Not So Marvel-ous

Hubby and I were off today to go out of town for a funeral. Our friend's brother died unexpectedly at age 50. Quite a shock for our friend, their other brother, and definitely their parents. I can't even imagine. It was a very sad affair and our friend appreciated that we made the trek down to Lake Mills support him. It's pretty much the least and most we can do sometimes.

To cheer up, I thought, let's got to $5 movie night. I could see the new Avengers one for cheap!

Then reality hit and I realized waaaaaiiiiitttt a minute. I am way behind on my Marvel movies. It used to be "our thing" for Carter and I to go to superhero movies together. Always staying past the credits because we knew sneak peeks come then!

Coincidentally, I quit seeing them we he started high school – about the time he was "too cool" for mother-son movie dates. So know I'm some 6 years and 10+ movies behind. That is, if I really feel the need to see them all and get the full picture before seeing Endgame. And I kind of do.

Good thing people recommend which order I should watch...

Of course, there are literally about 20,000 comments on Facebook for and against this suggested order. Quite a few mention ones you can skip altogether, which doesn't help me if I've seen them or still have the other 10-12 to see.

Plus, I missed Captain Marvel in the theater and that is suggested as early viewing. And, of course, it's not even out on video yet.

Not knowing this list, I went to Family Video in town in hopes of at least getting the second 2 Avengers movies and second 2 Captain America ones. Guess what? Our video store is closing. Only two more days to rent. And they did not have all the back titles I needed. Maybe I would have known this if I had visited the store since 2013.

I should also have known that I can probably find most of these on our different streaming services. I think I just needed the distraction.

It worked for today anyway.

Dinner and a Movie

On Mother's Day weekend, I probably shouldn't confess to poor mothering decisions from my past. But I have a reason.

My crime is this: I have let my son go to PG-13 movies since he was 10. But let me defend myself and say they could only be "superhero" movies. So over the past 4 or so years, we've seen Iron Man 1 & 2, Fantastic 4 1 & 2, Thor, Captain America, you name it. We've seen it together and it's been our tradition.

Moviemakers aren't stupid. All along they have been leading up to this summer's ultimate team superhero movie, The Avengers. Of course, Carter and I have been waiting since the last teaser at the end of Captain America last summer to see it. But our schedule would not allow us to get there last weekend when it opened.

So tonight, since Carter had the night off from baseball and hubby (who has no interest in this) was off coaching the other kids, I told Carter we'd go. Here's something I quickly learned. While he was excited to finally see the movie, the prospect of going with just his mother was way off the cool chart. After exhausting his top "contacts" and not finding anyone available to join us, he was stuck with me. And only me. C'mon, Carter, it's Mother's Day weekend. Humor me.

So we went.

We left home early enough but there still was a line at the theater. After getting our popcorn and drinks, we headed into the theater. We realized right away that they were playing the 3-D version in the bigger theater and shoving the rest of us 2-D people into a small theater. There were no 2 seats together except the front row. We sat there for maybe 30 seconds and I said, "There's no way I can do this."

So we ended up sitting separately but sort of together. He had a single seat in the back row and I was one row in front of him and one seat over to the right. So diagonally we could still pass the popcorn back and forth occasionally -- and more importantly, there was no risk he would be embarrassed by having to sit with his mom!

To top if off, the movie was awesome! We both give it two thumbs up! So everybody wins!

Except this poor mother who realizes she may have just had her last popcorn dinner and a movie with her baby. Sigh...

Fair Game

Carter learned the hard lesson in Fantasy Football this week. Some times the guys you leave on your bench are going to score a gazillion points and the ones playing might get squat. As a result, you lose to a girl!

Hey, I don't mind. I was glad to chalk up another win and I'm not too proud to gloat over beating a 12-year-old! (I should say defeating not beating. I didn't lay a hand on him.)

He insists it's not fair but that's how the game goes. He should know by now that you never know what to expect from your opponent so you just do the best you can at the moment -- whether that's making lineups for your fantasy team or defending the soccer goal. Though I wish tonight's soccer game would have gone better than this fantasy game.

We played down in Nekoosa. This is the team we tied a few weeks ago so we figured we would be somewhat evenly matched. And we were, again. For 45 minutes into the game anyway. Then they scored on our goalie. (Some kid who happens to live in this house. Dang.)

I was so proud of all his incredible saves -- one-handed grabs and diving blocks. I even heard another parent comment to him about it. He did great -- except for that one moment when he dove but it wasn't far enough and it got past him. That's all it took. The game ended with another loss for the Royals, 1-0.

This was our closest game so I wasn't sure how Carter would be on the ride home. He was upbeat, though. "We don't take it that seriously, Mom," he told me. "I mean we try to win but if we don't, we're just disappointed for a little bit and then we're fine. We don't go home and cry about it." Well, that's a relief. Then I won't bother screaming from the sidelines until I'm hoarse. (Honestly, I haven't done that. Yet.)

I had tried to bribe him into a win, too, and now I see where that got me. I said if he won, we'd pick up the new Iron Man 2 DVD on the way home. It just came out today. Either he forgot about it or didn't dare mention it. Either way, I got it since it was on sale. I'll see when I can let him in the secret. He has games on Thursday and Friday yet. I can try it again.

And, if anyone from KFC (the Kellner Fantasy Club) is reading, I can be bribed to WIN again, too. I think you know what I like!

Doin' Chores

Since this was our "free day," no one in this house got out of bed before 8 a.m. today. Awesome! (Of course, when you go to bed at midnight or so, it's not that big a treat.)

I said something over breakfast about this being a good day for chores. In my mind I was thinking about dusting, vacuuming, laundry, perhaps extending it to some special projects that should get done.

Carter actually took me seriously and, without me asking, went out and got the wheelbarrow and picked up sticks in the back yard so Dad could mow. While he was doing that, I went out for a run/walk. I wanted to run the whole 4-mile route, but it was too stinkin' hot at 10 a.m. already. I should have gone earlier. Oh well, I did it. And got my first woodtick of the season while I was at it!

When I got back, Carter wanted to know what other chores he should do. I know -- what aliens came and took my child and gave us this one? I thought he was up to something since he normally doesn't just help out like this unless he wants something. It's now 9:30 at night and I still haven't figured it out yet.

Anyway, since he was asking -- and had the wheelbarrow available -- I said we might as well pull weeds out of various landscaping areas. That was one of those special projects I knew I should do today but didn't want to. With Carter's help, it wasn't so bad. And now it's done. I haven't decided yet if Ms. Black Thumb is going to plant anything yet. Hmmm, what should I kill?

After showers and lunch, I decided to take Carter mini-golfing. That was my idea, not his. Since Jim was mowing the back yard, he was too hot to go. So we went to Newman's, which is a very inexpensive little place in town (that also happens to sell ice cream). We had a nice time. I ended beating Carter by only one stroke (according to the scorecard he kept). I took some pictures (of course) and will have to post them tomorrow. As I'm typing, I'm simultaneously uploading pictures to get prints done.

After golf, we got a cool treat. Carter had a root beer shake and I was just thirsty so I got a blue raspberry slushie. Yummy.

Since this sort of turned into a Mommy-Carter day, tonight we went to Iron Man 2 so that I could finally see it. This was part of our weekend plan and I actually got the tickets earlier this week. Was glad I got to see it on the big screen. Carter was right -- it is awesome!! Really, really liked it!

Got home and hubby and the next-door neighbor were actually having a fire in our fire pit for a change. So as soon as these pictures get done uploading, I am outta here. There is no bedtime and no alarm setting going on here. Our "chores" are done and it's time to relax!

Hope you can do the same this weekend!

Best-Laid Plans

I am putting this in writing. I don't think we are going to plan any more golf outings this summer. The key word being plan.

The last 3 times -- including today -- we planned to golf, it was a lovely, warm, sunny day when we made the tee times. Then golf day dawns either soggy or cold. This has not been fun. And 2 of the 3 times we actually used up vacation time from work to go! Pooh.

Today was just miserable. We met another couple over at Foxfire in Waupaca for a 9:20 tee time. It was sprinkling but we were optimistic it would stop soon -- and warm up. It did neither. We were cold and wet and struggling to hold onto our clubs and plant our feet when swinging. Not a good combination. We gave up after 9 holes, went into the clubhouse to warm up, then went our separate ways.

Next time, we're flying by the seat of our pants. No planning -- unless it's guaranteed warm and sunny weather!

Due to the rain, racing for tonight -- which was to be Colin's Super Stock opener -- was also canceled. So hubby and I are stuck home with the 4 boys.

Yes, 4 boys. Carter is finally having his birthday sleepover since Saturday soccer is all done. So 3 friends got off the bus and they've been playing football and dodge ball and getting really stinky and dirty. I escaped for a quick walk but now I'm "supervising" while Daddy runs to the store to get more beer, I mean root beer. They're only 12!

On tonight's agenda, while I watch the Twins kick Brewer butt, they will be watching Iron Man 1 so we can go see Iron Man 2 tomorrow. The tickets are already bought. Tony Stark is waiting!

I guess I don't care how late they stay up. These are good kids. Not so good they'd volunteer to take a shower before bed, but still, good kids. I think Carter probably realizes now that some birthday "treats" are worth the wait!

At least that's one plan that worked out.

Out of the Office

For the second (and last) day, I rode down to Madison with my boss to attend a trade show where we could introduce one of our online products to potential customers. Not the most exciting time but quite tolerable since we were there and back both days within normal working hours.

Today was a shorter day so I actually got to escort Carter out to the bus stop this morning and was home in time to meet him when he got home from school. That worked out nice. I won't have too many opportunities to do that. Next year for junior high he'll be boarding the bus when we leave for work and getting home hours before us (to do homework, of course).

I did have him do some homework before we ran to Wal-Mart to get a few things for supper (spaghetti, meatballs and cheesy garlic bread). While we were there, we scoped out a few things for Mom for Mother's Day. I'd point out something and say, "Can you remember this for when you and Dad go shopping?" Hey, I'm not selfish here. They wanted ideas, I swear!

Managed to get supper going before Jim got home (just seconds before). Now Carter is taking on Daddy in some Wii game and I'm printing out birthday invites for Carter's upcoming sleepover. We're taking a few boys to Iron Man 2 but I don't know if I want to wait 2 weeks! (Tony Stark may need me now!)

I feel like I have been gone from home for 2 days, too, even though it was just from the office. I probably better get a few things done. Tomorrow morning will be normal alarm time and I haven't missed that at all!

Royal Event

Today was the Assumption Royal Event -- their annual carnival, auction, food festival, beer tent, craft sale, you name it Event. Part of it also is a 5-mile fun run or walk.

This year we signed all 3 of us to do the walk (since it's an untimed event I figure why kill myself running it!?). The neat thing about the walk is that we can earmark our donation to a non-profit organization. If that group gets the most participants, they can earn extra money from the school, too. So it's for a good cause all around. We helped a friend's scholarship fund and they had great support -- enough to "win" the extra funds. Awesome!

When we woke up and it was pouring rain and 40-some degrees, we were not too enthused about it. Carter also had some stomach issues (starting at 5 a.m.) so he got the "get out of rainy walk free" card. As it turned out, the rain stopped for us anyway. It was a little cool and windy but not bad at all.

Afterwards, we got some good food and tried to find ways to spend money. Ha. I did get some cotton candy for Carter. He can eat that in a day or two when his stomach is all better.

I was so tired when we got home -- probably a combination of not enough sleep and a lot of fresh air -- so I relaxed with Carter awhile and we watched the Iron Man movie. We needed to refresh our memories since Iron Man 2 comes out next week. Can't wait!

After that, I ran into town to get a few things for lunches this week. While I was there, I picked up a Wii. Oh what the heck. No use fretting all week about what we're going to get him, right? Shhhh. Keep it a secret, though! And if anyone is looking for a gift idea, cash or Wal-Mart gift cards are fine. He's going to have to spring for a second controller. (Isn't that crazy they only include one? Oh well, I knew that going into this.)

I better sign off. He keeps finding reasons to come into the computer room and I don't want him seeing my blog. I've got 6 days to keep my mouth shut! Now that's a Royal Event!

Veggie Tales

When I saw my box from Amazon.com had arrived in the mail, I gave myself permission to veg out tonight.

It was a darn busy week. With Jim out of town, I did all the running, plus there was homework and my work project that got me up and to work each morning before the crack of dawn. I finished that nearly month-long project about 5 minutes before I was scheduled to leave work today. Hallelujah! But I am beat.

Back in September, I pre-ordered the movie Iron Man, which both Carter and I enjoyed in the theater. (He and I really like our super-hero movies, I guess!) So I knew that would arrive this week. Today, just in time for a Friday night veg-out session, it came!

I told Carter to give me an hour to sweep, dust and vacuum so that would be done for the weekend. Then I put a little pizza in the oven and we watched our movie.

Of course, ADD me couldn't just relax and watch it and actually veg. I thought I better tackle that 3-foot-high stack of magazines in the living room. So I sorted into piles of Recycle, Place in Fitness Center at Work, Scrapbooking, Keep for Carter (National Geographic) and Read b/4 Recycling.

After Carter went to bed, I did veg on the couch for about an hour, realizing why I rarely do that. Couple hundred channels and there wasn't anything on I wanted to watch!

The other thing I got in my Amazon box was a DVD of Twins highlights from their World Series wins in 1987 and 1991. That's more than 2 hours long so I didn't want to start that so late. I am looking forward to watching it this weekend though so I can pretend my guys are still playing in October!

Sunday Snippets

Indiana Jones: We saw previews for the new Indiana Jones movie when we went to see Iron Man. I explained to Carter there were 3 others before this one and, naturally, they came out in special DVD format this week. We picked them up today and we watched the first one, Raiders of the Lost Ark. I told Carter that it came out when I was in grade school or junior high. "Wow, they had color back then?" Nice. I didn't get much younger sounding when I explained there was going to be some swearing and violence because "PG-13" wasn't invented yet. I gave him some trivia, though. I said after the 2nd one, Temple of Doom, came out, that's when they decided they needed a PG-13. OK, let me change the subject because I can't get that theme song out of my head!

Coming out of the Closet: I got a notice awhile back that the Easter Seal folks will be cruising through my neighborhood this week, picking up donations of clothes and such. I decided this weekend was a good time to finally purge my closet. I am embarrassed to say I filled 4 large garbage bags from my closet alone, plus 2 more with just sweaters (from the last 2 decades, judging by the style -- or lack there of). You'd think my closet would be empty now, but no. I have plenty of clothes. Some I still need to work to fit into again, but most of the small ones had to go... along with those "young" numbers that should not be worn by a 40-year-old. OK, this is too depressing, I better change the subject again!

Tattle Tale: There is one more thing "certain" in life besides death and taxes -- and that's that life isn't fair. It has been an enlightening weekend as stepson #2 (our troubled tenant) is tattling about the alleged activities of stepson #1 "because it's not fair if he doesn't get in trouble and I do." Life with siblings does not always work out that way. I know that it usually didn't matter if my twin did something wrong or it was me. My mom did a blanket punishment (no TV, no phone, etc.) for both of us. Nope, it ain't fair. And it doesn't get any better in the "real" world either, whether it's our bodies (why do I have to still be dieting at this age) or work (why does that guy make more money than me or get all the praise). We somehow learn to accept unfairness or find a way to make it more fair on our side the next time.

Well I gotta go. I've the 10-year-old griping that's it's not fair he has to take a shower...

Tuesday Tidbits

Iron Man: Carter and I enjoyed the new Iron Man movie. I don't know if I was getting burned out on Spider-Man or what, but I found myself really liking this one. Of course, now that I work with some comics publications, there is a definite buzz around the office when there is a Marvel release. The movie was rated PG-13 but since Carter saw the Spidey flicks, I figured I'd cover his eyes as needed and he didn't object. The lady in front of us in line was taking her younger son to a movie, too. When the cashier asked how old her boy is, she said "7 today. It's his birthday." OK, says the cashier, "because our policy is that a child has to be 7 to get into an R-rated movie." Are you kidding me? It took every effort to bite my tongue, knowing it's not my place to give mothering advice. I can tell you after that, I didn't feel so bad taking my 10-year-old to a PG-13 movie (with my left hand as a built-in censor).

Fore! I helped Carter break in his new golf clubs at the driving range last night. I find I do better when I am demonstrating to him -- head down, eye on the ball, swing slowly. I also found out I managed to drive a heckuva lot farther with my 3 wood than my driver. That could be my secret ace-in-the-hole club this year! At one point I was having a devil of a time hitting my hybrid club (which worked well last time). So I am saying something to myself like "why isn't this working?" and Carter says, "Mom, people might not want to play with people who talk to their golf equipment." Next swing, and that ball sailed! Hey, use whatever motivates you -- even if it's to channel anger or prove a point. Fore!

Natural Disaster: The death toll in the devastating Myanmar cyclone has risen to more than 22,000 with 41,000 more missing, according to news reports. We hear these stories but don't give them much thought after the newscast. Until it gets personal. My friend Lucy's sister Lisa is a kindergarten teacher over there in Yangon. Since phone service is out, Lucy hasn't heard from her since this happened. Please pray for Lisa's safety.

Heritage Hill: Today Carter is taking a field trip over to Heritage Hill State Historical Park outside of Green Bay. Of course the best part of any field trip is the bus ride, cold lunch (with soda!) and a snack. But I hope he learns something, too, even though he said last night, "Good, I get a day off from thinking." Oh it's tough being a fourth-grader. I sent one of those disposable cameras with him in case he saw something cool -- and advised him to not use all the pictures up on the bus ride. If there is one picture of scenery and 23 of girls, then we'll have a talk.