Last Saturday Sage's eye started to run. Then a few times I wiped out a large sleepy-bug throughout the evening. Then overnight he woke up crying his head off and his eye was swollen shut and pus everywhere. In the morning I took him to the clinic and the doctor looked at him for a few seconds and said "no, it's not Pinkeye" whew "but he does have an ear infection that has spread to his eye." Ah. "Do you have a drug plan?" Crap. "Good. Then I'll give you this, and get some Advil for the pain. Good day Mrs Huss." And I thought he thought I was a panicking mom, placate her with antibiotics, get her out. I didn't want to get the antibiotics. But then while driving home, I thought about it further. He'd been feverish off and on for 2 weeks. We had gotten his MMR shots halfway through that and had blamed the second week of fevers on that. He'd been steadily getting miserabler and miserabler recently. Maybe he did have an ear infection; maybe the antibiotics were warranted.
So I filled the prescription. Within 24 hours his eye cleared up and he became a different baby. He was laughing. He was happy. He didn't try to bean Hayden on the head with his cup all the time. Even on Tuesday the Daycare noticed and said "What happened? He's so happy!"
Yesterday after Jake picked the kids up from daycare and then came to get me, Hayden's eye was running. And pus-y. Very very gross. Overnight his eye swelled shut and I had to use a warm damp cloth held to it in order to unstick his eyelashes off his face. I took him to the clinic. Same doctor. Same thing. Same treatment.
Meanwhile, back on the ranch, I had gotten a swollen gland in my throat on Monday. The other one swelled up on Tuesday to match. I wore my scarf all day Tuesday and Wednesday at work. If I hadn't been doing new hire interviews, I would've called in sick Wednesday because oh man, my throat hurt. I called in sick today though. There was no way. Talking is such a chore. After the doctor looked at Hayden, he peered down my throat and said "You have tonsilitis and strep throat" and gave me a prescription for antibiotics. I filled it, and the numbing gargle too, but I'm not sure if I'm going to take it. I bought Acidopholus and yogurt just in case I am going to take it. I'll see how I am without it tomorrow. I already called in sick again. It will be nice to be sick at home without kids or husband for once.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Poem
I started writing a poem today.
I dreamt last night the grass was green,
And you held my hand to comfort me.
But that's as far as I got before this poem about my mother made my wound that is the absence of her reopen and bleed as though it were just incurred. The feel of her hand, her soft skin, the shape of her fingernails, the light pressure of her fingers, and her love were all very close to me today. It was as if she was visiting me.
*ten kleenexes later*
Don't forget to set your clocks ahead tonight. Did you notice even without the daylight savings time how light it is staying, later and later? Where I am there is still light blue sky at the horizon at 7:15pm. I wouldn't mind hearing how late/early the sun goes down in your neck of the woods, if you'd take the time to comment :o)
I dreamt last night the grass was green,
And you held my hand to comfort me.
But that's as far as I got before this poem about my mother made my wound that is the absence of her reopen and bleed as though it were just incurred. The feel of her hand, her soft skin, the shape of her fingernails, the light pressure of her fingers, and her love were all very close to me today. It was as if she was visiting me.
*ten kleenexes later*
Don't forget to set your clocks ahead tonight. Did you notice even without the daylight savings time how light it is staying, later and later? Where I am there is still light blue sky at the horizon at 7:15pm. I wouldn't mind hearing how late/early the sun goes down in your neck of the woods, if you'd take the time to comment :o)
Thursday, March 06, 2008
South Beach Diet
I'm on day four.
The first two weeks are very strict, no carbs except for veggies, no sugar. Sounds simple enough, and it is, except that it's taking a lot of planning, because I have to cook and create all my snacks and meals. No "insta-food".
But it's really working! I've only been on it 4 days and I've lost 7 lbs!
A curious side effect, however, is that I'm a little bit, er, um, more tempermental than normal.
Let me give you an example.
Last night I went to play poker like I usually do at Dooly's in the south end. Just before break two players were battling it out and there were a lot of chips on the table. After the winner won, the loser (good natured) helped push the chips towards the winner. The guy beside the loser helped too. I was sitting on this guy's other side. I saw him gather up a large handful of $500 chips and then put them in front of the now-distracted winner. I saw him keep one chip in his hand, holding it there with his pinky and ring finger of his left hand. Then he made as if to tidy up his own stack, and I heard the clink of the palmed chip falling onto his chips. As it was now break, everyone was getting up and there was a lot of distractions. I went right over to the assistant tournament director and told her what I'd seen and what should I do. She said talk to the manager of Dooly's (who also runs the tourny). I told Nathan what I'd seen and he said "Next time just tell him to fuck off and stop stealing." Three things occurred to me at this point: 1) he didn't want to do anything about it; 2) I don't talk like that; and 3) I didn't want to get punched in the face, even if I said a modified version of this statement. There is a supposedly strict cheating policy, and anyone caught cheating gets banned. What's getting caught though? NOT seeing someone stealing with my own eyes? Is there some other way?
I have friends and aquaintences at poker, and the assistant director Chantal and I were telling people what I'd seen. I told the girl whose stack he stole from.
Chantal told the other players at our table.
After break was over, I got dealt pocket kings. A great hand. I had $2400 in chips left, so I went all in. No one called except for Cheater Boy. He had Jack 4. I was way ahead. The flop, turn and river gave him two more 4s. "PERFECT" I said. "I lost to the CHEATER." My blood was boiling. I pushed my chips at him and said "I SAW you palm that chip." and I stormed off. I passed a table with a friend at it who asked me if I was out. "Yep! I lost to the CHEATER!" I said kind of loudly. Then as I got towards the door, I saw from across the room the guy looking at me with his palms out, like "what's going on?" and I pointed at him and said VERY loudly "I SAW YOU STEAL THAT CHIP!!"
It was actually kind of freeing, to be able to express my anger like that. On the way home, I felt surreal and really wondered if I'd become a crazy person. After telling Jake what happened, he was shocked and surprised and we both had a laugh because I would normally NEVER make a scene like that.
Ahh good times. Oh right. And hopefully when I can eat carbs again in week three, I will be less crazy. Only 9 1/2 days to go!
The first two weeks are very strict, no carbs except for veggies, no sugar. Sounds simple enough, and it is, except that it's taking a lot of planning, because I have to cook and create all my snacks and meals. No "insta-food".
But it's really working! I've only been on it 4 days and I've lost 7 lbs!
A curious side effect, however, is that I'm a little bit, er, um, more tempermental than normal.
Let me give you an example.
Last night I went to play poker like I usually do at Dooly's in the south end. Just before break two players were battling it out and there were a lot of chips on the table. After the winner won, the loser (good natured) helped push the chips towards the winner. The guy beside the loser helped too. I was sitting on this guy's other side. I saw him gather up a large handful of $500 chips and then put them in front of the now-distracted winner. I saw him keep one chip in his hand, holding it there with his pinky and ring finger of his left hand. Then he made as if to tidy up his own stack, and I heard the clink of the palmed chip falling onto his chips. As it was now break, everyone was getting up and there was a lot of distractions. I went right over to the assistant tournament director and told her what I'd seen and what should I do. She said talk to the manager of Dooly's (who also runs the tourny). I told Nathan what I'd seen and he said "Next time just tell him to fuck off and stop stealing." Three things occurred to me at this point: 1) he didn't want to do anything about it; 2) I don't talk like that; and 3) I didn't want to get punched in the face, even if I said a modified version of this statement. There is a supposedly strict cheating policy, and anyone caught cheating gets banned. What's getting caught though? NOT seeing someone stealing with my own eyes? Is there some other way?
I have friends and aquaintences at poker, and the assistant director Chantal and I were telling people what I'd seen. I told the girl whose stack he stole from.
Chantal told the other players at our table.
After break was over, I got dealt pocket kings. A great hand. I had $2400 in chips left, so I went all in. No one called except for Cheater Boy. He had Jack 4. I was way ahead. The flop, turn and river gave him two more 4s. "PERFECT" I said. "I lost to the CHEATER." My blood was boiling. I pushed my chips at him and said "I SAW you palm that chip." and I stormed off. I passed a table with a friend at it who asked me if I was out. "Yep! I lost to the CHEATER!" I said kind of loudly. Then as I got towards the door, I saw from across the room the guy looking at me with his palms out, like "what's going on?" and I pointed at him and said VERY loudly "I SAW YOU STEAL THAT CHIP!!"
It was actually kind of freeing, to be able to express my anger like that. On the way home, I felt surreal and really wondered if I'd become a crazy person. After telling Jake what happened, he was shocked and surprised and we both had a laugh because I would normally NEVER make a scene like that.
Ahh good times. Oh right. And hopefully when I can eat carbs again in week three, I will be less crazy. Only 9 1/2 days to go!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Happy Leap Year!
I'm home with Sage and Hayden today because Sage is still too sick to go to daycare. They went last week, got sick over the weekend, and haven't been back yet! Hayden could've gone today but we decided to save the $12.50 and keep him home with us.
Next week they'll go back, and probably catch something else! hahaha.. sigh.
I had a great birthday. Thanks for all the birthday wishes and stuff, everyone!
Next week they'll go back, and probably catch something else! hahaha.. sigh.
I had a great birthday. Thanks for all the birthday wishes and stuff, everyone!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
February 18th
First of all,
HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY DHARA AND ELORA!!!!!
Happy birthday to yous
Happy Birthday Two Ewes!
Happy Birthday Dear Dhara and Dear Elora,
Happy Birthday TO USE!!
Secondly, 9 days till my birthday.
Thirdly, let me tell you about my evening last night.
It was around 4pm and I was going outside to take out Sage's carseat and to clean out the car so that I could pick up our babysitter Kachina and her friend who's visiting from North Bay. Sage's carseat was still rear-facing because in the booklet it said it was safe to be rear-facing until the child was 30 lbs. Sage has been 29.5 for a couple months now, and it's something I've been meaning to do for some time. This was the perfect kick in the pants I required. So I went to take the carseat out so Kachina's friend would have someplace to sit.
When I got outside (haha that makes it sound like it's a major journey, but really, all I had to do was put on my coat and boots and step through the doorway.) I saw a familiar blue minivan pulling up in our driveway. I know what you're all thinking "But Carol and BJ went to Toronto in their blue minivan!" Ah HA! I fooled you! It was Steve and Noah's blue minivan that I recognized.
Is this too wordy? Am I rambling too much? You know what? I don't care! It's my blog and I'll write how I feel like writing. Plus, what are you going to do, stop reading? heh heh heh heh
-- hey what if you stop reading my blog? ack. I'd better get on with it.
Anyway Steve and Noah got out of their car and brought over a little package of toy cars and some wrapped up flowers in a vase as a thank you present for helping them! I was so touched. If we hadn't been home, they would've had to walk home and leave their car behind bars until Tuesday. Which would have sucked! Hayden and Sage were napping when they stopped by, so they couldn't say thank you themselves, but they loved the little emergency vehicle cars after their nap was over. And the flowers are so pretty!
It was raining while this was happening. The temperature was about -1 or 0, and the layer of ice on the car was REALLY fun to scrape off. It was thick but just warm enough to pop off in big sheets.
I picked up the girls and a pizza for them and the boys to eat for supper, and Jake and I went to play poker. I didn't do well in the tournament, I was the 11th person out, but I was glad that I didn't feel so crushed as I had felt last Wednesday when I had the best hand and would've won if the last card (the River) hadn't given my opponent a third queen to beat my pair of kings. Oh my god, I felt so bad after that, I even woke up at 3am that night unable to sleep for the misery of it all. Which in itself was disturbing, the fact that I was so upset. If all this poker wasn't free, I'd think I had a problem. Luckily, it's free, so you all don't have to go calling Gamblers Anonymous for me or anything. Anyway last night I was out early and was waiting around for Jake, who was doing well. Usually the people who leave the tournament early-ish still want to play cards, so a "loser's lounge" table is usually started. Sometimes it's just a "fun" table, and the winner gets nothing more than the statisfaction of some well-played cards and good luck. Most times tho, people buy a seat for $5 and the winner and runner-up get a cash reward. This is not legal, so the money has to pass hands literally under the table. The restaurant is not licenced for gambling, which is why it's not right. But hey. We're there, the cards are there, the chips and table top are there, so why not? Just as long as it's hush hush. The tournament is free, so the gambling law doesn't apply. So a table of 9 players including me set up and WHOA what a ride. The losers can be quite agressive. But it's usually a fun table with drinking and laughter and the odd serious poker moment or two. We start with 5000 worth of chips. About 20 minutes into the game I was down but not by much, to 4200. After the flop (first three community cards) the first to act raised 5000 chips. He had a few thousand more than than that. He did it so that if I called I would be all-in, and therefore OUT if I lost. I had a hard decision to make. I had Queen and 7 of spades. The flop had two small spades and a Queen. Therefore I had top pair AND a spade flush draw, with two more chances to catch one more spade. His huge raise of 5000 made me think that he had either a pair higher than queens or maybe two pairs, but if my flush came through, it would've beaten him. I thought about it for a few minutes. I counted my chips again. I held them in my hand and almost put them in. Then I said to myself "this is only for fun. let's just see!" so I called. Usually when I chase a flush, I don't get it, so I was thinking "Cosmos, you owe me a flush!!!" Another player called himself all in after me as well, and the pot was huge. We all flipped our cards over and checked out what each other needed to beat our own hands. The first guy had King and Queen (a pair of queens as well but with a bigger second card or 'kicker' than me, and the favorite so far). The other guy had a pair of 8s. He was basically not going to win unless he got a third 8. The Turn came (the fourth card) and it was a small red card. No help to the underdogs. People were shouting. Onlookers were rooting for their favorite players. I heard me and someone else chanting "spade! spade! spade!" People were standing! It was all very exciting. The dealer let the moment draw out for added anticipation and excitement, but the old lady next to him (that no one really likes) peeked and shouted "It's a SPADE!" Glory halelujia! Thank you Cosmos!! I won it all! I raked all my chips in and my oh my that is a great feeling.
An hour or so later it was 8pm-ish and we were down to the final three. Chantal, Andy, and me. First paid $30 and second paid $10, and nothing for third. Andy and I had big stacks, and Chantal had only a few thousand left. But she hung in there, my goodness. We played with three players like that for almost two hours! At around 10pm Chantal finally went out. The final table of the tournament was FINISHED and Andy and I were still playing. I had a much smaller stack than him, but I got lucky with a few good hands and we were more or less even after just a few minutes of play. The guy who runs the tournament was packing up the stuff. Andy and I looked at each other and I said "do you want to just split it $20/$20?" he agreed and that was it.
We got home at 10:30 and it was still raining. Kachina asked me if I could drop them off at Tim Horton's on Lasalle. They are 14 years old, and her mother and stepfather are out of town. If they'd been in town, I would have been playing poker with them all night, and I would've called to see if that was cool with them. Luckily when we got to Timmie's, their friends were not there, so I was able to drive them home. I said I was sorry they missed their friends, but I was not. It didn't seem like an appropriate thing to be doing at 14 years old. I'm not going to rat her out to her mom, but I am going to ask her if it ever comes up again, would she be allowed. The really funny thing is that after I got home, Hayden said to me "just get home". You and I know that he's pretty much a parrot, and I think it's funny to think that the girls were saying that, waiting here anxiously, wanting to meet their friends.. heh heh heh.
Well I hope you didn't get bored reading this really long post. Thank you for staying with me! Take care.
HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY DHARA AND ELORA!!!!!
Happy birthday to yous
Happy Birthday Two Ewes!
Happy Birthday Dear Dhara and Dear Elora,
Happy Birthday TO USE!!
Secondly, 9 days till my birthday.
Thirdly, let me tell you about my evening last night.
It was around 4pm and I was going outside to take out Sage's carseat and to clean out the car so that I could pick up our babysitter Kachina and her friend who's visiting from North Bay. Sage's carseat was still rear-facing because in the booklet it said it was safe to be rear-facing until the child was 30 lbs. Sage has been 29.5 for a couple months now, and it's something I've been meaning to do for some time. This was the perfect kick in the pants I required. So I went to take the carseat out so Kachina's friend would have someplace to sit.
When I got outside (haha that makes it sound like it's a major journey, but really, all I had to do was put on my coat and boots and step through the doorway.) I saw a familiar blue minivan pulling up in our driveway. I know what you're all thinking "But Carol and BJ went to Toronto in their blue minivan!" Ah HA! I fooled you! It was Steve and Noah's blue minivan that I recognized.
Is this too wordy? Am I rambling too much? You know what? I don't care! It's my blog and I'll write how I feel like writing. Plus, what are you going to do, stop reading? heh heh heh heh
-- hey what if you stop reading my blog? ack. I'd better get on with it.
Anyway Steve and Noah got out of their car and brought over a little package of toy cars and some wrapped up flowers in a vase as a thank you present for helping them! I was so touched. If we hadn't been home, they would've had to walk home and leave their car behind bars until Tuesday. Which would have sucked! Hayden and Sage were napping when they stopped by, so they couldn't say thank you themselves, but they loved the little emergency vehicle cars after their nap was over. And the flowers are so pretty!
It was raining while this was happening. The temperature was about -1 or 0, and the layer of ice on the car was REALLY fun to scrape off. It was thick but just warm enough to pop off in big sheets.
I picked up the girls and a pizza for them and the boys to eat for supper, and Jake and I went to play poker. I didn't do well in the tournament, I was the 11th person out, but I was glad that I didn't feel so crushed as I had felt last Wednesday when I had the best hand and would've won if the last card (the River) hadn't given my opponent a third queen to beat my pair of kings. Oh my god, I felt so bad after that, I even woke up at 3am that night unable to sleep for the misery of it all. Which in itself was disturbing, the fact that I was so upset. If all this poker wasn't free, I'd think I had a problem. Luckily, it's free, so you all don't have to go calling Gamblers Anonymous for me or anything. Anyway last night I was out early and was waiting around for Jake, who was doing well. Usually the people who leave the tournament early-ish still want to play cards, so a "loser's lounge" table is usually started. Sometimes it's just a "fun" table, and the winner gets nothing more than the statisfaction of some well-played cards and good luck. Most times tho, people buy a seat for $5 and the winner and runner-up get a cash reward. This is not legal, so the money has to pass hands literally under the table. The restaurant is not licenced for gambling, which is why it's not right. But hey. We're there, the cards are there, the chips and table top are there, so why not? Just as long as it's hush hush. The tournament is free, so the gambling law doesn't apply. So a table of 9 players including me set up and WHOA what a ride. The losers can be quite agressive. But it's usually a fun table with drinking and laughter and the odd serious poker moment or two. We start with 5000 worth of chips. About 20 minutes into the game I was down but not by much, to 4200. After the flop (first three community cards) the first to act raised 5000 chips. He had a few thousand more than than that. He did it so that if I called I would be all-in, and therefore OUT if I lost. I had a hard decision to make. I had Queen and 7 of spades. The flop had two small spades and a Queen. Therefore I had top pair AND a spade flush draw, with two more chances to catch one more spade. His huge raise of 5000 made me think that he had either a pair higher than queens or maybe two pairs, but if my flush came through, it would've beaten him. I thought about it for a few minutes. I counted my chips again. I held them in my hand and almost put them in. Then I said to myself "this is only for fun. let's just see!" so I called. Usually when I chase a flush, I don't get it, so I was thinking "Cosmos, you owe me a flush!!!" Another player called himself all in after me as well, and the pot was huge. We all flipped our cards over and checked out what each other needed to beat our own hands. The first guy had King and Queen (a pair of queens as well but with a bigger second card or 'kicker' than me, and the favorite so far). The other guy had a pair of 8s. He was basically not going to win unless he got a third 8. The Turn came (the fourth card) and it was a small red card. No help to the underdogs. People were shouting. Onlookers were rooting for their favorite players. I heard me and someone else chanting "spade! spade! spade!" People were standing! It was all very exciting. The dealer let the moment draw out for added anticipation and excitement, but the old lady next to him (that no one really likes) peeked and shouted "It's a SPADE!" Glory halelujia! Thank you Cosmos!! I won it all! I raked all my chips in and my oh my that is a great feeling.
An hour or so later it was 8pm-ish and we were down to the final three. Chantal, Andy, and me. First paid $30 and second paid $10, and nothing for third. Andy and I had big stacks, and Chantal had only a few thousand left. But she hung in there, my goodness. We played with three players like that for almost two hours! At around 10pm Chantal finally went out. The final table of the tournament was FINISHED and Andy and I were still playing. I had a much smaller stack than him, but I got lucky with a few good hands and we were more or less even after just a few minutes of play. The guy who runs the tournament was packing up the stuff. Andy and I looked at each other and I said "do you want to just split it $20/$20?" he agreed and that was it.
We got home at 10:30 and it was still raining. Kachina asked me if I could drop them off at Tim Horton's on Lasalle. They are 14 years old, and her mother and stepfather are out of town. If they'd been in town, I would have been playing poker with them all night, and I would've called to see if that was cool with them. Luckily when we got to Timmie's, their friends were not there, so I was able to drive them home. I said I was sorry they missed their friends, but I was not. It didn't seem like an appropriate thing to be doing at 14 years old. I'm not going to rat her out to her mom, but I am going to ask her if it ever comes up again, would she be allowed. The really funny thing is that after I got home, Hayden said to me "just get home". You and I know that he's pretty much a parrot, and I think it's funny to think that the girls were saying that, waiting here anxiously, wanting to meet their friends.. heh heh heh.
Well I hope you didn't get bored reading this really long post. Thank you for staying with me! Take care.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Steve and Noah
Today I went to a candle party hosted by a dear friend from work. Marlene and I carpooled from my house. When it was over (there was some awesome stuff but I didn't buy any because I decided to host my own party and get $50 worth of free stuff!) we returned to my place where Marlene's car was parked. We spent a little time outside laughing and kicking the buildup of salty dirty snow off her mud flaps. She calls it car snot, and I suggested that it was more like ear wax. But I digress. She left and I came inside. I had enough time to announce to Jake that I was going to host a candle party and then go pee before she was back. I thought she'd forgotten something or maybe needed to use the phone, but no, she was being a good samaritan. How like her. While we'd been kicking the car's ear wax, a guy left McDowell property and locked the gate behind him. Unfortunately he'd locked a man and his minivan inside. The man had been taking his 4 year old son for a little tour to see the big bulldozers and machines, and had only been on the property for a few minutes when the worker left and locked him in. The minivan man thought Marlene was an employee and had waved her down, wanting, obviously, to be let out. Mar came inside so we could call the landlord and get someone back here to let them free. I called Brian, our landlord, and he was not happy. He asked me why the guy wanted to sightsee a bunch of machines, so I said again that he'd been showing his little boy, and.. well, I'm sad to say I apologized to him. Even though I was just the messenger. I went back outside with Marlene to tell the man that Brian would be about an hour. This wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened while we've been living here. People have been locked out and locked in quite a number of times over the past 2 1/2 years.
I didn't want the man and his little boy to stay out in the cold for an hour while grumpy Brian made his way over here, so I went inside and asked Jake if he was ok with me inviting them in. He was, and I went back and introduced myself properly and asked them to stay inside while they waited. The fence is not a hugely secure one, and there are big gaps in a lot of places. I think it's more for show, and to keep the big machines from being driven away. The guy said his name was Steve and his son was Noah. They live not too far away, on Plumtree which is a street I've walked on my way to the nearby park quite a few times. Plus my friend Kari used to live on that street. Anyway they came in and Hayden and Noah half played and half watched Treehouse together. Steve was nice. He asked us what we did for a living and told us he was a financial planner. It wasn't a whole hour to wait, and before too long Brian showed up and Steve and Noah were free. Steve shook my hand a few times and said how much he appreciated our hospitality. I was glad to be of help.
I didn't want the man and his little boy to stay out in the cold for an hour while grumpy Brian made his way over here, so I went inside and asked Jake if he was ok with me inviting them in. He was, and I went back and introduced myself properly and asked them to stay inside while they waited. The fence is not a hugely secure one, and there are big gaps in a lot of places. I think it's more for show, and to keep the big machines from being driven away. The guy said his name was Steve and his son was Noah. They live not too far away, on Plumtree which is a street I've walked on my way to the nearby park quite a few times. Plus my friend Kari used to live on that street. Anyway they came in and Hayden and Noah half played and half watched Treehouse together. Steve was nice. He asked us what we did for a living and told us he was a financial planner. It wasn't a whole hour to wait, and before too long Brian showed up and Steve and Noah were free. Steve shook my hand a few times and said how much he appreciated our hospitality. I was glad to be of help.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Tuna Fish
Do you ever make yourself a tuna fish sandwich and think "my word, this is the best lunch ever" ? I just had that. I made tuna fish and put chopped up baby dill in the mix, lettuce, toast, mm mmm mm mm mmm. Good.
The only bad part of the experience was that I have a headache. The lettuce was nice and crunchy, the tuna fish was nice and mayonaisey, the pickles salty, the toast was buttery... so good. So satisfying. And almost healthy too!
The only bad part of the experience was that I have a headache. The lettuce was nice and crunchy, the tuna fish was nice and mayonaisey, the pickles salty, the toast was buttery... so good. So satisfying. And almost healthy too!
Friday, February 08, 2008
Friday
It's been a long week. This was my first full week back after only working part time in January. It was stressful. I was literally able to feel my blood pressure rising to uncomfortable levels, especially Wednesday, Thursday, and today, when some comminication problems interdepartmentally caused various degrees of furiousness in myself. But I don't want to think about it any more. I would much rather think about something else.
Like my BIRTHDAY! There are only 19 days left until my birthday, if anyone is counting, and I know you all are.
If anyone is getting me a present (not that I'm expecting any) the following is a list of things I would like:
- a set of poker chips (check - Thank You Daddy!)
- Wii Karaoke American Idol game (pretty sure Jake is getting this for me)
- large non-stick good quality frying pan
- stripey socks (not too polyestery feeling)
- a vehicle from this century (preferably a mini-van)
- a kick in the pants towards getting a massage (which I'm covered for but never schedule for myself)
- money for a new hairdo
- a bed pillow
- new shoes for work (my current pair are pretty ratty)
- friends that love me
- family that loves me
- a trip for four to Virginia Beach, VA
Monday, February 04, 2008
I'm Famous! They found me on Google!
The following are some comments made tonight on my old post "Been a While, eh?"
Hello,
You don't know me. I googled Canadian Blood Services and AVM and your blog came up.Turns out we probably have a bit in common. I am the mother of 2 children 3 and 6 both boys. I live in Calgary and run a business that provides AVM solutions. (sorry about the layoffs this causes, hopefully people move on to more rewarding work and get some free education in the [process])
Canadian Blood Services is a perfect contract for my company.Here is what I am wondering would you mind helping me.I would love to know how the new process working? If they (CBS) are happy with the service provider they have chosen? Would they consider a new vendor?Who is the person in charge of this decision?Basically any information you are comfortable providing.
Thanks much and all the best on your return to work. (always a little tricky)
T. Kelly
Well tkelly, you didn't leave me your email address, so I guess I'll leave my reply here and hope this is where you'll check back for your answer.
I didn't get laid off, in fact, no one did. I'm a supervisor at our contact centre, and as such, was not promised we wouldn't be laid off, however they created a new position so the second supervisor vying for the one spot was able to keep her job too. We are very happy with AVM and I don't think CBS is about to change vendors any time soon. We just started with AVM in November 07.
I have nothing to do with the purchase or decision making process when it comes to this subject, so I'm sorry that I can't help you out. If you seriously want to sell yourself, I would suggest you contact CBS head office.
Take care.
Jennifer
Hello,
You don't know me. I googled Canadian Blood Services and AVM and your blog came up.Turns out we probably have a bit in common. I am the mother of 2 children 3 and 6 both boys. I live in Calgary and run a business that provides AVM solutions. (sorry about the layoffs this causes, hopefully people move on to more rewarding work and get some free education in the [process])
Canadian Blood Services is a perfect contract for my company.Here is what I am wondering would you mind helping me.I would love to know how the new process working? If they (CBS) are happy with the service provider they have chosen? Would they consider a new vendor?Who is the person in charge of this decision?Basically any information you are comfortable providing.
Thanks much and all the best on your return to work. (always a little tricky)
T. Kelly
Well tkelly, you didn't leave me your email address, so I guess I'll leave my reply here and hope this is where you'll check back for your answer.
I didn't get laid off, in fact, no one did. I'm a supervisor at our contact centre, and as such, was not promised we wouldn't be laid off, however they created a new position so the second supervisor vying for the one spot was able to keep her job too. We are very happy with AVM and I don't think CBS is about to change vendors any time soon. We just started with AVM in November 07.
I have nothing to do with the purchase or decision making process when it comes to this subject, so I'm sorry that I can't help you out. If you seriously want to sell yourself, I would suggest you contact CBS head office.
Take care.
Jennifer
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Happy Groundhog Day!
I think he saw his shadow. I didn't get the official word. But it's pretty bright out there. That means there's only 6 more weeks of winter! Yay!
Monday, January 28, 2008
And he's Okay!
Hayden's blood test results are normal! Hooray!
(this post is short just for BJ's enjoyment)
(this post is short just for BJ's enjoyment)
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Discoveries
I just discovered that my friend Mindi has a new blog, and her friend JennD also has a blog! I'm so excited to read into their thoughts and observations.
I found this and tested myself. I impressed me.
69 words
I never took typing classes, I first got quick when I spent a lot of time chatting on the internet way back when, and then the last 5 years as a computer jockey at work has helped too. Anyway, test yourself and tell me in a comment how good you are so we can compare scores!
I found this and tested myself. I impressed me.
69 words
I never took typing classes, I first got quick when I spent a lot of time chatting on the internet way back when, and then the last 5 years as a computer jockey at work has helped too. Anyway, test yourself and tell me in a comment how good you are so we can compare scores!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Pas De Fridge
Our fridge is gone.
Some guys showed up this morning asking for donations, so I gave them our fridge.
It's all good though because my dad said he'd give me his.
***********
the REAL story:
We had a yukky fridge. It leaned forward, and even tho we had put the feet up and put cardboard levelers under it, the shelves were still quite slanty forward. The freezer door hinges were starting to let go, so the door was on a slant, and we often had frost on the outside. There were other things too, like the crisper drawers didn't open and the cover for the fan in the freezer often fell off.. BLEH it was a mess. So when my dad told me a few months ago that he was thinking of getting a new fridge, I said "dibs on your old one!!" That magical day has happened, so I made an appointment with the Great Refridgerator Roundup people from the "Every Killowatt Counts" campaign, and they came and took my old fridge. They will dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way, and recycle the bits they can.
The only problem is that they came this morning at 9am and we're not getting my dad's fridge till 6pm or so. So all my food is outside in boxes. I just hope it doesn't all freeze..... maybe I should bring it all inside every once in a while...
Some guys showed up this morning asking for donations, so I gave them our fridge.
It's all good though because my dad said he'd give me his.
***********
the REAL story:
We had a yukky fridge. It leaned forward, and even tho we had put the feet up and put cardboard levelers under it, the shelves were still quite slanty forward. The freezer door hinges were starting to let go, so the door was on a slant, and we often had frost on the outside. There were other things too, like the crisper drawers didn't open and the cover for the fan in the freezer often fell off.. BLEH it was a mess. So when my dad told me a few months ago that he was thinking of getting a new fridge, I said "dibs on your old one!!" That magical day has happened, so I made an appointment with the Great Refridgerator Roundup people from the "Every Killowatt Counts" campaign, and they came and took my old fridge. They will dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way, and recycle the bits they can.
The only problem is that they came this morning at 9am and we're not getting my dad's fridge till 6pm or so. So all my food is outside in boxes. I just hope it doesn't all freeze..... maybe I should bring it all inside every once in a while...
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Snow Angel
Hayden and I got dressed for the out doors this afternoon and went outside to play in the newly fallen snow that yesterday brought. It was so sunny and bright today! Gorgeous. I wanted Lacey to come out and play with us too, so I asked Jake if he could let her out of the kitchen (I had snow on my boots already). She came over to the door and as I bent down to grab her collar, voom! She took off.
Hayden and I walked around with her leash, calling and whistling for her to come back. We had a good time walking around the large compound/parking lot of McDowell Equipment. We didn't see hide or hair of Lacey tho. Then on a pass by our house, I noticed fresh dog tracks running behind our house. Well, the tracks weren't running, but a big dumb dog had been. I walked around the side of the house and there was Lacey, face-deep in the bags of garbage we had behind the house. Nice. I tied her to her lead and kicked snow at her while she chomped at it for about 20 minutes. She was crazy excited to bite the snow. She was drooling and running back and forth and jumping, it was loads of fun! Hayden thought she was hillarious. I showed Hayden how to make a snow angel and he made a cute little Hayden-sized one. He liked to eat the snowballs that were forming on his mittens. He also liked throwing snow at Lacey. I was hoping it would be warm enough to be packing snow so we could build a snow man, but even tho it wasn't terribly cold, the snow wasn't warm enough to stick together. Oh well. Another day.
It was cute today Hayden kept telling me he had a butterfly sitting on his arm, and he liked the butterfly and he thought it was SOO Cute, see? He's talking a lot and adding lots of words into his sentences. One of his favorite things to say is "see?" at the end of his sentences. "Here's my blue ball with yellow, see?" "My boo boo hurts, see?" "Sage is hungry, see?" or Now. "I want some water NOW." "I need a green crayon NOW." We've explained to him that it's not polite to be so demanding.
Oh and one more thing. Easy come, easy go with the gas gauge. I went out to visit my friend Marlene tonight, who lives between Wahnapitae and Markstay (about 15 minutes east of our house) so I needed gas. Jake said "Don't fill the tank!" and I agreed. But we collect Bonus Bucks at Pioneer gas station. I wanted $0.30 for 40 litres. The tank was pretty empty and it takes over 60L for a fill-up, so I thought 40 would give us plenty without being full. Well, it filled it and I think the stupid thing is stuck again. I'm pretty sure that the trip out to Marlene's would've made a dint in the gas, but sadly it still shows full. Ahh well.
Hayden and I walked around with her leash, calling and whistling for her to come back. We had a good time walking around the large compound/parking lot of McDowell Equipment. We didn't see hide or hair of Lacey tho. Then on a pass by our house, I noticed fresh dog tracks running behind our house. Well, the tracks weren't running, but a big dumb dog had been. I walked around the side of the house and there was Lacey, face-deep in the bags of garbage we had behind the house. Nice. I tied her to her lead and kicked snow at her while she chomped at it for about 20 minutes. She was crazy excited to bite the snow. She was drooling and running back and forth and jumping, it was loads of fun! Hayden thought she was hillarious. I showed Hayden how to make a snow angel and he made a cute little Hayden-sized one. He liked to eat the snowballs that were forming on his mittens. He also liked throwing snow at Lacey. I was hoping it would be warm enough to be packing snow so we could build a snow man, but even tho it wasn't terribly cold, the snow wasn't warm enough to stick together. Oh well. Another day.
It was cute today Hayden kept telling me he had a butterfly sitting on his arm, and he liked the butterfly and he thought it was SOO Cute, see? He's talking a lot and adding lots of words into his sentences. One of his favorite things to say is "see?" at the end of his sentences. "Here's my blue ball with yellow, see?" "My boo boo hurts, see?" "Sage is hungry, see?" or Now. "I want some water NOW." "I need a green crayon NOW." We've explained to him that it's not polite to be so demanding.
Oh and one more thing. Easy come, easy go with the gas gauge. I went out to visit my friend Marlene tonight, who lives between Wahnapitae and Markstay (about 15 minutes east of our house) so I needed gas. Jake said "Don't fill the tank!" and I agreed. But we collect Bonus Bucks at Pioneer gas station. I wanted $0.30 for 40 litres. The tank was pretty empty and it takes over 60L for a fill-up, so I thought 40 would give us plenty without being full. Well, it filled it and I think the stupid thing is stuck again. I'm pretty sure that the trip out to Marlene's would've made a dint in the gas, but sadly it still shows full. Ahh well.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Gas Gauge and Blood Work
Yesterday after work I noticed that our gas gauge was fixed! It had been stuck at full ever since we went to North Bay at Thanksgiving and filled the tank before we left. Yay! And during that entire time (october 7th to January 10th) we only ever ran out of gas once. And it was Jake, on Lasalle, and my dad went and saved him. What a relief to have a gas gauge again!
Today I took Hayden to the hospital to get his bloodwork done. It had been ordered in December, but I hadn't gotten myself ready for the trauma I was expecting him to go through, and frankly didn't want to have to go through all that in the busy time before Christmas. Jake and I got the kids ready this morning, we drove him to work, then I dropped Sage off at Auntie Sandy's house since she'd agreed to watch him while I took Hayden up to St. Joseph's Hospital. I got a meter, which was a miracle, and Hayden and I went in and tried to find out where to go. We eventually wound up in the right department (admitting) however, I had brought with us the WRONG requisition form!! The admitting nurse said "So Krawczuk is the family doctor?" and I said "No, Hayden's doctor is Pluta." She said "But Krawczuk ordered the tests?" "No, Hayden doesn't see Dr Krawczuk at all, he's my doctor only. Dr PLUTA ordered the tests." and then I realized... "Oh.. that's my req." and then I realized further "uh oh... I don't think I have Hayden's req..." and began to search my purse for the requisition I knew was not there. I was very sad to realize the req was probably where I'd left it, on the printer at home. "Oh reggle-skeggle I have to go home and get his paperwork." ['Reggle-skeggle' is the swearing that Fred Flinstone utters under his breath.]
SO Back to the car we went. Buckled up Hayden. Swore for real in the few seconds I had between closing the back door and opening the driver's door. Drove home. Did I mention it was snowing all day and the ploughs hadn't been by yet? Got home. Searched for the req. Found the other Wii remote which had been missing. Found the req. Got back in the car. Relaxed while Toto sang us most of the way back to the hospital about the rains down in Aaaaaafricaaaa. Turned into the metered parking lot, behind another car. Which happened to take the one available spot. Drove over to the $3 parking lot. Full. Attendant waving me away mouthing the word "FULL". Gave him the finger in my head. Drove further away to the free lot at York Street. Parked. Bundled Hayden and myself up for the long walk to the hospital. Considered foregoing the whole thing and doing it another time. Reconsidered and kept going. Walking to the hospital, which is on Lake Ramsey, for those of you who don't know, was very cold and windy. The wind was coming in from across the lake right into our faces. Hayden kept crying and saying he needed a hug. I carried him for about 25 steps, but he's heavy and I'm weak and it's even harder when both our slippery coats prevented friction from helping hold him up. The snow was blowing and Hayden was saying "shoo! shoo!" to it to get it out of his face. I thought that was pretty cute. Eventually we got to the admitting desk and the nurse there had a little laugh at us making it back. She typed in his proper information and we went down to the lab out-patient waiting room.
At this point Hayden said he needed to pee on the toilet. At home when he pees on the toilet, he takes everything off from the waist down. Here at the hospital, I didn't want him doing that. I hummed and hawed and asked him if he could just pee into his diaper this time. A few minutes later he asked again. I asked another patient if she could watch the diaper bag and coats while I took him into the bathroom. She did. I told Hayden he would have to pee with his boots on and his pants and pull-up down around his ankles. I held his hands while he sat on the toilet seat and tried to point his penis down so he wouldn't go all over his leg. And he peed! I'm so proud of him!
A few minutes later it was Hayden's turn to get pricked. Three phlebotomists were there and asked me how his temperment was. I said "Honestly, he freaks out when the dr tries to look in his ear, so I have no idea how he'll be with this. It's his first time getting blood drawn. I think he'll need to be strapped down." They sat him on a bed and one of the ladies said "ok we're going to feel your muscles now! make a fist" and tied a tournequet around his arm. She felt his little anticubital space for a vein to pop up, and located a good candidate. Then they asked him to lie down and one lady explained that a little butterfly was going to sit on his arm for a few minutes and while it did that, a spaghetti noodle inside his arm was going to pour spaghetti sauce into the little tube she had. He only flinched for a second when the needle went in, and while she described the spaghetti sauce and how good it was and how much the butterfly liked it, he watched his blood go down the little tubing and into the vacuum tube. He didn't cry, he didn't fight, he didn't thrash, he didn't puke, he didn't worry, he didn't yell, he didn't do anything except watch quietly and be a perfect little boy! I was very relieved. When the two tubes were filled, she put tape on the cotton ball on his arm, and then gave him two little knitted finger puppets to play with.
We walked back to the car and with the wind at our backs it was a pleasant walk. The snow drifted down peacefully and I was so glad it went well. Now we'll just wait for the results and cross our fingers that the glucose test comes back normal.
Today I took Hayden to the hospital to get his bloodwork done. It had been ordered in December, but I hadn't gotten myself ready for the trauma I was expecting him to go through, and frankly didn't want to have to go through all that in the busy time before Christmas. Jake and I got the kids ready this morning, we drove him to work, then I dropped Sage off at Auntie Sandy's house since she'd agreed to watch him while I took Hayden up to St. Joseph's Hospital. I got a meter, which was a miracle, and Hayden and I went in and tried to find out where to go. We eventually wound up in the right department (admitting) however, I had brought with us the WRONG requisition form!! The admitting nurse said "So Krawczuk is the family doctor?" and I said "No, Hayden's doctor is Pluta." She said "But Krawczuk ordered the tests?" "No, Hayden doesn't see Dr Krawczuk at all, he's my doctor only. Dr PLUTA ordered the tests." and then I realized... "Oh.. that's my req." and then I realized further "uh oh... I don't think I have Hayden's req..." and began to search my purse for the requisition I knew was not there. I was very sad to realize the req was probably where I'd left it, on the printer at home. "Oh reggle-skeggle I have to go home and get his paperwork." ['Reggle-skeggle' is the swearing that Fred Flinstone utters under his breath.]
SO Back to the car we went. Buckled up Hayden. Swore for real in the few seconds I had between closing the back door and opening the driver's door. Drove home. Did I mention it was snowing all day and the ploughs hadn't been by yet? Got home. Searched for the req. Found the other Wii remote which had been missing. Found the req. Got back in the car. Relaxed while Toto sang us most of the way back to the hospital about the rains down in Aaaaaafricaaaa. Turned into the metered parking lot, behind another car. Which happened to take the one available spot. Drove over to the $3 parking lot. Full. Attendant waving me away mouthing the word "FULL". Gave him the finger in my head. Drove further away to the free lot at York Street. Parked. Bundled Hayden and myself up for the long walk to the hospital. Considered foregoing the whole thing and doing it another time. Reconsidered and kept going. Walking to the hospital, which is on Lake Ramsey, for those of you who don't know, was very cold and windy. The wind was coming in from across the lake right into our faces. Hayden kept crying and saying he needed a hug. I carried him for about 25 steps, but he's heavy and I'm weak and it's even harder when both our slippery coats prevented friction from helping hold him up. The snow was blowing and Hayden was saying "shoo! shoo!" to it to get it out of his face. I thought that was pretty cute. Eventually we got to the admitting desk and the nurse there had a little laugh at us making it back. She typed in his proper information and we went down to the lab out-patient waiting room.
At this point Hayden said he needed to pee on the toilet. At home when he pees on the toilet, he takes everything off from the waist down. Here at the hospital, I didn't want him doing that. I hummed and hawed and asked him if he could just pee into his diaper this time. A few minutes later he asked again. I asked another patient if she could watch the diaper bag and coats while I took him into the bathroom. She did. I told Hayden he would have to pee with his boots on and his pants and pull-up down around his ankles. I held his hands while he sat on the toilet seat and tried to point his penis down so he wouldn't go all over his leg. And he peed! I'm so proud of him!
A few minutes later it was Hayden's turn to get pricked. Three phlebotomists were there and asked me how his temperment was. I said "Honestly, he freaks out when the dr tries to look in his ear, so I have no idea how he'll be with this. It's his first time getting blood drawn. I think he'll need to be strapped down." They sat him on a bed and one of the ladies said "ok we're going to feel your muscles now! make a fist" and tied a tournequet around his arm. She felt his little anticubital space for a vein to pop up, and located a good candidate. Then they asked him to lie down and one lady explained that a little butterfly was going to sit on his arm for a few minutes and while it did that, a spaghetti noodle inside his arm was going to pour spaghetti sauce into the little tube she had. He only flinched for a second when the needle went in, and while she described the spaghetti sauce and how good it was and how much the butterfly liked it, he watched his blood go down the little tubing and into the vacuum tube. He didn't cry, he didn't fight, he didn't thrash, he didn't puke, he didn't worry, he didn't yell, he didn't do anything except watch quietly and be a perfect little boy! I was very relieved. When the two tubes were filled, she put tape on the cotton ball on his arm, and then gave him two little knitted finger puppets to play with.
We walked back to the car and with the wind at our backs it was a pleasant walk. The snow drifted down peacefully and I was so glad it went well. Now we'll just wait for the results and cross our fingers that the glucose test comes back normal.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Holy Moly!
http://www.princessbridegame.com/
There's a trailer! And it's awesome! And the game is coming soon! (hint to those of you who might be getting me a present for my birthday: this would be an awesome one)
so cool.
There's a trailer! And it's awesome! And the game is coming soon! (hint to those of you who might be getting me a present for my birthday: this would be an awesome one)
so cool.
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