TGIF

C-man played a great game last night. It was against a lot of his wrestler buddies, so showing up was important. He hit well (a really solid double off a friend), caught great (especially for the first time since he'd sprained his thumb), and even made a beyond amazing catch in center field to rob his good friend of at least a double. (His teammates dubbed it Trout-like) Afterward, he declared it the most fun he'd ever had losing. And that's what baseball is about, I suppose.

Now we have a baseball-free weekend in front of us, and the weather is supposed to be glorious. After the annual plant sale tomorrow morning, I'm hoping my arthritis nonsense holds off enough to be able to get some stuff done around the house and clean out my gardens. And, of course, drink the champagne Beerman got us for our anniversary. Definitely a yes on that one.

Cheers to the weekend, my friends. Cheers.

15

Today marks 15 years of marriage to Beerman. We'll pass it with some work, a band concert, and a Little League game that will probably be a total schlacking because our coach feels like coaching this team like they're 6 year olds, switching their batting order and where they play every inning regardless as to the kid's knowledge or ability, and the other team is good. But enough about that nonsense before I get incredibly angry again.

Back to the important stuff - I've been married for 15 years. During that time, we've had 3 dogs, 1 kid, and 1 house. Together, we've traveled to 5 continents, endured an arthritis diagnosis, and made it through a bathroom and kitchen remodel. We've laughed. We've fought. We've lost some close to us. And we've made an incredible amount of good friends.

Our marriage probably isn't different than most. At least those that have made it. But it's mine. And for that, I'm so incredibly thankful, I cannot even put it into words.

Here's to the next 15.

Three Things

1. Aaaachoo!
2. There's no baseball tonight. Because there's a wrestling camp, of course.
3. Day 1 of no sugar isn't going well. I ate a piece of Kit Kat. Oh well.

Only 4 days to go.

• I'm off the sugar again. After my Lenten fast, I got back on it while on vacation. And lately, with the appearance of chocolate and donuts and other sugary things that I find I don't even want, I've realized it's time to go cold turkey again. So there you go. Officially done again.
• Upon reflection of my birthday party, it was still pretty awesome and exactly what I wanted. That's a really nice feeling.
• I blew through the second season of Grace and Frankie on Netflix. That show makes me smile. I guess now that I'm 40, I like old people shows. Just as long as I don't start watching Jeopardy.
• C-man has a practice and two games this week, but nothing at all this weekend. That's sort of tremendous.
• Only four days until the weekend. I can do this.

Thankfulness

It was cold. In fact, it sleeted during C-man's baseball game. But we moved to Plan C. Beerman and company put a giant roof tarp around the pavillion, we lit the heaters, and the birthday party was on. We wore coats, but it was fine. A little food, a little music, a little liquor, and a whole lot of laughs. I am truly thankful to have been surrounded by so many friends and family.

It's a good feeling to have such goodness so close. Overwhelming a little, to know that those closest made sure to be there when it mattered. On my worst days, this photo is what brings it home. And on my best days, is where my deepest laughs stem. I couldn't have asked for it to have been better.

Happiness Friday

It was a little bit of a rocky start, but the Nats pulled it off. And more importantly, selfishly, C-man finally swung the bat and made pretty great contact to right field. He made a couple of great catches in the outfield, too. I think he's earning himself a genuine spot out there, something that's not such a bad thing now that balls regularly come that way. This weekend's game will be a bit tougher, but we'll take the Ws where we can get them.

In other fun news, my birthday party is tomorrow. We've moved the location due to the anticipated weather issues, namely the cold. But Beerman has events planned, I have red solo cups on my shopping list, and it looks like we have 60ish people. In other words, it should be a good time.

Thursday Thirteen

1. Beerman picked up his truck yesterday. According to C-man, this purchase may have been our best decision. Ever.
2. We have a baseball game tonight, of course. At least it's okay weather. I'm just praying they don't get slaughtered like last time.
3. Well that, and that C-man swings the bat. He's lacked confidence lately, which is weird, because until a couple of games ago, when he was still swinging, he was crushing it.
4. We've officially moved my party from the biergarten to the local park so we can heat it. Stupid weather.
5. Beerman has been working hard on putting together some adult games for us, though, so it should be good.
6. I'm working on getting us tickets to at least one Notre Dame game this football season. I don't know why I haven't done this before. I think C-man will like it. He loves seeing games in new places.
7. Brazil got rid of its president today. And it's got rampant Zika. Oh boy, this Olympics is going to be something...
8. Speaking of the Olympics, have you seen the American uniforms? Holy awful. Are we sailors? Pirates? Just can't decide how many layers to wear? At least the track uniforms are cool.
9. I sold my first bottle of honey yesterday. I've gotten tired of people asking if they can buy it. So I figured, what the hell. I'm done giving it away.
10. I realized today that I'd started a photo book of our vacation, but never finished it. At least I got that done.
11. I'm really tired of hurting. I have an appointment on the 27th with a rheumatologist. I just can't do it anymore.
12. And um, no. Just no.
13. Only 2 more days until my birthday party. Cross your fingers for decent weather!

And now this

The Nats got slaughtered last night. It was ugly. The kids got behind, and the shoulders slumped, and it all went downhill from there. C-man is in a slump himself. I'm hoping we can build his confidence up a bit this week so he can get back to himself. He's still sick, though, which isn't helpful.

In other news, Beerman is getting a truck. My birthday party is Saturday, and I think we have to change the venue due to the weather. (grumblegrumblegrumble) But, there are still loads of people coming, and there will be beer, so it's all good.

My Mothers Day turned out A-Okay

After church and a dog park visit, we headed along the river in Estabrook Park to find our way to some geocaches. After a bit of searching, Beerman logged the first find.

I found the second, but C-man got the actual grab after a boost up the tree from Beerman. A true team effort.

At this point, we realized it was past noon, when the biergarten opened. So up to the street level we went to treat ourselves and have some lunch.

Then we came home so the boys could practice baseball while I mowed the lawn. A pretty darned fine day, if you ask me.

I made it

Yesterday was my 40th birthday. It was a weird day. C-man wasn't feeling well (I think he has a cold that was exacerbated by allergies), and neither was I (too much Vicodin lately made my insides rebel). So we stayed home. Then, because I'm not very good at this adult thing, I let him go to his baseball game. And then we came home and had some greasy burgers. The end. And that's the story of how I turned 40. I didn't do anything. I didn't laugh or cry or really... anything. It just happened, and now it's over. 40 full turns around the sun.

I thought about making some resolutions or goals. But then I couldn't really come up with anything. Yes, there are laugh lines and extra pudge ripples and a c-section scar and chicken pox marks. But at the end of the day, I've got a family who loves me, a good job, way too many hobbies and interests, a nice network of friends, and a solidly great dog. I've traveled, not as much as I'd like, but more than most. I'm educated, not as many degrees as I'd like, but enough to be thankful for what I've got. And while the arthritis is nonsense, I guess we all have something to deal with.

So on this 40 + 1 day, I'm pretty content. I made it this far and haven't screwed too much up. Let's see what the next 40 bring.

Sonofabitch

Today is the last day of my 30s. It's finally happened. Somehow, somewhere between climbing trees and being an exchange student and arguing about Homer and running a Boy Scout camp and getting married and getting a Masters degree and having a kid and receiving an arthritis diagnosis and getting stung by bees... I've become a full-fledged adult.

Holy shit.

I'm not really concerned about turning 40, which surprises me a bit. I think it might not really mean much because I can't quite comprehend that it's real. I mean really, 40 year olds aren't young. And I'm not old, so it can't be possible, right? Right?!?

Then you add to it that I don't feel 40. I mean, some days I feel like I'm 12, while giggling at fart jokes. And then others, 112 because I can't even get out of bed on my own. But 40? Not once have I felt 40. Maybe it's because I don't really know what it means - this ever-present marking the passing of time. I know I forget a bit more than I used to. And I look at my retirement account as an important number. But 40 doesn't seem quite right.

Regardless, there it is. 40. Like a tacky, flashing neon beer sign swinging by one chain. Unavoidable. Not pretty. A little creaky. But everyone sees it if they're lucky enough.

Maybe if I keep saying it over and over again, it'll sink in. Then again, maybe I'll forget.

Goodbye, 30s. I think I'm ready to leave you behind.

One of those

It's been one of those days where people have made up things to be dramatic about. And really, I've got no patience for that nonsense these days. I'm tired, I hurt, and I'm turning another decade older. Piss off, people.

So it's Monday

• I went to see my bees yesterday. All four hives are alive. Although Caroline's hive (one of my two survivors) is quite small. I saw brood, though, so they're just not building up. I hope that changes now that the weather is turning.
• It makes me feel a little better about there being so much pollen in the air and my lungs, though. At least it's good for the bees!
• C-man doesn't have a game until Thursday. He has personal practice on Tuesday and team practice on Wednesday, though.
• C-man's coach is also the league president. Now that he's got access to my photos, they're showing up on their Facebook and Instagram pages. It's nice to have them put to good use.
• I've got a birthday coming up this week. But more importantly is my party on the 14th. I looks like we've got at least 50 people coming. It's always stressful worrying you're going to have a party and no one is going to show. At least we don't have that. Now to pray-cross fingers-knock wood for good weather!
• I'm so glad Game of Thrones is back. The spoiler-not-spoiler is just proof that they're ahead of the books now, though. RR Martin would never follow so obvious of a storyline.
• In other news, only 4 more days of this work week to go!

One for the W column

I slept in, took Beasley for a walk, and then endured watched a Nats game. They won, which was great. It was 42 degrees and raining, which was decidedly un-great. But now, we warm up, eat some dinner, and enjoy Saturday night.

T.G.I.Finally.F.

Slow down, unicorns!

Thursday Thirteen

1. I went to the chiropractor yesterday. I had a 4 hour stretch of sleep last night and didn't need Vicodin. So that's a win.
2. Although allergies are totally kicking my butt, and sleep is still terrible. One thing at a time, I suppose.
3. C-man had a baseball game last night. They lost due to some errors. But the team is respectable, and C-man is totally loving playing. It doesn't hurt that he is hitting well and made a really great catch in center field.
4. He has a game again tonight. It was so cold last night, I'm sort of wishing for a rainout.
5. I did just tell him last night that he had to choose between a game and his school Spring concert. 3 guesses which one he chose. And 3 more guesses at how long he deliberated on that very difficult decision.
6. C-man has off school tomorrow. Of course he does. After all, it's Friday. Seriously, what the hell...
7. At least Beerman is home again. For now.
8. I should really go see my bees this weekend, but I don't know if I'm going to. I'm really subscribing to the less is more philosophy, and they're going to do their thing with or without me. The only problem is I won't get there the following weekend either if I don't go. Guess I should just bite the bullet and get up there on Sunday.
9. Which means I need to reschedule my massage. Damn.
10. It's the Packers draft tonight. I'm guessing that'll be our post-baseball game activity.
11. I'm going to turn 40 next week. How the hell did that happen?
12. I finally feel like I'm getting caught up at work after our vacation. Man, that takes a long time.
13. I would like some cake.

Wordlessly Wishing I Was Still Vacationing

Tuesday's Ten Things

1. I'm exhausted. The arthritis pain has been so stupid, I'm only getting sleep in up to 2 hour increments.
2. C-man plays baseball tomorrow and Thursday against 2 really good teams. We don't have super high hopes for his team this year.
3. I'm in charge of dinner tonight. Pizza rolls it is!
4. Game of Thrones is back, and I'm thrilled. So is Outlander, which is also exciting. It'll make up for the Vikings being almost over. Gah! So much good TV!
5. I'm trying to get off the sugar again. I took a break from my sugar break during vacation. It's definitely time to get back on it.
6. Allergies are kicking my butt right now. I've got to take more medicine.
7. I almost can't take any more of the political talk on Facebook. I know who I'm voting for. I don't really care who you vote for.
8. Speaking of Facebook, if you feel the need to share more than 2 links or videos in an hour, step away from the computer.
9. Trip Advisor keeps sending me updates for places to see in New Zealand because I reviewed things there. Um, Trip Advisor- that's not very helpful.
10. My back still hurts from being burned in Fiji. What the hell?

Boys of Summer are Back!

Today was a nice day. I got some housework done. Beasley got to go to the park. And we got to cheer C-man and the Nationals on during opening day. C-man struck out, walked, and got a huge bomb to right field for what should have been a triple (he stopped at second). Unfortunately, he hurt his thumb while catching, so we're icing and watching that. I'm really hoping he didn't do anything bad during his first game out! The good news is we're back to loving baseball again. (During wrestling season, we liked wrestling and 'hated' baseball),

Ahhh... Summer's so close, I can taste it!

TGIF

• My hive that came with the dead queen will not be replaced. The only option they gave me is to give me a new queen. Which was a stupid option. Since A) I'd have to get it in Appleton instead of Sheboygan, where I picked up my bees, (A point 2 - That's still a 1.5 hour drive, plus the additional hour to Coleman and then all the way back) B) The hive had already been queenless for who knows how long and I shouldn't have had to guess whether they'd stick around, and C) I had no way of knowing they were going to have a spare queen to just give to me even if I could get to Appleton to get her. So, so dumb. Honey Bee Ware is sooo off my list of places to buy from or ever recommend. I told them so, but I'm not sure they care.
• I think I'm about 2 hours jetlagged now. I am having a hard time getting to sleep until midnight, and am awake around 4 a.m. It's getting closer...
• C-man starts baseball tomorrow. We went to his personal training session last night in an effort to get him up to speed after the practices he'd missed. It looks like he'll play first base and catch on Saturday. At least it's not nearly as nerve-wracking as wrestling.
• Beasley was groomed - aka shaved down - this week. Something happens to him when he loses all his hair. It's like the sass can come out that much easier.
• C-man has taken to running Beasley when he gets home from school. They both love that.
• I'm the adult champion for the Milwaukee Jingle Bell Walk this year. Which I guess means I'm the poster child for pain? Regardless, get ready for the donation asks and to mark November 13th on your calendars. I need a big team!
• I got my hairs highlighted last night. Man, it's nice to get rid of those grays.
• Sunday, I have a massage scheduled. Yes, please.