Scrap Snack Pack

Before I could finish packing my scrap, I had to get the scrap snack packs bought so I could pack 'em. You follow? In other words, buy plenty of unhealthy snacks so I can thrive on sugar and caffeine rushes and crashes all weekend.

The Big Guy Upstairs (not Jim) gave His blessing! At least that's how I interpret the gorgeous sunset greeting me as I walked out the automatic doors at Walmart. Behold. Even a supercenter parking lot has beauty... 

I'll just share them as is – no filter needed...

Beautiful! What a colorful way to put the work week behind me and focus on creativity. Let me check my scrapping packing list one more time. Then... bring it on!

Con-Sugar-acy Theory

It's not only the diet and fitness empires who are out to make a buck on New Year's resolutions. Little Debbie is right there, too, to capitalize on the failures.

Kind of makes you wonder if the two industries are conspiring against us chronic resolution-makers. 

Kellogg's: I'll sell sugary cereal so they gain weight and lose self-esteem by end of the holidays.

Magic weight loss company: Great, then we'll come in with expensive yet tasteless options so that they stay engaged for the first week of the new year.

Kellogg's: Sounds perfect. In the meantime, we'll partner with Little Debbie and swoop right in when their resolve has weakened.

Magic weight loss company: Awesome. Cha-ching!

Seems so logical, doesn't it? Just thought I'd put it out there since 2020 and 2021 already were heavy on conspiracy theories. 

By the way, you can find this goody at Wal-Mart (and perhaps other retailers). Also by the way, I love Oatmeal Cream Pies. Did not buy this today... but when my resolves breaks oh, about Saturday of this week, you can bet I'll be back in the cereal aisle. If they have Nutty Butter or Swiss Cake Roll option, I'm doomed.

You're welcome, Kellogg's, NutriSystem, et al. 

This is How We Roll

You can't put a price tag on friendship. Or can you? This isn't quite the gift that keeps on giving. But it sure is a priceless one-time-use treasure.

I've noticed a lot of weird stuff fly off shelves during this pandemic, but toilet paper ranks up top. People hoarding it. People fighting over it. And sold out everywhere – even on Amazon, which represents thousands of vendors.

All. Sold. Out.

When hubby managed to snag some at the store last week he said there was a "bouncer" making sure people only took one package per household. I suppose if saloons are closed, the bouncers gotta work somewhere.

Some friends of ours weren't as fortunate. They are running low and were supposed to pick up an order of it at Walmart tonight. They got notice today the order was canceled for some reason. Probably supply and demand. So when I was at the store after work to pick up some K-cups (coffee is essential for this girl), I saw there were some package of TP on the shelf. Say what?

I snapped a photo, sent it to our friend and said they're lucky we love them so much! See, you really can't put a price tag on friendship unless it's the $5.89 they charge for 6 mega rolls. Uff da. Glad we could help!

Meanwhile, in our household, the "bouncer" says to me: "We only have 19 rolls left. You're gonna have to start using both sides."

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how we roll.

TGIV (Thank Goodness it's Vacation)

This is totally me this week. In fact, I actually had to ask hubby what day it was. Friday? Really? I suppose that's better than it being Sunday already.

I made a point of getting out of the house today. Went to pick up a prescription then stopped at Wal-Mart to pay 50% off of $200 worth of stuff. Or something like that. It was actually my first trip to Wal-Mart this month where the tally was under a hundy. Good grief!

Have plenty of chocolate for the candy dish at work (when I return next year) and stuff for New Year's Eve. So that's good.

Since I was showered and in clothes that could be seen in public, hubby took me out to eat at the Wildhorse Saloon. Saw a few people we knew and enjoyed a good dinner.

Came home and I'm still looking for the motivation to accomplish something today. I did get the Christmas stockings put away. And I finished the series Unbelievable on Netflix. I didn't realize I had 4 episodes to go. So that was good and worthy of its recent Golden Globe nominations.

Between watching several hours of that plus getting current on Days of Our Lives for the first time in decades, I'm pretty exhausted. I didn't even get time to watch a Hallmark Christmas movie today.

Yet.

Mock-Tober

I woke up thinking it was finally Pumpkin Spice Season. And I could say it. And I could drink it and eat it. And I could declare my love. And I wouldn't be mocked.

But I was...

By Jolly Ol' St. Chipmunk... what?

I got nothin'. I mean. One, Halloween is a full month away yet. And two, who wants to pay $69 for an inflatable rodent elf? I don't know. I got nothin'.

While I was getting my pumpkin spice yogurt and other necessities, Wal-Mart was just assaulting me with fa-la-la.

Think I should tell them it's spelled F-A-L-L?

My Halo is Slipping

To the concerned citizens who fear I've been kidnapped by the Cake Boss or jumped my frozen ship in favor of frosting: No, I am still in love with ice cream. And yes, it is still my No. 1 choice!

In fact, the flavor of the day comes with some great advice! Is that not awesome? And a girl could hit bottom and not feel guilty at all...

Because Halo Top ice cream is only 240 calories per pint. As if people sit around eating a whole pint.

If I were, this wouldn't be a bad choice. It's creamy and tasty and does not taste diet-y. I only had two spoonfuls (I swear) but when I resume eating (after typing, perhaps), I'll let you know if it was as yummy from top to bottom.

Don't ask if it was expensive. I didn't even look. It was recommended (well, mentioned) at Weight Watchers so I was just thrilled to find it at Wal-Mart and had to check it out.

And yes, that is the only advice I have followed at Weight Watchers for quite some time. So my Halo Top is looking good, my actual halo is slipping.

Right down to the bottom.

Thank God tomorrow is a new flavor... I mean a new day!!

Storm Shelter :: No Money Down

It was Wicked Weather Wednesday in Wisconsin. Just like Tuesday, but with more alliteration.

After sleeping fitfully through last night's storms, we were treated to another round later this afternoon. We were under a combined Tornado Watch-Severe Weather Watch for the afternoon and evening, resulting in our doubleheader baseball and softball games getting called off and rescheduled to next Monday.

Since I had no excuse to skip kickboxing, I finally went for the first time in several weeks. Between work work and chiropractic work, I've had to stay away. It was a tough class. An understatement.

After class, my Wonder Twin Gwen (yes, Wonder Woman has stunt doubles) mentioned we were in a Tornado Warning. I looked at my phone and it only said Storm Warning. So we both figured we better hustle to Wal-Mart and shop quickly to beat it.

Now Robyn and "quick shopping" do not go hand in hand – even if I have a list. It took me forever to pick out a wedding card and two birthday cards because obviously it is a major decision, much like which car to buy or which college to attend. Gotta pick the right one.

So by the time I was in the grocery area, I could hear the rain pounding on the roof. Then it got loud. Really loud. Like the hail kind of loud. When I did make it the checkout aisle I wondered how fast I could run to my car in that stuff – and not get those cards wet, of course.

I didn't even get a chance to check out before the lights flickered off and on several times. Then completely out. No power. Just generator lights.

All shoppers were ordered to head back to Layaway, which conveniently doubles as a storm shelter. "This is a Code Black." Which now I know means, don't stand by the entrance taking pictures of hail. Get your butt to the back of the store so Wal-Mart doesn't get sued for injury and negligence.

I left my items on the checkout conveyor belt, grabbed my purse and headed to Layaway. I HAD to make a birthday treat tonight, so there was no way I was going home empty handed. Unless the storm got serious, that is.

As luck would have it, my Wonder Twin was there and we both were comforted knowing we would be with each other when we died. Well, how fitting my final resting place should be at Wal-Mart. Cleanup in aisle 5... Ashes.

Since we all didn't fit in the layaway area, some of us hung outside the door and browsed the shoe aisles. Gwen and I talked and tried not to look at the famous "People of Wal-Mart" type folks. Then I realized I was one of them. I was the sweaty, gross one and I am sure there were relieved when we were dismissed some 20 minutes later.

Power still hadn't come back on – it is out in much of the area – but the self-serve checkout kiosks worked.

On the way home, I saw a road closed and lots of emergency vehicles. Snapped a pic while driving by. It appears the uprooted tree is resting on power lines. That would explain some of the outages anyway.

When I got home and found that much of the town and area were still without power, I commenced to baking at lightning speed and now blogging quickly. Never know when the power will go off since we do have another round of storms coming.

Once again, I am praying for any victims – whether personal injury or tree/property injury. Apparently the wacky weather is here to stay.

Mother Hubbard Meets People of Wal-Mart

I finally decided to get some ambition today. Doesn't mean I got it, it was just the route I was hoping to go.

After work, I texted my neighbor go for a walk and if I didn't hear back from her in 15 minutes, I would be forced to go for a run. Well she texted me back... sometime around the 2-mile mark, I think. Dang. At least I got a 3-mile "trip" in with mostly running.

When I got home, I showered but didn't wash may hair. Figured I could just throw a hat on to go out, as in out to get some groceries for my empty cupboards.

Between hubby and I, we probably go north of 100 baseball-style hats around here. I had one in mind I was going to wear because my hair is now too short for a pony tail. Might as well break out a fitted one I never wear. I grab it off the top of the vanity, where it's been sitting awhile, and it's a bit dusty, to say the least.

I don't have time to deal with that! But by the time I put it back, I had dust streaks all over the front of my shirt so I looked like hell instead of fashionably cool in my black t-shirt and purposely hole-y jeans. Threw a different hat on. Who cares, right? At least I didn't smell.

Naturally, this is the time I run into no less than 4 people I know at Wal-Mart. Now that I think about it, the 2 who hugged me are probably walking around with dust from the 2001 Janet Jackson Concert hat. Whoops.

And yes, I did spend more than I planned. And while I didn't forget toothpaste, I did forget bananas. Will have to forgo my 10 a.m. snack at work tomorrow. I also didn't get anything else to snack on at home.

So, yes, I confess I am that mom who texted her son and asked to cut into the brownies someone gave him for graduation. Even though they've been in the fridge all week, I said I didn't want them to "go bad."

Go ahead and say it. Bad Mother Hubbard. Bad.

This wouldn't have happened if I had remembered those bananas.

Just sayin'.

Door Busters

Apparently when word got out there were "Door Buster" sales at Wal-Mart yesterday, this cow decided to bust his barn door and get there.

Seriously, a cow was trying to check out the dairy section or something in the Wal-Mart in Plover (next town over, just south of Stevens Point). The animal got loose from a neighboring dairy farm around 3:30 p.m. yesterday, according to Portage County dispatch officials.

Authorities managed to corral the cow and got it back to its owner safely – but not before enough people saw it and posted photos of it on social media! Only in Wisconsin.

I usually am not as concerned about what I will see at the store, but rather who will see me. I do not want to end up on one of those People of Wal-Mart websites but I push my luck pretty often.

It just happens that the place I do kickboxing is basically next door to the store. So oftentimes, after class, I head over there, still wearing some funky outfit and waiting for the sweat to stop dripping off my forehead. Even if I am physically beat from the class, I make my way through the store in record time, hoping to escape before I'm recognized by the paparazzi – or just somebody I know.

It just happens that two of the neighbor girls (Carter's age) are cashiers. I never see them around the neighborhood in the winter time but you can bet I'll see one of them or both when I am speed shopping after class.

Tonight I saw one of them and said, "It never fails I only see you when I'm coming here after kickboxing. I want to assure you I do actually take showers, curl my hair and wear makeup every morning."

She just laughed and said, "Hey, I applaud anyone who works out."

Still, I might need a decoy next time. Wonder if my neighbors would mind if I borrowed one of their cows...

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!!

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!

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.

Berry Busy

When summer church services are at 9 a.m., you wouldn't think one would have to set an alarm, would you? I didn't think so either.

But this morning I got up at 8:27 a.m. and managed to shower, curl my hair, throw on a dress and makeup and get to church only 1 or 2 minutes late! Feel free to be amazed.

On the way home, I had to stop at Wal-Mart for a few things. The best time to shop is after church. I am appropriately dressed for public viewing for a change. So I was glad I ran into at least 3 people I know! Makes up for a previous scary appearance or 2.

I was trying to figure out what to do with some raspberries we got from friends. So I bought an angel food cake, some white chocolate pudding and Cool Whip. The result...

Another trifle bowl creation! This was before I refrigerated it for awhile. Was not as pretty in terms of layers – cake then pudding then berries – but it tasted great topped with a big dollop of whipped cream. Yummy flavors of summer! And so "light" I am almost sure it was healthy.

That was my treat today – well, twice – even though it is apparently International Ice Cream Day or something. I kind couldn't justify returning to King Cone after hubby and I stopped yesterday. So I had a little Schwan's Root Beer Float Bar to satisfy the daily requirement.

For the record, I did go for a 3-mile run so I could ease my conscience. It was a slow run but that gave me extra time to burn more calories, right?

Other than that, I was inside in the air-conditioning and working on some design projects, paying some bills, doing laundry and too many exciting tasks to mention! I hate to make you jealous so I'll stop right there. I probably should get to bed early anyway.

Start my new job tomorrow. I better set the alarm this time.

Happy (non) Camper

It's funny that we traditionally transition to summer this weekend when that season is officially still a month away and no one around here is done with school. Oh, and the temps are in the 30s at night.

Doesn't sound like "summer" but I still dug out a summer / patriotic photo today to mark the start of Memorial Day Weekend. This was taken way back in 2007 when Jim and I had a weekend in Door County. This view is from the ferry heading to Washington Island. Oh what I'd give for a day like that!

We are not heading to any beach or campground this weekend. Haven't done that in years. We have enough going on just hanging around home – and going places close to home, which surely will distract me from any spring cleaning or yard work!

If you are bored or have free time, the Assumption girls have a big soccer game on Saturday against WR Lincoln. Showdown at high noon! On Sunday and Monday, Carter and the AHS band will perform at veterans ceremonies in Rudolph (9:45 a.m. Sunday) and Rapids (11 a.m. Monday). If that still isn't exciting enough for you, my nephew Colin is racing at Golden Sands on Monday.

See how relaxing it will be to have NOTHING going on?!

I guess if we get desperate to camp we can take a cue from this guy...

Yep. You might be a redneck if you spend your Memorial Day Weekend camping at Wal-Mart!

Whatever you decide to do, have fun and be safe!

Wheels of Wonder

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

Well, People of Walmart, meet Cars of Walmart.

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

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

Uff da.

Always another reason to be cautious out there!

Fatted Calves

I was going for Mom of the Year when I got up at 5 a.m. and noticed that Carter's homework project was in the computer printer queue, waiting for a yellow cartridge to be installed.

I didn't have a yellow cartridge. But, I hoped that before sunrise, somebody would!

If you see my photo on the People of Wal-Mart website, just skip to the next one, please. I did not look pretty for my homework "emergency printer cartridge" run. Immediately after 5:30 a.m. kickboxing class, I strolled (well, almost trotted) through the aisles, vulnerable to the public eye... unshowered, "glistening" from class, and my face – au naturale.

Thank the Lord they had my yellow cartridge AND special appreciation that for once I did not run into anyone I knew! I guess that makes up for the fact I didn't get a "Thanks, Mom" from the frazzled teenager.

That also was my cue that I deserved a Freakishly Fat Tuesday!

OK, I didn't go too far. After working out first thing and trying to reduce my fatted calves, I kind of was guilted into behaving all day. That and I was too busy at work after 3 days out of the office. I stayed late to wrap up a video-editing project and rejoiced that it was a success.

And that's when Fat Tuesday just got fatter.

It dawned on me that if I went home via the Stevens Point route, I would drive right past Arby's and could get one of their Andes Mint And Chocolate Swirl Shakes. Oh yes I did!

It was too much, though. And now I know why it can be easy to proclaim a sacrifice for Lent. With all our gluttonous behavior on Tuesday, come Ash Wednesday morning we vow never to eat or drink "that" again. I won't go so far as to say that about anything mint-related, but I can enjoy in moderation, right?

(Note to self: Arby's size Medium is not moderation. Uff da.)

My unimpressive Fat Tuesday has come to this... My stomach has no more room for any more Mardi Gras goodness. And since hubby is gone bowling, there will be no beads coming my way. Perhaps I'll just sink my teeth into a big FAT book and go crazy.

Just keep me off the Wal-Mart website!

Lordy, Lordy...

One day after Christmas in Wisconsin and look who's 40! Mother Nature!

Just typical of the Midwest's atypical weather. We are shoveling in late October and November and ready to get Mr. Deck Chair out of hibernation in December!

OK, I went one too far on that. I did manage to go for a walk/run with minimal layers. Not shorts. Certainly don't need to shave my legs when tomorrow is going to be cold and snowy already.

I know other areas in Wisconsin and Minnesota had their white Christmas. Ours will come late and hopefully not create any hazardous road conditions beyond Saturday. On Sunday, we travel to Minnesota for my family's Christmas. It will be far from 40 degrees, but for now (knock on deck wood), it looks like no precipitation.

In prep for the gathering, I went grocery shopping today for a few things I am making for the potluck. And since I was in Wal-Mart, took advantage of a few "day after Christmas" sales. Just some things for the party. Oh, and a little Reese's peanut butter cup "tree" for me.

Spent my evening wrapping Bunco gifts and watching a Christmas movie. Hubby relaxed in front of a different TV. And Carter is working.

Are we still in the Christmas spirit? Here's a hint. Jim just said: "I wonder if there is anybody else in this town who has 3 eggnog containers in their fridge. I bet you there's grocery stores that don't even have that right now."

OK, OK, I better go have a swig.

Taking my cue from Hawaii, where it's always this "tropical": Mele Kalikimaka to me!

Christmas Cheer

It was another jam-packed day off. And I'm OK with that since everything focused on Christmas.

This morning, hubby and I went to the Golden Mass at Assumption since the public is encouraged to attend. The gymnasium is transformed into a beautifully decorated and lighted place of worship. Carter and the band played some Christmas music and the choir sang several numbers, including my favorite, The Hallelujah Chorus.

Afterward, the gymnasium was transformed into a, well, gymnasium, for tonight's basketball game.

In between those two events...

The students could leave after Mass so Carter was able to join us for lunch with a handful of other friends of ours. I think there were 9 of us eating a scrumptious meal at Great Expectations. Good stuff!

After lunch, I really wanted to take a nap but had some grocery shopping to do. This is the second trip this week and again, I had an impromptu visit with friends. Apparently Wal-Mart is the new social hot spot. At least this time I looked presentable.

Got home and did some work (sh-h-h, don't remind me about vacation), then headed into town to drop Jim off at the bowling alley at 6 p.m. His subbing has become quite regular. Santa probably should have gotten him a new ball bag and shoes this year... but Mrs. Claus wasn't thinking!

Too bad he couldn't go to the game, it was a good one. It started off cheerful anyway. Here are a few photos of Carter and the pep band getting into the Christmas spirit and me, well, being my dorky selfie elfie self.

Carter's friend Olivia and one of their other classmates "bulked up" to dress Santa-like. I want those green, Grinchy shoes! Carter is wearing our "5-foot tall" stocking hat. He opted not to wear his Royal Blue one because he didn't want to match the previously mentioned dork...

Can I help it I love the Christmas season?? At least I am color-coordinated to show both Christmas Cheer and School Spirit! Unfortunately, it was not enough to get our boys a win versus Stratford. Very close, exciting game and we ended up losing by 2 points. Heart-breaker.

After the game, I picked up Jim from the bowling alley and we met up with some other "I'll have a Royal Blue Christmas" fans. We all have off tomorrow from work so why not stay out past midnight like the cool kids?

Logically, this little elf should be resting up for a busy 2 days. But I never claimed to be smart.

Just spirited.

Not To Do List

Things NOT to do on your first day of the weekend AND vacation....

Wake up early: Got that covered. Did wake Carter up around 7:30 to 8 a.m. and figured I'd "just lay down for a few minutes." Next time I looked at the clock it was 11:11 a.m. Oh yeah!!!!

Anything involving a broom, dust cloth, vacuum cleaner, dish towel: Totally played hooky on my Saturday chores. Yes, I know I have to do them tomorrow instead, but it felt good to bypass them for a day.

Work: The easiest way to not work is to stay away from the computer. In fact, when I went into town to the bank, library and store, I didn't even bring my phone with me. Granted, I forgot it on the charger. But I did manage 2 hours without it!

Diet: I didn't overindulge too much, knowing I have to pace myself to keep the Festive Fifteen weight gain down to a Festive Five this year. I actually went for a walk for an hour. Granted, I spent 30 minutes of that talking to the neighbor in her kitchen, but I had good intentions.

Follow a schedule: When a person sleeps 'til almost noon, can they really plan anything? That's fine. I enjoyed an impromptu visit with a girlfriend in the aisles of Wal-Mart. Had a nice phone call with my twin. Visited the neighbor (as mentioned). And, no need to ask, made time to watch a Christmas movie. This one might have been DVR-d from Lifetime instead of Hallmark, but still good. Ha.

I think I did pretty good NOT doing much today. The question is: Can I keep up the pace over the next two weeks?

You know me. I love a challenge!

Flash Flood

It dawned on me today that God probably has Noah on speed dial for occasions like today. I don't recall the last time we were actually in a Flood Warning, but it certainly made sense once I ventured outside.

I knew there was like an 80% chance of rain today so I wisely packed an umbrella in the car this morning. Doesn't do me any good when it's in the trunk and I'm running from my office out to the car, now does it?

The ride home was crazy rainy. It would let up, then I'd see the lightning, then it was start pouring again. I had to make a stop at KwikTrip and Wal-Mart. I basically could not see a thing driving there on Griffith Avenue. Apparently, my hybrid windshield wipers cannot keep up with torrential rains. Made it safely, though, and that's what counts.

When I got to Wal-Mart, I sat in my car and wondered if it would let up or if I'd have to make a run for it. I sat for a few minutes then splashed my way to the entrance. For the record, that does count as my run today. After I was done shopping, it had let up a little but had caused some real-life flooding in the area. My normally short route home was detoured due to water over the road.

And take a look at our driveway (above). It's never gotten this much rain that fast. Carter had to walk through a lake from his car to the house. As much as I brag up my kid, you'd think he could walk on water, right?

It did not get him a free pass out of either of his cross country practices today either. Had to dig out the "boot dryer" though so he can practice again in the morning – with dry shoes. And based on the radar, get them wet again tomorrow.

I might have to see if I can find Noah on Facebook. I'm sure I'm not the only one singing: And God said to Noah, "We're gonna build an arky, arky..."