Welcome to my pity party!
In the past week, I've had immunizations for tetanus, whooping cough and the flu -- and now I've been sick all week. Coincidence? Probably, but I like looking for any excuse not to go near needles again!
Not sure if it's allergies or what, but I've gone through a couple of boxes of tissues this week, along with some cough drops, allergy pills and Nyquil. It feels like my head has been floating above my body like a helium balloon!
There are some cases of the croup going around one of the daycares in Iola. Someone suggested perhaps, I've got it, too! I had to look it up, but it does specify it's a childhood illness. Hmmmm .... Either I need to grow up or I just need some rest!
I came home to an empty house tonight. Carter abandoned me for the girls in the neighborhood and Jim must be hanging out with the "boys." I had hoped to go out to eat but instead I went grocery shopping so we'd have milk for breakfast. How's that for excitement? Here's me bragging I couldn't wait to have nothing to do. How incredibly boring that makes things!
I suppose I could get some decent rest tonight. Maybe I can sleep away this nasty head cold so I can do something exciting tomorrow like dust and vacuum! I know, you wish you could trade places with me, don't you? Sorry, only one coughing, whining, undomestic goddess per household allowed!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Gimme a break
As much as I hate to see time fly by, it felt good to change the calendar this morning. November already? Phew! Time to slow down and take a breath before the next roller coaster ride.
Just like Robyn on her broom, October flew by at warp speed. Part of the reason is that I found myself out of town every single weekend. I feel like I haven't been home much (and the house looks like it).
I loved looking at the calendar today and seeing nothing -- absolutely nothing -- listed on the weekends until Turkey Weekend. It will feel so good to do nothing! I mean, this is the relaxing time of the year, right? Right.
When I went to Wal-Mart the other night to get a last-minute Halloween thing, the black and orange had already been scrunched into one aisle -- flanked by two aisles of red and green. It was hard to ignore -- but I am going to have to try (for now at least).
I need to focus on some other priorities. I need to de-clutter my "ohmigod" room (computer room) and my closet. Carter's room and the basement need an overhaul. I have some hot family tree leads to pursue. I need to start walking, running or just plain moving again. And oh how I need to get some scrapbooking done!
Good thing I've got nothing to do but relax at home this month. Perhaps I should put myself under house arrest!
Just like Robyn on her broom, October flew by at warp speed. Part of the reason is that I found myself out of town every single weekend. I feel like I haven't been home much (and the house looks like it).
I loved looking at the calendar today and seeing nothing -- absolutely nothing -- listed on the weekends until Turkey Weekend. It will feel so good to do nothing! I mean, this is the relaxing time of the year, right? Right.
When I went to Wal-Mart the other night to get a last-minute Halloween thing, the black and orange had already been scrunched into one aisle -- flanked by two aisles of red and green. It was hard to ignore -- but I am going to have to try (for now at least).
I need to focus on some other priorities. I need to de-clutter my "ohmigod" room (computer room) and my closet. Carter's room and the basement need an overhaul. I have some hot family tree leads to pursue. I need to start walking, running or just plain moving again. And oh how I need to get some scrapbooking done!
Good thing I've got nothing to do but relax at home this month. Perhaps I should put myself under house arrest!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
No tricks, just treats
It's always interesting when Halloween falls on a week day. It sort of gives people free license, for one day, to dress however they want.
There were a few people who dressed up. Not me. I just have a T-shirt that says: The Witch is in. Basically, it says what some people think all year! That's the joys of being a manager. Or being a wife. Jim has asked me on occasion if I am taking the Honda into town -- or my broom. That Jim's a funny one!
Anyway, I wasn't in the mood to dress up and be cute. (As natural as it seems, it does take some effort some days.) I was surprised, though, when Carter said he didn't want to dress up. The whole Pink Floyd pink hair thing was just for the school fall festival, he said.
Fortunately, my friend Becky called the other night and invited us over to trick-or-treat with them. Then Carter got into the spirit. He donned his #80 Carter jersey and a Minnesota Vikings helmet and was ready to scare the world! (Probably more than their current defensive line is scaring anyone these days.)
Thankfully, Becky lives in a nice neighborhood so no mean-spirited folks asked: "What are you dressed up as? A loser?" We also didn't have to contend with the darkness this year since we haven't changed the clocks back yet. That was a treat.
The main thing is we all had fun ... and Carter managed to snag just enough peanut butter cups to keep mama happy.
There were a few people who dressed up. Not me. I just have a T-shirt that says: The Witch is in. Basically, it says what some people think all year! That's the joys of being a manager. Or being a wife. Jim has asked me on occasion if I am taking the Honda into town -- or my broom. That Jim's a funny one!Anyway, I wasn't in the mood to dress up and be cute. (As natural as it seems, it does take some effort some days.) I was surprised, though, when Carter said he didn't want to dress up. The whole Pink Floyd pink hair thing was just for the school fall festival, he said.
Fortunately, my friend Becky called the other night and invited us over to trick-or-treat with them. Then Carter got into the spirit. He donned his #80 Carter jersey and a Minnesota Vikings helmet and was ready to scare the world! (Probably more than their current defensive line is scaring anyone these days.)Thankfully, Becky lives in a nice neighborhood so no mean-spirited folks asked: "What are you dressed up as? A loser?" We also didn't have to contend with the darkness this year since we haven't changed the clocks back yet. That was a treat.
The main thing is we all had fun ... and Carter managed to snag just enough peanut butter cups to keep mama happy.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Lost in cyberspace
You'd think we had massive layoffs announced at work yesterday the way people were cleaning their desks. Nothing so drastic -- but dramatic nonetheless in some people's eyes. Thanks to a cable-cutting accident 2 towns away, we were stuck without phone, e-mail or Internet for more than half the day. How does one survive?
The joke was that if a little town like Iola is electronically disconnected from the world, would anybody notice?
I had a little backlog of things to type in so that kept me busy and it was good to cross that off my "to do" list. Most people, though, used the time to clean off their desks -- also on my list!
After seeing productivity skyrocket, I don't doubt the reports and surveys that indicate e-mail and the Internet are time-wasters at work! While I didn't enjoy the inconvenience, I certainly welcomed the break from distractions.
I was mostly upset that my blog and e-mails about Antiques Roadshow were lost in cyberspace until it was too late. That's OK. I caught a glimpse of my dad's head on last night's show and that was it. Now if only I had Tivo and I could play it back for you!
Yep, once in awhile I enjoy my electronic fix! Thankfully, today we are back to normal -- emailing each other rather than walking to a desk and actually talking and, of course, blogging during work hours!
The joke was that if a little town like Iola is electronically disconnected from the world, would anybody notice?
I had a little backlog of things to type in so that kept me busy and it was good to cross that off my "to do" list. Most people, though, used the time to clean off their desks -- also on my list!
After seeing productivity skyrocket, I don't doubt the reports and surveys that indicate e-mail and the Internet are time-wasters at work! While I didn't enjoy the inconvenience, I certainly welcomed the break from distractions.
I was mostly upset that my blog and e-mails about Antiques Roadshow were lost in cyberspace until it was too late. That's OK. I caught a glimpse of my dad's head on last night's show and that was it. Now if only I had Tivo and I could play it back for you!
Yep, once in awhile I enjoy my electronic fix! Thankfully, today we are back to normal -- emailing each other rather than walking to a desk and actually talking and, of course, blogging during work hours!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Antiques Roadshow
I know better than to call my parents between 7 and 8 on Monday nights. They're always parked in front of the television watching Antiques Roadshow -- wondering if their many possessions are trash or treasure.
Tonight and the next three Mondays especially they'll be glued to the set, trying to catch a glimpse of themselves or their lovely daughter. These are the "Milwaukee episodes," filmed last summer (July 2006), when LeRoy, Marlys and I trekked down there for the filming. It was quite an adventure.
First of all, I don't normally watch the show, but since I oversee a few antiques publications at work, I was able to finagle some tickets. Mom and Dad were beyond thrilled! They were anxious to see what a few of their possessions were worth, and I was curious to get the behind-the-scenes look at how the show comes together.
Since we were limited to two items each -- and I don't have any antiques -- I took some glass items Mom wanted appraised. Mom had two glass items, too, and Dad had an veterans convention ribbon and I think a watch (or maybe more of Mom's glass. Can you tell my mom collects glassware?).
We weren't handpicked for any rarities or one-on-one TV interviews, but it's possible we will be seen lurking in the background -- hopefully looking interested and intelligent and not picking our noses.
So tune in to PBS tonight at 7 p.m. If you miss it, I think it replays at 6 p.m. Sunday. Check your local listings.
Trust me, if I spot us (and no, I don't remember what we were wearing), I will let the world know. Unless I look too fat or I was having a bad hair day ... Still better than watching the stinkin' Packers game on the other channel!
Tonight and the next three Mondays especially they'll be glued to the set, trying to catch a glimpse of themselves or their lovely daughter. These are the "Milwaukee episodes," filmed last summer (July 2006), when LeRoy, Marlys and I trekked down there for the filming. It was quite an adventure.
First of all, I don't normally watch the show, but since I oversee a few antiques publications at work, I was able to finagle some tickets. Mom and Dad were beyond thrilled! They were anxious to see what a few of their possessions were worth, and I was curious to get the behind-the-scenes look at how the show comes together.
Since we were limited to two items each -- and I don't have any antiques -- I took some glass items Mom wanted appraised. Mom had two glass items, too, and Dad had an veterans convention ribbon and I think a watch (or maybe more of Mom's glass. Can you tell my mom collects glassware?).
We weren't handpicked for any rarities or one-on-one TV interviews, but it's possible we will be seen lurking in the background -- hopefully looking interested and intelligent and not picking our noses.
So tune in to PBS tonight at 7 p.m. If you miss it, I think it replays at 6 p.m. Sunday. Check your local listings.
Trust me, if I spot us (and no, I don't remember what we were wearing), I will let the world know. Unless I look too fat or I was having a bad hair day ... Still better than watching the stinkin' Packers game on the other channel!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
The right to be wrong
I didn't wake up with a hangover the morning after Dad's party -- the strongest drink served was hot coffee -- but my stomach hurts a bit. Yes, there were healthy servings of humble pie with generous sides of crow to be eaten at the 80th birthday extravaganza. It was tough to swallow, but honestly, I am OK with it.
Yes, Dad, I am putting in writing for all the world to see that we (some of us kids anyway) were wrong. It was wrong of us to be so resistant -- and vocally so -- to some of the "large" plans. It was wrong of us to be petty about paying for it or "working" it. It was wrong of us to second-guess your crowd estimates, too.
Yes, we were wrong but this one occasion where I am thrilled to be in error. It was great to see a large gathering of people who care about Dad and have been touched by his friendship at some point in their lives. I stood in the food line with a man who was a neighbor to Dad's family back in the 1930s and went to grade school with him. That was impressive.
What also was impressive was looking at a long line of people waiting to eat and to greet Dad. Dad told us over breakfast this morning that he didn't sleep well last night. He couldn't get that vision of the long line out of his head. "I just can't get over that! That was something!"
I remarked it was better that they were in a long line to view him alive and in person rather than a viewing line at a funeral parlor. He and Mom agreed. It's great Dad was able to celebrate his life with his family and friends while he was among the living. I'd say everyone had a good time -- even us party planners.
Of course, one special brother-in-law already pointed out we have only 5 years before our mother's 80th birthday and it better be bigger and better! Sigh... We might as well just put humble pie on the menu right away.
Yes, Dad, I am putting in writing for all the world to see that we (some of us kids anyway) were wrong. It was wrong of us to be so resistant -- and vocally so -- to some of the "large" plans. It was wrong of us to be petty about paying for it or "working" it. It was wrong of us to second-guess your crowd estimates, too.
Yes, we were wrong but this one occasion where I am thrilled to be in error. It was great to see a large gathering of people who care about Dad and have been touched by his friendship at some point in their lives. I stood in the food line with a man who was a neighbor to Dad's family back in the 1930s and went to grade school with him. That was impressive.
What also was impressive was looking at a long line of people waiting to eat and to greet Dad. Dad told us over breakfast this morning that he didn't sleep well last night. He couldn't get that vision of the long line out of his head. "I just can't get over that! That was something!"
I remarked it was better that they were in a long line to view him alive and in person rather than a viewing line at a funeral parlor. He and Mom agreed. It's great Dad was able to celebrate his life with his family and friends while he was among the living. I'd say everyone had a good time -- even us party planners.
Of course, one special brother-in-law already pointed out we have only 5 years before our mother's 80th birthday and it better be bigger and better! Sigh... We might as well just put humble pie on the menu right away.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Make a difference
Saturday is Make a Difference Day -- a day that gets to the heart of volunteerism. A day of doing good.
In our area there will be groups available to rake yards for the elderly or home-bound and several events like "Soups for Hoops" that require canned-good donations to participate.
I think it's a great way to teach kids the importance of doing for others. And it's a good reminder for adults to shed our selfishness and think about someone else for a change. Make a difference in their lives if, when, where we can.
What will I be doing? Well, I will be joining many of the readers of this blog to make a difference in our dad's life. We will be unselfish and loving when we give him the best darn 80th birthday party a stubborn ol' Scandivanian could want! And we'll enjoy every minute of it! Doesn't it feel good to do for others?
Seriously, get out and do something or just make a call to tell someone you care. There are lots of ways to help Make a Difference. And we can do them every day.
In our area there will be groups available to rake yards for the elderly or home-bound and several events like "Soups for Hoops" that require canned-good donations to participate.
I think it's a great way to teach kids the importance of doing for others. And it's a good reminder for adults to shed our selfishness and think about someone else for a change. Make a difference in their lives if, when, where we can.
What will I be doing? Well, I will be joining many of the readers of this blog to make a difference in our dad's life. We will be unselfish and loving when we give him the best darn 80th birthday party a stubborn ol' Scandivanian could want! And we'll enjoy every minute of it! Doesn't it feel good to do for others?
Seriously, get out and do something or just make a call to tell someone you care. There are lots of ways to help Make a Difference. And we can do them every day.
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