigger so I picked out some unknown movie called The Perfect Game -- which turned out to be a very heartwarming true baseball story about a team from Monterrey, Mexico, that won the 1957 World Series with a perfect last game.
There was good humor and good story lines and some interesting coincidences from my few times in Mexico and Texas. In the movie, the boys crossed the border for their first game in America and had to walk 10 miles to McAllen, Texas. How weird that that is where my sister and brother-in-law live! Though I am sure it's changed since then.
For not ever hearing of this movie, it turned out to be perfect (pun intended) for our little baseball player who is always looking for inspiration. In any sport.
I think for basketball, for instance, he no longer is going to count on his Mohawk for good luck. He wants me to shave it down this weekend. Then he'll just rely on his skill to play well.
And those expensive new shoes we had to buy.
We'll see how perfect any games turn out this season!
Normally we go for the new releases of either silly kid movies or super hero types. But tonight I didn't see anything that tripped my trigger so I picked out some unknown movie called The Perfect Game -- which turned out to be a very heartwarming true baseball story about a team from Monterrey, Mexico, that won the 1957 World Series with a perfect last game.
There was good humor and good story lines and some interesting coincidences from my few times in Mexico and Texas. In the movie, the boys crossed the border for their first game in America and had to walk 10 miles to McAllen, Texas. How weird that that is where my sister and brother-in-law live! Though I am sure it's changed since then.
For not ever hearing of this movie, it turned out to be perfect (pun intended) for our little baseball player who is always looking for inspiration. In any sport.
I think for basketball, for instance, he no longer is going to count on his Mohawk for good luck. He wants me to shave it down this weekend. Then he'll just rely on his skill to play well.
And those expensive new shoes we had to buy.
We'll see how perfect any games turn out this season!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Sweet Tooth
Even though I distinctly recall 13-plus hours of incredibly painful back labor to produce a May Day baby some years back, I sometimes wonder if Carter is mine.
OK, yes he shares my love for ice cream and disdain for exercise. Yes, he likes to be the center of attention, exudes creativity and pretty much maintains an A average in school. Sounds like me, but get this.
It has been 72 hours -- not just 24 or 48 -- since he came home from trick-or-treating and he still has his bag of goodies zipped up and laying in the corner by a chair in the living room. Are you serious? Most kids have scarfed half of theirs down already!
Shh... don't tell him but I had to sneak a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. I doubt he'll miss it because he didn't say a thing about the bite-sized Twix I stole yesterday!
Yes, I have a little bit of a sweet tooth. Carter does, too, but apparently it doesn't apply to Halloween candy. He could eat Pop Tarts and Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls all day long, but every time he gets candy at Halloween, Valentine's Day, Easter and from any parade, it takes him forever to eat it. Usually, I'm throwing one holiday's treats out to make room for the next.
A mom shouldn't complain about this really. But like my mom, I just don't like to see anything go to waste. I have gotten a bit smarter over time. For Carter's treats that I supply, I get him the beef jerky and sugar-free gum he likes. And if he gathers too much in the chocolate category, I "borrow" it and fill up my "community" candy dish at work. No harm, right? It's making someone happy.
Sometimes that someone is me. The good thing is that it is not going to waste. The bad thing is that it is going to waist!
My will power seems to be on the fritz just like my hip. Not good to be ingesting unlimited post-Halloween calories and not burning any of them. I'd hate to put on the typical holiday pounds before the holidays. I mean I'd really, really hate that.
Until I can run again, I'll just have to look for alternate ways to burn calories (don't worry I've got some ideas) ... and remember that every time I stretch my back out at work, my hand does not have to land in the candy dish.
Not every time anyway...
OK, yes he shares my love for ice cream and disdain for exercise. Yes, he likes to be the center of attention, exudes creativity and pretty much maintains an A average in school. Sounds like me, but get this.
It has been 72 hours -- not just 24 or 48 -- since he came home from trick-or-treating and he still has his bag of goodies zipped up and laying in the corner by a chair in the living room. Are you serious? Most kids have scarfed half of theirs down already!
Shh... don't tell him but I had to sneak a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. I doubt he'll miss it because he didn't say a thing about the bite-sized Twix I stole yesterday!
Yes, I have a little bit of a sweet tooth. Carter does, too, but apparently it doesn't apply to Halloween candy. He could eat Pop Tarts and Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls all day long, but every time he gets candy at Halloween, Valentine's Day, Easter and from any parade, it takes him forever to eat it. Usually, I'm throwing one holiday's treats out to make room for the next.
A mom shouldn't complain about this really. But like my mom, I just don't like to see anything go to waste. I have gotten a bit smarter over time. For Carter's treats that I supply, I get him the beef jerky and sugar-free gum he likes. And if he gathers too much in the chocolate category, I "borrow" it and fill up my "community" candy dish at work. No harm, right? It's making someone happy.
Sometimes that someone is me. The good thing is that it is not going to waste. The bad thing is that it is going to waist!
My will power seems to be on the fritz just like my hip. Not good to be ingesting unlimited post-Halloween calories and not burning any of them. I'd hate to put on the typical holiday pounds before the holidays. I mean I'd really, really hate that.
Until I can run again, I'll just have to look for alternate ways to burn calories (don't worry I've got some ideas) ... and remember that every time I stretch my back out at work, my hand does not have to land in the candy dish.
Not every time anyway...
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...
OK, I admit I purchased my first carton of eggnog before Halloween. And, well, you know I stashed two containers of Schwan's Peppermint Stick ice cream away long before that.
I figured that would hold me for awhile. But honestly, once the calendar turns to November, all bets are off. It 'tis the holiday season! It 'tis the most wonderful time of the year!
Tonight after dropping Carter off at confirmation, I made my way to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. Of course, the cart goes directly to the clearance Halloween candy. I believe I am set for the candy dish at work for the rest of the year. Easy.
While I'm throwing that in the cart, it dawns on me that I am humming. Humming along to the store music overhead. Humming along to Christmas music!
Whoa. Not expecting that. And yet LOVING that! I do have an ounce of sympathy for store employees who for some odd reason don't like this joyous music and must now hear it for the next 60 days. But just an ounce.
With a hop in my step -- as much as I can hop with my hip dysplasia -- I continued shopping and was in for another pleasant surprise.
OK, I have more than one addiction. I do like ice cream, yes. But I don't know if I mentioned I like mint chocolate in many other forms, too. Well, any other form! So those Christmas Hershey's Mint Truffle kisses are a find. So are the mint holiday M&M's. And, you guessed it, I found them tonight!
I wasn't planning to load up on red-and-green anything, but I recalled how many times I go to the store in late November to get ingredients for Christmas cookies and all those treats are long gone. This isn't a joke. Last year, I had to go to Wal-Mart, then ShopKo and Target before finally finding my mint M&M's at Fleet Farm of all places. Yes, I will go to great lengths for good mint chocolate -- and good Christmas anything.
Maybe I was a bit hypnotized by Perry Como singing on the loud speaker. Probably a good thing they didn't have the Glee Christmas CD plugged in or I would have had a full cart!
OK, time to log off, have some eggnog and start reading my first "holiday" book!
I figured that would hold me for awhile. But honestly, once the calendar turns to November, all bets are off. It 'tis the holiday season! It 'tis the most wonderful time of the year!
Tonight after dropping Carter off at confirmation, I made my way to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. Of course, the cart goes directly to the clearance Halloween candy. I believe I am set for the candy dish at work for the rest of the year. Easy.
While I'm throwing that in the cart, it dawns on me that I am humming. Humming along to the store music overhead. Humming along to Christmas music!
Whoa. Not expecting that. And yet LOVING that! I do have an ounce of sympathy for store employees who for some odd reason don't like this joyous music and must now hear it for the next 60 days. But just an ounce.
With a hop in my step -- as much as I can hop with my hip dysplasia -- I continued shopping and was in for another pleasant surprise.
OK, I have more than one addiction. I do like ice cream, yes. But I don't know if I mentioned I like mint chocolate in many other forms, too. Well, any other form! So those Christmas Hershey's Mint Truffle kisses are a find. So are the mint holiday M&M's. And, you guessed it, I found them tonight!
I wasn't planning to load up on red-and-green anything, but I recalled how many times I go to the store in late November to get ingredients for Christmas cookies and all those treats are long gone. This isn't a joke. Last year, I had to go to Wal-Mart, then ShopKo and Target before finally finding my mint M&M's at Fleet Farm of all places. Yes, I will go to great lengths for good mint chocolate -- and good Christmas anything.
Maybe I was a bit hypnotized by Perry Como singing on the loud speaker. Probably a good thing they didn't have the Glee Christmas CD plugged in or I would have had a full cart!
OK, time to log off, have some eggnog and start reading my first "holiday" book!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Calling All Saints
Today is All Saints Day. With my non-Catholic upbringing, I'm not completely sure what it takes to be a saint. But I have a good idea.
We call my brother Paul "St. Paul" sometimes because he and my sister have graciously hosted my parents down in Texas several winters. Since my sister still works, her retired saint of a hubby entertains his in-laws day after day.
That earns sainthood in my book.
Have you heard of St. James? I'm not sure how he achieved his sainthood, but I suspect it had something to do with tolerating Glee on Tuesdays, scrapbooking getaways on weekends and King Cone stops on as many days as his whiney wife demands.
On the surface it sort of looks like anyone who puts up with me is a saint! Whoa.
Move over, St. James... St. LeRoy outranks you. Just by a bit!
We call my brother Paul "St. Paul" sometimes because he and my sister have graciously hosted my parents down in Texas several winters. Since my sister still works, her retired saint of a hubby entertains his in-laws day after day.
That earns sainthood in my book.
Have you heard of St. James? I'm not sure how he achieved his sainthood, but I suspect it had something to do with tolerating Glee on Tuesdays, scrapbooking getaways on weekends and King Cone stops on as many days as his whiney wife demands.
On the surface it sort of looks like anyone who puts up with me is a saint! Whoa.
Move over, St. James... St. LeRoy outranks you. Just by a bit!
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