Wordless Wednesday: Snow Day

Tuesday tidbits

• Beerman is coming home from Poland tomorrow. Poor thing has a loo-oong day in front of him in the air. But he claims he's made good friends and predicts a return trip. Yes, please!
• Last night I got to C-man's judo practice a bit early, just in time to see them do their nightly match-ups. He handily flipped a kid 25 pounds heavier than him in under a minute. I guess he has learned something the past couple of months.
• I had my annual health screening today. If you do it, they knock $300 off your insurance, which I find totally worth 15 minutes of my time. Everything was good, even my cholesterol, which has historically been borderline.
• I still haven't had my bone scan follow-up appointment. It's next week sometime. I'm assuming that since it wasn't super urgent, there weren't any crazy blood cancers like he was looking to find.
• It's snowing buckets out. I'm ready for spring.

Forward and Onward and all that jazz

Each step is taking me forward. I'm so tired, I was questioning if I caught some bug. Then I realized I just never took a minute to have any caffeine today. I'm in complete withdrawal. Bummer. But onward I go!

Busy-ness

After a late night out at the school auction, in Beerman's absence, I became substitute den leader again. And today, that meant rock climbing. We left rock climbing a bit early to then head to Pinkalicious, the latest First Stage play. Holy pink tutus and little girls. As C-man said, it looked like pink threw up. Not my favorite play, by far.

But back to last night's festivities. It was the school dinner/auction social outing and fundraiser. This year, the "meet the need" fundraiser ask was for security for the school. There was all sorts of drama talking about Sandy Hook which ended with an ask for tightened security at the school. At the risk of sounding callous, I was so offended that they would use a horrible tragedy that changed some peoples lives forever for the gain of the school. Yes, I definitely want my child to be safe and secure. But really? We had a horrible religious temple shooting just down the road, and I don't see us battening down the hatches of the church. And I guess of all the thing the school could use, I find it a huge waste to spend money to have locking classroom doors. I mean what's next, flack jackets for the kids? No recess outside? Tunnels to walk into the school from the buses? Turning into Texas and having armed guards at our doors? It just seems like an extreme response.

But because the nature of how the money is asked for and is then donated, it's quite a public affair as to who gives what and how much. So I was kind of nervous to be the one who wasn't going to donate. But then when I said I wasn't donating, I quickly learned I wasn't alone. In fact, not even close. The money that came in this year was less than a third of what they got last year to rebuild the community center/school cafeteria, and others were expressing very similar concerns. Not that I was looking for vindication, but it felt a little better to think that others were thinking this through and not just jumping to an extreme conclusion as a result of an extreme event.

So that, coupled with the fact that I was attending alone (with friends, of course, but without Beerman), and then compounded by the fact that a few men made the ridiculous comment that because Beerman is gone, I was out "spending all his money" - ha ha ha (It was a good thing I had a glass of wine in my hand or I might have punched them. I mean seriously - spending HIS money?!?), the night just wasn't what it should have been for me. But at least I won the right for C-man to lead the Junior Olympics parade.

And so, we slept in, had our busy day, and now I'm tired. It's going to be an early to bed night for all of us.

Main lined on stress

Can you tell I'm missing flowers?

I was reading an article today talking about how as a culture we are so main lined on stress that even during our down times, our bodies are stuck on "on". In other words, we have become accidental, unwilling junkies.

Boy, can I relate right now.

31 days until vacation. It is going to be a long 31 days...

TGIF

A snowy day off with my little man and pup. Good stuff.

Home Again

Last night, I flew home from Orlando.  2 on-time departures. And despite being fairly full flights, I had an open seat next to me both times. My layover was in Memphis, which was spottlessly clean and new and lovely. I'll have to remember that the next time I am choosing layovers. And then my bag was the 3rd one off the conveyor in Milwaukee, and the belt was already running by the time I got to baggage claim. Seriously, I was looking around to see if I spotted a unicorn nearby, because that NEVER happens. I guess the universe must have definitely thought it was time for me to be home to snuggle with my boys. And boy, am I. Harry won't leave my side, and C-man and I have the next 2 days together since he's off school. (I'm working from home today, but tomorrow we are off.) What a relief. Now it's time to just cuddle, play video games, go swim at the club, and watch the snow fall.

Just another day

(I am still in Orlando, and my world looks nothing like this.)

Last night after the work party, someone challenged me to cartwheel across the crosswalk. And of course, I did it. Pretty good for an old crippled lady.

The sun is helping my disposition. I am going to sneak out of a meeting today to see if I can soak up an hour or so.

I often wonder why conference breakfasts are so carb-laden. Nobody feels good after.

I miss my boys.

Another day in a Florida conference room

I am still in Orlando for work. I am questioning why it is people think because we are in another city at our annual meeting we should be hugging when we meet? It isn't like I walk down the halls at work hugging co-workers. Maybe it's the excessive booze that has been flowing...

Anyhow, our guest speaker today was Doris Kearns Goodwin. She compared and contrasted FDR and Lincoln with their leadership styles for 90 minutes. She was amazing and smart and funny, and I absolutely loved her. (Maybe I would have hugged her had I had the chance.) I always enjoy her on Colbert or the Daily Show, and it was definitely a privilege to hear her speak in person.

I am missing my boys a lot, though. I think it is the idea that I have two more full days here that makes it worse. If there weren't so many mingling expectations, I think I'd enjoy it more. But alas... Two more full days to go...

A week away

This morning I flew to Orlando for the week. I find this week to be exhausting. At least it is sunny.

But in good news, our spring break trip is totally finalized - 3 days in Paris followed by 8 in Turkey. We are on a guided family tour in Turkey, which will be a new experience for us - both the international travel with a kid and a tour. I am really excited.

But for now, I am in Orlando. At least the hotel room is great!

A day off

A huge bright spot in our day happened - the planned Cub Scout trip camping this weekend got bungled, so C-man and Beerman are home. This is amazing. Because while C-man really wanted to go winter camping, Beerman gets a weekend at home to recover, and I get to see my boys for another day before I leave for Florida for the week. A whole day to get the taxes done, watch some Ferris Bueller, play some XBox, do the laundry, and be a family together. After the weeks we've had lately, this is heaven.

Happy love day

Wishing you a day filled with beauty and surrounded by those you love.

Daydreaming

Things have been such a drag lately, I have had a bit of a hard time coming here to write. My health has been ugly, with it culminating in an all day bone scan yesterday. which was made worse when I went through my medical records to learn he was scanning for various kinds of cancer. Work has been excruciating. And while I recognize there are way more decent times than bad, it is daydream about quitting it all kind of awful right now.

But, of course, I won't quit because we are all officially going to Paris and Turkey next month, and I couldn't be more thrilled about it. 3 days in Paris for the little man (I am going to have a hard time not quoting European Vacation the whole time), and an 8 day tour around Turkey, including Istanbul, Troy, and the coast for the rest. Which, of course, means it is time to start shopping for some travel clothes for us. After all, what do 8 year olds wear in Troy?

Twinkle, Twinkle

Nevermind the video itself. What you can't see is my kid taking his hybrid shower/bath. But I want you to hear the audio. Because he is practicing Twinkle, Twinkle for the school play coming up. He's been irate that Grace got the Twinkle, Twinkle solo over him. After hearing this, I can only assume it is because the judges were paid off. Because come on, clearly, my kid has got some serious talent.

Waiting

I'm desperately waiting for baseball season to start. You know, those warm, beautiful days when the weekends are filled with amazing and fun things and sun on your face. Totally, and undeniably desperate.

Snow lickin' good

Weekend's ahead!

• We're heading to the Dells this weekend. C-man is upset he's missing judo. At least we know he still likes it.
• I suppose I should do some laundry in advance of being gone all weekend. Plus I need something clean to wear. What a novel concept.
• My hair stylist of many years has left. Just when I got the whole family going to her! Now what am I supposed to do?!?
• I've been back on Pinterest lately. I left it for a good amount of time, and now find myself browsing away. At least it's given me some cleaning tips I've used, which has been helpful.
• I've also spent too much time on Etsy lately. Although I have gotten some fabulous new necklaces.
• So far, the much anticipated Winter Storm Nemo has been kind of a letdown. Figures.
• We STILL have not booked our Spring Break travel, and I'm getting anxious. With the Ankara embassy bombing, we have done a lot of thinking. And I think we're still doing the trip. But now we're on a Paris - Athens - Instanbul (with a ferry across to Asia, of course) thought. My brain needs this to be booked.

Things that make me smile

• Sometimes seeing something totally unexpected amidst the daily grind, like a bright tennis ball up in the trees, is enough to make me smile.
• So is C-man's excitement at going to math tutoring with his friends tonight is contagious.
• I also enjoy Harry hiding his bone all around the house, and last night, his favorite hiding place happened to be under my bum on the couch.
• And while I was tired, I smiled last night after finishing an hour-long run and not wanting to die. (I'm still not liking it, but it wasn't the worst thing ever)
• Listening to C-man practice his play part and songs when he thinks I'm not in earshot.
• Seeing the beautiful, fluffy snow fall down makes me smile. It means it's warmer than it has been, plus it's absolutely peaceful and serene.
• Hearing C-man and Beerman race to the kitchen each morning. C-man miraculously always still wins.

Weekend Wrap-up

• We played trivia with 4 other couples at the school fundraiser on Saturday night. You bring your own drinks and food, socialize, and play trivia for $15 a head. It's pure profit for the school and a ton of fun. We did not win. But I know know that a follivore is an insect that eats leaves and the sun is 10,000 degrees F. (We got the former wrong, the latter correct)
• Harry got a bone this weekend. He hasn't been able to eat it all, so has been hiding it different places around the house. We keep moving it, and he keeps reburying it. After him burying it in the bedroom at 3:30 a.m.,  I may just need to take it away for good. Except he's so cute doing it.
• I scrubbed the grout in my master bath. Not thrilling, I know, but it means all 3 bathrooms are done, and that feels good. I saw on Pinterest that you can use toilet cleaner. While probably not totally eco sound, it worked like a charm.
• That Superbowl was lame. The commercials lamer. I don't care what the morning shows said - the blackout was not fun.
• And now, on to another week of our regularly scheduled programming.

Kindred spirits

Harry and I have both been feeling some pain lately. As a dog of a certain age, he tends to throw his back out semi-regularly, and this weekend was one of those times. (Too much tug-of-war at his insistence) But a bit of Rimadyl and some TLC, and he was dying to get to the park - whining, punching me, and even resorting to barking by the door. So in the freezing, windy cold, we walked around the park, and stopped off so he could take his spa. (And then watch him as he turns into a giant poochsicle)

I admire this pup - the dog who came from a dirty, smelly, matted, underfed, abusive hole in the ground to rise up and take charge of his own destiny - regardless of any pain he feels or holes in his heart. When I hurt from the weather, he hurts too. But he always gets up again because there is fun to be had. A lot to learn from that one, for sure.

Cheers to the Weekend

We have plans to play trivia with friends tonight (it's the school fundraiser). I have my bacon-wrapped dates, pao de queijo, tomato tartlets and pitcher of cosmos at the ready. (For the record, when making a pitcher of cosmos, you should do so before you need to drive anywhere. The tasting alone to get it where I wanted it put both Beerman and me in the land of giggles. Thank God the kid was at the neighbor's!) I also have the Groundhog Day theme decor for the table. It should be loads of fun.

Ready for rest

The sweet, merciful weekend is here. It's been a long, struggle of a week. I've been pulled from all pain medication until I can't stand it anymore. That, in addition to work being a complete pain and Beerman having been gone a couple of days, made it kind of difficult.

But now it's Friday. I got a bunch of stuff checked off my list, and I'm ready for some rest and fun. We have plans with friends Saturday and Sunday nights, and the days are ours. I love that. Now if it could just warm up a couple of degrees so I could feel my nose.