Our initial plans for this evening were to meet up with friends for dinner in the late afternoon then head to the races. But then it started raining at noon. And hasn't stopped.
So no races tonight. But we still met up for a Friday night fish fry and then proceeded to bar hop (is that still the phrase?) for "dessert" -- despite the fact my girlfriend had a killer headache and we had the sixth-grader with us.
Had a wonderful time as always with our friends, but there are several reasons why this is no longer "my scene":
1) I don't drink any more so things really don't get funnier the longer we're out.
2) I swear these kids aren't old enough to drive, let alone bar tend or patronize a saloon.
3) I've come to cherish my smoke-free environment. (I just took a shower because I refuse to lay smoky hair on my pillowcase.)
4) There's something wrong with shooting pool in a bar with an 11-year-old at 9 p.m. on Friday night. (Of course Carter said, "I had fun tonight.")
5) I looked down the bar and saw hubby playing "air piano" to Mr. Breeze. (Refer back to #1.)
6) It's past my bedtime.
OK, that last one really makes me look pathetic! But, I admit, it's the truth. The only reason I stopped to blog and didn't head straight to bed is because I'm waiting for the blankets to warm up.
Then it's my happy hour.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wash Day
When I was a girl, long before I could fathom what it's like to be 40, I'd get a kick of that commercial where the woman would dance around with shampoo in her hair, singing, "I'm gonna wash that gray right outta my hair..." I didn't understand then why she'd be so happy just to restore her hair to its natural color. Now I get it.
This morning, I took a little break from work to visit my "hair artist." I had her wash away those pesky gray hairs and, when she was done with her magic, I felt like a new woman!
Do we hold that much stock in our hair color? No. It goes much deeper than that. Washing away our gray is like a special cleansing. We are ridding ourselves of something that symbolizes age or stress or perhaps both. When it's gone, we feel restored and ready for anything.
I think the original lyrics to the song were something about washing a man out of our hair. Today I don't feel the need to do that. But there are other things, other problems, other stressors, I wouldn't mind washing away.
There's no shampoo out there that can do that for me. But I find a good conversation with a friend or loved one can be just as cleansing. Sure, it helps to talk to God, too, but saying things out loud sometimes is more effective at releasing the hold they have over you. Like an extra rinse cycle!
Why not declare today your Wash Day. What would you like to wash away? What do you need to wash away?
I can point you to a laundromat that's open 24/7.
This morning, I took a little break from work to visit my "hair artist." I had her wash away those pesky gray hairs and, when she was done with her magic, I felt like a new woman!
Do we hold that much stock in our hair color? No. It goes much deeper than that. Washing away our gray is like a special cleansing. We are ridding ourselves of something that symbolizes age or stress or perhaps both. When it's gone, we feel restored and ready for anything.
I think the original lyrics to the song were something about washing a man out of our hair. Today I don't feel the need to do that. But there are other things, other problems, other stressors, I wouldn't mind washing away.
There's no shampoo out there that can do that for me. But I find a good conversation with a friend or loved one can be just as cleansing. Sure, it helps to talk to God, too, but saying things out loud sometimes is more effective at releasing the hold they have over you. Like an extra rinse cycle!
Why not declare today your Wash Day. What would you like to wash away? What do you need to wash away?
I can point you to a laundromat that's open 24/7.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The Bug Project
A friend of mine, who also has an 11-year-old son, shared an article with me this week from Focus on the Family magazine.
The article, entitled "The Bug Project," tells of a sixth-grade bug project to be done over the summer and completed by September. The mother of the sixth-grade girl wants to "help" the girl get going because she is afraid her daughter will procrastinate and not get it finished on time or in a quality fashion. The father suggests the mother let their daughter handle this on her own -- learning success or failure due to her own effort (or lack of it).
I can empathize with the mother who agreed to back off but really, really wanted to drop hints occasionally. She turned to her Bible and was reminded in Isaiah 40:11 that He gently leads those with young. She took some comfort and managed to "let go" for the summer.
In the end, the girl did finish the project on time and was able to add some elements to it that the mother admitted she would never think of.
Overall, the article was a good reminder that there comes a time -- armed with some guidance on time management and deadlines -- to let our children be responsible for their own successes and failures. I shared the article with Jim and we agreed this isn't going to be easy for any of us. Sixth grade promises to bring more projects and papers, but it is only fair to Carter for him to know what he is capable of doing on his own. Sure we'll be there as resources, but we can't orchestrate it all.
Easier said than done! Hubby says if he sees me in the conductor role, he'll just say "Isaiah" to remind me of the Bible verse and the story about the bug project. Good plan.
Can you believe we already used that "code word" today?
We did. Only it had nothing to do with the sixth-grader. This was all about the truant teenager who was given one last chance this summer to complete a project so he could stay at the alternative high school. All we needed to see was some effort. Something to show he gave a darn. But no, not happening.
And we have to be OK with that. He needs to learn about consequences. And then it is up to him to use that knowledge appropriately in the future. But we can't make him. And that sucks.
But that's parenting.
Good thing we have a loving Father on our side.
The article, entitled "The Bug Project," tells of a sixth-grade bug project to be done over the summer and completed by September. The mother of the sixth-grade girl wants to "help" the girl get going because she is afraid her daughter will procrastinate and not get it finished on time or in a quality fashion. The father suggests the mother let their daughter handle this on her own -- learning success or failure due to her own effort (or lack of it).
I can empathize with the mother who agreed to back off but really, really wanted to drop hints occasionally. She turned to her Bible and was reminded in Isaiah 40:11 that He gently leads those with young. She took some comfort and managed to "let go" for the summer.
In the end, the girl did finish the project on time and was able to add some elements to it that the mother admitted she would never think of.
Overall, the article was a good reminder that there comes a time -- armed with some guidance on time management and deadlines -- to let our children be responsible for their own successes and failures. I shared the article with Jim and we agreed this isn't going to be easy for any of us. Sixth grade promises to bring more projects and papers, but it is only fair to Carter for him to know what he is capable of doing on his own. Sure we'll be there as resources, but we can't orchestrate it all.
Easier said than done! Hubby says if he sees me in the conductor role, he'll just say "Isaiah" to remind me of the Bible verse and the story about the bug project. Good plan.
Can you believe we already used that "code word" today?
We did. Only it had nothing to do with the sixth-grader. This was all about the truant teenager who was given one last chance this summer to complete a project so he could stay at the alternative high school. All we needed to see was some effort. Something to show he gave a darn. But no, not happening.
And we have to be OK with that. He needs to learn about consequences. And then it is up to him to use that knowledge appropriately in the future. But we can't make him. And that sucks.
But that's parenting.
Good thing we have a loving Father on our side.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
In Brief
Just bits and pieces of nothing much today....
Forget Me Not: So apparently this life after 40 business means some serious memory lapses. I was informed this morning that the Tooth Fairy failed to show. Oh man. Again? This is the second time this year! Yikes. I then recalled that Carter lost his tooth on the way home from work last night. But it obviously slipped mind. I couldn't even think of a creative lie. I just said, "Well she must have forgot." We'll see if "better later than never" applies here.
No Pain, No Gain: Speaking of getting old, I am feeling twinges of pain here and there tonight. The Fitness Center is closed for cleaning and maintenance this week so I had to do my weightlifting routine using the ancient universal machine in the fitness center (loose term) at work. Those old machines do not move so smoothly. I fear parts of me that should have moved left, moved right, and vice versa. Ouch. Then a half hour ago, Carter reminded me we were going to start this six-week journey to 100 push-ups a day. Ugh. I could never make it as a personal trainer.
Homer Dome: I've been dropping hints all summer that I really, really, really want to get to one more Twins game this year while they're still in the Dome. Today I tackled hubby and sat on him until we agreed on a game. As result, we have tickets to next Friday's game ... and hubby has to go to the chiropractor in the morning. (Seriously, it was previously scheduled.)
Rule of Thumb: After hearing about my green-thumb mother's many blue ribbons for her house plants at the fair, I of black thumbness declared on Sunday that I was just going to have to part ways with the dried up hanging plant out front. Well it rained hard that night and, wouldn't you know it, when I went out for a run this morning, I was greeted with a beautiful red flower. I wonder if it will make it to garbage day (which is tomorrow). I really couldn't throw it out when it's trying to live on me.
Luck of the Draw: When I checked our Powerball tickets today and bought new ones, I found out we won last week! Well, 7 bucks anyway. It's a start. We've now decided that if we win the big jackpot this week, our first order of business will be getting a new screen door, then, says Daddy, we need to register son #2 at one of those expensive -- yet effective -- military schools. If we can get a 2-for-1 deal, he thinks we might as well sign up Carter, too. Wait a minute. Do we really need to be bargain shoppers when we're millionaires?!
I wonder how I'll live without Wal-Mart...
Forget Me Not: So apparently this life after 40 business means some serious memory lapses. I was informed this morning that the Tooth Fairy failed to show. Oh man. Again? This is the second time this year! Yikes. I then recalled that Carter lost his tooth on the way home from work last night. But it obviously slipped mind. I couldn't even think of a creative lie. I just said, "Well she must have forgot." We'll see if "better later than never" applies here.
No Pain, No Gain: Speaking of getting old, I am feeling twinges of pain here and there tonight. The Fitness Center is closed for cleaning and maintenance this week so I had to do my weightlifting routine using the ancient universal machine in the fitness center (loose term) at work. Those old machines do not move so smoothly. I fear parts of me that should have moved left, moved right, and vice versa. Ouch. Then a half hour ago, Carter reminded me we were going to start this six-week journey to 100 push-ups a day. Ugh. I could never make it as a personal trainer.
Homer Dome: I've been dropping hints all summer that I really, really, really want to get to one more Twins game this year while they're still in the Dome. Today I tackled hubby and sat on him until we agreed on a game. As result, we have tickets to next Friday's game ... and hubby has to go to the chiropractor in the morning. (Seriously, it was previously scheduled.)
Rule of Thumb: After hearing about my green-thumb mother's many blue ribbons for her house plants at the fair, I of black thumbness declared on Sunday that I was just going to have to part ways with the dried up hanging plant out front. Well it rained hard that night and, wouldn't you know it, when I went out for a run this morning, I was greeted with a beautiful red flower. I wonder if it will make it to garbage day (which is tomorrow). I really couldn't throw it out when it's trying to live on me.
Luck of the Draw: When I checked our Powerball tickets today and bought new ones, I found out we won last week! Well, 7 bucks anyway. It's a start. We've now decided that if we win the big jackpot this week, our first order of business will be getting a new screen door, then, says Daddy, we need to register son #2 at one of those expensive -- yet effective -- military schools. If we can get a 2-for-1 deal, he thinks we might as well sign up Carter, too. Wait a minute. Do we really need to be bargain shoppers when we're millionaires?!
I wonder how I'll live without Wal-Mart...
Monday, August 3, 2009
Graze Anatomy
We celebrated a friend's 50th birthday at work today. So that meant a birthday potluck and endless grazing from dawn 'til dusk (or mid-afternoon, at least).
To my credit, I did not eat any of my Dirt Cake .... yet. (I still have a ways to go before bedtime). However, I am guilty as charged of grazing through the rest of my meals. (Who says you can't have cake, just cake, for lunch?!)
To top it off, I was finishing up a work project that had to get done today so I had Jim go get Carter from Kidz Camp after work and come back and get me. Then they still had to wait a bit. To pay for my crime, I had to treat them at Shivers. Yep, that's the Austin Laws of Crime & Punishment. At least the "law enforcement officers" allowed me to have a treat, too. Though I certainly didn't need it.
That's why when I was talking to my neighbor on the phone this evening, I needed little to no convincing to take a walk. In fact, it was such a nice night, we drove over to the lake and walked the 4+ mile path there.
It's always nice to exercise with a friend. You get the added benefit of good conversation besides the calorie burning. We had a nice breeze to accompany us, too.
It sure helped erase some of the guilt from the day. But little Miss No Willpower is wondering if she should just keep typing until bedtime. I can hear that Dirt Cake calling from the fridge, can't you?
To my credit, I did not eat any of my Dirt Cake .... yet. (I still have a ways to go before bedtime). However, I am guilty as charged of grazing through the rest of my meals. (Who says you can't have cake, just cake, for lunch?!)
To top it off, I was finishing up a work project that had to get done today so I had Jim go get Carter from Kidz Camp after work and come back and get me. Then they still had to wait a bit. To pay for my crime, I had to treat them at Shivers. Yep, that's the Austin Laws of Crime & Punishment. At least the "law enforcement officers" allowed me to have a treat, too. Though I certainly didn't need it.
That's why when I was talking to my neighbor on the phone this evening, I needed little to no convincing to take a walk. In fact, it was such a nice night, we drove over to the lake and walked the 4+ mile path there.
It's always nice to exercise with a friend. You get the added benefit of good conversation besides the calorie burning. We had a nice breeze to accompany us, too.
It sure helped erase some of the guilt from the day. But little Miss No Willpower is wondering if she should just keep typing until bedtime. I can hear that Dirt Cake calling from the fridge, can't you?
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Remember the Sabbath...
I slept in today -- but I sure had to work at it. My silly body awakened at 6 a.m. like it's a work day and I had to force myself to relax and fall back asleep, bound and determined to get 8 hours of sleep after our late night of racing.
I was up by 8 but made a conscious (albeit sacrilegious) decision at that point that I was not going to shake tail to make it to church on time. I didn't shake tail and go running either. Instead, I headed into town, searching for salvation at Wal-Mart.
What I found there, as usual, were falling prices and fellow fallen angels (also skipping church?). I also crossed paths with a wonderful woman -- the widow of my old copy editor Bob who was quite the mentor to me. It was good to see her again. She's doing well and quite accustomed to living on her own. I'm sure Bob is watching over her -- and me, too, probably cringing on those rare occasions I forget to spell-check my blog!
When I got home, we made a quick unanimous decision to head down to Adams again and watch Madison play. We had our start time mixed up so we missed a good chunk of the game when Madison's team came from a 2-0 deficit to tie it and eventually force it into extra innings. We saw all that excitement. You can't help but jump right in and cheer (hope) with the rest of the fans. A whole lotta screaming going on. At one point, Carter and I both had goose bumps. Definitely worth the trip down. And Madison's team did win, 6-4, so they were headed to the championship game later.
Carter got such a high from the intensity that he actually wanted to stay. Since our neighbors didn't mind, we let him stay on with them. Jim wanted to get back and go to some Legion games in Rapids. And I knew I had to get the lawn mowed. It's tough wearing the title as the only able-bodied adult in the house!
I really don't mind mowing. I got 2 hours of sunshine and exercise. My main concern was seeing a snake again. Talk about intensity and nerves! But thankfully nothing today.
Since I had the house to myself for awhile, I sat down and watched a movie, The Secret Life of Bees, based on a book I read last summer. I knew it was one of those movies the guys would not get into. I enjoyed both the book and the movie.
After that, I had to put my domestic goddess tiara on awhile. Made a caramel apple salad to go with supper and made a dirt cake for someone's birthday at work tomorrow. When I had my men back home, I grilled some burgers and we had a pretty tasty meal.
Now my apron's off. So are my shoes. I am remembering that we are supposed to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. But also use Sunday (occasionally) as a day of rest. Hopefully, I can do a better job applying both of those next week.
In the meantime, this is your favorite heathen signing off...
I was up by 8 but made a conscious (albeit sacrilegious) decision at that point that I was not going to shake tail to make it to church on time. I didn't shake tail and go running either. Instead, I headed into town, searching for salvation at Wal-Mart.
What I found there, as usual, were falling prices and fellow fallen angels (also skipping church?). I also crossed paths with a wonderful woman -- the widow of my old copy editor Bob who was quite the mentor to me. It was good to see her again. She's doing well and quite accustomed to living on her own. I'm sure Bob is watching over her -- and me, too, probably cringing on those rare occasions I forget to spell-check my blog!
When I got home, we made a quick unanimous decision to head down to Adams again and watch Madison play. We had our start time mixed up so we missed a good chunk of the game when Madison's team came from a 2-0 deficit to tie it and eventually force it into extra innings. We saw all that excitement. You can't help but jump right in and cheer (hope) with the rest of the fans. A whole lotta screaming going on. At one point, Carter and I both had goose bumps. Definitely worth the trip down. And Madison's team did win, 6-4, so they were headed to the championship game later.
Carter got such a high from the intensity that he actually wanted to stay. Since our neighbors didn't mind, we let him stay on with them. Jim wanted to get back and go to some Legion games in Rapids. And I knew I had to get the lawn mowed. It's tough wearing the title as the only able-bodied adult in the house!
I really don't mind mowing. I got 2 hours of sunshine and exercise. My main concern was seeing a snake again. Talk about intensity and nerves! But thankfully nothing today.
Since I had the house to myself for awhile, I sat down and watched a movie, The Secret Life of Bees, based on a book I read last summer. I knew it was one of those movies the guys would not get into. I enjoyed both the book and the movie.
After that, I had to put my domestic goddess tiara on awhile. Made a caramel apple salad to go with supper and made a dirt cake for someone's birthday at work tomorrow. When I had my men back home, I grilled some burgers and we had a pretty tasty meal.
Now my apron's off. So are my shoes. I am remembering that we are supposed to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. But also use Sunday (occasionally) as a day of rest. Hopefully, I can do a better job applying both of those next week.
In the meantime, this is your favorite heathen signing off...
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Winning Attitude
We saw some young competitors today that sure make winning look easy.
Early this afternoon, Carter and I trekked down to Adams to see our next-door neighbor (his classmate Madison) play in a softball tournament. Their team -- Rapids Rage -- won the state title a few weeks back but continue to participate in tournaments for the fun and experience.
Madison hit a home run in Friday's game and almost hit a second but twisted her ankle a bit rounding first. So today she took it kind of easy (for her) but still had 2 hits. And, of course, helped the team win 5-zip. Easy peasy. Now they'll go into Sunday undefeated. Way to go, girls!
Tonight, we hitched a ride up to Marshfield with Jim's parents to finally watch Colin race. What a show he puts on!
He was fast qualifier then won the "dash for cash." In the heat race, he was boxed in for a few laps but then got past the leaders and it was history for them. Another win. In the feature, he started about 10th back. He did some very, very aggressive driving -- twice going three wide to pass cars on the outside in turn 4. If you know racing, you know that's a dangerous move, especially there. And twice? Yikes. He led the final 12 laps and finished up a whole half-lap ahead (on a 1/2-mile track) of the second-place driver. He makes it look soooo easy!
I found out later why he was so determined to win tonight. Remember I told you about that bad accident Sunday? Turns out Colin's friend was one of the people airlifted to the hospital. He had to have reconstructive surgery on his leg and is still in the hospital. Colin vowed he would win the race tonight for his friend Cody and give him the trophy.
I tell you, there's nothing like the heart of a winner.
Early this afternoon, Carter and I trekked down to Adams to see our next-door neighbor (his classmate Madison) play in a softball tournament. Their team -- Rapids Rage -- won the state title a few weeks back but continue to participate in tournaments for the fun and experience.
Madison hit a home run in Friday's game and almost hit a second but twisted her ankle a bit rounding first. So today she took it kind of easy (for her) but still had 2 hits. And, of course, helped the team win 5-zip. Easy peasy. Now they'll go into Sunday undefeated. Way to go, girls!
Tonight, we hitched a ride up to Marshfield with Jim's parents to finally watch Colin race. What a show he puts on!
He was fast qualifier then won the "dash for cash." In the heat race, he was boxed in for a few laps but then got past the leaders and it was history for them. Another win. In the feature, he started about 10th back. He did some very, very aggressive driving -- twice going three wide to pass cars on the outside in turn 4. If you know racing, you know that's a dangerous move, especially there. And twice? Yikes. He led the final 12 laps and finished up a whole half-lap ahead (on a 1/2-mile track) of the second-place driver. He makes it look soooo easy!
I found out later why he was so determined to win tonight. Remember I told you about that bad accident Sunday? Turns out Colin's friend was one of the people airlifted to the hospital. He had to have reconstructive surgery on his leg and is still in the hospital. Colin vowed he would win the race tonight for his friend Cody and give him the trophy.
I tell you, there's nothing like the heart of a winner.
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