Just Say NO-vember

Well thank goodness NO-vember is coming to a close so I can quit saying "no" to everything. Because you know I was so good at that!

At least Carter was diligent. Although the dress code at Assumption prohibits facial hair, the senior boys were allowed to participate in No-Shave November if they donated to St. Jude's Children's Fund. He donated and let it grow. He wouldn't let me take a picture to show his final progress. In other words, it wasn't much. He could grow some mean mutton chops some day but that's about it.

So glad he shaved tonight. I love seeing his clean face!

Although I was the queen of NO progress as well, I decided to finish strong for real. Although I forgot this weekend to wear that FitBit I HAD to have on Black Friday, I did remember today. I took a walk break at lunch and tonight tried out our new treadmill that was delivered today.

Guess who has 10,000 steps? That's right. It isn't that hard to do if you put some effort into it. Too bad that great idea didn't come to me a month ago!

I dread changing the calendar to December, though. It's a terribly divisive month. Half of me wants to make up for all those New Year's Resolutions I did not keep the previous 11 months. The other half wants to sit around and enjoy some Schwan's Peppermint Stick ice cream and Hallmark Christmas movies and start again in January.

I think you know which way I tend to go. But can I break the vicious cycle? It's not like I used up my supply of NOs in November. I'll have to check with my carrier to see if i can roll them over to the next month.

I know I never run out of excuses. Maybe I should switch my plan.

Advent by Angel-light

And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. – Luke 1:35

Each year, to launch the Advent season, our church holds an "Advent by Candelight" event for the ladies of the congregation and special guests. Several women host a table by elegantly decorating it for 8 place settings, including candles, of course. I sat at my friend Chris' table, which was beautiful!

Typically, we enjoy some hors d'oeuvres to start off and then sit at the pretty tables for dessert and music. This year, though, we had a speaker set the tone for the evening. To tie into the theme from the passage of Luke, Bruce Van Natta shared his experience with angels.

In 2006, while working as a diesel mechanic, Bruce was crushed under a semi-truck and essentially died. While hovering that fine line between life and death, he had an out-of-body experience and saw two angels the Lord had sent to save his life. He was in so much pain, he said it would have been easier to let go and be gone for good. However, the paramedic working on him kept him returning to consciousness, telling him to fight for what mattered. When he remembered he had a wife and 4 children, he fought. And stayed alive. And had a brutal rehabilitation, learning how to walk and talk and everything in between.

Bruce lives in the Wisconsin Rapids area and now shares his testimony around the country, giving hope to those who doubt God's love or His plan for them. It was an inspiring story – and far more detailed than I shared here.

And it hit home for me.

Funny how a date sticks in your mind, but it was 17 years ago today that God saved my life, too. No, there wasn't a major accident or angel sighting. He just put a major roadblock in my life so I would stop going down the path I was on. It was not easy to change directions, but I wouldn't be around today if I hadn't. Like Bruce, I had to be reminded that there were special people to fight for.

And those two angels make it worth it every day.

Comfort Food

Sometimes comfort food means eating with people who make you comfortable. Or crazy. In a good way, of course.

Carter and I hit the road at 8 a.m. to head Up North to the annual Cookie Bake, a.k.a Cookie Exchange, a.k.a. Family Game Day, a.k.a. Another Grazing Day.

We had about 20 of us at my twin sister's house. Was a fun day of doing all of the above. Am working on limited battery and signal, but had to blog and share the picture of one of the displays on Raylene's deck. She's so creative.

And there was ice on most of the ponds and small lakes. A little more snow up here, too, but not by much. A lot on the way,  but not until we are home late tomorrow ... about the time I may actually be hungry again!

White Friday

If you look closely, you'll see we awakened to a White Friday instead of Black Friday. Just enough to stick on the grass, the trees, the deck and Carter's car. Otherwise the roads were fine when I ventured out a little after 8 a.m.

I was a on mission today. Big list of things to do and places to go, knowing I'll be out of town tomorrow and much of Sunday.

First stop was Wal-Mart. Yes, again. I had to return the FitBit and get the more expensive model since the one I grabbed last night is the just the basic one and has no display. For me, the point of having one is so I can look at it and see where I'm at for the day. I don't want to have to sync it to my phone and then see how many steps I've got. Amazingly, the parking lot was pretty empty and the store was, likewise. Had no line for customer service and easily got my purchases so I could make it to a 9 a.m. basketball game.

This weekend is the Cranberry Classic tournament at Assumption. Jim is on the organizing committee so he was there all day today and will be tomorrow, too. I wanted to see the JV girls play so I could see Allie Cat again. Don't know if my schedule will allow me to get to too many of the JV games. Usually just varsity. So it was good to see them win!

After that I had to stop at the local "fitness store" to buy a treadmill. We both had scoped it out this month and knew they'd have a deal on Black Friday. So that will be delivered Monday. Between the FitBit and the treadmill, you think I can start keeping up with my Pumpkin Spice diet? How about the eggnog one around the corner?

Let's hope so.

Came home and got all my Cookie Bake stuff together, then ran to GNC with Carter for their BF sale, involving protein shake deals for our muscle man. Came home and proceeded to sit at the computer the rest of the day working on a freelance deadline. Got that done about 6 so I had time to make something for the Cookie Bake lunch tomorrow before heading to another basketball game.

This time it was the varsity boys in their first game of the season, albeit non-conference. They did great against Nekoosa and came away with a 20-point victory. Let's keep it rollin' this season! That would be exciting.

Got home about 10 p.m. and I know I should pack so I can be on the road by 8 a.m., but I have run out of steam. I'll have to see if this new-fangled FitBit measures packing as cardio. Then I'll know it was worth the money!

Hope your black or white or grey Friday measured up to YOUR expectations!

Count Your Dressing, er Blessings

In the tradition that is Thanksgiving, I stuffed myself to the point of no return. Then still had room for pie, of course. Now even my fingers are full and I am having a difficult time typing.

This is why I also declared it "National Stretchy Pants Day." No one should feel uncomfortable just for following tradition. Especially anyone in hubby's family who can't stop at just one helping of his mom's tasty dressing. So bad for me, but so good!

Before the turkey and our tummies were stuffed, though, we had a small Thanksgiving celebration of our own. The three of us drove over to Winnebago to spend some time with my nephew Tony, who otherwise would have to spend the holiday without family. Since we weren't sure how the weather would play out today, we didn't let him know we were coming. He was very grateful for the surprise. We were grateful to see him with a smile on his face and talking about plans for a future when his "time" is done. God, bless him!

From there we came back to Rapids and went straight to Jim's sister's house. We hosted Turkey Day last year so Sherry took a turn this year. Casey made it home from Eau Claire, too, so we had 9 of us. Plenty of good food and visiting. Since the crowd numbered 4 Viking fans, 2 Bear fans, 2 Packer fans and one undecided, we decided to split up and go home before the Bears-Packer game. Ha.

The beauty of having a Packer game going on is that Carter and I could run into town for the pre-Black Friday sales and had no crowds. Actually, was just stopping at Wal-Mart to get a FitBit but took him with in case he found anything else I could add to his Christmas pile. He found a few things, naturally.

Ran into our neighbor girl (Carter's age) who was working there and she told us that the crowd was pretty crazy when the sale started at 6 p.m. And by crazy she means a lot of people and a knife-wielding woman who refused to leave the store. Not kidding. Ironic that I was in prison and Wal-Mart today and the first seemed safer!

Since the crowds were low, we headed over to ShopKo, too, where Carter found a few more things. I went to a certain hoodie rack 3 times and finally had the willpower to walk away empty-handed, reminding myself I was not shopping for ME – except for the FitBit, of course. At least Carter's present from Santa (and his helper) is done now.

Came home and still have plenty of the evening left to get comfy in my stretchy pants and digest that dressing.

Oh, and count my blessings! Don't count calories, just blessings.

Hope you found much to be thankful for today. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!

Over the River...

Who remembers this song?

"Over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house we go...
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the white and drifted snow..."

It seems this week is the launch pad for holiday travel. And it can always get tricky. Since November temps can range from 16 to 60, we never know what to expect. My friends in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois know all about that after getting 8-10 inches of snow last weekend!

Today, though, I didn't think anything of it while driving to work. Until I came across this accident scene...

This was on a county road where the speed limit is just 45 mph. I could not figure out how the vehicle could flip. Driving was fine for my commute shortly before 8 a.m. But as you can see from the lights reflecting on the wet road, the surface may have been slippery just 15 or 20 minutes earlier.

I hope the people involved were OK. I didn't hear another thing about it all day. But it was a good reminder to use extra caution this time of year when the mild temperatures in the garage can be misleading for what has been happening outside while we were sleeping!

Like every holiday weekend, expect traffic and deteriorating road conditions. Be alert and be careful so you can reach your destination and everyone will be thankful to see you!

We will be doing a little bit of travel. Celebrating with Jim's family on Thursday, then I'll hook up with mine on Saturday at the annual Cookie Bake/Exchange up north. Sometime between those 2 gatherings we are supposed to get a few inches of sleet, slush and snow.

If that could all melt before I go over the river and through the woods on Saturday morning, I would be most grateful! And that's what the holiday is all about right?

Wishing you safe travels and a happy Thanksgiving!

Tip Off

If you count the cross country banquet last Wednesday as a season finale, Royals fans didn't quite get a week off between the end of one sports season and the start of another. But I was excited for another basketball season to tip off!

The girls' season has about a week's jump on the boys', not counting our Cranberry Classic Tournament at Assumption this weekend.

We made sure to get to the girls JV game tonight because we have some freshman girls to cheer on. One was on the cross country team and the other is the daughter of some friends of ours, who we've known since she was shorter than Carter and he could actually babysit her. Now Allie is a half-head taller than him at least! Glad we got to witness her high school debut, especially since she scored 12 of Assumption's first 12 points. Yes! Should be fun to watch this year!

It was great to see our varsity team back action, too. The challenge for fans is that when the last time you see a team play is during the state championship game, you expect them to pick up right where they left off. Unfortunately, Neillsville had other ideas. Just like last year, they handed the Lady Royals their first loss, by a measly 3 points. On a positive note, there weren't many losses that followed that one last year and, hopefully, the same will hold true this season.

Of course, the action on the sidelines is just as important. Missed hearing the Pep Band, naturally, but especially all my "social" time with the mom squad. There is a new rule in girls hoops this year that is putting a damper on that, though. High school girls now play 2 18-minute halves instead of 4 8-minute quarters. So there is no time to chit-chat between quarters – only during time outs. It's going to take some getting used to. Guess we'll have to ponder socializing off the court.

Well now that I think about it, that should be resuming, too. Hurray for hoops!

Scaling Back

Still trying to finish NO-vember on a strong note, but it seems the odds are against me.

What are the chances I actually get motivated to go to kickboxing after work and class gets canceled? Pretty slim chances but yes, I got there and there was a note posted that it was called off. So, you know me, I took the whole night off.

The thing with this early darkness is that it is stinkin' dark early! Too dark to go traipsing around the neighborhood trying to get exercise. Hopefully, hubby and I will be replacing out dead treadmill soon. We may have found one that will do the work, I mean work for us.

Until then, I guess it's a good move the set the scales back 10 pounds. Even 5 is a good holiday buffer.

We can find other venues for exercise, too. Instead of parking my butt on the couch to watch The Voice tonight, I could do sit-ups and push-ups doing commercials.

Just kidding. The popcorn's already poppin'.

Good thought, though.

Unstable Condition

You hate to hear about accidents during hunting season, but someone shot themselves in the foot today.

That would be the Minnesota Vikings.

Unstable. Inconsistent. Disappointing. Yes, they beat someone today: themselves. When they've got their highest number of penalties in a game this year, they might as well have handed the W over to the Packers on a silver platter, draped with yellow flags.

Grrrr.

I don't mind close games but my boys didn't show up. Naturally, I was hoping they would. Expecting it actually. So much so, I probably did a little bit too much flaunting of my purple pride today in church. Whatcha gonna do when you have to give a 2-minute talk in front of the congregation and a Viking shirt was lying on top of the laundry basket of clean clothes? Unavoidable, really.

Although I didn't shoot myself in the foot, I pretty much put them both in my mouth. Not cocky, just confident. Wisely I did not predict a win, just sneaked a "Go Vikes!" into the microphone. Yup. Good thing God loves all His children.... red and yellow, black and white... and purple!

Time to go lick my wounds for awhile. Hope our condition improves.

Successful Hunt

I wouldn't call us impostors, per se, but we kind of were. Even though our hubbies don't wear blaze orange,  a bunch of us pretended they do in order to score some "Hunter's Widow" deals today.

Armed with our Christmas lists, we started off for Mall of America at 7 a.m. My new employer sponsored the trip and we were allowed to bring a guest. I kidnapped my BFF Christine and, between employees and guests, we filled 3 coach buses!

The only other times I've been to the MOA (as it's called) has been with kids in tow. I've experienced the amusement park as both Camp Snoopy and Nickelodeon Universe. This was my first trip there where I could actually shop. And for 8 hours to boot!

If success means money falls out of our pocketbooks like ornaments dropping from a Christmas tree, then we are high achievers!

Did I get ALL my Christmas shopping done? No. Partly because Carter didn't text me his list until well after our arrival. And partly because there rarely are bargains at MOA. It's a tourist attraction. People will shop there no matter what.

Still, I did find some good stuff, enjoyed lunch, ice cream and Caribou coffee with my bestie, found time for a much needed half-hour massage break (yes, MOA has everything) AND felt right at home in Viking territory.

May not have found deals, but I'd say our hunting excursion was priceless.

No Do-Overs

When you are two-thirds of the way into something and it's not working, is it too late to start over? Or do you just quit?

I'm talking about NO-vember, of course. The month I was really, really, really going to try to say NO to all those extra calories... to basically save them for Christmas, I guess. I even hung this poster in my cubicle at work for inspiration.

I hate when they use a picture of me without my permission, we'll let it go this time.

Back to letting myself go... A sure I have NOT been saying NO is that I've had a banana sitting on my desk at work for two days, but have been too full of pizza, cookies and Kringle to eat it. I brought the cookies into work so I wouldn't eat them at home. Go ahead and say it, "How'd that work out for ya?"

So I guess I might as well let it go now – the banana, that is – and use it for banana bread... which of course I load with chocolate chips and peanut butter chips and calories and yummyness...

You see my dilemma.

I won't give up, but I will have to stipulate right off the bat that tomorrow is a "free pass" because I am going to the Mall of America all day. And Thursday, Thanksgiving, of course has to be a free pass. And you might as well throw in the Hedberg Cookie Bake next Saturday, too.

Other than that, I'd say I'm pretty dedicated to finishing strong this month. Can't wait to get my "poster body" back by December!

Flying Advisory

With the 30 mph wind gusts today, I felt like a character in the Wizard of Oz. Was it a tornado? No. Should have been a Broomstick Advisory, though, as I had a heckuva time flying to work!

I wish I could click my ruby red slippers, socks, flip-flips, anything, together 3 times and end up on a beach. Not gonna happen.

Naturally, as things go in November, the wind brought with a drop in temperature. When I saw the layer of ice on the little rain puddles on the deck, I knew it could only mean two things. One, I'd have to finally don a jacket. And two, it's time for Mr. Deck Chair to go into hibernation.

I should add: Three, it's time for me to buy some ruby red flip-flops!

In the meantime, I'll stay warm with a steady supply of fashion scarves and boots... and occasional trips to Mexico. Well, el Mezcal, which as close as we get there in Rapids.

Enjoyed a nice after-work dinner with work friends. We have 3 people in our department in home offices, spread out in Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Chicago. When any of our "remote" workers come to the home office we just HAVE to enjoy a meal out to catch up on non-work things – or talk about people from work who aren't there. (Ha, just checking who's reading.)

It was a good time. My stomach actually aches from laughing. We were all happy to confirm we have ab muscles! Just need to find them through the layers of my "pollo el camino." Yeah, I had a "chicken car." That and some good salsa warmed me right up.


Had a nice tail wind on the way home, too. Take that, November.

The Finish Line

We, well Carter, officially wrapped up the cross country season and career tonight with the team banquet. Due to full teams for both boys and girls, we had a great turnout of some 60 members of the Royal Runner Family.

I am going to miss this next year. It's such a unique sport with individuals competing with each other while working together as a team! Everyone just wants to do their absolute best! As one mom of one of the new girl runners noted, "It's not like any other sport. The boys and girls are close. They bond and so supportive of one another. It's great!"

After a great potluck meal, the first surprise tonight was that the guys from last year's state team earned WIAA All-State Academic Honors, which means as a team they averaged a GPA over 3.5 or higher. Theirs was 3.67, I think. Of the 8 Division 3 teams earning it, they ranked 3rd. Nice to see academic achievements tied into sports!

Girl power!

Our full boys team!

Carter receiving his 4th-year varsity letter from assistant coach Duhn.

And the seniors! When the guys were freshman, there were 4 seniors. They've had to carry the leadership torch ever since and have done a fine job!

It's been an invaluable experience for Carter. We are proud as parents, too, and just pleased he found a sport he enjoyed on and off the course. Will miss it next year but might find myself cheering on the next generation, so to speak.

I mean what else am I going to take pictures of when Carter's off at college?

Sigh... another senior year "last" checked off the books.

Size May Matter

I think I need one of those adjustable beds. Like the hospital kind but for people who hopefully aren't so sick they need a hospital. Then I could sit up and possibly get some sleep at night instead of all the sinus drainage leading to cough, cough, coughing. Needless to say, I did not get up early. I did not go to kickboxing class.

While I was at work, two co-workers stopped in after visits to the doctor. One had strep throat. The other had some congestion and cough crud like I had. Since I was told by numerous blog readers that I shouldn't mess around with a sinus infection and I should get antibiotics sooner rather than later, I figured I might as well make it 3 for 3 in our department and head over to the clinic on my lunch hour.

I did not know half the population of Wisconsin Rapids would be there! Well, not half. But about a dozen in the waiting room – all but 2 wearing those lovely "germ masks" to keep our coughs to ourselves. Obviously something going around!

At one point during my hour wait to get in, a woman comes out with her granddaughter and remarks, "Wow, everybody's got a mask on today!"

The girl responds, "That's because they're all dying!"

Nice. That's encouraging, isn't it?

Finally got in and found out the backup was due to only one doctor on duty since the other called in sick. Wow, even doctors get sick! Based on the waiting room full of masked crusaders, I can see why.

So the good doctor examined me and confirmed a sinus infection and prescribed some antibiotics for me.

When the pill is bigger than your head, it's gotta work, right? The really are pretty big so hopefully size does matter and they help!

I have to take them for 10 days. Pretty sure they would be easier to swallow if I had, say, an Eggnog Shake to go with them... Let me know when you spot those in town. I'm I can count on my readers to keep me in the know!

Thanks!

Under Pressure

No matter how hard I try, I just can't even give this cold away. I tried giving it to hubby and now we're just sharing it, a sort of joint custody, taking turns with the coughing fits at night.

The side effect for me is that for the past week or so I have had a headache. Not the pounding kind, but more like a pressure. Like when you're in an airplane and changing altitude. I was worried I was part vampire and reacting to a full moon or some atmospheric change. But after talking to a few girlfriends, I got it figured out.

No, not the Bird Flu. Though that would have been ironically fitting.

It's a sinus headache or sinus infection or sinus something!

I guess I haven't had this before but the symptoms, according to Web MD, all match up. I know... not everything on the Internet it true but I was trying to avoid another trip to the doctor. And it's a very smart website. I was surprised that the recent onset of sensitivity in my upper teeth is tied to this sinus thing, too. Who knew?

Apparently lots of people. Maybe the vampires even knew. I just had to ask.

So at lunch I went to the store and got some over-the-counter meds targeted to sinus PRESSURE and more. Plus I got a fun little nasal spray that is a joy to shove up my nose and shake things up a bit.

We'll see what works. I can handle the coughing at night, but I would like to have relief from the pressure.

The pressure to be a domestic goddess is enough on its own, don't ya think?

On the Bright Side...

Nothing tastes as sweet as a Vikings victory after a monstrous baking project gone wrong.

It certainly added a much-needed bright spot to the day after I managed to screw up a perfectly good Monster Cookie recipe that I have always had success with before. Looking back on the day, I know it was entirely my fault... but I'll still blame the bird flu.

Now you just gotta know, right?

Went to 8 o'clock church and then shopping "quickly" at Wal-Mart to pick up ingredients for the cookies. Wanted to get them baked today so we can ship a package to our German son Lukas this week for his birthday next week.

Well, I got a bit distracted at the store. They have been moving everything around – and I mean everything – so it is hard enough to find what you need, let alone write a list in order from the back of the store to the front like I usually do. Then throw in visits with at least 3 people and I am there 90 minutes.

Now the thing with the bird flu is that the outbreak this summer led to an egg shortage, higher prices and lower quality eggs (in my experience). The recipe calls for a whole dozens eggs. I told you it is monstrous. The ones labeled "large" looked so small, I move up to extra-large, or "jumbo," they called them. They didn't look that jumbo. They looked more normal to me.

But they were jumbo.

Mixing up the full Monster Cookie recipe requires my two largest bowls – one for dry ingredients, one for wet – which are then combined in my Nesco pan because it is the biggest container I own. It's a lot of work, which explains my major frustration when it didn't go as planned.

Those darn normal-in-my-opinion eggs made my dough a bit soupy. Sort of. Just not firm. So when I baked the first batch, they came out flat and resembling pancakes rather than cookies. I added what oatmeal I had left to the dough but the next pan only showed mild improvements.

Hubby, bless his heart, said he'd run to Wal-Mart to get more as soon as we finished watching the Packers lose. So that plan worked at least. Ha.

The extra dose of oats did, too. And 16 dozen later, I had enough cookies to satisfy all of Bavaria. But since they still didn't measure up to my perfectionism, our boy will get a few dozen and the others will go toward my family cookie exchange. Not that they are getting all rejects. They taste great. They just don't pass my appearance standards.

I was pretty crabby and down about it, though, so the Vikings' win – which unfortunately was not aired on TV here – was perfect timing. Not just for the monstrous melt-down but because the Packers and Vikings play each other next week! We get the lone first-place spot for one week. I think I will enjoy that.

Might just celebrate by putting some of these ugly, crumbly soft cookies in some ice cream. SKOL!

Window of Free Time

This is the third weekend of the year I have been productive. In other words, the first "free weekend" since Labor Day weekend and, before that, July 4th weekend. Seriously.

It was a relief to see only one concrete plan on the calendar for Friday through Sunday: Book Club this morning. That's it.

So last night, while intermittently watching all the news updates from Paris, I got my Saturday chores done a day early plus tackled some de-cluttering and organizing in the bedroom. Even did a little work in the basement but lost ambition.

When it's dark out, it just feels like you should be sleeping, not cleaning!

Today, I went to book club at 9, where we enjoyed a great conversation about What She Left Behind. A worthy read. A 90-minute-discussion worthy read!

After that, my friend Christine and I popped into the Holiday Expo going on in town. Only bought one thing. Dropped her off and came home and was all set to tackle my office/Scrap Cave de-cluttering when my friend Cindy and I decided we better go for a walk while the sun was still high in the sky. At this time of year, when the shadows appear, the warmth disappears. We had a nice 3-mile walk in relatively mild (50+ degrees) temperatures.

Came home and had the house to myself. Hubby was visiting his sick uncle and Carter was at a friend's. I could have easily plopped on the couch to watch some DVR'd shows and Hallmark movies but I honestly did get going on my Cave. Honest! Got Carter's school stuff organized in containers for scrapbooking. Put away extra scrapping materials. Cleaned off the main desk and actually threw some things away!

By the time Jim came home, I was ready to sit down. Then I did finally cave and watch a Hallmark Christmas movie. I watched one called The Christmas Heart on one Hallmark Channel while DVR'ing a new one on the other Hallmark Channel. Not sure when I'll see that one, but maybe there'll be another free window of time yet in 2015.

Of course, if I take that "Sunday is a day of rest" business seriously, I might have "plans" this weekend after all!

Make Love, Not War

In a sad twist of irony for Friday the 13th, the theme of inhumanity threaded its way through my day.

It began with a conversation with a Vietnam veteran. I was thanking him for his service and he responded with tragic tales of the non-welcome home he and thousands of other soldiers received. He said they were called names, yelled at, spit on... basically disrespected in every way.

"When I got home, I burned everything I had related to the war. My uniform, everything. We did not want people to know we had served in Vietnam. They hated us," he said. "And now they come home from Iraq and everyone's a hero. It should always have been that way."

I agree. And I always find it hard to digest the fact that people can hate. I mean really hate – to the level they don't care if they hurt someone, even strangers, emotionally or physically. They have no qualms about declaring their opinion through acts of cruelty. Senseless acts of cruelty.

Yes, "hate crimes" have been around forever.

Later in the morning, a friend of mine who was looking through newspapers on files at the library, shared a photo with a comment, "Birth day front page news – refugees in the Middle East; controversial police actions, terrorists. The more things change the more they stay the same..."

I told him "Those of us born in 1968 were obviously sent to bring joy to the world!" 

If we did accomplish that, it was short-lived and not far-reaching. Those were chaotic times marked with violence, assassinations, world unrest.  

Fast forward 47 years and we wonder what has changed.

Every time I hear of a beating, a shooting, a suicide bombing, anything like that, I just want to cry. Again? Why? Where is all this hatred coming from?

I should say, I am defining "hate" as extreme selfishness combined with a lack of humanity. People wanting their voices to be heard and not caring about the consequences. Not giving value to human life.

As the world watches the tragedy in France unfold, we are asking ourselves all of that again. And yet we still don't have answers.

But we do have that moment where we forget about our own problems and pause to pray for someone else. We may even think about them beyond a moment, beyond a day. We do that because we are human and we have a heart. We care. We want peace. And we value it.

And we value love.

Sending LOVE to our Germany "family" members and praying today's senseless acts of terrorism do not cross the border!

Pajama Pardon

Not that I am one of those people who changes into pajamas the minute I get home at 0 Dark 30... But, well, I AM one of those people.

Sometimes, like last night, I disguise myself by wearing sweats OVER the pajamas, just to avoid 7 p.m. eye rolling by those crazy night owls I live with. And by night owls, I'm talking staying up to watch the 10 o'clock news or to do homework. How do they do it?

So there I was last evening, sitting on the couch in my "sweats," eating popcorn and watching The Voice. It was almost 8 p.m. when I heard from the Geek Squad that my computer was ready for pickup. What? Now? This late?

The thing is, the Best Buy store in Plover/Stevens Point is about a 25-minute drive. And it was dark. Very dark. And raining. Very hard.

But... I really wanted to get my new computer! Do I just throw on a jacket and go? How would they know what I'm really wearing? But what if I get in an accident and they discover I'm not even wearing a bra under my polka-dot pajamas?! At least I was wearing clean underwear, Mom!

So I quickly put on "real" clothes and basically hydroplaned my way to and from Geek Squad HQ. They made it worth it, though. They were able to transfer everything onto my new computer so I didn't lose my data or programs. Hurray!

And I took back my "old" computer, too. I figured since it hadn't died quite yet, Carter could use it in his room until its demise. Was he excited? Well, if cleaning off his desk to make room for it in record time is any indication, then yes. I just can't figure out where all the stuff from his desk went.

I'd go downstairs and check his closet but that would require putting on sweats over PJs. Who has time or ambition for that??

Salute to Sacrifice

My sacrifice of life without a computer for 24 hours could hardly be called a "sacrifice" when we think of the thousands upon thousands who have sacrificed their time – and sometimes their lives – all in the name of freedom.

We shouldn't just wait until Veterans Day to think about veterans and thank them. We should every day. Every time we think, say or do something that we can only do because we live in a free country.

I, for one, take that for granted too often. I need to keep that "Thanks for your service" phrase on the tip of my tongue so it can be used daily – or at least as often as I see someone in uniform or sporting a hat with military pins or an American Legion or VFW jacket. Each person wearing those has a story to tell.

Probably some sad stories, some stories of triumph and always, I'm sure, stories of their sacrifices for their country. For OUR country. For US.

Thanks doesn't quite cover it, but THANK YOU, veterans, for your service, your unselfish commitment, your sacrifices.

A Wrench in My Plans

My Mac computer and I have parted ways. It wasn't my idea. In fact I liked him. But he went all dysfunctional on me. And I would be one to recognize dysfunction,  believe me.

So I paid a visit to the infamous Geek Squad, half expecting I'd walk away with a new computer rather than a fixed one. Unfortunately, that was the case. It cost  almost as much to fix as buy a new one. So the old Mac is spending the night with the new one, hopefully handing over all its files.

I did back all mine up, but I will have some problems retaining some old programs that I use all the time but don't have original installation info for. So while I do have a variety of devices to use to access the Internet, I will be pretty cranky tomorrow if there are some major things I can't do.

I don't like typing with one finger and I image it will put one heckuva wrench in a whole lot of other things.

No pressure, Geek Squad, but you better live up to your reputation!

Dietary Decisions

I'm almost embarrassed to admit that the hardest decision I had to make today was how to break my diet.

I had to run a quick errand at lunchtime and it took all the willpower in my possession not to stop at Rocky's pizza or DQ. Just wanted something bad so badly. But, and I swear it's the truth, I went right back to work and did not stop anywhere. Just enjoyed some tasty oatmeal for lunch.

I even went to kickboxing class and was worked over extra hard since I was the only one there.

But now, after my cousin posted the photo above, I'm ready to dive into a bad decision again! Knowing that the era of Pumpkin will soon fall and my other favorite – Mint everything – is right around the corner, I feel bad for Pumpkin. I can't just dismiss it out of my life just yet.

So I have the Schwan's Autumn Treat Ice Cream "softening" a bit as a I type and it should be good to go now for a partner in viewing The Voice. Hey, no one else is going to watch it with me, so Pumpkin wins again!

And let's not be too hasty in turning the reins over to "Minter." We have to give some creds to Gingerbread and Eggnog.

Yup, I gotta whole mess of bad decisions coming my way. If anyone has any willpower to spare, feel free to send it my way.

Snail mail is fine. No need to rush on my account.

Filling the Void

Based on the randomly flashing little squares on my monitor, I can tell my computer is probably on its last legs. Or at least the display part is.

So I took the advice of the GeekSquad FAQ page and decided to backup all files first before bringing it in for repair. I purchased an external hard drive today and began to copy over my files. I got a 1 TB drive, which is 1 terabyte. I don't even know what a terabyte is but I figured it was 100 GB (gigabytes). I got concerned when I had enough files to fill the external storage unit. Then I realized a TB is 1,000 GB not 100 so I am in good shape.

However, when I saw this notice on how long it was going to take to transfer files, I knew I had plenty of time to fill the void before that was done. So I preceded to have a super Sunday. What made it super?

Well, my friend Kim not only delivered a fundraiser order to me at church, she also gave me a box of Andes Mint Chocolate Flavored Coffee (in K-Cups!). Oh yum. It pays to have good friends with great taste!

After church, I stopped at my friend Becky's house. She was hosting a scrapbooking weekend at her home but I wasn't able to get there with the other things going on. I did promise to stop in to visit, though, since I haven't seen her months. Had a nice visit with both her and her sister over lunch.

Then, as it happened, the massage therapist who attends our Camp Crop-A-Lot weekends in February each year was there, too. So guess who caps off the afternoon with an hour-long massage? This girl.

But wait, that wasn't the final cap... Got home in time to see the Vikings win in overtime and the Packers lose. Our records are tied now at 6-2 so for one week there should be minimal bragging around these parts. SKOL!

Also noteworthy on this beautiful day... I got the bathroom closet cleaned and organized and made a little more headway in my office/Scrap Cave. Plus, I had a nice phone conversation with my mother.

Feeling very blessed. Now if my computer lives long enough for me to get these files transferred, that would be a huge bonus blessing!

I'm sure I'm worth it.

Fall Back or Behind?

I can't really blame the time change for a reason to fall behind in my autumn chores. We did have that extra hour last weekend, after all. But I do blame an overbooked schedule, including juggling events and projects.

A few days ago, I downloaded an app that helped me create the ultra to-do list on my phone. Things I would love to get done this week if at all possible. Parts are a little ambitious but knowing our Saturday and Sunday are mostly open gave me hope.

First order of business was getting rid of a few things to recycling. Got to finally drop off the burnt-popcorn microwave and our now broken and out-of-date treadmill. The guys took care of that while I hit the hot tub.

Not to relax in it, but to drain the rest of the water, clean it and refill it for winter. After laboring over that a few hours, when I went to fill it up, it hit a certain level and water started leaking everywhere. So apparently it cracked over the winter. So now we'll have to probably pay someone to take that useless appliance off our hands, too! Plus, that's 3 hours of my day I'll never get back. Grrr.

To actually accomplish something, I did my Saturday sweeping, dusting and vacuuming chores. Then actually started in on my office / Scrap Cave. That will take a least another day so hopefully tomorrow will be it – unless my Vikings are actually on TV here or I get caught up in some other project from my app list.

Had to take the evening off to attend a wedding reception for Travis, the son of the Carter's 1st-6th grade babysitter. Lots of people there and even a few we knew. Since it was at The Ridges, Carter was doing dishes from it, and hoped to stop out and say congrats to the happy couple anyway.

We didn't even stay long enough to dance. I accidentally gave hubby my miserable cough and cold. So know he's prepping for the week from hell!

I'm prepping to actually make my minutes count tomorrow! Wish us both luck.

Bar Hopping

When you hear the words "bar hopping," it may sound like a wild and crazy night, but not when it involves a birthday dinner for a 78-year-old and gathering of guys nearly 35 years out of high school.

The birthday boy (well almost) was my father-in-law. So we met up at the Wild Horse Saloon for fish fries and good burgers to celebrate with Grandpa Austin. It was Jim's parents, his sister, husband and son (and Colin's girlfriend), and Jim, Carter and me.

People often mistake Carter and my nephew Colin for brothers. Do you see why?

After dinner, we stopped over at Jim's sister Sherry's for cake and ice cream. Can't turn down carrot cake. Stayed there for a little bit before the crowd dispersed. Carter went off to hang out with friends and Jim and I headed downtown to the Whiskey Rapids Saloon.

His high school buddy Pete (who we visited and stayed with in Colorado last year) was in town for the night and met us out. His sister and brother-in-law also were out and Jim and Pete's classmate Gregg also joined us.

It was as if the stars all aligned and the cool kids from the Assumption High School class of 1981 reunited. It was a nice, but brief, reunion. Miss seeing those guys! So happy Jim still keeps in touch with friends from way back.

And even though we were all yawning by 9:30 p.m., it was so nice to just be out.

Can't complain when bar hopping these days means good friends AND cake!

Just Passing Through

It just dawned on me that this week marks 20 years since I moved to Wisconsin Rapids. That's right, two decades. And I was just passing through, wasn't I?

After college, I had lived in Marinette for nearly 4 years, then in Eau Claire for not even 2. I headed to Rapids for a job at the newspaper, which was bigger than the previous 2 I'd worked for. I figured, eventually, I'd move on again to an even bigger paper. After 7 years at the Trib, I did move on to a larger publishing venture... but stayed in town.

Could have something to do with the brown-eyed wonders in my life!

It was a different town when I moved here. Not quite as old as that postcard above, but it gives a visual of a bustling downtown that now has transitioned its "business district," so to speak, to a bustling 8th Street. When I first got into town they were expanding 8th Street for that purpose so I didn't even know what the city had to offer since I couldn't find my way around that construction!

At that time, too, going from Rapids to Plover and Stevens Point, was a two-lane highway. Not long after, they started construction on widening it to 4 lanes with a 65 mph speed limit. That sure came in handy when I "left" town to work in Iola!

There used to be a regular-sized Wal-Mart and ShopKo and pretty big Kmart. Then Wal-Mart supersized and Kmart (and a few locally owned grocery stores) closed their doors. Shopko is still open, but Younkers, Foot Locker and some others have left.

It took me awhile to get used to the "smell of money," which I just considered a disgusting paper mill odor, but I did recognize right away that the mill (which has changed names at least 4 times since I've been here) was the backbone of the economy. Thousands of residents worked there until downsizing began with new ownership and changes in the market.

It's strange that at my arrival, my current employer was just a start-up company getting its legs. Now, depending on how many workers the mills still employ, it is at least the second largest employer in town.

Times sure change in a town that "doesn't change much"!

Am I still just passing through? Only God knows. Things obviously don't go how I plan them.

And thank the Lord they don't! Still, the biggest change is the number of people who I did not even know existed 20 years ago and have since found a place in my heart.

I wouldn't change that for the world.

Cat Days of Indian Summer

First there are the Dog Days of Summer. Then come the Cat Days of Indian Summer.

Had to run home at lunch today and was immediately jealous of my "sun sister" Sylvester, catching all the rays on another gorgeous day of Indian Summer.

I wasted no time breaking the 11th commandment: Thou shalt not covet they kitty's sunning space.

But oh how I was tempted to play hooky and spend the afternoon with Mr. Deck Chair. Pretty sure that was my last chance. Based on the forecast, Indian Summer was short lived and, based on history, isn't likely to return later in the month or in December. Not to the extent Mr. Deck Chair and I enjoy anyway.

So I returned to work and tried to enjoy the sun shining in the window. Helped me feel better, I think, or maybe it was the 5th and final days of antibiotics??

Either way, coughing was down to a minimum at work and I was finally able to return to kickboxing class tonight. Felt good to do some exercise again. Here I had declared the month "NO-vember" as in NO excuses and NO whining and NO slacking. So first thing I do is skip 3 days of class. Ha. Guess I can allow a "doctor's excuse," right?

Hard to get motivated during the dog days and cat days. But we do what we can. Just thankful I am on the mend and that I am not as bad off as a few loved one who are dealing with illness and/or injury. Sending many prayers tonight... including one of thanks for the glorious day.

Although I'm sure our furry little sun seeker already thanked Him for that!

Top Brass

For as much as we tend to give our children props for their athletic success, I should note (pun intended) that I am equally proud of our son's ability to kick brass!

Time to toot our horn...

For the third year in a row, Carter was named to the Marawood Conference Honors Band – basically an "all-conference" selection for music rather than sports. The 14 schools in the Marawood Conference span from Assumption in the south to Park Falls in the north.

All of the honors participants spend the day together practicing for tonight's event. Free day from school! The location of the Honors Concert (which includes choir, too) changes each year. Thankfully, we only had to travel the 15 miles to Pittsville High School this year. That meant, it wouldn't be a super late night so Jim's parents could ride along, too.

The All-Conference Choir included 96 members, I think, with 10 of those selected from Assumption. Awesome. Under the guidance of guest director Dina Safford, they sounded great!

A composer named Jim Scheuer directed the band, which also played one of his songs. That was cool. I may be biased, but the band sounded phenomenal. We had a half-dozen band members represent our school. Coincidentally, 5 of our 6 were also in cross country this year. Royal talent runs deep, I guess!

Carter was among four baritone players selected in the conference. He is seated in back on the right side so I did not see him all night, but could hear him naturally (ha), and caught a glimpse of him during the final bow.

See? LOL. That will have to do. Of course, his band teacher was there all day, too, and got a nice shot of the AHS group. She knows how to take care of us scrapbooking moms!

Grandpa and Grandma Austin enjoyed the concert as well. Nothing like a little culture to launch the holiday season, right?

Congrats to all!

It's All Good

I'm cheating on this one today. Saw this posted on someone's Facebook page and, after a night of fitful sleep again, had to completely agree that there is still much to be thankful for...

Was in a bit of a fog at work today but do actually feel better. Unfortunately, like clockwork, I start coughing when it's "night time," which right now seems to start at 4:30 p.m. Isn't that insane?

Every time I comment on it, my hubby just replies, "This happens every year." I know. But sickness and darkness don't pair well! Good thing I have hot tea on hand – and a little Pumpkin Spice Eggnog left.

Not to mention, I did wake up, my muscles work, by belly is full and I have all I need.

My life is good, indeed.

Glad-itude

How did you spend your "extra" hour last night? For me, it meant I pathetically was in bed pretty darn early. Did some reading until the new cough medicine kicked in, then enjoyed 9 hours of much-needed, mostly uninterrupted sleep!

To kick off November – typically known as the month of gratitude – I am first grateful for rest and miracles of modern medicine. Of course, my cough was back during the day, but not as bad.

I was planning to spread out my gratitude for the whole month but I am sort of stacking the front end. It was a gorgeous sunny day today so I did get a little fall yardwork done. And by yardwork, I mean I gathered up those dead potted plants I SWEAR I did keep alive past Labor Day. Now that's a miracle, too!

Watched the first half of the Vikings game since they were actually on here because the Packers play tonight. Left at halftime to go visit my nephew Tony at Winnebago. Since he had to work today, his visiting hours were only from 3-4:40 p.m. Got there just as the Vikings pulled off an ugly win over the Bears.

Had a wonderful visit. So glad I went. It was long overdue. I haven't gotten over there for two months – basically since cross country started because the meets were mostly on Saturdays. Plus, we just had a busy fall schedule. I felt bad to be neglecting him but send him letters often enough to keep him in the loop of our exciting lives on Blue Jay Drive!

He's doing very well. He works 6 days a week and that helps the time go faster. He looks healthier than I've seen him and he's got a positive attitude. Had some good conversation and good laughs. Time went too quickly but at least now I know my weekends might be more freed up to see him again. That will be good. He appreciates all the prayers of support!

The grounds are right on Lake Winnebago. On my way out of town, I thought I'd check out the lake, since it is the largest in Wisconsin. Sun was just setting and since I was facing east, there wasn't much to see. But there was still a hint of color from the sunset in the west.

God's beauty. Just one more thing to be grateful for... and it's only November 1st!