It's Our Day, Ladies

Did you know it's International Women's Day? There's so many made-up holidays these days, but I think this is legit since it's International and it's all over the internet. 

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year's theme is breaking the bias...

Imagine a gender equal world.

A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

Together we can forge women's equality.

Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.

Very cool message. And it applies to so many levels. We're not just talking about women in the workplace or women of different races. 

Breaking the bias for me means... not accepting the old city council guys calling me "sweetheart" just because I was a young, female newspaper reporter... means dreaming bigger dreams than being a housewife just because my mother was... means recognizing and praising Mom for her courage to work outside the home for the first time in her late 40s... means just because I can't cook doesn't make me less of a wife or mother... means just because I am 50+ doesn't mean I can't bring fresh ideas or talent to the table... means I've earned every single wrinkle and scar – above and below the surface – and I should not be shamed.

Means we all deserve to love and be loved... and we deserve to love ourselves.

Because we're pretty darn amazing, aren't we? 

Shout out to the strong women in my life. From my mother and biological sisters to all you "sisters" out there who inspire me, love me, teach me, support me, listen to me and, my favorite, incircle me in your arms. Love you and thank you!

#BreakTheBias

Support Your Lady Royals

Pretty much cheating on blog "writing" and putting this public service announcement here – for Royals fans, that is!

So stop at the school tomorrow and Wednesday to get your tickets and show your Royal Pride! See you in Green Bay!

The Return

Today was a return to... everything (almost) day.

I was so tired last night I did not set an alarm. But I woke up at 8:58 a.m. and managed to shower, curl my hair, and drive 15 minutes to church – and got there on time for 9:30 a.m. service. Yup, I can be speedy when I want to (in the shower not on the roads, of course). It felt good to get 8-plus hours of sleep again and return to church in person again since I've been out of town quite a few weekends.

After church, I edited and uploaded the photos for the Lady Royals' return to state. This is one of my faves... 

Running to the student section to show them and share the Sectional Championship trophy!

Today also marked the return to that elusive activity called exercising. Uff da. My face was redder than any sunburn I got last week and not nearly as enjoyable. But I suppose worth it.

This evening was our return to watching season 4 of Ozark, too. Jim and I done with the first half (wow) and now will wait with the rest of you for the second half this summer or whenever.

Not to think fun thoughts so I don't have nightmares about it during my 8 full hours of sleep! I look forward to returning to that!

A Bit of a Whirlwind

When you're blessed with a rainbow on your way to the airport, you know you're going to have a safe trip home. Thank God.

It wasn't so much our flight from Phoenix to Minneapolis that had Mom and I worried. It was our hopes to beat the impending ice storm in Minnesota and Wisconsin. 

We sort of have had a Mom relay to get her up to Grantsburg. I gave her to brother Ron via curbside pickup at the airport Then he gave her to sister RoAnn who met him in North Branch, Minn., and she got her the rest of the way north and home. All while I was driving in icy rain headed east, but lucked out after Eau Claire and Osseo with dry weather and decent roads.

Got home at 2 a.m. and woke up early enough to go to a funeral visitation for my friend's mom. Then hit the road with hubby to get up to Wausau for the sectional final game. The Lady Royals are going to state for the second year in a row!! Whoo-hoo! 

Didn't have time to linger as we had dinner plans in Rozelville at the Buck-A-Neer Supper Club with one of Jim's college roommates. Very nice visit with Big Guy and his wife. Drove home in rain and fog. Lots of fog. Glad Jim drove. I didn't need another stressful drive after last night! And we may get anything from a thunderstorm to hail and twisters tonight. Who knows?

Got home safely and I'm exhausted. I need to get through pictures from today but also need sleep! No wonder people say they need a vacation after a vacation just to rest. Pretty sure I'll be following the Sunday is a day of rest rule tomorrow.

I might have time to dig up some vacation highlights, too!

Be safe out there!

Half-Baked Plans

With temps in mid-80s today, I wisely worked just a half day and proceeded to the pool to get half-baked. 

Good plan. And ...

I succeeded. You think? It should be a pleasant desert bronze when I wake up!

But had to take advantage of last full day here. That also meant going to Vito's, where Mom discovered the best pizza of her life 2 weeks ago and I had to see if she was correct.

And it was pretty darn good. Also good. Well great actually, was the coconut shrimp Rayna and I shared as an appetizer. A superb last supper, so to speak. 

We also had one last game of 3 to 13. Mom and I graciously let our hostess win, of course!

As a bonus, I got to watch our Lady Royals win their sectional semi-final via the internet. It will be so nice to see them play in person on Saturday. 

In the meantime, I still have 20 hours in this beautiful place. Half-baked or full.

Yep. Another splash of desert delight to cap off our night. 

 

Red Rocks Rock

Did a road trip up to Sedona today. It's also known as Red Rock Country. Also known as absolutely beautiful. 

Such a perfect day to be bop around that area, stopping at lookouts, shooting pictures out the car window, doing a little hiking, and saying "oooh" and "ahh" a lot.

I had passed through Sedona before but not been in and around it like today. So stunning. So unique. Loved it. 

Will have to share pictures at some point,  but for now know we had a fun girls' day out.

And we're tired! Still we're playing some marathon card game called Hand and Foot. 

And I look forward to putting up my feet tonight. Glad I have 2 more days here!

Fat Tuesday Fun

I'll admit I didn't realize it was Fat Tuesday today until my sister Rayna came out wearing a Mardi Gras t-shirt. It's a favorite holiday of hers. But the first time celebrating it without Paul. So we had to make new fun.

After working a half day, we all headed to the pool. 

And I had the sun right where I wanted it... on me! It was a superb day for that!

We did put the fat in Fat Tuesday by going to get a Shamrock Shake and later. Pizza at Organ Stop Pizza. 

In between, we tooled around looking at rocks. Well, the beautiful, unique scenery that makes up the Tonto National Forest - though not many trees.

Just so many cool rock formations and cactuses (cacti?).

Put on some miles going as far as Superior and Miami!

When we came back down the mountains, we took Mom to our favorite pizza place, known more for its wurlitzer than good food. 

If it was a true Mardi Gras, we would've thrown beads at this guy. He was that good.

Instead we stuffed our faces with pizza..

And toasted a successful Fat Tuesday!

Came home and toasted a 3 to 13 card game victory over those two. And Rayna had the last Mardi Gras laugh, winning the rubber match in Sequence. 

Pretty sure the most tame celebration in her books. But I was grateful to be a part of it!