The BIG one

Today, January 26, is a big day for Miss Em Joy... it marks her golden birthday! When I first learned of the "golden birthday" concept as a child, I decided it was probably the most special occasion in an individual's life. And I couldn't believe I would have to wait until age 25 to see MINE. I remember seething with longing and envy at age nine, when my brother was allowed to invite friends over for an afternoon of swimming, egg races, bbq, and baseball to celebrate his golden 10th. Sixteen years later, unaffected by the perspective of adult reality, I continue to regard all birthdays as extremely special. To that end, cheers to Em Joy for a wonderful day and many golden moments in the year ahead!

Speaking of "big ones," my 1/2 marathon training walk held this past Saturday was an ambitious 13 miles. Did I endure the entire route, thus assuring myself I would be capable of such an undertaking on the actual day of the race? Unfortunately, No. Around 10.5 miles the bottom of my right foot began throbbing with the birth of a blister and my toenails ached as badly as if an anvil had been dropped on them. I called it quits early, and by the time I'd hobbled to my car my pedometer read 11 miles. Close - but no cigar. Thankfully, in the few weeks left before the race, there will be plenty of opportunities to give the big one another shot!

Probably Minnesota's biggest wuss

I hope everyone up North is surviving the Arctic chill! Take comfort in knowing your plight is well-observed around the country. The local Jax morning weather forecast often includes an "if you can believe it" segment to share about the temperatures in Minnesota. I must confess I feel a strange swell of hardy Mid-western pride (and wonder if people down here believe there is actually a town called Embarrass).

Many of you have been in touch to report on the horrific magnitude of recent weather misery, and to put forth inquiries like, "Aren't you glad you're not here?" and, "Boy, aren't you lucky you don't have to drive on snow and ice?" To answer: Yes, and Yes! Although the majority of my formative years were marked by Minnesota seasons, I'm beginning to doubt my ability to endure the winter up there anymore.

The worst of winter in Jax has presented itself as morning and evening lows in the 20s and 30s... When I'm outside walking the dog during these lows -- puffing a thin cloud of breath into the air, observing steam rise off the ponds, and contemplating shortening our route to return indoors more quickly -- I remind myself I'm lucky to be breathing outside at all!

Keep on keepin' on, my friends. ;-)

Philanthropists know how to party

Last Saturday the annual Department year-end celebration was held at the Drummond house, and a wonderful time was had by all! But really how can you go wrong when you buy an arsenal of CostCo appetizers and desserts, mark the invitation "BYOB" and throw in a White Elephant exchange?

My Big Fat Minnesota Holiday

I was fortunate to take a very long trip back home to Minnesota over the holidays and got to spend lots of time with family and friends. Before I left Florida I was entertaining all sorts of romantic delusions about snow and all the typical "winter things" I wanted to do once I was there. Cross country skiing! Ice-skating followed by steaming cups of cocoa! Shoot, let's even build a snowman if there's time.

Well it seems my blood has thinned and acclimated to the more favorable climate more quickly than I'd anticipated because I discovered I had absolutely NO ambition to spend a single extra minute outside in that terrible bone-chilling cold. It was frigid even by Minnesota standards, with actual temps one day of -10. Extra layers of pants, socks and sweaters were the name of the game. However I didn't let the weather hold me back from all the indoor things I wanted to do... Here are several pics from the merriment, in reverse chronological order.

I had time to stop into Winona on New Year's Day to visit old friends at CMH -- including my dear switchboard gal Carol.

It was wonderful to be back with the girls for another NYE in LaCrosse! In keeping with tradition, I made sure to don a tacky, sparkly hat. Past years have featured a white plastic top hat and a headband made of cardboard wine glasses.

The whole crowd at The Library (cleverly named bar in a town with a large college population) busted into a massive group dance when the new Kanye song was played. I couldn't figure it out, but it looked kind of like hip-hop meets the Electric Slide meets country line dancing. This is the dress I have to get fit to wear by July 18. Gulp. It's actually been ordered in magenta with really pale lavendar accents -- Tare and Shack's wedding is going to be so beautiful! Brunch with high school friends was like a mini-reunion. While we dined we actually discussed plans for our upcoming 10-year NPHS reunion-- THAT was kind of scary.

Santa came. Lukie sat. Lukie screamed. Santa still gave Lukie a present.

On Dad's side, do we just drink when we get together for Christmas? Heck no! We gamble, too. That big group around the bar played several rounds of a dice game called "654." Not sure why I'm smiling in the background there because I lost EVERY SINGLE TIME. Good thing we were only staking 50 cents a round.
Lucas is too young to formulate these thoughts now, but I fear one day he will come to regard me as "my aunt who lives in Florida and always gives me books as presents." THAT is the face of excitement! (Actually, I think he was focusing on the bouncy zebra horse Grandma gave him and plotting his dash out of my lap).Family smiles in front of the Christmas tree -- always a good photo op. ;-) Russ and Carrie hosted our immediate family at their new place this year, and Grandma and Grandpa were able to join us.
Russ helped model the new Nikes us kids chipped in to buy Mom. Nothing like starting the New Year off with a good, supportive pair of pink sneaks.
Christmas on Mom's side -- I'm noticing that Grandma and Grandpa are almost concealed by their herd of grandkids (and that's not the whole group!). Probably Uncle Mark will never grow up... but that's a good thing. ;-)For whatever reason, when Lucas gets zipped into his snowsuit his little arms stick straight out like a signaling guard in a cross walk. Hehehe.