Happy New Year?

We spent an enjoyable evening out with some great friends,  watched the Wings win,  had a safe ride around town (thank you Allure Entertainment) that even picked our child up at the skating rink at 1am.... (how many 12 year olds get to ride around in a party bus?)

At home,  the dog is in a mad frenzy racing around like he's hyped up on something illegal. 

We clean up the usual "you left me alone" mess... brains and decapitated stuffed animals, spilled salt (which usually means the cat we don't own has been on the table). 

Daylight brings, well...light...better to see what we missed, there is a sticky mess all over the floor behind the table and foot prints everywhere. Spilled coke... that explains what Ace was all hopped up on.

I'm pretty sure the dog had one hell of a party while we were out, and we still haven't found the mystery coke can. He might regret that tomorrow.

Obesity is an issue?

OK, I know obesity is a problem. Its a huge issue. People all over are becoming more overweight and lazier everyday. I know I am in no way in the best shape of my life...in fact I'm not sure I have ever been in the best shape of my life. But that's beside the point...

So I went to my son's 6th grade parent/teacher conferences, where I met with all 9 teachers, I'm proud to say he is doing really well in school.

Well all except for PE - one of his favorite classes, and it wasn't a bad behavior or not dressing up report.

Let me start over. I met with his PE teacher who told me my son was doing great in his class, but they have started doing this cardiovascular test called PACER and my son failed miserably.
(If you are not familiar with the PACER test - basically my understanding is they run laps as many times as they can.)

So he proceeds to tell me that Darin was supposed to run a minimum of 32 - he ran 23, and that since he was unable to run the minimum of 32 laps he is on the verge of being obese and that I should really consider getting him in some activities and not just sitting around watching TV.

I'm pretty sure my jaw dropped -in fact I know it did because I had a bruise on my chin from it hitting the floor & he said, "I'm guessing by the look on your face, this is a surprise."

"Well yea, ya think...are you sure we are talking about the same person? I mean, you've seen my kid right? 5'3", 100 pounds, looks like a skinny stick."

He looks at me straight faced and says, "yes, but this test says he is overweight and on the verge of being obese"

I'm trying to hold back the hysterical laughter and ask "but you've looked at him right? and have you actually talked to him? Because he plays hockey and it just got started the first part of October, it is all he thinks about, he spends 2-3 nights a week on the ice and this is just pre-season. How much more time do you want him not sitting on the couch? Because this doesn't include his time to and from school and his bike rides to friends houses, roller blading on the weekends and street hockey"

He says, "well i'm just saying, according to these test results he really needs to be more active, obesity is a huge problem with our youth"

I'm still stunned - I mean, I know obesity is an issue, but with school lunches being, well, lacking... and me knowing how much and what he eats at home and how active he is... I think they should be worrying about some other kids that have a visible problem, not that I don't appreciate the concern... but have you seen my son?

So I smile and say "ok I will let him know that he isn't active enough and that starting tonight he is now enrolled in the program for 'the morbidly not obese, but the test says I am, boot camp.'
Are you planning to retest, I would be really interested in those results"

I asked Darin what he remembered about the PACER test and why he was only able to run 23 laps, come to find out, that was right after the weekend he twisted his ankle at the skating rink. Hmmm maybe they should talk to the kids, ask some questions before jumping to conclusions based on a poor test result. Obviously, if you are looking at a child who is not obese don't you think that would throw up a red flag and make you question what's up?

Maybe he just didn't feel like running... (said in my best Forest Gump voice)

Mary, Mary quite contrary...

My first garden - I still don't have high hopes - its only been a week and a couple of days. I don't keep things alive very well. But I can't help but be a little excited!

Day 1 - That's a strawberry plant

Day 9 - Tomato Plants (I cheated and planted already started plants)

 Cucumbers - I think!

 

 Squash?

There should be okra in here somewhere - but I can't tell if its okra or weeds

Onions - I'm positive

One of these is a weed - I'm certain..and the other one may or may not be a radish!

Strawberries - this plant in the front is the same plant from day 1!!

And a surprise, uninvited guest!

I discovered something yesterday that I've known all my life!

While doing some research for work yesterday - I discovered that there is a day dedicated solely to 'The Middle Child" - It is August 12 and I thought to myself - 'hmmm, Why is this such a big deal?"

And then I remembered the story I have been told since I was 7 years old and my parents brought my baby sister home and the first words I said when I met her were "Guess I'm just the middle kid now".

It holds true to what I know - There are hundreds of pictures of my older sister and thousands of my little sister - and a handful of me. There are quite a few that have me in them, but only because one of my other sisters was in it as well.

But you know - I never let being the middle child hold me back! While my older sister led the charge and got caught for all the things she did - I quietly sat back, took notes, and learned - "Don't get caught and all will be good"
I was the negotiator - My sister wanted to go out (now mind you there are 2 years, 6 months, 2 days, and approximately 12 hours between us - and I should not have been hanging out with her where she liked to go), but as the negotiator, it went like this:
Me: "Mom,  D wants to know if she can go out cruising?"
Mom: "Dana, Why didn't she ask herself?"
Me: "Well, she said if I asked - I could go too"
You could see the bulb go on - because mom knew that while I was the negotiator - I also could not tell lies very well - so she knew that if she let us go out cruising - that she would find out what all we actually did, it was a win-win for her.
So we would go - and we would get home late and make up this wonderful story as to why we were late and we would practice it and rehearse it till I was blue in the face and the next morning when mom would ask me why we were late and I would tell her this perfectly rehearsed story she would look at me and say "Now Dana, Why were you guys really late?" and I would burst into tears and tell her the real story, which usually wound up getting my sister grounded and me in the doghouse - really!

Because we had one of these and I knew when I had made her mad.

Being the middle kid - wasn't so bad though - when I made the older sister mad - I knew I could turn to my little sister who thought I was awesome - maybe not - but it's nice to dream! Right?

I did eventually get careless and get caught - I finally did something first before my older sister - Three things actually - Had kids, got married and divorced, and married again - all first, in fact, all before she got married once! It's not something I recommend racing for though.

As the middle child, I wore many hats - I was the negotiator, the antagonizer (who would start something and walk away), and eventually the peacekeeper. How could I keep the peace if I didn't antagonize? Usually, arguments were between my older sister and me. As the oldest, she had it figured out how to get people to do what she wanted and at some point, I caught on to this game and started resisting. She didn't like that and would then threaten to take something away - like going out with her. (Although I knew she couldn't go without me - I didn't want to risk it) so we would argue and I would give in because after all, I don't do arguments well.

My mom never admitted to it - but I know deep down that I was her favorite - How could I not be! I was the good kid! (*Insert evil laugh here) Anyone that knows me can tell you many stories otherwise!

This is very much me! Although I am not insecure about much (other than the way I look sometimes)

I'm throwing this one on here because I see all three of my kids in it!

So middle kids Unite!! - On August 12th Celebrate with me!

January 4th, 2014

Things I never anticipated 20 years ago for the 1st anniversary of my 20th birthday.

1) I never planned on moving further North.

2) I thought I was never getting remarried...

3) ...or having more kids!

4) Living so far away from both of my older kids. They are both so much more independent than I was at 20. I could not imagine not having my mom just across town.

5) Not having my mom around. Today marks the 7th anniversary of the stroke that ultimately took her life while fighting cancer.

6) Having a child that plays, eats and sleeps hockey... Who would have ever guessed that?

7) Having a job I love! At 20 I was delivering pizza and trying to support two kids...now I am an office assistant/marketing coordinator for the best HVAC company in Aberdeen.

8) Spending my 2nd 20th birthday in a freezing cold hockey arena...

9) ...and then going back to Aberdeen to spend more time in a hockey arena to watch the best NAHL hockey team play and enjoying time with friends!

10) But most of all I did not anticipate so many damn albino hairs on my head! Seriously what cruel punishment!

Another year...has come and gone...

2013 has had its ups and downs...

January -

I had a birthday...unfortunately I'm having another one in a couple of days...its a doozy...I will be 20 (x2)!

April - 

Darin and I went to  Mitchell, SD for the SD Camera Club Round up. We loved it..and the best part - Darin got to go to his first rock concert! Hairball! They are totally awesome.

Darin got to meet one of three lead singers! Rockstar Bob

Happy

You can see more pictures from that day here!

May thru July -

Darin played baseball all summer...

August - 

We took a trip to the cities...we stayed at the Water Park of America, spent a day at Valley Fair (its like six flags), a day at a Twins baseball game and some time at the Mall of America.

Darin body surfing.

Running from dinosaurs!

I told him "See the ball...Be the ball..."

They caught a practice ball

You can see more pictures here!

When we got home Lisapalooza started. Lisa came and spent two weeks with us and I loved it. I'm pretty sure we are too boring for her though...but we did treat her to the Brown County Fair... Best county fair I've ever been to. I was sad for Lisa to go...but apparently at some point work expects you to come back and they wanted her back in Texas.

Waiting for one of the 3 nights of concerts to start.

September - 

I took Darin to his 2nd rock concert. it was a 4 for 1...

Vital Signz, Core, Great White & Quiet Riot

Darin with his guitar picks!

You can see the album here!

October - 

We look forward to winter for one reason - Hockey. When we moved here we were invited to a Wings hockey game and fell in love with it. It is the only thing that makes these frigid temperatures worth dealing with.

A picture of myself, Daniel Billet and Darin with a jersey that was auctioned off to benefit Safe Harbor.

Halloween brought us a rockstar.

We decided to let Darin try hockey one Saturday morning when they offered a free clinic. The boy had never been on ice skates before. When we left that morning he had already decided he wanted to play.

Hockey is now consuming my life! There are days when we feel like we live at the hockey rink. Three nights a week and Saturday morning...so much for sleeping in and that is just practice...games are just getting started! I love hockey and Darin has finally found a sport he really likes...I had no idea it was going to be so consuming...or cold. I really think they should add better heating systems to the rinks - I can hook them up - seriously (I think it's why I'm spoiled - I work for a heating and cooling company)!

November - 

Thanksgiving found us in Rapid City to see Robby's dad, sister and her family. It was a really great visit.
We went site seeing one day...

They were closed - That sucked.

I finally got to see the 4 dudes on a rock.

It's a goat..or a sheep...or something!

On the way home we met up with some people that were trying to rehome some dachshund puppies. Its been over a year and I decided I was ready for another pet..I wish I had remembered how hard potty training a puppy was.

Meet - Ace, Ace Frehley

AKA: The Flying Ace, Acer, Acehole (only when I'm irritated with him lol)

Peanut and Piglet - He has no idea what his name is!

December - 

With Darin's hockey schedule we opted to stay in South Dakota for Christmas. Its the first time since we moved up here. We are planning a trip this summer to go see everyone.

So that brings you to today...I received my much anticipated passport today... So I can skip the country...its what a 20 (x2) year old does right?

This will work!

Yep definitely!

Dominican Republic 2014

Dear Concert Goers,

I attended an awesome concert with my 10 year old son Saturday night. Vital Signz and Core opened for the co-headliners Great White and Quiet Riot.

We were stoked! We arrived at the field at 4:15 for the gates to open at 5:00 and the concert to start at 6:00. We were second in line!

We get in, grab some water and head to the stage, where we plant ourselves, leaving only in shifts for potty breaks and to get more water. We made friends with the other people at the stage... Which helped the time to pass... Considering we had an hour and a half to talk and B.S. with them.

The concert started late...but rocked right from the start. Vital Signz, a local band, started us off with some 80's music, and then Core with some Hard Rock. Definitely set the mood. Not too many people crowding the stage, which I thought was strange but it worked...if the rest of the night went so well it would be great. 

 

Vital Signz

Core

Darin got a guitar pick from the lead singer of Core - and we got it signed.

I think he now has an official collection of something started!

As Great White took the stage (did I mention we were center stage, front row) the crowd moved in.

He was pointing right at us!

Great White

Here is where my problem starts... We have been standing in this spot, by this time for 3.5 hours, and shortly after  Great White starts, the drunken idiots move in...or should I say shove their way in, acting like they deserve to be in my spot. Like I stood there to to hold the spot for them...yeah...no!

So drunken idiot woman who thought she needed to grab the microphone out of Great Whites hands...Bitch...you should have been kicked out of the concert.

This set was great..although not long enough... Short on time, having started late and still another band to go. Apparently age brings early bedtimes. Haha!

Quiet Riot comes out and we are again bombarded by drunken idiots. I was a little leary of the people behind me smoking so close to my aqua net covered hair...but we survived.

Quiet Riot

Darin wound up with two guitar picks!

Core and Quiet Riot

Other than sharing our experience - I do have a message... Shorter than me people, don't come begging me to let you have my spot... I have no sympathy...you could have stood in one spot, like my son and I did for 5 hours to get the best "seat" in the house. I'm not sorry you couldn't see over my 5'3"... Next time get there early and save your own damn spot!

And to the guy who thought he was a battering ram... I hope you enjoy the elbow imprint and bruise I left in your back... Have some freaking manners and don't mess with my kid - and I don't accept your apology, but thanks for offering one!

So to those of you that were at the Bash from the Past in Aberdeen... I hope you enjoyed yourselves...we sure as hell did in our awesome "seats" and we are ready to do it again, but remember I'm not there to hold a  spot for you while you get your drink on or to let you in...

Yours Truly,
An 80's Rocker (sick of the people who think they should get everything they want, without the work)