Reunited...

There was a song by Peaches & Herb in the late '70s that perfectly described my reunion with Mr. Deck Chair today. "Reunited... And it feels so good..."

Granted, it was only 57 degrees and I still had to swear pants and T-shirt, but it was sunny and I was determined to bring Mr. Deck Chair out of hiding while it was still March.

I was working at the home office today and considered it my "afternoon coffee break." I lasted maybe 10 minutes, but it was just long enough to feel the sun's warmth on my face. Ahhhh.... Spring.

The other sign of spring was that Carter was seriously starting some spring cleaning in the basement. While I was working, he was working on throwing out old toys and papers and setting things aside to be priced for the upcoming garage sale at his former babysitter's. After work, I started pricing things and actually had to run to Wal-Mart because I ran out of masking tape!

I'm taking a quick break to blog now because the slave driver is eating dinner. I don't know if Carter is so motivated because he wants to break the hereditary hoarding cycle or if he just wants to get his "man cave" in order.

Doesn't matter me. As long as he keeps doing the hard part. I just have to keep up.

Better get reunited with my Sharpie and masking tape again. I'm just lucky I got to have my enjoyable reunion earlier before slave driver noticed I was missing!

Reunited and it feels so good
Reunited 'cause we understood
There's one perfect fit
And, Mr. Deck Chair, this one is it
We both are so excited 'cause we're reunited, hey, hey...

Redefining Mondays

When I accidentally dropped my anti-anxiety pill down the drain first thing this morning, I knew without looking at the calendar that it was Monday.

And we wonder why it gets such a bad reputation! It can't seem to escape its own stereotype!

On a serious note, though, it was a very tough Monday for two dear friends. One lost her mother this morning and another was visiting his father for what might be the last time. My Monday morning mishap is hardly worth mentioning. They are losing so much more. And I'm praying for them.

I'm going to see if Monday can't redefine itself. When we face it – or any other rough day – let's focus on this To-Do List...

I wish I could take credit for creating it. It's such a logical list for life, isn't it?

While I do thank God daily for my blessings, it is unfortunate that others have to suffer in some fashion for me to see sometimes how truly good I have it. Even though I was griping about my mom's hoarding tendencies this weekened, I wouldn't trade her for the world. With one parent gone, I appreciate her even more.

I'm not ready for the loss my friends are coping with at this very hour. But when are we ready? I guess that's why the list includes letting go of what we can't control. When we let something go it opens our hand so God can grab hold and walk with us. Maybe even lead us through a tunnel of darkness, but definitely stay by our side every step of the way.

In case you were wondering, that's nothing new. He's always there for us.

Sometimes He's just more visible on a Monday.

Spring Break

Carter is officially on Spring Break this week. First order of business was making sure I woke him up by noon today.

Oh, this is gonna get old real fast!

Actually, it will be nice to have a break from trying to get his butt out of bed each morning. Now we'll just be on our own time, on our own schedule ... and he can stay dead to the world for hours after I've worked out and made my way to work.

That's no fun. For ME.

Unfortunately, we just couldn't all take a break together and go somewhere warm. First, we figured Carter would be in baseball and practicing. That has changed but now it's too late to take vacation since someone else in my department at work already is on the beach in Florida with his wife and 4 kids. So that leaves 2 of us to do the work this week. It would be incredibly unfair of me to take any time off. Though I hear there's a Mr. Deck Chair available POOLSIDE for me any time I want to visit my sister and brother-in-law in Texas.

So tempting!

We are supposed to have real spring weather this week, though. As in rain showers and 40 degrees. We need moisture, that's for sure. I guess Carter will be stuck inside and will have to do some chores. He already said – and reiterated after our trip Up North yesterday – that he wants to totally clean his room and the basement.

I think he said "we," assuming I'd help. Sorry, spring breaker dude, you are on your own. I look forward to seeing the results, though.

Perhaps I'll appreciate the time in the office after all!

Enjoy your spring break in whatever form you choose (or are stuck) spending it!

Surprise Disguise Party

Leave it to my family to disguise a WORK day under the guise of a birthday party for our mom! Here the Austin clan hits the road at 7 a.m. to go Up North to celebrate and we are faced with hundreds of items to price for Mom's upcoming downsizing / decluttering / living estate sale coming up in May. What the ??

Just kidding.

We knew what we were in for. Sort of.

The original plan was family birthday and Easter but that got shoved aside when we realized Mom's sale date of May 1-2 is not that far into the future. And we hadn't been back since our Dumpster days last summer to price anything. Mom didn't exactly make much progress over the fall and winter either.

So we had a full-blown "work day" of organizing, cleaning and pricing items. We did squeeze in a very good potluck lunch (gotta have a potluck in Luck) and, thank the Lord, not one birthday cake but TWO. Both with yummy, sugar-for-pricing energy frosting!

It was a long day and I wish we made more progress but Mom really wanted to oversee our work and tell us what tag to put on. Each. Stinkin'. Item.

Uff da. Now you know why I really appreciated that cake! Ha. That is the only negative I will say about it. We will just hope for the best and keep moving forward. In the meantime, God will shake his head or laugh at us as the top photo of the blanket on Mom's chair suggests.

Here are a few fun or dys-FUN-ctional finds....

Perhaps it's been a decade since my folks had a sale at their place. In the meantime, they held onto this bag that someone left behind. In case they came back. Yup. Now you know why we sometimes just have to laugh. Better than crying, I guess!

Some interesting books...

Probably easier to look in the mirror than bother reading that one!

Oh, the irony! It seems so well-used, yet, by whom?

As usual, when we're going through "old" stuff, we come across some treasures.

My nephew David was helping today and we came across a younger, more fashionable version of him! Still a good-looking young man!

Speaking of fashion...

Carter was very excited (no sarcasm) about finding these pants that my brother Ron used to wear. I mean I think he actually wore them because he wanted to, not because he had to. That's a bit scary. Almost as scary as Carter bringing them home with us because HE wants to wear them!!

Before we hit the road, I made sure to get a picture with the birthday girl. Yup, we both look tired (we were) and naked (well, no lipstick), but it was nice to "party" with her today!

Like extra frosting on my cake, the day got even better after we left. The Badgers won and made their way to the Final Four. And when we got home, there was a letter for me from my nephew who is turning his life around in prison.

Sometimes I DO like surprises!

17-Second Miracles

I listened to an uplifting audio book this week called The Seventeen Second Miracle
by Jason F. Wright.

I finished it on the ride home from work tonight and, without giving too much of the story away, I can tell you the main message is this: Seventeen seconds can change a life forever.

In the book, one of the characters must overcome a tragedy that occurred because his attention was diverted for 17 seconds. Instead of letting it define his life in a negative way, he incorporated 17-second miracles in his everyday life. He chose to live every day believing the smallest acts of kindness could change the world.

I for one believe they can.

What most would call "random acts of kindness" or just plain ol' "good manners" do not necessarily fall into an exact 17-second time slot. They may be a 5-second gesture to open the door for someone or they may take 15 minutes to give someone a ride home. Some times it's just a two-second "hello" to a stranger and other times it's 2 hours of serving meals at The Neighborhood Table.

Every act of kindness has an impact. Miracles can happen – but you must participate in them.

In the book, those learning this concept were encouraged to keep a journal. Not a self-serving record of everything they did for others, but what others did for them. It's sort of like the month of November, "Gratitude Month," when we think of 3 things each day for which we are grateful. It doesn't take us long to realized how blessed we are, does it?

Now take it step further and just incorporate that line of thinking the other 11 months, too. Reflect each day and recall: Who performed a 17-second miracle for you today?


My fitness instructor performed a 45-minute miracle, which I did not appreciate at the time. I was the only person to show up for 5:40 a.m. kickboxing class so he said he'd make a private lesson. And by "private" he meant personal torture for Robyn. I was not sure if I was going to puke or pass out. I did neither. And when I was done and did my weekly weigh-in, I was thankful for his efforts!

If I really pay attention, I'll realize that someone complimented me at work, I received a much-appreciated phone call from a friend, had a sister offer to take some extra work off my hands and my hubby did our laundry (and even tri-folded this diva's underwear).

I may not necessarily keep a journal of these small favors, kind gestures and miracles, but I will make a note to self to recognize them, appreciate them and pay them forward. It's just the right thing to do, don't you think?

A seventeen second miracle can change a life – if you let it. The clock is ticking.

Are you in? I am.

Stranglehold

stranglehold |ˈstraNGgəlˌhōld |
noun [ in sing. ]
• a grip around the neck of another person that can kill by asphyxiation if held for long enough.
• complete or overwhelming control
• a LOVING hug between twin sisters


I wonder what it was like in the womb for my twin and I. Did we come out kicking and screaming at each other or just kicking and screaming?

It crossed my mind today when I shared a Throwback Thursday photo of Raylene and I out for a walk in the woods with Mom, who celebrated her 83rd birthday yesterday.

My brother pointed out that I (in the middle) had a nice stranglehold on my loving sister. I had to chuckle because that was not the first picture I recalled seeing that. Case in point...

Were we dancing or were we stopping mid-wrestle to say "cheese"? Only the picture-taker knows.

I am, however, a little nervous to look back at more childhood photos. I mean I do consider myself a hugger as an adult, but am I a danger to society? Will something happen with my new-found strength?

Don't lose sleep over it. Remember I couldn't open the pickle jar last week? Well this morning I could not rip open the bag of frozen veggies – even at the "tear here" line. Where am I hiding my strength?

I certainly have no problem pounding on the snooze button in the morning. Or tapping in my answers to Trivia Crack. Or spooning ice cream in my mouth.

Yup, I think my twin – and the world – is safe from me!

Hugs!

Wacky Wednesday

What is wrong with this picture? Keep your list to fewer than 10 items, please!

First of all, boots and capri leggings don't jive. I realize that. In my defense, though... When I go to kick boxing, I need to switch into my athletic shoes quickly so I wear "fashion" boots that will slip right off. When it's nice, I will wear flip-flops.

Secondly, I should not be standing in snow on March 25! Here I broke out my new springy bottoms and there was no spring.

Woke up to an inch or so of heavy, wet snow covering our recently exposed dead, brown grass. Apparently Mother Nature is having another hot flash and doesn't know how to cope with it. I should let her know I have an essential oil for that!

I actually won't complain about our cold white mess, though, because some areas of Wisconsin have gotten a foot this week. Not a pasty-white leg and foot in a non-fashionable boot, but an actual 12 inches of snow.

The good news is that according to the forecast – if you choose to believe it – calls for melting weather. And I mean all the way up to 60 degrees by Tuesday.

Maybe then Miss Fancy Pants can swap out her boots for something more appropriate for the season. Which could be any of the 4 when it comes to March in Wisconsin!

Rising Together

Even though I signed the permission slip a few days ago for Carter to attend a drug-related education presentation by RISE TOGETHER, I forgot about it.

Until some mention on Facebook triggered my memory late this afternoon. And God saw to it that I saw it. I promptly texted Carter and asked how the student presentation was today. He said, "It was very good, in my opinion. Definitely worth it." So I decided I would take the night "off" and go to the evening session geared toward parents and other community members.

What is RISE TOGETHER? In a nutshell, they are a recovery advocacy group that has a passion for prevention, education and community outreach. It was started a few years ago by co-founders Anthony Alvarado and Douglas Darby, both in long-term recovery. The group is comprised of recovering addicts, family members and friends, advocates, and professionals within the community. The primary focus is on preventing substance use and abuse by our youth.

Since the founding of RISE TOGETHER, members have been creating positive change in Wisconsin and beyond. They have spoken in front of thousands of people, mostly students. As they put it, bringing education and awareness to our youth is the key to making a positive difference in any community.

In the past two days, they made multiple presentations in Wisconsin Rapids to reach approximately 3,000 middle and high school students. The presenters – teens and young adults – bring a face and voice to recovery by sharing stories, while bringing hope to the addicts who struggle every day and help prevent our youth from going down the same path of suffering.

Carter said the stories were pretty intense and moving. And I agreed.

Although we had a few different speakers at our sessions, Carter and I both heard from a mother who brought her 21-year-old daughter along – in the form of ashes in an urn – and shared her heartbreaking tale of losing her girl over a heroin overdose. He thought her story was tragic and I, as a mother, couldn't hold it together either.

Much of the focus for us adults was on statistics pointing to the epidemic of heroin use in our community. Heroin? In our little Wisconsin town? Oh yes. I wish the crowd would have been bigger tonight since I have a feeling a good majority of our population is in denial about that. They shared some disturbing statistics, even more disturbing when we parents see what our children are exposed to and have access to. Majorly scary.

When a 17-year-old local boy shared his story of addiction, overdose and near death, I got goose bumps. The kind generated from fear. What kind of world am I sending my own almost 17-year-old into each day?

Thankfully, the group's other message was of hope. I should say hope AND recovery. While the members of RISE TOGETHER desire to prompt communities to focus on prevention, they also urge them to recognize that recovery is possible. Even more so when the appropriate help is available.

There is such a misunderstanding about addiction and recovery. If you have experienced it or know a loved one who has, then you get it, know why it's hard to fight and conquer... and you believe in the power of hope.

I do hope their presentations had an impact on all who attended. I especially hope the students could grasp the life-and-death impact on the prevention end of things. That's where it needs to start. I personally don't need to see another memorial photo or hear another overdose story or poem about wanting to die to escape the harsh realities of being a teenager.

High school life can be hard. Been there. Done that. Know that. What we need our struggling and stressed-out youth to also know is that there are other ways besides drugs to cope with it.

We can face it together if we just RISE TOGETHER, right?

Clueless Madness

March Madness Brack-CAT-ology Update

Sylvester and I both have only 5 teams left in the Sweet 16. We both suck.

However, I had 4 more correct picks in the first round than she did.

So yes, I am pathetically bragging I am smarter than my cat.

I need to get a life.... And I need to get to bed since I have EARLY class. Sorry so short and not sweet (for me and my bracket anyway).

Out of the Closet

Guess what came out of the closet today? A LOT of stuff.

Since Carter's former babysitter is having her annual "first in the area" garage sale in a few weeks, I figured it was high time I get some stuff ready.

When Carter and I swapped living spaces a year ago, he went in the basement and his old bedroom became my office / crafting room / garage sale holding area.

Garage sale holding area?? I have been posting items on different online garage sale-type sites on Facebook. Had some success but it goes in streaks. In the meantime, I end up storing everything in the decent-sized closet – on hold 'til it's sold – and my other "stuff" clutters up my office since there is no room in the closet.

I decided today I would mark / price everything I've got in there and get it out once and for all. If it doesn't sell on my friend Audrey's multi-multi-family sale, then it's gonna have to go to charity. It can't come back. I have much more beyond the closet doors to price, but it was a great start today. Got everything out and now have room to put my two scrapbooking carts in the closet and who knows what else.

When I have time, ha, ha, I will go through some other items I packed away in our move. Yes, I realize it's been a year but time flies when you are having fun and not having motivation.

I got the ambition thanks to my mother actually. After our Dumpster-filling efforts last summer she is finally going to have her "living estate / downsizing" sale the first weekend in May. There is still a lot of work to be done to get her stuff ready. There is a LOT. While I have pack-rat tendencies at times, I don't want them to turn into hoarding.

Basically I have clutter because I don't take the time to decide what to do with things right away. Throw, file, respond, recycle... I hesitate and procrastinate and suddenly my whole office is a "holding area" for something.

I'm just glad a few things were willing to come of the closet today. It takes guts.

Almost as much bravery as saying I am willing to let these things go and not come back.

Just Whistling Past

Had our monthly book club meeting this morning at the coffee shop and bakery right next to my kickboxing place. How convenient after class to walk around the corner for a cinnamon roll and latte!

Our book this month was Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall. Another good read!

The plot is basically this: The summer of 1963 begins like any other for nine-year-old Starla Claudelle. Born to teenage parents in Mississippi, Starla is being raised by a strict paternal grandmother, Mamie, whose worst fear is that Starla will turn out like her mother. Starla hasn’t seen her momma since she was three, but is convinced that her mother will keep her promise to take Starla and her daddy to Nashville, where her mother hopes to become a famous singer—and that one day her family will be whole and perfect. She ends up running away and, once out in the country, Starla is offered a ride by a black woman, Eula, who is traveling with a white baby. She happily accepts a ride, with the ultimate goal of reaching her mother in Nashville. As the two unlikely companions make their long and sometimes dangerous journey, Starla’s eyes are opened to the harsh realities of 1963 southern segregation.

Pretty interesting. We got to talking about the meaning of "whistling past the graveyard," too.

According to legend (or myth), whistling in the dark – or any other time – is considered an ancient way of summoning spirits to help you in your time of need. Presumably one doesn't whistle near a graveyard in case one summons the spirits of the dead! In modern times, I would say it means a situation in which a person does something (whistling, maybe singing or talking to oneself) to make a show – to others, or even more commonly, to oneself — of bravery, or at least nonchalance, in the face of danger or difficulties.

Have you ever done this? What was the situation?

I can't whistle worth crap – unless I use two fingers in my mouth – so I either distract my "fear" with singing or talking to myself. I remember when I first had my anxiety attacks a few years ago I would carry on a 50-minute, one-sided conversation with God on my commute to work. I had to keep my mind distracted. Plus, we all know God's a good listener.

Back in the old days (aka my childhood) I was scared to death the Bogey Man was going to get me when I had to go to the outhouse in the dark. I would just say in a sing-song voice something like, "OK, I don't care if you're out here but I really have to pee so just let me be..." and keep the one-sided (again) conversation going until I did my business and was back safely in the house.

These days, I usually am conjuring up some courage only when I have situations like dealing with my fear of heights.  For one thing, I sternly tell myself not to look down. Good thing I am a good listener. It has gotten me through some scary moments.

Today, my overwhelming task was going to be cleaning up my office. Scary business. I didn't whistle, but I sure distracted myself. I road tripped up to Marshfield with hubby to visit his aunt and uncle. They weren't home so it was a somewhat wasted trip. Tonight we had to work at a fundraiser for the junior class (to help with prom expenses). Now I have to update my broken bracket.

I guess my office will still be here tomorrow. I still won't be able to whistle, but I sure am good at coming up with alternatives...

Basketball-emy Brothers

In the battle between Bucky Badger and the Bellamy Brothers, can you believe the Bellamys won?

Several months ago, Jim and sister purchased tickets for tonight's show as a gift for their mom and dad's birthdays (November and March). At the time, it was probably not on the radar that the Wisconsin Badgers would be ranked No. 1 and would be playing at the same time as the concert.

Probably wouldn't have mattered. Got home and it's halftime so I'll blog quick and get back to the March Madness action.

Concert was held at our Performing Arts Center, which must have been sold out because it was packed. Good show. Of course, hubby knew all but maybe 3 songs and I knew less than half. If you don't think you know any Bellamy Brothers songs, let me refresh your memory...

"Just let your love flow... like a mountain stream... let your love grow... with the smallest of dreams..."

"And I pray that someday I will find me a redneck girl... Gimme a, gimme a, gimme a redneck girl."

And everyone's favorite: "If I said you had a beautiful body, would you hold it against me... If I swore you were an angel, would you treat me like the devil tonight."

So yes, you DO know some of the golden oldies. And yes, I may have been the youngest person in the audience. At least among the 10 youngest. Still had a good time, though!

Should get back to March Madness now. Last I checked, I had one more right on my bracket than my cat. Will see after tonight's games are done.

And, in case you missed it.... Today was the first day of spring FINALLY! Even with temps in the 30s, I spotted the first Robyn of spring and will share her picture...

Ha. I am a dork. For all seasons. Enjoy!

Brack-CAT-ology

Every year I support certain charities, such as my mother's Cancer Walk, Special Olympics and... the office NCAA Pool.

I consider it a donation since I never, ever, ever would have a chance of winning. I don't watch the games before March Madness so my bracket reflects March Clueless. Yet, I still gave at the office.

This year, I am testing the theory that no one on the planet knows less about college hoops than me – and still forks over money each March. So I filled out a bracket on behalf of our cat Sylvester, who chose ferocious feline mascots when possible.

There are quite a few from Wildcats to Tigers to Bearcats. When a Sylvester-like species was not an option, she chose the muscle mascot. For example, a rabid Razorback will have a field day with a little Terrier, doncha think? Basically she kept to the Beast over Birds line of thinking, too.

Unfortunately, early reports indicate my theory is playing out. I am the most clueless! Sylvester, on the other hand, er paw, managed to pick upsets like Georgia State over Baylor and UAB over Iowa State.

I fear how much she is going to put me in my place. No matter how bad it gets, I'll keep you posted as the Madness continues.

In the meantime I'll do a little reading in advance of next year's "charity" event...

Wheels of Wonder

These days so many people snap photos of the "interesting" folks shopping at Wal-Mart. Some end up on personal Facebook pages while others grace the People Of Wal-Mart website.

Well, People of Walmart, meet Cars of Walmart.

As soon I came out the store tonight, this greeted me in the handicapped parking spot. I am wondering if the driver is handicapped or the car itself?

Couldn't resist taking the photo. Notice, I did protect the owner's identity by blacking out the plate. I just hope the I am protected from him or her should I ever get in their Plywood blind spot.

Uff da.

Always another reason to be cautious out there!

Well, Shake My Shamrocks

I am 100% Scandi-hoovian but since I live with two Irishmen, can speak blarney with the best o' them and can shake my shamrocks without shame, I celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

And by celebrate, I merely mean I make it a point to partake in something green – of the mint variety, not vegetables.

I worked at home office today and did not wear a spot of green. By late afternoon, though, I told hubby I planned to have a Shamrock Shake (and designed the sign above to honor it) or an Arby's Andes Mint Chocolate Swirl Shake for supper. He was going to run a errand in town and said that would be out of his way.

I took that to mean I better go get me own. So after I was done with work, I went to Arby's, which has my vote now for best mint effort – as you can see from the photo up top! Came home and enjoyed that while watching The Voice. Was just getting done when Jim got home.

With an Andes Mint Chocolate Swirl Shake.

Well, shake my shamrocks! He went out of his way for me! Wow, I couldn't drink another sip after I was done with mine. But I'll see if it freezes well and I can celebrate again tomorrow.

In the meantime, I'll keep calm and kiss my favorite Irishman!

The Really Off Season

While Carter didn't play basketball, he was plenty involved performing in Pep Band for every home game and we as parents were involved as devoted fans of the sport (and the band, of course). Now basketball for both our girls and boys teams is done.

We are currently entering the longest "off season" we've had in our household since Carter was in kindergarten. Why?

Well, after much deliberation (very much), Carter has decided not to play baseball this spring. We already knew that due to the timing of his Germany trip in June and July that Legion ball was out of the question this summer. But we (Dad and Mom) assumed he still would play for Assumption.

Carter loves baseball but has been feeling the pressure of school this year and wants to finish strong. The junior year is the toughest and we can attest to witnessing grueling, nightly homework sessions lasting well after us old folks have gone to bed. As it is, Carter's after-school time is taken up with practices (6 times a week) for the upcoming school musical. He'll be playing in the pit band for that. A neat experience to be sure. It will be the second weekend in April so he will have nearly 2 months of school after that with no after-school requirements.

Except running.

The other part of his deliberations was changing his focus to running. He told us he and his cross country teammates really want to return to state this fall AND Carter personally wants to shave off major time from his pace. He and a few of the guys who aren't in a spring sport are going to run together (daily if they can) now and in the summer so there is a better chance for improvement.

We can respect having goals. It's just going to be hard on us baseball fans to not watch him play. We'll still go to games to support the Royals. And now I guess I won't feel guilty if I sneak off to catch a softball game or heck, even soccer. Who knows? I doubt our schedule will free up as much as we think! It just never does.

Speaking of seasons... I just wrapped up my 10-week Ultimate Body Challenge at the Park Institute. What a hoot. I loved it. From the cardio kickboxing and "piloxing" (pilates and boxing) to the kettlebells and body bar, it was a lot of fun. I have renewed my membership to go to whatever classes I wish for the next 3 months. I am sure I will try to do Monday-Saturday as often as possible. My body is just starting its transformation. I need to keep the progress going!

While the scale only moved about 8-10 pounds, depending on the day, I did lose 2 inches around my waist so that's a start. There will be no "Before" and "After" photos yet. I have to wait until I start tanning. Isn't that how that works? It always seems like the "After" pictures feature a toned and tanned body. Since I'm not toned yet maybe the tan will disguise it?? Hmmm. I don't know.

Another benefit is the strength training. That comes and goes, I guess. Yesterday during the birthday party I had to have my father-in-law help me open a pickle jar. A few minutes later he asked how my fitness classes were going. I said, "I can do push-ups now. I'm getting stronger." He said, "But you can't open a pickle jar?" Oh, whoops. I guess I FEEL stronger, but maybe I'm not quite there yet.

We'll see what happens as I move into the next season of my "sport" and cope with Carter not moving into his. Change can be good.

Right?

Birthday BBQ Bash

With temperatures hovering close to 60 today, it was pretty fitting that Son No. 1 requested barbecued brats for his birthday bash. No rain or sleet or snow. Just decent grilling weather!

We actually held an Austin March Birthday party for Casey, now 24 (yikes), Jim's mom (age not reported) and brother-in-law Baird (age not reported either, which means over 50). Killing 3 birds with one cake, right?

Served up some Ski's Meat Market brats (Bloody Mary, Double Beer and Onion & Garlic), all good according to our attendees. Accompanied by some cheesy potatoes (recipe courtesy my sister Romey), "calico beans" (recipe also courtesy of Romey), and some cole slaw and apple snicker salad courtesy of the birthday girl.

That was plenty to serve the parents, Baird, Sherry, Colin and his girlfriend, plus all 3 of our boys. No one went away hungry. 

No photos of gift opening since we are all about gift cards and cash at this age. So I took a quick pic of the March birthday babies and the "store-bought" cake that I decorated (ha, well, I put the "Happy Birthday" letters on there anyway).

Just didn't have enough time to bake and do basketball this weekend. The party did serve as a great excuse for some spring cleaning. So floors got mopped and some windows cleaned. Ran out of time to do much more but there were no complaints.

Maybe tomorrow I can get some more done after work... and reward myself with leftover birthday cake and ice cream. That looks like a good March tradition, too.

Happy birthday for us all!

Silver Belles

There's no shame in being the second-best Division 5 basketball team in the state of Wisconsin. Still, it is quite the bummer to work so hard and not take home the gold ball. Still, silver is pretty, doncha think?

Gametime was 11:05 a.m. so we were pretty much on the road at 8 a.m. We had a great crowd of supporters decked out in Royal Blue and crossing our fingers that this year was OUR turn for the championship.

It just wasn't meant to be.

After Barneveld captured a solid lead, they never looked back. The invisible force field that prevented our shots (even the easy ones) from going in was no help either. The closest we ended up coming to them was a 10-point margin after a late 3rd-quarter / early 4th-quarter push.

Poopy.

 

After all our previous contests with them, the 59-43 margin was not at all what the players, coaches and fans expected. Still, it is probably an easier pill to swallow than losing by just one point and knowing one little basket could have made the difference. This way, we know a lot of things should have gone better.

Late this afternoon, we gave them a Welcome Back / You Girls Still Rock reception at school.

There were some tearful speeches and heartfelt praise for the team and supporters. What a great group of girls. I love my "daughters" on the team. Ha. And, the good news is that we have no seniors on the team so they are ready to make a run for it again next year.

Way to go, Silver Belles!

If you didn't catch the game live or on TV, here are a few highlights... as in Carter makes the big screen...

Thank goodness for those easy-to-spot spirit bibs.

I see the bibs. I see his baritone. Just not his face. But we KNOW who he is, right?

Sneaking into the frame during some halftime tunes.

Speaking of sneaking... There's me trying to sneak back to my seat after visiting friends in the front row. Glad I curled my hair today for the BIG theatrical debut!

We were just happy to be there. Despite the loss, there's at least 150 other D-5 schools in the state who wish they were in our Silver slippers!

Well done, Lady Royals!

Walkin' On Sunshine

According to one of my co-workers, today was the warmest day in the past 100 days or so. I believe it. We definitely haven't seen 66 degrees in 2015, that's for sure.

Too bad I had to work. INSIDE.

I did manage to take a very slow walk around the outside perimeter of the office in mid-afternoon. I stepped carefully with my face tilted to the sun, enjoying that unusual warmth! Oh what a lovely taste of spring!

I'm pretty sure even from Iola I could hear Mr. Deck Chair calling me from 45 miles away, summoning me to his side. Unfortunately, I had to stand him up. No date today. Work comes first after a day off.

After work, I headed straight into town. Stopped at the library to pick up a new audio book for next week. Then went over to St. Lawrence for their Lenten Fish Fry. The Austins had quite the presence there. Jim was washing dishes (as he does there every Friday) and both his mom and sister were pouring beverages for diners at their tables. I was the only slacker NOT volunteering – and eating. Oh well, I paid for my meal so I was helping the cause, right?

Came home from there because I had the house to myself since Carter was washing dishes, too (at work). Got some laundry done and watched some girls high school hoops.

My college roommate is a JV coach for one of the Division 3 schools (Kettle Moraine Lutheran) so I got to see her on TV, sitting on the bench taking stats. We were both hoping our teams would win so we'd both be in Green Bay tomorrow. Her team lost, though, so we'll have to try another time!

Our Royal Fan-Mobile will be on the road at 8 a.m. so I guess I should get some sleep and dream about the beach. I think it will be spring-like for the weekend and then back to highs in the 40s next week. Ugh.

Gotta walk on sunshine while we can!

Once, Twice, Three Times ... for the Ladies

A half day off of work is work a full day of excitement any time there's March Madness involved! Headed over to Green Bay for the semi-final matchup between our Lady Royals of Assumption and the South Shore Cardinals.

It feels weird saying we're going to "state" and it's not Madison anymore. A few years ago, though, they changed the venue to the Resch Center in Green Bay – a very nice and perfectly sized facility for the girls state basketball tournament.

This is our ladies' third year in a row earning this trip. There are no seniors on the team so our juniors have quite a bit of experience since their freshman debut here in 2013. But we had a big obstacle to face with the team from way up north in Port Wing: Their lead scorer Megan Gustafson, averaging 40 points per game this season, is the new record-holder for most career points scored by a girls high school hoops player in Wisconsin.

Yup, she's a 6'3" scoring machine and we had to stop her without getting into foul trouble. No matter how well they'd done previously to earn this trip, our girls could take nothing for granted.

The only thing they could count on was their huge number of supportive fans, the amazing Pep Band (ha)... oh, and their incredible defense.

That was huge today as they scored off many turnovers, held Gustafson to just 30 points (of the team's 43) and despite big-time foul trouble for us, only had one of our girls foul out. Thank goodness we don't rely on only one girl to score. We needed everyone.

And while the Royals had a good lead going into halftime, Gustafson scored 22 of her points in the second half, bring the Cardinals to within 10 points. I think that was the closed they got.

And at the buzzer, our ladies are headed to their 3rd trip to the Division 5 state championship game in 3 years.... against the same team.

Oh yes, there will be drama. Two years ago we beat Barneveld by 4 points to take home the gold ball. Last year, they beat us by 4 points and we got silver. So it's obviously OUR turn on Saturday, right?

Third time's a charm, they say. Let's hope it holds true for our charming group of ladies!!

GO ROYALS!

Forbidden Fruit

So Adam and Eve were tempted by the Forbidden Fruit much in the same way our children are tempted to do something just because we tell them not to.

"Don't touch that." They touch it.
"Don't put that in your mouth." They put it in their mouth.
"Stop running." They run.
"Don't go in there." The go in there.

Even though we are grownups and KNOW we should resist temptation and we KNOW curiosity killed the poor cat, we are lured by Pandora's box just as much as the next person of any age.

Every time I go to fill my water bottle at work, I walk past this door with a sign that says: "Please Do Not Open This Door For Any Reason."

I have become obsessed with it! What the heck could possibly be in there? Is it top secret? Is it "booby trapped" so everyone will know if I disobey the sign?

I am reminded of one of dozens of hilarious scenes in the movie Young Frankenstein.

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: "Love is the only thing that can save this poor creature, and I am going to convince him that he is loved even at the cost of my own life. No matter what you hear in there, no matter how cruelly I beg you, no matter how terribly I may scream, do not open this door or you will undo everything I have worked for. Do you understand? Do not open this door."

I WANT to open that door! I showed hubby the picture I took and he said, "Oh, so-and-so showed me what was in there once." I immediately pounce on this: "What?? What is in there??"

Of course, he says, "I can't tell you. Stay out of there."

What a stinker!

Thank goodness I am working from home tomorrow and taking the afternoon off to go watch state basketball. That definitely will put that darn door out of my head.

Until I go to fill up my water bottle on Friday...

And you wonder why I can't sleep at night.

Second Chance to Chill

Feeling pressure from my Mint constituents, I knew I better try one of those new Grasshopper Mousse Pie Blizzards this month.

While I had hoped to dip into one on Friday or Saturday, I wasn't in the vicinity of a Dairy Queen. On Sunday after church, I drove right by with all intentions to stop but even so close to noon, it wasn't open yet! By then I figured my diet gods had stronger will power than my mint network – or it just wasn't meant to be.

I'm a big fan of second chances, though.

Today I worked from the home office to accommodate an 11:30 church committee meeting. It just happened to get done before noon and my church just happens to be only 3 blocks from DQ. Just to make sure I didn't show up before noon, I stopped at the bank first. Then, as timing would have it, I got to DQ to see a neon OPEN sign.

I figured I better just order a small one – in case I didn't like it. (Eye Roll). Plus, I had worked out this morning and really didn't need to set myself back already. The "pie" was so light and fluffy, though, it couldn't have contained many calories, could it?

Glad I gave DQ a second chance to be open. While I enjoyed the new flavor – and wouldn't turn it down if one was purchased for me – I didn't fall in LOVE with it. I know, I know. I have high mint standards. Plus, I really prefer "hard" ice cream to soft serve. I feel like I'm getting some substance to the fat intake. Ha.

Between that and the open window in my office (60 degrees today), I was in a good mood.

Even after parent-teacher conferences! Nothing too bad. Carter is still "a joy to have in class" and charming and respectful. He just has some study habits he needs to hone sooner rather than later.

Good thing I am not the only one who believes in second chances!

Daze-Light Saving Time

If you ever doubted one hour can make a difference then you obviously don't suffer the ill effects of Daylight Saving Time.

When the headlines read: "Daylight Saving Time can be a health risk," I can relate.

Health experts say losing an hour of sleep, like many may did this weekend, can have long-term negative effects on your body weight, metabolism, and heart health. New research shows daylight saving time has been linked to a jump in heart attack rates, by almost 25 percent. We are also more susceptible to “microsleeps”– the act of zoning out to the point you are asleep, possibly even with your eyes open.

Frankly, my fear after not sleeping well at all last night was falling asleep at the wheel or at the desk. Somehow I managed to stay alert for both, despite an excessive amount of yawning today.

I never have this issue in the fall but the spring time change always kicks my butt.

I hit the snooze almost an extra half hour this morning, but still made it to work on time. Carter, who rigged up a second alarm clock to hang over his head, could not get up without a  lot of prompting either. Tonight he wanted to take a 3-hour nap and then do homework.

I asked, "Who is going to wake you up 3 hours from now? You know you can't wake up on your own."

He didn't have an answer for that one. And I can't say much since I don't exactly jump out of bed either. Perhaps we should both keep track of how any times we hit the snooze this week.

Winner, naturally, is granted an extra hour of sleep. Let's play!

Sprung Forward

Who knew all we had to do is turn our clocks ahead an hour and spring would arrive? Had I known, I would have done this 3 months ago!

After some below-zero mornings last week, today was certainly a treat with its sunny skies and temps climbing to 45 degrees. Walka. Love it!

I managed to have a spring in my step despite losing an hour of sleep... which I really didn't "lose" since I slept in and skipped 8 a.m. church. I realized later, there was a reason God had me rest and go to the 10:30 service instead.

We think God works in mysterious ways but really, He knows His plan. We are just slow to figure it out sometimes. Today, He had two of us "8 o-clockers" break routine and go to the later service. Thanks to His design, we were both able to be there for a friend in need. A friend who hasn't been to church lately but chose today to go. Praise the Lord for his sense of timing.

I shed some tears after our girl huddle. I feel badly for my girlfriend and her current struggle but am so thankful she now has two more people praying for her. There is the positive.

With such a glorious day, that was the only downer. I went to the car wash after church and then did a little bridal shower shopping for one of my nieces. The shower isn't until the end of May, but I had some ideas. At my age, you ACT when you have the ideas because you may not remember them later!

Got home and threw open a few windows and commenced to some spring cleaning. "Some," I said. I didn't go overboard because I wanted to at least get outside.

You might say competition heats up around here when the temperature does... In the tug of war between Mr. Deck Chair and my new running kicks, how on earth did I let the shoes win?!

I don't know but it felt awesome to be back out on the road again. I could tell all my "cross training" has been helpful because I wasn't in pain or winded at all. Mind you, I only went 2 miles since it was the first run of 2015 and I was playing it smart. Still, I got out there. (And the news shoes from Santa feel great.)

For the record, 10 more degrees and Mr. Deck Chair would have won. Hands down.

We may get there yet this week. We'll see.

Speaking of springing forward... The darndest thing happened when I was busy at home changing the clocks last night. Carter waited for the girls hoops team to return on their bus in order to "team up" with #14, his friend Gracie.

Awww. So glad a friend captured the "prom-posal" for me! And glad the girls made it to state. While I knew about the poster and Plan A, I am not sure what Carter's Plan B would have been.

Guess it doesn't matter. If there's one thing I've learned today, things have a way of working out, don't they?

Re-Run for State

If you a drew a circle with about a mile radius, you'd find three Assumption families with 11th-graders – one with a boy basketball player, one with a girl basketball player and one with a supportive Pep Band member.

The six of us parents loaded up a Royal Fan-Mobile this morning at 9:30 and headed northeast to Oconto Falls, the very large host gymnasium for our girls' sectional final against Green Bay-NEW (NorthEast Wisconsin) Lutheran.

We got there in a little over 2 hours so had more than an hour to wait until 1 p.m. game time. Then this news....

Well that "mishap" meant the refs (who showed up to officiate in a different town) would not be arriving in Oconto Falls until 1:30. So what's the logical thing to do? Find the nearest "refreshment stand."

About 9 or 10 of us ladies loaded up in minivans and found The Penguin downtown, which served up tasty bloody marys for them and for me, the only diet soda available: Diet RC Cola. Wow. Did not know they still made that. Let alone served it anywhere. Had some fun wasting time there and then it was back to serious business for a roughly 2 p.m. start.

After such a close game Thursday night, our girls were fired up to dominate today. And they did!  Jumped to an early lead and this time, never looked back. It was not as climatic as our win the other night, except this time, at the buzzer, we knew it meant a back-to-back-to-back trip to STATE!

Bring on the March Madness for Assumption fans!!!

Here are a few photo highlights (nothing fancy from my camera phone)...

Pep Band had their own bus. And thanks to the delay, had quite a long gig!

Carter's baseball coach Mr.Thomas lent a hand on baritone.

Let's get ready to rumble!

Sure would be nice to do this at state next week, too!

Another mom took this at the buzzer. See the red arrow pointing to me trying to get a picture from the bleachers? Her's turned out much better!!

Some of Carter's classmates showing their excitement!

Always good that fans make signs like this "just in case".

Way to go Sectional Champs!

After the excitement wound down, we hit the road. Ended up stopping in Stevens Point to eat supper and now that we're home, I've already changed the clocks ahead, I am ready to just plain relax. What a long and rewarding day, though! 

So proud of all my extra "daughters." Can't wait to see what their 3rd trip to state in 3 years brings.