I'm Nuts

While running errands with hubby this morning, we stopped at the library where our school system was having an open house to wrap up Catholic Schools Week. Basically, it was a chance to bring in new students / families or just view artwork and projects.

When we saw this drawing, he immediately said something along the lines of "Hey, it's you. And I knew this all along! And she likes purple, too."

Nice, eh? So I took a photo and made this my new "selfie." Because, yes, I am a nut, yes, I like purple, and yes, you're darn right I'm a goddess.

A goddess named NUT? Yup...

According to Egyptian mythology: The goddess Nut was the daughter of Shu and Tefnut and the wife of Geb, the earth god. She was the goddess of the daytime sky and the place where clouds formed. In later periods, she was no longer the goddess of the daytime sky, but of the sky in general.

Goddess of the daytime sky?? Totally me! I love the sun. I guess I shouldn't be offended by the label. I am sure hubby meant it with all good intentions. Nothing related to nuts being another word for insane. Right?

Pretty sure you better agree with the goddess of the sky with Groundhog Day right around the corner. Just sayin'.

TGIF (Thank Goodness I'm Fast)

Welcome to Fast Friday! The really did go quickly and quickly got away from me.

Went to 5:40 a.m. kickboxing, then showered and went to work. We were plenty busy on deadline so the day was done before I knew it.

Tonight, hubby and I went to the boys basketball game against Auburndale, who we beat by a basket the last time we played them. It was a tough game to watch. We jumped off to a lead and then fell behind gradually and couldn't catch up.

It was a pretty intense matchup and we ended up losing. Bummer.

Came straight home and figured to be in bed right away. Carter stopped home with two friends and they have left already, going to Applebee's and then one of their houses. I think I'll take advantage of the peace and quiet and make some progress on my book club selection.

Time may have flown today but this book is not going fast.

Need to recharge my "batteries" tonight so I can keep up with the clock tomorrow.

Countdown to Date Night: 9 Months

Don't jump the gun. Just because hubby and I have a date night set in 9 months does not mean there is any sort of pregnancy involved. Just want to make that clear first.

Secondly, I am excited to go out with him on Oct. 10! It's actually a double-date with our friends Pete and Dawn, who we visited in Colorado last fall. As school-mates and longtime friends, Pete and Jim went to see The Who during their "farewell tour" in 1982. Then saw them again in Colorado – a mere 30 years later in 2012.

But The Who is not done farewell-ing yet!

This year, they are celebrating 50 years of The Who with their last "big tour." Glad they are clear about that. And, since the boys want to see them again, they will. This time in Minneapolis. And this time with their beautiful wives in tow.

Should be a rockin' time, especially since this is like a "Greatest Hits" type tour so I should know the songs. Unlike the concert the guys saw 3 years ago based on the Quadrophenia album. Didn't know a lot off of that.

Naturally, since it's Carter's senior year at the time, we had to be sure we weren't skipping town during homecoming or an important cross country meet. Safe on both accounts. And no, we didn't invite him to go along.

Maybe next time... on their "final, final, we really mean it, last and final" Tour!

Empty Bowls & Baskets

 

Since I've been doing a big PR push tonight with my Empty Bowls info, I should probably reach out here, too!

Empty Bowls is an international grassroots movement that has been fighting hunger for over 20 years. First English Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids was blessed to host the first Empty Bowls event in South Wood County in 2013 and we have watched it grow!

For a $10 donation, guests receive a bowl of soup, bread, beverage, desert, and a unique ceramic bowl to take home. Plus they get a chance to bid on raffle baskets filled with fabulous prizes!

All proceeds benefit local agencies working to end hunger in South Wood County. To date, we've given at least $1,000 each to the Wisconsin Rapids and Nekoosa school district Backpack Programs, where children can take home non-conspicuous backpack with food for their families. We've also donated to the food pantry and a community garden program that encourages folks to grow their own food if they can't afford to buy it.

It's been amazing. But can't all be done with our tiny committee. Our first need is raffle basket items or full baskets... (As always, click on images to view them larger.)

Then, of course, we also need volunteers the day of the event and a few chores leading up to it. And... finally, people to come and EAT!!!!

Here's the skinny on that...

If you ever think you can't make a difference. Think again. This started out small and we KNOW we have already helped hundreds of hungry people in our area. And their needs aren't going away.

If you can help in any way or have questions, let me know.

... Because somebody's bowl is always empty.

Short-Circuited

I don't even have an electrical engineering degree, but I believe I learned the difference between a short circuit and a short fuse today.

When something short circuits, I get a short fuse.

Let me backtrack...

In my work area, we've had some outlets that haven't been functioning. Mine are fine but the guys next to me use extension cords, which can be hazardous if you are shuffling your feet! So the maintenance man and electrical dude decided to fix that today.

Sounded like the perfect excuse to be away from my desk for a 30-minute chair massage!

When I got back, they had determined there was a "short" under my desk. Isn't that ironic? A short? I resemble that remark! Anyway, they got it fixed and as the electric man was leaving, I realized my computer wouldn't turn back on. We hailed him back. He checked the outlets again and they worked for everything else. So we figure my "short" short-circuited my computer. Pzzt!

It be fried now.

I did not have a "short fuse" right away. That came a little later when computer guy said things like "yikes" and "not good" and "I'm not sure when I can get a computer for you." So, I probably will have an unexpected day in the home office tomorrow. Since I haven't broken MY computer. Yet.

The short fuse will get a lot shorter, though, if they can't save my files from the fried one. You'll have to stay tuned for that.

And keep a fire extinguisher handy!

(Oh, I forgot to say 3 things I am grateful for today... Working technology, Electricity and Chair Massages!)

By the Letter

Today I am grateful for communication, communication, communication. That's 3 things, trust me.

Example One: When faced with a new challenge at work that wouldn't have been challenging had there been prior communication... then I really appreciate communication!!

Example Two: Hubby claims I don't need a cell phone any more because he's texted me a handful of times recently and I actually see him before I see a text he sent perhaps hours earlier. "Why have a phone if you don't check it?" I know. I don't always remember to have the volume up so I can hear my alert of a new text.

Tonight, after kickboxing, I remembered to check my phone. Good thing. There was a critical text: We needed milk at home! I passed the test!

Example Three: Written communication is a lost art form. I am completely guilty of this. In fact, if I actually do "write" someone a letter, I type it just so they can read it instead of my messy handwriting. (And it's faster, of course.)

My Mom, though, is single-handedly keeping the Postal Service in business. At 80-plus years old, her penmanship is still perfect. And she enjoys using it! We got a nice letter from Mom today, telling us how her visit to Texas is going. Without asking them, I know each of my siblings have received a letter, too, not to mention a few aunts, uncles and cousins.

She's write, er right. Getting a handwritten letter in the mail does bring a smile!

I know that I now need to reciprocate and get a letter to her this week. I wonder if she would notice if I use a "handwriting" font and type it?

She might believe it if there's a font called "Chicken Scratch." I'll look into it...

Great-Full

Old English Proverb: You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.

New Teen Mother Proverb: You can set a teen's alarm, but you can't drag his butt out of bed for 8 o'clock church!

When your day starts like this, it's probably a good thing the pastor was preaching about gratitude.

He shared a study conducted on a group of people who took time each day to find 3 things for which they were grateful. After the completion of the study, more than 90% of the participants were happier and/or more positive.

That's really no surprise. When I get in a funk or want to whine about some "travesty" in my life, I always climb out of it when I realize how blessed I am. Our pastor challenged each of us to replicate that study – think of 3 of those blessings per day.

Today, despite the fact I could not get Carter out of bed to join me, I am grateful for my church and my church family. While Lutherans aren't exactly boisterous and outgoing, I still have managed to build some long-time friendships thanks to that church.

Secondly, I am thankful for my introduction to doTERRA essential oils. Had a great time today with two of my neighbors talking about some great uses for these miracle oils that have relieved my pain, healed wounds, lightened my mood and aided my sleep. It's great that there are natural and healthy alternatives. And great that I can continue learning more about them and how I can share them to help others.

Third, I am grateful (sort of) for teasing. Carter and Daddy like to tag-team picking on me, but I was laughing so hard tonight I couldn't protest if I wanted to! They crack me up. And I love that we have that time together! I also love paybacks, too, so I gotta put my thinking cap on...

It's GREAT that my life is FULL of blessings. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings...

Time: 2-Dark-30

Winter is a killer on my social life! And by "social life" I mean my ability to stay up for a Hallmark movie (or any movie) that starts at 8 p.m.

"That won't get done until 10? Uff da. That's so late!"

Yup, I've become that old lady. But I blame winter and its limited daylight hours. When it is dark at 6 p.m., I am ready for jammies by 7 p.m. The only reason we go to so many basketball games on weeknights is to prevent me from succumbing to complete hibernation!

Well, that's not completely true. I love the games.

But tonight, Saturday night, there is no game. And it's 8:30. And I feel like crawling into bed with a good read.

Pathetic. And I did not over-do it today by any means. Had my workout class at 7:30 a.m. Did my Saturday chores. Then hubby and I helped with a 2-hour project at school.

My highlight was going on a dinner date with my boy. Gentleman's choice – so we ended up at Hong Kong Buffett. Not the worst choice. Definitely not the healthiest either. But it was nice to actually talk a little. Wow. No sarcasm. I really treasure those moments!

Got home in time to watch a Hallmark movie – not a Christmas one for once. Carter is going to a very non-Hallmark movie, American Sniper, at 9:30. Jim and I are planning to see it at some point, too, but that is too late for both of us. Probably a matinee would be more my speed.

They'd probably give me the senior discount!

Time for bed...

Define Productivity

I honestly was on a mission today and got about half of what I needed done. As for me and my Minion, we did not get that nap. But I'll be in bed shortly!

Worked from home office today but still started the day off with my UBC class. Today I actually had sweat dripping off my forehead so I know I was working hard! Uff da.

For work, I mainly had editing on one magazine to do. With my coffee maker so close at hand, I had no trouble getting that done by early afternoon. Now, at that point, I could have done something productive by way of cleaning in my office or in my house. Instead I went into to town to visit hubby's aunt and uncle.

I had planned to stop in and see their Christmas lights – and cookies – but for some reason didn't make the time. So today I made up for it and had a very nice visit. And leftover cake from Uncle Joe's birthday earlier this week!

Tonight Carter had to work but Jim and I went up to Wausau to watch the Assumption girls take on their rival. We won by quite the margin – 60-47. It was a good game. And great week for our teams. Amazingly, we've had both an Assumption boy and girl hoops player score their 1,000th point this week. How amazing.

Maybe if I give it 3 years, I'll be that productive, too!

Of course, by my definition of productive, I hit my mark today. Exercise done. Work done. Bonus basketball AND family time.

Works for me. We'll still try again tomorrow...

Small Comfort

For ThrowBack Thursday I found this lovely photo of my mom relaxing while my oldest sister Rayna combs her hair.

I had to chuckle when I noticed Rayna is missing one of the bows on her glasses. I wonder how long she had to go to school like that! I know I went through that a time or two in grade school and high school. Good thing nobody teased me. Right.


The other amusing part is that some 20 years after this photo, I was doing the same thing for Mom. Rayna said Mom paid her a few pennies. With inflation, Mom gave me a dime when I'd do it! There's just some small comfort in someone combing, brushing or washing your hair. It's so relaxing, I love it. (We don't pay our hair "artists" enough for their services!)

I told Rayna she better be combing Mom's hair once a day while Mom is visiting her in Texas. I'm sure she'll still love it!

She pointed out that in this photo, unbeknownst to me, my mother was pregnant with my brother Ron. He was born in 1961 and was the 5th "R" and first (and only) boy. I should say only surviving boy.

By sad coincidence, it was 52 years ago today that my mother gave birth to twins – a boy and a girl – three months prematurely. They were 1 pound, 9 oz., and 2 pounds, 4 oz. Sadly, they didn't make it. Less than two years later, Mom was pregnant with twins again. This time, it was also a boy and a girl. Tragically, the boy did not survive, but my sister Rachel did, making her the 6th "R."

Hard to believe my mom was pregnant with twins again in 1968. That makes 3 sets in a row, with my twin and I the only surviving "set." I can't imagine the hole in Mom's heart. Thank goodness Raylene and I came around to give her so much joy.

Well, mostly.

I don't think we give Mom enough credit for her inner strength. I could not handle the death of one child, let alone three babies and years prior to that, 3 miscarriages. I have one sister and several friends who have weathered the same sorrow. God bless all of you!

I hope you find some small comfort surrounding yourself with friends and family who are still here and who love you! Don't be afraid to ask them to sit down and comb your hair. You deserve that.

Heck, all of us mothers do.

Please Hold On To The Bar

Fasten your seat belts. Hold on to the bar. The roller coaster ride is about to begin!

Yup, we just registered Carter for his ACT Test in April. From here on out, we are on the college-bound ride from hell. Or, thinking positively, maybe it will be gentle and calm like the Lazy River at a waterpark.

Ha. Unlikely.

Between the 2-hour financial aid meeting last night and the 30-minute registration for the test, this is occupying our minds AND our time already. Of course it will all be worth it. I'm just still in denial that our baby is this close to moving onto the next amusement park without us!

I also can't believe a 16-year-old HAS to know what his career will be. Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? I don't even know that yet! In order to appease all the inquiring minds, he tells people "chemical engineering." Granted, he will likely use his math skills to go in that direction, but who knows if that is going to be it. For now, I think he just wants a ready answer when people ask.

This avoids a further grilling and a bevy of suggestions. That inevitably comes when they ask what college he is interested in. The answer: He doesn't know. We haven't reached that peak on the roller coaster yet. But I am sure we'll be picking up speed in that direction before we are ready.

And by "we" I mean Boy Wonder AND his soon-to-be impoverished parents. I mean proud parents!

Should be quite the ride over the next 12 months or so. Good thing I don't get motion sickness.

I will keep the anxiety pills handy, though!

Do Reality Checks Bounce?

I wish there was a way to cash reality checks. It would be nice to cash them in a real bank instead of just our memory banks. Thought that institution is going to fill up quickly.

Hubby and I got our first check of many to come tonight when we attended a Financial Aid informational meeting. Well the first dose of reality is that we are a mere year away from finalizing college plans for Boy Wonder and apply for some tuition assistance.

Scary, sad and exciting – all in one.

The meeting was too long in those uncomfortable desks but we learned a lot. It was good see cost comparisons among Wisconsin schools – from tech to 4-year – plus the plethora of options available to help students get there. Wow. Thankfully quite a few.

The last time I sat in a Financial Aid meeting was probably about 30 years ago. Everything went way over my head as I had no concept of finances and only knew my impoverished self qualified for a piece of the pie.

Fast forward 3 decades and much of it still went over my head. But we have a year to figure it out. It was just helpful to know what adjustments we might have to make this year. And if Jim should start selling his blood instead of donating it. I can't help in that fund-raising category but for my part, I'll keep buying those lottery tickets.

Our next reality check comes this week, too, as we register for the ACT test. Can this really be happening? Has time flown that quickly?

Carter is already joking about being out of our hair in 18 months or so. I don't mind him in my hair.
In fact, I had my hair artist appointment today. She got rid of the gray but I specifically requested she keep Carter in.

You can bank on it!

Dream Weaver

It would be almost disrespectful to share the frivolous activities that comprised my Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday today.

I did spend a lot of time working on "memory preservation" finding photos for Camp Crop-A-Lot. And I did take care of my body with exercise. I am now going to feed my soul by starting my next book club novel, The Kitchen House, which addresses segregation decades before King was even born. Still, I expect it to be a valuable lesson.
 
Not as valuable and enduring as the message in King's landmark 1963 speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. King actually said more than 1,000 words before he got to the phrase most associated with his reputation as one of the greatest orators in American history.

Instead of a meaningless blog, I invite you and encourage to check out the full text of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech below:

“I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

“But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

“In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the ‘unalienable Right’ of ‘Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’ It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked ‘insufficient funds.’

“But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.

“We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

“It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

“But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.

“The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.

“We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.

“There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, ‘When will you be satisfied?’ We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: ‘For Whites Only.’ We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until ‘justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.’

“I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. And some of you have come from areas where your quest -- quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.

“Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends. And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

“I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

“I have a dream today! I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of ‘interposition’ and ‘nullification’ -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

“I have a dream today! I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; ‘and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.’

“This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

“And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning: My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!’ And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

"And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California. But not only that: Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

“And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: ‘Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!’”

Amen!

Oh, Nuffin'

If you're expecting me to bite my tongue, I am trying. Just don't know if there is a Thumper in me who knows better!

Was an interesting Sunday to say the least.

Since we were out late last night, I slept in and went to 10:30 church. I sat with a friend and her family and, not too far along in the service, her teenage son fainted. Now you know me, I am part of the Austin Fainting Goats Duo. They got him out of there to go see a doctor and I couldn't get the image out of my head. I still am surprised I stayed upright. But it was a struggle the rest of the church service.

The other part of the struggle was trying not to roll my eyes at all the green and gold clothing and comments from the cheesehead-wearing pastor. Just part of a Packer Sunday, I guess.

Got home and put some cheesy potatoes in the oven, which were done just in time to drive them a half mile down the road to our friends' who were holding a game-viewing party. Along with a birthday component for the hostess!

After the first half, I figured the Packers would come away with it. I had no idea they would play like the Vikings and blow a huge lead, only to lose. We get used to that, but I suppose it's something new for the shocked Packer backers.

Frankly, by overtime, I was just hoping the final score would some how magically land on our "pool" numbers. We had been shut out last week and the first 3 quarters today. But that final, thanks to no extra point required in OT, matched up with Mr. Austin's square. Whoo-hoo! He may have won, but I paid for the square and may have to charge a handing fee for transporting it all the way from Iola.

Reasonable, right?

Came home to watch part of the second blowout game and knocked off two more episodes of OITNB. I have just 4 episodes left and I'll be caught up on Season Two. If I make good progress on other projects tomorrow, maybe I can finish up.

We'll see. I got about the same done today as yesterday.

And, as Thumper would say, that was nuffin'!

Salt-Free Diet

Did you hear that? That's my car giving a contented sigh after a much-needed bath today!

Finally, the temps inched up above the freezing mark and it was time to tackle the layers and layers of salt, slush and more salt on our vehicles. You southerners have no idea how we envy you and your "salt-free" existence.

After going to UBC class at 8 a.m., I went to Book Club over coffee (very enjoyable) and then headed to one of the car washes. Everyone had the same idea. It was 40 degrees and our cars were begging for a shower. When I saw the line was a mile long at one, I found another one down the road.

I realize it will be dirty again before I know it, but for now, we are squeaky clean!

I did not get a chance to get outside to enjoy the mild day. After the morning errands, I did my Saturday chores, got some groceries, then hubby and I went to the girls basketball game in town. Assumption was hosting Peshtigo in an afternoon matchup. We won quite handily, which felt good after two nights of losses by the Royals.

Afterward, a few of us parents went out to eat, chat and solve the world's problems. Since my biggest problem was my filthy car, I had everything solved already. Still stuck around several hours just in case I could lend expertise to anyone else's. Ha.

Quite sure I didn't, but it was a fun time. Nice way to spend my "bonus" day in this 3-day weekend.

Hopefully my car gets at least one more bonus day of being "salt free." Just like humans, it's what's best for her.

Phase One

I love that my company is on board with supporting our post-holiday re-entry to the work world in phases.

Now that we've been back on the clock for two weeks, it's time for Phase One. Hello, Three-day Weekend. Let the bonding begin!

While I don't take Martin Luther King Jr.'s efforts lightly,  I might as well admit right now that the two days leading up to his Monday holiday will have little to do with him.

Today when I got home from work, I took a power nap, had a quick supper, then hubby and I headed up north. Carter had to work so he couldn't join us for a brief visit with Jim's aunt and uncle in Mosinee on our way to Marathon for Assumption hoops action.

Last night their girls beat us in overtime. Tonight was quite the "dramatic" game. Our boys came from behind and were actually only one point down with a few seconds left. We then had the ball with only a half-second left. So intense! Just didn't have enough time to score. Dang. Tough loss. Of the boys' 5 losses this season, all have been by 6 points or less – and the last two have been by just one. Grr.

Still glad we made the trip to support the team. Have I mentioned I love high school hoops?

Plus, that's the only team some of us have to cheer for these days.

Today was Packer dress-up day at school. How does the son of two Vikings fans "participate" in a Green & Gold Day? Wearing a St. Paddy's Day shirt, of course!

I hope that means Shamrock Shakes are on the horizon. That will definitely get me through Phase One!

The OT

Workout, then work, then meeting, then intense basketball game. My mind is working overtime, my body is working overtime, and the game went into overtime.

Our lady Royals lost the game. I have probably lost my mind already. And I am currently losing sleep. So....

The Lazy Woman's Blog: Here is my Throwback Thursday photo today...

Throwing way back to the days Carter was actually cooperative with my camera! LOL.

First grade – he was narrator for the school play. Didn't have dress shoes, but he looked so sharp in his jacket and tie that I hardly noticed.

Miss that simply adorable, hug-able boy! But even on "crabby teen attitude" days, I love this kid with all my heart!

Some day he'll figure that out. Even if Mommy has to work overtime drilling it in his head.

Weather or Not

I can be a bit of a weather junkie, especially in the winter. When you have a bit of a commute, it's just one of those things you do. Check online to see what you're waking up to and what's coming for the day and week.

Just like a second opinion, if you don't like what the local TV station has to say, switch to Accuweather. If they aren't giving you what you want, check the Weather Channel. And trust me... they have been giving me some interesting, even conflicting, information lately.

This is a screen shot from a frigid, frigid day on January 7...

Minus 8 degrees and they have a balmy beach background, complete with a sailboat – even with the "outdoor exposure should be limited" warning. Are they trying to make us think summer-y thoughts? It didn't work. Made me, for one, feel worse. Brrrr.

Tonight, though, I found this entertaining...

We should feel good that it's 20 degrees (and feels like 11) because "it is now more than 15 degrees warmer than it was yesterday at this time." Ha. I have never seen a statement like that. I guess the weather web folks get bored when there isn't a major snow storm headed our way.

Maybe tomorrow it will say "It is now the second day in a row without a windchill advisory." Whoo-hoo! Leave your jacket at home!

Actually, that's not entirely sarcastic. It's a five-day forecast to smile about. Tomorrow's high will be 34 and come Saturday, a spring-like 37. Mr. Deck Chair will still remain in hiding, but those running shoes better make an appearance!

Let's not ruin this positive mood with a look at the 10-day forecast. This gives me a few days to get in the mindset that I should not kill the messenger.

Mock him, yes. Maim him, no.

Being Flexible

flexible:
• capable of bending easily without breaking: flexible rubber seals.
• able to be easily modified to respond to altered circumstances or conditions: flexible forms of retirement.
• (of a person) ready and able to change so as to adapt to different circumstances: you can save money if you're flexible about where your room is located.


I found several reasons to appreciate flexibility today. And by appreciate, I mean I wish I could be flexible! Well at least in one case...

So this is a flex bar. Our Tuesday UBC class involves a weighted body bar (I use the lightest weight of 6 pounds for now) and this flex bar, which looks so easy to flex in this photo, doesn't it?

We were supposed to establish goals in our 10-week program and one of mine is to be able to bend this supposedly flexible bar before my completion. They assure me I will get there, but it certainly calls attention to muscles we do not use. It's ironic I can run for 30 minutes but I can't bend this bar and hold it for 30 seconds. But that's what will be good about this challenge. It is working everything!

I also appreciate flexibility from my employer. I am able to work from home at least one day a week to save on gas, which finally dropped to $1.99 in Rapids, by the way.

I typically choose a day when I can do most of my work online – or if I have an appointment interrupting my work day. Today I had my church committee meeting, which falls on the second Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. No comment. I'm just glad my schedule is flexible enough that I (as someone employed and not retired and not having an open daytime schedule) can serve.

And like the definition states, we should be "ready and able to change so as to adapt to different circumstances."

That's not always easy when life throws a bunch of "stuff" at you and all you have to defend yourself is a flex bar you can't bend! It can be physically, emotionally and mentally challenging.

I have several friends and loved ones currently in such a circumstance who I am praying for, hoping God will give them strength to bend the bar and make the best of it.

Like I said, I do appreciate flexibility... in all its forms.

Monday Motivation

Raise your hand if this has ever been you. Oh c'mon. Be honest now.

Mondays always seem to be the day to start that new diet or start something new. It's like a clean slate. A much-needed second chance after a weekend of gluttony perhaps coupled with some sloth. Especially a Monday preceded by a football playoff party with plenty of pizza, cheese dip, BBQ meatballs and more.

Oh, the guilt-ridden Mondays and their reluctant resolutions.

After I posted the above cartoon on Facebook today, a friend posted this lovely photo of her "snack" at work today. I personally hate celery and would have to find a different way to punish myself for the WWW (weekend without willpower).

I did go to my Ultimate Body Challenge cardio kickboxing after work. That felt great. But we also took our Body Fat Calculations today. Oh my. If you ever want motivation on a Monday or any day of the week, locate one of those machines and check out your "composition."

Uff da. I really could use the celery. But I'll stick with fries...

Ha, ha. Nice try. Let's just say I am glad to have a starting point and hope that after another 9 weeks, that disturbing number from today is smaller. Much smaller.

I'm making progress. Only had King Cone ONCE this year!

Feel free to pat me on the back. Not too hard. Some muscles are still recovering from some new-fangled strength move called a "push up." (Did you know that's NOT orange sherbet ice cream?)

It's a Gamble

In Wisconsin, the weather in wintertime is always a gamble. When we wake up in the morning, we never know if it's going to be a slippery, slushy drive to work or school or church. Or it's clear. Or if it's below zero and we have to worry about the car starting to begin with.

Today felt like a safe bet.

Roads slightly slick but it was not windy or super frigid. I had to laugh at church when, noticing light attendance at the 8 o'clock service, I asked the woman in front of me if everyone had flown south already – and she replied, "They must have, because it's not that cold out this morning."

Define "not that cold"... Well, after church, stepping out side in the 10 or 12-degree air, at least two people commented how "warm" it was.

We are so brainwashed here, it's not even funny. And I am not immune. I thought it felt rather mild, too. Did I even need a coat??

Thankfully, I haven't totally succumbed to the brainwashing. I did not drink the green-and-gold Kool-aid, but still hoped to profit from the Pack today.

We went to a friend's house to watch the game. I didn't cheer for either side. I mainly kept my mouth shut and hoped the numbers after each quarter matched my own on my office pool. They didn't. They never did. So much for that gamble.

Apparently, I'll get another chance next week. That's what I hear anyway. From. Every. Darn. Person. In. The. State!

I did claim one victory today. We won $7 on our Powerball ticket. Amazingly, that's half a tank of gas for me at these wonderfully lowered prices. Win-win!

We'll see if I pick any of the winners in tonight's Golden Globe Awards. I am rooting for Orange is the New Black and well, that's it. I haven't seen any of the movies nominated. But, since my team is in the off season, I definitely have time to check them out.

Plenty of time.

Running in Circles

I don't always go running in the winter time, but when I do, it's usually running errands on a Saturday.

Since we didn't have UBC class today due to our instructor doing Black Belt testing, I got to sleep in. I was going to walk on the treadmill and catch up on Orange is The New Black, but hubby hopped on it first. As an alternative, I found myself literally dusting off my old Billy Blanks Tae-Bo DVD. Wow, haven't done that in years. It was a good workout. Glad I didn't play hooky.

After that, I mapped out my plan for the day. I mean really mapped it out. Much like juggling, running errands is best to do in a circular fashion. Saves time and, in this case, gas. Plus it was cold out and I just wanted to minimize time out in this weather.

For my first stop, I made a B-line east (ha, County Trunk B, get it?) to Amherst to watch our Assumption Middle School girls play hoops. A couple friends have 7th and 8th grade daughters who play so I wanted to catch them in action. Unfortunately, they lost the game I saw by one point.

But, there was still a bonus...

I don't always travel 30 minutes to a middle school hoops tournament, but when I do, I pick the good ones! Oh yes! King Cone was actually vending there! I am probably the only person in frigid Wisconsin who spilled a drop of Oreo Grasshopper ice cream on their winter scarf today. But it was soooo worth it!

From Amherst, I followed my circle northwest to Fleet Farm in Stevens Point, where I had to exchange the Carhartt bibs I got Jim for Christmas. Now he has UN-quilted ones so he won't have to walk around like the Michelin Man when he blows snow.

From there, I went southwest to Plover to Menards. (Fleet AND Menards? This was a sort of redneck circle!) I knew my way around, though. Just had to pick up a few items there with a gift card.

After that, it was just westward ho to home.

Later, when hubby got home from visiting his aunt and uncle, we went to Wal-Mart for the final errand of the day. My to-do list and circle was complete.

Carter has to work tonight, so now, after running in circles, I can relax and read. Maybe watch a bit of football, though I don't care who wins.

I might also have to Google when Amherst is hosting their next basketball tournament!

It Is What It Is...

One of the things my sister-in-law and I have common – besides our undying devotion to her brother – is our dislike of that overused phrase: "It is what it is."

Meaning 1
A: I can't believe the high price of gas!  
B: It is what it is.
 
Meaning 2
A: It troubles me that you continue to put cyanide in my eggnog even after I've asked you to stop.  
B: It is what it is.  

It just seems so dismissive to me. Like my comments and opinions don't matter because they won't change the situation (what it is) because, well, it is what it is. But can't we talk about it? What if I have something to say? What if I don't want to just "get over it and deal with it"?

Grr. It's just annoying to me. Her. Us.

So of course, since today is Sherry's 50th birthday, we had to get her at least one gag gift. And we found the perfect one! You can see by the photo that she is at least amused. But not convinced to LIKE the phrase I'm sure.

We had a little gift opening at her house after we went out to eat. Most of the Austin clan was together – her hubby, son Colin and his gal pal, my parents-in-law, Jim, Clay, Carter and me – to enjoy a meal at the Wildhorse Saloon some 5 minutes from our house. A few of her friends arrived at the end of our meal so she stayed to visit with them as they welcomed her to that exclusive 50-and-over club.

I am in no hurry to join, by the way, especially when the conversation as we were leaving was centered around colonoscopies. Nice.

We hung out at her place awhile eating very good cranberry birthday dessert. Then it was back out into that crisp, below-zero air. Uff da. Talk about something getting old! This weather sure is!

But whatcha gonna do? It is what is.

Thinking Pink

It's an exciting day in our family! We've got more  girl power!!

OK, I realize yes, there were 7 girls and 1 boy in my family. But we all had boys! Haven't shopped for pink stuff in about two decades.

Until very recently I had 7 nephews, 5 great-nephews and only 3 nieces. Now, in the past month I have added two great-nieces. My nephew Matt's daughter Quinn last month and my nephew Tim's girl Teegan – born today! How exciting.

I would love to show you adorable pictures but I'll respect their privacy and not steal their thunder. I'll just say PINK rosie cheeks are so adorable!

This also adds another January birthday for nieces and nephews. Now we have them Jan. 4, 5, 7 and two on the 8th since my nephew Eric turned 29 today. Wow. It's sort of like our June with my siblings' birthdays. Five out of 8 of us kids have June birthdays. At least we have 6 months apart for shopping.

Not like I plan on waiting to shop like a princess ... or FOR the princesses. No offense, boys, but something tells me these little ladies are going to be spoiled.

As all of us girls should be, right?

Brain Freeze

 
So the kids were back in school a whole two days and they got a day off already. And I'm talking about students across most of the state of Wisconsin. No new snow in sight. But frankly, it was so cold, who would go out to check?

The Rapids school district was among the many that made the call last night already after confirming the forecast for windchill temps around 45 below zero. We don't need kids getting frostbite on the way to school or at the bus stop.

With the early announcement of "brain freeze," Carter wasted no time asking if someone could stay over. I said fine as long as they didn't make too much noise since I had to get up early to go kickboxing.

It was a test of my newly pledged commitment,  but I got up and out the door by 5:30. Yeah, I should be committed!

Awhile later, when I was heading out the door for work, I noticed 4 extra pairs of shoes by the front door. Wow, 5 boys (I hoped) in the basement and I slept through it. Hubby says the guys (basically half the cross country team) slept 'til 11 and after 19 scrambled eggs, 24 sausages and 8 pieces of toast, they were primed for a day of... nothing.

Lucky them.

It never did get above zero today or even "warmer" than minus 6. Uff da.

Was glad to get home from work tonight and have no plans but to bundle up under a blankie and watch American Idol and Modern Family. As we speak, my mom should be landing in Texas to stay with my sister and brother-in-law for a month.

No brain freeze with that woman. Her timing is impeccable!

Drive With Care

Consider these numbers... 26,000: That's approximately how many miles I drive each year for my  commute. 273,000: About how many I've clocked since I started working in Iola 10 1/2 years ago.

It's scary sometimes when I think of the prevalence of auto accidents, I am certainly upping my odds, aren't I? (Yes, I am knocking on wood as I type.)

Now consider those numbers again... but multiply them by 5, 10, maybe 20. That's the serious tracks made by truck drivers, who don't have the luxury of "working from home" when it's snowy, icy or foggy. When it's time to hit the road, they gotta hit the road.

My dad was a truck driver. I got the thrill of riding with him on one of his day trips. He did get in a few accidents over the years, but we were safe that day.

My twin sister's husband is currently a truck driver. He often says he sees some scary stuff while out on the road. And by scary that includes his fair share of wicked accident scenes. Today, Steve was a part of one.

Thank the Lord he is OK but it could have been so much worse. He was traveling on an icy interstate in Indiana, where they had some 5-8 inches of snow overnight. Traffic was stopped and semis were trying to stop. He had just about got himself safely situated when he was rear-ended – by another semi! Ouch. Somehow, despite serious vehicle damage, my brother-in-law is OK. Sore but not too badly injured. Hopefully nothing serious presents itself in coming days.

It sure was a wake-up call to us all how fragile life can be. How things can change in an instant. It can be frightening if we let it.

For me, I just make sure I drive carefully, probably "grandma" slowly in winter – and I never leave the house without kissing my guys goodbye (just in case). I trust God to watch over me and keep me safe on the road – and hope it's His will, not mine, that is making that happen.

Thankfully, today His will was to watch over Steve. And you, too, if you got home safely and can read this!

Amen to that.

A Maniac's Manic Monday

manic |ˈmanik|
adjective : Showing wild and apparently deranged excitement and energy.

maniac |ˈmānēˌak|
noun informal : A person exhibiting extreme symptoms of wild behavior, esp. when violent and dangerous.


I never realized there was such a short trip from manic to maniac. I think I have got the simple hop, skip and a jump down to a science.

I'm wondering which is a clearer sign that I am a manic maniac: the fact that I am now actually "friends" with a DOG on Facebook or the fact that I have officially started the painful, I mean Ultimate Body Challenge.

It's sort of a fine line, isn't it?

Seriously, I am intrigued to get to know my great-nephew's dog, Ava. I wonder how much commenting she will do on my always witty or inspirational Facebook posts. Oh, I forgot humble. More importantly, I can't wait to see what photos and news she has to share with her friends. Should be fun.

I am hoping the other project is fun, too. Not just painful.

Basically, the Ultimate Body Challenge (UBC) is a 10-week fitness course that combines fitness kickboxing, resistance training and an "easy to follow" nutritional plan that anyone can follow (except those of us who can't get enough eggnog, ice cream, pizza or Christmas cookies in their diets). But that's how I got to this point!

Some "older" friends from church have done this program with much success. I figure if they can handle it at 60, this 40-something sloth can, too! They took me as their guest on Friday and Saturday mornings to see how I'd like it. And I do! By Sunday morning, my apparently seldom-used triceps were screaming after Saturday's strength & resistance session. But other than that, no pain I can't handle. Yet.

So I took my freelance funds and Christmas cash, pulled the trigger and signed up. Each of the Monday through Saturday sessions offer a different workout so I definitely won't get bored. Today – my official first day – was cardio kickboxing. Tough workout but I absolutely loved it. We'll see how I feel when I have to roll out of bed for tomorrow's 5:40 a.m. class.

Yup. This program has all kinds of challenges for Robyn!

Actually, the fact that I can do it and still get to work around the same time is part of the reason I was attracted to it. I can't do classes that start at 7 a.m. (too late) or 4:30 or 5 pm. (too early). So we'll see how the early to rise part goes, says the manic maniac.

I do feel positive about what it can do for me and my expanding physical well-being. I won't show you a "before" picture unless I have a decent "after" one, that's for sure. I'll get back to you in 10 weeks.

By then, Ava the Dog may be my best friend – and I should be able to keep up with her.

All Over But the Crying

Sadly, even waking to a fresh layer of pretty snow could not improve my mood. Today is officially the last day of my "winter break." It's all over but the crying.

But I did some of that, too.

Besides more winter, I also awoke to the news that ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott had died. He has been battling cancer for 8 years. He was only 49 but had been entertaining viewers for like 20 years. I had planned to go to church this morning but got caught up in the all moving tributes. Before I knew it, church starting time had passed and I was a bawling mess.

I guess death and the winter blues shouldn't go hand in hand.

Since I was blue, I figured I might as well un-deck the halls and the rest of the house. The tree was un-trimmed and packed away. And the few other decorations I had displayed are back in storage. I didn't have that much up, but the house still looks naked!

I wasn't full of energy but Jim's left arm / elbow is bothering him so I figured I should get some shoveling done before he got home from church. Carter did some – the minimal amount he could – and I got a great start on the driveway before the neighbor came over with his snowblower. That was a big help.

The snow wasn't heavy but it was cold and windy out. In fact, we are in a windchill advisory for the next 15 or 20 hours. Right now it's 5 below zero in Rapids and "feels" like minus 26. Uff da. Am not going to want to leave my warm bed in the morning!

And that foreign sound of the alarm won't make it any easier. Better get that mattress pad heating up for an early bedtime.

Hope the rest of you who had a holiday break of some sort could enjoy it, too. I saved 2 of my Hallmark movies in the DVR queue just so I could gradually wean myself off of this seasonal sloth...

Old Kids on the Block

vnfjiafi2dfj...

Just got home from a great neighborhood block party and I can't even blog about it. For some reason the cat is laying across my keyboard and I can't quite access all the letters. She must feel warmth from somewhere.

OK, now she moved since Carter came into the room.

As I was trying to say... We had an INDOOR block party across the street. We all brought goodies for a potluck, then played games. I ended up shaking dice with the guys. I only had 3 quarters on me and, despite beginner's luck, had to text Carter to bring my wallet across the street so I could keep shaking. I should say that hubby was the one with the pocket full of IOUs and I am only out a dollar I still owe the next-door neighbor.

I probably should have just played Apples to Apples with the others!

Was a good time and nice to see everyone. It's weird how in the winter it's dark so early we literally don't "see" each other. In the summer, we can just walk around the circle and say "hey" to people out in their yards or whatever. In the winter, we are wisely shut up in our warm homes... watching Hallmark movies or blogging or perhaps reading a good book.

Come Monday, I have to crawl out of hibernation and join the real world again. It was nice to end my "break" with good food and great people.

I'll just BLOCK out my losses.

Keep Pushing Forward

This is one of my absolute favorite pictures of my twin and me. I thought of it today when I was wondering about making New Year's resolutions. It's always important to have someone nudging you in the right direction.

In this photo, I may have just been pushy, but it also says to me that when we can't make it on our own, it's a good thing others are there to help us get moving again.

A couple from church did that for me today. At 5:20 a.m. actually.

They somehow nudged me into accompanying them to a fitness class. So they picked me up and away we went. I will tell you more later in case I sign onto this thing, but first I will see if I can physically get myself out of bed tomorrow morning. Feeling fine now, but you know how that goes!

I spent the rest of the day doing a mix of work (like my job work), some organizing, changing the calendars (ha), and taking a few bags of donations to Bethesda. If I can get a bag or two out of my house and over there at least once a week, that's progress.

No, I did not get the whole bedroom done today. No, I did not do anything in my office / Scrap Cave. But I will keep pushing forward, striving for progress.

I do have deadlines. We may be doing some renovating / home improvements in the bedroom before spring, so I have plenty to get organized and/or removed from that room. I also have my annual Camp Crop-A-Lot scrapbooking weekend coming up 7 weeks from today so that is a pressing deadline. Lots to do to get ready there... finding photos, printing them, sorting them and prepping pictures and paper for each page, etc.

While I had hoped to do some of this stuff on vacation, you know what? I didn't. And I am fine with that. My one resolution is to not stress out unnecessarily. I have too many gray hairs as it is! I just need to be loose, let things I have no control over just roll off my back and get done what I can get done.

Be content with the progress and keep pushing forward.

I may need reminders now and again. But that's what you're here for, right? Give my old rusty wagon a nudge when I need it!

Thanks in advance.

A Little Short on Dedication

Me and New Year's resolutions go together like oil and water. When you first mix us up, we are entangled with a common goal. Then we settle down and quickly separate, rarely to meet up again over the course of 365 days.

So I don't take them THAT seriously. They are just reminders to get back on track in areas where I either fell off the track or really didn't get on it to begin with in the past 52 weeks.

I did make sure I got on that treadmill awhile today. But when I was done and getting a drink out of the fridge, I noticed my leftover container from dinner last night, when I was too full but ordered a piece of Grasshopper Pie for dessert "to go."

There were actually 2 take out containers in there. One was from last week. And a princess like me never gets around to eating leftovers. I have good intentions, but rarely follow through. Unfortunately, I raised Carter to be the same way. Whoops. And Jim can't rib us about it enough!

So I chucked the container on the bottom of the stack and opened my pie container on top, only to find it was that leftover chicken. Jim had switched the containers. In case you are wondering if I dug through the garbage for my Grasshopper Pie, the answer is: Of course!! Thankfully the container didn't pop open so i just had to wipe off some cat hair from the outside and we were all good.

And the chicken container immediately went into the garbage. Well played, honey. Well played.

It was darn tasty pie, too! Naturally, it erased any treadmill progress but I'll get better at thinking that through soon.

In fact, I may be starting in a new health and fitness direction for the new year. We'll see how it pans out but I am accompanying some friends as their "guest" at a morning class tomorrow. That would be a 5:45 a.m. class.

Why not ponder a resolution with all odds stacked against me, eh? Please give me the benefit of the doubt for one day anyway. Just one...