BulgingButtons

Not bad for a fat girl


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From Last to First

LAR7146dc_28NAT378_OLYMPICS_2018_XCTY_M_SKIA_.jpgSo did you see the cross country skier from Norway? The one who fell down almost immediately after the start of the 18 mile or so race he was competing in at the Olympics? The one who apparently banged his head on the way down?

Yeah, that guy. His name is Simen Krueger, and he ended up at the end of the pack, as in dead last. Too bad, right? His Olympic hopes and dreams shattered after he’d barely begun. A shame. Only it wasn’t. Why? He got up. He got up and got going. And he kept going. And going, and going, kind of like the Energizer Bunny, but in the freezing cold, on skis, uphill.

Not only did this guy finish the race, he finished first. And not just barely, either. There was nobody behind him, at least not right behind him. So there’s a lesson, kids. Don’t give up. Don’t quit. Don’t decide that you’re finished when you’ve barely begun, even if you do have a setback. Even a major setback.

That guy’s my hero. Congratulations, team Norway, you’ve got a real champion.

hi-res-b9c9700f3b964dc583651344babe8486_crop_north.jpg


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So, Did You Hear About my Car?

IMG_4926.jpgMy car got an owie in the parking lot at school. Someone was distracted and, well, wouldn’t you know it, now there’s a blemish on my vehicle.

It’s kind of a scrape, more than a scratch. It’s not exactly a ding (more of a dang), and it isn’t truly a dent. I think owie is the best word to describe it.

My car has plenty of miles on it, and quite a few years as well. Sort of like me. It still works great, though, and it’s paid for. Frankly, I like it, even if it is a bit past its prime. It’s solid. Reliable. And I feel safe in it, at least most of the time. When I don’t, though, it’s not the car’s fault. It’s the maniacs who are whizzing past me, or worse, stomping on their brakes for no apparent reason. Those people, sheesh!

So now there’s all this stuff to do to get it repaired. Thank goodness for insurance. It’s remarkable how many phone calls and emails have already gone whizzing back and forth, and it hasn’t even gotten to the shop yet.

My poor car. It’s been so good to me over the years. It’s seen me through three moves, two schools for me, four schools for my son, and several road trips to Vegas, California, and all over Arizona. It deserves to look as good as it possibly can, given its elder car status.

It may not be a classic, but it’s what I’ve got, and I want to take care of it. I can’t wait until this process wraps up, and I no longer have to see my dear car sporting its nasty owie.


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Damn You, Girl Scouts! Seven Problems With Girl Scout Cookies

Okay, I’m not as much of a monster as the title may imply, but really? Cookie sales so early in the year? So close to the resolutions I didn’t make?

Really?

I know that there are different Girl Scout cookie sales windows in different regions, but here in my community the cookie sales have begun. This would be less problematic if any, or better yet all, of the conditions weren’t an issue:

  1. They are so yummy.
  2. I need to get healthier.
  3. There is an adorable little girl scout just waiting for me each morning at school (my dear friend’s kid, whom I’ve known since before her birth).
  4. There are several other girl scouts waiting for me at school.
  5. I used to be a troop leader and sympathize.
  6. I believe in supporting children’s organizations.
  7. They are so frigging yummy. Especially Tagalongs. And Thin Mints. Of course Thin Mints.

So there you have it. My cookie problem is back, and along with it a renewed battle to find the balance between a yummy life and long and healthy life. I’m sure there must be a balance somewhere, but I just haven’t found the sweet spot yet.