On top of packing, festival, nursery school & trying to get a Brownie meeting together for today, Dale & I have just spent a few hours trying to get Kaye & Norm's computer back up and going.
I feel a great deal of empathy for my brother at this moment.
Our ISP changed from a qmail based server to a gmail based server for e-mail, one domain at a time. As a result, I didn't have e-mail from a number of people who used the inetlinkwireless address for about a month. What was sad about this was that I hadn't picked up on it for a whole month. At any rate, I worked my way through all the port changes and other settings and got us up and going. We're using Thunderbird, as Eudora had annoyed me one too many times a few months ago.
However, my in laws, who finally got wired last year, would not change from Eudora. They're "used to it". So, I tried to make the switch using their existing system.
I spent a fair bit of time trying to figure out how to change ports, but actually, it doesn't seem that you can. This while my mother in law is saying stuff like "how is it going?", "what is it doing?" "is it working yet?" behind me...I didn't say anything, but the M-I-L left saying that I was swearing at the computer.
I finally sent Dale to break the news that their Eudora was not going to work with the new server. I said that I would install Thunderbird, as everything would import (address book & folders) and that everything would be fine. They were skeptical.
Finally, after figuring out that the "ok" button for the settings was hiding behind the status bar as the font is so huge on their computer, we got things going & I went to go pick up Charlotte.
Dale spent the whole hour trying to figure out why some embedded images in a *$%##%$ joke e-mail wouldn't display. By the time I got back, the in-laws were ready to can Thunderbird because of this problem and put Outlook on. I guess we should let them, but as we have never used the program, we can't help them if they have issues.
Anyway, sent the offending e-mail here, and we can't open it on gmail, the webmail or yahoo mail. So Dale has asked them to muddle along for a while and see if anything else happens. Maybe it was something to do with the transfer of servers. Who knows.
But I do have some sympathy for my brother, even if he does think I am an "unstable, emotionally immature cop(y) of my mother".
Perhaps he is the way he is because he has to deal with this sort of computer crap every day...
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Thank God that is over
Joelle sang beautifully. As I expected her to - she does really quite well. She received an A for her first song, an A+ for her second.
As she puts it she "sang right over your mistakes, mom"...I could learn stuff from her. Her confidence is outstanding.
I, on the other hand, felt as if I were up on top of an unsecured ladder at the top of the highest bin we own. I didn't let anyone else come - really nasty of me, but I couldn't have handled it. Honestly, I never, in my life, remember being that scared. I trembled. I shook. I got through it. I played math games in my head - she's 1/4 through. Now we're 1/2. Now we're 3/4...I never have to play that song again. Thank God. It was a good job we were in a church - there was a lot of praying going on from me. This piano thing caused stage fright - actually, more like stage terror. It was horrible. I hope I never experience that again.
Dale says he's not going to let me play again. I keep telling him that I really didn't want to in the first place, and I won't EVER volunteer. But, like climbing bins, I may have to again someday. But only if my mommy can't come bail me out (of the piano bit, not the climbing bins. Don't think I'd like the granny to even attempt that...)
Then he suggested that he could have played for her. He tried out the right hand already today while we were at festival. I don't think I have used those words for a while...certainly not in front of the children...good job they had gone to play downstairs before I took Joelle back to school.
Anyway, Joelle is fine. She would love to sing again. She looks forward to tomorrow when she sings with her class.
I will go throw up now.
As she puts it she "sang right over your mistakes, mom"...I could learn stuff from her. Her confidence is outstanding.
I, on the other hand, felt as if I were up on top of an unsecured ladder at the top of the highest bin we own. I didn't let anyone else come - really nasty of me, but I couldn't have handled it. Honestly, I never, in my life, remember being that scared. I trembled. I shook. I got through it. I played math games in my head - she's 1/4 through. Now we're 1/2. Now we're 3/4...I never have to play that song again. Thank God. It was a good job we were in a church - there was a lot of praying going on from me. This piano thing caused stage fright - actually, more like stage terror. It was horrible. I hope I never experience that again.
Dale says he's not going to let me play again. I keep telling him that I really didn't want to in the first place, and I won't EVER volunteer. But, like climbing bins, I may have to again someday. But only if my mommy can't come bail me out (of the piano bit, not the climbing bins. Don't think I'd like the granny to even attempt that...)
Then he suggested that he could have played for her. He tried out the right hand already today while we were at festival. I don't think I have used those words for a while...certainly not in front of the children...good job they had gone to play downstairs before I took Joelle back to school.
Anyway, Joelle is fine. She would love to sing again. She looks forward to tomorrow when she sings with her class.
I will go throw up now.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Alternate uses for duct tape
Or: First Aid for the Red Green set.
As I'm doing the books today I noticed my small cat wander by with a spot on her leg. So, being a caring pet owner, I actually got up and looked. Okay, the fact that I was stuck on another one of those "what category does that fall into - it says 3/8 PVC hyd." had nothing to do with it. Much. But, I digress.
Anyway, sometime in the last day or so, Pixie Belle has been feisty with the "outdoor" cats. I hesitate to use the term "neighbour" cats, as they are neither neighbourly nor would they be claimed by our next door resident, so we'll just leave it as "outdoor" cat.
Ah. The spot is a wound. I can deal with wounds. Why she has to get one when we're planning on going away for a week (and leaving her in the somewhat sporadic visitation care of Grandpa) is beyond me. But, I looked, it seemed okay while she was standing.
On my next "what piece of equipment did we purchase hose & fittings for" break, I looked while she was lying down. By this time, Dale had run off on errands. And the wound was yucky. I'll spare the details, but it just didn't look good. So, online I went. Funny, there are websites that deal with this...how handy!
The reputable Vet site I went to suggested that I clean the wound, put polysporin on it and dress it tightly. But not so tightly that you cut off circulation to the limb. Have you ever tried to take the pedis pulse of a cat???? Uh, we just made sure she could move.
Okay. Time for help. Charlotte was recruited - handy little nurse type kid. She petted the small cat while I cut the fur away from the icky wound, put the polysporin on (which was weird, 'cause it was still a bit furry), put the gauze on (thank goodness for the well stocked first aid kit) and put on the tape that I'd bought specially for Dale when his knee was bad because it doesn't stick to hair. See, nice pet owner...
Lasted 10 minutes.
Went to Charlotte's bed and there was the little Pixie, looking guilty. Odd expression for Pixie - hadn't seen that one before. But, that hind leg was bare. So, out comes the first aid kit again. Double taped the dressing this time. The rotten animal was at it before I left the room.
So, being practical, I went for my tool kit.
My dear parents in law had given me wrenches for Christmas (as I had requested) and the pink duct tape to identify said wrenches. I'm tired of losing my tools to the various vehicles and shops around this farm. So, when I go for my duct tape, it is neon pink.
Poor cat, I think she might be embarrassed.
The funniest part is that Charlotte couldn't figure out who did this to her poor pet. First she thought it was Mindy, but somehow, she still managed to cuddle and pet Mindy, even though she thought the big cat had hurt the little one. Interesting. Dale tells me that tonight, when Joelle asked what happened, Charlotte had got it straight and the tone of voice referring to the "neighbour cats" was very telling.
Don't worry, we'll take the tape off before we leave. Wouldn't want Grandpa to laugh at her too!
As I'm doing the books today I noticed my small cat wander by with a spot on her leg. So, being a caring pet owner, I actually got up and looked. Okay, the fact that I was stuck on another one of those "what category does that fall into - it says 3/8 PVC hyd." had nothing to do with it. Much. But, I digress.
Anyway, sometime in the last day or so, Pixie Belle has been feisty with the "outdoor" cats. I hesitate to use the term "neighbour" cats, as they are neither neighbourly nor would they be claimed by our next door resident, so we'll just leave it as "outdoor" cat.
Ah. The spot is a wound. I can deal with wounds. Why she has to get one when we're planning on going away for a week (and leaving her in the somewhat sporadic visitation care of Grandpa) is beyond me. But, I looked, it seemed okay while she was standing.
On my next "what piece of equipment did we purchase hose & fittings for" break, I looked while she was lying down. By this time, Dale had run off on errands. And the wound was yucky. I'll spare the details, but it just didn't look good. So, online I went. Funny, there are websites that deal with this...how handy!
The reputable Vet site I went to suggested that I clean the wound, put polysporin on it and dress it tightly. But not so tightly that you cut off circulation to the limb. Have you ever tried to take the pedis pulse of a cat???? Uh, we just made sure she could move.
Okay. Time for help. Charlotte was recruited - handy little nurse type kid. She petted the small cat while I cut the fur away from the icky wound, put the polysporin on (which was weird, 'cause it was still a bit furry), put the gauze on (thank goodness for the well stocked first aid kit) and put on the tape that I'd bought specially for Dale when his knee was bad because it doesn't stick to hair. See, nice pet owner...
Lasted 10 minutes.
Went to Charlotte's bed and there was the little Pixie, looking guilty. Odd expression for Pixie - hadn't seen that one before. But, that hind leg was bare. So, out comes the first aid kit again. Double taped the dressing this time. The rotten animal was at it before I left the room.
So, being practical, I went for my tool kit.
My dear parents in law had given me wrenches for Christmas (as I had requested) and the pink duct tape to identify said wrenches. I'm tired of losing my tools to the various vehicles and shops around this farm. So, when I go for my duct tape, it is neon pink.
Poor cat, I think she might be embarrassed.
The funniest part is that Charlotte couldn't figure out who did this to her poor pet. First she thought it was Mindy, but somehow, she still managed to cuddle and pet Mindy, even though she thought the big cat had hurt the little one. Interesting. Dale tells me that tonight, when Joelle asked what happened, Charlotte had got it straight and the tone of voice referring to the "neighbour cats" was very telling.
Don't worry, we'll take the tape off before we leave. Wouldn't want Grandpa to laugh at her too!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
The filing "cabinet" has exploded
It must be the end of my first quarter. My filing "cabinet" (aka the large metal box that collects things for me) has exploded. The other two filing boxes have exploded all over my living room entranceway. Oh, and the kitchen too.
This is when I need little elves. Small people who don't mind going through all of this paper and discerning whether or not it is important, recycling what isn't, shredding the incriminating notes (or at least all of the blessed addressed junk mail!) and figuring out where the slightly important (but not quite important enough to file) stuff goes. Regrettably, Brownies won't do. I need someone who isn't attached to any of the "art work."
The bills, the receipts, the statements - I can handle those. But what do you do with things that come in triplicate (never sure why), or with those oops printouts that have yet to reach the colouring drawer? And why is it that the leftover valentines always seem to get mixed in with the bank deposit slips? This isn't a bad thing in February, but in November it is tougher to explain.
No one pays me enough to go through all of the previous years' files and remove the extra stuff (like expired insurance contracts, rebate programs that we have the cheques from, each and every month of input accounts that have zero balances...) so I hate to file those things in the first place. Thus, the filing "cabinet." Unfortunately, the sheer volume of paper means a periodic explosion (or hissy fit on the bookkeeper's behalf, wherein the children run to voluntarily clean their rooms rather than watch the paper fly!)
Yes, I suppose I need the office. But I'm not sure it would accomplish much more than a colossal shuffle. The large piles of paper would then move to the office out of sight. Would they get dealt with? Would I end up spending my entire month of December trying to decipher what the heck we bought in February?
This philosophical question still disturbs me. As does the gas receipt from January 16th that must still be in Dale's wallet. He's still curling - they won the 'B' side, so apparently he'll be bringing home some sort of a prize. At least I don't have to account for that receipt!
This is when I need little elves. Small people who don't mind going through all of this paper and discerning whether or not it is important, recycling what isn't, shredding the incriminating notes (or at least all of the blessed addressed junk mail!) and figuring out where the slightly important (but not quite important enough to file) stuff goes. Regrettably, Brownies won't do. I need someone who isn't attached to any of the "art work."
The bills, the receipts, the statements - I can handle those. But what do you do with things that come in triplicate (never sure why), or with those oops printouts that have yet to reach the colouring drawer? And why is it that the leftover valentines always seem to get mixed in with the bank deposit slips? This isn't a bad thing in February, but in November it is tougher to explain.
No one pays me enough to go through all of the previous years' files and remove the extra stuff (like expired insurance contracts, rebate programs that we have the cheques from, each and every month of input accounts that have zero balances...) so I hate to file those things in the first place. Thus, the filing "cabinet." Unfortunately, the sheer volume of paper means a periodic explosion (or hissy fit on the bookkeeper's behalf, wherein the children run to voluntarily clean their rooms rather than watch the paper fly!)
Yes, I suppose I need the office. But I'm not sure it would accomplish much more than a colossal shuffle. The large piles of paper would then move to the office out of sight. Would they get dealt with? Would I end up spending my entire month of December trying to decipher what the heck we bought in February?
This philosophical question still disturbs me. As does the gas receipt from January 16th that must still be in Dale's wallet. He's still curling - they won the 'B' side, so apparently he'll be bringing home some sort of a prize. At least I don't have to account for that receipt!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Piano
pi·a·no2 (pē-ä'nō, pyä'-) 
Music.
adv. & adj. (Abbr. p)
Music.adv. & adj. (Abbr. p)
In a soft or quiet tone. Used chiefly as a direction.
n., pl. -nos.A passage to be played softly or quietly.
So why does my daughter, who has inherited the incredibly projecting strong voice, not manage to drown out my horrible accompanying piano (played piano)?
Okay, it's not horrible. It's worse. I'm not sure, exactly, why it is that I was ever granted a Grade 8. As I recall, it was by the skin of my teeth. The theory, I get. The actual striking of the correct keys, in the correct order...not so good. And I keep feeling my shoulders getting higher, and higher, and tenser - I think I'd better book my masseuse now.
Let's be clear. I'm not doing this by choice. Joelle loves to sing. Great. Mrs. Brown took her last year to festival, played for her, Joelle did well. Joelle wanted to do festival again. But Mrs. Brown is away watching one of her kids have a grandbaby. So, if Joelle wanted to do festival, someone had to play for her. And Granny is busy. As I keep telling Joelle, we have a musical family. It just didn't really play out on my side. I appreciate music. I love to sing. I DO NOT play the piano for enjoyment. I don't play in public whenever I can get out of it! And I'm not sure which piano is out of tune - I made Joelle practice at the church and the whole thing sounded horribly different. I hope it isn't ours - we just (finally) got it tuned.
I don't know if there are enough illicit substances in this world to make me relax enough to get this done. Thankfully, there aren't many people in her portion of the program. She is, once again, the only singer in both of her classes. I have only found one other mom who has ever played for her children - she hated it too. Half of the problem is that you're listening to them, hoping that they don't mess up. Add that to the inherent nervousness caused by a different piano in a public place and I think it is a recipe for disaster.
Anyway, I'll keep practicing. Poor Joelle, she's been run through these songs steady for the last week. And one of them, really, should be quite nice. It's cute. It's tuneful. The other one, poor Joelle has real trouble with. It is meant to be a "hoedown" type song, with things like o' and ev'ry and thinkin' and 'bout - this is sung by the girl who prefers words like "cannot" ...it is tough on her. And whomever wrote the music should have been shot. But that's just my opinion.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Easter is too stinking early
Yes, I know, I have had the whole season of Lent to get ready.
I'm not ready. I would have had to have Sundays available (ie. not have 3 other things planned during church hours) to maybe have hurried me along. But this time of year is brutal for overscheduled Sundays.
Heck, the birthday decorations aren't down yet. Easter decorations are still in a box.
We finished skating on Wednesday. Skating stuff is not away yet.
Dale is still curling.
Joelle is up to her eyeballs in projects and special assignments, not to mention singing festival.
I'm up to the eyeballs in assignments for school, books and playing the piano (poorly, ask Joelle) for the same festival.
The winter renovations aren't even close to done.
No one can come to our house as you can't even get IN the guest room (never mind see the bed.) Laundry room, my room, the living room - all in about the same state.
I have to make buns for tomorrow's Little family gathering (that Dale will at best get to attend the supper portion of) and I'm quite full of cold. So I don't really feel up to cooking.
And it is snowing. The best thing that could happen to me right now (or tomorrow, I'm not picky) is that we got a huge dump of snow. Then I couldn't go anywhere for Saturday or Sunday and then, maybe then, I might be ready for Easter.
So to all of my organized family, I apologize. But this year, I am not doing a good job about Easter. Maybe next year...I'll have until April 12th...
I'm not ready. I would have had to have Sundays available (ie. not have 3 other things planned during church hours) to maybe have hurried me along. But this time of year is brutal for overscheduled Sundays.
Heck, the birthday decorations aren't down yet. Easter decorations are still in a box.
We finished skating on Wednesday. Skating stuff is not away yet.
Dale is still curling.
Joelle is up to her eyeballs in projects and special assignments, not to mention singing festival.
I'm up to the eyeballs in assignments for school, books and playing the piano (poorly, ask Joelle) for the same festival.
The winter renovations aren't even close to done.
No one can come to our house as you can't even get IN the guest room (never mind see the bed.) Laundry room, my room, the living room - all in about the same state.
I have to make buns for tomorrow's Little family gathering (that Dale will at best get to attend the supper portion of) and I'm quite full of cold. So I don't really feel up to cooking.
And it is snowing. The best thing that could happen to me right now (or tomorrow, I'm not picky) is that we got a huge dump of snow. Then I couldn't go anywhere for Saturday or Sunday and then, maybe then, I might be ready for Easter.
So to all of my organized family, I apologize. But this year, I am not doing a good job about Easter. Maybe next year...I'll have until April 12th...
Thursday, March 20, 2008
peace and quiet
I am home alone. Charlotte is at nursery school (she was ready at 7:15 for the 9 a.m. start). Joelle is at school. Dale just went for a haircut.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....
I can hear my fridge.
And the sound of the keys while I type.
I just realized that it isn't even this quiet at 3 a.m. At 3 a.m., I could hear 3 bodies in various states of snore. And then there were the cats. I think the cats are outdoors right now. Even the furnace is not on - it is just quiet.
I'll get up in a few minutes and make lunch and supper (might as well - Sparks/Brownies tonight, so we have early supper) and maybe clean up my kitchen. But for a few minutes, I'm going to enjoy a cup of joe and listen to absolutely nothing.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....
I can hear my fridge.
And the sound of the keys while I type.
I just realized that it isn't even this quiet at 3 a.m. At 3 a.m., I could hear 3 bodies in various states of snore. And then there were the cats. I think the cats are outdoors right now. Even the furnace is not on - it is just quiet.
I'll get up in a few minutes and make lunch and supper (might as well - Sparks/Brownies tonight, so we have early supper) and maybe clean up my kitchen. But for a few minutes, I'm going to enjoy a cup of joe and listen to absolutely nothing.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Another day, another meeting.
I just got back from the Soccer organizational meeting. We had always said we wouldn't do Spring sports (too difficult with seeding etc.), but it looks like soccer is going to go for the spring in Hamiota and Joelle was being a real pest about it. So, I went.
Praise the Lord, looks like they might let Charlotte play too!
I went up to the coach to ask what sized ball they were going to use, and he suggested a size 3. I told him that I would just buy one myself and kick it around with Charlotte on the sidelines while Joelle was at practice - he took one look at me and said "let her try to play!"
Wasn't my idea not to - the Vice-President of the organization just finished getting up and saying "if your child wasn't 5 at the beginning of this year, they are too young."
I'm quite happy though - poor Charlotte has had a yucky year home with mom with nothing to do. If she doesn't listen or can't hack it, the executive said they would refund the registration fee, but I'm just thrilled that they're going to give her a chance!
We'll tell her about nursery school tomorrow after skating is done, so I expect to have a very excited 5 year old by the end of the day.
This makes up for yesterday, and I didn't even have to take a board position! My friend Evie is Treasurer, I offered my help to her personally, but she is well aware of my schedule and will only ask if she needs it. So I feel much, much better.
Praise the Lord, looks like they might let Charlotte play too!
I went up to the coach to ask what sized ball they were going to use, and he suggested a size 3. I told him that I would just buy one myself and kick it around with Charlotte on the sidelines while Joelle was at practice - he took one look at me and said "let her try to play!"
Wasn't my idea not to - the Vice-President of the organization just finished getting up and saying "if your child wasn't 5 at the beginning of this year, they are too young."
I'm quite happy though - poor Charlotte has had a yucky year home with mom with nothing to do. If she doesn't listen or can't hack it, the executive said they would refund the registration fee, but I'm just thrilled that they're going to give her a chance!
We'll tell her about nursery school tomorrow after skating is done, so I expect to have a very excited 5 year old by the end of the day.
This makes up for yesterday, and I didn't even have to take a board position! My friend Evie is Treasurer, I offered my help to her personally, but she is well aware of my schedule and will only ask if she needs it. So I feel much, much better.
Monday, March 17, 2008
If this is success, why the guilt?
Well, I succeeded. I managed to go to an Annual General Meeting and only take on the Treasurer position. I'm not president of the Shoal Lake Figure Skating Club.
That is success...but I think I still feel guilty. This past year I felt pretty good about the executive - all the positions were taken by parents in the Test Stream (pretty much - there were two CanSkate parents on board). So they all kind of knew what to expect. This year, I'm one of the most experienced. And I feel a bit negative about the whole thing - the people who have stepped up can be pretty negative in their attitude. I hope I'm wrong and that they will learn fast and become a good team.
There are some tough decisions to make for the club as it is - most of the test stream skaters are not continuing, and that is going to leave a big hole in the junior coaching ranks, and make it a lot harder to develop junior coaches. That was one of my biggest personal reasons for not wanting to be President. I don't want to have to decide between two coaches.
It doesn't make me really happy that there are three "Hamiota" people on the executive. The point was raised (that more Shoal Lake people should be on the board), and one of the ladies (the one who is taking over my positions) was positively rude about it. There is a lot of friction right now - the school debate still rages between the two towns, but somehow, the presumption is that it shouldn't matter (in Shoal Lake, when Hamiota is really sensitive about the whole thing).
Mom did president of the Red Rock club when we lived in Nipigon, but it wouldn't be my first choice right now. Certainly when it is my turn, I can do it, but I'm not jumping in when people should be trying to keep their own club going. Honestly, we could go to Kenton FSC, but I don't think the Shoal Lake community recognizes it.
Anyway, I'll get over my guilt as I have to develop budgets etc. for next year, and the books will have to go to audit prior to my getting them, and quite honestly, the rest of the executive is going to need help getting going on their jobs too.
On a happier note, I think the ice show went very well. But I'm still tired.
Happy birthday Dad! Hope you have had a fabulous 65th birthday!
That is success...but I think I still feel guilty. This past year I felt pretty good about the executive - all the positions were taken by parents in the Test Stream (pretty much - there were two CanSkate parents on board). So they all kind of knew what to expect. This year, I'm one of the most experienced. And I feel a bit negative about the whole thing - the people who have stepped up can be pretty negative in their attitude. I hope I'm wrong and that they will learn fast and become a good team.
There are some tough decisions to make for the club as it is - most of the test stream skaters are not continuing, and that is going to leave a big hole in the junior coaching ranks, and make it a lot harder to develop junior coaches. That was one of my biggest personal reasons for not wanting to be President. I don't want to have to decide between two coaches.
It doesn't make me really happy that there are three "Hamiota" people on the executive. The point was raised (that more Shoal Lake people should be on the board), and one of the ladies (the one who is taking over my positions) was positively rude about it. There is a lot of friction right now - the school debate still rages between the two towns, but somehow, the presumption is that it shouldn't matter (in Shoal Lake, when Hamiota is really sensitive about the whole thing).
Mom did president of the Red Rock club when we lived in Nipigon, but it wouldn't be my first choice right now. Certainly when it is my turn, I can do it, but I'm not jumping in when people should be trying to keep their own club going. Honestly, we could go to Kenton FSC, but I don't think the Shoal Lake community recognizes it.
Anyway, I'll get over my guilt as I have to develop budgets etc. for next year, and the books will have to go to audit prior to my getting them, and quite honestly, the rest of the executive is going to need help getting going on their jobs too.
On a happier note, I think the ice show went very well. But I'm still tired.
Happy birthday Dad! Hope you have had a fabulous 65th birthday!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
ow, my head hurts
First of all, this is not self-inflicted as in a hangover. No, I don't think I'm dehydrated (but maybe- will look further into that.)
My head hurts because I am an idiot and cannot remember that humans need to eat. Actually, I really expected that the kitchen at the rink would be open (the kitchen lady has a daughter in skating, so I just presumed that they would be there and have it open). I took money to buy things for the girls and me. But no kitchen. Baba Shirley (one of Charlotte's teacher's grandmas) fed all of the executives' kids perogies, so they're okay. And Karen (another mom) supplied bananas for my girls - I'll reciprocate Monday when I pick up her kid.
I, on the other hand, just ate breakfast. Good breakfast though - cold pizza...
It was due to the two heads of hair I had to do today (and yes, I forgot to take pictures myself, again). Hopefully the professional shots turn out because the girls did look cute. Maybe Mom was smarter than I gave her credit for - not learning to do hair would have been a clever tactic!
Got up, had a coffee (with hairspray, I swear) and did up french braids on pretty little heads. Totally forgot about my hair. Then scooted to the rink really quickly since Charlotte was in the first group to have the pictures done and Joelle was in the last group. And, as usual, I had no time to get away - always seem to be running around after something there.
I had planned on having Dale come around to give a hand, but, no. He was curling. Sparing for someone on Erle's rink for the mixed spiel. He will have to show up tomorrow though. Somebody better watch this show!
The girls were good, I am fine now - but aiming for a migraine.
Oh well, get through tomorrow, have drinks afterwards and move on to the General Meeting on Monday. Oh, and Dale is curling in another bonspiel starting Monday, so no opportunity to be sick then. Maybe I'll have time for a migraine Tuesday. No, that's Soccer registration. Wednesday? No, skating windup, and I have to read to grade one. Thursday is Nursery School, Sparks/Brownies & Guides. I guess it will have to wait until Friday. Unless Dale curls...
My head hurts because I am an idiot and cannot remember that humans need to eat. Actually, I really expected that the kitchen at the rink would be open (the kitchen lady has a daughter in skating, so I just presumed that they would be there and have it open). I took money to buy things for the girls and me. But no kitchen. Baba Shirley (one of Charlotte's teacher's grandmas) fed all of the executives' kids perogies, so they're okay. And Karen (another mom) supplied bananas for my girls - I'll reciprocate Monday when I pick up her kid.
I, on the other hand, just ate breakfast. Good breakfast though - cold pizza...
It was due to the two heads of hair I had to do today (and yes, I forgot to take pictures myself, again). Hopefully the professional shots turn out because the girls did look cute. Maybe Mom was smarter than I gave her credit for - not learning to do hair would have been a clever tactic!
Got up, had a coffee (with hairspray, I swear) and did up french braids on pretty little heads. Totally forgot about my hair. Then scooted to the rink really quickly since Charlotte was in the first group to have the pictures done and Joelle was in the last group. And, as usual, I had no time to get away - always seem to be running around after something there.
I had planned on having Dale come around to give a hand, but, no. He was curling. Sparing for someone on Erle's rink for the mixed spiel. He will have to show up tomorrow though. Somebody better watch this show!
The girls were good, I am fine now - but aiming for a migraine.
Oh well, get through tomorrow, have drinks afterwards and move on to the General Meeting on Monday. Oh, and Dale is curling in another bonspiel starting Monday, so no opportunity to be sick then. Maybe I'll have time for a migraine Tuesday. No, that's Soccer registration. Wednesday? No, skating windup, and I have to read to grade one. Thursday is Nursery School, Sparks/Brownies & Guides. I guess it will have to wait until Friday. Unless Dale curls...
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Rented Land
Today has been a fun day of cash flow assessments and dreaming.
My part is the cash flow statement.
Dale is responsible for the dreaming. I can only get so excited about a 5350 Bourgault Air Seeder tank that has single shoot delivery with centre tank metering and has always been shedded. He, on the other hand, is considering looking at this thing. He'll call again tomorrow, probably, then we'll go chasing across SouthWestern Manitoba to try and look at this lovely piece of engineering. Some things are good - less time for filling (bigger tank) and easier adjustments. We just have to decide if the time saved in getting a new tank will justify the cost.
We seem to have taken on some more land over the last few days. Our landlady to the west (Marion's daughter) called up to ask if we "knew of anyone who would be interested in renting" the stone house field. Yup, that stone house. Gorgeous location adjacent to the Oak River - bring your camera, easel...whatever. But don't go in - all abandoned houses are rotten. And don't expect that the field has been taken care of for the last ten years or so - this is likely to be an agronomic nightmare. But, it is close, we like the landlady and the rent isn't outrageous. We spent a good portion of the day discussing cropping plans, storage and other bits of logistics. So, one more half section to add to the sheet. And a little more work to add to the spring. Maybe I'll finally get to check out that pioneer cemetery on the top of the knoll though - always have meant to do that. And picnics near the stone house will be rather picturesque...especially if we plant wheat and I need to do the evening beer in the field orange wheat blossom midge scouting. Summer just got slightly crazier, again.
My part is the cash flow statement.
Dale is responsible for the dreaming. I can only get so excited about a 5350 Bourgault Air Seeder tank that has single shoot delivery with centre tank metering and has always been shedded. He, on the other hand, is considering looking at this thing. He'll call again tomorrow, probably, then we'll go chasing across SouthWestern Manitoba to try and look at this lovely piece of engineering. Some things are good - less time for filling (bigger tank) and easier adjustments. We just have to decide if the time saved in getting a new tank will justify the cost.
We seem to have taken on some more land over the last few days. Our landlady to the west (Marion's daughter) called up to ask if we "knew of anyone who would be interested in renting" the stone house field. Yup, that stone house. Gorgeous location adjacent to the Oak River - bring your camera, easel...whatever. But don't go in - all abandoned houses are rotten. And don't expect that the field has been taken care of for the last ten years or so - this is likely to be an agronomic nightmare. But, it is close, we like the landlady and the rent isn't outrageous. We spent a good portion of the day discussing cropping plans, storage and other bits of logistics. So, one more half section to add to the sheet. And a little more work to add to the spring. Maybe I'll finally get to check out that pioneer cemetery on the top of the knoll though - always have meant to do that. And picnics near the stone house will be rather picturesque...especially if we plant wheat and I need to do the evening beer in the field orange wheat blossom midge scouting. Summer just got slightly crazier, again.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Oh, Canada.
Joelle has decided that she is brave enough to sing the national anthem at this Sunday's ice show.
Now the question is: Am I brave enough?
She sang for the club executive today. She just sang it in the bathtub. The off key bits will drive me insane. But overall, I've heard worse.
And as the past-president of the club knows that the kid is performing in the Vocal Festival in two weeks, it is rather hard to say that she can't sing.
However, I have had to institute some rules about singing in this household. Rule #1 - no singing in a moving vehicle. Why? Because they sing all the time, and no one can escape. It was leading to backseat fights and was liable to send me into the ditch one day.
Rule #2 - no singing Oh Canada. Why? Not sure. It grates on me. It is taught as a funeral dirge. And besides, the silly renditions that end up happening seem disrespectful.
So this is my idea of torture. She has to practice.
Yes, I am a party pooper.
I kind of wish that she'd picked a different event. I'm ice captain for this ice show. Joelle has a wardrobe change too, which I'll probably have to cover. I feel...busy. Overextended. The young teenager who rides with me said today that she had noticed that I would run back and forth 8 times to the ice, locker, lobby etc. and that there were 20 other parents just sitting while I do this. Hmm. So perhaps the stress I'm feeling at Joelle adding this one more thing is more to do with what everyone else is not doing.
One really good thing - I got Charlotte's hair into french braids and put flowers in it. Cute. And it made her happy - she's really noticing that Joelle has the pretty dresses and she is still stuck in boring costume land. So that was good. And rehearsal went well today. I think I'll just be so glad when it is done.
Now the question is: Am I brave enough?
She sang for the club executive today. She just sang it in the bathtub. The off key bits will drive me insane. But overall, I've heard worse.
And as the past-president of the club knows that the kid is performing in the Vocal Festival in two weeks, it is rather hard to say that she can't sing.
However, I have had to institute some rules about singing in this household. Rule #1 - no singing in a moving vehicle. Why? Because they sing all the time, and no one can escape. It was leading to backseat fights and was liable to send me into the ditch one day.
Rule #2 - no singing Oh Canada. Why? Not sure. It grates on me. It is taught as a funeral dirge. And besides, the silly renditions that end up happening seem disrespectful.
So this is my idea of torture. She has to practice.
Yes, I am a party pooper.
I kind of wish that she'd picked a different event. I'm ice captain for this ice show. Joelle has a wardrobe change too, which I'll probably have to cover. I feel...busy. Overextended. The young teenager who rides with me said today that she had noticed that I would run back and forth 8 times to the ice, locker, lobby etc. and that there were 20 other parents just sitting while I do this. Hmm. So perhaps the stress I'm feeling at Joelle adding this one more thing is more to do with what everyone else is not doing.
One really good thing - I got Charlotte's hair into french braids and put flowers in it. Cute. And it made her happy - she's really noticing that Joelle has the pretty dresses and she is still stuck in boring costume land. So that was good. And rehearsal went well today. I think I'll just be so glad when it is done.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
hair.
I am getting gray hairs.
Who can I blame for this? Not sure. The obvious choices plead innocence. But, nonetheless, I pick out my little gray hairs whenever I see them. At least I have that option - some of the more follicly deficient members of my family choose to let them lie (gray is better than none, I suppose.)
But, my hair. Always have had a poor working relationship with my hair. For the first 12 or so years, it was not pretty - mom always blamed that on the antibiotics I took for the ear infections. Then I grew it out. That was okay, but heavy. I have A LOT of hair. Always looked heavy too.
Then I had Joelle. So I cut it. And discovered I had curls/waves. Hair was good, even towards great. Good hair lasted...3 months. Having Charlotte wrecked the hair even further. It went "straight" - sort of.
And now it is gray, and coarse, and it reminds me of my dad's. Like my dad's, it does one thing really, really well. And nothing else. Just not fair - he at least got the red. And it isn't such a big deal to have the same hairdo everyday when you're a guy!
Anyway, I'm staring at a box of hair colour on my desk. Had no idea that there were that many choices to work with for "brown". Maybe I'll have time to put the 'hazelnut' back in my hair before the weekend. I guess I have to - I have to keep up with my mom... :-)
Dale is reading over my shoulder and has just yanked a long white hair. He says that I'm not going gray, heading straight to white! I'd better run - need to get started right away, I guess!
Who can I blame for this? Not sure. The obvious choices plead innocence. But, nonetheless, I pick out my little gray hairs whenever I see them. At least I have that option - some of the more follicly deficient members of my family choose to let them lie (gray is better than none, I suppose.)
But, my hair. Always have had a poor working relationship with my hair. For the first 12 or so years, it was not pretty - mom always blamed that on the antibiotics I took for the ear infections. Then I grew it out. That was okay, but heavy. I have A LOT of hair. Always looked heavy too.
Then I had Joelle. So I cut it. And discovered I had curls/waves. Hair was good, even towards great. Good hair lasted...3 months. Having Charlotte wrecked the hair even further. It went "straight" - sort of.
And now it is gray, and coarse, and it reminds me of my dad's. Like my dad's, it does one thing really, really well. And nothing else. Just not fair - he at least got the red. And it isn't such a big deal to have the same hairdo everyday when you're a guy!
Anyway, I'm staring at a box of hair colour on my desk. Had no idea that there were that many choices to work with for "brown". Maybe I'll have time to put the 'hazelnut' back in my hair before the weekend. I guess I have to - I have to keep up with my mom... :-)
Dale is reading over my shoulder and has just yanked a long white hair. He says that I'm not going gray, heading straight to white! I'd better run - need to get started right away, I guess!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Party - phew; DST...ugh
The party Saturday went well. Actually, it was more like a day of babysitting, followed by cake. The Chappell girls came over before 9 a.m. as their parents and brother were busy with KubKar rally and the logistics of getting the girls here for 1 were hairy. The rally went late, so the 3 p.m. party end time was closer to 4:45...Auntie Faye had a cold, so I'm sure I'll get that shortly. Just in time for ice show - ooh, can't wait. But Charlotte seemed to enjoy her day thoroughly.So here is cake #2 - another fairy princess.
Birthday season is complete for another year! Yay!
Now, today:
I officially hate the time change.
I woke up yesterday with it, I know. I had a very productive sewing day - I started at 9 a.m. and finished around midnight. However, when the alarm rang this morning, everyone in the house felt like it was 6 a.m.
Charlotte slept right through it. I wasn't so lucky. Joelle accused me of poking her in the eye while doing her hair (I'm sure I didn't). Coffee is helping, but I can't have too much today - my regularly scheduled blood donor appointment is this afternoon. And too much coffee will pop my blood pressure up (but hey, that makes for a quicker donation...) Dale has now gone back to bed. Somehow, I can't do that anymore. Fortunately, he takes the 7-7:18 shift while I get that last two whacks on the snooze bar.
I know, we'll get used to it. It will take about a week. But the time change signals the start of spring. It isn't my fault that the USA decided it needed to save energy money and bumped the date back. And that our government necessarily decided to follow. There is still over a foot of snow on the ground, and I feel like I should start gardening? That is just wrong.
Today's chores include: finishing off the ice show skirts (well, I'm not going to cut the threads - Nathalie and I sewed for 8 hours yesterday, I put in a few more Saturday and Sunday nights too, the other mothers in the group can cut the flipping little thready bits off); cutting the music for the ice show; coaching skating (I love being the substitute teacher. Really.) And I need to go visit elderly people in town, so I should probably take some baking. I guess I'd better get to work, even if I am still tired. Hope those of you in Ontario are enjoying spring break!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Morning...early, early morning
I fell asleep on the couch last night. That isn't odd - I often find the droning voices on the TV are enough to put me out. But, for whatever reason, I woke up to a TVography about Buffy the Vampire Slayer at 2:30 a.m. or so.
That actually was okay too. Needed to wrap a certain 5 year old's birthday gifts, so I gradually worked into that. At least I was relatively certain that she wasn't likely to walk in on me...tough to get some of this stuff done when she's home all day, every day.
So I'm just finishing up when Joelle comes out of her bedroom and says "I have a nosebleed!" Yes, it was a gusher. But again, this wasn't even too bad. Joelle woke up with a better attitude - she was her cheerful self again. I'm not sure if it is because Chantelle is coming over tomorrow, or because she's excited for her little sister's birthday, or if the sight of blood actually moved her mind off of what was bugging her. I'm just glad that we've moved the black cloud from her head...however it happened. A little laundry - pooh - that's nothing.
Charlotte is goofy today, that's pretty much expected. But I'm glad she's excited - often dull here when we don't have skating days. And, when we did the annual "growth" check, Charlotte is actually taller than Joelle was at 5, so Charli is pretty excited about that too. Both of them grew 3 inches this year. No wonder we can't keep in clothes!
Anyway, I'd better run - Dale is looking for stuff, so if I don't want my piles moved, I'd better get looking too!
That actually was okay too. Needed to wrap a certain 5 year old's birthday gifts, so I gradually worked into that. At least I was relatively certain that she wasn't likely to walk in on me...tough to get some of this stuff done when she's home all day, every day.
So I'm just finishing up when Joelle comes out of her bedroom and says "I have a nosebleed!" Yes, it was a gusher. But again, this wasn't even too bad. Joelle woke up with a better attitude - she was her cheerful self again. I'm not sure if it is because Chantelle is coming over tomorrow, or because she's excited for her little sister's birthday, or if the sight of blood actually moved her mind off of what was bugging her. I'm just glad that we've moved the black cloud from her head...however it happened. A little laundry - pooh - that's nothing.
Charlotte is goofy today, that's pretty much expected. But I'm glad she's excited - often dull here when we don't have skating days. And, when we did the annual "growth" check, Charlotte is actually taller than Joelle was at 5, so Charli is pretty excited about that too. Both of them grew 3 inches this year. No wonder we can't keep in clothes!
Anyway, I'd better run - Dale is looking for stuff, so if I don't want my piles moved, I'd better get looking too!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
You have five minutes to get over it...
First of all, let me be clear. I have not yet used this phrase with my seven year old.
But I'm thinking about it often. Joelle was indeed ill on the weekend. That stinks, especially as it was "her favourite time of the year" - her birthday. Her party was a bit disappointing, I think. Out of the 3 girls in the class who were invited, one remembered outright (yay Mom, or should I say Dad, who was in charge that day!). One forgot to RSVP, and had to run home to change & get presents. So she was late. The third totally forgot, had no presents and wasn't sure she could come until I double checked with mom in front of the school. Really tough on a pair of seven year olds, who had worked themselves up to a typical frenzy about their days, and then people couldn't remember them. Is this real life? No, people I barely know wish me a happy birthday on facebook. Yes, it is a regular day, but my friends remember. I would say that this "party" was a unnecessarily tough life lesson.
I have been sympathetic. She went for a half day of school on Monday. She went for the afternoon yesterday.
However, it is now 3 days past Joelle's birthday, she hasn't thrown up for 4, and the attitude is still very negative. She didn't want to put any effort out for skating yesterday. I was this close to using my mom's line on her, but instead we had a conversation that went something like:
So, you don't want to skate. What should we do?
Go home. Now.
Joelle, you're not my only kid here. It is not fair to Charlotte - this is her only thing that she gets to do. So why should she leave early?
(tears) 'cause I'm sick...
(Auntie Faye) You're okay Joelle - I heard you were just fine at the cabin with Grandma this morning...
Mom - Get out there and skate. Now.
Now, let's talk about bad mommy moments. I probably seem like an ogre to the coach, to the junior coach, to the other kids and definitely to Joelle. How do you teach a kid that sometimes, even though they are feeling awful, they still have to do things? Dale was hauling grain, I couldn't leave her home. Yes, she could have got off the ice, but she just would have begged junk from the canteen (which would have been oh, so great for her tummy).
And now I keep thinking about what my mom did with me ('cause I turned out perfect, so she must have been right :-) )...I still remember the "you have five minutes"...she just didn't have time to deal with a sick kid. I'm thinking though that if she were here right now, Joelle would be home from school, cuddled on the couch with her Granny, getting royally treated. So it is kind of funny how perspective changes...
Well, I have another cake to do today. So hopefully Joelle can come home in a better mood. Thankfully, Charlotte is just happy today, excited for her day tomorrow!
But I'm thinking about it often. Joelle was indeed ill on the weekend. That stinks, especially as it was "her favourite time of the year" - her birthday. Her party was a bit disappointing, I think. Out of the 3 girls in the class who were invited, one remembered outright (yay Mom, or should I say Dad, who was in charge that day!). One forgot to RSVP, and had to run home to change & get presents. So she was late. The third totally forgot, had no presents and wasn't sure she could come until I double checked with mom in front of the school. Really tough on a pair of seven year olds, who had worked themselves up to a typical frenzy about their days, and then people couldn't remember them. Is this real life? No, people I barely know wish me a happy birthday on facebook. Yes, it is a regular day, but my friends remember. I would say that this "party" was a unnecessarily tough life lesson.
I have been sympathetic. She went for a half day of school on Monday. She went for the afternoon yesterday.
However, it is now 3 days past Joelle's birthday, she hasn't thrown up for 4, and the attitude is still very negative. She didn't want to put any effort out for skating yesterday. I was this close to using my mom's line on her, but instead we had a conversation that went something like:
So, you don't want to skate. What should we do?
Go home. Now.
Joelle, you're not my only kid here. It is not fair to Charlotte - this is her only thing that she gets to do. So why should she leave early?
(tears) 'cause I'm sick...
(Auntie Faye) You're okay Joelle - I heard you were just fine at the cabin with Grandma this morning...
Mom - Get out there and skate. Now.
Now, let's talk about bad mommy moments. I probably seem like an ogre to the coach, to the junior coach, to the other kids and definitely to Joelle. How do you teach a kid that sometimes, even though they are feeling awful, they still have to do things? Dale was hauling grain, I couldn't leave her home. Yes, she could have got off the ice, but she just would have begged junk from the canteen (which would have been oh, so great for her tummy).
And now I keep thinking about what my mom did with me ('cause I turned out perfect, so she must have been right :-) )...I still remember the "you have five minutes"...she just didn't have time to deal with a sick kid. I'm thinking though that if she were here right now, Joelle would be home from school, cuddled on the couch with her Granny, getting royally treated. So it is kind of funny how perspective changes...
Well, I have another cake to do today. So hopefully Joelle can come home in a better mood. Thankfully, Charlotte is just happy today, excited for her day tomorrow!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
cake
So this is cake #1. I'm not sure how many kids are coming to the party - maximum 3 children other than the birthday girls. We're doing it at the church because it was the only way we could feasibly work around the skating, dance and brownie schedules of the birthday girls. Chantelle will be going dancing afterwards. The sisters aren't coming to this one just to make the logistics of walking from school easier. We'll have everyone over here on Saturday - that will make up for it. But there will be leftover cake!
I wrote my exam - it was okay. We go to the accountant tomorrow morning, then Dale does his lego club at the elementary school (it is a leisure club program, but they gave him all of the children who are handfuls) and then we go skating. The whole week looks like this, and this is supposed to be our down time!
Down time. That is an interesting thought. Even over the weekend, when we were to be relaxing, I was shopping for Brownies and Skating, getting craft goodies for Joelle's research project (that she'll be starting next week), looking at supplies for renovations that need to happen...and studying for my exam. We even stopped in to do some contracts up with one of the elevators on the way to Brandon. This is just a busy time in life, I have decided. Thank heaven for the sauna - it gives me a few minutes of alone time where I can mostly just relax. Funny - I didn't feel relaxed at the hotel, even before Joelle got sick. Still had a lot on the go, had the whole "too many people" problem again and was fretting over whether or not the kids were having fun. Of course, they were having fun, I need not worry about that, but somehow I do. I'm thinking we're going to go back to Brandon on Friday to finish off what we missed Sunday - I'm definitely planning on taking Charlotte - it will be nice to spend some time with her on her birthday.
But now, off to the party! And back to try to organize my life, or at least 2007!
Monday, March 3, 2008
sick
I think I'm getting sick. My body is screaming for me to lie down and sleep. I have that tickle under the nose-in the back of the throat thing that I always get before I get a cold.
But of course, I can't sleep - skating today, plus a meeting, plus Dale has to curl and it is Joelle's birthday.
Joelle is now home sick from school. She went this morning (against mom's advice, but hey, the seven year old wanted to go hear her name on the announcements and receive her trip to the birthday present bag). We came home early yesterday after Joelle woke up about 1 a.m. on Sunday throwing up. Cleaning that up in a hotel room is horrible. We ended up calling some nice security man who brought a garbage bag to put all the sullied bedlinen in.
So, I cuddled Joelle on the couch until 3 or so, when she threw up again, and then again at 5 I think, and at 8...not sure what she had, but it got to the point where I couldn't even smell it anymore. I guess it was a good job we had the suite - there was extra bedlinen on the medieval torture machine (aka the sofabed) that we used Saturday night. Up until that point, the trip had been pretty good! I thought the pool was really crowded, but it was shallow enough that Joelle could go without her lifejacket, so that was good.
Well, I still have to study - have a midterm scheduled for tomorrow morning, so I'd better hop to it.
But of course, I can't sleep - skating today, plus a meeting, plus Dale has to curl and it is Joelle's birthday.
Joelle is now home sick from school. She went this morning (against mom's advice, but hey, the seven year old wanted to go hear her name on the announcements and receive her trip to the birthday present bag). We came home early yesterday after Joelle woke up about 1 a.m. on Sunday throwing up. Cleaning that up in a hotel room is horrible. We ended up calling some nice security man who brought a garbage bag to put all the sullied bedlinen in.
So, I cuddled Joelle on the couch until 3 or so, when she threw up again, and then again at 5 I think, and at 8...not sure what she had, but it got to the point where I couldn't even smell it anymore. I guess it was a good job we had the suite - there was extra bedlinen on the medieval torture machine (aka the sofabed) that we used Saturday night. Up until that point, the trip had been pretty good! I thought the pool was really crowded, but it was shallow enough that Joelle could go without her lifejacket, so that was good.
Well, I still have to study - have a midterm scheduled for tomorrow morning, so I'd better hop to it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)