What We Say vs What We Do

The thing about funerals is we see friends and relatives we haven't seen in forever – most likely since the last funeral – and we always say, "We need to get together for a happy occasion!" But no one organizes it. So we don't. And then it's the next funeral.

I think all families (including my own) are guilty of this.

But I will say it was great today to see dozens of Austins at Aunt Janice's funeral. She'd love the Snoopy popcorn tin above, by the way. 

Jim was a pallbearer and the reader. He does so good. I should marry that man. 💜

Truly, though, it was a very nice mass. I think I've said before that I don't always feel a personal connection at Catholic funeral services vs Lutheran or non-denominational. No offense whatsoever, they may have different delivery rules. But this new priest in town did amazing and told us afterward he will always try to get to know the person, the family, and the memories so he can deliver a personalized message for all those grieving. He did great!

With the combination of the visitation time and lunch, it really was great to catch up with the aunts, uncles and cousins. And heartbreaking at the same time that Jim's mom had her funeral on this exact date 3 years ago. 

The good news, though, is these two Austin wives are laying side by side in the mausoleum -- without their husbands there to supervise. So nobody better sneak in and place a case of Buckhorn Beer between them or there'll be trouble. According to reliable sources today, that is!

After the gathering I finished out my work day from home. And now am off the rest of the week! Time to get a little WICKED!

This evening, I had planned to meet a friend at the show but she found out her daughter had purchased them tickets for later in the weekend. So I just went in. And since I was so early, I caught the 6 p.m. 3-D show by happenstance. Not a fan. It was darker (lightwise not evil wise) and didn't add much to it. So don't pay extra for that if you don't have to.

Still the plot and music was stirring like the Broadway presentation – with quite a few extra cinematic effects obviously. I think I equally loved parts 1 and 2 because you need them both the complete the Broadway story. But if I had to lean toward a better one, I'd say the first. Much more emotion (and humor) as the anti-friendship formed into a friendship. 

Feel blessed that I could see the full production on stage a few times. Now I can just continue to sing the songs to the enjoyment (or annoyance) of the others in the house! Since it's Thanksgiving, I'm not only defying gravity, I am grateful that because I knew you – all my readers, that is – I have been changed for good!

[If you know, you know]

Just Wickedly OZ-some

I can't even express how amazing it is that every member of our writing team embraced dressing up for Halloween. As a team!

We decided a few weeks ago we'd dress up with the theme of Wicked or the OG Wizard of Oz. Naturally, I thought: "I wonder if I could use my connections at Assumption to secure the lion mascot costume for a day?" And it turns out, they'll let me have anything. For security purposes, we can't wear full masks (or a full mascot lion head) so I had to order the other "parts" on Amazon.

It was a very nice snuggly warm ride to work today. But it didn't take long to get over-heated. Thankfully we had our team pictures at 8:30 a.m. Here are a few so you understand and appreciate the depth of dedication here!

Here's our Follow The Yellow Brick Road crew!

And for Wicked fans: Here's GA-linda and Elphaba!

How convenient we also have the Munchkin Coroner close by when the house lands on the Witch at the beginning of the movie!

And if you saw Wicked the movie, you'll be thoroughly impressed with Steff's Dr. Dillamond. The best costume effort ever, if I do say so myself.

I did have to ditch the "lion's share" of my costume after lunch due to an important presentation I had to give. But otherwise, it was just OZ-some to be part of a fun team and see how many others dressed up today (since we work from home on Fridays).

Also, today is my 8-year anniversary at this place. That, for me, is also OZ-some!

Wicked Good

I love almost all Broadway shows, but I have a few favorites I've seen more than once. And Wicked is one of them! I've been excited forever, it seems, for the movie version of it to come out. Finally, it's here. And finally, my friend Cindy and I could see it!

A lot of the theaters in the area had some props for selfies since this is one of those movies that a lot of girlfriends will go to together. Cindy just happened to wear pink so she was Ga-linda the Good. And I was wearing black and my Wicked jacket I got the first time I saw the show a decade ago, so I was Elphaba – the Wicked Witch of the West.

Honest, we're both just nice people, though!

They even had special popcorn buckets! That was cool. And no, I didn't eat all of it. In fact, I was so busy singing (quietly) that more than half of it is left.

Anyway, the movie was phenomenal. I was so pleased that had all the songs from the musical and didn't skimp out on that. The reason the 2+ hour movie was only "part 1" was because they can add so much more cinematically (read: computer graphics likely) that it extends and enhances the story. So well done. 

And a couple surprises. I won't spoil it, but you probably know by now that one of the Bridgerton hotties is in it. I'll keep quiet about other special guests.

Oh, and sorry if you have no idea what I've been talking about. Wicked is basically the pre-quel to Wizard of Oz. The story of the two best friends who ended up being labeled the good witch and the wicked witch. If you haven't seen the Broadway production, the movie is worth checking out. You might find you're a fan of the musical arts.

Or just a fan of talented musicians and good special effects.

P.S. I'll never be a fan of the flying monkeys. And now even more so!

Gratitude Challenge Day 5 :: That's Entertainment

I'm going to slightly improvise for Day 5 of the Gratitude Challenge and add musicals.

Day 5: A favorite book or movie. 

For the record, I do have a few favorite books and movies I'm grateful for. But tonight, I have thrillifying Broadway musical on my mind – that was based on a book and set up as prequel to the Wizard of Oz movie.

Just got home from seeing Wicked over in Appleton. Clock's about to strike midnight, so this tired old witch will keep this short. 

I saw Wicked 10 years ago and loved it. And bought the swankified Wicked jacket I'm wearing above. Just had to have it. And dang, it's so cool I can't believe I don't wear it more often. Anyway, I was excited to wear it and see the show again.

My friend Cindy, who was my season ticket partner pre-Covid and during Covid, had never seen it. So I was excited to introduce her to my favorite show. Went to dinner at Good Company first, then walked down to the Emerald City. Left our broom parked at the restaurant!

The thing I love about Wicked is that there's more than one thing to love. It's entertaining as heck. Very funny. And sad moments, too. Great music. Incredible set designs. And the Broadway touring cast was crazy talented. We laughed and cried. 

I'm grateful for the experience. Grateful for the incredible message of friendship and acceptance in the musical. And grateful to share it with a dear friend. 

Pretty Oz-some!

#gratitudemonth

Because I Knew You...

Sitting on my desk among all the random pens and flashd rives and photos of my hubby and son is a silver-framed image of me with a special young lady.

Emily gave this to me 3 years ago after we completed our joint church confirmation project. I served as her mentor so for 6 weeks we met weekly and went through a faith journey together – including projects, homework, and service work. Oh, and lots of insightful conversations with this sweet girl. We shared many prayers, hugs, and "ah ha" moments realizing the many blessings in our lives.

I learned as much from her as she did from me, I am sure.

Since then, I have been privileged to see her regularly in church, read her hilariously written family Christmas letters, watch her perform in dance recitals and school musicals, plus take dance team photos and her senior portraits. For as much time as I sit at my computer desk, you know I am not exaggerating when I say I think of this "adopted daughter" of mine at least once a day.

And now I can't stop thinking about her.

I learned yesterday after my return from scrap camp that Emily had died earlier in the day. Shocked. Speechless. Heartbroken. I couldn't – and still can't – wrap my head around the fact that this beautiful young lady is gone. My heart breaks for her parents and sister and friends.

How she died is not my story to tell. How she lived, though, should inspire us all.

Tonight there was a candlelight vigil at the high school, where she was mid-stride in her senior year. Hundreds – mostly kids – gathered to pay respects, share a memory, light a candle.

Though hubby and I were too far back in the crowd to hear everything said, I heard enough to know that the same funny, caring girl I have come to know since her childhood is the same beautiful soul as a teenager. The teacher who is in charge of the Mock Trial team shared how Emily was the most motivating and positive student he's ever had. "She brought the team together as no one had and said 'We're doing this. We're winning this." There was much laughter, too, as friends from classes and Drama Club and dance shared special memories.

Memories.

I don't like that word because that means she's gone. And that's all we have.

At the conclusion of the vigil,  part of the orchestra and members of the high school choir dedicated songs to Emily. The song For Good from the Wicked musical has always been a favorite. Always makes me cry. And now, always will.

I've heard it said,
That people come into our lives,
For a reason.
Bringing something we must learn.
And we are lead to those,
Who help us most to grow if we let them.
And we help them in return.
Well I don't know if I believe that's true.
But I know I'm who I am today,
Because I knew you.
Like a comet pulled from orbit,
As it passes a sun.
Like a stream that meets a boulder,
Halfway through the wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better,
But because I knew you,
I have been changed for good.
 
It well may be,
That we will never meet again,
In this lifetime.
So let me say before we part,
So much of me,
Is made of what I learned from you.
You'll be with me,
Like a hand print on my heart.
And now whatever way our stories end,
I know you have rewritten mine,
By being my friend.
Like a ship blown from it's mooring,
By a wind off the sea.
Like a sea dropped by a sky bird,
In a distant wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better,
But because I knew you
 
Because I knew you
 
I have been changed for good.

Because I knew you, my Divine Miss Em, I know a single smile can light up a room more than 100 candles combined. Because I knew you, my sweet girl, I have been changed for good.

God bless you.

No Place Like Home

I realized today this is the first Saturday since Labor Day weekend that I am home with no major events to travel to or participate in. While I loved my two races, my trip to the Dome, my sister weekend and my scrapbooking getaway, it feels really nice just to be home.

My house appreciated it, too. It has been quite neglected. I wasn't sure where to even start but while I was eating breakfast, I heard the kitchen counter yell, "Find me first!" so that's where I started.

Got a little cleaning in, forced Carter to get off the couch and go for a little run with me -- and also took time to snap some pictures of a few pages from my scrapbooking getaway last weekend. I figured I would post these now since I will be out for the evening enjoying the Badger game by the campfire. Yes, it's possible to wheel a large TV down to a fire pit. And a grill, too! Should be fun.

Now for a few other fun memories from earlier this year...

Remember Carter's stint as the Cake Boss?

My nephew Colin's new race car (and new number) debuted in May. Yes, I found a Cricut cartridge that cuts out race cars! And so much more. I ordered it this week so I can't wait to use it. A lot!

Our annual Hedberg family Easter egg hunt always makes for 2 pages of fun!

Found some Twins paper last year on my sister weekend in Minnesota. Always on the lookout for the good stuff!

That same Cricut cartridge that made the race car also has some golf items like the cart and flag I used here. Am gonna love having it!

Speaking of golf... our golf ball-sized hail this spring.

If you ever wonder why I begged Santa for that Cricut last year -- look at my cool jigsaw puzzle letters to go with my Jigsaw Run page! How awesome is that?

And I even found the mountain goat or whatever animal it was on our t-shirts and race bibs for the Point Bock Run!

A simple black-and-white wedding layout for our friends Scott and Sandy's big day. Remember, that's when we went to Lambeau Field for pictures!

And finally, my WICKED page! I had the hardest time matching the green. I thought I did OK, but the camera doesn't lie. Don't worry, I'm not re-doing the page. I still like it.

And still have way more to do... but not today.

TGIF

Another week has flown by like Elphaba on her broom.

Yes, another Wicked reference -- I got the soundtrack in the mail today! Just a wee bit excited here! Listening to Defying Gravity as I type this and thinking tomorrow will be a good day to camp out in the Scrap Cave and listen to the whole soundtrack!

Just an uplifting ending to a pretty good day.

Had a productive day at work, capped off with dinner at Ponderosa Pines with our friends Mike and Christine. We decided to leave Carter at home so we could have a "grown-up" evening. So we were able to extend our evening at another establishment and not have to worry about a bored kid on our hands.

And Carter was far from bored at home. He claimed he practiced his baritone for half an hour. Not sure if that was before or after his phone call from one of his girl friends (2 words). Thank goodness for caller I.D. Our kids can't get away with anything these days! (But don't tell them that.)

Was relieved when I got home to learn that 2 gentleman in my extended family who I was praying for today both came through their surgeries OK. Now the really hard part comes. Chemotherapy for one and cardio rehab for the other. Not easy when they are elderly -- a term I give anyone older than my hubby but younger than my dad. Once they are my dad's age, they're just plain old.

No offense, Dad.

My parents flew home today after more than a month in Texas. At least they brought some warmth with them (according to the forecast). Of course, I thought that warming trend was going to start this morning so we did not give Carter a ride to the bus stop. On the way to work we learned it was 14 below zero. Whoops. I guess we've been abandoning that kid left and right today!

Something tells me we'll make it up to him this weekend. When I take a break from Defying Gravity... and quit defying motherhood!

Simply OZ-some

I absolutely love when something lives up to its hype. And Wicked definitely did that!

As I was reading the book last night, I decided not to finish it after all. Whether the musical follows the book closely or not, I wanted to be surprised at the ending. And I was!

I realize I am just about the last person on the planet to see this Broadway play, but I still will be nice and not spoil it. I can say it's the story of friendship between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good -- 2 characters we all know from the Wizard of Oz. And, as the promo trailers indicate: so much happened before Dorothy dropped in...

My friend Christine and I hit the road (not the Yellow Brick one) by 10:30 a.m. so we'd have time to grab some lunch in Appleton before heading over the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Got there plenty early to snap some photos in the lobby. Then headed inside to our seats -- in the 4th row!!

Oh yes, we have been excited about this since we got our tickets in October. A long wait and soooo worth the wait.

Nothing compares to live shows with the orchestra playing and all the sights, smells and sounds. It was an incredible theatrical production -- not to mention the wonderful story line and phenomenal singing. We laughed a lot. And, well, we cried, too. I honestly was moved to tears at least 3 times. Some of it due to the story and some of it due to the power of song. After the end of the first act, I just sat there and said, "Wow!"

And really, no words can describe it justly. I'll just say I can see why people see it more than once and definitely can understand why it's a great show to see with your sisters and girlfriends...

Even the Wicked ones.

TGIF (Thank God it's Fun Day)

Since this week was Catholic Schools Week (locally anyway), it was capped off today with Student Appreciation Day. And how do we "appreciate" students in Wisconsin in the dead of winter? Send them to an indoor water park, of course!

So we gave Carter a ride to school since I had a 7 a.m. back-crackin' appointment. Then he had to endure 2 hours of school. Then hop on the bus and have fun the rest of the day. Lucky! He said he had a blast and, really, how could you not? A "Fun Day" beats school and definitely beats work!

We had some fun, too, tonight. Got to go see our nephew Colin play hoops. Assumption boys beat those (us) Lutherans in both the JV and Varsity game. It was fun to watch since we just don't watch enough basketball games in our lives.

Right.

I will actually miss Carter's tournament tomorrow since I am going to have a girls' day over in Appleton and see the Broadway musical Wicked. I have had the tickets since early October so you might say I'm a little excited to finally be just hours from seeing it.

I had not read the book that the musical is based on. My friend Christine, who is going with me, lent it to me back in December. I was not sure I wanted to read it or not. You never know if it's going to help you know some background or confuse you too much if the live version strays from the written word.

So I didn't decide 'til just the other night that I was going to tackle the inch-thick book. I am less than a hundred pages away now so I really better go finish it. Now!

I have a feeling between that and the play tomorrow, I am going to be dreaming in green all weekend.

And trust me, it has nothing to do with the Packers!

Calgon...

What a fine lot we are tonight.

We've got Carter in bed early with a tummy ache. We've got hubby editing stories and proofing pages on the couch -- with a nagging, itchy teeny rash of some kind on his back. I just finished editing and proofing, too, and am dealing with an achy back and annoying cough.

Yep, we're a happy bunch.

I suppose part of it is we all just need to get some decent sleep one of these days, er nights. Also, it will help when our schedules sort of get on an even keel. That should happen for Carter now that soccer is done. Probably a good thing since his homework level has skyrocketed this week. He had a 25-pound backpack last night, I swear!

Unfortunately, our stress level at work has skyrocketed a bit, too. I told Jim on the drive home that it's not a good sign when we have to start taking work home with us again. But that happens. We get a nice reprieve for a while and then it gets crazy.

And people wonder why I like to escape via a hokey show like GLEE! (Hey, it works!)

I did have a legitimate gleeful moment today. I happened to get an email offer to buy tickets to the musical Wicked before they go on sale to the general public this weekend. I have wanted to see this show for several years but every time I hear about it in the area (as in within a 3-hour drive), it either is right after it happens or it's too late to get any ticket or too late to get a decent seat. (In the latter case, I wisely have not been willing to dish out a hundred bucks for a crappy seat.)

Today, though, I pounced on it right away. One, it's only in Appleton (just 70 minutes away) so even though it's in February, we can feel confident we can make the trek. Secondly, my friend Christine and I had just been talking about seeing this in Madison this fall but did not get around to getting tickets early enough. When I got the email I called her right away. "Are you in?" I asked. "You bet! " she said.

So 6 minutes later, I had secured 2 tickets for a girls afternoon away to sit 7 rows back and watch the pre-Wizard of Oz story of the childhood friendship (or not) of Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. I cannot wait!

Just like GLEE, this is not hubby's thing, so he is fine with me going with someone else. I also realize I will have to win the Packer pool 2 more times to pay for the ticket, but I have high hopes.

In the meantime, though, Calgon (or GLEE) can take me away!