Today was a planned day to work at home because I had a dental cleaning at noon. I think you know those are scheduled 6 months out and when they need to change it, you gotta take what you can get.
I had a doctor appointment right before it that took too long. They had to take blood, too, and I didn't even faint! I was too worried about getting over to the dentist on time! I got there with about a minute to spare.
It was worth it, though. Every once in awhile a random conversation really makes my day.
Dental hygienist: I really like your outfit today!
Me: Thanks!
She: It looks like something out of a magazine. Did you buy it all together?
Me: No. Actually I got the jeans at Wal-Mart a few years ago. I got the sweater at a garage sale and the boots for Christmas.
She: Wow. Now I'm even more impressed.
Me (to myself): Oh, so this is what can happen when I don't wear sweats all the time!
Honestly, it was nothing special but it is true that 9 times out of 10, when I'm working at home, I leave home in my comfy working-at-home clothes. And they don't usually attract compliments!
I thought for awhile that conversation would be my thrill for the day, but then we went to the girls basketball game tonight. Now the Assumption girls have a legacy of greatness. Seriously. We have been pretty much undefeated or have one loss during the past several years. Plus they won at state two years in a row when Carter was a baby.
Tonight they played Marathon, a ranked team that was pretty darn good. It was a much tighter battle than I expected. The adrenaline amongst the team and the fans was insanely high. It felt like a playoff game with the lead never more than 4 points for either team. It was tied at half and at the end of the third quarter. We were actually down with 3 minutes to go. We somehow had a 3-point lead with a minute to go. And that was a long minute. We got lucky that with 6 seconds left or so, we got fouled and could extend the lead.
We ended up winning the thriller 38-34. Our girls are now 16-0 overall and 9-0 in the conference! That's pretty awesome for our little school!
Now if we can just tone down the rush of adrenaline so we can all get some sleep... except Carter, who I am sure has homework that didn't get done before tip-off.
I'm just guessing.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
On the White Side
I'm tempted to rename my blog On the White Side since that's all I've been seeing today.
The weather man was right about the winter storm, but much to Carter's chagrin, school was not called off for a second day. I honestly kind of thought it would be. And I thought maybe our office would be closed since all the schools around Iola were called off.
Here's me at the computer at 6 a.m., 6:15, 6:25, 6:27, 6:30... looking at the website for school closings and looking at our work email. Just hitting refresh. Hoping to see a change.
Nothing.
So off to work we go. If hubby was still on the West Coast, I would have stayed west of Iola today. At home. But he was willing to drive and brave it so we did. And we watched the snow fall and fall and fall... all through the morning.
Who's up for a coffee break in the courtyard?
No one, apparently...
Except some snow people... sort of! Pretty funky, huh?
Just about the time I looked out the back breakroom window and saw this lovely scene of buried cars, they called off work. Seriously. They shut down the office at 2 p.m. and told us all to go home. Carefully.
Poor Jim. I'm warming up inside the CRV and he's swinging a snow brush just 48 hours after swinging a golf club.
And he doesn't look too happy about it! I wouldn't be either! But he's such a trooper, isn't he?
After a long drive home with an average speed of 40 mph, we beat Carter's bus by about 2 minutes. We were not that enthused about heading outside to start the removal process. But then we heard our good neighbor Mike snowblowing our driveway. He's a saint! Since we had 8 inches of snow at that point, Jim still had plenty of work to do on the decks and lower patio, etc.
Carter suddenly had homework he had to get to and I had supper to make. We are loads. That wasn't nice to saddle Dad with all the grunt work!
I wouldn't blame Jim if he is counting down the 5 days 'til he heads to Texas. He won't have his golf clubs with him this time... but he won't have a frozen frown on his face either.
The weather man was right about the winter storm, but much to Carter's chagrin, school was not called off for a second day. I honestly kind of thought it would be. And I thought maybe our office would be closed since all the schools around Iola were called off.
Here's me at the computer at 6 a.m., 6:15, 6:25, 6:27, 6:30... looking at the website for school closings and looking at our work email. Just hitting refresh. Hoping to see a change.
Nothing.
So off to work we go. If hubby was still on the West Coast, I would have stayed west of Iola today. At home. But he was willing to drive and brave it so we did. And we watched the snow fall and fall and fall... all through the morning.
Who's up for a coffee break in the courtyard?
After a long drive home with an average speed of 40 mph, we beat Carter's bus by about 2 minutes. We were not that enthused about heading outside to start the removal process. But then we heard our good neighbor Mike snowblowing our driveway. He's a saint! Since we had 8 inches of snow at that point, Jim still had plenty of work to do on the decks and lower patio, etc.
Carter suddenly had homework he had to get to and I had supper to make. We are loads. That wasn't nice to saddle Dad with all the grunt work!
I wouldn't blame Jim if he is counting down the 5 days 'til he heads to Texas. He won't have his golf clubs with him this time... but he won't have a frozen frown on his face either.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Dizzy on Ice
We had all the makings of a Disney on Ice spectacular today. We had the ice. We had mood-setting fog. And plenty of Dizzy stars... cars going in circles 'til they were dizzy or ditched.
I knew it was supposed to sleet again during the night. So when I was eating breakfast and saw it was 35 degrees, I was relieved it wouldn't be icy out there. Then, I checked Facebook and saw the announcement that school was closed!
Wow, I did not see that coming.
For some reason, and I wish I knew why, they never ever have 2-hour delays in the Rapids school districts. They just close. So while 90% of the schools listed on the website were just late today, we were closed. Unfortunately, I had already dragged Carter's butt out of bed at this point, but he ate breakfast and crawled back in while I contemplated my next move.
In the end, knowing there were things that had to get done in the physical office today, I gave myself a 2-hour delay and went to work. That was a good call. The roads were still slippery in many places but overall, not too bad. There also was still a lot of fog. The whole way over to Iola. So I'm glad I waited until daylight to go.
Carter called a little after noon when he rolled out of bed. Now you don't feel sorry for him, do you?
Despite the wacky weather, hubby made it home safely from California this afternoon, arriving home around 5 p.m. I was there to greet him, along with Carter and two cable company employees! Full house. And yes, it was worth it to get that TV in place. It's a really nice upgrade and we are now in the land of DVR -- a decade after most people!
But a new cable and Internet package weren't the only things of note. With still traces of his golf sunburn, Jim joins us under our winter storm warning for tonight and tomorrow. We "could" get 5-10 inches of snow here. That's a big range.
After today's surprise, I am not even going to hazard a guess. I'll just get working on my Ice Capades routine!
I knew it was supposed to sleet again during the night. So when I was eating breakfast and saw it was 35 degrees, I was relieved it wouldn't be icy out there. Then, I checked Facebook and saw the announcement that school was closed!
Wow, I did not see that coming.
For some reason, and I wish I knew why, they never ever have 2-hour delays in the Rapids school districts. They just close. So while 90% of the schools listed on the website were just late today, we were closed. Unfortunately, I had already dragged Carter's butt out of bed at this point, but he ate breakfast and crawled back in while I contemplated my next move.
In the end, knowing there were things that had to get done in the physical office today, I gave myself a 2-hour delay and went to work. That was a good call. The roads were still slippery in many places but overall, not too bad. There also was still a lot of fog. The whole way over to Iola. So I'm glad I waited until daylight to go.
Carter called a little after noon when he rolled out of bed. Now you don't feel sorry for him, do you?
Despite the wacky weather, hubby made it home safely from California this afternoon, arriving home around 5 p.m. I was there to greet him, along with Carter and two cable company employees! Full house. And yes, it was worth it to get that TV in place. It's a really nice upgrade and we are now in the land of DVR -- a decade after most people!
But a new cable and Internet package weren't the only things of note. With still traces of his golf sunburn, Jim joins us under our winter storm warning for tonight and tomorrow. We "could" get 5-10 inches of snow here. That's a big range.
After today's surprise, I am not even going to hazard a guess. I'll just get working on my Ice Capades routine!
Monday, January 28, 2013
Frosty Flexibility
It's a good thing my job is flexible most of the time so I can work from my home office when the wimpy side of me feels I need to.
Today I felt like it.
I was concerned about the weather and actually got up around 3 a.m. It was freezing rain then so I made the decision I would not be venturing out at 6:45 a.m. Some of the schools around here were two hours late. Not ours, though.
So off Carter went and, after a cup of coffee, I sat down at the computer. I honestly did not move -- hardly -- until about 2 p.m. I just kept typing away and clicking off items from my work list of things to do. About 2, I went out to get the mail and realized the plow had gone through and left an ice shelf at the end of my driveway. So, against my better judgment, I got the shovel and picked away at it. I needed to make a path just wide enough for the car. The snow/ice mix was so heavy, I did not shovel the path any wider than necessary! (Later when I returned home, a secret snowblower came and finished!)
I had to get out at 4 to meet Carter at the dentist office. Then, since he was such a good boy and had no cavities, we went to Wal-Mart and bought a 40-inch HDTV!
OK, that's not exactly how it happened.
True, he didn't have cavities. And true, we bought the TV. But that was planned.
Tomorrow we are getting a long-awaited cable-Internet upgrade that will give us faster Internet connection and, on the TV side, give us something like 90 more channels and 60 HD channels compared to our current 15 or 20. That includes both Hallmark Channels in hi-def. Whoot!
We figured the timing was right to get rid of the 15-year-old clunker TV in the basement with the big crack along the side (yet still functional) and replace it with an HDTV so they can hook up all our HDTVs (that would be TWO) in one visit.
So while hubby was getting sunburned at work in California, Carter and I went and spent my "gold" money! Got a decent deal and, more importantly, got the TV to fit in the car AND hooked up correctly at home. Even though it did require some assembly for the stand attached to the TV and the stand it sits on. It wasn't quite deep enough so I had to hammer an extension into place.
For now, it looks good, but we wisely did not throw out the box. We'll see if it looks even better with an actual HD connection. Ha.
Tonight we are supposed to get that darn freezing rain again but I will have to get to the office no matter what tomorrow. There's things I can only do at the office, so I will brave it and go. I'll just take my time, make sure I have some homemade treats with me and they'll take me when I get there!
Today I felt like it.
I was concerned about the weather and actually got up around 3 a.m. It was freezing rain then so I made the decision I would not be venturing out at 6:45 a.m. Some of the schools around here were two hours late. Not ours, though.
So off Carter went and, after a cup of coffee, I sat down at the computer. I honestly did not move -- hardly -- until about 2 p.m. I just kept typing away and clicking off items from my work list of things to do. About 2, I went out to get the mail and realized the plow had gone through and left an ice shelf at the end of my driveway. So, against my better judgment, I got the shovel and picked away at it. I needed to make a path just wide enough for the car. The snow/ice mix was so heavy, I did not shovel the path any wider than necessary! (Later when I returned home, a secret snowblower came and finished!)
I had to get out at 4 to meet Carter at the dentist office. Then, since he was such a good boy and had no cavities, we went to Wal-Mart and bought a 40-inch HDTV!
OK, that's not exactly how it happened.
True, he didn't have cavities. And true, we bought the TV. But that was planned.
Tomorrow we are getting a long-awaited cable-Internet upgrade that will give us faster Internet connection and, on the TV side, give us something like 90 more channels and 60 HD channels compared to our current 15 or 20. That includes both Hallmark Channels in hi-def. Whoot!
We figured the timing was right to get rid of the 15-year-old clunker TV in the basement with the big crack along the side (yet still functional) and replace it with an HDTV so they can hook up all our HDTVs (that would be TWO) in one visit.
So while hubby was getting sunburned at work in California, Carter and I went and spent my "gold" money! Got a decent deal and, more importantly, got the TV to fit in the car AND hooked up correctly at home. Even though it did require some assembly for the stand attached to the TV and the stand it sits on. It wasn't quite deep enough so I had to hammer an extension into place.
For now, it looks good, but we wisely did not throw out the box. We'll see if it looks even better with an actual HD connection. Ha.
Tonight we are supposed to get that darn freezing rain again but I will have to get to the office no matter what tomorrow. There's things I can only do at the office, so I will brave it and go. I'll just take my time, make sure I have some homemade treats with me and they'll take me when I get there!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Snow Way
True to form, Mother Nature unleased more winter today! I kept thinking, there's snow way this is happening AGAIN. Less than 24 hours after hubby left, I was snowblowing!
This viscous cycles has to end. We must break this "he's someplace warm so give me more winter" streak one of these times.
The good news is that he wasn't golfing today so I really didn't have that much to be jealous of. The bad news is that tomorrow when I face a super icy commute, he won't even be waking up and lacing up his golf shoes yet. Sigh.
When we had our annual meeting in church this morning, someone mentioned getting done in time to "beat the weather." Pardon my ignorance, but "What weather?" I thought. I honestly hadn't paid attention to it beyond Saturday since I knew that was my outdoors day.
What we got today was 3-5 inches of light, fluffy snow. Since I was having my "Gold Party" at 3:30, I got out the snowblower at 2:30 to clear a path. Carter was busy with homework so I didn't want to have to wait. During my party, it kept snowing and turned into sleet/freezing rain. I think that kept a few people away, but I still did fine and plenty of folks left my house with some serious pocket change!
Carter had a "mid-winter dance party" with his classmates. Thankfully, he got a ride to and from it so I didn't have to brave the icy roads.
Yet. We'll play it by ear for the morning commute. Too bad my hostess "rewards" from my Gold Party weren't enough for me to retire! Or at least fly somewhere warm like, oh, maybe, Palm Springs.
I think there's a threesome teeing off at sunrise that could use a fourth!
This viscous cycles has to end. We must break this "he's someplace warm so give me more winter" streak one of these times.
The good news is that he wasn't golfing today so I really didn't have that much to be jealous of. The bad news is that tomorrow when I face a super icy commute, he won't even be waking up and lacing up his golf shoes yet. Sigh.
When we had our annual meeting in church this morning, someone mentioned getting done in time to "beat the weather." Pardon my ignorance, but "What weather?" I thought. I honestly hadn't paid attention to it beyond Saturday since I knew that was my outdoors day.
What we got today was 3-5 inches of light, fluffy snow. Since I was having my "Gold Party" at 3:30, I got out the snowblower at 2:30 to clear a path. Carter was busy with homework so I didn't want to have to wait. During my party, it kept snowing and turned into sleet/freezing rain. I think that kept a few people away, but I still did fine and plenty of folks left my house with some serious pocket change!
Carter had a "mid-winter dance party" with his classmates. Thankfully, he got a ride to and from it so I didn't have to brave the icy roads.
Yet. We'll play it by ear for the morning commute. Too bad my hostess "rewards" from my Gold Party weren't enough for me to retire! Or at least fly somewhere warm like, oh, maybe, Palm Springs.
I think there's a threesome teeing off at sunrise that could use a fourth!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Carving Out Some Fun
It takes some dedication to spend hours in freezing temperatures and not get paid for it. Either that or it's a darn good cause.
Let's go with the latter.
Carter and I and dozens and dozens of people got their creative juices flowing in sub-zero weather and managed to keep those juices from freezing as it warmed up to almost 20. The event was the Souper Snow Sculpture Spectacular, held as a fundraiser for the South Wood County Humane Society -- the wonderful place where we adopted Sylvester!
When we saw it was minus 3 degrees on our way out the door, we bundled up pretty good. Thankfully it was sunny and not too windy. We only got cold a few times and the decent weather probably helped with both participation and attendance. Lots of people!
Some of the highlights...
Let's go with the latter.
Carter and I and dozens and dozens of people got their creative juices flowing in sub-zero weather and managed to keep those juices from freezing as it warmed up to almost 20. The event was the Souper Snow Sculpture Spectacular, held as a fundraiser for the South Wood County Humane Society -- the wonderful place where we adopted Sylvester!
When we saw it was minus 3 degrees on our way out the door, we bundled up pretty good. Thankfully it was sunny and not too windy. We only got cold a few times and the decent weather probably helped with both participation and attendance. Lots of people!
Some of the highlights...
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| Upon arrival the parking lot almost looks like a lake filled with ice-fishing shanties. But these are just chunks of snow. Well large chunks and more icy crap than snow. But we all had to make it work! |
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| Carter and I were helping out with Empty Bowls masterpiece since I am on the event planning committee. (That's the anti-hunger project I mentioned a few weeks ago.) It takes a vision to turn this into something worth looking at! |
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| The man with a mission, a vision AND a blueprint -- our fearless leader Pastor Josh! |
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| No, we weren't playing King of the Hill. We all had jobs and it took team work! |
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| One of Carter's jobs was coloring the letters. We could not use any paint (chemicals), only food coloring in water. That did the trick, though, since it was so cold. |
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| After "painting" the letters, we had to dig around them (pick ice) to make them stand out. Here, team member Sharon chips away. I mainly helped with this and the coloring part. |
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| I just don't think they trusted me with sharp instruments! Could it be my gloves?? |
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| The "table" is done! Now it's time to shape the bowl and spoon and... |
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| Let's not forget a slice of homemade bread to dip in that soup bowl. Pretty cool, eh?! |
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| Our team!! Carter wasn't in the picture because I had to run him over to school to play pep band for a basketball game. A few other helpers are missing, too. Great work, everyone! |
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| And now a few more highlights from finished projects... Here is something for the Brewers fans. |
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| Some type of animal driving a car. Still in progress. |
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| Neat one from Hearts Media Company. |
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| Just some critter that likes to eat little kids for lunch! |
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| High School art students work under the sea. |
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| Slow-moving snow creature! |
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| Not sure who won today but I am pretty sure it has to be this group with their fantastic roller coaster! |
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| You can tell by the detail they have some experience doing this! Of course, next year WE will be experienced, too! |
Friday, January 25, 2013
Record-Keeping Day
I think today was considered a record-keeping day since the first semester has wrapped up. Whatever the reason, Carter had off of school. I decided to work in the home office in case he needed to be carted off somewhere to play, er, hang out!
Well, since he slept until after noon, I felt like I was having a record-keeping day of my own. Or make that record making -- to see how many things I could get done in one day.
It was a lot!
Several work projects, then laundry, dishes, 5 dozen Amish Friendship Bread muffins, grocery shopping, running Carter to a friend's, finding snow pants and snow-sculpting tools (no, I really don't know what those are).
So now I'm sitting down with my Sinus Soothing Chamomile tea and blogging while Carter and Jim are at the Lincoln High School boys basketball game. I am beat.
Thankfully, Carter did a few chores to help around here. It was snowing lightly most of the day so he shoveled a bit. We'll see if the weather warms up or if we have to snow blow. He also hauled some heavy stuff for me. Good thing he's been "lifting."
There's still a few things on tonight's agenda. I have to give Jim a haircut before his trip -- and he has to pack. He's not too excited, though. Look at the dump he has to stay at out in Palm Springs...
Good for him. Seriously. I hope he has decent weather for golf and the conference meetings. My goal is to not think about it and keep crossing things off my to-do list.
Sounds just as fun, right?
Well, since he slept until after noon, I felt like I was having a record-keeping day of my own. Or make that record making -- to see how many things I could get done in one day.
It was a lot!
Several work projects, then laundry, dishes, 5 dozen Amish Friendship Bread muffins, grocery shopping, running Carter to a friend's, finding snow pants and snow-sculpting tools (no, I really don't know what those are).
So now I'm sitting down with my Sinus Soothing Chamomile tea and blogging while Carter and Jim are at the Lincoln High School boys basketball game. I am beat.
Thankfully, Carter did a few chores to help around here. It was snowing lightly most of the day so he shoveled a bit. We'll see if the weather warms up or if we have to snow blow. He also hauled some heavy stuff for me. Good thing he's been "lifting."
There's still a few things on tonight's agenda. I have to give Jim a haircut before his trip -- and he has to pack. He's not too excited, though. Look at the dump he has to stay at out in Palm Springs...
Good for him. Seriously. I hope he has decent weather for golf and the conference meetings. My goal is to not think about it and keep crossing things off my to-do list.
Sounds just as fun, right?
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Thankful Thursday
It's a simple fact: The more people I have to pray for, the more blessed I feel.
I was talking to a friend today who has been suffering some serious anxiety when it comes to driving. Much like I was going through a year ago at this time. I passed on what knowledge I could and felt so thankful I got through all that.
But that wasn't the worst of her challenges this new year. She is having an operation next week because she has breast cancer. Now we both had our mommy parts squished like pancakes the same day in October. Both of us were called back for a second look. Hers became the worst possible scenario while my worries were flattened to oblivion. Whoa. While I will continue to pray for her, I am super thankful I'm OK.
I talked to another friend today dealing with some child-rearing issues. She's weathered some tough battles and I fear more are inevitable. As much as I may complain that my teenager is a bit on the lazy side and has carved a dent in the couch with his butt -- AND refuses to let me hug him in public, I am thankful he is a good kid overall. Knock on wood! His grades are fine and he stays out of trouble and he respects us. I really can't ask for any more than that. Trust me, there will be many days that I still will expect more, but I'll try to keep this feeling of gratitude in mind!
Tonight I had two meetings with two different groups of people but both with a mission to help those in need. There was a time I wouldn't have participated because I either didn't care enough beyond helping myself or I was too selfish to give my time. One, I am thankful I am not that person any more. Two, I am especially grateful that I have the time and ability for worthy causes -- and I feel blessed doing it. Did you know it feels good to help others? It does!
Amongst all the chaos today, we also received two pieces of interesting mail. One, we got a gift of Vermont maple syrup from our friendly cousins we visited out there. Yum. Two, it's only January and I already won money off the school music association raffle calendar!
Without hesitation, I'd have to say 2013 is already starting out waaaaay better than 2012. For that, I am very thankful.
I was talking to a friend today who has been suffering some serious anxiety when it comes to driving. Much like I was going through a year ago at this time. I passed on what knowledge I could and felt so thankful I got through all that.
But that wasn't the worst of her challenges this new year. She is having an operation next week because she has breast cancer. Now we both had our mommy parts squished like pancakes the same day in October. Both of us were called back for a second look. Hers became the worst possible scenario while my worries were flattened to oblivion. Whoa. While I will continue to pray for her, I am super thankful I'm OK.
I talked to another friend today dealing with some child-rearing issues. She's weathered some tough battles and I fear more are inevitable. As much as I may complain that my teenager is a bit on the lazy side and has carved a dent in the couch with his butt -- AND refuses to let me hug him in public, I am thankful he is a good kid overall. Knock on wood! His grades are fine and he stays out of trouble and he respects us. I really can't ask for any more than that. Trust me, there will be many days that I still will expect more, but I'll try to keep this feeling of gratitude in mind!
Tonight I had two meetings with two different groups of people but both with a mission to help those in need. There was a time I wouldn't have participated because I either didn't care enough beyond helping myself or I was too selfish to give my time. One, I am thankful I am not that person any more. Two, I am especially grateful that I have the time and ability for worthy causes -- and I feel blessed doing it. Did you know it feels good to help others? It does!
Amongst all the chaos today, we also received two pieces of interesting mail. One, we got a gift of Vermont maple syrup from our friendly cousins we visited out there. Yum. Two, it's only January and I already won money off the school music association raffle calendar!
Without hesitation, I'd have to say 2013 is already starting out waaaaay better than 2012. For that, I am very thankful.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Deep Freeze
Saw this picture today. You know what that means... somehow the Vikings are gonna win the Superbowl this year! Whoo-hoo!
Hey, I'm nothing if not a realistic fan.
Yup, we're still in the deep freeze in Wisconsin and Minnesota. I really, really, really feel badly for people who have to work outside. I mean seriously, you are made of stronger stuff that I am. By a mile.
Today, I actually stayed warm by working at home instead of at our inconsistently heated office. That's a nice way of putting it. Jim still went to Iola but I had an appointment with Dr. Fun this afternoon so I didn't want to waste my time with the commute.
I had a productive day but did not get a noon-time workout in. That's the danger of working at home, you don't remember to take a lunch hour and you certainly don't make time to get to a fitness center or workout -- beyond running loads of laundry up and down the basement stairs!
At least that keeps you warm.
I normally wouldn't care about the cold. I mean you can still drive in it. But I'm just looking ahead to the weekend when I am helping out with a snow sculpture contest Saturday and the projected high is 22 degrees. Actually that improved from earlier in the week when it was only supposed to get up to 12!
I'll try not to think of hubby working hard out in Palm Springs this weekend. He's already shipped his golf clubs so no matter how cold or wintry it gets, he really has to go. Just has to.
At least I'll get all the covers!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Snow Angels
When we got up this morning and it was only 12 below zero with a windchill about 30 below, we figured it just wasn't quite cold enough to call off school. Much to Carter's disappointment, we were right. It was, however, one of those days where you didn't want to take too deep a breath or stay outside even seconds longer than necessary! The painful kind of cold.
My mom recalls that it was 24 below zero -- with probably super dangerous windchills -- 50 years ago today. That was the day she went into the hospital to deliver her first set of twins.
I can only imagine the chaos that day with 5 kids under the age of 12 at home and 2 more on the way. I don't know if they all stayed home awaiting word of their new siblings or went with to the hospital or what. I do know it was probably one of the hardest days they all had to get through.
And it had nothing to do with the weather.
Mom gave birth to a girl and a boy. Sadly, the girl gasped for one breath and died. Her brother held on for 3 hours before he joined his sister in heaven. Like two precious snow angels on a winter's day.
I can't even comprehend how my mother held it together. Did she have to comfort her surviving children or did they comfort her? The really tragic chapter in this story is that that was not the end of it. When she got pregnant again -- also with twins -- it was another day of mixed emotions. Again she had a girl and a boy. Sadly, the boy didn't make it through the day. My sister Rachel, praise the Lord, was so tiny but she held on. And is still going strong 48 years later.
How my mother must have feared one more pregnancy 4 years later. And to find out that for the third time, she was going to have twins. How much grief and despair could she shoulder? Somehow, by the grace of God, my twin sister and I were born normal. Well, yes, I do stretch the word "normal" a bit. But we were healthy and alive and here to stay.
Jim and I went to the funeral home tonight for visitation for the mother of one of his high school friends. I could see it was hard enough to say goodbye to a parent. I can't even fathom the reverse -- saying goodbye to your child, at any age, knowing they still have so much life ahead of them. Bless all of you have been in this situation. You have my admiration and support.
We know a family today that is close to dealing with this tragic turn of events. Their poor little girl Hannah has been battling leukemia for several years now. After just celebrating last month that she was cancer-free, she now faces a new batch of medical issues from pneumonia to fluid around her heart. I don't know how much her little body can handle but I am asking you to please pray God will give her the strength to do it.
We just don't need any more snow angels today.
My mom recalls that it was 24 below zero -- with probably super dangerous windchills -- 50 years ago today. That was the day she went into the hospital to deliver her first set of twins.
I can only imagine the chaos that day with 5 kids under the age of 12 at home and 2 more on the way. I don't know if they all stayed home awaiting word of their new siblings or went with to the hospital or what. I do know it was probably one of the hardest days they all had to get through.
And it had nothing to do with the weather.
Mom gave birth to a girl and a boy. Sadly, the girl gasped for one breath and died. Her brother held on for 3 hours before he joined his sister in heaven. Like two precious snow angels on a winter's day.
I can't even comprehend how my mother held it together. Did she have to comfort her surviving children or did they comfort her? The really tragic chapter in this story is that that was not the end of it. When she got pregnant again -- also with twins -- it was another day of mixed emotions. Again she had a girl and a boy. Sadly, the boy didn't make it through the day. My sister Rachel, praise the Lord, was so tiny but she held on. And is still going strong 48 years later.
How my mother must have feared one more pregnancy 4 years later. And to find out that for the third time, she was going to have twins. How much grief and despair could she shoulder? Somehow, by the grace of God, my twin sister and I were born normal. Well, yes, I do stretch the word "normal" a bit. But we were healthy and alive and here to stay.
Jim and I went to the funeral home tonight for visitation for the mother of one of his high school friends. I could see it was hard enough to say goodbye to a parent. I can't even fathom the reverse -- saying goodbye to your child, at any age, knowing they still have so much life ahead of them. Bless all of you have been in this situation. You have my admiration and support.
We know a family today that is close to dealing with this tragic turn of events. Their poor little girl Hannah has been battling leukemia for several years now. After just celebrating last month that she was cancer-free, she now faces a new batch of medical issues from pneumonia to fluid around her heart. I don't know how much her little body can handle but I am asking you to please pray God will give her the strength to do it.
We just don't need any more snow angels today.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Just Chillin'
When our high temperature today reached 4 degrees -- and that was just after midnight last night -- I had no motivation to get out from under my warm covers this morning! And you know what? I didn't have to.
Sadly, both hubby and Carter did. Carter had school as usual and Jim had to go to work since he has a lot to get done before all of his upcoming business travel. I almost felt bad for him today until I saw him cleaning off his golf clubs later. It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it. And yes, I am just jealous that "somebody" is not me.
I did get out of bed by 8:30 and eased into my morning routine with breakfast, plenty of a hot coffee and a hot movie. Sort of. Magic Mike does have a male stripper or 2 (or 3, but who's counting?) in it, but I was mainly interested in the story line. Of course. I suppose I should feel a little guilty that I was watching that instead of the presidential inauguration.
But I didn't.
After that movie was done it was down to the Scrap Cave for a few hours. I am making progress! Frankly, I could use a whole week off! I did do some multi-tasking later, sorting through a pile of scrapping paper while watching another movie I'd rented -- Love & Other Drugs. Yes, I'm about 2 years behind the mainstream!
At least I got through the paper and got it sorted and organized. I called it quits for the day at that point since Jim was home, plus I had to brave the cold to go to Wal-Mart and pick up Carter from after-school weightlifting.
I am happy to be back home now and am going to have one heckuva time getting motivated tomorrow. No, we don't sleep outside or anything but still, knowing it's 15 below zero with windchills at 30 below, it is going to be hard to part ways with my warm bed.
Not my kind of chillin' out!
Sadly, both hubby and Carter did. Carter had school as usual and Jim had to go to work since he has a lot to get done before all of his upcoming business travel. I almost felt bad for him today until I saw him cleaning off his golf clubs later. It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it. And yes, I am just jealous that "somebody" is not me.
I did get out of bed by 8:30 and eased into my morning routine with breakfast, plenty of a hot coffee and a hot movie. Sort of. Magic Mike does have a male stripper or 2 (or 3, but who's counting?) in it, but I was mainly interested in the story line. Of course. I suppose I should feel a little guilty that I was watching that instead of the presidential inauguration.
But I didn't.
After that movie was done it was down to the Scrap Cave for a few hours. I am making progress! Frankly, I could use a whole week off! I did do some multi-tasking later, sorting through a pile of scrapping paper while watching another movie I'd rented -- Love & Other Drugs. Yes, I'm about 2 years behind the mainstream!
At least I got through the paper and got it sorted and organized. I called it quits for the day at that point since Jim was home, plus I had to brave the cold to go to Wal-Mart and pick up Carter from after-school weightlifting.
I am happy to be back home now and am going to have one heckuva time getting motivated tomorrow. No, we don't sleep outside or anything but still, knowing it's 15 below zero with windchills at 30 below, it is going to be hard to part ways with my warm bed.
Not my kind of chillin' out!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Cave Dweller
It was 5 degrees when I woke up today. No wonder I couldn't coax Carter out of his nice warm bed to go to 8 o'clock church with me!
Actually, I decided to be nice and let him get some sleep. He got so little sleep last week studying for finals and then staying at a friend's Friday night. So he slept in and I went to church, stayed for a budget meeting, came home and he was still sleeping.
I really couldn't be "nice" after 11:30, though. He had to get up before lunch! He did feel well rested anyway. But who wouldn't?
Since it was so stinkin' cold today, we all stayed inside for the afternoon and evening. Hubby even made homemade chicken soup. I did not attempt a walk. I did not even attempt a trip to Wal-Mart. (Now you know it was cold.) The thing is, I will have to get some things before going back to work on Tuesday so I don't know why I'm waiting 'til tomorrow to go when the high temp will only be zero. Duh me.
I spent my afternoon and evening in and out of my Scrap Cave. I was sorting through bags and bins of Carter's grade school "stuff" so I could determine what to keep for his scrapbook I'll be working on at camp next month and what to toss. I know. It's hard, but I have to throw some of it out. It felt good to get through it.
So I'd bring up a bag, sit in front of the TV and watch football then go back for more. The first playoff game ended up being closer than I expected -- with a final I wasn't expecting. The second game I was too busy with stuff to really pay attention. But it looks like it was an upset the Patriots are out. Not that any of this matters. Unless I get on a football board or two for the Superbowl!
I am done down in my cold cave for the night. Carter will need the heater back in his room anyway. Plus, I did get through everything I had for 1st through 4th grades. Unfortunately, when we had the basement flooding this past summer and it destroyed some stuff in my Scrap Cave, Carter's papers and art, etc., from 5th and 6th grade were part of that. So his scrapbook will be a little bulkier for the early grades.
I bet he won't care.
Tomorrow, when I am home alone, I will have to head back down the to Cave and start doing some serious organizing. It's become a serious dumping ground and I just don't know if that rumor is true -- that there is a place for everything. I'll find out tomorrow!
In the meantime, I gotta turn my mattress pad on high and ignore the sound of the wind! B-r-r-r!
Actually, I decided to be nice and let him get some sleep. He got so little sleep last week studying for finals and then staying at a friend's Friday night. So he slept in and I went to church, stayed for a budget meeting, came home and he was still sleeping.
I really couldn't be "nice" after 11:30, though. He had to get up before lunch! He did feel well rested anyway. But who wouldn't?
Since it was so stinkin' cold today, we all stayed inside for the afternoon and evening. Hubby even made homemade chicken soup. I did not attempt a walk. I did not even attempt a trip to Wal-Mart. (Now you know it was cold.) The thing is, I will have to get some things before going back to work on Tuesday so I don't know why I'm waiting 'til tomorrow to go when the high temp will only be zero. Duh me.
I spent my afternoon and evening in and out of my Scrap Cave. I was sorting through bags and bins of Carter's grade school "stuff" so I could determine what to keep for his scrapbook I'll be working on at camp next month and what to toss. I know. It's hard, but I have to throw some of it out. It felt good to get through it.
So I'd bring up a bag, sit in front of the TV and watch football then go back for more. The first playoff game ended up being closer than I expected -- with a final I wasn't expecting. The second game I was too busy with stuff to really pay attention. But it looks like it was an upset the Patriots are out. Not that any of this matters. Unless I get on a football board or two for the Superbowl!
I am done down in my cold cave for the night. Carter will need the heater back in his room anyway. Plus, I did get through everything I had for 1st through 4th grades. Unfortunately, when we had the basement flooding this past summer and it destroyed some stuff in my Scrap Cave, Carter's papers and art, etc., from 5th and 6th grade were part of that. So his scrapbook will be a little bulkier for the early grades.
I bet he won't care.
Tomorrow, when I am home alone, I will have to head back down the to Cave and start doing some serious organizing. It's become a serious dumping ground and I just don't know if that rumor is true -- that there is a place for everything. I'll find out tomorrow!
In the meantime, I gotta turn my mattress pad on high and ignore the sound of the wind! B-r-r-r!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Hoop-Dee-Do!
If there was a spring in my step today, it may have had something to do with getting 10 hours of sleep (when I wasn't coughing). Or it may have had something to do with getting my Saturday chores actually done on a Saturday for a change. But most likely it had something to do with sunshine and 44-degree temperatures!
I knew a cold snap was coming but did not know it was still quite mild out until I went to get the mail around noon. Wow. In Wisconsin 44 degrees and sunny is like spring! So I took the mail back into the house and went for a nice walk.
You gotta enjoy weather like that when you can 'cause it can change fast. How fast? Well, in about 2 hours the wind chills will hit 20 to 25 degrees below zero! I wish I was kidding. That's Wisconsin for you. You either love it here or you're too stupid to move South. (I am in the latter category!)
After some time in the sun (no, no deck chairs this time), we spent the rest of the day and evening in the gym. Not working out, but watching hoops.
The Assumption girls and boys both played against Stevens Point Pacelli. The original schedule was supposed to be girls JV at 3 p.m., then boys JV at 4:30, followed by girls Varsity at 6 p.m and boys Varsity wrapping up the day at 7:30. Jim and I were to sell admission tickets from 2:30-5:30.
The first thing that changed was the cancellation of the girls JV game. The other school had too many girls out sick so they didn't have enough for a team. That meant we didn't have to leave the house until 3:30 to get to the school for our ticket duty. When we got there, they already had enough people so we didn't have to sell anything! Nice.
So we got to watch all 3 remaining games while visiting here and there with friends. The girls ended up winning and both of our boys' teams lost.
Still a fun way to hoop it up on a spring day!
I knew a cold snap was coming but did not know it was still quite mild out until I went to get the mail around noon. Wow. In Wisconsin 44 degrees and sunny is like spring! So I took the mail back into the house and went for a nice walk.
You gotta enjoy weather like that when you can 'cause it can change fast. How fast? Well, in about 2 hours the wind chills will hit 20 to 25 degrees below zero! I wish I was kidding. That's Wisconsin for you. You either love it here or you're too stupid to move South. (I am in the latter category!)
After some time in the sun (no, no deck chairs this time), we spent the rest of the day and evening in the gym. Not working out, but watching hoops.
The Assumption girls and boys both played against Stevens Point Pacelli. The original schedule was supposed to be girls JV at 3 p.m., then boys JV at 4:30, followed by girls Varsity at 6 p.m and boys Varsity wrapping up the day at 7:30. Jim and I were to sell admission tickets from 2:30-5:30.
The first thing that changed was the cancellation of the girls JV game. The other school had too many girls out sick so they didn't have enough for a team. That meant we didn't have to leave the house until 3:30 to get to the school for our ticket duty. When we got there, they already had enough people so we didn't have to sell anything! Nice.
So we got to watch all 3 remaining games while visiting here and there with friends. The girls ended up winning and both of our boys' teams lost.
Still a fun way to hoop it up on a spring day!
Friday, January 18, 2013
On Holiday
We didn't necessarily ask our company to give us federal holidays off. But I will admit getting Martin Luther King and Presidents days off so early in the year help us ease back into those 5-day work weeks.
Yup, we've got it so rough.
This week was a little nuts with a few "next Monday" deadlines pushed ahead to today. But we were rewarded. During all of our holiday weekends, we get "released" at 3 p.m. on the prior Friday. So that was nice today. Not like getting out early in the summer and golfing, but still it was nice to drive home in complete daylight!
Both of my magazines actually went to press at 2 p.m. so I was ready to start my 3-day weekend then. My loyal working hubby, however, said we should stay until 3 (even though my boss said it was OK to go). Well, I did get a few extra things done in that hour. Plus managed to catch up on everyone's Facebook statuses.
Odd that this is the one Friday we don't have anything going on. We've got both boys and girls hoops tomorrow night so no games to see tonight. And Carter just went into town to stay at a friend's. I plopped on the couch to keep reading my book while simultaneously watching The Wedding Planner. Don't be too impressed with my multi-tasking abilities. When you see a movie enough times, you can just glance up now and then and still enjoy it.
Yes, I'm weird. I've never said otherwise.
I guess I should get off the computer and enjoy my night with the man. Maybe we'll play some cards. Maybe some ping-pong. We're on holiday so you never know how wild and crazy us old folks will get!
Yup, we've got it so rough.
This week was a little nuts with a few "next Monday" deadlines pushed ahead to today. But we were rewarded. During all of our holiday weekends, we get "released" at 3 p.m. on the prior Friday. So that was nice today. Not like getting out early in the summer and golfing, but still it was nice to drive home in complete daylight!
Both of my magazines actually went to press at 2 p.m. so I was ready to start my 3-day weekend then. My loyal working hubby, however, said we should stay until 3 (even though my boss said it was OK to go). Well, I did get a few extra things done in that hour. Plus managed to catch up on everyone's Facebook statuses.
Odd that this is the one Friday we don't have anything going on. We've got both boys and girls hoops tomorrow night so no games to see tonight. And Carter just went into town to stay at a friend's. I plopped on the couch to keep reading my book while simultaneously watching The Wedding Planner. Don't be too impressed with my multi-tasking abilities. When you see a movie enough times, you can just glance up now and then and still enjoy it.
Yes, I'm weird. I've never said otherwise.
I guess I should get off the computer and enjoy my night with the man. Maybe we'll play some cards. Maybe some ping-pong. We're on holiday so you never know how wild and crazy us old folks will get!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Top Ten (or Less)
Some recent highlights that are TOP of mind anyway...
Strangest Overheard Conversation: A woman at the fitness center was explaining to her friend: "Do you know what a Freudian slip is? It's when you say something and it sounds like you mean something else. It was named after a scientist named Freudian." Oh, my college psych professor must be rolling in his grave!
Most Misguided Misconception: Hubby and I stopped at Target to check out their bathroom "accessories" for our someday "new" bathroom. On the way out, I noticed fashion boots on clearance so I had to check those out. Jim (who gave me 2 of my 5 pairs) says, "I would have thought you were over the boot thing by now." Oh honey, I am just getting started! Not really, but I do want some gray ones. Ooooh, and I saw some cool purple ones, too! Now that I know they are on clearance, I may have to browse around this weekend.
Gold Digger: I'm having a "Gold Party" next weekend. If you've never heard of it, the hostess has a gold buyer (jeweler) available in her home so people can drop by and cash in their old or broken or unwanted jewelry. Why would I do this? Well I went to one the other night, managed to have 3 pieces of old stuff qualify as gold and I walked out with $240 in my pocket. That's enough to cover my next scrapbooking weekend! Not a bad night's work for doing nothing. I hadn't worn the stuff in 15 or 20 years so I won't be missing anything. Now I just want other people to have the same opportunity. My party/cash-in date is Sunday, Jan. 27, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Let me know if you are interested. All are welcome to stop by and share in the riches!
Disturbing Sign of Aging: We had a meeting at school tonight to register Carter for his sophomore classes. Yes, sophomore! That's 10th grade! Whoa. The conversation has jumped from ABC to ACT in a few short years, it seems. Does he know what he wants to be when he grows up? Not really. Still wants to use his math skills but isn't sure how. For now, his classes will keep him moving in the right direction. No rush, I say.
Closest Brush with a Head of State: On our way home from registration, we stopped at The Ridges for their regular Thursday night pizza buffet. The parking lot was packed. It wasn't until we got close to the door and saw the two long black cars and a state patrol car still running that we remembered the governor was in town. No, we did not have pizza with Scott Walker. He was in the banquet hall next door speaking at a chamber dinner. Our pizza tasted just fine without the politics.
And That's Final: It's finals week for Carter's first semester of high school. These days -- at our school anyway -- they treat finals just like college. No classes, just testing. There are three 2-hour sessions each day and time for an "off campus" lunch, too. On Wednesday he had 3 finals, today he had 2 and tomorrow he has 1. Then he's done for the day and can come home. Not surprisingly, Carter said, "This may seem weird, but I like finals week. Not because of the tests, but because of the schedule." In other words, Culver's and McDonald's taste better than school lunch. Who can dispute that?
Strangest Overheard Conversation: A woman at the fitness center was explaining to her friend: "Do you know what a Freudian slip is? It's when you say something and it sounds like you mean something else. It was named after a scientist named Freudian." Oh, my college psych professor must be rolling in his grave!
Most Misguided Misconception: Hubby and I stopped at Target to check out their bathroom "accessories" for our someday "new" bathroom. On the way out, I noticed fashion boots on clearance so I had to check those out. Jim (who gave me 2 of my 5 pairs) says, "I would have thought you were over the boot thing by now." Oh honey, I am just getting started! Not really, but I do want some gray ones. Ooooh, and I saw some cool purple ones, too! Now that I know they are on clearance, I may have to browse around this weekend.
Gold Digger: I'm having a "Gold Party" next weekend. If you've never heard of it, the hostess has a gold buyer (jeweler) available in her home so people can drop by and cash in their old or broken or unwanted jewelry. Why would I do this? Well I went to one the other night, managed to have 3 pieces of old stuff qualify as gold and I walked out with $240 in my pocket. That's enough to cover my next scrapbooking weekend! Not a bad night's work for doing nothing. I hadn't worn the stuff in 15 or 20 years so I won't be missing anything. Now I just want other people to have the same opportunity. My party/cash-in date is Sunday, Jan. 27, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Let me know if you are interested. All are welcome to stop by and share in the riches!
Disturbing Sign of Aging: We had a meeting at school tonight to register Carter for his sophomore classes. Yes, sophomore! That's 10th grade! Whoa. The conversation has jumped from ABC to ACT in a few short years, it seems. Does he know what he wants to be when he grows up? Not really. Still wants to use his math skills but isn't sure how. For now, his classes will keep him moving in the right direction. No rush, I say.
Closest Brush with a Head of State: On our way home from registration, we stopped at The Ridges for their regular Thursday night pizza buffet. The parking lot was packed. It wasn't until we got close to the door and saw the two long black cars and a state patrol car still running that we remembered the governor was in town. No, we did not have pizza with Scott Walker. He was in the banquet hall next door speaking at a chamber dinner. Our pizza tasted just fine without the politics.
And That's Final: It's finals week for Carter's first semester of high school. These days -- at our school anyway -- they treat finals just like college. No classes, just testing. There are three 2-hour sessions each day and time for an "off campus" lunch, too. On Wednesday he had 3 finals, today he had 2 and tomorrow he has 1. Then he's done for the day and can come home. Not surprisingly, Carter said, "This may seem weird, but I like finals week. Not because of the tests, but because of the schedule." In other words, Culver's and McDonald's taste better than school lunch. Who can dispute that?
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Bonds of Friendship
Today is my LHS BFF's birthday! No, I'm not going to tell you how old Julie is -- since I turn that age in 6 months. And no, you don't need to see a comparison photo from Luck High School -- since I can assure you we haven't changed a bit!
It's amazing the staying power of a good friendship. When you think of it, we've been friends for some 30 (gasp!) years. Whoa. We've gone our separate ways and our paths have intersected now and then. But we never lost touch and we certainly have become so wise at our old age that we realize we need to make the opportunities to see other happen. They won't make themselves.
The photo above was taken this past fall when our teenagers competed at the same cross-country meet up in Wausau. We saw each other again later in the fall when Jim and Carter went to the Badgers game and I spent the afternoon with her. That's the day I started coaxing her over to the Dark Side.
Oh c'mon, you know what I'm talking about... scrapbooking!
I brought some of my books with me that day to show her for some inspiration. Her oldest daughter graduates this June so she wants to put together an album for her. I showed her little digital books, Carter's Middle School book and one of my big fat "year in our lives" books.
Fast forward 2 months and she is signed up to go to Camp Crop-A-Lot with me in February! Oh yes. The bonds of friendship are strong with that one!
While our husbands -- and plenty of others -- think it's a cult, I am excited to spend time with her doing legitimately creative and productive work. Plus maybe talk, laugh and be silly like we never grew up and apart. There's still some suspicion about the "growing up" part.
I do think she'll enjoy it. However, I will wisely not take credit nor blame if she gets hooked. I'm pretty sure she knows it's cool.
I mean why else would she hang around with me this long?
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Tuesday Night Miracles
I'm currently reading the book Tuesday Night Miracles by Kris Radish, one of my favorite Wisconsin authors. The story line follows three seemingly "normal" women who individually get pushed too close to the edge and step over it, ending up in a court-ordered anger management class on Tuesday nights.
As usual it's amusing and discomfiting at the same time -- knowing that many of us, at any given moment, are not far from that edge.
Ironically, tonight -- a Tuesday Night at that -- I was close to it.
Don't worry. Every one is safe. I am the only one injured. And slightly at that.
It was just going to be a "free" night with no plans except being on call to help Carter study for finals. Hubby was going to finish up the bathroom sanding project. And I had nothing.
Then I realized it was baking day. For anyone who's ever been caught up in the viscous chain-letter-type cycle of Amish Friendship Bread, you know what I'm taking about. When it's the 10th day, the baking day, you gotta bake. Fine, I thought. I've got nothing going on so this couldn't have fit my schedule more perfectly.
But then I started mixing ingredients and realized I was missing one -- the box of instant pudding. Since I already had added milk to the liquid mix, I couldn't bake it without the pudding or it would never bake successfully. I really wanted to avoid a trip to Wal-Mart because a trip to Wal-Mart for one item always leads to half a cart full -- and 30 minutes of your life you'll never get back.
So I texted a plea for help to a half-dozen "working housewives" in a 2-mile radius. Heck, I would have taken any flavor of pudding at that point and made it work. But I came up empty-handed. So off to Wal-Mart for that half cart of groceries and those precious 30 minutes.
When I got home, I whipped my remaining ingredients together and made a mess quickly pouring the batter into muffin tins... leading to a curse word or two. Then I put two pans in the oven and proceeded to burn my finger. @#$$%&!
Do you know how many F-bombs Martha Stewart has dropped in her kitchen? I'll tell you. Not as many as Robyn Austin!
Thank goodness the Amish Friendship Bread Muffins turned out perfect and tasty. I can exhale a deep breath and be thankful for my little Tuesday Night Miracle!
As usual it's amusing and discomfiting at the same time -- knowing that many of us, at any given moment, are not far from that edge.
Ironically, tonight -- a Tuesday Night at that -- I was close to it.
Don't worry. Every one is safe. I am the only one injured. And slightly at that.
It was just going to be a "free" night with no plans except being on call to help Carter study for finals. Hubby was going to finish up the bathroom sanding project. And I had nothing.
Then I realized it was baking day. For anyone who's ever been caught up in the viscous chain-letter-type cycle of Amish Friendship Bread, you know what I'm taking about. When it's the 10th day, the baking day, you gotta bake. Fine, I thought. I've got nothing going on so this couldn't have fit my schedule more perfectly.
But then I started mixing ingredients and realized I was missing one -- the box of instant pudding. Since I already had added milk to the liquid mix, I couldn't bake it without the pudding or it would never bake successfully. I really wanted to avoid a trip to Wal-Mart because a trip to Wal-Mart for one item always leads to half a cart full -- and 30 minutes of your life you'll never get back.
So I texted a plea for help to a half-dozen "working housewives" in a 2-mile radius. Heck, I would have taken any flavor of pudding at that point and made it work. But I came up empty-handed. So off to Wal-Mart for that half cart of groceries and those precious 30 minutes.
When I got home, I whipped my remaining ingredients together and made a mess quickly pouring the batter into muffin tins... leading to a curse word or two. Then I put two pans in the oven and proceeded to burn my finger. @#$$%&!
Do you know how many F-bombs Martha Stewart has dropped in her kitchen? I'll tell you. Not as many as Robyn Austin!
Thank goodness the Amish Friendship Bread Muffins turned out perfect and tasty. I can exhale a deep breath and be thankful for my little Tuesday Night Miracle!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Up a Creek without a Paddle
In case you haven't seen the highlights on ESPN, the ping-pong win record in the Austin basement is Daddy: 91 wins; Carter: 5.
Honestly, he is not playing without a paddle. Daddy, as he had warned us, is just that good.
Of course, I haven't even entered the mix. Then look out!
Just kidding. I am pretty much afraid now of just how embarrassed I'll be.
Case in point: I wanted to just practice "volleying" and Carter started Forrest Gump-ing me like he was playing for the USA Olympic Ping-Pong Team. That didn't last long. And I haven't actually gotten a "real" game under my belt. Maybe I'm a natural.
Right. Just like all my other natural abilities -- certainly none athletic!
I did get to the fitness center and got some running and biking in today. My challenge at home is that I'm not done eating our holiday supply of goodies out of the house. As long as there are spice gum drops and cookies and Peppermint Stick ice cream taunting me from sealed containers, I will not make progress.
So I best make this "Fat Monday" and get this stuff gone! Tomorrow is the first weigh-in at work for a 10-week program to lose 10 pounds. I can't have any of these goodies around to weigh me down, so to speak.
I suppose if I was really committed, I would give the guys permission to paddle me when I cheat! But I would hate to distract them from their game.
Honestly, he is not playing without a paddle. Daddy, as he had warned us, is just that good.
Of course, I haven't even entered the mix. Then look out!
Just kidding. I am pretty much afraid now of just how embarrassed I'll be.Case in point: I wanted to just practice "volleying" and Carter started Forrest Gump-ing me like he was playing for the USA Olympic Ping-Pong Team. That didn't last long. And I haven't actually gotten a "real" game under my belt. Maybe I'm a natural.
Right. Just like all my other natural abilities -- certainly none athletic!
I did get to the fitness center and got some running and biking in today. My challenge at home is that I'm not done eating our holiday supply of goodies out of the house. As long as there are spice gum drops and cookies and Peppermint Stick ice cream taunting me from sealed containers, I will not make progress.
So I best make this "Fat Monday" and get this stuff gone! Tomorrow is the first weigh-in at work for a 10-week program to lose 10 pounds. I can't have any of these goodies around to weigh me down, so to speak.
I suppose if I was really committed, I would give the guys permission to paddle me when I cheat! But I would hate to distract them from their game.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Hip to be Square
I think I've lost my hip. If I ever had it.
I am camped out on the couch watching the Golden Globes -- because I am an award show junkie -- and I have quickly discovered I am no longer "hip" enough to know who half the people are, let alone what shows and movies they are talking about.
That doesn't stop me from watching, of course. There's still some people I know. Like Kevin Costner just won an award and wow, Bill Clinton just took the stage to introduce Lincoln, a movie I am still hoping to see.
If nothing else, they will give me a list of movies to see when I have time.
Today I actually watched a new one on DVD -- Pitch Perfect -- which is sort of like an edgy Glee. And I laughed myself silly. I liked it!
I did not watch any football. And did not use the computer since Carter has been doing homework all day. Instead, I stripped some wallpaper remnants and did laundry and my "Saturday" chores. And that, my friends, is how I earned the couch for the evening.
So I better get back to watching the show since that is what us hip people do!
As far as I know.
I am camped out on the couch watching the Golden Globes -- because I am an award show junkie -- and I have quickly discovered I am no longer "hip" enough to know who half the people are, let alone what shows and movies they are talking about.
That doesn't stop me from watching, of course. There's still some people I know. Like Kevin Costner just won an award and wow, Bill Clinton just took the stage to introduce Lincoln, a movie I am still hoping to see.
If nothing else, they will give me a list of movies to see when I have time.
Today I actually watched a new one on DVD -- Pitch Perfect -- which is sort of like an edgy Glee. And I laughed myself silly. I liked it!
I did not watch any football. And did not use the computer since Carter has been doing homework all day. Instead, I stripped some wallpaper remnants and did laundry and my "Saturday" chores. And that, my friends, is how I earned the couch for the evening.
So I better get back to watching the show since that is what us hip people do!
As far as I know.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Over And Back
We count ourselves fortunate that the wicked weather system dropping a foot of snow and blizzard-like conditions to the west did not impact our travel conditions today. We were able to get up early and on the road by 6:30 a.m., heading to Minnesota.
It was an over-and-back trip, which meant 9 hours on the road today. Hubby handled it fine. We only ran into a little snow and surprisingly decent roads!
Our goal was to get to the little village of Henriette (west of Pine City) for a memorial service at 11 a.m. With just two stops -- a drive-thru breakfast and one potty break -- we got there with 9 minutes to spare.
The service for my brother-in-law Ken's mother was a very nice, truly moving celebration of life -- with special music and memories. It was very well done and appreciated, I'm sure, by the entire family.
Since this woman was mother-in-law to my sister RoAnn and grandmother to my nephews Tim and Travis, I got to see all of them. I haven't seen Tim (who lives in South Dakota with his family) for over 2 years, which means my baby grand-nephew Tyler is a full-blown, can't-stop-moving toddler now and he has a new brother, Tyson, who is already 15 months old and I just met him for the first time today. What a bonus to an otherwise sad day.
It was also nice to see some of Ken's family I haven't seen in eons, plus my own siblings who could make the trek over.
Since we got home after 7:30, we opted not to show up at a Forty-Niner party late. So we're sitting home, watching the game and trying to keep our eyes open. A private jet or Star Trek teleporter sure would come in handy some days. For one, we could be over and back in no time. Secondly, we could take trips further over, like to Rapid City, S.D., so I wouldn't have to wait 2 years to see certain family members!
I guess no matter what the reason is for gathering, I have to admit that spending it with family is more than a person could ask for...
Other than having our OWN team to cheer for this weekend!!
It was an over-and-back trip, which meant 9 hours on the road today. Hubby handled it fine. We only ran into a little snow and surprisingly decent roads!
Our goal was to get to the little village of Henriette (west of Pine City) for a memorial service at 11 a.m. With just two stops -- a drive-thru breakfast and one potty break -- we got there with 9 minutes to spare.
The service for my brother-in-law Ken's mother was a very nice, truly moving celebration of life -- with special music and memories. It was very well done and appreciated, I'm sure, by the entire family.
Since this woman was mother-in-law to my sister RoAnn and grandmother to my nephews Tim and Travis, I got to see all of them. I haven't seen Tim (who lives in South Dakota with his family) for over 2 years, which means my baby grand-nephew Tyler is a full-blown, can't-stop-moving toddler now and he has a new brother, Tyson, who is already 15 months old and I just met him for the first time today. What a bonus to an otherwise sad day.
It was also nice to see some of Ken's family I haven't seen in eons, plus my own siblings who could make the trek over.
Since we got home after 7:30, we opted not to show up at a Forty-Niner party late. So we're sitting home, watching the game and trying to keep our eyes open. A private jet or Star Trek teleporter sure would come in handy some days. For one, we could be over and back in no time. Secondly, we could take trips further over, like to Rapid City, S.D., so I wouldn't have to wait 2 years to see certain family members!
I guess no matter what the reason is for gathering, I have to admit that spending it with family is more than a person could ask for...
Other than having our OWN team to cheer for this weekend!!
Friday, January 11, 2013
Finding Our Way
Hubby and I have joked that we've taken the same route to work so many years, the car should be able to drive itself. That would come in handy on days where there's limited visibility due to snow or fog... or just a good ol' road block.
Our entire 45-mile route was under a dense fog advisory this morning. That, coupled with last night's rain turning into ice, made for a slightly hazardous commute.
Actually, after skating out our driveway and subdivision, the main roads weren't too bad. But there was enough fog to keep us going at a careful speed. I was glad Jim was driving (as he usually has done for 9+ years) because I don't do well when I can't see. I just trust him more.
We were fine until we got just past Amherst, which is about 15 miles from Iola. We came around a curve and a cop car was sitting there with lights flashing and reflective pylons making a road block. (We found out later a propane truck went off the road and there was no room for traffic to get by.)
So we followed the car ahead of us and turned left, assuming they knew how to keep going where we were. That took us on some slippery ice- and snow-covered curvaceous side roads. Did I mention slippery? We went slow and finally, after following this red car through woods and turns for miles, we decided to keep going straight and let him/her turn right at one point.
Our GPS was in the other vehicle so we couldn't get our bearings. Nothing looked familiar and the fog didn't help. When we went past a road called Woodtick Trail, I hoped for the best!
We got lucky on a few "flip the coin" turns and ended up on a main highway northwest of Iola. So we got to work a bit late, but safe and sound.
The drizzle and fog have continued off and on all day. But I'm not worried any more. Who needs a GPS when you've got a JPS?
Our entire 45-mile route was under a dense fog advisory this morning. That, coupled with last night's rain turning into ice, made for a slightly hazardous commute.
Actually, after skating out our driveway and subdivision, the main roads weren't too bad. But there was enough fog to keep us going at a careful speed. I was glad Jim was driving (as he usually has done for 9+ years) because I don't do well when I can't see. I just trust him more.
We were fine until we got just past Amherst, which is about 15 miles from Iola. We came around a curve and a cop car was sitting there with lights flashing and reflective pylons making a road block. (We found out later a propane truck went off the road and there was no room for traffic to get by.)
So we followed the car ahead of us and turned left, assuming they knew how to keep going where we were. That took us on some slippery ice- and snow-covered curvaceous side roads. Did I mention slippery? We went slow and finally, after following this red car through woods and turns for miles, we decided to keep going straight and let him/her turn right at one point.
Our GPS was in the other vehicle so we couldn't get our bearings. Nothing looked familiar and the fog didn't help. When we went past a road called Woodtick Trail, I hoped for the best!
We got lucky on a few "flip the coin" turns and ended up on a main highway northwest of Iola. So we got to work a bit late, but safe and sound.
The drizzle and fog have continued off and on all day. But I'm not worried any more. Who needs a GPS when you've got a JPS?
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Running on Empty
Did you ever have one of those days that went so fast you wonder what you did? At the beginning of the week, I wondered how I'd make it 5 days in a ROW at work after having so many shortened weeks due to the holidays and vacation.
But it did not drag. Today, for example, I would have liked to have stayed longer. I had some training that ate up too much time. But it was valuable and essential to my job. I knew I was behind when I didn't have my "10 o'clock banana" until noon (I'm a bit structured) and didn't get over to the fitness center until after 1 p.m.
That screwed me up and I had to share equipment with a gym class so I wasn't able to log miles on a bike or anything. Luckily, I got done and was leaving in time. And by "in time" I mean I was just walking out the locker room door when the fire alarm went off. Thankfully, I was fully clothed and on my way out! That would have been a bit nippy to stand around outside in a towel -- which I did remember today!
On the way home, I realized I had a tight schedule tonight with 2 meetings in town. So we stopped at the grocery store in Plover so I could whip together a Hornet's Nest Cake (for a work potluck tomorrow) and get it baked before heading to church for a 6:30 meeting. Jim went into town to pick up Carter and, when they got home, they finished up the baking (waiting for timer to go off) since I had to leave.
At this point, the rain was already starting to come down but since it was warm out, it didn't impact driving much. So I continued on.
The meeting at church was about the South Wood County Empty Bowls program that was founded here in 2012 when local potters,
Joe Clark and Josh Fite (that's my pastor), committed to making bowls, and First English
Lutheran Church (that's my church) committed to hosting the event in February 2013.
Empty Bowls is an international grassroots movement against hunger. The way it works is people pay 10 bucks for a pottery bowl filled with yummy soup -- then get to take the bowl home with them and the South Wood County Food Pantry gets the donation. The other way it works is lots of volunteer hours behind the scenes to bring it all together.
I joined the cause this evening after realizing they needed more man power and knowing I had the weekend of the event available. Much of the legwork has already been done (soliciting soup donations, making posters, etc) but I can still help with hanging posters and reaching out to some of my media contacts for some pre-event coverage. (You've been warned.)
I also have Carter signed up to work at the actual event. The Assumption high schoolers are required to have 8 hours of service work per semester (which I admire) and this fits right in.
If any of you "local" readers are available to help, there are plenty of things to do Feb. 8 (the evening before) and Feb. 9 (the morning and early afternoon of the 11 am-2 pm event). Let me know.
After that meeting, I skipped my second non-required meeting in town to head home. It was getting slick in spots where snow had turned to slush from the rain. I think we're in for an interesting drive to work in the morning.
I should probably hit the sack since my energy meter is running on empty right now. Thankfully my bowl (filled with you never know) is not!
But it did not drag. Today, for example, I would have liked to have stayed longer. I had some training that ate up too much time. But it was valuable and essential to my job. I knew I was behind when I didn't have my "10 o'clock banana" until noon (I'm a bit structured) and didn't get over to the fitness center until after 1 p.m.
That screwed me up and I had to share equipment with a gym class so I wasn't able to log miles on a bike or anything. Luckily, I got done and was leaving in time. And by "in time" I mean I was just walking out the locker room door when the fire alarm went off. Thankfully, I was fully clothed and on my way out! That would have been a bit nippy to stand around outside in a towel -- which I did remember today!
On the way home, I realized I had a tight schedule tonight with 2 meetings in town. So we stopped at the grocery store in Plover so I could whip together a Hornet's Nest Cake (for a work potluck tomorrow) and get it baked before heading to church for a 6:30 meeting. Jim went into town to pick up Carter and, when they got home, they finished up the baking (waiting for timer to go off) since I had to leave.
At this point, the rain was already starting to come down but since it was warm out, it didn't impact driving much. So I continued on.
Empty Bowls is an international grassroots movement against hunger. The way it works is people pay 10 bucks for a pottery bowl filled with yummy soup -- then get to take the bowl home with them and the South Wood County Food Pantry gets the donation. The other way it works is lots of volunteer hours behind the scenes to bring it all together.
I joined the cause this evening after realizing they needed more man power and knowing I had the weekend of the event available. Much of the legwork has already been done (soliciting soup donations, making posters, etc) but I can still help with hanging posters and reaching out to some of my media contacts for some pre-event coverage. (You've been warned.)
I also have Carter signed up to work at the actual event. The Assumption high schoolers are required to have 8 hours of service work per semester (which I admire) and this fits right in.
If any of you "local" readers are available to help, there are plenty of things to do Feb. 8 (the evening before) and Feb. 9 (the morning and early afternoon of the 11 am-2 pm event). Let me know.
After that meeting, I skipped my second non-required meeting in town to head home. It was getting slick in spots where snow had turned to slush from the rain. I think we're in for an interesting drive to work in the morning.
I should probably hit the sack since my energy meter is running on empty right now. Thankfully my bowl (filled with you never know) is not!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
In Sink
The only thing functioning in our bedroom bathroom right now is the faucet in the sink. However, we honestly are getting closer to having that essential room back.
Right now, the shower and drywall around it are fixed and done. The floor guy -- who took the toilet out and set it in the empty shower -- was here Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Yes, it's a small room but he had to lay some concrete the first day, then mud over the heating pad the second day, lay beautiful tile the third day, then grout it the final day.
We've gone to two paint stores to pick up "cards" with peachy colors. When we decide -- and the last bit of wallpaper glue crap is removed -- then it will just be calling the painter and putting the room back together.
Right now, we've got most things in our bedroom or Carter's bathroom (actually, the "main" bathroom). Doesn't sound so bad, but it takes incredible synchronization in the mornings. And it all starts with me.
If I sleep til the third snooze, we are all going to be a bit behind. I have to shower in Carter's bathroom, then eat breakfast while hubby is showering. Then put on makeup in Carter's bathroom before he has to shower. Then go back to our bedroom to dry my hair. Then go out to the dining room to curl my hair before the mirror in there.
You can't imagine why I'd be anxious to get that bathroom -- temptingly sitting 6 feet from my side of the bed -- back, can you?
Actually, I'm quite anxious to see how it all turns out. It's sort of ironic that the best-looking room in the house is the least-trafficked. The one only the two of us usually see. That's OK. I look forward to enjoying the forced-upon-us transition.
I just have to get a little better and keeping us all in "sink" each morning!
Right now, the shower and drywall around it are fixed and done. The floor guy -- who took the toilet out and set it in the empty shower -- was here Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Yes, it's a small room but he had to lay some concrete the first day, then mud over the heating pad the second day, lay beautiful tile the third day, then grout it the final day.
We've gone to two paint stores to pick up "cards" with peachy colors. When we decide -- and the last bit of wallpaper glue crap is removed -- then it will just be calling the painter and putting the room back together.
Right now, we've got most things in our bedroom or Carter's bathroom (actually, the "main" bathroom). Doesn't sound so bad, but it takes incredible synchronization in the mornings. And it all starts with me.
If I sleep til the third snooze, we are all going to be a bit behind. I have to shower in Carter's bathroom, then eat breakfast while hubby is showering. Then put on makeup in Carter's bathroom before he has to shower. Then go back to our bedroom to dry my hair. Then go out to the dining room to curl my hair before the mirror in there.
You can't imagine why I'd be anxious to get that bathroom -- temptingly sitting 6 feet from my side of the bed -- back, can you?
Actually, I'm quite anxious to see how it all turns out. It's sort of ironic that the best-looking room in the house is the least-trafficked. The one only the two of us usually see. That's OK. I look forward to enjoying the forced-upon-us transition.
I just have to get a little better and keeping us all in "sink" each morning!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Only Fools Rush In
It's Elvis' birthday today, which also means one of my nephews, who shares the birthday, edges closer to 30.
I have never professed to be a huge Elvis fan or anything, but I thought he was pretty good in Forrest Gump. Other than that, I just know the songs. And, contrary to many true-blue fans, I believe he has the building.
For good.
Since so many radio stations, etc., were paying tribute to the King today, I've had his songs in my head. I realized I could probably go a month with Elvis song titles as my blog title and find something connected to write about. But I have a feeling you don't want to hear about Jim being my "Hunk of Burning Love."
Today, though, the lyrics "Wise Men say... only fools rush in..." speak to me and a few foolish senior moments.
First I head over to the fitness center at noon -- for the second day in a row -- to work out. When I head to the locker room to shower, I realize I forgot to pack a towel. Now I've learned from previous senior moments that drying yourself off with a sweaty t-shirt really stinks. So I got some extra steps on my pedometer by trotting to the front desk (still fully clothed, of course) and renting a towel. On my honor. I had to go out to the car and scrape up 50 cents when I was done. Managed to find 4 dimes and 2 nickels in my purse. I am pathetic.
My second "moment" came later after work when we swung by the pharmacy to pick up a prescription on our way to the boys basketball game. I tried giving the pharmacist my discount/points/rewards card and said, "Do you need this?" And he looks at it and politely declines, pointing out that I was giving him the card for ShopKo, not his store. Whoops. I said, "I swear I'm not on any drugs except the ones you're giving me!" He did point out when I was leaving, "OK, just exit out those doors to the right and the parking lot is straight ahead." Oh boy. I bet he looked up my drug history after I left!
At least when we got to the basketball game I remembered which team to cheer for... even if our opponent was wearing purple and yellow! I should have removed the remnants of my purple nail polish before the game, though. We lost by 3 points!
Elvis must have taken our winning streak with him when he left the building.
I have never professed to be a huge Elvis fan or anything, but I thought he was pretty good in Forrest Gump. Other than that, I just know the songs. And, contrary to many true-blue fans, I believe he has the building.
For good.
Since so many radio stations, etc., were paying tribute to the King today, I've had his songs in my head. I realized I could probably go a month with Elvis song titles as my blog title and find something connected to write about. But I have a feeling you don't want to hear about Jim being my "Hunk of Burning Love."
Today, though, the lyrics "Wise Men say... only fools rush in..." speak to me and a few foolish senior moments.
First I head over to the fitness center at noon -- for the second day in a row -- to work out. When I head to the locker room to shower, I realize I forgot to pack a towel. Now I've learned from previous senior moments that drying yourself off with a sweaty t-shirt really stinks. So I got some extra steps on my pedometer by trotting to the front desk (still fully clothed, of course) and renting a towel. On my honor. I had to go out to the car and scrape up 50 cents when I was done. Managed to find 4 dimes and 2 nickels in my purse. I am pathetic.
My second "moment" came later after work when we swung by the pharmacy to pick up a prescription on our way to the boys basketball game. I tried giving the pharmacist my discount/points/rewards card and said, "Do you need this?" And he looks at it and politely declines, pointing out that I was giving him the card for ShopKo, not his store. Whoops. I said, "I swear I'm not on any drugs except the ones you're giving me!" He did point out when I was leaving, "OK, just exit out those doors to the right and the parking lot is straight ahead." Oh boy. I bet he looked up my drug history after I left!
At least when we got to the basketball game I remembered which team to cheer for... even if our opponent was wearing purple and yellow! I should have removed the remnants of my purple nail polish before the game, though. We lost by 3 points!
Elvis must have taken our winning streak with him when he left the building.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Forward
I probably should have had an intervention of some sort months ago -- before things got out of hand. But now I'm with a million other people trying to get my health and my weight "back on track" or "on track" period at the start of a new year.
Here are sure signs I am powerless over portions...
- The other night when we had friends over, my girlfriend wanted to borrow my ice cream scoop for the slush mix she brought. I looked in all the drawers and couldn't find it. I wonder how long that's been missing. Do you know why I didn't know my ICE CREAM scoop was missing?? Because I've been eating my ice cream right out of the container with a spoon! Who needs a scoop?!
- Since I wasted my day away yesterday I didn't get grocery shopping done so after picking Carter up at school this afternoon, we got a "take and bake" Papa Murphy's pizza. The guys took care of baking it while I ran (drove, I mean) to the grocery store to get stuff for meals this week. It was a lightning-fast shopping trip. Here's me piling my cart with healthy veggies and frozen Weight Watchers meals so I can rush home and enjoy pizza!
I saw a water bottle the other day that spoke to me. It said: "I like running because... I really, really, really, really, really, really like dessert!"
That is me. I run so I can have my treats... but during the holidays, my feet and legs do not keep up with my mouth. There are just sooooo many good treats this time of year. Don't get me started on the limited-time eggnog (in all forms) and Candy Cane Blizzards (who says the devil is not at work in modern times??).
So I need to move forward. I shouldn't beat myself up over the past. I should learn from it, treasure the sumptuous memories and move on.
This would be a lot easier if I would just win the Powerball. I could pay a personal trainer to be my daily drill sergeant and force me to put more wiggle in my waddle. Of course with all that money... can you imagine how much ice cream that would buy? Heck I could BUY King Cone!
Sigh... I am hopeless!
Just gonna put one foot in front of the other... and take some joy in the fact that when I look down, I can still see my feet!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Off Season
Now that we (as in the Austins) are in the off season, I had no reason to waste my day watching football. Instead I found other ways to waste it.
After such a late night, I was so tired when I got up early today for 8 o'clock church. But I read just fine. Did not stutter or stumble over words even though my tongue was half asleep. When I got home, though, I couldn't fight it any more.
Honestly, I said hello to hubby then laid down and was passed out in 10 seconds. Good thing I set an alarm to get up before noon -- because I was sleeping hard! I actually had to wake up Carter at that point, too, since I was so kind and let him sleep in.
I was only up a half hour when I had to go to the neighbor's down the road for a party. A "girly party," as Jim calls it. In other words, makeovers and expensive skin-care products and makeup. The party itself didn't last long, but I ended up chit-chatting with the hostess and her hubby for a few hours. Got home before dark, though. (Good thing it stays darker a few minutes longer these days.)
Made supper and talked on the phone a bit and that was it. No football. Certainly no running or exercise. But plenty of tasty treats at the party.
For the 6th day this year, I am saying my diet and exercise program starts TOMORROW.
Did you know that technically "tomorrow" never comes? No wonder I'm making no headway in 2013. Perhaps I you just say "Monday." At least that's a good, off-season start!
After such a late night, I was so tired when I got up early today for 8 o'clock church. But I read just fine. Did not stutter or stumble over words even though my tongue was half asleep. When I got home, though, I couldn't fight it any more.
Honestly, I said hello to hubby then laid down and was passed out in 10 seconds. Good thing I set an alarm to get up before noon -- because I was sleeping hard! I actually had to wake up Carter at that point, too, since I was so kind and let him sleep in.
I was only up a half hour when I had to go to the neighbor's down the road for a party. A "girly party," as Jim calls it. In other words, makeovers and expensive skin-care products and makeup. The party itself didn't last long, but I ended up chit-chatting with the hostess and her hubby for a few hours. Got home before dark, though. (Good thing it stays darker a few minutes longer these days.)
Made supper and talked on the phone a bit and that was it. No football. Certainly no running or exercise. But plenty of tasty treats at the party.
For the 6th day this year, I am saying my diet and exercise program starts TOMORROW.
Did you know that technically "tomorrow" never comes? No wonder I'm making no headway in 2013. Perhaps I you just say "Monday." At least that's a good, off-season start!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Purple Pain
Shucks.
Although it's 12:45 a.m. and I have to be up to read at 8 a.m. church, I didn't want anyone thinking I was hiding from the truth.
The Vikings stink.
Well, a mild odor anyway.
What a shocker to have the backup QB suddenly called up to be the hero. Well I met Joe Webb. I've shook his hand and gotten his autograph. He's quite athletic. I thought maybe there was a chance he could make a surprising impact. Maybe in the grand scheme of things, he did. It wasn't a complete blowout anyway.
That's pretty much all the positive I can take away from it. Other than the fact my purple pain was lessened by the company of some great friends. Yep, we generously opened our home to a pack of Packer fans. They had to promise to be nice. At least during the game. And they were.
Any ribbing after the game, we probably deserved! (Honestly, we're not sore losers. Our hopes were not high, just realistic!)
At least hubby won 50 bucks on the pool at work. I guess if we can't beat the Packers, we might as well make money off of them!
Skol!
Although it's 12:45 a.m. and I have to be up to read at 8 a.m. church, I didn't want anyone thinking I was hiding from the truth.
The Vikings stink.
Well, a mild odor anyway.
What a shocker to have the backup QB suddenly called up to be the hero. Well I met Joe Webb. I've shook his hand and gotten his autograph. He's quite athletic. I thought maybe there was a chance he could make a surprising impact. Maybe in the grand scheme of things, he did. It wasn't a complete blowout anyway.
That's pretty much all the positive I can take away from it. Other than the fact my purple pain was lessened by the company of some great friends. Yep, we generously opened our home to a pack of Packer fans. They had to promise to be nice. At least during the game. And they were.
Any ribbing after the game, we probably deserved! (Honestly, we're not sore losers. Our hopes were not high, just realistic!)
At least hubby won 50 bucks on the pool at work. I guess if we can't beat the Packers, we might as well make money off of them!
Skol!
Friday, January 4, 2013
TGIF
A person really can't complain about a 3-day work week. It went fast. It was productive. And, just like that, the weekend's here!
It was not a typical Friday for me.
First there was the Packer Tailgating Potluck at work, where they gallantly allowed a contribution from the 3 Viking fans in the building. They just made sure it wasn't poisoned or anything.
Then there was news that my nephew's wife was going to have the baby today. I was so anxious for them! In the end, there were no worries. Mom and nearly 9-pound baby boy are both healthy. Hurray! What a blessing for us all.
After work, we stopped home to get a few things done and then headed into town for a surprise 50th birthday party. This was the second such party in as many weeks. There seem to be run of 50-year-olds in our circle of friends! Jim will get there before we know it. He has been adamant, though, that he wants nothing resembling a surprise party. No way. No how.
But at his age, I am counting on the fact that by July he'll forget he told me that.
Of course, Carter may agree with him. After I picked him up at the Assumption boys basketball game, I took him back to the party with me for awhile. He just rolled his eyes at the disco-dancing "old people" with black lights and glow-in-the-dark bracelets and necklaces. I'm pretty sure he'd rather I spare Daddy (and him) the embarrassment of such a party!
We'll see. All around, today was a pretty good day worth repeating.
It was not a typical Friday for me.
First there was the Packer Tailgating Potluck at work, where they gallantly allowed a contribution from the 3 Viking fans in the building. They just made sure it wasn't poisoned or anything.
Then there was news that my nephew's wife was going to have the baby today. I was so anxious for them! In the end, there were no worries. Mom and nearly 9-pound baby boy are both healthy. Hurray! What a blessing for us all.
After work, we stopped home to get a few things done and then headed into town for a surprise 50th birthday party. This was the second such party in as many weeks. There seem to be run of 50-year-olds in our circle of friends! Jim will get there before we know it. He has been adamant, though, that he wants nothing resembling a surprise party. No way. No how.
But at his age, I am counting on the fact that by July he'll forget he told me that.
Of course, Carter may agree with him. After I picked him up at the Assumption boys basketball game, I took him back to the party with me for awhile. He just rolled his eyes at the disco-dancing "old people" with black lights and glow-in-the-dark bracelets and necklaces. I'm pretty sure he'd rather I spare Daddy (and him) the embarrassment of such a party!
We'll see. All around, today was a pretty good day worth repeating.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Memorial Garden
Any day now my nephew Matthew will become a daddy for the first time. While the birth of a child is a miracle in itself, there is a bigger miracle at work here.
You see, Matthew is a veteran. A member of the Marines Special Forces, he was the one in our family who served tours in both Iraq (his unit saw the first action after 9/11) and Afghanistan. The fact that he survived both when many of his comrades were injured or died, is a miracle. To make it home, get married and have a family was not something everyone could do.
He is lucky and he is blessed.
We all are.
It brought to mind a memorial garden Jim and I saw when we were in Boston this fall. It was a touching tribute to the fallen soldiers of those conflicts.
The Memorial Garden is located between the Paul Revere statue and the Old North Church -- a highly visited area of Boston. A non-engraved dog tag is hung to represent each death.
That's just too many, if you ask me. And a stark reminder that our family -- between tours of duty by two nephews, Matt and Tony -- is extremely lucky we don't have to hang one there. Thank the Lord!
You see, Matthew is a veteran. A member of the Marines Special Forces, he was the one in our family who served tours in both Iraq (his unit saw the first action after 9/11) and Afghanistan. The fact that he survived both when many of his comrades were injured or died, is a miracle. To make it home, get married and have a family was not something everyone could do.
He is lucky and he is blessed.
We all are.
It brought to mind a memorial garden Jim and I saw when we were in Boston this fall. It was a touching tribute to the fallen soldiers of those conflicts.
That's just too many, if you ask me. And a stark reminder that our family -- between tours of duty by two nephews, Matt and Tony -- is extremely lucky we don't have to hang one there. Thank the Lord!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Testing My Resolve
I haven't said much about the dreaded New Year's Resolutions yet because, well, I suck at keeping them. Every year it's pretty much the same thing: Get my body and house in shape!
De-toxify, de-clutter, de-termination.
I suppose if I actually accomplished the goal, I wouldn't have to repeat myself. But then what would I write about?
Actually, I have one main goal this year that has nothing to do with layers of clothing or dust. I am going to work at being less selfish. How does one do that when I write a blog all about me, me, me?
Basically, it involves a few different approaches. I'm going to work on thinking of others before myself. Work on relationships so the people dearest to me remain so. Try a little patience. (I really don't want to rush through this stage of my life anyway, do I?) Appreciate more. Remember that happiness isn't having what we want, it's wanting what we have.
It's not going to be that easy. Already tonight I was thinking (read: whining) how I would just like to go one night without being the nagging mother. For the first years of childhood it was about teeth brushing, then it was baths and showers. Now it's homework, homework, homework. Why would someone want to stay up late when they could just get it done before and after supper and enjoy the evening? Makes no sense to me.
But I wouldn't trade this minor challenge for anything. I say "minor" because I know people who have "major" challenges with their teenagers -- grades, behavior, attitude, you name it. Not to say ours aren't coming at some point. For now, though, I would rather have this tiny cross to bear than something else.
Here's a tragic, but true, example.
A friend of mine has a longtime friend with a daughter the same age as our boys. When this girl was just 4 years old, she had to go to the doctor for a toothache and they found a cancerous tumor. When they did surgery to remove it, something went wrong. I can't remember the exact details but I think she was "under" too long or something. And, as a result, she's basically been a vegetable her entire childhood and adolescence.
I bet her mother would give anything to have to nag her daughter to do homework. Instead, she can't even take her to a regular school. She'll never have to stay up late writing a paper because her sports practice went late. In fact, she won't be able to brush her teeth or bathe on her own.
Ever.
Yes, I resolve to think more of others, pray for them, help them, give them a kind word -- and appreciate my ability to do so. I will strive to find the positive -- and the light side -- to things, people and situations that challenge me. It's gotta be there somewhere. I'm sure of it.
De-toxify, de-clutter, de-termination.
I suppose if I actually accomplished the goal, I wouldn't have to repeat myself. But then what would I write about?
Actually, I have one main goal this year that has nothing to do with layers of clothing or dust. I am going to work at being less selfish. How does one do that when I write a blog all about me, me, me?
Basically, it involves a few different approaches. I'm going to work on thinking of others before myself. Work on relationships so the people dearest to me remain so. Try a little patience. (I really don't want to rush through this stage of my life anyway, do I?) Appreciate more. Remember that happiness isn't having what we want, it's wanting what we have.
It's not going to be that easy. Already tonight I was thinking (read: whining) how I would just like to go one night without being the nagging mother. For the first years of childhood it was about teeth brushing, then it was baths and showers. Now it's homework, homework, homework. Why would someone want to stay up late when they could just get it done before and after supper and enjoy the evening? Makes no sense to me.
But I wouldn't trade this minor challenge for anything. I say "minor" because I know people who have "major" challenges with their teenagers -- grades, behavior, attitude, you name it. Not to say ours aren't coming at some point. For now, though, I would rather have this tiny cross to bear than something else.
Here's a tragic, but true, example.
A friend of mine has a longtime friend with a daughter the same age as our boys. When this girl was just 4 years old, she had to go to the doctor for a toothache and they found a cancerous tumor. When they did surgery to remove it, something went wrong. I can't remember the exact details but I think she was "under" too long or something. And, as a result, she's basically been a vegetable her entire childhood and adolescence.
I bet her mother would give anything to have to nag her daughter to do homework. Instead, she can't even take her to a regular school. She'll never have to stay up late writing a paper because her sports practice went late. In fact, she won't be able to brush her teeth or bathe on her own.
Ever.
Yes, I resolve to think more of others, pray for them, help them, give them a kind word -- and appreciate my ability to do so. I will strive to find the positive -- and the light side -- to things, people and situations that challenge me. It's gotta be there somewhere. I'm sure of it.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Chillin' in the New Year
I suppose it's fitting that the high temperature on the first day of 2013 was 13 degrees. Fitting, yes, but b-r-r-r. Stinkin' b-r-r-r! We had icicles on our "icicles"!
It really gave us all the ultimate excuse to chill out (literally) on our final day of vacation. There was no attempt by anyone to leave the house via car or on foot. And, I must confess, the treadmill went unused all day as well. Probably not good to start the new year on that note. But that leaves 364 days for improvement, right?
Since we didn't get home until 1:30 and I was still not sleeping by 2 a.m., it was a late start for all of us anyway. I made some french toast for breakfast and that was the extent of expending any energy. I sat on the couch for 2 hours watching the Rock of Ages movies so I could get a preview of what I'll see LIVE in 4 months. Should be a fun show!
Later, after messing around with a project on the computer, I again chilled out in the living room for too long... watching the Badger lose in the Rose Bowl. I had a few friends out there watching in person. I hope they at least enjoyed the California sun.
Much like we will in the Austin household when the foreign sound of the alarm clock puts a freeze on our vacation in the morning!
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