There's something non-functional about our heating system at work.
Today I never had the opportunity to take my jacket off. It just was never quite warm enough. I drank plenty of coffee to warm my core, but I am pondering packing some heat next week -- as in hand warmers, hot tea, maybe an electric lap blanket or a funky Snuggie. (Heaters are outlawed by the maintenance cops.)
We'll have to see.
In order to warm ourselves up after work, we immersed ourselves among as many sweaty people as possible. Sort of. In a less gross way.
Carter stayed after to school to "lift" and then go straight to Pep Band for the boys' games versus Auburndale. So hubby and I headed straight to Lincoln High School (the other Rapids school) to watch his goddaughter Becca play JV. Rapids did not play too well against Merrill. The primary JV team on which Becca played lost by 10 or 12. The secondary JV team lost 58-8. That is not a typo. It was still nice to see her play anyway.
After that game, we went over to Assumption High School to catch the boys varsity game. The gym was pretty packed with plenty of representation from Auburndale so I finally warmed up. Our team, however, was less than hot. They lost by a LOT.
Disappointing after seeing our girls kick butt and win by 40 points or something like that last night. It just never works out that both teams are hot at the same time. Oh well, it's early in the season.
Lots more cold nights to come... where sweaty people gather and my electric mattress pad is my BFF!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Beats Me
Our workplace has invested in the health of its employees. Maybe just to minimize insurance claims and sick days, but still they do what they can to keep us thinking of healthy alternatives to, well, everything. That is why hubby and I are each saddled with a pedometer year-round. And why every Wednesday or Thursday, a massage therapist comes to the office to give chair massages for a reasonable fee.
That's my idea of a health kick!
While I enjoy the girl on Wednesdays (we talk a lot of scrapbooking), I love the alternate Thursdays when the man shows up. Kurt literally beats the crap, er knots, out of me and it's awesome! You know, when pain is good.
Today it was magical. I don't know what I do to get so wound up, but those two make enough progress in their beatings and kneadings that I can avoid going to the chiropractor as often. That's a win right there.
This week I think my sore muscles come from my competitive nature that has forced me (not really) to prove something (as usual). The fitness center is having a planking competition of sorts. They ask: How long can you plank? I was like, beats me, but I'll give it a shot.
If you are unfamiliar with a plank, you basically are in a position like you are going to do a push-up (there are no "girl" push-ups on the knees here) but you don't move. For this competition, we are resting on our elbows and holding the pose. Though the word resting is quite a misnomer. It is much more difficult than it sounds -- especially for those of us out of shape with a weak core (as in flabby belly). When I saw that someone already timed in over 6 minutes, I was going to pass on the "offer" to participate. But then one of the workers said, "Well we consider 'most improved,' too."
I took the bait.
So last Thursday, I gave it my first try. I unfortunately didn't jump into this until after my workout. So I really didn't have a store of energy waiting to be expended. While the sweat was dripping off my forehead, my arms quickly turned to rubber and I made it all of 1 minute, 8 seconds. Hold the applause.
While I told myself I would start working my core and do some planking on my own time, I did not find or make the time to do so. As a result, today, a week later, I was in no better shape than before. However, I remembered to record my efforts before a run this time. How did I do? Drum roll, please...
I doubled my time! 2 minutes, 15 seconds!
I admit I am pathetic, but if I keep up this pace, there is a chance I could beat that 6-minute record. All I have to do is keep doubling my time each week.
Right.
And I will need Kurt to beat me on a more regular basis. Not necessarily beat out the knots, but maybe beat some sense into me.
Do you think anyone is capable?
That's my idea of a health kick!
While I enjoy the girl on Wednesdays (we talk a lot of scrapbooking), I love the alternate Thursdays when the man shows up. Kurt literally beats the crap, er knots, out of me and it's awesome! You know, when pain is good.
Today it was magical. I don't know what I do to get so wound up, but those two make enough progress in their beatings and kneadings that I can avoid going to the chiropractor as often. That's a win right there.
This week I think my sore muscles come from my competitive nature that has forced me (not really) to prove something (as usual). The fitness center is having a planking competition of sorts. They ask: How long can you plank? I was like, beats me, but I'll give it a shot.
If you are unfamiliar with a plank, you basically are in a position like you are going to do a push-up (there are no "girl" push-ups on the knees here) but you don't move. For this competition, we are resting on our elbows and holding the pose. Though the word resting is quite a misnomer. It is much more difficult than it sounds -- especially for those of us out of shape with a weak core (as in flabby belly). When I saw that someone already timed in over 6 minutes, I was going to pass on the "offer" to participate. But then one of the workers said, "Well we consider 'most improved,' too."
I took the bait.
So last Thursday, I gave it my first try. I unfortunately didn't jump into this until after my workout. So I really didn't have a store of energy waiting to be expended. While the sweat was dripping off my forehead, my arms quickly turned to rubber and I made it all of 1 minute, 8 seconds. Hold the applause.
While I told myself I would start working my core and do some planking on my own time, I did not find or make the time to do so. As a result, today, a week later, I was in no better shape than before. However, I remembered to record my efforts before a run this time. How did I do? Drum roll, please...
I doubled my time! 2 minutes, 15 seconds!
I admit I am pathetic, but if I keep up this pace, there is a chance I could beat that 6-minute record. All I have to do is keep doubling my time each week.
Right.
And I will need Kurt to beat me on a more regular basis. Not necessarily beat out the knots, but maybe beat some sense into me.
Do you think anyone is capable?
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Robyn's Workshop
I was somewhat of a cross between Martha Stewart and an elf on speed today. In the end, it was as productive a day off as I could have hoped! And I still have time to get few more things done.
Rolled out of bed after 8 (sounds great already, doesn't it?). Had the last cup of coffee in the pot then got down to business...
Did one load of laundry, baked 3 loaves of banana bread, baked 3 dozen Amish Friendship Bread muffins, made 100-some Christmas pretzel/chocolate kiss treats, put up and decorated the tree, decked a few halls and even squeezed in 1 1/2 Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel. (I was interrupted for the last half -- but I'd seen it before. No surprise.)
Oh yes, it was a good day.
I also wrapped up my Christmas shopping and card project and may even get some wrapping of presents done tonight. I just gotta see if there's something on Hallmark I could watch at the same time.
I may be on vacation, but I still have to multi-task!
Rolled out of bed after 8 (sounds great already, doesn't it?). Had the last cup of coffee in the pot then got down to business...
Did one load of laundry, baked 3 loaves of banana bread, baked 3 dozen Amish Friendship Bread muffins, made 100-some Christmas pretzel/chocolate kiss treats, put up and decorated the tree, decked a few halls and even squeezed in 1 1/2 Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel. (I was interrupted for the last half -- but I'd seen it before. No surprise.)
Oh yes, it was a good day.
I also wrapped up my Christmas shopping and card project and may even get some wrapping of presents done tonight. I just gotta see if there's something on Hallmark I could watch at the same time.
I may be on vacation, but I still have to multi-task!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Take a Breather
As I looked around the kitchen this morning, I realized my typical whirlwind of life has landed like a cyclone on the counter tops. There's mail to be sorted, bills to pay, Amazon delivery boxes to be opened, aging bananas to be made into bread and a gallon Ziploc bag of Amish Friendship Bread dough ready to burst at the seams.
Yup. I need a day off.
In order to make that happen, I had to work like a mad woman today and get a lot done. I did! I even got in a noon-time run at the fitness center. That worked well. I still could have got all that baking done by "deadline" tonight but opted to wait until tomorrow so I could enjoy a night out.
It's not that we don't like our house... It's just that there are things to do, people to see and places to go!
Hubby and I stopped home after work to pick up Carter and head to Pittsville for boys hoops. Now the only thing I like about Pittsville is their school colors: Purple and Yellow. Even though I was loving their purple Nike basketball shoes, I was not happy to see how well they worked for them!
They killed us 50-32 (I think) in both the JV and Varsity games. Of course, they have a 6-foot-9 starter so that helped them. He has really, really, really big purple Nikes! Anyway, it was still nice to go and root for the Royals. Hopefully next game will be against a team of normal high-school-sized boys!
We'll have a little breather here until the girls play on Thursday -- coincidentally, the same day I return to work. I vow to use my time wisely. Just wait 'til tomorrow night when I report on all my progress...
Or about the great daytime Christmas movies I saw on the Hallmark Channel!
Yup. I need a day off.
In order to make that happen, I had to work like a mad woman today and get a lot done. I did! I even got in a noon-time run at the fitness center. That worked well. I still could have got all that baking done by "deadline" tonight but opted to wait until tomorrow so I could enjoy a night out.
It's not that we don't like our house... It's just that there are things to do, people to see and places to go!
Hubby and I stopped home after work to pick up Carter and head to Pittsville for boys hoops. Now the only thing I like about Pittsville is their school colors: Purple and Yellow. Even though I was loving their purple Nike basketball shoes, I was not happy to see how well they worked for them!
They killed us 50-32 (I think) in both the JV and Varsity games. Of course, they have a 6-foot-9 starter so that helped them. He has really, really, really big purple Nikes! Anyway, it was still nice to go and root for the Royals. Hopefully next game will be against a team of normal high-school-sized boys!
We'll have a little breather here until the girls play on Thursday -- coincidentally, the same day I return to work. I vow to use my time wisely. Just wait 'til tomorrow night when I report on all my progress...
Or about the great daytime Christmas movies I saw on the Hallmark Channel!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Jingle Bell Rock!
It's rare when I would pass up a night plopped down on the couch, watching a Christmas movie on the Hallmark Channel. But just give me a LIVE Christmas program and I am off the couch and out the door!
Tonight was Carter's band concert for the Assumption High School Christmas Program.Choir performed, too, giving the audience a beautiful preview of the sounds of the season!
Of course I took photos. Thanks for asking...
All dressed up with at least one place to go! (Plus, I had to get a snapshot of his new 'do!)
Carter didn't really have a "solo" but for one song he was the only brass (as the only Baritone player) who played with the trumpets. Sounded good!
Assumption High School Band in its entirety. Not a super big group but boy did they sound great!
My favorite song was"Holiday Treat" -- a mix of all kinds of versions of Jingle Bells.
Kickin' some brass!
Time to embarrass Carter and take a picture at school! He's definitely smiling because it's over and the next stop is McDonald's.
Carter and Brady, who had to wear a suit jacket for choir. Looking like some sharp-dressed men!
Carter and "some" of his gal pals. Here he is flanked by Sam and Hannah.Nice girls.
Now we just have to get him off his musical cloud 9 and back down to earth to do homework!
Tonight was Carter's band concert for the Assumption High School Christmas Program.Choir performed, too, giving the audience a beautiful preview of the sounds of the season!
Of course I took photos. Thanks for asking...
Now we just have to get him off his musical cloud 9 and back down to earth to do homework!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Anticipation...
Remember that old ketchup commercial with the song Anticipation playing in the background? The message was clear: Some times things take awhile but good things are always worth waiting for!
This time of year, the air is filled with excitement and anticipation about many things. Sometimes we look forward to certain football games, which I'd rather not talk about, but mostly it's all things Christmas related Now that Advent has officially started, we kick that into high gear.
This evening I was fortunate to take part in an "Advent by Candlelight" event at my church. I had attended one of these with a friend at her church a few years back, but this was the first time taking part in my own church's event.
Our event is a "ladies only" opportunity. And I might add that the "younger set" like myself was under-represented. Maybe we can correct that in years to come. The way it's set up, each "hostess" sets up a table with elegant Christmas decorations and tableware. Ours looked spectacular! Then that hostess also provides a pre-event appetizer and a dessert. The appetizers were good and the dessert table offered plenty of mint options!
Besides musical entertainment from some of the young ladies of the congregation -- ranging from 8 to 18 -- we listened to a nice devotion about Advent and anticipation.
Good focus (and reminder) about concentrating on Christ's birth and second coming. It's no small wonder that when we focus our energies on shopping and preparing food, that the stress pushes the real meaning of Christmas to the back of our minds. Our challenge is to have a more spiritual mindset as we prepare for the special birthday.
It doesn't mean we have to stop shopping altogether. But if we are out shopping, could we pick something up for someone truly in need? It's fine to send out dozens of Christmas cards, too. But as long as we're sending them, is there a shut-in from your congregation or an anonymous soldier who would enjoy receiving one as well? This is what we mean about getting prepared.
When you are decking the halls, don't forget the halls of you heart. Are they ready to greet a king?
I know I have much to do, inside and out. Good thing we at least know the first time He's coming!
This time of year, the air is filled with excitement and anticipation about many things. Sometimes we look forward to certain football games, which I'd rather not talk about, but mostly it's all things Christmas related Now that Advent has officially started, we kick that into high gear.
This evening I was fortunate to take part in an "Advent by Candlelight" event at my church. I had attended one of these with a friend at her church a few years back, but this was the first time taking part in my own church's event.
Our event is a "ladies only" opportunity. And I might add that the "younger set" like myself was under-represented. Maybe we can correct that in years to come. The way it's set up, each "hostess" sets up a table with elegant Christmas decorations and tableware. Ours looked spectacular! Then that hostess also provides a pre-event appetizer and a dessert. The appetizers were good and the dessert table offered plenty of mint options!
Besides musical entertainment from some of the young ladies of the congregation -- ranging from 8 to 18 -- we listened to a nice devotion about Advent and anticipation.
Good focus (and reminder) about concentrating on Christ's birth and second coming. It's no small wonder that when we focus our energies on shopping and preparing food, that the stress pushes the real meaning of Christmas to the back of our minds. Our challenge is to have a more spiritual mindset as we prepare for the special birthday.
It doesn't mean we have to stop shopping altogether. But if we are out shopping, could we pick something up for someone truly in need? It's fine to send out dozens of Christmas cards, too. But as long as we're sending them, is there a shut-in from your congregation or an anonymous soldier who would enjoy receiving one as well? This is what we mean about getting prepared.
When you are decking the halls, don't forget the halls of you heart. Are they ready to greet a king?
I know I have much to do, inside and out. Good thing we at least know the first time He's coming!
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Run, Run, Rudolph!
On Dasher... On Dancer... On Prancer... On Vixen...
Santa wasn't exactly cracking the whip today but 4 of the Desperate Reindeer of Blue Jay Drive got up early and headed south to Nekoosa for the first-ever Heart of Wisconsin Reindeer Run 5K. I was sooo tired from my minimal sleep last night, but I did fine.
We planned ahead that we would all wear antlers or Santa hats on our heads and Christmas socks over running tights!
I had found a Rudolph hat when Carter and I shopped in Eau Claire. It covered my ears so I liked that today. It was in the upper 30s but a bit windy.
We're like a chorus line here.. Dasher (Cindy), Dancer (Niki), Prancer (Niki's daughter Mya) and Vixen (oh yes, I call Vixen. Tee hee.)
Love our fun and festive feet? They didn't actually help us run faster, but it didn't matter -- it was an untimed event. An actual "fun run" with no competition.
I couldn't handle that so just treated it like a race. Didn't walk, ran the whole thing, even though it ended up being almost 3.5 miles instead of 3.1. No wonder my time was off a bit! We had fun, though, and it was very festive. If people didn't have their own headgear, antlers were provided! Plus, Rudolph was there to lead the race ... the first 3 blocks anyway.
Afterward, I came home and showered and Carter and I went to the 6th-grade girls basketball tournament at Assumption. I went to see my friend Jenny's daughter Allison play (Carter babysat her last summer) and Carter went because the 9th-grade girls basketball players had to help out with the tournament. (He's so transparent sometimes!)
Saw one game and came home to get a few things done. Then I dropped Carter back off at the tournament and went to ring the bell for the Salvation Army from 3-5 p.m. I had to follow a shift of two elderly gentlemen who played Christmas carols on their trumpets. Very tough act to follow. I wore my Rudolph hat, though, and that helped attract attention and, more importantly, donations!!
My feet, back and hip were tired by the time that was over. But always worth it when it's such a small gesture to help! When I was done, I stopped back at the school to get Carter and see Allison play her last game of the day. Then it was homeward bound!
Hubby pretty much had the house to himself until 7:30 tonight! Now the Badgers are on so I couldn't get a seat on the couch or chair in the living room if I wanted to. There's a chance there's a Christmas movie on somewhere so I may just have to go down in the basement and watch.
Right now, though, I just don't think I would have the energy to come back up!
Santa wasn't exactly cracking the whip today but 4 of the Desperate Reindeer of Blue Jay Drive got up early and headed south to Nekoosa for the first-ever Heart of Wisconsin Reindeer Run 5K. I was sooo tired from my minimal sleep last night, but I did fine.
We're like a chorus line here.. Dasher (Cindy), Dancer (Niki), Prancer (Niki's daughter Mya) and Vixen (oh yes, I call Vixen. Tee hee.)
I couldn't handle that so just treated it like a race. Didn't walk, ran the whole thing, even though it ended up being almost 3.5 miles instead of 3.1. No wonder my time was off a bit! We had fun, though, and it was very festive. If people didn't have their own headgear, antlers were provided! Plus, Rudolph was there to lead the race ... the first 3 blocks anyway.
Afterward, I came home and showered and Carter and I went to the 6th-grade girls basketball tournament at Assumption. I went to see my friend Jenny's daughter Allison play (Carter babysat her last summer) and Carter went because the 9th-grade girls basketball players had to help out with the tournament. (He's so transparent sometimes!)
Saw one game and came home to get a few things done. Then I dropped Carter back off at the tournament and went to ring the bell for the Salvation Army from 3-5 p.m. I had to follow a shift of two elderly gentlemen who played Christmas carols on their trumpets. Very tough act to follow. I wore my Rudolph hat, though, and that helped attract attention and, more importantly, donations!!
My feet, back and hip were tired by the time that was over. But always worth it when it's such a small gesture to help! When I was done, I stopped back at the school to get Carter and see Allison play her last game of the day. Then it was homeward bound!
Hubby pretty much had the house to himself until 7:30 tonight! Now the Badgers are on so I couldn't get a seat on the couch or chair in the living room if I wanted to. There's a chance there's a Christmas movie on somewhere so I may just have to go down in the basement and watch.
Right now, though, I just don't think I would have the energy to come back up!
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