Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Friday, July 04, 2008
Autumn Grooms: Ditch the couch and go outside
My couch has super-hero powers. I believe it gains strength from the multitude of pacifiers, socks and loose change it consumes daily.
I know it sounds far-fetched, but I swear it’s true.
How else would it be able to suck in anyone in my family that gets within 20-feet of it?
Lawn mowing, laundry, vacuuming, sweeping and taking out the garbage all have been delayed because of the sofa.
And it’s even been known to interfere with evening plans on more than one occasion, especially when it is paired with the television.
Now I don’t mind this creature living in our house during the crummy winter months, and I’m quite tolerable of it after dark, but when the sun is shining, I am less than impressed with it using a magnetic force field to attract all who attempt to pass.
We live in a far-too-beautiful of an area to be inside during the summer months, and there are plenty of free or low-cost activities out there to do.
I opted to defend the couch last month using my own powers.
First, I sold his evil twin to eliminate half the seating in our living room.
Then I got proactive and took Vincent to the splash pool in Copeland Park, registered the older kids for kayak lessons through park and rec and went for a walk with Mike.
To say it felt good would be an understatement, and knowing there are still two months of summer left to enjoy makes it even better.
Today is the Fourth of July, and there are festivals in many communities. Take the time to check one out, you might be surprised at what you find and the memories you can make.
The couch will still be there when you get home.
Autumn Grooms wrote this column sitting on her couch. She can be reached at (608) 791-8424 or agrooms@lacrossetribune.com.
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