The Power of Un-Powered Tools

Full disclosure: This is all going to seem like it's coming out of left field... because it sort of is.

My main agenda item today besides getting through work was delivering two pair of arborist pants to my cousin's son. Have I lost you already. He's in Stevens Point (well-known for its DNR related programs and degrees) and saw these for sale through Facebook Marketplace – but in Wisconsin Rapids.

So I picked them up and yesterday I was like, "Dude, I have your pants in my car. When do you want them?" So it worked out that I could meet him and his fiancee for a dinner after work. 

So what exactly are "arborist pants"? Turns out that if you're using a chainsaw like the well-intentioned beaver above, they're chainsaw-resistant. A bullet-proof Kevlar protection layer from serious harm. I can see why he wanted to buy these 20-dollar pants that normally sell for almost $200. Good call. (Also note that according to my blog title they are un-powered tools.)

But who cares about arborist pants? Obviously it was most important to hear about their upcoming wedding plans in 2027. And perhaps dish about our families. Lol.

So after that meal I headed into Wisconsin Rapids to WalMart to find a replace my hair dryer – who died inconveniently, of course. RIP.

And I can't make this stuff up. First my TIRE PRESSURE IS LOW warning comes on. So I pull over knowing that I have to have it in park to "calibrate" or whatever. That happened again when I got WR WalMart. So I did recalibrate again but that wasn't my main concern.

I've recently attached my key fob to a lanyard because it sometimes can fall our of the very shallow pockets of work pants. Well when I parked, I realized the lanyard was there... out of my pocket... but no fob was attached.

So I knew it was in that deeply imbedded spot under the seat that is impossible to reach with human hands. What can I do?

You know, I suddenly realized that I still had scrapbooking tools in my vehicle that I've neglected to unpack that might include some sort of tweezers to grasp it from its secret hiding spot.

And the tweezer for tiny stickers or alphabet letters won the day! A powerful tool that requires no power.

So after that, of course, I wanted to tell my scrap sisters about our life-saving tools!

Well, it turns out my monthly Girls Night Out group was meeting and eating a Whoudini's and I still had time to catch them there. I zealously shared my story with my scrap sister Jenny and then they all asked me what "arborist pants" are and I could not understand how they knew this.

They said, "Well you texted your husband about your dinner plans." I'm like "Yeah, did I accidentally send that to this group too?" No, they said. He's here.

So here we were – my girls night and his last-minute three classmates from high school meeting at a bar we go to maybe once a year. (Including your hubby, A.P. my loyal blog reader. Not that I'm tattling!)

As Rick in Casablanca says: "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine." Ope sorry.

Of course I really just wanted to show off a cute shirt I got at GW Boutique (yes, Good Will) the other day...

Random patterns and such a steal. I pointed out that I was fashionably late because I was so fashionable. Thank you to the person that donated it. You've added some POWER-ful spice to my life!!

It's in our Genes (and Jeans)

I had to laugh at this because today I went to my favorite fashion hub – GW Boutique (OK, it's Goodwill but appreciate my creativity) – to find some jeans over my lunch hour.

I don't think it's a far stretch for me to say that there are two main things that women everywhere hate shopping for (and trying on) and that's swimsuits and jeans. Am I right?

Ugh.

The issue is that there is no such thing as standard sizes in the fashion industry. One brand's size 8 is a size 12 by another brand. So of course, I seek the brands that let me boast (to no one actually, who am I kidding?) about wearing a smaller size. Ha.

I did successfully find two pair of jeans – by two different brands and two different sizes – that had the right fit. Granted I'm thrilled the numbers are lower than a year ago. But are they really? 

Hmmm.

You wonder why women play so many mind games in their heads. Well this is why. How come guys have standard 32x34 and we all have random size numbers. Sometimes odd, sometimes even. Never understood that either.

It appears I'll be working from home quite a bit in the coming 3+ years. You know what's not judgmental about sizes? SWEAT PANTS.

You're welcome.

The Sad Part About the Sandwich Generation

 

No offense to people of younger and even older generations, I don't think you understand the impact of being part of the Sandwich Generation. On the one hand, we're trying to raise our children as responsible adults... while simultaneously attending to our parents' ever-changing needs in advanced adulthood.

Between Jim and I we are down to one parent left. So we've dealt with that a little bit. But I realized today when I heard word one of the ladies at church passed away that I was not ready for the ripple effect.

I forget that when you worship with someone for nearly 30 years that they become part of your circle of people you care about. Just the compassion her and her husband showed each other in church each Sunday was something any couple of any age should aspire to.

And they always appreciated my writing for the church bulletins or monthly newsletters. Bonus points for loving them even more.

This past weekend three of my sisters made the trek to St. Louis to lay our Uncle Charlie to rest. The last OG Hedberg of that generation. So grateful for a trip there a year ago to celebrate his 90th birthday.

But my fellow members of this Sandwich Generation – my cousins there – have to deal with their father's death plus their mother's advancing dementia.

I recognize that certain generations have dealt with insurmountable tasks. but please give grace and understanding with some of us are trying to process as the Sandwich Generation. 

Because many of us are Gen X. I know we can handle it, but thanks for recognizing the challenge and that life is .... gosh darn it, so hard to deal with sometimes!

Well That Was Fun

I could dub thee Sarcastic Sunday. Because some parts were not that fun.

Take church choir for example. There were 4 us. Not a fancy barbershop quartet. Just 2 men, 2 women. Not the strongest singers. Myself included in that. And our director sang with us to bring it up to 5. Yes, it was just the melody for On Eagle's Wings. But still. Cringe. 

But then it got fun. 

Ran up to Herrschners for some baby blanket yarn (bless them for Sunday hours) and worked on blanket #3 (boy them #2) while watching golf.

I love watching The Masters – especially on Augusta Sunday. And frankly, I want it to be a close competition. And today delivered big time. So many lead changes and people climbing the leaderboard. In the end Rory repeated for a back-to-back win, but he tried to blow it on the last hole – driving it into the woods!

I noticed his daughter Poppy is getting big. Yes, I do "know" some of the kids. I just wonder if they understand what the big deal is when Dad always wins things! You know?

And as the leaderboard was heating up, so too were the temperatures. The windows in the house and the screen door were letting in fresh air! Also, maybe something related to pollen. Not pollen yet, but I sneezed no less than 20 times this afternoon/evening. Grrr.

Did get out for a jaunt around the neighborhood after golf concluded. 

There was a hen party going on around the bend but since I just saw 5 out of 6 sisters the other day, I kept on walking. C'mon, that's funny, right?

Ok. Break time is over. Time to get back to hookin' something! Hope you had real FUN at some point today!

Let's Taco Bout It

I love that every bridal shower has themes these day. A few weeks ago it was love was brewing (as in coffee) and today it was "Let's Taco Bout Love."

And, it was a very nice bridal shower for Jim's god-daughter Becca.

I didn't win many games but Becca still was focused on the special guests and gifts. God bless them as they prepare for their June wedding!

How to Rebound

You realize that for many of us the best way to rebound from a mostly depressing day is, well, golf. In any form.

So yes, the coveted Masters is on TV. And perhaps I could catch sneak peeks at work on the TV since well, we are a PGA partner so we can have it on our TVs. But I didn't catch everything because well, work!

I loved seeing that Freddie Couples went birdie-birdie to start today. He is a favorite of both hubby and I and we were thrilled to see him at the Ryder Cup a few years back – even as a coach. "There's Freddie!" Love him and his easy swing and easy demeanor.

Not selling his Zen product or anything. Just saying he can keep us all grounded for a spell. Even if he finished well over par.

Getting back into the office today after three days of "remote planning" meetings, it was nice to see most of my team. We even had a birthday and someone else made the trifle knowing I wouldn't make it home until late last night. Yay. I can delegate and it can turn out yummy!

And I know my twin and her family had one heck of a sad day today with the funeral. Thank you to all of you who reached out with words of support. She needs them more than I do. But I love you for caring!

Gratitude During Heartache

 

Wasn't expecting to see 5 of my sisters in the middle of the week, but that's us. We're there for each other when one of us hurting. 

Today it was my twin.

Last week when I mentioned some tragedies. One was her daughter-in-law dying of cancer. She was on hospice and it went rather quickly.

She was only 38.

Nothing illustrates heartache and heartbreak like seeing my grieving nephew and their two young daughters (12 and 14) trying to hold it together while greeting dozens and dozens of well-wishers.

My sister's whole family has a hole in their heart where Melonie used to fill it with a smile that could light up a whole room.

So glad we made the 4-hour trek. Being there for my other half means everything.  

And hugging other family members i haven't seen since before Christmas was an added bonus.

Grabbed a bite to eat with a few of them before hitting the road back to Rapids. Also stopped to visit Dad and Mom's grave. Then swung by to give my sister Rachel a hug since we were going through Luck. So many much-needed hugs!

Be grateful for these moments. Life is so precious. 

P.S. Sorry for any typos. Typing on my phone since we'll get home after 10!