Jump (For Batgirl's Love)

Last Thursday was my own personal version of the Oscars.  Not the winning awards part.  Before that. The red carpet.  In this Oscar chronicle, I was the designer sitting at home having an anxiety attack over seeing Carissa rock my garment on the red carpet.

The night before, I was a bundle of restlessness in bed.  Awake hoping that the neck hole in my cape (capes are the new black) wasn't too constricting. Then fearing it was too gapey and would hang off her back. Comfy bed, warmth of Mr. Schatze slumbering close by, a belly full of Nighty Night tea...that I just wanted to throw up all over myself analyzing every stitch, pleat placement, Carissa's accessories and her comfort.

When her text came in at 5:03 AM Arizona time, I still had at least 3 hours of sleep in me making up for what I lost in irrational worry.

Carissa: I have never been so excited to go to work in my nine years of teaching!

I saw it once I finally woke up. And then I saw her radiant smile on Facebook.  And then I turned off my distress and became very excited.

Carissa promised her students that if they saved over 100 lives for the American Heart Association during the jump rope for heart event 'Jumping To Be a Heart Hero' that she would dress up as a super hero. 

They did it.

And I was honored when she called to give me the exclusive on her female super hero design.

Carissa chose a classy, elementary school appropriate Batgirl.

And upon receiving her measurements, construction began.

Cape pleats got pinned.

Eye holes got snipped out of masks.

Goodwill boots got spray painted.

Bat logos got jig sawed.

And the finishing baubles all fell into place.

 Carissa was exquisite.  Is exquisite.  A hero to the core.

If adolescent chubby-cheeked me would have been in class that day, I would have been glued to the floor in a pool of shock and delight.  I would have dreamed about growing up to be confident and enthusiastic - and able to wear super hero costumes around town - all just like Mrs. Carissa.  Anxious to see what surprises were in store for me at school the rest of the year.  And I would have felt proud about actually saving lives with the money I raised and my jumping.  Believing that I did a good thing and because of it people are going to live. And I would believe it in my heart because Batgirl told me so and Batgirl doesn't lie.

And then I would rush home and make Mrs. Carissa an Oscar award for Awesome.

...with the Pointer Sister playing in the background.

Breaker, Breaker, Heartbreaker

Don't tell Mr. Schatze, but I have love in my heart for another man.

He has eyes that melt your heart.

A smile that makes you concede to any request.

He is a hockey player.

A dreamer.

A Twins fan.

And was a sheep in the Christmas program at church last month.

This is Luke.  If you are hugging your computer screen now I will understand.

I went to high school with Luke's mom Carissa in Luverne.  Technically, Carissa is from Kenneth, MN. No, no. We like Kenneth.  Kenneth doesn't fall into that 30-mile radius of judgement like Adrian does.  Maybe because it's kids came to Luverne for school.  No, it is because Kenneth is awesome.

- Everyone from Kenneth can name each and every other citizen, all 60 of them.
- When we would play a game of kick-the-can in Kenneth, we literally played in the entire town of Kenneth
- I've never know Carissa's street address from Kenneth.  I just put the name, city, sate and zip and it gets there every time.
- On a side note, Carissa's dad helped me install a CB radio in my station wagon in their Kenneth driveway.  My handle was 'Midnight Rambler.' We can talk about that more some other time.

I digress.  When I grow up, I want to be Carissa.  She is boisterous, loving, motivated, inspiring, caring, compassionate, enthusiastic, funny.  I could go on and on.  The point is, I have a long way to go to be a Carissa.

When she was pregnant with Luke, her first, I wanted to give her something unique.  Carissa is a volleyball expert and played during college at Bethel.  I really wanted to make a baby volleyball uniform with replica bunhuggers, like we wore in high school.  Yeah, kind of crossing the line since they knew it was going to be a boy.  Instead, I stalked Luke's dad, Chris.  He is a hockey star and current assistant hockey coach for the Bethel Royals.  A replica hockey jersey was in the works.

Yep, this is a recent photo.  Mustaches are back in a big way.  Get on board people.

I tracked down Chris' college number and started sewing like mad.  I finished just in time to get it in the mail for arrival after her baby shower. Don't judge my time management.  

Since it was late, Chris got to help open the gift at home.  Way better.  My lack of time management paid off this time.

From what I hear, fans have a hard time watching an actual Bethel hockey game this season.  You know, since they are so distracted by the handsome drooler in the front row.

Thanks Luke, for distracting me for the rest of the day with thoughts of squeezing the cheeks of my favorite hockey player.  I can't wait until you can run around and we can compete in a game of Kenneth kick-the-can.  I know all the best spots for hiding.  You don't stand a chance.

This has been the Midnight Rambler.

Over and out.