Numbers

A recent trend in many newspapers and magazines is a section called “by the numbers.” I’m not sure why that particular feature is used so frequently. Perhaps it is our need to quantify information and follow trends. I think it might be because we like to read short bytes of information rather than analyze lengthy expository writing. Whatever the case may be, I’m going to jump on the integers band wagon and share my numbers from the year 2012. For my mathy friends, please note that I am rounding generously and most of my data will probably not hold up under court investigation.

720—pots of coffee were made by my hands this past year. My early morning habit prompts me to make coffee wherever I go…home, school, church, hotel rooms and homes in need of a pot of coffee. No lattes, frappes or frou frou drinks. Just keep it black and hot.

290—crossword puzzles. There is nothing more relaxing than a sharp pencil, a crossword puzzle and a good dictionary. I like the semi-simple ones that take a moderate amount of thinking. I’m in the zone for completion, not frustration.

240—students. Over a year’s time, I am required to learn the names, temperaments, and skill levels of a diverse population. No small task for this aging brain. Current monikers make it even more daunting with their creative spellings.  Let’s just say I miss Bob and Nancy.

210—games of Spider Solitaire. No excuse for that statistic. Sometimes one needs a mindless diversion that demands nothing more than the click of a mouse. I especially love the fireworks at the end of the game when I win.

75—workout hours with Leslie Sansone and Denise Austin DVDs. That translates to 270,000 seconds of mind numbing monotony. I’m ashamed to say that I mock both of them throughout my workouts. I do not understand their belief that workouts are fast and fun. Reading a book makes time fly for me, not leg squats with a purple stretchy band.

46—Prairie Home Companion shows. My happy place is from 5:00-7:00 on Saturday evening with Mr. Keillor and his music, stories and life at Lake Wobegon. I’m not sure how many more years Garrison has in him so I cherish each season as though it may be his last.

12—cheesecakes were made last year. My husband would say that that is not nearly enough. My waistline would disagree.

1—wish for you.   Happy New Year and God's blessings to you!