I can’t believe it’s been two years since Jake left for BMT. The heartbreak and pride I felt that day are still fresh in my mind and soul. It was such an off juxtaposition of emotions. While we have adjusted to our new normal, the house simply isn’t the same without him. In the two short years he’s served, he has accomplished a lot. We couldn’t be more proud. Here’s a throwback to Dec 10, 2019.
https://flhockeymomfit.com/2019/12/?v=7516fd43adaa
Well today was blah.. Mondays just suck in general. Work was crazy busy, but the leads were less than stellar. Honestly, I love being hung up on by elderly a-holes -said nobody ever. Nonetheless, I still pulled out a respectable day. It was just less than I expected from myself. Oh well, I’ll just have to make it up tomorrow.
My BBG workout went well this morning. It’s still quite a change getting a heavy workout in that early in the morning. Immediately afterwards I feel like I want to puke, but that doesn’t last too long. Once that wears off, I feel amazing. I love getting the workout done before work, so I have some freedom to myself after work.
In the hockey world, our state governing body sent out a letter to all parents and coaches. With the asinine rule changes implemented this year, the abuse of the officials has been exacerbated. Prior to the rule changes, the situation for many officials across the US, not just in South Florida, had become untenable. Now it’s exponentially worse.
Perhaps the most entertaining forum on Facebook is the Florida Youth Hockey Forum. It’s infamous for it’s highly uneducated keyboard warriors. They have big opinions and nothing to back them up. Nevertheless, it’s pure entertainment. It’s alway fun to read the comments after a tournament especially in the spring. It’s a complete gong show.
Today a gentlemen posted that the maltreatment of officials was unique to Florida because of the lack of quality officials in the state. Now he knows this because his kids have travelled all over the country playing hockey. Obviously, he missed the news reports out of Massachusetts about their official shortage, which is due to the misbehavior of parents and coaches.
There’s more than a couple holes in his argument, but the biggest is the simplest. He blames the quality of officials for the parents and coaches poor behavior. Except for those individuals have full control of their reaction. There are plenty of parents and coaches that react to what they feel is a bad call with civility and not barbarism. If these folks are unable to control their reactions and keep them within the realms of decency, perhaps they no longer have a place at the rink or the sports field.
My younger two are refs. Are they perfect refs, probably not. I guarantee you, however, that like their fellow officials they go out and do their best every game. I guarantee they know the game and it’s rules infinitely better than the asshole parent and coach. My boys have thick skin, so this stuff rolls off their back. However, everyone has a breaking point. The one time it did bother my son was because of how the parents’ behavior would negatively impact their child. Nobody wants to see a kid miss out on a game they love because their parents are tools.
Anyway, thanks my soapbox on the blah Monday. I’d also like to point out that today a Florida born official is making his NHL debut as a linesmen tonight. Congrats Killian! I guess Florida does have some quality refs after all.
I’ve been adjusting to my new schedule pretty well. Albeit, I’m not loving getting up earlier every morning. I do, however, like getting my workout out of the way in the morning. It has really freed up my evenings. This morning I ran for a mile and half and walked an mile. Tomorrow it will be back to Kayla Itsines HIIT program.
I’m happy to report that work continues to go well. The quality of the leads has gotten better. Moreover, the majority of people I’ve talked to over the past couple of days have been wonderful people. This week I’ve brought back the music videos all day. Metallic has been, and will continue, to fuel my day. Naturally, I’m also drinking plenty of coffee to keep me alert and perky.
Anakin puked on the bed again. This time in the middle of the sale. Unfortunately, it was also nice a chunky. Thankfully, he resourcefully used my pajamas (both the top and bottoms) to cover up his grossness. Obviously, I hadn’t envisioned celebrating my first sale by cleaning up puke. Yet there I was pausing my day to clean up the vomit and start the laundry.
The dogs have also adjusted nicely to my new schedule. Anakin and Athena spend most of their day laying near my desk. Anakin is usually on the bed, while Athena will lay on the floor. Athena really misses Maya and her countenance has shown it. Fortunately, she seems to have turned a corner and again has a pep in her step and a smile on her face. It’s been hard to see Athena grieve her sister, so we’re happy that she’s doing better.
Priorities can be expressed in many ways. People are quick to list of their priorities in life. However, actions show a person’s true priorities.
Admittedly, I’m going stir crazy since I can’t workout or run. I had hoped to continue the BBG workouts, but I can’t fit my toe in my shoe. Moreover, the workouts contain a lot of plyometric exercises, which would might hard on my toe. In fact, I can’t even practice yoga at this point without putting too much pressure on my toe. Sadly, my workout equipment is currently only serving as my room’s decor.
The worst part of not being able to workout is having no outlet after a stressful day. Fortunately, today wasn’t overly stressful. It, however, wasn’t overly productive either. Needless to say, I’m anxiously awaiting the return of the busy season. Even if it means some seven day work weeks! Since I can’t run or workout, I’ve set aside time to meditate in legs up the wall pose. This definitely helps reset my mood and focus before I set out on my day.
In other news, Piggie has lost ten pounds since starting her diet in June (which is more than I can say for myself.). Obviously, the diet dog food is doing its job. One of the side effects of this new food is that her poop is as dry as saw dust. Moreover, she has to poop a lot more frequently and it takes her forever! Honestly, I find it quite bizarre. Hopefully, she will not need to be on this super expensive food for very long.
Fortunately, this saw dust dry poop saved me from a Roomba poop apocalypse today. While, I took her out several times during the day. She went to the bathroom in the house while I was working. Unfortunately, this also coincided with the Roomba’s cleaning routine. This wouldn’t be our first Roomba vs. dog poop battle and it likely won’t be the last. In fact, I’ve switched the timing on the Roomba to mitigate the risk of these run-ins. Anyway, since her poop is sawdust dry that instead of smearing it everywhere it pushed it aside. Thank God!
Here’s a list of our day’s activities:
*I’m reading Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel.
*I still can’t run because my toe. I’ll be unable to run for at least four weeks.
*We’re tracking the Tropics here in Florida. The tropics are heating up again. Fortunately, it looks like none of these waves will be impacting Florida.
*Uber Eats delivered my coffee for me today and will do so until we get another vehicle.
*For dinner, we had leftovers. We cooked enough Sunday and Monday to have leftovers for tonight. Tuesdays are tough as both boys have hockey practice on opposites end of South Florida.
*The word of the day is cookie dough. Let’s be honest, there’s is nothing better than cookie dough when you’re going stir crazy.
*I took my puppies including sweet Anakin for a. I put on his harness every morning. Otherwise, I have difficulty controlling him on the leash. He’s incredible strong and can pull me off balance, which is why I’m now wearing a boot to protect my poor broken toe.
It’s school eve and I couldn’t be more excited. For the first time since March 2020, our boys will be attending school in person. In fact, tomorrow will be the first time the Mayor sets foot in his high school despite being a sophomore. He’s in good company as everyone else, but the senior class, has barely set foot in the school.
We celebrated the end of summer with wings and pizza. Post dinner, the Mayor and hubby ran out to get haircuts and some school supplies. As for me, I’m chilling on the couch watching The Office. My summer cold is still hanging on, which sucks. Today brought major back pain to go along with all the misery that is a summer cold. Since it’s school eve, aka the night before school, we’ll all be getting to bed a little earlier.
Here’s a list of our day’s activities:
*I’m reading the Raider Bride. This is the third book thing the Norse Queen series. I love the world of Queen Asa.
*I’m still under the weather Consequently, I took another rest day today. There will be no rollicking or running until I’m better.
*I ran to Dunkin’ to get my own coffee this morning. Just kidding, I had it delivered again.
*Tonight I worked on a newsletter for our Pancan affiliate. Sometimes working in Canva makes me feel like a schmo, but it’s such a great tool. I definitely need to spend some more time playing around with it.
*For dinner, the I ordered pizza and wings from Sal’s.
*My favorite surprise on the underwater cams, I watch during work, is seeing an octopus. Today I watched the safari cam, which never disappoints.
*Today’s word of the day is vision. This afternoon there was a raccoon in our avocado tree and it was quite the vision.
*I took my puppies including sweet Anakin for a walk. Today he didn’t pull my arm off or anything like that. I put on his harness
Last night we headed to the Hella Mega Tour concert at the Hardrock Stadium in Miami. For those that live under a rock, this tour features Weezer, Fallout Boy and Green Day. Otherwise known as half my hockey playlist. I’ve been waiting for this concert for well over a year. It was originally scheduled for August 2020, but obviously Covid put an end to that event.
The Hubby and I saw Weezer in 2018 with Jake, but this was the first time we both saw Fall Out Boy and Green Day. To be honest, I’ve been waiting to see Green Day Live since 1994. Their album Dookie was definitely the soundtrack to my freshman year of high school. It was also around that time that I discovered Weezer. Their Blue Album is another one of my all time favorite albums. The fact that the Hella Mega tour brought these two bands and Fall Out Boy into one epic evening was amazing.
We left early to hopefully tailgate before the concert. This was a great plan until we got there and we’re notified the lots wouldn’t open until 4:30 pm. Unfortunately, they failed to mention this in the event day email. It would have been helpful to know this ahead of time. Naturally, with Covid it doesn’t make sense to tailgate outside. It only makes sense to sit shoulder to shoulder in a stadium and walkout of the stadium shoulder to shoulder for over a block. But hey, I’m sure that’s science at work. Obviously common sense wasn’t employed.
To be fair, it was so hot that covid19, the entire corona virus family and influenza weren’t going to make an appearance. In fact, it was so hot I think we all lost 10 lbs of water weight before Weezer even took the stage. I’m not sure if it was Covid related or not, but there were no ushers checking tickets inside the venue. Nor was there anyone really policing anything. I don’t think I saw an usher or a hard rock stadium in our section once during the evening.
The concert started with the Interrupters, who are a punk rock band from LA. I was a bit skeptical after listening to a few songs of theirs on the way to the concert. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised at how good they sounded live. My only criticism of their set was that the sound was off. Unfortunately, this was the same situation we encountered at Jimmy Buffett concert.
Weezer was the first of the headliners to take the stage. Rivers Cuomo is unequivocally the king of nerd culture and this continued with his epic 80s themed workout outfit with matching mullet. Their song list was an amazing 17 song set, which happened to include all of my favorite songs. Africa was absolutely epic last night. I enjoyed their whole set, but Buddy Holly, Beverly Hills and Say It Ain’t So we’re especially amazing.
As the prepared the stage for Fall Out Boy, we hung out with Jon and Brandi and enjoyed our drinks. I enjoyed a juicy, lime green margarita after finishing up my vodka pineapple juice. Incredibly, as the night went on, it just got hotter and hotter. There was about 30-45 minutes between sets, which was enough time to refill our drinks, hang out and hit the bathroom. I even got to see my friend’s Kristen and Troy, which was awesome!
Fall Out Boy’s set was awesome. Truly, all three bands’ set lists were exactly what I wanted to hear. It was as if I wrote the set lists myself. FOB kicked off their set with a rousing rendition for The Phoenix. They’re set was high energy, full of pyrotechnics and had the crowd of its feet. My favorite songs that they performed were The Phoenix, Thanks for the Memories, My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark, and This Ain’t a Scene, It’s a Arms Race.
Lastly, after a super sweaty night full of drinks, friends and incredible music, the moment I’ve been waiting for since 1994 finally happened. Green Day took the stage after playing Bohemian Rhapsody and Blitzkreig Bop on tape and went right into a rousing rendition of American Idiot. Billy Joe Armstrong was an amazing performer and had the crowd fired up. After waiting so long to see them live, it would have been easy to be disappointed, but they were amazing.
It’s really hard to pick a favorite song from their set because it was all so incredible. Obviously, I loved hearing Basket Case, Holiday and Welcome to Paradise Live. I was equally thrilled that they played the song She off of Dookie. As I watched the show, it was so cool to share the moment with our kids. They love Green Day and really enjoyed their set. I’m happy that they didn’t have to wait nearly as I did to see Green Day live. I will definitely be seeing Green Day live again. If you can make it to the Hella Mega Tour, you need to make it happen. It is well worth your money.
Naturally, there are some drawbacks going to a concert on a Sunday. We didn’t make it home until after 1:00 am due to traffic leaving the concert. We also spent the entire ride home soaked from sweat and the rain that had started at the end of Green Day’s set. Also, it appears that at 40, I must be more careful when going “crazy” and jumping all over the place during a concert. Needless to say, the seats in front of me we’re not my friends. In fact, I bruised my left knee pretty good and it’s quite swollen. Whoops!!
Here’s a list of our day’s activities:
*I’m finished Rebecca by Daphne De Maurier over the weekend. It was a really good book. This weekend I’m going to watch the new Netflix movie version. Last night, I started the Falcon Queen. This is the second book thing the Norse Queen series. I love the world of Queen Asa.
*I skipped my run, because my knee is too swollen to do it safely. Consequently, I took a rest day today.
*Both Luke and I slept in this morning. In fact, Uber Eats delivered my coffee this morning.
*Tonight we’re enjoying ice cream and watchingThe Office. To be honest, the dalliance in ice cream making is starting to become a hobby. In fact, I bought more heavy cream for my next ice cream.
*I booked our AirBnB and rental car for our next trip to visit Jake. I can’t wait!
*For dinner, I made beef tips in the Instant Pot. I served the beef tips with white rice and steamed broccoli.
*My favorite surprise on the underwater cams, I watch during work, is seeing an octopus. Today I watched the safari cam, which never disappoints.
*Today’s word of the day is filter. After drinking and sweating so much last night, I had no filter. Oh wait, I never have a filter.
*I took my puppies including sweet Anakin for a walk. Today he didn’t pull my arm off or anything like that. I put on his harness
Packing for the perfect beach vacation is key to a successful tropical vacation. If you forgot certain items, you can end up in tremendous pain. Hello my sunburnt legs! Fortunately, I’ve put together a list of must have items for any successful beach vacation.
These are some of the key items to have as you embark on your perfect beach vacation. Some of these items are a matter of convenience, but others are crucial to protecting your health. Now that my fabulous beach vacation is over, l’m making notes of my must haves for next year’s trip. All of which are in the list above. What are your must have beach items?
Here’s a list of our day’s activities:
*I’m now reading Rebecca by Daphne De Maurier.
*I ran 2 miles and walked a mile. It went quite well.
*Did I mention it was vacation time?
*Tonight we’re enjoying ice cream and watching the NHL draft.
*Jake was able to have a nice lunch with Jon and Brandi before they headed for Yellowstone. I’m so jealous.
*For dinner, the hubby made vodka sauce pasta.
*My favorite surprise on the underwater cams, I watch during work, is seeing an octopus. Today I watched the safari cam, which never disappoints.
*Today’s word of the day is curvaceous. After eating too much on vacation, I’m more curvaceous than I’d like.
*I took my puppies including sweet Anakin for a walk. Today he didn’t pull my arm off or anything like that. I put on his harness, so I’d have more control over him outside. Also, the flies are still here. Did I mention I hate gnats, flies, and mosquitos? I was finally able to hang the fly traps. Nobody loves flies.
After yesterday’s disappointment, I was handed a reality check. For the last several years, I have volunteered for PanCan as the Teams Chair for the Broward/Palm Beach affiliate. The journey of a patient and their family is arduous and fraught with fear. Fortunately, most of the patients I’ve know didn’t lose their job or benefits during treatment. This gave them one less thing to worry about. Can you imagine the horror losing your benefits in the middle of treatment? Unfortunately, I know this isn’t always the case. Hence, the reality check and utter disappointment.
Consequently, this is also how I know I’m on the right place career wise. When my colleague, who was a seasonal hire, got seriously ill with COVID, the leadership team worked with HR to protect his job. They didn’t have to do this, but their willingness to do it for a seasonal employees spoke volumes. Coincidentally, I also think it speaks volumes for the employee in question. Perhaps this is also why my employer has repeatedly been named as one of the best employers in the country.
Anyway, my day at work was slower than yesterday, but still extremely productive. I’m happy with the pace of my production. Meanwhile, I’m waiting for the Hubby to return from Orlando. They headed out several hours ago, but I noticed on the Life360 app that they were headed north on the turnpike instead of south. Whoops! Needless to say, he’ll be home a little later than anticipated.
Last night we decided to see how Anakin would do sleeping out oh his crate. I left the door opened a crack. When he realized his crate was open, he ran into our bedroom and jumped on the bed. He spent two minutes on the bed and then went back to the living room. Ironically, he was laying in his crate when I went to check on him.
Goalielocks brought him upstairs to see if he’d sleep up there. Again after a few minutes, Anakin wasn’t having it. He whined until Goalielocks took him back downstairs. Afterwards, he did come into the room for a bit, but then headed back to the living room. I don’t think he likes to be separated from his sisters.
Here’s a list of our day’s activities:
*I read Demons, by Dostoevsky. I am really enjoying this book so far.
*I thought about running, but decided to rest my knee.
* I bought more cherries, so I could attempt the cherry custard again. Last time I overcooked it.
*The family and I are watching the Stanley Cup Finals in lieu of continuing our Thirty Rock binge. Thankfully, our power is flickering now that the storm has passed. Consequently, it knocked out the wifi too. Apparently, technology is my nemesis tonight.
*I spent my day with the puppies. This evening I worked with Anakin on some training skills. He did a great job. Of course, I rewarded him with kielbasa, which is his favorite. We’ve now gone through two kielbasa’s this week.
*My favorite surprise on the underwater cams, I watch during work, is seeing an octopus. Today I watched the safari cam, which never disappoints.
*There were no big thunderstorms today, which was nice. The lightning tends to interfere with my work phone. Thankfully, the tropics remain quiet. I’m sure we’ll have another reality check soon.
*Today’s word of the day is free. I got my free coffee today at Dunkin’. Free coffee day is always the best!
*I took my puppies including sweet Anakin for a walk. Did I mention I hate gnats, flies, and mosquitos? I’m bought some fly traps. I’m absolutely sick of those little buggers. Pretty soon they’ll get a reality check of their own!
Today marks twenty years that my Hubby and I have been married. I can’t believe how fast the years have flown by and how much has changed. Twenty years ago we were a young family of three. Now we’re a family of five plus three puppies. Interesting fact, when we first got married I was terrified of dogs. Our oldest has flown the coop and is doing great in the service.
Twenty years ago we were still living in Minnesota. Four years after we married, we decided to move to South Florida. Our original intent was to stay for two years, but South Florida quickly became our home. Despite moving out of Minnesota, our kids still fell in love with hockey and ended up playing the sport. We’ve already have a decade of hockey parent life under our belt.
Over the past twenty years, so much has changed and some of the people we have held nearest and dearest to our heart have left us. Luke’s grandfather left us in October, 2020. He was always our champion and helped us get established. Grandpa Ed will always hold a place near and dear in our hearts.
In 2011, we lost Luke’s mother, which was a devastating blow. She was one of our biggest cheerleaders and supporters when we first started dating and when Jake was born. In fact, she spoiled me and we started dating. My hubby got me the best presents for Christmas, Valentine’s, our anniversaries, and my birthday. Of course, I know realize that she was the genius behind the presents. Now as my boys get older and have serious girlfriends, I relish the opportunity to do the same.
Through all the up and downs, one thing has remained consistent. We were nerds than and are nerds now. That and the fact that my Hubby will forever be my person. I’m lucky to have found my person so early in life and look forward to many more years of nerdom and adventure.
Naturally, we’re celebrating our anniversary by watching the Stanley Cup finals. Well, at least we’re trying. Hulu’s inability to maintain NBC consistently has been beyond infuriating this evening. Athena always hates when we watch hockey because we all scream, yell and jump. It’s a bit disconcerting for her.
For dinner, the Hubby grilled brats, tator tots and sweet corn. Since it’s the middle of the week and the Hubby is headed to a trade show tomorrow, we’ll celebrate with a nice dinner out over the weekend. Thankfully, the Hubby will have a good travel day as Elsa has moved off to the north and east. We’ll miss him while he’s gone, but I’m sure he’ll enjoy some peace and quiet. Two things that don’t exist is this energetic household.
Here’s a list of our day’s activities:
*I read Demons, by Dostoevsky. I am really enjoying this book so far.
*I thought about running, but decided to rest my knee again. Instead I looked for great photos of us.
* I ate the rest of the peach crisp today. This time I mixed in one white peach for a little of variety. Honestly, I didn’t notice a difference.
*The family and I are watching the Stanley Cup Finals in lieu of continuing our Thirty Rock binge. Thankfully, our power is flickering now that the storm has passed. Consequently, it knocked out the wifi too. Apparently, technology is my nemesis tonight.
*I spent my day with the puppies. This evening I worked with Anakin on some training skills. He did a great job. Of course, I rewarded him with kielbasa, which is his favorite.
*My favorite surprise on the underwater cams, I watch during work, is seeing an octopus. Today I watched the safari cam, which never disappoints.
*I’m back to work and Elsa is gone to Georgia. Thankfully, the tropics are quiet.
*Today’s word of the day is silvery. The water had a silvery look.
*I took my puppies including sweet Anakin for a walk. Did I mention I hate gnats, flies, and mosquitos? It’s definitely much worse in the morning and am. Fortunately, it’s not too bad at lunch.