Oh it's a sad day in our household today....
We told the boys last night that his first family wanted him back. They were both sad, of course... but we said we wanted them to here the family out before getting too upset.
"SUE" and "ALICE" came by today, and let my children know where they stood. And there was a whole lot of tears from Sue and Steve.... Alice was quiet and aloof, Cammy was fidgity and ignoring us all. T loomed over the event with an air of utter contempt (very effective posture for the unsavoury occassion) and I tried to be reasonable and sympathetic to everyone.
Dingo was just SO EXCITED to have everyone there, that he could barely contain himself!
In the end, they took him home with them. And Dingo looked pleased, hard to say what was going on in his doggie head.... probably just "Oh BOY! A car ride!".
I'm not as bitter as I thought I would be, and there is even a smidge of relief that we won't have to care for his arthritis, and we don't OWE this woman anything anymore. HECK she owes US now! I told her all of the things we have bought for him, doggie gear and stuff, and she says she will compensate, but I have such a bad taste in my mouth about the whole affair I think I may forget about it!
Steve is beside himself with grief, but I am happy to say it is directed at Sue, not us. He admitted he was happier to have had Dingo for 4 months than not ever, so that is progress. T is angry at being used like this, but I think it is well placed.
Good things to come out of this experience:
- We actually LIKE having the right dog around the house. Something we weren't sure would happen after the bad ODIE experience.
- Boys got to have a large pet, and really participate in his care and love.
- T and I communicated openly about this difficult decision and agreed, and followed through, parenting skills were tested to the limits here.
After the last of the pet hair is swept away, it will be a strangely vacant home.... I feel that already. It can't be for long though, I am of the firm belief that kids need furry friends. And so do I!
12.30.2006
12.27.2006
Dingo-Bells
I just talked to his vet, and though she was unwilling to make the decision for me, she did agree to give me an educated 3rd party perspective.She said generally dogs don't think "I like this house better than that house".... so that's good. She said all dogs need stability, and the more love and attention, the better they do. (So in that way the stay-home-mom with youngsters is better.)
BUT
She also said that 6 1/2 years is considered geriatric for a large breed, and he will likely be fighting arthritis soon, so whichever home he is in will need a modified activity level, and will have to be willing to provide pain medication and other treatments. (So as a senior dog he may be more comfortable with the others.) She quickly followed that by saying he may be more comfortable if there are more people around to take care of his needs too though.
She agreed its a tough one. And she of course wouldn't offer a difinitive solution....
I don't want to hurt my children, but Dingo is the victim of this conflict... my kids are young and adaptable, they will adjust. Honestly if we went to the SPCA today and picked out a cuddly cat for each of them they would probably be fine! I do miss having a lap-warmer in the house.
(I am just trying to soften the potential pain here... emotionally prepare myself just in case....)
12.24.2006
She wants him back.
Names have been changes to protect the innocent....
Dingo's previous owner phoned yesterday, and by the end of the calll I was sobbing quietly.
You see she brought her daughter by the other day to take Dingo for a walk, "He's so fat" was all the young lady of 13 moped. They weren't out more than 10 minutes when they came back.... "My daughter is so embarrassing" SUE says, "She didn't even touch him and she was whining that it was cold out".
So they left, and then I got the call yesterday morning.
Sue says, "It's a hard thing, but we need to take Dingo back."
And with that the Christmas spirit of 2006 left me. Needless to say, I was seriously distracted.... so I formulated an email to drum up some sympathy:
Sue;
I just think you should KNOW what you are asking from us......
Please read this..... a day in the life of Dingo.
On his choice of comfy beds, he wakes to the sound to Stevie calling his name at around 7am.
"Dingo!" lots of hugs and then .... "want breakfast?!"
Stevie gives him his kibbles and happily pats him when Dingo comes to say "thank you".
After his run around the backyard, he comes in and get one of his half a dozen toys and lures Steve into a game of keep-away with the toy, happily running up and down the hallway, waking Cammy up and he quickly joins in the game!
By then I have finished getting the boys breakfast ready, and Dingo lays down on his bed while we all finally sit together.
As I pack the lunch boxes there is more rambunctious play, and when I call out "Time to get your shoes on!" Dingo is waiting expectantly at the closet door (where we keep his assortment of leashes, one for every occasion). I hook him up and dashes for the truck, with the boys happily in tow.
We all get to the school and pile out of the truck, where he drags me from one friendly face to another. All the kids and parents know Dingo by now and everyone loves him. Several parents brings their pooches to the schoolyard, and Dingo has his daily greeting for all of them, no-one believes he is over 6 years old, as he keeps up with even the youngest puppies. His best "friends" seem to be the little dogs. The little multi-poo named Ruby, the wirehaired daschund named Alfred, and the sheltie named Missy. These are all dogs that are pampered as much as Dingo is! Family friends.
When the kids load into their classrooms, Dingo and I load back into the truck. Sometimes we have time to go for a walk in the neighbourhood, sometimes I go straight to work in my office. He is always at my side. He has his spot at my feet where he naps while I work, and he lays his head on my knee to tell me when to take breaks.
At 11:00 we either walk up, or take the truck to pick up Cammy from Kindergarten. Cammy always has hugs for Dingo before me!
We come back home, and Cammy and Dingo do their thing while I do some more work.
If the weather is nice, Steve brings himself home, then we all go and check the mail.
Dingo always has time for the neighbour's dogs when they are out playing too (we have a very friendly set of neighbours, stay home mom's and shiftworkers, so there always seem to be somebody out with their dog at almost any time of day!). Chasing sticks with Niko the greatdane cross, playing with Hannah the beagle, Keltie (his favourite) the shitzu tear around the yard together, Willow the young yellow lab, Brooke the chocolate lab, Turbo the golden retriever....and a new addition, Bella the Jack Russell puppy. Everyone knows Dingo, everyone is happy to see him, he is patient and gentle with them all.
At dinner, he patiently waits his turn and is a happy boy with many wagging "thank-you's". We keep up with his training, "sit, stay, wait, down, up, paw, sneeze, speak, catch...". He is an eager pupil and we all enjoy his successes!
After dinner, either Tim takes him for a walk or the kids have another round of tug-of-war with his toys. He always reminds us that its time to play by going to get a toy and wagging it at us until we can't resist any more!
And when everyone is worn out, he takes his toy back to his bed and hangs onto it while we all watch TV. At the kids bedtime, they always have lots of squishy hugs and scratches behind the ears for Dingo.He usually follows them back upstairs while I read the stories, and even tries to climb into Cammy's bunk bed when he calls! That is funny to watch!
A couple hours later, he tours the backyard again, waits patiently on his special mat beside the door for me to dry his feet, and comes in and heads straight to his comfy bed.
Weekends are the most fun of all! We take him the Seawall, the beach in Cedar, the lake, the dam, the big walk around the wetlands, camping, the acres of farm that Tim's sister lives at on Gabriola... SOMETHING he can come do too! The only time we haven't done that was when the weather was too horrible. Rain doesn't deter us. He loves the long walks, and always finds a big stick to tease us with.
Dingo is not taken for granted, he is never alone, and he is fully appreciated for all his qualities.
As you can tell, with our family, he is pampered, loved and kept active. Dingo participates in EVERY facet of our lives!
He has integrated himself thoroughly into our family, and our hearts. He has filled that special cuddly place.... PLEASE remember what a happy, social and full life he has here and how much JOY he brings to us. We thank you for that Sue.
And I did get a reply:
Hi Pol,I know how hard is for you and the kids and i want youto understand how hard is been for me in the last 3months to hear Alice everyday telling me that willnever forgive me for givin Dingo away without tellingher.It is hard for me to find out that for Birthsdayand Christmas her only wish is to have Dingo back.I had lived a painfull experience and I can not getover it.I never thought that Alice will suffer so much'till depressen.All this time I tryed to be stronguntill last night.I know how sad for Steve and Cammy itis and you are not goin to belive today I went to Mall to find out if they have any puppy forsell.I will like to talk to you about this(There weresome poppys Shitzu and another breed).Alice is beenwith Dingo for almost 7 years the separetion is veryhard for her and for one moment I din,t think of that.I'm very SORRY and I will love to go with you and buya puppy for the kids.If you spended any money for the Vet please let meknow.I will like to take him back on Dec.26 or 27.Thank you Sue.
I sympathize, but it was not my fault. So I aske her to let her daughter read my email, and I get another response, this time from the daughter:
Okay, I thought maybe you should read what happened tome. At first i never even knew Dingo was going to betaken away. As far as i was concerned he was going outfor a weekend and i was going to be able to see himagain on monday. That weekend i was also at a friendshouse and it wasn't until i got home that i went"heeey wheres my dog???" mom and dad said he was justout and would be back soon. Later that day i saw themtaking all dingo's stuff in their car and my brotherhad told me what they were doing. I told them to comeback... they just left without telling me anything. Igot really upset. I felt hurt betrayed and lied to. iwas this close from running away until i realizedwhats the point. I thought if i tried enough to showthem i could earn dingo back. For weeks and weeks inever forgave them, i ignored them and loathed everylittle stupid explaination they tried to give me. Iprobably sobbed and bawled every night in my bedroom.Well i remember a while ago i was with a friend andher mother was driving us the the movie theatre. Sheeventually asked me if i was looking forward tochristmas and i, ofcourse, said yes. So, she asked mewhat i wanted... i said i didn't know and that the onething i wanted more then anything was to see and holdand have the dog i've living with since i was little.Sorry for your children but they never got to see theside of dingo i did and i know they'll take it betterthan i did. Alice.
That's a tough one! Her parents messed up doing it like that! But, why do my kids have to suffer for it? Will she get him back and say we ruined him? Will it be the best thing for Dingo, my kids or even the girl?
They are moving to a new home soon that won't have grass until the Spring, they all work or go to school full time AND they already bought ANOTHER puppy (Chihuahua)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I wrote another email:
We need at least a week to think this through, not to make any hasty decisions that may be regrettable to all concerned. Dingo's best interests are of course a serious consideration.
As mothers, you and I both want to spare our children unnecessary pain.
( By coincidence, I was telling T how my parents gave away the family dog when I was 9. We moved houses and we were told our dog Sandy wasn't coming with us. My sister and I thought it was cruel, even though Dad assured us that the dog would be happier on the farm.We even went and visited, and it was heartbreaking for my sister and I to see him actually happy at his new home. We never quite forgave our Dad for it, even though we loved the 2 cats and the small dog that we kept. So you can see I have sympathy for your daughter, our parallels are alarmingly similar. We HAD to respect our Father's decision and trust that it was the right one even through the passion of childhood. )
It is painful to bring up, but...... Have you asked yourself if the reasons for giving Dingo away in the first place have changed....? Will he like the move? Fit into the new house? Is the yard fenced, or will he have to be indoors all the time, or on a horrible chain or dog-run? Will Alice have more time to play with him, exercise him, groom and feed him? Will Poncho suffer for it? Will Dingo like having to share Alice with Poncho? Is he going to like being alone all day every school day after having so much time with people home? Where will Dingo be all day -- with Poncho, separated from him? He has a great life where he is -- really!
Also, after thinking of all this I have to wonder if you have thought of my children's reaction. I suspect they would think they did something wrong to have him taken away. They would think we lied to them, and were mean. They are younger than Alina and understand only the simplest explanations. They have done nothing but LOVE and care for Dingo right from the start. They have participated in his care more than we have asked, and I am almost crying everytime I see them embrace him since you called.... they don't know what you have asked for yet.
Having slept on this, T and I have decided that we aren't willing to put our young children through the pain and loss that you are asking us to do. Especially on the heels of our family cat dying (there were lots of tears, and crying "why, why why?") and they are just accepting that loss now.Please understand that.
Tell Alice we are being difficult if you want, then maybe she can vent in our direction instead of yours.
So if you are serious about this, after New Years, we invite you and Alina TOGETHER to come and tell Steve and Cami how you are feeling, and how you plan to help them get over it. I really don't think it should be discussed again then.
Please have a Merry Christmas.
Say hi to Poncho for us.
Within an hour of sending this email Sue called me on the phone.... she started off apologizing, then went on to press that she would find us a puppy, and then went on to say how she messed up and just wants to make it right. She started Bawling after I asked her why she took so LONG to decide this!! She cried and cried saying she wanted to make it right with GOD, and she needs to fix it...... I asked her to come by on New Years Day with her daughter and tell my boys face to face what the deal is. (I want her to understand she will be hurting my kids to make her daughter happy).
Honestly we don't want a puppy, the only dog we have ever had any happiness with is Dingo. If he goes, there will be no more dogs. Maybe a cat (or 2). He has an ideal home with us! Stay home mom, kids that play with him (maybe rough at times), camping, hiking, walks on the beach, all great dog stuff!
So what do we do?
Dingo will most certainly be happy to be with his original pack, though he may not like moving and he may not like Poncho the puppy. He is getting older and has 3-5 years left in him.... so where is the best place? A quiet life at his old family's? A fun active life with my family?
Who is to say!
We will talk to the kids after Christmas, I will phone Dingo's vet to ask his opinion as well, and I may call the SPCA to see which environment they think is better. I will weigh all the answers and I will prepare to follow my concience in the end.
All for a floppy, fat, friendly dog!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
Dingo's previous owner phoned yesterday, and by the end of the calll I was sobbing quietly.
You see she brought her daughter by the other day to take Dingo for a walk, "He's so fat" was all the young lady of 13 moped. They weren't out more than 10 minutes when they came back.... "My daughter is so embarrassing" SUE says, "She didn't even touch him and she was whining that it was cold out".
So they left, and then I got the call yesterday morning.
Sue says, "It's a hard thing, but we need to take Dingo back."
And with that the Christmas spirit of 2006 left me. Needless to say, I was seriously distracted.... so I formulated an email to drum up some sympathy:
Sue;
I just think you should KNOW what you are asking from us......
Please read this..... a day in the life of Dingo.
On his choice of comfy beds, he wakes to the sound to Stevie calling his name at around 7am.
"Dingo!" lots of hugs and then .... "want breakfast?!"
Stevie gives him his kibbles and happily pats him when Dingo comes to say "thank you".
After his run around the backyard, he comes in and get one of his half a dozen toys and lures Steve into a game of keep-away with the toy, happily running up and down the hallway, waking Cammy up and he quickly joins in the game!
By then I have finished getting the boys breakfast ready, and Dingo lays down on his bed while we all finally sit together.
As I pack the lunch boxes there is more rambunctious play, and when I call out "Time to get your shoes on!" Dingo is waiting expectantly at the closet door (where we keep his assortment of leashes, one for every occasion). I hook him up and dashes for the truck, with the boys happily in tow.
We all get to the school and pile out of the truck, where he drags me from one friendly face to another. All the kids and parents know Dingo by now and everyone loves him. Several parents brings their pooches to the schoolyard, and Dingo has his daily greeting for all of them, no-one believes he is over 6 years old, as he keeps up with even the youngest puppies. His best "friends" seem to be the little dogs. The little multi-poo named Ruby, the wirehaired daschund named Alfred, and the sheltie named Missy. These are all dogs that are pampered as much as Dingo is! Family friends.
When the kids load into their classrooms, Dingo and I load back into the truck. Sometimes we have time to go for a walk in the neighbourhood, sometimes I go straight to work in my office. He is always at my side. He has his spot at my feet where he naps while I work, and he lays his head on my knee to tell me when to take breaks.
At 11:00 we either walk up, or take the truck to pick up Cammy from Kindergarten. Cammy always has hugs for Dingo before me!
We come back home, and Cammy and Dingo do their thing while I do some more work.
If the weather is nice, Steve brings himself home, then we all go and check the mail.
Dingo always has time for the neighbour's dogs when they are out playing too (we have a very friendly set of neighbours, stay home mom's and shiftworkers, so there always seem to be somebody out with their dog at almost any time of day!). Chasing sticks with Niko the greatdane cross, playing with Hannah the beagle, Keltie (his favourite) the shitzu tear around the yard together, Willow the young yellow lab, Brooke the chocolate lab, Turbo the golden retriever....and a new addition, Bella the Jack Russell puppy. Everyone knows Dingo, everyone is happy to see him, he is patient and gentle with them all.
At dinner, he patiently waits his turn and is a happy boy with many wagging "thank-you's". We keep up with his training, "sit, stay, wait, down, up, paw, sneeze, speak, catch...". He is an eager pupil and we all enjoy his successes!
After dinner, either Tim takes him for a walk or the kids have another round of tug-of-war with his toys. He always reminds us that its time to play by going to get a toy and wagging it at us until we can't resist any more!
And when everyone is worn out, he takes his toy back to his bed and hangs onto it while we all watch TV. At the kids bedtime, they always have lots of squishy hugs and scratches behind the ears for Dingo.He usually follows them back upstairs while I read the stories, and even tries to climb into Cammy's bunk bed when he calls! That is funny to watch!
A couple hours later, he tours the backyard again, waits patiently on his special mat beside the door for me to dry his feet, and comes in and heads straight to his comfy bed.
Weekends are the most fun of all! We take him the Seawall, the beach in Cedar, the lake, the dam, the big walk around the wetlands, camping, the acres of farm that Tim's sister lives at on Gabriola... SOMETHING he can come do too! The only time we haven't done that was when the weather was too horrible. Rain doesn't deter us. He loves the long walks, and always finds a big stick to tease us with.
Dingo is not taken for granted, he is never alone, and he is fully appreciated for all his qualities.
As you can tell, with our family, he is pampered, loved and kept active. Dingo participates in EVERY facet of our lives!
He has integrated himself thoroughly into our family, and our hearts. He has filled that special cuddly place.... PLEASE remember what a happy, social and full life he has here and how much JOY he brings to us. We thank you for that Sue.
And I did get a reply:
Hi Pol,I know how hard is for you and the kids and i want youto understand how hard is been for me in the last 3months to hear Alice everyday telling me that willnever forgive me for givin Dingo away without tellingher.It is hard for me to find out that for Birthsdayand Christmas her only wish is to have Dingo back.I had lived a painfull experience and I can not getover it.I never thought that Alice will suffer so much'till depressen.All this time I tryed to be stronguntill last night.I know how sad for Steve and Cammy itis and you are not goin to belive today I went to Mall to find out if they have any puppy forsell.I will like to talk to you about this(There weresome poppys Shitzu and another breed).Alice is beenwith Dingo for almost 7 years the separetion is veryhard for her and for one moment I din,t think of that.I'm very SORRY and I will love to go with you and buya puppy for the kids.If you spended any money for the Vet please let meknow.I will like to take him back on Dec.26 or 27.Thank you Sue.
I sympathize, but it was not my fault. So I aske her to let her daughter read my email, and I get another response, this time from the daughter:
Okay, I thought maybe you should read what happened tome. At first i never even knew Dingo was going to betaken away. As far as i was concerned he was going outfor a weekend and i was going to be able to see himagain on monday. That weekend i was also at a friendshouse and it wasn't until i got home that i went"heeey wheres my dog???" mom and dad said he was justout and would be back soon. Later that day i saw themtaking all dingo's stuff in their car and my brotherhad told me what they were doing. I told them to comeback... they just left without telling me anything. Igot really upset. I felt hurt betrayed and lied to. iwas this close from running away until i realizedwhats the point. I thought if i tried enough to showthem i could earn dingo back. For weeks and weeks inever forgave them, i ignored them and loathed everylittle stupid explaination they tried to give me. Iprobably sobbed and bawled every night in my bedroom.Well i remember a while ago i was with a friend andher mother was driving us the the movie theatre. Sheeventually asked me if i was looking forward tochristmas and i, ofcourse, said yes. So, she asked mewhat i wanted... i said i didn't know and that the onething i wanted more then anything was to see and holdand have the dog i've living with since i was little.Sorry for your children but they never got to see theside of dingo i did and i know they'll take it betterthan i did. Alice.
That's a tough one! Her parents messed up doing it like that! But, why do my kids have to suffer for it? Will she get him back and say we ruined him? Will it be the best thing for Dingo, my kids or even the girl?
They are moving to a new home soon that won't have grass until the Spring, they all work or go to school full time AND they already bought ANOTHER puppy (Chihuahua)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I wrote another email:
We need at least a week to think this through, not to make any hasty decisions that may be regrettable to all concerned. Dingo's best interests are of course a serious consideration.
As mothers, you and I both want to spare our children unnecessary pain.
( By coincidence, I was telling T how my parents gave away the family dog when I was 9. We moved houses and we were told our dog Sandy wasn't coming with us. My sister and I thought it was cruel, even though Dad assured us that the dog would be happier on the farm.We even went and visited, and it was heartbreaking for my sister and I to see him actually happy at his new home. We never quite forgave our Dad for it, even though we loved the 2 cats and the small dog that we kept. So you can see I have sympathy for your daughter, our parallels are alarmingly similar. We HAD to respect our Father's decision and trust that it was the right one even through the passion of childhood. )
It is painful to bring up, but...... Have you asked yourself if the reasons for giving Dingo away in the first place have changed....? Will he like the move? Fit into the new house? Is the yard fenced, or will he have to be indoors all the time, or on a horrible chain or dog-run? Will Alice have more time to play with him, exercise him, groom and feed him? Will Poncho suffer for it? Will Dingo like having to share Alice with Poncho? Is he going to like being alone all day every school day after having so much time with people home? Where will Dingo be all day -- with Poncho, separated from him? He has a great life where he is -- really!
Also, after thinking of all this I have to wonder if you have thought of my children's reaction. I suspect they would think they did something wrong to have him taken away. They would think we lied to them, and were mean. They are younger than Alina and understand only the simplest explanations. They have done nothing but LOVE and care for Dingo right from the start. They have participated in his care more than we have asked, and I am almost crying everytime I see them embrace him since you called.... they don't know what you have asked for yet.
Having slept on this, T and I have decided that we aren't willing to put our young children through the pain and loss that you are asking us to do. Especially on the heels of our family cat dying (there were lots of tears, and crying "why, why why?") and they are just accepting that loss now.Please understand that.
Tell Alice we are being difficult if you want, then maybe she can vent in our direction instead of yours.
So if you are serious about this, after New Years, we invite you and Alina TOGETHER to come and tell Steve and Cami how you are feeling, and how you plan to help them get over it. I really don't think it should be discussed again then.
Please have a Merry Christmas.
Say hi to Poncho for us.
Within an hour of sending this email Sue called me on the phone.... she started off apologizing, then went on to press that she would find us a puppy, and then went on to say how she messed up and just wants to make it right. She started Bawling after I asked her why she took so LONG to decide this!! She cried and cried saying she wanted to make it right with GOD, and she needs to fix it...... I asked her to come by on New Years Day with her daughter and tell my boys face to face what the deal is. (I want her to understand she will be hurting my kids to make her daughter happy).
Honestly we don't want a puppy, the only dog we have ever had any happiness with is Dingo. If he goes, there will be no more dogs. Maybe a cat (or 2). He has an ideal home with us! Stay home mom, kids that play with him (maybe rough at times), camping, hiking, walks on the beach, all great dog stuff!
So what do we do?
Dingo will most certainly be happy to be with his original pack, though he may not like moving and he may not like Poncho the puppy. He is getting older and has 3-5 years left in him.... so where is the best place? A quiet life at his old family's? A fun active life with my family?
Who is to say!
We will talk to the kids after Christmas, I will phone Dingo's vet to ask his opinion as well, and I may call the SPCA to see which environment they think is better. I will weigh all the answers and I will prepare to follow my concience in the end.
All for a floppy, fat, friendly dog!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
12.20.2006
The tally is in
Well, is anyone interested in how much my kitchen nook and new floor cost? Anyone?
I have rounded the figures off.
Flooring: $1700
Materials $2000
Labour: $3200
Subtotal: $6900
GASP!
And the big door in the laundry room still needs to be installed for more hours of labour (and probably more materials too) and the covered back porch still needs to be constructed!!!!
I bought the lumber for the deck project at a great bargain of $600 for solid Cedar. But presently it is lying under a tarp in my back yard.
I BLEW my renovation budget.................... my brother in law is a craftsman, very good but painfully slow, of course he works by the hour too.
GASP -- GAG -- WHEEEEEEEZE!
The good news is I love it all, I am happy to stay in this house and this neighbourhood. I will look on the bright side in my cozy house in the hill.
It was worth it, right? Wasn't it? Investing in your own home is good?
Too late to second guess now! But I really am planning to stay for a while now. It's already been 7 1/2 years and I think it would be romantic to raise my kids right through highschool in one family home.
I guess no acreage with fruit trees in this lifetime, at least not with our current circumstances, but life has a way of changing the circumstances when you least expect it....
I have rounded the figures off.
Flooring: $1700
Materials $2000
Labour: $3200
Subtotal: $6900
GASP!
And the big door in the laundry room still needs to be installed for more hours of labour (and probably more materials too) and the covered back porch still needs to be constructed!!!!
I bought the lumber for the deck project at a great bargain of $600 for solid Cedar. But presently it is lying under a tarp in my back yard.
I BLEW my renovation budget.................... my brother in law is a craftsman, very good but painfully slow, of course he works by the hour too.
GASP -- GAG -- WHEEEEEEEZE!
The good news is I love it all, I am happy to stay in this house and this neighbourhood. I will look on the bright side in my cozy house in the hill.
It was worth it, right? Wasn't it? Investing in your own home is good?
Too late to second guess now! But I really am planning to stay for a while now. It's already been 7 1/2 years and I think it would be romantic to raise my kids right through highschool in one family home.
I guess no acreage with fruit trees in this lifetime, at least not with our current circumstances, but life has a way of changing the circumstances when you least expect it....
12.15.2006
What to write about....
I took Dingo out for a walk yesterday after dropping the boys off at school. It was warm enough, not frozen and not raining in torrents either. So I grabbed his leash and we headed uphill. Up and up to the top of the street and then I saw a deer path into the woods and couldn't resist. So we started uphill some more, with underbrush and trees in tight around us.
Since I have never been in that area of the woods, I decided to head left and down as our general direction and knew we would eventually intersect the path that circumnavigates the wetlands. You know what? Deerpaths are not reliable foot paths for people. I ended up crashing through thickets (with lots of bunny poops) scrambing over logs and getting my face slapped by more than one branch. I loved it!
We did find the path and happily galloped home.
So I sat down to my computer and gapped out doing some work, then looked over my shoulder to see GREAT GOBS of SNOW falling from the sky, already blanketing lawn and road!!!!!
WHAT THE HECK?! Did I black out and skip a day? I was out walking in a balmy drizzle just a couple hours earlier!
SO I had to run my errands to return movies, mail parcels, pick up a parcel and deposit a check all at the local strip mall..... I got out into it and was dismayed to find out that rear-wheel drive vehicles DO NOT steer in this crap! I was literally sliding to the curb everytime I tried to steer right. I did not take it out of first and gently crept along at a snail's pace the whole way there, did my business as fast as possible, and went to the school to collect the boys. By the time I sledded all the way up the hill to the school, I was shaking at the knees, it was by divine intervention that I didn't hit anything more serious than a sidewalk!!!!!!!!!!! I was 10 minutes late getting them, but the teacher and afterschool care provider understood completely. And we had the adventure of getting back home. Somehow we made it without incident (didn't touch the brakes) and I told the kids not to as me for ANYTHING until I had a chance to calm down. I got a glass of Port and settled myself at the kitchen table with a Christmas project....... aaaah, nice and quiet.
I called T to tell him about the trecherous condidtions, I explained how careful I was being and that it didn't help enough. His response was to laugh and lecture me on driving in the snow! I had just finished telling him that I was doing all the right things, in other words, I KNEW that because he had TAUGHT me it already!!!! I am not an idiot, I tend to be a fast study with practical things, self preservation in driving is a very practical thing!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!! SO I lost it a liitle bit and interjected (rather forcefully) "I KNOW how to drive in the snow, I am just calling you to tell you it is horrible out there, and to be careful!" That shut him up.
I spent the next 1/2 hour disapointed in his reaction to my caring phone call. But forgot about it while getting dinner ready.
T got home safely, and as we were discussing what we are wearing out for dinner this weekend (yay -- a date!!!!!) He mentioned that he has had to walk on eggshells lately with me. He never knows when I am going to bite his head off.
I love that man, he is more observant than most. He even was able to pinpoint the exact moment when this shift in my attitude started. While painting the family room. And he is RIGHT. Dead-on accurate. Something inside my head popped, (split open, forceably flipped a switch) when he told me the "RIGHT" way to load a paintbrush. I still seathe when I think about it.
"You came across as preachy when I was just trying to tell you how bad it was outside. I know I haven't had the patience I used to, its a change I really don't like in myself. Things I used to have infinite patience for just make me snap all the time now" I explained.
" I can't even seem to help it, and I'm sorry." I continued.
There was more to this conversation, but suffice it to say it was valuable to know how each other was feeling, but nothing was solved particularly.
I love him, I value his opinion, I respect his needs -- but I can't put them ahead of my own like I used to. I too have valuable opinions and needs. One of my NEEDS is to have my intelligence respected. I will ask for help when I need it, and I will happily have interactive dialogue on most subjects, but I can't be preached to anymore. Not when its something he has already taught me YEARS ago (driving in the snow) and not when I am happy with my way of doing things (loading a paint roller).
OFFER an opinion. Don't force it.
Stormy inside and out last night.
Since I have never been in that area of the woods, I decided to head left and down as our general direction and knew we would eventually intersect the path that circumnavigates the wetlands. You know what? Deerpaths are not reliable foot paths for people. I ended up crashing through thickets (with lots of bunny poops) scrambing over logs and getting my face slapped by more than one branch. I loved it!
We did find the path and happily galloped home.
So I sat down to my computer and gapped out doing some work, then looked over my shoulder to see GREAT GOBS of SNOW falling from the sky, already blanketing lawn and road!!!!!
WHAT THE HECK?! Did I black out and skip a day? I was out walking in a balmy drizzle just a couple hours earlier!
SO I had to run my errands to return movies, mail parcels, pick up a parcel and deposit a check all at the local strip mall..... I got out into it and was dismayed to find out that rear-wheel drive vehicles DO NOT steer in this crap! I was literally sliding to the curb everytime I tried to steer right. I did not take it out of first and gently crept along at a snail's pace the whole way there, did my business as fast as possible, and went to the school to collect the boys. By the time I sledded all the way up the hill to the school, I was shaking at the knees, it was by divine intervention that I didn't hit anything more serious than a sidewalk!!!!!!!!!!! I was 10 minutes late getting them, but the teacher and afterschool care provider understood completely. And we had the adventure of getting back home. Somehow we made it without incident (didn't touch the brakes) and I told the kids not to as me for ANYTHING until I had a chance to calm down. I got a glass of Port and settled myself at the kitchen table with a Christmas project....... aaaah, nice and quiet.
I called T to tell him about the trecherous condidtions, I explained how careful I was being and that it didn't help enough. His response was to laugh and lecture me on driving in the snow! I had just finished telling him that I was doing all the right things, in other words, I KNEW that because he had TAUGHT me it already!!!! I am not an idiot, I tend to be a fast study with practical things, self preservation in driving is a very practical thing!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!! SO I lost it a liitle bit and interjected (rather forcefully) "I KNOW how to drive in the snow, I am just calling you to tell you it is horrible out there, and to be careful!" That shut him up.
I spent the next 1/2 hour disapointed in his reaction to my caring phone call. But forgot about it while getting dinner ready.
T got home safely, and as we were discussing what we are wearing out for dinner this weekend (yay -- a date!!!!!) He mentioned that he has had to walk on eggshells lately with me. He never knows when I am going to bite his head off.
I love that man, he is more observant than most. He even was able to pinpoint the exact moment when this shift in my attitude started. While painting the family room. And he is RIGHT. Dead-on accurate. Something inside my head popped, (split open, forceably flipped a switch) when he told me the "RIGHT" way to load a paintbrush. I still seathe when I think about it.
"You came across as preachy when I was just trying to tell you how bad it was outside. I know I haven't had the patience I used to, its a change I really don't like in myself. Things I used to have infinite patience for just make me snap all the time now" I explained.
" I can't even seem to help it, and I'm sorry." I continued.
There was more to this conversation, but suffice it to say it was valuable to know how each other was feeling, but nothing was solved particularly.
I love him, I value his opinion, I respect his needs -- but I can't put them ahead of my own like I used to. I too have valuable opinions and needs. One of my NEEDS is to have my intelligence respected. I will ask for help when I need it, and I will happily have interactive dialogue on most subjects, but I can't be preached to anymore. Not when its something he has already taught me YEARS ago (driving in the snow) and not when I am happy with my way of doing things (loading a paint roller).
OFFER an opinion. Don't force it.
Stormy inside and out last night.
12.11.2006
Stormy day!
Oh I was looking so forward to visiting Kim today!
But as I watch the neighbours garbage can fly down the street, and trees bend, and windows visciously lashed by needle-like rain, I am releived that I cancelled.
Sorry Kim, its WICKED out there!
So I will try to get this post out before the power fails.
********************
There is a problem with the travel plans, folks.
3 weeks isn't looking feasable! Whatever will I do?
Honestly though I am excited about travelling, the thought of being without my family for that long makes me feel queazy and anxious.
AND
2 weeks is pushing it for time off for T. And there is a reason WHY he has to take the time OFF instead of just shifting his hours, he HAS to be at the plant when production is going, that starts at 6AM, so he has to be out of the house by 5:30 at the latest.... I don't know any babysitters available at that hour!!!! NONE.
Even if I have to pay a penalty, I need to change my return flight, or my incoming flight so that we won't have to take more than 2 weeks off. We can't afford to have this trip come out of BOTH our incomes......
I feel sick about it. But that's what it has come down to.
But as I watch the neighbours garbage can fly down the street, and trees bend, and windows visciously lashed by needle-like rain, I am releived that I cancelled.
Sorry Kim, its WICKED out there!
So I will try to get this post out before the power fails.
********************
There is a problem with the travel plans, folks.
3 weeks isn't looking feasable! Whatever will I do?
Honestly though I am excited about travelling, the thought of being without my family for that long makes me feel queazy and anxious.
AND
2 weeks is pushing it for time off for T. And there is a reason WHY he has to take the time OFF instead of just shifting his hours, he HAS to be at the plant when production is going, that starts at 6AM, so he has to be out of the house by 5:30 at the latest.... I don't know any babysitters available at that hour!!!! NONE.
Even if I have to pay a penalty, I need to change my return flight, or my incoming flight so that we won't have to take more than 2 weeks off. We can't afford to have this trip come out of BOTH our incomes......
I feel sick about it. But that's what it has come down to.
12.08.2006
Closure
While the kids were at school yesterday, I took ona little woodworking project....
I made a coffin for my puddy tat
I deconstructed his "Mo-tel" home, cut the wood into appropriate sizes, and screwed the box together. I am afraid of power tools, but shop class came back to me enough to get it working.
Then I lovingly lined it with his blanket, and placed his "sleeping" remains inside..... with more than a few tears too! Along with his-fuzzy-ness, I placed the portrait Steve drew of him, a photograph in his prime, his brush (he loved being brushed) and a brief write up of what he means to me.... a eulogy of sorts.
And then I put the top on an screwed it shut. (More tears)
When T got home, with a cheery boquet of flowers, he appreciated that I had done that, as he wasn't keen on touching the body. He is very squeemish about that sort of thing.
Then T went outside and looked for an appropriate spot.
We had a bit of a service for Mo.... Tim dug a nice straight hole under the cedar hedge where Mo would like to snooze in the sun.... Steve helped lower the casket, and we each said goodby with a flower and Steve put the first bit of dirt on. Cami helped with a shovel too.
It went well, and Steve said he didn't feel as sad anymore.... it was closure and it was good
...sniff...
I made a coffin for my puddy tat
I deconstructed his "Mo-tel" home, cut the wood into appropriate sizes, and screwed the box together. I am afraid of power tools, but shop class came back to me enough to get it working.
Then I lovingly lined it with his blanket, and placed his "sleeping" remains inside..... with more than a few tears too! Along with his-fuzzy-ness, I placed the portrait Steve drew of him, a photograph in his prime, his brush (he loved being brushed) and a brief write up of what he means to me.... a eulogy of sorts.
And then I put the top on an screwed it shut. (More tears)
When T got home, with a cheery boquet of flowers, he appreciated that I had done that, as he wasn't keen on touching the body. He is very squeemish about that sort of thing.
Then T went outside and looked for an appropriate spot.
We had a bit of a service for Mo.... Tim dug a nice straight hole under the cedar hedge where Mo would like to snooze in the sun.... Steve helped lower the casket, and we each said goodby with a flower and Steve put the first bit of dirt on. Cami helped with a shovel too.
It went well, and Steve said he didn't feel as sad anymore.... it was closure and it was good
...sniff...
12.06.2006
Mo
It is a sad day in my life today. I had to say goodbye to a loyal, furry gentleman.
Last night in bed I pondered the time we have had together, the times we have shared over 15 years.... In bed I thought of a poem that covered all that time. Of course in the light of day, the poem has left my head, but the sentiment is still there.
I will miss his warmth, his affectionate personality, his vocal expressions, his unique purr, the flick of his tail when he wanted food, or stood on his back legs to rub the tip of my finger with his face as a trick, the way he stuck out his tongue when he was being petted, "purr-meow"- feed me, " MOEEE" - let me in (or out), the way he would grab the brush and rub his face on it purring so happily that he was drooling (only when being brushed) the way he curled his big, fuzzy paw around the tip of my finger and massaged it happily......
So mellow and loving all the time, seemingly un-ruffle-able, But watching him SPRING into action at a hummingbird, or sing his cat opera to the chickadees "come here" he would croon to them... MOST were clever enough to resist, but not all.
He was a bold protector of his territory, but would never let on to us human folk.... like a superhero with the mild-mannered persona in his everyday life, and a tiger to other cats.
He moved with me apartment, basement suite, my step-dad's, houses all over town. And for every move he took it so smoothly, like it was okay with him as long as he could get food, love and a warm couch to sleep on. He had 9 lives for sure! I got him from the SPCA as an adult, on the short list to be "destroyed". F.U.S. almost took him out, a few bad cysts in bad places, a couple of tumours that he seemed happy to live with, a heart murmur, dangling kidneys, arthitis and lord knows what other trials that he didn't tell me about. T and I would always look at each other and mourn that he might be going, but WOW he would spring right back! 2 puppies, a dog, and 2 babies later he was still a loveable old furball.
But now he is gone, and all I have is his memory. Our home is sad, at a loss, "poor old Mo" life won't be the same without my Fuzz-faced-puddy-tat, my Schmo-mo, my Kitty-witty..... bye bye old friend, I love you. sniff.
11.30.2006
It's working!
I am proud to say my "enough is enough" plan is working!
It is still chaos in this house, don't get me wrong, but it is much more MANAGABLE and its not
GROWING!!!!!
As a matter of fact in the recent months since the horrifying clutter-reality smacked me in the face, I have unloaded a whole whack of crap. I sold a bunch of toys that the kids had not paid attention to -- for a sum of $160.
Also, the friends clothing swap, where I let go of treasured clothes that were no longer (or never were) the right fit, and household bits and pieces that didn't mean as much to me as they used to.
Oh I STILL have the tote of childhood memories, with the reasoning that there are little girls of the next generation in my life that can come play with them, and maybe would like to take some things home in the future. Meanwhile I get to enjoy them a while longer, and I'll admit it, I still do bring them out and play from time to time.
Other things I have put limits on, spacial limits primarily. Since I intend to stay here for a while, I have resolved to FIT in this house. Clothing, with the "one-in, one-out" rule is easy because there are only so many hangers, and piles of clothes are just hideous and hard on the clothes! And the books must fit into the bookshelves -- I am not great at that one yet, as there are still stacks in EVERY room, and more always coming. But I am better at NOT buying new ones.... after all I haven't even read a large percentage of the ones I own. I keep wanting to have time to improve myself by reading, and it is always in snippets of time between more "urgent" things going on. The boy's toys are to fit in the appropriate bins, and once the bin is FULL it is time to cull it.
I have 3 bins waiting for Christmas, full of presents some of which will leave the house and that feels good too.
The important thing is that I am NOT buying at random, and that feels great!
Small victories at the store everyday.... if I don't need it and I don't want to store it, then it's a no-brainer -- I won't buy it!
It is still chaos in this house, don't get me wrong, but it is much more MANAGABLE and its not
GROWING!!!!!
As a matter of fact in the recent months since the horrifying clutter-reality smacked me in the face, I have unloaded a whole whack of crap. I sold a bunch of toys that the kids had not paid attention to -- for a sum of $160.
Also, the friends clothing swap, where I let go of treasured clothes that were no longer (or never were) the right fit, and household bits and pieces that didn't mean as much to me as they used to.
Oh I STILL have the tote of childhood memories, with the reasoning that there are little girls of the next generation in my life that can come play with them, and maybe would like to take some things home in the future. Meanwhile I get to enjoy them a while longer, and I'll admit it, I still do bring them out and play from time to time.
Other things I have put limits on, spacial limits primarily. Since I intend to stay here for a while, I have resolved to FIT in this house. Clothing, with the "one-in, one-out" rule is easy because there are only so many hangers, and piles of clothes are just hideous and hard on the clothes! And the books must fit into the bookshelves -- I am not great at that one yet, as there are still stacks in EVERY room, and more always coming. But I am better at NOT buying new ones.... after all I haven't even read a large percentage of the ones I own. I keep wanting to have time to improve myself by reading, and it is always in snippets of time between more "urgent" things going on. The boy's toys are to fit in the appropriate bins, and once the bin is FULL it is time to cull it.
I have 3 bins waiting for Christmas, full of presents some of which will leave the house and that feels good too.
The important thing is that I am NOT buying at random, and that feels great!
Small victories at the store everyday.... if I don't need it and I don't want to store it, then it's a no-brainer -- I won't buy it!
11.28.2006
snowy snow-snow
Well it snowed..... 
and snowed........... (front yard)
and snowed........... (back yard)
and snowed some more just for good measure..... (side yard)
Aren't they LOVELY!
And its oh-so cozy in here by the fire!
and snowed........... (front yard)and snowed........... (back yard)
and snowed some more just for good measure..... (side yard)
Annoying as it is to drive in, I have NEVER seen such PERFECT little crystals in real-life before!
I took this picture on my car window after picking up the boys from school today.
Aren't they LOVELY!
And its oh-so cozy in here by the fire!
11.21.2006
11.20.2006
crash boom bang
I wanted to post this a while ago.....
LAST Saturday (not the one that we just had, but the one before) My step-dad took the boys to Science World! Oh joy! A whole house to ourselves!
After dropping the boys off we wandered Home Depot for a bit and then went home to get ready for a dirtbike ride!
(Remember it has been since Cameron's accident in JUNE that I have ridden my poor neglected little bike.)
All my gear still fits, and I remembered how to drive the thing, so that's a good start. It was raining as we unloaded the bikes onto the trail, but I was not phased by it. Something about not having kids whining "its COLD" probably helped. Sure it was wet, but not horrible. Things were going great. Bike running smoothly, and I had a strange CALM settled on me. My mind was clear, and the bike was not a strange thing under me like usual. It was a tool for me to control, a means to get through the trail and over the obsticles and that felt good and right.
So after running over under and through some stuff successfully we came to a crossroads and T asked, "How coordinated do you feel today?"
"Really coordinated thanks" I replied.
"Okay then, lets take you on some fun stuff!" (Normally that would set fear in my heart) And away we went onto trails I have never seen before. Things I would be uncomfortable WALKING -- steep and muddy with roots, rocks and severe drop-offs. All with my reliable motorbike putting along under me. We went along and I came to the realization that my bike LIKES this terrain, I wasn't nervous at all! AND I had nothing to be nervous about so long as I trusted my bike to keep its footing. Which it did admirably.
The scenery was very nice. Creeks (that we rode through), forests (that we navigated between), Stunning vistas, (that we rode the very edge of). Even flushed a few birds and a big deer too. The puddles were so big that I couldn't stop or the engine would flood..... very chilly! And some of the foot paths had been transformed into impromtu creeks. It was all very exciting.
I thought I was doing very well, then I followed T over a log. He pulled a wheelie and jumped it. I was pretty sure I could get over that log too! No wheelies though, I can't do those yet.
Imagine my surprise when I DID get over the log, to discover there was a DROP on the other side!!!!!! Yes, the only way to land on the other side was to do a wheelie. I can't do that!!!!!
Even as it was happening, I was thinking, "This bike is always amazing me, maybe the forks will absorb it so my back wheel can touch down?" but no, the momentum of my body was too far forward. Even as I thought it was going to work....... my torso went OVER THE BARS.
T was over in a flash.... "Holy CRAP! I didn't expect you to follow me over THAT!!!! Are you OKAY?!!!!!!" But I was already upright and trying to get my poor bike upright too.... it was dumping gas, and I was concerned.
"I'm fine, how's the bike?" I laughed. Hey crashing isn't so bad after all. All that gear really works! I've hurt myself worse rolling off the couch! I did find a healthly bruise on my arm that night, but it wasn't worrying me at the time. I patted myself down, and we waited for my bike to not be flooded. I thought it was funny and I scared T pretty good.
It was almost dark before we got back to the truck. I was EXHAUSTED, the bike may have been doing most of the work, but I am out of shape and all sorts of muscles are used for steering, balancing, etc, etc. And hey, I was getting cold being wet for that long, puddle after puddle on the way out of the bush.
Exhilerating and exhausting, it was a good day to ride, I pushed my limits and found they were farther than I thought. What a nice feeling.
LAST Saturday (not the one that we just had, but the one before) My step-dad took the boys to Science World! Oh joy! A whole house to ourselves!
After dropping the boys off we wandered Home Depot for a bit and then went home to get ready for a dirtbike ride!
(Remember it has been since Cameron's accident in JUNE that I have ridden my poor neglected little bike.)
All my gear still fits, and I remembered how to drive the thing, so that's a good start. It was raining as we unloaded the bikes onto the trail, but I was not phased by it. Something about not having kids whining "its COLD" probably helped. Sure it was wet, but not horrible. Things were going great. Bike running smoothly, and I had a strange CALM settled on me. My mind was clear, and the bike was not a strange thing under me like usual. It was a tool for me to control, a means to get through the trail and over the obsticles and that felt good and right.
So after running over under and through some stuff successfully we came to a crossroads and T asked, "How coordinated do you feel today?"
"Really coordinated thanks" I replied.
"Okay then, lets take you on some fun stuff!" (Normally that would set fear in my heart) And away we went onto trails I have never seen before. Things I would be uncomfortable WALKING -- steep and muddy with roots, rocks and severe drop-offs. All with my reliable motorbike putting along under me. We went along and I came to the realization that my bike LIKES this terrain, I wasn't nervous at all! AND I had nothing to be nervous about so long as I trusted my bike to keep its footing. Which it did admirably.
The scenery was very nice. Creeks (that we rode through), forests (that we navigated between), Stunning vistas, (that we rode the very edge of). Even flushed a few birds and a big deer too. The puddles were so big that I couldn't stop or the engine would flood..... very chilly! And some of the foot paths had been transformed into impromtu creeks. It was all very exciting.
I thought I was doing very well, then I followed T over a log. He pulled a wheelie and jumped it. I was pretty sure I could get over that log too! No wheelies though, I can't do those yet.
Imagine my surprise when I DID get over the log, to discover there was a DROP on the other side!!!!!! Yes, the only way to land on the other side was to do a wheelie. I can't do that!!!!!
Even as it was happening, I was thinking, "This bike is always amazing me, maybe the forks will absorb it so my back wheel can touch down?" but no, the momentum of my body was too far forward. Even as I thought it was going to work....... my torso went OVER THE BARS.
WOO-OHHHH!!!!!
Strangely calm, I felt myself go over..... "I wonder if this is going to hurt, oh my face is going first! I hope I don't hit a rock." CRUNCH. So I crashed, I didn't just fall over, oh no I CRASHED! My face "pecked" the soft earth, and I was thankful for full-faced helmets. My body rolled out away from the bike and the poor noble beast gasped and sputtered until it died.T was over in a flash.... "Holy CRAP! I didn't expect you to follow me over THAT!!!! Are you OKAY?!!!!!!" But I was already upright and trying to get my poor bike upright too.... it was dumping gas, and I was concerned.
"I'm fine, how's the bike?" I laughed. Hey crashing isn't so bad after all. All that gear really works! I've hurt myself worse rolling off the couch! I did find a healthly bruise on my arm that night, but it wasn't worrying me at the time. I patted myself down, and we waited for my bike to not be flooded. I thought it was funny and I scared T pretty good.
It was almost dark before we got back to the truck. I was EXHAUSTED, the bike may have been doing most of the work, but I am out of shape and all sorts of muscles are used for steering, balancing, etc, etc. And hey, I was getting cold being wet for that long, puddle after puddle on the way out of the bush.
Exhilerating and exhausting, it was a good day to ride, I pushed my limits and found they were farther than I thought. What a nice feeling.
11.17.2006
update
Just a few highlights -- in absoloutely no particular order:
A-
I LOVE having my friends back on the Island!
Oh the spontanious visits are WONDERFUL! and I couldn't be happier with it.
B-
I finally have finished stairs -- well ALMOST finished, close enough to be happy anyways.
So now with the floor and paint and stairs, and the "new" kitchen I am so happy with my house I could almost bust!
C-
I was taken out for lunch today by a former boss-lady to a fundraiser thingy. The company was friendly, the speaker was inspiring and the food was really very good (not even just for banquet fare, it REALLY was good). AND I got to see some folks from my old networking days, and re-network. It was good to be out in public at such a positive thing not always crammed in my desk in my little den.
D-
Both my boys had playdates all day, and the rain let up long enough for me to go for a walk with the dog this afternoon.
E-
I have a nightguard for my teeth now, and I seem to be able to sleep just fine with it in!
F-
I managed to get T to agree to get his passport at the same time as me! It's forward thinking and I am pleased.
All in all an excellent week!
A-
I LOVE having my friends back on the Island!
Oh the spontanious visits are WONDERFUL! and I couldn't be happier with it.
B-
I finally have finished stairs -- well ALMOST finished, close enough to be happy anyways.
So now with the floor and paint and stairs, and the "new" kitchen I am so happy with my house I could almost bust!
C-
I was taken out for lunch today by a former boss-lady to a fundraiser thingy. The company was friendly, the speaker was inspiring and the food was really very good (not even just for banquet fare, it REALLY was good). AND I got to see some folks from my old networking days, and re-network. It was good to be out in public at such a positive thing not always crammed in my desk in my little den.
D-
Both my boys had playdates all day, and the rain let up long enough for me to go for a walk with the dog this afternoon.
E-
I have a nightguard for my teeth now, and I seem to be able to sleep just fine with it in!
F-
I managed to get T to agree to get his passport at the same time as me! It's forward thinking and I am pleased.
All in all an excellent week!
11.10.2006
growwwl! Fssk!
Yes, this is my mood today..... my puddy-tat is looking for mischief on a grand scale!
11.09.2006
weekend howl
Aren't we GORGEOUS!?!?!
Everyone should be as lucky to have such loving friends! Fun, honest, beautiful, loyal are just a few of their traits.... I wouldn't be who I am if they weren't in my life. I am a wealthy wealthy person with them. Where else can I be myself with no fear of judgement. There is nothing I can hide from them they know my worst, they know my best and they still talk to me!!!!!!
Precious gift.
We only need to spend a short while together and I feel whole again, no matter what crap is happening in my "grown-up" life, sigh, I could blather on forever about the many benefits and tremendous attributes my friends have, but I won't because you know them already!!!!!!!!!!!!!
11.02.2006
11.01.2006
not so spooky
Well, after a month of preparation and last-minute arguments the deed is done.... Halloween that is.
The boys did have fun, and we did get the costumes done and the pumpkins carved and the house all nice and spooky in time, and that in itself was a miracle.
The morning was spent hauling the jack-o-lanterns to the school early in the morning for the contest. I am very proud to say that Cammy won 2nd in the Primary-carved category, it was his design, and though I drew it out (the way he asked) he did the sawing out himself! Its funny because Steve was 3rd in the same category when he was in Kindergarten. Cammy was happy to get the ribbon and prize, but he wasn't treating either with reverence -- using the ribbon as a KITE around his room. Steve was horrified, but had to admit it was Cammy's to do with as he pleases.
I baby-sat Sharon's wee flock for an hour while her babysitter ran off to do something. They were adorable and cuddly with their auntie ~ they love me more when I am not their caregiver, and I get to spoil them with loads of tickles and a few cookies.
Steve was an ancient chinese warrior, and we did a whole bunch of research to get the costume right... home made (and a bit more expensive than I would have liked, truth be known). But the results were worth it. Everone called hima Samarai and he didn't argue amazingly, so that's good.
Cameron was Darth Vader, and it really suited him.
++++++
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR................. Blogger isn't letting me post pictures of the little gouls, maybe later? It taes forever, then says "done" if I'm lucky and then its just NOT there!!!!! urg. Well, I tried 6 separate times at different parts of the day, screw it.
++++++
Anyways, the boys argued about where to go trick or treating, Steve wanted to go in the lower valley with his friends, Cam wanted to go in the top of the valley with his cousin, and T wasn't participating at all this year because of an urgent hydraulics pump on his workbench!
So, I put the bowl of treats outside with a sign saying "one each" and took the boys aroung the street near our house. The trick-or-treated untill they were numb with the cold and tired of wearing their masks.... and we headed home.
(I just had a feather face mask and a big hairy spider clinging to my back)
It was really very quiet all in all. There wasn't mobs of gouls and goblins roaming the streets, in fact it was barely a trickle. Only about half of the homes were even participating! The other half were dark and deserted, ignoring the few kids out there in the cold.
Later on, the fireworks could be seen and heard all over the valley, but even that didn't have the same vigor or intensity as in past years. What was it this year? The weather was fine, there are TONNES of kids around here...... I am at a loss.
The boys did have fun, and we did get the costumes done and the pumpkins carved and the house all nice and spooky in time, and that in itself was a miracle.
The morning was spent hauling the jack-o-lanterns to the school early in the morning for the contest. I am very proud to say that Cammy won 2nd in the Primary-carved category, it was his design, and though I drew it out (the way he asked) he did the sawing out himself! Its funny because Steve was 3rd in the same category when he was in Kindergarten. Cammy was happy to get the ribbon and prize, but he wasn't treating either with reverence -- using the ribbon as a KITE around his room. Steve was horrified, but had to admit it was Cammy's to do with as he pleases.
I baby-sat Sharon's wee flock for an hour while her babysitter ran off to do something. They were adorable and cuddly with their auntie ~ they love me more when I am not their caregiver, and I get to spoil them with loads of tickles and a few cookies.
Steve was an ancient chinese warrior, and we did a whole bunch of research to get the costume right... home made (and a bit more expensive than I would have liked, truth be known). But the results were worth it. Everone called hima Samarai and he didn't argue amazingly, so that's good.
Cameron was Darth Vader, and it really suited him.
++++++
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR................. Blogger isn't letting me post pictures of the little gouls, maybe later? It taes forever, then says "done" if I'm lucky and then its just NOT there!!!!! urg. Well, I tried 6 separate times at different parts of the day, screw it.
++++++
Anyways, the boys argued about where to go trick or treating, Steve wanted to go in the lower valley with his friends, Cam wanted to go in the top of the valley with his cousin, and T wasn't participating at all this year because of an urgent hydraulics pump on his workbench!
So, I put the bowl of treats outside with a sign saying "one each" and took the boys aroung the street near our house. The trick-or-treated untill they were numb with the cold and tired of wearing their masks.... and we headed home.
(I just had a feather face mask and a big hairy spider clinging to my back)
It was really very quiet all in all. There wasn't mobs of gouls and goblins roaming the streets, in fact it was barely a trickle. Only about half of the homes were even participating! The other half were dark and deserted, ignoring the few kids out there in the cold.
Later on, the fireworks could be seen and heard all over the valley, but even that didn't have the same vigor or intensity as in past years. What was it this year? The weather was fine, there are TONNES of kids around here...... I am at a loss.
10.30.2006
Rock Climbing
My oldest boy has decided he likes Rock climbing AS MUCH as he likes dirt biking!!!!! Oh my! Well, I have to say, its a much QUIETER hobby and he can play inside at Romper Room during the winter.
He had gone to a birthday party hosted there, and caught the climbing bug. He was fearless leaping for holds, dangling from the harness to get off the wall. He went to the top of the wall every time!
I was envious and wanted to try it too..... maybe later.
10.26.2006
'I Hope You Dance... '
This was written by an 83-year-old woman to her friend.
I think it applies to my life as well, so this is to MY friends.... I have shortened it a bit, but the points still hold!
I'm reading more and dusting less.
I'm sitting in the back yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden.
I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working.
I'm sitting in the back yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden.
I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working.
Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure.
I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.
I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.
I'm not "saving" anything - we use our good china and crystal for every special event, such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Spring blossom.
I wear my good jacket to the supermarket.
I'm not saving my best perfume for special parties, but wearing it for shop assistants in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.
"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary.
If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.
I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and love to our lives.
Every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself - this is a special day.
Every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself - this is a special day.
Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift.
Remember someone cares for you.
People say true friends must always hold hands, but true friends don't need to hold hands because they know the other hand will always be there.
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.
10.25.2006
Where did it go?
Once again the mysterious and fickle blog Gods were not aligned for me... I had a whole post ready, pictures and everything and "POOF!" the entire thing spit me out like a fishbone in a succulent halibut steak before I could hit the "Publish Post" button!
In brief:
Floors are finally in! Just stairs and floor moulding to do. Looks great.
Cedar purchased for the covered back deck.
Bipass door track purched and 2x4s here for the laundryroom finishing idea..... I am running out of steam and may not get to actually FINISHING it this year, but it will be framed.
Still waiting for the drawer panels on the kitchen bench, not too worried though.
SIGH.... I am tired of the chaos, and hope the efforts will supress my itchy house feet for a few more years!
In brief:
Floors are finally in! Just stairs and floor moulding to do. Looks great.
Cedar purchased for the covered back deck.
Bipass door track purched and 2x4s here for the laundryroom finishing idea..... I am running out of steam and may not get to actually FINISHING it this year, but it will be framed.
Still waiting for the drawer panels on the kitchen bench, not too worried though.
SIGH.... I am tired of the chaos, and hope the efforts will supress my itchy house feet for a few more years!
10.18.2006
Just ICK
Thats not me (yet) ...
Tim was under the weather this weekend but managed to stave off actually vomitting, but Monday afternoon, Steve spontaniously RALPHED in a parking lot while we were out driving around. Then after we got home, he threw up on the threshold (and into the foyer). So I kept him home from school yesterday and he almost drove me BONKERS as he was extremely hyper and uncooperative all day. It's been a long time since we butted heads so badly, I was exhausted and infuriated by repeating myself over and over and over again. I had to ground him for the week and I got no improvement. My volume went up and up, my tone got angier, still no affect, I even seriously considered a "wooden spoon" I was so at a loss!!!!! Grrrr...
We went up to the school and picked up the work he missed, there was a lot!
But before that the dog buggered off for more than 3 HOURS!!!!! No idea where he was, but he came back dragging his feet and limping with drool around his scruff.... and no interest in food. I suspect he cleaned out every cat-food dish within a mile radius and found some dog to wrestle with. The doggy equivalent of a "bender". This morning he is still limping and listless, though he hasn't puked.
We all went to bed at a reasonable hour last night, and at about 10:30 Cammy SPLASHED his fishsticks and cherry pie all over his bed. The smell was outrageous.
It took over 1/2 hour to clean it up and change his sheets. The poor tyke was sobbing, I am sure it was humiliating and scary for him. Then at around 2 he woke again crying, he had had a nightmeare AND it wasn't his stomache this time..... South of the Equator had emptied explosively this time. More tears, more clean up..... and another round at 3. Then all quiet.
We all slept in right to the alarm this morning.
I'm next I suppose.... mommy is always last.
10.16.2006
drumroll please
Okay, this is where the picture of the kitchen is supposed to go...... but it won't post for whatever reason!
I did some chair shopping and actually found chairs that T and I like for the kitchen.
First I went to the Brick, found ones I liked, but they only came in the set. Fine. Found some that were okay, but they were $200 each. Found some for $99 each, but they were hideous.
Next I went to Home Sense. All of them were around $100, but there was something I didn't like about all of them.... picture Goldilocks trying out the 3 bears' chairs... too white, too modern, too uncomfortable, to wimpy, etc....
Then I went to United Buy and Sell..... same crap as Brick. I was about to leave when a large man in a suit says, "Are you finding anything you need?".....
"Nope." I reply. Then I state my case and he points me to the back where the damaged stock is put to clearance. There is one chair with very bad damage put from $159 down to $28! I like it! Sturdy, casual but not rustic, intriging lines! AND I think I can fix the damage myself!!!!!! Alas, there is only one, and I express my disapointment to the fellow in the suit. He looks on the computer and says "there are 117 in Burnaby, they are $159 each".
"oh."
"How does $75 sound?" (he must really want to get rid of these chairs!) so I agree and he orders one up, at better than half price. And as he was typing up the reciept for the damaged one, he knocks another $2 off the damaged one! So for $101 I got 2 nice chairs that would normally have cost $318!!! I took the damaged one home, Weldbond glue, some clamps and a dark marker pen..... and within half an hour, I challenge anyone to find the damage!
Best part is T loved the chair, and on Wednesday I got the other one.
I did some chair shopping and actually found chairs that T and I like for the kitchen.
First I went to the Brick, found ones I liked, but they only came in the set. Fine. Found some that were okay, but they were $200 each. Found some for $99 each, but they were hideous.
Next I went to Home Sense. All of them were around $100, but there was something I didn't like about all of them.... picture Goldilocks trying out the 3 bears' chairs... too white, too modern, too uncomfortable, to wimpy, etc....
Then I went to United Buy and Sell..... same crap as Brick. I was about to leave when a large man in a suit says, "Are you finding anything you need?".....
"Nope." I reply. Then I state my case and he points me to the back where the damaged stock is put to clearance. There is one chair with very bad damage put from $159 down to $28! I like it! Sturdy, casual but not rustic, intriging lines! AND I think I can fix the damage myself!!!!!! Alas, there is only one, and I express my disapointment to the fellow in the suit. He looks on the computer and says "there are 117 in Burnaby, they are $159 each".
"oh."
"How does $75 sound?" (he must really want to get rid of these chairs!) so I agree and he orders one up, at better than half price. And as he was typing up the reciept for the damaged one, he knocks another $2 off the damaged one! So for $101 I got 2 nice chairs that would normally have cost $318!!! I took the damaged one home, Weldbond glue, some clamps and a dark marker pen..... and within half an hour, I challenge anyone to find the damage!
Best part is T loved the chair, and on Wednesday I got the other one.
10.14.2006
Wooden Spoon
Remember as kids, the threat of the "wooden spoon"? I don't know about you, but that threat was real in my home. A spanking with the wooden spoon could and did happen for making bad choices.
Now in my mid-thirties, I have had the adult equivilent of a spanking by a wooden spoon.
Let's see..... here is my livingroom as of 2 days ago.....
I was so smug with the wood there in all its maple naturalness!
And here is my livingroom as of this morning.....
There is a difference, did you see it?
Ah, it is obvious when you know where to look! That is no longer maple boards in the middle of my dissasembled home, nope, its BIRCH. It's origin unknown, it's future more certain. It WILL end up on my floor!
You see Evan started laying the maple annd it became clear very quickly that the boards were no milled correctly. Every board was skant at the ends, meaning that a whole WHACK of filler would be needed and Evan would be very nearly insane by the time he got it all down if he managed to keep the rows straight. So we had to return it. All 1000 or so pounds that had so carefully been hauled upstairs and stacked for air circulation...... it all had to be carried downstairs and loaded into the truck. Then carried back off the truck and loaded onto a pallet. We got a work out, oh boy.
I was near tears and my stomache sick with the anguish and uncertainty of what was to come next! But they were good and they wrote me a check for a full refund..... will it clear? Time will tell. They seemed as sad as me that it didn't work out. They have been great, really great.
Yesterday was spent in a flurry of stressful shopping. Where was I to find 3/4" flooring on short notice? The first place was $8.39/sq ft. EEEEK! Run away! The next place was MUCH cheaper, but they only had 299 sq feet left at that price... I needed 500. The next place was an in between price but a 2 week wait. And on my day went until I was bleary eyed and exhausted.
Then I phoned the last place. Yes, they had birch, but not maple. Yes the price was good, yes it is 3/4" thick, prefinished and they have more than enough. The catch is it doesn't have a warranty, is not returnable and is "Rustic Grade" otherwise known as B or C grade. That can be very interesting looking from what I had seen that day.... a little too interesting looking for a livingroom.
But I packed up the kids and went to look.
WOW! That wasn't too bad! So I called T at work and said "meet me here I think I found it!" and while I waited for T to finish work, the boys and I went to play at a park.
And there it is, after hauling the heavy boxes upstairs, it is quietly getting to the relative humidity of our home.... for about $400 more than the maple.
That was an expensive spanking!!!!!!
Now in my mid-thirties, I have had the adult equivilent of a spanking by a wooden spoon.
Let's see..... here is my livingroom as of 2 days ago.....
I was so smug with the wood there in all its maple naturalness!
And here is my livingroom as of this morning.....
There is a difference, did you see it?
Ah, it is obvious when you know where to look! That is no longer maple boards in the middle of my dissasembled home, nope, its BIRCH. It's origin unknown, it's future more certain. It WILL end up on my floor!
You see Evan started laying the maple annd it became clear very quickly that the boards were no milled correctly. Every board was skant at the ends, meaning that a whole WHACK of filler would be needed and Evan would be very nearly insane by the time he got it all down if he managed to keep the rows straight. So we had to return it. All 1000 or so pounds that had so carefully been hauled upstairs and stacked for air circulation...... it all had to be carried downstairs and loaded into the truck. Then carried back off the truck and loaded onto a pallet. We got a work out, oh boy.
I was near tears and my stomache sick with the anguish and uncertainty of what was to come next! But they were good and they wrote me a check for a full refund..... will it clear? Time will tell. They seemed as sad as me that it didn't work out. They have been great, really great.
Yesterday was spent in a flurry of stressful shopping. Where was I to find 3/4" flooring on short notice? The first place was $8.39/sq ft. EEEEK! Run away! The next place was MUCH cheaper, but they only had 299 sq feet left at that price... I needed 500. The next place was an in between price but a 2 week wait. And on my day went until I was bleary eyed and exhausted.
Then I phoned the last place. Yes, they had birch, but not maple. Yes the price was good, yes it is 3/4" thick, prefinished and they have more than enough. The catch is it doesn't have a warranty, is not returnable and is "Rustic Grade" otherwise known as B or C grade. That can be very interesting looking from what I had seen that day.... a little too interesting looking for a livingroom.
But I packed up the kids and went to look.
WOW! That wasn't too bad! So I called T at work and said "meet me here I think I found it!" and while I waited for T to finish work, the boys and I went to play at a park.
And there it is, after hauling the heavy boxes upstairs, it is quietly getting to the relative humidity of our home.... for about $400 more than the maple.
That was an expensive spanking!!!!!!
10.12.2006
I am getting excited about it!
As you well know, I am easily made happy as a rule, and expected change tends to fill me with gleeful anticipation....
Though my home is in a state of disaster with my livingroom dismantled and floors not happened yet.... though we haven't figured out aHOW we are going to get the floors FINISHED (the first quote came in at $2100 just for the sanding and finishing). We aren't sure if we are skilled enough to finish the floors on our own.... its not like if we mess it up its an easy fix. I am still giddy with the joy that comes from knowing I am getting things DONE the way I want.
I would have thought T would be pleased that I am spending money here instead of moving us to an older home. But he said with a heavy sigh.... "I guess no acreage and shop, eh?" I sputtered a response, " Honey that would be a 1/2 million dollar or more around here!", and he said "I know, it's okay"..... I think the fact that he can't have this dream is a slap to his breadwinning-manhood. He bemoans the fact that his income isn't quite enough to make ends meet even with our quiet lifestyle.
But I'm fine with it! Our lifestyle is lacking for naught! We have a home that fits, 2 vehicles that are paid for, a reasonable mortgage, great neighbourhood. He IS employed at the top end of pay for someone of his education level (and not union), our kids are healthy, and icing on the cake --- we just got the best dog ever whelped GIVEN to us!
SO now you know where my positive attitude of the day is coming from with the house... life is good and I get wood floors (for a price).
Here is the best part, even after the floors are in and the furniture is where it should be..... I still have something GLORIOUS to look forward to!
ITALY!!!!!
Che buon'idea!
Yes, the anticipation is mounting, and though I am TERRIFIED of the prospect of leaving my home, family and the money it will take, I am so looking forward to the sights, sounds, tastes, smells and experiences that this trip will bring. From the International airports to the homesickeness...... it will all be new to me.
Though my home is in a state of disaster with my livingroom dismantled and floors not happened yet.... though we haven't figured out aHOW we are going to get the floors FINISHED (the first quote came in at $2100 just for the sanding and finishing). We aren't sure if we are skilled enough to finish the floors on our own.... its not like if we mess it up its an easy fix. I am still giddy with the joy that comes from knowing I am getting things DONE the way I want.
I would have thought T would be pleased that I am spending money here instead of moving us to an older home. But he said with a heavy sigh.... "I guess no acreage and shop, eh?" I sputtered a response, " Honey that would be a 1/2 million dollar or more around here!", and he said "I know, it's okay"..... I think the fact that he can't have this dream is a slap to his breadwinning-manhood. He bemoans the fact that his income isn't quite enough to make ends meet even with our quiet lifestyle.
But I'm fine with it! Our lifestyle is lacking for naught! We have a home that fits, 2 vehicles that are paid for, a reasonable mortgage, great neighbourhood. He IS employed at the top end of pay for someone of his education level (and not union), our kids are healthy, and icing on the cake --- we just got the best dog ever whelped GIVEN to us!
SO now you know where my positive attitude of the day is coming from with the house... life is good and I get wood floors (for a price).
Here is the best part, even after the floors are in and the furniture is where it should be..... I still have something GLORIOUS to look forward to!
ITALY!!!!!
Che buon'idea!
Yes, the anticipation is mounting, and though I am TERRIFIED of the prospect of leaving my home, family and the money it will take, I am so looking forward to the sights, sounds, tastes, smells and experiences that this trip will bring. From the International airports to the homesickeness...... it will all be new to me.
10.06.2006
10.05.2006
reno central
Okay, I'm pooped.
Packed up half the china cabinet, cut in some more paint in the kitchen and there were 1000s of staples in the stairwell holding that carper there!
Tomorrow we will remove the hallway carpet, and next week our floor will be laid (hopefully)....
Packed up half the china cabinet, cut in some more paint in the kitchen and there were 1000s of staples in the stairwell holding that carper there!
Tomorrow we will remove the hallway carpet, and next week our floor will be laid (hopefully)....
10.02.2006
A Nag VICTORIOUS!
Okay, I did it! It took a few YEARS of persistent nagging and the threat fo moving a few times.....
It's my money and I want to LIVE in this house while we are here..... so that is what all the painting and building is about.
Here is the BEST part:
That ain't no cheap laminate that is in the disaster that once was my living room, no sirree! That's SOLID MAPLE baby! It is reclaimed wood from local woodlots and the price was very nice. It is in planks so it will look more country than formal which is fine by me. I am just thrilled! T finally had enough of the carpet and a good quality laminate was getting up there in price anyways.
*** Please be sure to look at the kitchen colours I posted today too ***
It's my money and I want to LIVE in this house while we are here..... so that is what all the painting and building is about.
Here is the BEST part:
That ain't no cheap laminate that is in the disaster that once was my living room, no sirree! That's SOLID MAPLE baby! It is reclaimed wood from local woodlots and the price was very nice. It is in planks so it will look more country than formal which is fine by me. I am just thrilled! T finally had enough of the carpet and a good quality laminate was getting up there in price anyways.
*** Please be sure to look at the kitchen colours I posted today too ***
kirchen colours can confuse
Challenge of the day!
Your semi-gloss beadboard paint turned out way brighter than you expected..... so what colour do you pick for the rest of the kitchen?
Do you go with something BOLD? and make it a statement with contrast?
Do you go with something coordinating in the same palette on lighter? (or is that just too much sunshine in one room?)
Or do we do something in between?
Maybe a Split Pea Soup?
or Creamy Tomato?
No matter which I go with (and I am leaning towards tomato soup)It needs to go with the valances I already have, mostly because I still like them.
Your semi-gloss beadboard paint turned out way brighter than you expected..... so what colour do you pick for the rest of the kitchen?
Do you go with something BOLD? and make it a statement with contrast?
Do you go with something coordinating in the same palette on lighter? (or is that just too much sunshine in one room?)
Or do we do something in between?
Maybe a Split Pea Soup?
or Creamy Tomato?
No matter which I go with (and I am leaning towards tomato soup)It needs to go with the valances I already have, mostly because I still like them.
9.27.2006
Kitchen is happening!
I am getting a kitchen nook!
And there is beadboard as a backsplash! OOOOOO
We need to put the valance lighting back on.... and then I just need to choose colours!!!!
It was a total pain in the BUTT for Uncle E to install, but at least its done.
Next we get a cover for the back deck, and a closet door for the storage/laundry room.
Hooray for carpenters! They ROCK.
And there is beadboard as a backsplash! OOOOOO
We need to put the valance lighting back on.... and then I just need to choose colours!!!!
It was a total pain in the BUTT for Uncle E to install, but at least its done.
Next we get a cover for the back deck, and a closet door for the storage/laundry room.
Hooray for carpenters! They ROCK.
9.25.2006
Our Weekend
It was a kaleidescope of colours and textures!
We were on Gabriola Island for T's sister's and neice's birthdays, and we thought we'd bring the tent trailer and spend the night on the farm by the water...... (why not eh?!).
Rides in the tractor, feeding cows, picking apples, riding bicycles, birthday cake and frolicking on a few beaches! The weather was great (fog in the background only) and we saw lots of wildlife.
Everyone had a great time, but I think the dog was in heaven not a leash in sight all weekend!
9.22.2006
Grumpy old (Wo)man
Mooo-a-ha-ha!
I'm sure this is what they saw as I came stamping down the road towards them.
You see I went to get the mail, with my silly-big-dog leading the way, and I saw something that set my blood to boiling!
There were some young lads in the creek and on the bridge pelting blackberries at each other... that was funny and harmless fun (except maybe for the person having to launder their clothes)... but as I was heading back up my street I heard "SMASH!" and the biggest boy laughing and saying, "now I will kill you" in joking tone.
Grrr..... says I.
Since the Summer, we have endured flattened bicycle and stroller tires and cut doggy paws thanks to the glass that is on the road at the creek bridge, by the mailbox, at the end of our street and on the sidewalk up to the school. It is a horrible obstical course of glittery sharp bits everywhere! Here is my chance to get one!
So I stomped towards this KID (no more than 11 or 12)and demanded his name and address. (My -- he was a big kid, easily as heavy as me and almost as tall). He flatly refused. I Told him why I was angry and said that maybe I should just send him the repairs and vet bills if more damage happens as a result of his little joke. With a shrug and a bewildered look at my overreaction, he said "I can pick it up" at least a constructive answer.
So I said, "Fine! Let's see it, I'm in no hurry".
A little befuddled, he got a ziplock bag from a buddy's knapsack and proceeded to pick up his glass -- and the other glass! I picked up some of the older stuff too, and at the end of it I thanked them very much for their cooperation and took the bag of glass (in case they decided to just chuck it in the creek).
I am feeling very proud of myself right now.
And YET.... I am still a bit intimidated, they do know where I live... what if they are embarrassed and feel they need revenge with more broken glass?
Or worse?
What's a matter with kids these days!?!?!?!
9.21.2006
cabinets chaos
I want some more doors for my kitchen
You wouldn't think it would be hard.... just call up the cabinet maker and say, "Remember me? Yes that address, I'd like 4 more doors for a built in I have being built to match the kitchen ones, these are the dimensions......"
HA!
The cabinet maker that did our kitchen 7 years ago is no more. Hard to find anyone willing to just do 4 doors (a whole kitchen? then yes).
I did find one. It will be a CLOSE match -- for $50 each and a 4 week wait!!!!!
GARRRRR!
So what now? Open cupboards with nice baskets are sounding okay now.
You wouldn't think it would be hard.... just call up the cabinet maker and say, "Remember me? Yes that address, I'd like 4 more doors for a built in I have being built to match the kitchen ones, these are the dimensions......"
HA!
The cabinet maker that did our kitchen 7 years ago is no more. Hard to find anyone willing to just do 4 doors (a whole kitchen? then yes).
I did find one. It will be a CLOSE match -- for $50 each and a 4 week wait!!!!!
GARRRRR!
So what now? Open cupboards with nice baskets are sounding okay now.
9.19.2006
YODA!
This is nonsense entry.....
I like Yoda.
Not the new computer-animated (with a fierce scowl) fighting Count Dooku guy....
I like the soft spoken, old and limping retired Jedi Master living in the swamps.
I happily still own an original Yoda figuring that I got when I was a girl. He was my mascot, and since finding him recently amoung lost toys he is my mascot again. His friendly wrinky head, his wisen face. His green-ness.
(It's not easy being green)
And here is one for Tai
I like Yoda.
Not the new computer-animated (with a fierce scowl) fighting Count Dooku guy....
I like the soft spoken, old and limping retired Jedi Master living in the swamps.
I happily still own an original Yoda figuring that I got when I was a girl. He was my mascot, and since finding him recently amoung lost toys he is my mascot again. His friendly wrinky head, his wisen face. His green-ness.
(It's not easy being green)
And here is one for Tai
9.14.2006
I want to post a wee profile picture
I look kind of silly, but it is a GENUINE smile -- I think I was laughing at the time it was taken -- so I guess that's okay.
I got tonnes done today!
A bit of work, a bit of cleaning, a bit of gardening, taking the kids to school. Thinning the kids bookshelves of the less-enjoyed books and taking them to my sister's. Taking the ones she wasn't interested in (and some other bric-a-brac) to the charity thrift store, returned over $9 of empty juice containers (and that's a whole CRAP LOAD of them!)and even posten my picture!~)
What fun for me!
9.13.2006
school mayhem
Okay, maybe mayhem isn't the correct word.
I can't think of the word to describe what they are doing to Stevie's class.
He brought home a note that said there is a new division (read: classroom) being added. A 3/4 split class. There is no teacher for that class yet, so they are keeping that class in the multi-purose room (where hot lunches, afterschool events and craft materials are done) while they prepare the portables for the new class. They still have to post the job, interview and hire the teacher! These wandering students are being "taught" by the music teacher (who only works part time usually)untill things get settled.
I am exasperated. At least he knows who his classmates are, but they promised us it was easier on the kids if they waited those few days before setting the classes..... SO THEY WOULDN'T HAVE TO MOVE AROUND MORE THAN NECESSARY!
It is NOT easier this way!
I realize everyschool is having these same headaches, but the TEACHERS were the ones that voted for these new rules about class sizes. What a pain in the arse.
I guess I need to write a note to the principal.
I can't think of the word to describe what they are doing to Stevie's class.
He brought home a note that said there is a new division (read: classroom) being added. A 3/4 split class. There is no teacher for that class yet, so they are keeping that class in the multi-purose room (where hot lunches, afterschool events and craft materials are done) while they prepare the portables for the new class. They still have to post the job, interview and hire the teacher! These wandering students are being "taught" by the music teacher (who only works part time usually)untill things get settled.
I am exasperated. At least he knows who his classmates are, but they promised us it was easier on the kids if they waited those few days before setting the classes..... SO THEY WOULDN'T HAVE TO MOVE AROUND MORE THAN NECESSARY!
It is NOT easier this way!
I realize everyschool is having these same headaches, but the TEACHERS were the ones that voted for these new rules about class sizes. What a pain in the arse.
I guess I need to write a note to the principal.
9.08.2006
first week down
Cami was in Kindergarten! 1/2 hour on Tuesday, an hour on Wed/Thurs/Fri....annoying having to go back up to the school so frequently, but oh well.
Stevie still doesn't know what classroom or teacher he will have for grade 4. They are waiting for the "district averages" to come in to designate maximum class sizes. Apparently there is a waiting list for almost every grade (poor dears). And with 180 new lots being developed in the neighbourhood, it will just get crazier.
Our school is 6 years old this year. It has grown at a phenominal rate from it's modest opening size, they had to put in portables over the summer (ugly old things too) even while some schools threaten to close in nearby areas from low enrollment! A school just south of here has 79 students, and 3 closed last year. It's strange as there seems to be new homes going up all over the place, but the boomers are done having their kids and the boomer's kid's kids are getting out of elementary school for the most part so here we are. Are all the homes are for retired people moving to the beautiful Island? And just MY neighbourhood is stuffed to bursting with young families?
Not complaining. My boys have TONNES of playmates. The older part of the valley is getting teenagers now.... I have to admit, in the last year or so compared to when we moved here, it has gotten noisier after 11pm (drunk fighting teens, squealing tires and the like) and the cases of petty vandalism are apparent more frequently. It is inevitable though, I was one of those mad, hormone-driven youths not so long ago...
Back to school though... it will be nice to settle into a routine and I have been a good girl and walked every day up there, sometimes continuing up the hill to my sister's to visit during the measely hour of freedom. I will keep you all posted.
Stevie still doesn't know what classroom or teacher he will have for grade 4. They are waiting for the "district averages" to come in to designate maximum class sizes. Apparently there is a waiting list for almost every grade (poor dears). And with 180 new lots being developed in the neighbourhood, it will just get crazier.
Our school is 6 years old this year. It has grown at a phenominal rate from it's modest opening size, they had to put in portables over the summer (ugly old things too) even while some schools threaten to close in nearby areas from low enrollment! A school just south of here has 79 students, and 3 closed last year. It's strange as there seems to be new homes going up all over the place, but the boomers are done having their kids and the boomer's kid's kids are getting out of elementary school for the most part so here we are. Are all the homes are for retired people moving to the beautiful Island? And just MY neighbourhood is stuffed to bursting with young families?
Not complaining. My boys have TONNES of playmates. The older part of the valley is getting teenagers now.... I have to admit, in the last year or so compared to when we moved here, it has gotten noisier after 11pm (drunk fighting teens, squealing tires and the like) and the cases of petty vandalism are apparent more frequently. It is inevitable though, I was one of those mad, hormone-driven youths not so long ago...
Back to school though... it will be nice to settle into a routine and I have been a good girl and walked every day up there, sometimes continuing up the hill to my sister's to visit during the measely hour of freedom. I will keep you all posted.
9.02.2006
Out of Character
Interesting thing today.....
It was T's grandma's 90th Birthday today, and her daughter (T's mom) worked hard to arrange something of a party at the old folk's home for her. I anguished over what would be appropriate to bring, and after much thought picked out a lovely card that wasn't sappy, nor was it demeaning to her getting older -- cute -- is probably the best word. Anyway, the card was tough for me and the price of it almost made me choke (Hallmark). I brought it home and T guffawed my efforts and didn't even read the freaking thing let alone sign it.
Then I made the huge Greek Salad for the party that his mommy asked we bring. I had asked T to bring home some feta for it yesterday, but I suppose he forgot. So on the way to the party I asked him to make a side-trip to the store, and in the parking lot I added the missing ingredient. T made an exasperated sound at the feta crumbles in the trunk (really not that bad!).
We get to the "extended care facility" and as I am unloading I realize the card didn't make it into the car with the food. By this point it is too much for me. I put effort into this thing! The salad, the card, getting the kids presentable, too much effort considering it's not even officially my gran. I say how much effort the card was and T makes a comment about that's why he never bothers to get them, I mumble about the price of it compounding the situation and he says I shouldn't worry about it. I am exasperated! I am ready to burst into a flying rage or tears because he doesn't HEAR what I am SAYING. We get the food and the kids into the party room (very nice and it didn't even smell funny). I can feel something growing inside me and I know that my usual thing to do with this feeling is to have a slightly cold shoulder to my hubby, be a little too strict with the kids verbally, laugh too loud at others jokes and fume miserably while pretending to have a good time -- apologizing about the card when the time comes. I do one lap around the room and make a decision.
I come up to T and say "can I have your keys please". He passes them to me without even a meaningful glance and I bolt for the door.
After all it is HIS GRANDMA's birthday, not mine. The kids are happy and safe and everyone is occupied..... I made it out to the car started it up and drove for home.
Instantly I feel better and though I still want to cry, I am no longer angry. I am fixing the problem so there is no reason to be bitter, nothing to hold a grudge about!
I remember that we needed Uncle Evan to sign some transfer papers for a van he wants us to sell for him so I stop at the Insurance place on the way by. I get home feeling in control, get the card off the table and decide I want to have a coffee while I am here. Sigh..... good coffee!
I pack up my mug, my own keys, the card and the papers and I head back to the party. NOW I can relax!
It worked wonderfully. I was not the martyr, I did not place blame, I took my problem and solved it.
T was very concerned about my disappearing act, he looked very releived that I came back actually. I said not too much to him at the party, I let it all happen around me. When we finally got home and was cleaning up, T actually asked if he did anything wrong to make me go. (!) That was an interesting side effect. I told him how it was important to ME to have the card, and since he didn't seem to care too much about it, that it was MY problem so I went and fixed it. He mentioned that I didn't say anything that I just left, and I explained that I was very upset, and for once I held my tongue and thought before I spoke. I also said not to worry about it because it really wasn't a big deal.
It really wasn't.
The BIG deal is that I did something out of character for me and it was much more effective!
It was T's grandma's 90th Birthday today, and her daughter (T's mom) worked hard to arrange something of a party at the old folk's home for her. I anguished over what would be appropriate to bring, and after much thought picked out a lovely card that wasn't sappy, nor was it demeaning to her getting older -- cute -- is probably the best word. Anyway, the card was tough for me and the price of it almost made me choke (Hallmark). I brought it home and T guffawed my efforts and didn't even read the freaking thing let alone sign it.
Then I made the huge Greek Salad for the party that his mommy asked we bring. I had asked T to bring home some feta for it yesterday, but I suppose he forgot. So on the way to the party I asked him to make a side-trip to the store, and in the parking lot I added the missing ingredient. T made an exasperated sound at the feta crumbles in the trunk (really not that bad!).
We get to the "extended care facility" and as I am unloading I realize the card didn't make it into the car with the food. By this point it is too much for me. I put effort into this thing! The salad, the card, getting the kids presentable, too much effort considering it's not even officially my gran. I say how much effort the card was and T makes a comment about that's why he never bothers to get them, I mumble about the price of it compounding the situation and he says I shouldn't worry about it. I am exasperated! I am ready to burst into a flying rage or tears because he doesn't HEAR what I am SAYING. We get the food and the kids into the party room (very nice and it didn't even smell funny). I can feel something growing inside me and I know that my usual thing to do with this feeling is to have a slightly cold shoulder to my hubby, be a little too strict with the kids verbally, laugh too loud at others jokes and fume miserably while pretending to have a good time -- apologizing about the card when the time comes. I do one lap around the room and make a decision.
I come up to T and say "can I have your keys please". He passes them to me without even a meaningful glance and I bolt for the door.
After all it is HIS GRANDMA's birthday, not mine. The kids are happy and safe and everyone is occupied..... I made it out to the car started it up and drove for home.
Instantly I feel better and though I still want to cry, I am no longer angry. I am fixing the problem so there is no reason to be bitter, nothing to hold a grudge about!
I remember that we needed Uncle Evan to sign some transfer papers for a van he wants us to sell for him so I stop at the Insurance place on the way by. I get home feeling in control, get the card off the table and decide I want to have a coffee while I am here. Sigh..... good coffee!
I pack up my mug, my own keys, the card and the papers and I head back to the party. NOW I can relax!
It worked wonderfully. I was not the martyr, I did not place blame, I took my problem and solved it.
T was very concerned about my disappearing act, he looked very releived that I came back actually. I said not too much to him at the party, I let it all happen around me. When we finally got home and was cleaning up, T actually asked if he did anything wrong to make me go. (!) That was an interesting side effect. I told him how it was important to ME to have the card, and since he didn't seem to care too much about it, that it was MY problem so I went and fixed it. He mentioned that I didn't say anything that I just left, and I explained that I was very upset, and for once I held my tongue and thought before I spoke. I also said not to worry about it because it really wasn't a big deal.
It really wasn't.
The BIG deal is that I did something out of character for me and it was much more effective!
9.01.2006
This means WAR
I opened my eyes to my home the other day, and this is what I saw......
Scary, but this is what my home is like right now! These photos are NOT staged!!!!!
A couple of nights ago Steve had an absolute breakdown because Cameron had a toy that he didn't. It didn't seem to matter that he had 20 St.ar.Wa.rs. tiny toys to his brother's 4, he just obsessed about the one he didn't have! (It was like we drowned his puppy the way he carried on!!!) Can you believe that in a room of so MUCH that he can be upset about something so tiny? So T set out an ultimatum. The greed and gluttony has to stop. There will be NO new toys until Christmas from us. NONE. Absolutely no exceptions. No garage sales, dollar stores, thrift shop finds, online auction purchases -- N-O-T-H-I-N-G --!!!!!
Seriously.
At first I was horrified at the severity of the sentence, and then I looked around my home and nearly puked. It is full, it has more than enough to keep them occupied and they really have been trained that everyday deserves a new toy. It's gross. I have literally 2 large totes of toys waiting for Christmas already!!!!
This isn't a "let's see how long I can hold out" sort of arrangement. This isn't something I want to ignore and maybe T will forget. I am not looking for loopholes here. If any toy comes into this home that I paid for, it will HAVE to wait for Christmas. I have printed out a copy of the above photo to keep in my purse (around my cards).
It's been only a couple days, but I already feel lighter somehow.
My mother's blood runs thick in me.... I only hope I am strong enough! I will miss the thrill of the hunt, the joy of finding that special thing, really though, .....Enough is Enough.
Scary, but this is what my home is like right now! These photos are NOT staged!!!!!
A couple of nights ago Steve had an absolute breakdown because Cameron had a toy that he didn't. It didn't seem to matter that he had 20 St.ar.Wa.rs. tiny toys to his brother's 4, he just obsessed about the one he didn't have! (It was like we drowned his puppy the way he carried on!!!) Can you believe that in a room of so MUCH that he can be upset about something so tiny? So T set out an ultimatum. The greed and gluttony has to stop. There will be NO new toys until Christmas from us. NONE. Absolutely no exceptions. No garage sales, dollar stores, thrift shop finds, online auction purchases -- N-O-T-H-I-N-G --!!!!!
Seriously.
At first I was horrified at the severity of the sentence, and then I looked around my home and nearly puked. It is full, it has more than enough to keep them occupied and they really have been trained that everyday deserves a new toy. It's gross. I have literally 2 large totes of toys waiting for Christmas already!!!!
This isn't a "let's see how long I can hold out" sort of arrangement. This isn't something I want to ignore and maybe T will forget. I am not looking for loopholes here. If any toy comes into this home that I paid for, it will HAVE to wait for Christmas. I have printed out a copy of the above photo to keep in my purse (around my cards).
It's been only a couple days, but I already feel lighter somehow.
My mother's blood runs thick in me.... I only hope I am strong enough! I will miss the thrill of the hunt, the joy of finding that special thing, really though, .....Enough is Enough.
8.30.2006
Wonderful Weekend
Well this weekend was chocker-block full of good memories!
This was the weekend we took our newly acquired tent-trailer on its maiden voyage, this was the weekend one of my best friends celebrated their 10th anniversary with a fabulous BBQ for friends and family, this was the weekend we got to take our doggie on his first camping trip...... fun was had by all!
Bubbles, food and musical festivities!
We all had fun, but I think the dog had an absolute BLAST!
(You can't even tell he was barfing all night from so much revelry at the BBQ, can you?)
At the campsite there was the typical wildlife: squirrels, blue jays, ravens. And the typical weekend wildlife: partiers, crazy kids. One thing that was markedly absent (though not missed) were the wasps and mosquitos!!!! Don't know where they were and I was simply pleased they left us alone! One interesting site while walking in the woods, by the tall trees and giant mossy boulders...
.... was this interesting canine. He spooked easily, but posed nicely for the photo!
A wonderful evening visit by my adopted childhood family was a real treat!!!!! And we rounded off the weekend by visiting the museum and seeing how many instances of the Bannerman name we could find! Then we saw the aforementioned family walking down the street just as we left the building. (Thanks for the colouring books Mr.B!)
The drive home was uneventful and I think it was a smashing success for the whole family.
This was the weekend we took our newly acquired tent-trailer on its maiden voyage, this was the weekend one of my best friends celebrated their 10th anniversary with a fabulous BBQ for friends and family, this was the weekend we got to take our doggie on his first camping trip...... fun was had by all!
Bubbles, food and musical festivities!
We all had fun, but I think the dog had an absolute BLAST!
(You can't even tell he was barfing all night from so much revelry at the BBQ, can you?)
At the campsite there was the typical wildlife: squirrels, blue jays, ravens. And the typical weekend wildlife: partiers, crazy kids. One thing that was markedly absent (though not missed) were the wasps and mosquitos!!!! Don't know where they were and I was simply pleased they left us alone! One interesting site while walking in the woods, by the tall trees and giant mossy boulders...
.... was this interesting canine. He spooked easily, but posed nicely for the photo!
A wonderful evening visit by my adopted childhood family was a real treat!!!!! And we rounded off the weekend by visiting the museum and seeing how many instances of the Bannerman name we could find! Then we saw the aforementioned family walking down the street just as we left the building. (Thanks for the colouring books Mr.B!)
The drive home was uneventful and I think it was a smashing success for the whole family.
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