2017 :: Well That Was Quick

There's no shame in taking a nap in order to stay up until midnight on New Year's Eve, is there? I'm not sure if we're just getting old or, quite possibly, are just tired. As we look back, it's been a crazy busy year!

Again.

They all are, though, aren't they?

Here is a recap from our Christmas letter. Some of you saw this. Some didn't. I was shorted a bunch of envelopes from Walgreens and never took the time to rectify the situation or get others. So, not all cards and letters got out. I will try harder next year...

A few photo highlights to accompany the update...

Enjoyed spring break with College Boy. Especially loved seeing the Grand Canyon, experiencing that whole area with my sister Rayna and brother-in-law Paul, and touring through Antelope Canyon.

Got a new camera for my birthday so that made kayaking adventures even more fun!

Not to mention the great company – our friends Mike and Cindy.

Turned my photography into a little side business and created a logo (bottom right). Got to take some senior pictures, family pictures and a ton of sports pictures. Love, love, love it!

Got to "go crazy" at Prince Night at Target Field. Had nearly a dozen family members sitting together to enjoy Prince music, fancy umbrellas, Twins baseball, food, fun and fireworks! Awesome!

Had a long overdue Reporter Reunion this summer with my friends Kristin and Laura. We all worked up in Marinette and Menominee right out of college in the early '90s and we have kept in touch ever since. Now we finally got to SEE each other with a one-day road trip to our old stomping grounds. What a blessing.

Loved seeing Pentatonix this summer as my friends Carmen, Christine, Allie, and I ate our way through the Wisconsin State Fair.

Had lots of family time this year as two nephews got married. My nephew Zach in June and our nephew Colin in October. Carter was an usher for that one (above).

Probably the biggest change this year was a new job for me. Left my more technical-type writing position at Renaissance and started at the end of October at Sentry, joining some of my old publishing friends (above) in the marketing department. Miss my old co-workers a bunch, but it was the best move ever. I love it. Feels good to be creative again.

Overall, 2017 was a positive year for us. We have many friends and loved ones who lost someone this year and we keep our thoughts and prayers with them. For us, Jim's parents are doing well. And my mom turned 85 this year.

While we feel like we've been through some changes this year, Mom just experienced her biggest today. A majority of my siblings were able to move her out of her home of 50-some years into an apartment. This will be a major transition but we'll feel better about her safety and comfort. She's perfectly healthy and can drive, but she doesn't need to be worrying about heating a big house, snow removal or lawn care.

When we sell the house at some point this year, that will be my turn to transition into realizing my childhood home is forever gone to me. But Mom will help us all through that when the time comes, I'm sure.

Who knows what else 2018 will bring? I'm not worried. Overall, 2017 was a blessing. I will focus on that – well past midnight.

Orange You Glad We Won?

When the temp and windchill are still well below zero, it's a good time to stay inside and watch TV. And I would guess a good portion of Wisconsin was tuned into the Orange Bowl tonight.

Hubby and I went to a viewing party at our friends' house. We had quite a crowd decked out in Badger red and white. If you watched the game, you also know our gathering was loud. Lots of cheering, jeering and, thankfully, high fives!

So glad Wisconsin came back to win! The victory meant the Badgers won 13 games for the first time in program history. And it meant the Big Ten is flawless in bowl games this year. So far.

Fun time celebrating and jumping around!

We even put a homemade "turnover chain" on their dog Prince. I think he just wants to party with Bucky some day.

Who doesn't? It was a great, non-holiday opportunity to see friends, laugh and, you know it, eat!

Many of us will repeat that cycle for New Year's Eve tomorrow night. Stay warm, my friends. It seriously is going to be frigid for the rest of the year. If you get cold, "Jump Around" like a Badger fan.

Jump up, jump up, and get down...

Christmas Angells

Back in the fall of 1988, these two "Angells" met when they were on staff at Angell Hall at UW-La Crosse. I was a resident assistant (RA) and Liz was the assistant hall director, living a few doors down.

How can that be 29 years ago when we don't look a day over 29?

Ha. Play along, kids.

Although Liz lives in New Jersey and grew up in Milwaukee, she has ties to Wisconsin Rapids since her sister and family live here. She gets to the area once every few years. We just realized the last time we saw each other was actually seven years ago when our boys were much younger. Carter was 12 and her son was 7. Time flies.

This week, since she's staying with her sister for the holidays, we made sure to connect. Tonight I picked her up and we enjoyed a typical Wisconsin Friday night fish fry and much conversation. It was so awesome to see her and catch up.

And, thanks to social media, we could reach out to five other Angells we're still in touch with and let them know we were thinking about them (and maybe talking about them, too).

Yup, just two college girls out on the town. Both home by 8:30 p.m. and likely in bed by 10 p.m.

Not that we're old. Angells need their rest, that's all.

Epic Five-Oh

For someone who runs a 5K on occasion, I can't fathom how a person can survive and prevail in these so called "ultra" competitions. Like a 100-mile Ultra-marathon. My half-marathon a few years back was an "ultra" challenge for me!

I was fortunate to recently hear a guest speaker who competed in Hawaii's infamous Epic 5. It's 5 triathlons in a row. One per day... one on each of the Hawaiian islands... covering a total of 703 miles. It's ultra. It's Epic!

Chad Esker from just up the road in Mosinee conquered this grueling challenge of swimming, biking and running earlier this year. I guess only a handful of people around the world get invited to compete in the challenge each session. And, until 2017, only 11 people had ever made it through the competition.

What is impressive about Chad is that he went from out of shape (his words) to a world-class athlete in just a handful of years. He seriously couldn't run a non-stop mile when he decided a few years back to shed some weight and get in shape.

That is impressive and so it his humility. He really is genuine when he says he couldn't have made it through the intense training and competition without the help of his hand-selected support team. Each person had something to bring to the table, he said. Some specific talent, knowledge or skill to keep him going, surviving and thriving.

When Chad and his team shared their inspiring story with my co-workers and me, they also related it to leadership, teamwork, and clarity of purpose. And they challenged us to achieve our own "Epic 5."

Based on today's date and the fact I am facing a milestone in exactly 6 months, I will call mine an Epic 5-0. Uff da.

And I got more than one reminder today! Yikes. Don't you hate it when you get someone else's mail?!

Funny how I was thinking of this thing today and my twin sister – who will reach this milestone 9 minutes after me – posted a picture of her treadmill, which she resurrected from hibernation today. I guess we are both subconsciously thinking about recapturing our health since we are past the point of recapturing our youth!

What I learned from Chad, his team, and a followup session with co-workers is that we need to get to the heart of our Epic goal so we really know why we are setting it and why we'll make it a priority to reach. Ask yourself "why" 5 times.

Why do I want to get my body in shape? So I can live longer. Why? So I can be active and have fun. Why? Because I want to be around for my husband and children and grandchildren someday. Why? Because they are important to me. Why? Because they make me happy.

See? Really get to the heart of your end goal.

Visualize it happening. Then, set tangible, measurable mini-goals or steps to reach it. And keep it simple. Right now my only mini-goal is to drink the recommended 64 ounces of water a day. Maybe in a week or two, I will add in the daily goal of getting 10,000 steps. But for now, one goal – hopefully a habit-forming one – at a time.

The other takeaway from Chad's presentation and our followup discussions is that we need to hold ourselves accountable. From experience, I can tell you that HAS to involve someone else. I am way too easy on myself. I make and accept any excuse. I let myself fail and lose my determination.

Find a drill sergeant. Create your own "team." Choose a person or people who complement your skills and talents. Find people who want to see you succeed and are willing to call you out when you're not following through. (Critical, if you ask me!) I am a firm believer that together, we can accomplish anything.

So... what does YOUR "Epic 5" look like?

Finding Logic in Christmas

It's a bummer when you try to give someone the Christmas gift they really, really want and it all falls through.

Through no fault of your own.

This fall, we got tickets for College Boy to go to a Logic concert. (C'mon, you know who he is, rap fans.) As bad luck would have it, he called off the Dec. 13 concert and said he'd reschedule. Carter was pretty bummed, to put it mildly. Today, it was announced that there would be no new concert date. Due to scheduling conflicts, they just can't make it work.

Major bummer.

Sure, they're going to refund the tickets, but it's still poopy for the "kids" who were looking forward to it – like Christmas – and now it's not gonna happen.

So we'll have to get an alternate gift, which won't be the same. And, when the Logic shirt I ordered off of Amazon does arrive this week, it may seem like rubbing salt in the wound.

Again, through no fault of my own. 

I can somewhat empathize. That happened to me once when my girlfriend and I were en route to a Janet Jackson concert in Milwaukee. Thankfully we heard the announcement on the radio on the way there so we could turn around. And thankfully, she did reschedule a few months later. But I don't have to share the WHOLE story with the boy. Just the sharing the pain part.

I'm sure he will have a happy ending, too. Just will have to find someone besides Logic to be the hero of his Christmas story.

12 Degrees of Christmas

Cold Snap. Arctic Front. Frozen Tundra.

In a word – or two – it's freakin' freezing! Woke up to some 12 degrees below zero with a windchill making it twice that cold. Oh what I'd give to stay snuggled under the blankets! Those lumps of coals from Santa are clearly underrated.

Ironically, on the way to work I passed a truck with Alaska plates. I thought, poor guy, I bet he wasn't expecting it to be warmer back home than in Wisconsin. But it was.

Uff da.

At least it was sunny so you had the sensation (inside looking out) that it was a glorious winter's day. So thankful for a desk job on days like this. Bless you people who work outside. I am much too much of a wimp for that.

In fact, I determined on my commute today that my heated leather seats are not a luxury, but a necessity. I almost wish I had a heated steering wheel. But my new Vikings mittens are doing a pretty good job of heating things up.

Unfortunately, with only a handful of folks back in the office this week, there wasn't anyone to brag to. Based on the long-range forecast, though, I think I'll have plenty of time yet.

As an added bonus, if it starts to feel like Hell is freezing over, there's an even better chance my Vikings will go all the way.

All The Creatures Were Stirring

It took awhile to get all the creatures stirring this morning. Sylvester was sitting in the sun waiting for the chaos. She somehow knows Santa brings boxes that eventually are empty – and suitable for napping.

Big boys came over around 10 a.m. for gift opening and brunch. As usual, they pretty much know what they're getting since they pick it out, but we always have that one surprise...

Remember when Casey met the two Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders at the Mall of America? Well, we got autographed calendars for all three boys – with their names on them and signatures on the two months where the two cheerleaders are featured. Here Casey is doing a show and tell of who he met that day.

 Clay shows one of the the autographed pages. He also got some big control thing for PS4.

We love that Clay's girlfriend is a Vikings fan, too. Not that that is a requirement. But well, it's nice. She liked her new shirt!

Carter liked his calendar, too, and a new Boston Celtics decoration for his dorm room. Hubby got a Reds one just like it. Made of some thick foam stuff that should be easy to hand in his office.

 Santa also brought our world traveler a much-needed phone case. Thought this was cool with the American and German flags. Good work, Santa.

The boys got Dad a framed poster of the office layout from the show The Office for his office. Did you get that?

Santa got me an Ancestry DNA kit. Hubby said he got it as soon as I booked my trip to Sweden next summer. Yup. Going to my homeland. This way I will know for sure that I am 75% Swede and 24% Norwegian. I will be traveling in both countries, plus Denmark. So as long as I am 100% Viking, it's all good. Can't wait to send it in!

After pancakes, the "kids" went in the basement and fired up the Nintendo64 like old times. They headed out in the early afternoon. I did get a brief walk in. But with windchills below zero, my friend Cindy and I cut our route short. Really short.

Stayed snuggled inside looking at pictures and watching a Hallmark movie. Still a lot left on the DVR. Guess I know how I'll spend my chilly nights this week. (Minus 6 now and temps are falling.)

Back to the daily grind tomorrow. Feel wonderfully blessed to have had time with our whole gang.

The greatest gift.

All is Calm, All is Bright

 

With all the hustle and bustle leading up to Christmas Eve, it is nice when it gets here and you can finally just relax, celebrate the reason for the season – hopefully among loved ones.

It's kind of weird having Christmas on a Sunday. Hubby, who is Catholic, had "normal" church today and will have Christmas mass tomorrow. My Lutheran church had three "Christmas Eve" services today at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Carter and I went to the 1 p.m. service since I had to sing in choir.

Seemed like such a short performance doing two songs after extra-long songs for the cantata two weeks ago. I survived just fine. The service ended with the lights dimmed and the congregation singing Silent Night by candlelight.

Even with hot wax dripping on my fingers, it was still a special moment!

Got home and we all headed into town together to celebrate Christmas at Jim's parents'. Had dinner with them, his sister and her family, plus the very well-dressed Casey, Clay and Clay's girlfriend. (Did someone say SKOL?)

Full house. And full tummies.

Took our annual cousins picture in front of Grandma's curtains. The 4 C's ... Colin, Casey, Clayton and Carter. See what I mean about Purple Pride? Nice.

Feeling super blessed to see them all and see some of them tomorrow, too, after Santa drops by.

Better get to bed, boys and girls, or he'll fly right by. And I really want my Reese's Peanut Butter Tree!

Winter Skol-stice

For Seinfeld fans, today was Festivus. For last-minute shoppers, today was Christmas chaos. For Vikings fans, it was Winter Skol-stice.

For me, it was all three.

First, there was Festivus for the rest of us. I skipped the airing of grievances since no one was around to hear them. My feat of strength, though, was keeping Sylvester out of the boxes I was trying to use for last-minute gift-wrapping.

She took a nap in this one so I had to take a break and move onto my Saturday chores. Later, I was able to finish all my wrapping... but only after a last-minute run to a few stores.

Technically not the very last minute since I have tomorrow, too. But it was such a zoo today at Wal-Mart, for instance, that there is no way I'd want to return until after the holidays. If I can help it. Was nice to run into a few friends for some visits in the aisles, likely ticking people off because we're just standing there.

Shortage on patience in aisle 3!

After getting my final gifts and stocking stuffers, I came home and got that all assembled. Kitty was done with her nap by then. Whew.

Spent a few hours doing a freelance project so I do NOT have to work in any capacity on Christmas Eve or Day. That took me right up to kickoff of the Packer-Viking game tonight.

Or, as we like to call it, Winter Skol-stice. Oh, yes. That was nice to get that win under our belts. God bless the players and fans of both sides trying to function in the cold weather. Much more comfortable to watch from my recliner under my Viking blanket (one of 'em).

Carter has some high school buddies over. I was hoping we'd have some decent halftime entertainment since two of them are in the Badger Marching Band. But they're busy. Probably playing a video game invented before they were born. Nintendo 64, anyone?

So I'll just hit the hay, knowing I accomplished my feats of strength, got my Saturday chores done, finished my Christmas prep, and celebrated some purple pride.

The only major thing left on my to-do list is watching some of those Hallmark movies I've DVR'd. The gift that keeps on giving.

Plowing Through Friday

The calendar and Old Man Winter are perfectly in sync. Dang.

Granted, we only got 3 inches or so of snow overnight, but it was just enough for a slippery drive to work – even with the large number of plows and sand and salt trucks out. Was much better already when I left work after a half day to enjoy my 4-hour Christmas Eve holiday.

And that was good. Because I had a lot of activities to plow through today.

First, although I missed the annual Golden Mass at Assumption, I made it to the post-Mass potluck at a local establishment. Swung home and picked up hubby and my crockpot full of cheesy potatoes. Had a fun afternoon eating, eating, and visiting with my friends Christine and Mike and their families plus a few extra friends.

Then I had some photos to shoot at Lincoln High School, where Stevens Point (SPASH) was visiting for a hoops double-header. This has been on my calendar for a few months since my friend Brian (who worked with Jim and I at Iola and in the newspaper days) has a daughter who plays for SPASH and we knew we could get together when they came to town.

As the date neared, I remembered one of our girls at church plays JV for Rapids. So I went to that game at 4:15 first and got pictures of Abby. Then I went home, hoping to catch a glimpse of College Boy. But that came much later.

Went back to school for the girls varsity game. Sat with Brian and his wife, Brenda, and caught up on lives and work. And really enjoyed watching their daughter Leah play. She is a sophomore but was a starter already last year as a freshman. She is that good. Right now she is in the top 5 scorers for the conference, averaging more than 17 points per game. Tonight, since SPASH had such a commanding lead, the starters got to rest much of the second half.

Still, I got some decent pictures of her amazing vertical leap!

As an added bonus, I got to see my girl Emily (I took her senior pictures this fall) perform with the high school dance team. Good thing I had my camera for that, too!

Naturally, the biggest bonus was having Carter stop home between social engagements so I could get a hug or two! We get him for a month or close to it, so I won't begrudge him his time with friends. We got dibbs on Sunday and Monday.

Now he's out with friends and I am done uploading dozens of photos. I think it's time for bed.

Old Man Winter, you can take a break, too.

Solstice, Sweet Solstice

Technically, I should be upset that it's officially winter AND I had a snowy, slipper commute home AND it's the shortest day (light-wise) of the year.

But, as the solstice gods and goddesses remind me, it is also Winter Solstice day, which means the days will start to get longer (light-wise)! As it mentions above, now is the time to honor the rebirth of the sun.

So, in other words, a national holiday for Mr. Deck Chair and me. Though we both celebrated separately in our warm homes for the winter.

I am grateful the weather forecasters were off in their prediction for major accumulation today. We still may have a few inches of snow, but I can manage that drive tomorrow, I would hope. I am also grateful that even on the darkest days, it hasn't been a terrible commute. Not that we don't have a lot, well ALL, of winter left!

For now, I will remember light in our darkness, hope of good things to come, and the promise of renewed life.

And shoveling in my future.

Happy Winter Solstice!

Just Jingle All The Way

Tonight was my fourth and final night at the Red Kettle. I chose to just go each Wednesday of the season so I could go straight from there to choir practice. Of course, the downside is getting home for the first time of day/night well after 8 p.m.

The upside, obviously, is that I have a home!

Since my friend Cindy managed to jingle with me 3 of the weeks, it was a good time. It was also nice to have someone else actually see in person what I have the privilege of seeing each holiday season. People, no matter their current lot in life, are willing to give. Pennies to twenties. Almost everyone gives.

I especially like when I see parents giving their money to their children to place in the kettle. Hopefully they are teaching them a lesson on giving for the season. Typically at least once a shift I will have a little one ask me why I'm ringing the bell. Usually I can point out, "So that we can help little kids like you who don't even have a nice hat (jacket, boots, etc) like you do to keep warm in the winter." They might get it. If not today, eventually.

In case YOU didn't know what the Salvation Army does, here's a few things it does in Wisconsin Rapids anyway...

The local Wood County Salvation Army provides qualified individuals with short-term emergency financial assistance. Assistance programs offered include emergency services, housing and rent help, disaster services, Christmas projects, medical, emergency services, financial assistance for utility and heating bills, special projects as identified for needy persons. In addition, qualified individuals and families can receive emergency gas money (a maximum of $15) one time a year. Medical and prescription assistance may also be offered.

That's a lot.

Pardon my language, but you can see there's no place for half-ass jinglers. We definitely need to jingle ALL the way to help those in need!

If you can't find a red kettle near you, drop a donation online. Join us jinglers in Doing the Most Good.

Brianna Humbug

You'd think I'd pay close attention to the winter weather now that I have a commute again. But no, I have been ignoring it. Perhaps thinking winter would skip right over us this year.

Not so, say the prognosticators...

I still want to know who names snow storms and hurricanes. I want that job. Just seems they should sound as intimidating as they look on the screen. I mean really, Brianna? Ooooh. I'm scared.

I guess looking at the map, I should be.

Apparently this accumulation forecast has already changed in the last few hours. Like for the better. I hope so. I am not as concerned about where I need to go or what I need to do. But I sure hate to see anything preventing College Boy from getting home later this week.

He has his 5th and final Final on Thursday. He does have a ride Friday and maybe that's for the best. It's not like we won't have him for close to a month once he's here. I can't worry about it interrupting my work commute, my bell ringing or hoops action either.

The storm called Brianna might not even show up. This is only Fox 11's version of naming the pending precip. The National Weather Service has Benji as their next name, right before Chloe. Either way. I am not shaking in my boots.

Though I should find them just in case.

A Trifle Much? Never

I introduced my new co-workers to my trifle bowl today. As always, it's imperative I take a "before" picture because it's impossible to tell what can happen on a 30-minute commute. Slam on the brakes once for a deer and the beautiful creation is mush.

That is also what happens after the first spoon digs in. It transitions quickly from art to treat status.

Since I've been editing and proofing a lot of menus lately for our company's two restaurants, I came up with a description for this creation...

Chocolate Candy Cane Trifle: Delicious layers of crumbled chocolate cake with a hint of peppermint, white chocolate pudding, delicately crushed Milano chocolate peppermint cookies, and extra creamy non-dairy whipped topping.

Yep. I know you want some. Just not enough left over to share. I am licking the bottom of the bowl as we speak.

What... the festive 15 has to start somewhere.

Christmas is for Kids ... of All Ages

I love that Christmas is for kids. Whether it's our inner child or actual little ones in our lives.

Yesterday was a special family Christmas celebration because, well, it's my family. Plus, I finally got to meet our newest member...

My great-nephew Hans who is my niece Beth's first-born. He's a charming 3-month-old who likes to smile and sleep. Of course, it was also a pleasure to see two of my other great-nephews and a great-niece. The energy of little ones running around sure bring life to the party!

A 4-generation picture with Beth, Great-Grandma Hedberg, Hans and Grandma Nell.

This was the first time going to Hedberg Christmas without Carter along. But College Boy has finals this week so it wouldn't have made sense to drag him away. My number one bonus boy Casey made it, though, driving up from the Cities. That was very sweet!

Since the weather was decent, I took some photos of my siblings and/or their families. Just for giggles.

Rayna and Paul

Zach, Liana and Rachel – who co-hosted with Rayna and Paul this year, holding the event at Skonewood, just up the road from Mom's.

Tom and Renell: Take one.

"Tom, take your hat off!"

Tom and Renell: Take two.

My niece Caryn and great-nephew Anthony.

Nephew David and brother Ron

Rick (birthday boy), Romey and Eric

Ken and RoAnn with Travis and his fiance Karen.

Steve and Raylene

Steve and Raylene again ... with Ashley this time. Tony had to work so he did not make it up with us.

Since I had the camera set up, I got one of hubby and me.

 And me and my other better half!

 Later, after eating and the program, we tried our usual picture of Mom with the 8 R's....

By coincidence, we all dressed in red and black or gray. Not Renell, though. She wore her ugly Christmas sweater! This picture looks like we are staring at her in disgust and Mom is shaking her head in shame. I'm sure that's not the case, is it?

And after 23 takes – because we ARE children, after all – we finally got one with all of us smiling AND looking at the same camera.

We wrapped up the day, well evening, with more eating and games. Hubby and I stayed at the 5-star Luck Country Inn and came back today. Got home in time for most of the Vikings win and clinching of the division! In case you missed that.

Then it was freelance work to do and few other projects. And the night highlighted by a phone call from College Boy, thanking us for the finals survival kit.

Oh, it's good to be a kid, isn't it?