I've been plugging away at the Infinite Socks. They're looking really pretty. I had actually turned the heel on them when I decided that the pattern just didn't look just right, so I ripped it all back to the beginning, tweaked the ribbing, tweaked the pattern and cast on again. I'm two pattern repeats in, so I think two more before I'll turn the heel.
Pictures tomorrow. I went to get some today, when I realized that my darn camera was out of batteries. Depending on my workload this week, I may have the pattern finished and ready for purchase before I leave for my holidays on the 31st.
As for everything else, I haven't been good this weekend. Our fridge died on Thursday. The compressor went, which SUCKS, so we've been keeping an eye on Kijiji for a new one. For now, however, and until we come back from holiday, we'll be living out of a cooler and our chest freezer in the basement. So far, it's not too bad, although I find I keep opening the fridge to grab something (or just to look out of habit), and of course there's just warm air blowing out. We're debating getting just an apartment sized fridge because there's a lot in a fridge that it turns out doesn't really need to be refrigerated. Like eggs, for example, and onions and apples and oranges and most condiments. We do need to keep our dairy products chilled, though, and I think I'd go nuts if we had to live out of cooler.
Anyway, so here's how I've not been good. When the fridge died, I had a major meltdown because it was only adding stress to my already PMSy day, and I caved. Robbie and I were both in terrible moods, so we bought chips, a bottle of wine and rented a movie. We ate all the chips. We drank all the wine.
Friday was okay.
Saturday, I was good until evening. We were at the wading pool all day, which was really fun, but then Saturday night, we went to our friends' house. They just came back from Australia. There was LOTS of alcohol. And hot dogs. And smokies. And chips. I ate two hot dogs, both with white buns, and a few handfuls of chips, and a rice crispie square. And a lot of wine.
This morning I felt really bad. My body was hurting, partly because of the major sunburn I got yesterday (despite having liberally applied sun screen, damn my Scottish heritage!), but I think mostly from the lack of care I gave the food I was eating. I ate so much junk, and I'm not used to it. I was grouchy, hung over, tired, angry, and just generally not feeling very good. I felt...skunky.
So tomorrow, it's back on the wagon. Back to drinking lots of water, back to eating lots of fresh fruit and veggies, back to feeding my body the way it needs to be fed. And I'm thinking I deserve at least two reps of boot camp to work off some of the damage.
In happy news, I get to pick up my shawl from the Stampede on Tuesday! YAY!!
Showing posts with label life and death. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life and death. Show all posts
7.18.2010
7.03.2010
Two Pounds and Surgery.
I had two appointments today. First:
So I guess that's good. Eight pounds total. :D
On the downside, though, I met with my specialist regarding the cyst. He has booked me in for a laparoscopic-cystectomy-possibly-laparotomic-cystectomy-with-possible-oopherectomy surgery in early September. My cyst is so big, it needs to come out. So if it doesn't get smaller by mid-August, I'm getting cut open.
A laparoscopic surgery is where they insert a camera and a wand thing through two tiny incisions in the abdomen wall and is incredibly non-invasive. However, depending on the type of cyst they find when they do the laparscopic surgery, it might be upgraded to a laparotomy, which is where they make an incision across the abdomen. Depending on what they find on the ovary during *that*, it might mean they remove my right ovary altogether.
When you're trying to have another child, dudes, ovaries are rather essential. So the chance that one might go hang out in a lab somewhere is slightly concerning. But I'm more concerned about a few things. One, at this point, since hormone levels are normal, they don't know what is causing this cyst and what is causing it to grow. Two, I'm experiencing a few additional things, such as a thickened endometrial lining that is seriously fucking up my ability to get pregnant. Three is this BIG BLOODY CYST that's hanging out, won't stop growing and won't bloody well resolve itself.
And while yes, I'm rather attached to my ovaries, and while yes, I'd rather they stick around for the next 50 years or so, my health is absolutely critical. Despite desiring another child, I desire health for my current child moreso, and so they can chop me open and make me better, no matter the possible risks.
But still, when I'm squeamish enough about needles that I refused as a rebellious teenager to get any body parts peirced and never seriously entertained the thought of a tattoo--irregardless of how much it would infuriate my parents--the idea of going under the knife, requiring anywhere between a few days to a week to heal (not to mention several staples and stitches) and losing a rather essential organ is so scary! So hopefully this diet, the lack of refined sugars and so many vegetables will help my body resolve this cyst before my ultrasound in August so that I can have my surgery canceled and continue on my happy little way.
Keep me in your thoughts.
So I guess that's good. Eight pounds total. :D
On the downside, though, I met with my specialist regarding the cyst. He has booked me in for a laparoscopic-cystectomy-possibly-laparotomic-cystectomy-with-possible-oopherectomy surgery in early September. My cyst is so big, it needs to come out. So if it doesn't get smaller by mid-August, I'm getting cut open.
A laparoscopic surgery is where they insert a camera and a wand thing through two tiny incisions in the abdomen wall and is incredibly non-invasive. However, depending on the type of cyst they find when they do the laparscopic surgery, it might be upgraded to a laparotomy, which is where they make an incision across the abdomen. Depending on what they find on the ovary during *that*, it might mean they remove my right ovary altogether.
When you're trying to have another child, dudes, ovaries are rather essential. So the chance that one might go hang out in a lab somewhere is slightly concerning. But I'm more concerned about a few things. One, at this point, since hormone levels are normal, they don't know what is causing this cyst and what is causing it to grow. Two, I'm experiencing a few additional things, such as a thickened endometrial lining that is seriously fucking up my ability to get pregnant. Three is this BIG BLOODY CYST that's hanging out, won't stop growing and won't bloody well resolve itself.
And while yes, I'm rather attached to my ovaries, and while yes, I'd rather they stick around for the next 50 years or so, my health is absolutely critical. Despite desiring another child, I desire health for my current child moreso, and so they can chop me open and make me better, no matter the possible risks.
But still, when I'm squeamish enough about needles that I refused as a rebellious teenager to get any body parts peirced and never seriously entertained the thought of a tattoo--irregardless of how much it would infuriate my parents--the idea of going under the knife, requiring anywhere between a few days to a week to heal (not to mention several staples and stitches) and losing a rather essential organ is so scary! So hopefully this diet, the lack of refined sugars and so many vegetables will help my body resolve this cyst before my ultrasound in August so that I can have my surgery canceled and continue on my happy little way.
Keep me in your thoughts.
6.30.2010
Anniversary
Today is my 3rd anniversary!
Let me tell you something about my husband. If there is any man on this earth who pulls his weight, it's Robbie. He pulls his weight and a lot of mine, too. He has a full-time job (which he's really good at), is a completely involved and passionate father, cleans, does laundry, does the dishes, and boy, without him, this house would fall apart. I mean, really, fall apart.
On top of that, he's just super thoughtful. He gets cards for special occasions, buys Christmas presents when I forget (it happens a lot), makes sure things are remembered...I don't know what I'd do without him.
I love him to bits, and although I'm not a great wife sometimes (don't I know it), I am so grateful that he's a great husband. The last six years together and the last three years married have been, hands down, the best of my life so far.
I love you, Robbie! Thanks for being just about the best person I know!
Let me tell you something about my husband. If there is any man on this earth who pulls his weight, it's Robbie. He pulls his weight and a lot of mine, too. He has a full-time job (which he's really good at), is a completely involved and passionate father, cleans, does laundry, does the dishes, and boy, without him, this house would fall apart. I mean, really, fall apart.
On top of that, he's just super thoughtful. He gets cards for special occasions, buys Christmas presents when I forget (it happens a lot), makes sure things are remembered...I don't know what I'd do without him.
I love him to bits, and although I'm not a great wife sometimes (don't I know it), I am so grateful that he's a great husband. The last six years together and the last three years married have been, hands down, the best of my life so far.
I love you, Robbie! Thanks for being just about the best person I know!
6.18.2010
On That Road Again...
I'm losing weight. AGAIN.
But this is NOT just another diet. No, this is going to work. I have a very sneaking suspicion. Why? Because this is a real, grown up diet. Not read a book, now do it. It's called Simply For Life, and each week for six months, I'll meet with my nutritionist (A REAL ONE!!!), who tailors a meal plan to ME and updates it. I just finished my first week on the new plan, and it was EASY. I loved the food. There was almost too much of it, actually.
And guess what, dudes? I lost FOUR POUNDS in a week. IN A WEEK!! My parents have been seeing the same nutritionist since December, and my mom is down 25 pounds, my dad is down 60. So, with a little luck...
Each Friday, weigh-in day, I'll update you on my progress. And each month, I'll post pictures from when I started to the current date. Wish me luck!
But this is NOT just another diet. No, this is going to work. I have a very sneaking suspicion. Why? Because this is a real, grown up diet. Not read a book, now do it. It's called Simply For Life, and each week for six months, I'll meet with my nutritionist (A REAL ONE!!!), who tailors a meal plan to ME and updates it. I just finished my first week on the new plan, and it was EASY. I loved the food. There was almost too much of it, actually.
And guess what, dudes? I lost FOUR POUNDS in a week. IN A WEEK!! My parents have been seeing the same nutritionist since December, and my mom is down 25 pounds, my dad is down 60. So, with a little luck...
Each Friday, weigh-in day, I'll update you on my progress. And each month, I'll post pictures from when I started to the current date. Wish me luck!
5.22.2010
A Weekend
This weekend is a long weekend here in Canada. Monday is a day off, which is much appreciated by everyone.
Last summer, our best couple friends moved west, to Vancouver Island. Seeing as it was Robbie's best friend, it's been rather hard on us, and sometimes, it seems like we have no one to do things with. James and Jen were kind of our go-to couple, as their oldest daughter is only a year-and-a-half younger than Elodie. Of course we're lucky enough to be blessed with as many friends as we have fingers and toes, but in this part of the country, a rat race is definitely played, and it's hard to make time for leisure.
So for Christmas this year, Elodie and I gave Robbie a trip to Vancouver Island to hang out with his best buddy and his family. So on Thursday, he flew out, and Elodie and I started our Mommy/Daughter weekend. So far, it's nice. I always love just hanging out with Elodie, just the two of us. Our family has a really good routine, and sometimes it's nice to toss that right out the window. And that routine has been tossed.
I took Friday off work. We picked up my cousin's two-year-old son so he could have some fun time away from his new baby sister (it's been kind of hard on him). He and Elodie had a tonne of fun, racing around the house, destroying Elodie's bedroom, eating the most kid-friendly lunch EVER (goldfish crackers, mac & cheese, cut-up hotdogs, corn on the cob and strawberries), and playing at the park. After dropping him off after a solid four hours of playing, we went to my parents' house to visit my grandparents who had just driven in from Saskatchewan.
Gramma, Elodie and I went and got some things for dinner, and then when Elodie knocked out in the car on the way home, we decided to go for coffee at Tim Horton's. Elodie stayed asleep for most of it, and only awoke at the end to have a doughnut. We had dinner with my grandparents and parents, and then we went home. Elodie fell asleep in record time, and I followed suit.
Last night, at about 3:00 a.m., I woke up to find a little clammy-footed, snoring kid, two dogs and a cat in my bed. I kicked one dog off and let the rest stay. In my defence, the dog I kicked off is 125 pounds of drool and hair.
In all, this weekend has been one of lazing about, doing what we feel like when we feel like it, heading for impromptu trips to the park, not cleaning up after ourselves (much. I have run the dishwasher once and wiped down the stove and counters), not worrying about getting out of our jammies first thing in the morning, and generally enjoying ourselves.
Today, we have dinner with my whole family (parents, grandparents, brother, cousin and his family). Tomorrow, we're going up to Sundre to see Robbie's step-dad and his family. One brother, two sisters, their families, and then four step-step sisters and their kids (Robbie's step dad remarried after Robbie's mom died to a woman with four girls. What does that make them to Robbie? We figure step-step sisters). It's going to be *crazy* busy, but I always enjoy hanging out with them. Then tomorrow night, I'll drop Elodie into the safe care of Robbie's dad, and I get Sunday night and most of Monday to myself while Elodie goes to the High River Parade.
Robbie comes home on Tuesday. By then, my house will be a mess, my clothing piled up to the ceiling, work screaming my name, but you know what? There's next weekend. Long weekends are for relaxing with your family, and that's just what I intend to do.
Have a wonderful, safe weekend, everybody!! Don't drink and drive!
Last summer, our best couple friends moved west, to Vancouver Island. Seeing as it was Robbie's best friend, it's been rather hard on us, and sometimes, it seems like we have no one to do things with. James and Jen were kind of our go-to couple, as their oldest daughter is only a year-and-a-half younger than Elodie. Of course we're lucky enough to be blessed with as many friends as we have fingers and toes, but in this part of the country, a rat race is definitely played, and it's hard to make time for leisure.
So for Christmas this year, Elodie and I gave Robbie a trip to Vancouver Island to hang out with his best buddy and his family. So on Thursday, he flew out, and Elodie and I started our Mommy/Daughter weekend. So far, it's nice. I always love just hanging out with Elodie, just the two of us. Our family has a really good routine, and sometimes it's nice to toss that right out the window. And that routine has been tossed.
I took Friday off work. We picked up my cousin's two-year-old son so he could have some fun time away from his new baby sister (it's been kind of hard on him). He and Elodie had a tonne of fun, racing around the house, destroying Elodie's bedroom, eating the most kid-friendly lunch EVER (goldfish crackers, mac & cheese, cut-up hotdogs, corn on the cob and strawberries), and playing at the park. After dropping him off after a solid four hours of playing, we went to my parents' house to visit my grandparents who had just driven in from Saskatchewan.
Gramma, Elodie and I went and got some things for dinner, and then when Elodie knocked out in the car on the way home, we decided to go for coffee at Tim Horton's. Elodie stayed asleep for most of it, and only awoke at the end to have a doughnut. We had dinner with my grandparents and parents, and then we went home. Elodie fell asleep in record time, and I followed suit.
Last night, at about 3:00 a.m., I woke up to find a little clammy-footed, snoring kid, two dogs and a cat in my bed. I kicked one dog off and let the rest stay. In my defence, the dog I kicked off is 125 pounds of drool and hair.
In all, this weekend has been one of lazing about, doing what we feel like when we feel like it, heading for impromptu trips to the park, not cleaning up after ourselves (much. I have run the dishwasher once and wiped down the stove and counters), not worrying about getting out of our jammies first thing in the morning, and generally enjoying ourselves.
Today, we have dinner with my whole family (parents, grandparents, brother, cousin and his family). Tomorrow, we're going up to Sundre to see Robbie's step-dad and his family. One brother, two sisters, their families, and then four step-step sisters and their kids (Robbie's step dad remarried after Robbie's mom died to a woman with four girls. What does that make them to Robbie? We figure step-step sisters). It's going to be *crazy* busy, but I always enjoy hanging out with them. Then tomorrow night, I'll drop Elodie into the safe care of Robbie's dad, and I get Sunday night and most of Monday to myself while Elodie goes to the High River Parade.
Robbie comes home on Tuesday. By then, my house will be a mess, my clothing piled up to the ceiling, work screaming my name, but you know what? There's next weekend. Long weekends are for relaxing with your family, and that's just what I intend to do.
Have a wonderful, safe weekend, everybody!! Don't drink and drive!
5.19.2010
Anger....Rising
Just going to put this out there. When adults spread lies and rumors about children, it's pathetic. It's mean. It's underhanded. It makes them look like giant D-bags.
Telling lies about a little girl because you don't like her mother is so immature, I'm surprised that a certain *someone* isn't still in high school. But no, she's almost 30.
Putting this out there, Ms. H, grow the hell up.
ps. I'm still checking that site for reasons just like this.
Telling lies about a little girl because you don't like her mother is so immature, I'm surprised that a certain *someone* isn't still in high school. But no, she's almost 30.
Putting this out there, Ms. H, grow the hell up.
ps. I'm still checking that site for reasons just like this.
5.14.2010
Diagnosed
I'm not sure if you all remember, but a while back, I posted about two large cysts found on my right ovary. As we had been trying to have a baby for a long time, this was a surprise but not a surprise. I knew something had to be up.
Well, I saw the specialist this past week, and I have a diagnosis! PCOS, or Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome is a disorder that affects between 5 and 10% of women of childbearing age. It can present in girls as young as 11 and women as old as 65. What is it, exactly? Well, it's a disorder that really is unknown as to cause, but the main culprit is believed to be a combination of insulin resistance and genetics.
I don't have some of the tell-tale symptoms, but I do have others. For example, while I am spotty, have difficulty losing weight and have rather long cycles (ranging between 35 and 42 days), I don't have excessive body hair (thank goodness) or male pattern baldness or dark patches on my skin.
I am, quite honestly, relieved with the diagnosis of PCOS. It is highly treatable, and once the hormonal imbalance is fixed with a combination of Metformin and diet and exercise (which will result in weight loss), symptoms should disappear. At least it's not something like endometriosis, which runs in my family and resulted in hysterectomies in my aunt and mother, and it's not ovarian cancer, thank goodness.
So on June 4th, I'll return to my doctor, review the results of the blood tests that were drawn last week and be prescribed Metformin and put on a diet plan. I generally eat pretty healthy, but I still have quite a bit of excess weight hanging around that just won't. Go. Away. I'm looking forward to the Metformin giving me a boost in that direction, maybe having some clear skin and most importantly, getting this thing under control as soon as possible.
In other news, my husband and I have both decided it's time to lead healthier lives. We have both given up all alcohol and started to eat even better than we were (no more eating out at fast food joints), and he is in the process of kicking his pot-a-day coffee habit and cutting out all other caffeine. He's been in a terrible mood for the last week or so, but I'm so proud of him for taking this step. I've already noticed that his mood is more even, that his breath smells considerably better, and he's not as gassy as he used to be. Having cut out caffeine over five years ago, I fully appreciate the difficulty of what he is doing.
Also in the healthier lifestyle choices, I have stopped staying up until 2:00 a.m. every night. I generally am asleep by 10:00 (although not tonight due to preparing caramel apples for a friend's birthday party tomorrow), awake by 7:30 and working until about 2:00. I've managed to nearly double my production in the last few weeks, and am bringing in double the income, therefore. I'm very proud of myself and feel like *such* an adult.
So overall, things here in Chez Plied are good. Things are looking hopeful. I shall keep you all updated on my progress. ONWARD!!
Well, I saw the specialist this past week, and I have a diagnosis! PCOS, or Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome is a disorder that affects between 5 and 10% of women of childbearing age. It can present in girls as young as 11 and women as old as 65. What is it, exactly? Well, it's a disorder that really is unknown as to cause, but the main culprit is believed to be a combination of insulin resistance and genetics.
I don't have some of the tell-tale symptoms, but I do have others. For example, while I am spotty, have difficulty losing weight and have rather long cycles (ranging between 35 and 42 days), I don't have excessive body hair (thank goodness) or male pattern baldness or dark patches on my skin.
I am, quite honestly, relieved with the diagnosis of PCOS. It is highly treatable, and once the hormonal imbalance is fixed with a combination of Metformin and diet and exercise (which will result in weight loss), symptoms should disappear. At least it's not something like endometriosis, which runs in my family and resulted in hysterectomies in my aunt and mother, and it's not ovarian cancer, thank goodness.
So on June 4th, I'll return to my doctor, review the results of the blood tests that were drawn last week and be prescribed Metformin and put on a diet plan. I generally eat pretty healthy, but I still have quite a bit of excess weight hanging around that just won't. Go. Away. I'm looking forward to the Metformin giving me a boost in that direction, maybe having some clear skin and most importantly, getting this thing under control as soon as possible.
In other news, my husband and I have both decided it's time to lead healthier lives. We have both given up all alcohol and started to eat even better than we were (no more eating out at fast food joints), and he is in the process of kicking his pot-a-day coffee habit and cutting out all other caffeine. He's been in a terrible mood for the last week or so, but I'm so proud of him for taking this step. I've already noticed that his mood is more even, that his breath smells considerably better, and he's not as gassy as he used to be. Having cut out caffeine over five years ago, I fully appreciate the difficulty of what he is doing.
Also in the healthier lifestyle choices, I have stopped staying up until 2:00 a.m. every night. I generally am asleep by 10:00 (although not tonight due to preparing caramel apples for a friend's birthday party tomorrow), awake by 7:30 and working until about 2:00. I've managed to nearly double my production in the last few weeks, and am bringing in double the income, therefore. I'm very proud of myself and feel like *such* an adult.
So overall, things here in Chez Plied are good. Things are looking hopeful. I shall keep you all updated on my progress. ONWARD!!
4.30.2010
The Right Direction
Before I became a mother, I was kind of like a bit of dandelion fluff, going wherever my life would take me (how's that for cliche?). I didn't really care what I was doing, and I certainly didn't have a purpose for my life. I just cared about the now, not the future. I was in every sense an irresponsible, selfish brat. Now I'm just a brat.
When Robbie and I found out we were expecting (rather unexpectedly, I might add), there were many thoughts that ran through my mind. From absolute fear to then excitement to extreme love, my emotions ran the gamut. I loved every wiggle and kick and stretch and hiccough that the baby made, and we anxiously anticipated the birth of our new family member. We hit the jackpot, I must say.
At this time, four years ago, I was pacing up and down the hallways of the delivery ward, nervous as all get out, and so ready to DO THIS. Roughly nine hours later, a squirmy, screaming, human freaking being came out of ME and was very much here and real. It was amazing!
We watched her grow over the four years into what she is now, a really, really awesome little person who cares very much for others and demands kisses and hugs and snuggles up when we're watching TV and makes jokes that we don't get, but are hilarious nonetheless. This past year, she's done everything from chopped off all her hair:
to gone to Disneyland:
to splashed in the Atlantic:
to learning to tie her shoes and spell her name! While the physical differences are not great, she sure has grown up.
And I've been growing right alongside her. I am far more confident in my ability to raise a good person. I am so sure that empowerment is the answer to success, and unconditional love is the key to happiness. I have a direction now, and it's a good one.
Just as I can compare Elodie today to Elodie four years ago, I can compare me today to me before Elodie and realize that I am a far better person, not because I'm older, but because Elodie is.
Many, many, many happy returns to the person who changed my whole life and steered me in the right direction.
When Robbie and I found out we were expecting (rather unexpectedly, I might add), there were many thoughts that ran through my mind. From absolute fear to then excitement to extreme love, my emotions ran the gamut. I loved every wiggle and kick and stretch and hiccough that the baby made, and we anxiously anticipated the birth of our new family member. We hit the jackpot, I must say.
At this time, four years ago, I was pacing up and down the hallways of the delivery ward, nervous as all get out, and so ready to DO THIS. Roughly nine hours later, a squirmy, screaming, human freaking being came out of ME and was very much here and real. It was amazing!
We watched her grow over the four years into what she is now, a really, really awesome little person who cares very much for others and demands kisses and hugs and snuggles up when we're watching TV and makes jokes that we don't get, but are hilarious nonetheless. This past year, she's done everything from chopped off all her hair:
to gone to Disneyland:
to splashed in the Atlantic:
to learning to tie her shoes and spell her name! While the physical differences are not great, she sure has grown up.
And I've been growing right alongside her. I am far more confident in my ability to raise a good person. I am so sure that empowerment is the answer to success, and unconditional love is the key to happiness. I have a direction now, and it's a good one.
Just as I can compare Elodie today to Elodie four years ago, I can compare me today to me before Elodie and realize that I am a far better person, not because I'm older, but because Elodie is.
Many, many, many happy returns to the person who changed my whole life and steered me in the right direction.
4.24.2010
Cupcake Queen
You may be reading this post, looking at the time stamp, and wondering to yourself, What is Kayla doing up at this time of night. The honest answer? Freaking the frack out.
It is 12:03 a.m. It is Elodie's birthday party tomorrow, and tomorrow we are expecting no less than 30 people to descend on our house around 2:00. That's less than 14 hours away, for those of you who are doing the math. Today, I had to repaint my house. I am WAY behind on laying the kitchen floor, which I was going to be using today to do until I had a little accident (or rather the paint store had a little accident) and tinted my bucket of touch-up paint a darker grey than the colour I had painted the walls with. Suddenly, I had HUGE dark patches on my lovely walls, where I was just supposed to be touching up. So then I had to repaint THE WHOLE HOUSE. By whole house, I don't mean, oh, I touched up a room. Nope. Kitchen, livingroom, hallway. Did I mention we have vaulted ceilings? FUN TIMES.
And I was supposed to be completing the laminate floor in the kitchen today, but instead, was painting the whole house, so I started laying the floor at 9:00 p.m. Three hours ago. I have three feet done. OMG.
Did I mention there's a birthday party tomorrow? In my house. HERE. So I am awake, despite being exhausted, despite my bed calling to me...I can hear it now. I haven't knit anything in a week, so my stress level is nearly through the roof, and now...I'm baking cupcakes.
Elodie requested ladybugs. I was originally going to make wee fondant ladybugs sitting amid a cupcake of grass with wee flowers. Well, that got fracking tossed. Now I'm doing lady bugs, the easy, cheap, fast way.
It's a good thing her Mommy is creative.
It is 12:03 a.m. It is Elodie's birthday party tomorrow, and tomorrow we are expecting no less than 30 people to descend on our house around 2:00. That's less than 14 hours away, for those of you who are doing the math. Today, I had to repaint my house. I am WAY behind on laying the kitchen floor, which I was going to be using today to do until I had a little accident (or rather the paint store had a little accident) and tinted my bucket of touch-up paint a darker grey than the colour I had painted the walls with. Suddenly, I had HUGE dark patches on my lovely walls, where I was just supposed to be touching up. So then I had to repaint THE WHOLE HOUSE. By whole house, I don't mean, oh, I touched up a room. Nope. Kitchen, livingroom, hallway. Did I mention we have vaulted ceilings? FUN TIMES.
And I was supposed to be completing the laminate floor in the kitchen today, but instead, was painting the whole house, so I started laying the floor at 9:00 p.m. Three hours ago. I have three feet done. OMG.
Did I mention there's a birthday party tomorrow? In my house. HERE. So I am awake, despite being exhausted, despite my bed calling to me...I can hear it now. I haven't knit anything in a week, so my stress level is nearly through the roof, and now...I'm baking cupcakes.
Elodie requested ladybugs. I was originally going to make wee fondant ladybugs sitting amid a cupcake of grass with wee flowers. Well, that got fracking tossed. Now I'm doing lady bugs, the easy, cheap, fast way.
It's a good thing her Mommy is creative.
4.09.2010
I'm Grateful...
This morning, when I was having a shower and getting ready, I started thinking along the path I always think when I have to look at myself naked in front of a mirror. UGH. I mean, I think, ugh, I miss the way I *used* to look, ugh, why are they so low, ugh, why can't my hair just lay straight, ugh, I have cellulite, ugh, look at that zit...and on and on and on. How negative of me.
So today, I started to list things I'm happy with on my body.
- I have thick hair.
- I have green eyes.
- I have a wee rib cage.
- I have an hourglass figure.
- I have cute feet.
- I have long eye lashes.
- I have a pouty mouth.
- I have a nice smile.
- I'm getting laugh lines (better than frown lines!!!).
That, of course, led me to start thinking of all the things I'm grateful for in my life.
- I have a smart, sassy, polite, beautiful daughter who makes me laugh every single day, without fail, and keeps me on my toes.
- I have a smart, handsome husband who is always kind and considerate and was even willing to run out into a blizzard yesterday to pick up a bottle of wine for us to enjoy the power outage with.
- I have as many friends as I have fingers and toes, and they're all people I'm proud to surround myself with.
- I am able to afford a nice house in a great neighbourhood, and it's got a big backyard and a big tree out front, and it's close to schools and close to Robbie's work, and the neighbours are great.
- I was lucky enough to be born to parents who love each other far more than I think they realize. They came from nothing, they worked their butts off, and they have been very successful in life. They were able to provide an excellent starting block for my brother and I.
- Speaking of brothers, I'm grateful for mine, and that we have finally made it to a place where we are friends. He knows me better than most everyone on this earth.
- I am lucky to have three grandparents alive and in good health (one of whom is turning 90 in December!).
- I am grateful to be a child of two countries, having an immigrant father and a umpteenth generation Canadian mother.
- I am grateful to be able to work from home.
- I am extremely grateful to be able to knit because it's the place I find solace.
My gratefuls far outweigh my negatives.
So today, I started to list things I'm happy with on my body.
- I have thick hair.
- I have green eyes.
- I have a wee rib cage.
- I have an hourglass figure.
- I have cute feet.
- I have long eye lashes.
- I have a pouty mouth.
- I have a nice smile.
- I'm getting laugh lines (better than frown lines!!!).
That, of course, led me to start thinking of all the things I'm grateful for in my life.
- I have a smart, sassy, polite, beautiful daughter who makes me laugh every single day, without fail, and keeps me on my toes.
- I have a smart, handsome husband who is always kind and considerate and was even willing to run out into a blizzard yesterday to pick up a bottle of wine for us to enjoy the power outage with.
- I have as many friends as I have fingers and toes, and they're all people I'm proud to surround myself with.
- I am able to afford a nice house in a great neighbourhood, and it's got a big backyard and a big tree out front, and it's close to schools and close to Robbie's work, and the neighbours are great.
- I was lucky enough to be born to parents who love each other far more than I think they realize. They came from nothing, they worked their butts off, and they have been very successful in life. They were able to provide an excellent starting block for my brother and I.
- Speaking of brothers, I'm grateful for mine, and that we have finally made it to a place where we are friends. He knows me better than most everyone on this earth.
- I am lucky to have three grandparents alive and in good health (one of whom is turning 90 in December!).
- I am grateful to be a child of two countries, having an immigrant father and a umpteenth generation Canadian mother.
- I am grateful to be able to work from home.
- I am extremely grateful to be able to knit because it's the place I find solace.
My gratefuls far outweigh my negatives.
3.24.2010
Come on Spring!
Elodie and Mommy want to get outside and play!!!
We've been stuck in the house for nearly six months now, and this tease of warmer weather is making us itchy! We did manage to rake the yard over the weekend (meaning I raked and Elodie jumped in the grass and caught ladybirds), and we've been going for walks whenever we can, but SRSLY, enough snow already!!
In knitting news, to combat the stir-crazy blues, I've been knitting avidly on my Oriental Impressions Square (rav link), and I picked up some hand-painted merino/seacell blend that I've been (slowly) spinning. It's lovely and soft, and I'm thinking I'll weave a scarf out of it.
So now...we wait for spring, by which time I intend to be finished my shawl and wearing it. Maybe that's it!! Maybe spring won't get here until I finish my shawl! Well....crap. Suffice it to say that the square thing, while great that I don't have to purl at all, is maybe not the best idea I've ever had. This shawl is going to be massive, already kicking around 900 stitches on the needles with two-and-a-half sections (at least 150 rounds) left to go. I'm considering wimping out and doing the shorter version of the shawl, though I purchsed enough cashmere/silk/merino for the full version.
I hope spring has sprung for the rest of you. If Mother Nature is waiting on me to start the season, it's going to be a while...
3.07.2010
Into the Light
I've always found blogging rather cathartic, and so today I'm turning back to this medium to cleanse some heavy issues off my shoulders.
My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for 16 months now. Back in December, I got a positive pregnancy test, but two days later, the test was negative, and I started bleeding. So an early miscarraige.
I went into the doctor and he sent me for an ultrasound, just to be sure that everything was cleared out of there. Everything was fine in that department, but they found two 2cm cysts on my right ovary. We waited a month, and then I went back on Wednesday for another ultrasound to see if the cysts were going away or getting bigger or if there was anything new. Unfortunately, there was something new in the picture. The cysts had grown, and there was stuff in them; something more than fluid.
So now I'm off to see a specialist, probably in the next month. This could be anything from nothing at all to endometriosis, which runs in my family, to ovarian cancer. Turns out that my difficulty getting pregnant could be much more than just not getting pregnant. It could be something is wrong. With me. With my body.
I am completely, totally, seriously afraid. The doctor has put me on a do-not-make-a-baby order until we know what's going on, and I'm sad. I'm worried that it could be cancer, and that's a scary thought.
So. Now you know what's going on. I don't have to go through this alone, thankfully, and I have the full support and backing of my family. But if I'm not around, it's not just the rennovations (the floor is looking really nice). Keep me in your thoughts, my friends.
My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for 16 months now. Back in December, I got a positive pregnancy test, but two days later, the test was negative, and I started bleeding. So an early miscarraige.
I went into the doctor and he sent me for an ultrasound, just to be sure that everything was cleared out of there. Everything was fine in that department, but they found two 2cm cysts on my right ovary. We waited a month, and then I went back on Wednesday for another ultrasound to see if the cysts were going away or getting bigger or if there was anything new. Unfortunately, there was something new in the picture. The cysts had grown, and there was stuff in them; something more than fluid.
So now I'm off to see a specialist, probably in the next month. This could be anything from nothing at all to endometriosis, which runs in my family, to ovarian cancer. Turns out that my difficulty getting pregnant could be much more than just not getting pregnant. It could be something is wrong. With me. With my body.
I am completely, totally, seriously afraid. The doctor has put me on a do-not-make-a-baby order until we know what's going on, and I'm sad. I'm worried that it could be cancer, and that's a scary thought.
So. Now you know what's going on. I don't have to go through this alone, thankfully, and I have the full support and backing of my family. But if I'm not around, it's not just the rennovations (the floor is looking really nice). Keep me in your thoughts, my friends.
2.12.2010
2.06.2010
So Bronchitis Stinks...
At least, that's what it's looking like I have more and more. On Friday morning, I woke up with a sore throat. Not a big deal, right? By 12:00, when I'd finished my work for the day, I needed to lay down. I slept from 12:00 on Friday afternoon until 6:00 p.m. Saturday night. And my chest hurts. Like, really hurts. I'm thinking that can't be good.
Of course I have work this weekend. Of course.
Hurry up and buy my pattern, people, so that I can knit for a living. LOL!
By the way, you will all be happy to know that well over 20 copies of the pattern have been sold, and it has pushed Annie over the top of her fundraising goal for her 2010 Ride to Conquer Cancer! I'm so proud of her, and I can't wait to see what great changes her ride affects. GO ANNIE!!!!
For now, however, I'm going to go run myself the hottest lava bath possible, smother my chest in Vick's Vaporub and try not to hack up an internal organ. My bandmate has been trying to tell me that drinking copius amounts of scotch would help, but somehow I doubt it.
Of course I have work this weekend. Of course.
Hurry up and buy my pattern, people, so that I can knit for a living. LOL!
By the way, you will all be happy to know that well over 20 copies of the pattern have been sold, and it has pushed Annie over the top of her fundraising goal for her 2010 Ride to Conquer Cancer! I'm so proud of her, and I can't wait to see what great changes her ride affects. GO ANNIE!!!!
For now, however, I'm going to go run myself the hottest lava bath possible, smother my chest in Vick's Vaporub and try not to hack up an internal organ. My bandmate has been trying to tell me that drinking copius amounts of scotch would help, but somehow I doubt it.
1.26.2010
Spin Class
Not the class you probably think of when you hear spin class. No, this was spin class on bikes. Holy Moly.
This is my second week of spin class, and because I didn't feel like throwing up after it this time, I stuck around for a bit and chatted with a few of the people in it. One of them has cancer and wants to do a triathalon. One of them is a mother of two and wants to be fit for her kids. About six of them are all teachers from the same school who want to be a fit staff. Me? Well, I have this really cute pair of size fours in my closet...
I know, I know, it's the most shallow reason of all! But it's my reason! I was so skinny when I was a young adult. I mean, I'm still young, and I'm still an adult, but I guess a younger adult than I am now before I had kids and freedom - I mean, free time. And started eating on a regular basis. And make enough money to go grocery shopping. And quit smoking - thereby not purchasing $11/pack cigarettes every few days. And bought a car.
There's something about not owning a car, not having enough money to choose between your pack-a-day habit and food (you pick the smokes) and walking absolutely everywhere that makes you *really* thin. I mean, really, really thin. The healthy part is questionable.
But now I'm not thin. I'm officially the fattest I've ever, ever been in my entire life. I can't keep going this way! I'm going to breech 200 soon! So two weeks ago, I started spin class. I'm trying to eat healthier and all that great stuff, but let's be honest, it's easy to fall off that wagon. It's so easy to be like, oh, it's just one bag of chips, which leads to, oh, it's just one chocolate bar, one bowl of ice cream, one package of gummies and one extra pant size. The key is really the exercise, I think, which sucks because I really despise exercising.
But alas, those size fours, my reason for working out, are not going to fit around my thigh if I don't get this in check, so I shelled out $70 to be yelled at by a ridiculously handsome British instructor in a group of 12 sweaty, grunting women as we complain about pained crotches, sore thighs, lack of air, and really uncomfortable bike seats. Did I mention the pained crotches?
But dudes, I'm doing it. I'm on my bike every Tuesday for 45 minutes, which I know isn't much, but it's a start. And we're not just leisurely biking. We're increasing tension and standing up when we bike (how on earth did I do that so much as a kid?!), and doing sprints and hard climbs and more sprints and more hard climbs. The first week, I stopped for a breather under the guise of needing to pee. I felt like I was going to vomit. This week? I didn't get off the bike once. I stood when everybody else stood. I did sprints when everybody else did sprints. My underwear were soaked in the back because of all the sweating I did.
But I did it. I stink, I'm tired, I'm achey, and my crotch really hurts (did I mention the bike seats are not comfortable?), but I did it.
Two weeks down, ten to go. Size four pants, I'm looking at you.
This is my second week of spin class, and because I didn't feel like throwing up after it this time, I stuck around for a bit and chatted with a few of the people in it. One of them has cancer and wants to do a triathalon. One of them is a mother of two and wants to be fit for her kids. About six of them are all teachers from the same school who want to be a fit staff. Me? Well, I have this really cute pair of size fours in my closet...
I know, I know, it's the most shallow reason of all! But it's my reason! I was so skinny when I was a young adult. I mean, I'm still young, and I'm still an adult, but I guess a younger adult than I am now before I had kids and freedom - I mean, free time. And started eating on a regular basis. And make enough money to go grocery shopping. And quit smoking - thereby not purchasing $11/pack cigarettes every few days. And bought a car.
There's something about not owning a car, not having enough money to choose between your pack-a-day habit and food (you pick the smokes) and walking absolutely everywhere that makes you *really* thin. I mean, really, really thin. The healthy part is questionable.
But now I'm not thin. I'm officially the fattest I've ever, ever been in my entire life. I can't keep going this way! I'm going to breech 200 soon! So two weeks ago, I started spin class. I'm trying to eat healthier and all that great stuff, but let's be honest, it's easy to fall off that wagon. It's so easy to be like, oh, it's just one bag of chips, which leads to, oh, it's just one chocolate bar, one bowl of ice cream, one package of gummies and one extra pant size. The key is really the exercise, I think, which sucks because I really despise exercising.
But alas, those size fours, my reason for working out, are not going to fit around my thigh if I don't get this in check, so I shelled out $70 to be yelled at by a ridiculously handsome British instructor in a group of 12 sweaty, grunting women as we complain about pained crotches, sore thighs, lack of air, and really uncomfortable bike seats. Did I mention the pained crotches?
But dudes, I'm doing it. I'm on my bike every Tuesday for 45 minutes, which I know isn't much, but it's a start. And we're not just leisurely biking. We're increasing tension and standing up when we bike (how on earth did I do that so much as a kid?!), and doing sprints and hard climbs and more sprints and more hard climbs. The first week, I stopped for a breather under the guise of needing to pee. I felt like I was going to vomit. This week? I didn't get off the bike once. I stood when everybody else stood. I did sprints when everybody else did sprints. My underwear were soaked in the back because of all the sweating I did.
But I did it. I stink, I'm tired, I'm achey, and my crotch really hurts (did I mention the bike seats are not comfortable?), but I did it.
Two weeks down, ten to go. Size four pants, I'm looking at you.
9.02.2009
Hrmf.
I don't like drama. I've never liked drama. Why is drama attracted to me? SRSLY. I'm not going to post too much about this because I think it's rather juvenile, to be honest, like some people can't get out of high school mode. Suffice it to say there is drama in my life right now, and I don't like it. Get out, drama.
I've been doing a lot of knitting in the face of said drama, and I have one-and-a-half pairs of socks to show you! WOW! Drama sure sucks, but it does wonders for my FOs. Also debating a work thing. Do I want to work full time outside the house, or continue on my road of self-employment? I make decent money being self-employed, and I love working in my jammies, but a reliable paycheck would be lovely, and interaction with other people keeps me sane. On the down side, I don't like getting up before 8:00, and working outside the home would surely require that.
Debates, debates. Speaking of work, I have a bunch of it to do now. Tune in again soon. I should have taken some pictures of my socks by then. They're comfy and warm and delicious.
Boo drama.
I've been doing a lot of knitting in the face of said drama, and I have one-and-a-half pairs of socks to show you! WOW! Drama sure sucks, but it does wonders for my FOs. Also debating a work thing. Do I want to work full time outside the house, or continue on my road of self-employment? I make decent money being self-employed, and I love working in my jammies, but a reliable paycheck would be lovely, and interaction with other people keeps me sane. On the down side, I don't like getting up before 8:00, and working outside the home would surely require that.
Debates, debates. Speaking of work, I have a bunch of it to do now. Tune in again soon. I should have taken some pictures of my socks by then. They're comfy and warm and delicious.
Boo drama.
8.28.2009
Super Busy Me.
Okay. Okay, I know. I haven't posted in over a month. *Sorry*
Just a quick sum up, and then I have to get back to work:
1. Robbie and Elodie got home absolutely fine.
2. On the same day they got home, my cousin, his wife and two children flew in from Denmark for a visit.
3. Two days later, I was working in Calgary for two weeks, which was really hard (because I normally work from home, and I've been totally pampered of my own accord with naps and mid-day baths and food whenever I want).
4. My band rehearsed two nights a week leading up to a quick gig we had out at Sylvan Lake at a private party. Mucho fun.
5. After that, Elodie and I went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for four days (it was lovely and warm).
6. We're gearing up for Airdrie's Centennial Celebration, which will happen in Nose Creek Park on September 12. There will be live music (including our band from 4:00 to 5:00), lots of booths, and guess who is going to be doing spinning demonstrations all day! The 13th is a sort of showcase with plenty of places to shop. In fact, I think there may even be a yarn booth (but don't quote me on that one).
7. Overall, super busy, but good. Unfortunately, busy me means neglected house.
Just a quick sum up, and then I have to get back to work:
1. Robbie and Elodie got home absolutely fine.
2. On the same day they got home, my cousin, his wife and two children flew in from Denmark for a visit.
3. Two days later, I was working in Calgary for two weeks, which was really hard (because I normally work from home, and I've been totally pampered of my own accord with naps and mid-day baths and food whenever I want).
4. My band rehearsed two nights a week leading up to a quick gig we had out at Sylvan Lake at a private party. Mucho fun.
5. After that, Elodie and I went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for four days (it was lovely and warm).
6. We're gearing up for Airdrie's Centennial Celebration, which will happen in Nose Creek Park on September 12. There will be live music (including our band from 4:00 to 5:00), lots of booths, and guess who is going to be doing spinning demonstrations all day! The 13th is a sort of showcase with plenty of places to shop. In fact, I think there may even be a yarn booth (but don't quote me on that one).
7. Overall, super busy, but good. Unfortunately, busy me means neglected house.
7.22.2009
Still Here...
Geez, what exactly did I do before I had a husband and a child? Apparently nothing. So far, I've managed to eat rather healthier than usual, sleep in every day and knit. And read. I've finished off Shogun (ugh, didn't like the ending AT ALL) and Atherton (turned out be the first in a series, so I guess I'll have to buy the others), and now I'm going to actually work tonight.
Yesterday was pretty much the crappiest day so far. I had been unable to find Robbie's cell phone for the life of me. I'd looked all through the house, all the places I'd been in the house, but no luck. So I figured, whatever, I'm just going to get back to work on the deck (oh, I'm refinishing the deck. Did I mention that?). I step outside, and ... well, I found the cell phone. It must've fallen out of my pocket the day before when I'd been outside, working on the deck.
Ah, yes, the day before, when I'd scraped and scraped and scraped that damned deck. That was just before the rainstorm hit. The huge rainstorm with the thunder that sounded like my windows were going to shatter. The terrible, horrid rainstorm that left half an inch of water on the ground. Oh, that rainstorm.
Well, at least the phone is clean.
Actually, I very nearly freaked out. See, I haven't owned a cell phone for, oh, four-odd years. This is Robbie's phone. I have, however, kept rather current with the fact that water plus cell phone equals bad. Very, very bad.
The phone was still on from the day before. There was a great deal of what we shall loosely call "humidity" under the screen, but otherwise it seemed okay. I flipped open the keyboard (it's one of those fancy new cell phones with a built-in QWERTY keyboard) and started to check out how bad the damage was.
The shortcut key didn't do much of a shortcut. It actually took me on a roundabout tour through the phone. Not good. Once I did get it to the screen where I could send a text message, I started pressing the buttons. C didn't work. At all. So I sent a text to Robbie.
"Will you please ring me as soon as possible? It's important."
Notice that there are no Cs in that message.
Anyway, long story kind of shorter, I frantically checked out the intertubes for ways to save a cell phone that had gotten wet. Most of them said that if you don't get to it within the first 20 minutes, tops, you may as well forget it. I would not forget it!!
One site suggested removing the battery and sim card (sin card? Shin card? The thing with all your contact information) and sticking the phone in a bag of rice overnight to absorb any and all excess moisture. I did just that and went to bed.
This morning, I tottered out of bed at 10:00, and I slowly wandered downstairs with the heavy pit of dread in my stomach. This was a $300 phone, and I was positive I'd totally fracked it up. Completely screwed. Afterall, the screen had started going all wonky the previous night as I tried to see how the drying process was...it had inverted the colours (like, the purples turned yellow, reds turned green, that kind of thing), and then it went black and white, and then it finally just looked damn near illegible without color or real tone.
I held my breath...and I switched on the phone. Well, whaddya know. The damn thing works. Completely. C works, shortcut button works, screen looks normal, everything. I'm going to remain cautiously optimistic until I see how well the thing charges. Provided it charges okay, I think I can do a little dance in my livingroom nekkid with the animals jumping with fits of joy beside me.
Speaking of animals, I think the little one is doing a pee dance. Time to brave the giant cat spider that's made his/her home directly above the back door and let them out. This adult thing is HARD.
Yesterday was pretty much the crappiest day so far. I had been unable to find Robbie's cell phone for the life of me. I'd looked all through the house, all the places I'd been in the house, but no luck. So I figured, whatever, I'm just going to get back to work on the deck (oh, I'm refinishing the deck. Did I mention that?). I step outside, and ... well, I found the cell phone. It must've fallen out of my pocket the day before when I'd been outside, working on the deck.
Ah, yes, the day before, when I'd scraped and scraped and scraped that damned deck. That was just before the rainstorm hit. The huge rainstorm with the thunder that sounded like my windows were going to shatter. The terrible, horrid rainstorm that left half an inch of water on the ground. Oh, that rainstorm.
Well, at least the phone is clean.
Actually, I very nearly freaked out. See, I haven't owned a cell phone for, oh, four-odd years. This is Robbie's phone. I have, however, kept rather current with the fact that water plus cell phone equals bad. Very, very bad.
The phone was still on from the day before. There was a great deal of what we shall loosely call "humidity" under the screen, but otherwise it seemed okay. I flipped open the keyboard (it's one of those fancy new cell phones with a built-in QWERTY keyboard) and started to check out how bad the damage was.
The shortcut key didn't do much of a shortcut. It actually took me on a roundabout tour through the phone. Not good. Once I did get it to the screen where I could send a text message, I started pressing the buttons. C didn't work. At all. So I sent a text to Robbie.
"Will you please ring me as soon as possible? It's important."
Notice that there are no Cs in that message.
Anyway, long story kind of shorter, I frantically checked out the intertubes for ways to save a cell phone that had gotten wet. Most of them said that if you don't get to it within the first 20 minutes, tops, you may as well forget it. I would not forget it!!
One site suggested removing the battery and sim card (sin card? Shin card? The thing with all your contact information) and sticking the phone in a bag of rice overnight to absorb any and all excess moisture. I did just that and went to bed.
This morning, I tottered out of bed at 10:00, and I slowly wandered downstairs with the heavy pit of dread in my stomach. This was a $300 phone, and I was positive I'd totally fracked it up. Completely screwed. Afterall, the screen had started going all wonky the previous night as I tried to see how the drying process was...it had inverted the colours (like, the purples turned yellow, reds turned green, that kind of thing), and then it went black and white, and then it finally just looked damn near illegible without color or real tone.
I held my breath...and I switched on the phone. Well, whaddya know. The damn thing works. Completely. C works, shortcut button works, screen looks normal, everything. I'm going to remain cautiously optimistic until I see how well the thing charges. Provided it charges okay, I think I can do a little dance in my livingroom nekkid with the animals jumping with fits of joy beside me.
Speaking of animals, I think the little one is doing a pee dance. Time to brave the giant cat spider that's made his/her home directly above the back door and let them out. This adult thing is HARD.
7.18.2009
Single Life
Well, Robbie and Elodie had and interesting trip yesterday. We woke up at 3:30 a.m. to get them ready and were at the airport by 4:30. We checked them in and then went to hang out at Tim Hortons (breakfast of champions) while we waited for the 5:30 boarding time. Robbie's dad showed up and checked in, and we took Elodie to the bathroom, and then off to the security gate to say goodbye!
I can't lie and say that I didn't shed some tears - there were definitely tears shed. I left and went home for a little nap before I had to go into work at the office. That's when things went a little wonky.
At 7:15, the cell buzzed. It was Robbie texting to say that they still hadn't taken off (plane was supposed to leave at 6:05) and were sitting on the tarmac. There was a mechanical issue and then a radio issue and then a "oh, we forgot to put gas in the plane" issue. By 8:00, they were just getting ready to take off, and the plane finally got in the air at 8:30. They landed in Toronto at 1:57 CST, a full 27 minutes after their connecting flight had left.
Elodie was so tired and upset by this time that she pooped in her pants, even though she's been completely potty trained for a year and a half. This leads me to believe she was under a considerable amount of stress. Thankfully, Robbie brought a change of clothes.
They got booked in for a different flight, this time no longer direct to Deer Lake, but now stopping in Montreal. Oh, and arriving a full seven hours later than expected. Air Canada graciously (*cough*) provided them with a $12 voucher each for a meal while they waited for their trouble.
Finally, they were in the air. A 45 minute flight to Montreal and then an hour and a half to Deer Lake. They arrived at midnight Newfoundland time (8:30 here), grumpy, exhausted, hungry, but there. As a bonus, the airline didn't lose their luggage.
While their sage was taking place, I was tentatively enjoying my first single days since being a teenager. I lived on my own back when I was 18, but having lived with Robbie for the last five years, I was am slightly out of practice on this whole single thing.
I called my younger brother, and we went out for dinner. A thoroughly disgusting experience. I was eating my Wor Wonton Soup, and I'm thinking, what are these things floating in my soup? I look closer. About 30 bugs were floating lifelessly on top of the broth. Ew. Upon closer inspection, the bugs were being leached into the soup from an ill-washed peice of broccoli, thoroughly infested with the things. I mean, the broccoli was BLACK under the green top.
The restaurant didn't seem to appalled, and they offered to make me something new, or, you know, they could not charge me for my food, but they wouldn't make me something new. No problem, dude, I'm not hungry anymore. I also fully intend to call the health inspector about that one. You'd think hundreds of bugs imbedded in a piece of broccoli would call attention to themselves, but I digress.
We went back to Carsten's house for a beer to drown the little buggy parts in, and then I went home, read some of my book (Shogun), ate some chips, talked to Robbie (Elodie refused), and finally fell, exhausted, into my bed.
I woke up at 10:30 this morning.
So, provided that no bugs find their way into my dinner for the rest of the two weeks, I think this single life thing should be thoroughly relaxing. I do have plans to strip the deck of its horrific green paint and sand it and then waterproof it. Also maybe change the lattice. Perhaps remove the wall paper from the bathrooms and repaint them. But we'll see. For the next couple of days, I'm not doing ANYTHING.
I can't lie and say that I didn't shed some tears - there were definitely tears shed. I left and went home for a little nap before I had to go into work at the office. That's when things went a little wonky.
At 7:15, the cell buzzed. It was Robbie texting to say that they still hadn't taken off (plane was supposed to leave at 6:05) and were sitting on the tarmac. There was a mechanical issue and then a radio issue and then a "oh, we forgot to put gas in the plane" issue. By 8:00, they were just getting ready to take off, and the plane finally got in the air at 8:30. They landed in Toronto at 1:57 CST, a full 27 minutes after their connecting flight had left.
Elodie was so tired and upset by this time that she pooped in her pants, even though she's been completely potty trained for a year and a half. This leads me to believe she was under a considerable amount of stress. Thankfully, Robbie brought a change of clothes.
They got booked in for a different flight, this time no longer direct to Deer Lake, but now stopping in Montreal. Oh, and arriving a full seven hours later than expected. Air Canada graciously (*cough*) provided them with a $12 voucher each for a meal while they waited for their trouble.
Finally, they were in the air. A 45 minute flight to Montreal and then an hour and a half to Deer Lake. They arrived at midnight Newfoundland time (8:30 here), grumpy, exhausted, hungry, but there. As a bonus, the airline didn't lose their luggage.
While their sage was taking place, I was tentatively enjoying my first single days since being a teenager. I lived on my own back when I was 18, but having lived with Robbie for the last five years, I was am slightly out of practice on this whole single thing.
I called my younger brother, and we went out for dinner. A thoroughly disgusting experience. I was eating my Wor Wonton Soup, and I'm thinking, what are these things floating in my soup? I look closer. About 30 bugs were floating lifelessly on top of the broth. Ew. Upon closer inspection, the bugs were being leached into the soup from an ill-washed peice of broccoli, thoroughly infested with the things. I mean, the broccoli was BLACK under the green top.
The restaurant didn't seem to appalled, and they offered to make me something new, or, you know, they could not charge me for my food, but they wouldn't make me something new. No problem, dude, I'm not hungry anymore. I also fully intend to call the health inspector about that one. You'd think hundreds of bugs imbedded in a piece of broccoli would call attention to themselves, but I digress.
We went back to Carsten's house for a beer to drown the little buggy parts in, and then I went home, read some of my book (Shogun), ate some chips, talked to Robbie (Elodie refused), and finally fell, exhausted, into my bed.
I woke up at 10:30 this morning.
So, provided that no bugs find their way into my dinner for the rest of the two weeks, I think this single life thing should be thoroughly relaxing. I do have plans to strip the deck of its horrific green paint and sand it and then waterproof it. Also maybe change the lattice. Perhaps remove the wall paper from the bathrooms and repaint them. But we'll see. For the next couple of days, I'm not doing ANYTHING.
7.15.2009
T Minus Three
As of Friday evening, my holidays will officially begin. There is an airplane involved, although I won't be on it. Moms, if you're reading this blog, sit down. NOW.
My husband and daughter are flying out to Newfoundland on Friday morning and leaving me at home. By myself. For two weeks.
I know!!!
So let me reiterate. I am taking my holidays, albiet working from home some, and trying to create some semblance of order in preparation of my cousin and his wife's visit with their two kids in the beginning of August, but still not doing anything strenuous. I will go to bed when I want. I will wake up when I want. I will eat what I want.
I will be free to go out with friends without worrying who will watch the kiddo. Hell, I can dance nekkid all around my house and not worry! Good Goddess, I'm so excited! I have every intention to knit and sleep and eat for two weeks and maybe fit in a few great books. I'm thinking a nice February Lady Sweater?
Oh, don't get me wrong. I'll miss my family - at least, near the end I'm sure I'll miss my family. I'm sorry to not be heading to Twillingate with the beautiful scenery, great food, amazing icebergs, but I'm SO excited to just have some time for myself. I've never done anything on my own for more than a day since Elodie was born, and if it weren't for the animals (damn it), it'd be like living on my own again.
I already have plans to eat sushi, drink wine, sing karaoke, hang out with buddies. I CAN'T WAIT!
ps. If you could all offer up a little positive thought for me, that I handle the eight hours of waiting I'm going to have to endure while my baby flies thousands of feet up in the air to her destination on Friday? I'm sort of an anxious flier (okay, that's an understatement), and I seem to be suffering from some minor transferrence.
My husband and daughter are flying out to Newfoundland on Friday morning and leaving me at home. By myself. For two weeks.
I know!!!
So let me reiterate. I am taking my holidays, albiet working from home some, and trying to create some semblance of order in preparation of my cousin and his wife's visit with their two kids in the beginning of August, but still not doing anything strenuous. I will go to bed when I want. I will wake up when I want. I will eat what I want.
I will be free to go out with friends without worrying who will watch the kiddo. Hell, I can dance nekkid all around my house and not worry! Good Goddess, I'm so excited! I have every intention to knit and sleep and eat for two weeks and maybe fit in a few great books. I'm thinking a nice February Lady Sweater?
Oh, don't get me wrong. I'll miss my family - at least, near the end I'm sure I'll miss my family. I'm sorry to not be heading to Twillingate with the beautiful scenery, great food, amazing icebergs, but I'm SO excited to just have some time for myself. I've never done anything on my own for more than a day since Elodie was born, and if it weren't for the animals (damn it), it'd be like living on my own again.
I already have plans to eat sushi, drink wine, sing karaoke, hang out with buddies. I CAN'T WAIT!
ps. If you could all offer up a little positive thought for me, that I handle the eight hours of waiting I'm going to have to endure while my baby flies thousands of feet up in the air to her destination on Friday? I'm sort of an anxious flier (okay, that's an understatement), and I seem to be suffering from some minor transferrence.
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