11PM - Leave for work
7AM - Deliver media report to the Prime Minister's Office
8AM - Breakfast with hubby and kiddies
9AM - Relax in bed and try to get to sleep
2PM - Wake up, eat lunch, play with kids
5PM - Make dinner
6PM - Exercise
8PM - Put kids to bed
9PM - Threaten kids
10PM - Wink-wink, nudge-nudge (or cuddle-cuddle, or mindless TV, or blog)
11PM - Leave for work
REPEAT for 2 weeks.
Happily, after tonight, only one more night, then my co-worker returns from vacation. THANK GOD! (though, I must say, there have been SOME benefits to this new schedule!)
Showing posts with label Piss me off. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Piss me off. Show all posts
Friday, July 10, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
10:30 tears
I woke up Friday morning knowing I was probably going to shed a tear (or two) at 10:30am. I thought I was prepared by stuffing some tissue into my purse when I ran off to work at 2:30am.
All morning the excitement grew.
I finished work shortly before 9am and hustled to my parking garage.
My plan was to head over to Party Planners and pick up a little balloon bouquet and meet my hubby and kids at the school. Today was the BIG day - DJ was graduating from senior kindergarten!
The ceremony was to start at 10:30.
At 9:05 I drove up the parking garage ramp. Stopped to let a few pedestrians walk across. Checked right, checked left, checked right and pulled out.....KABBOOOOOOM!
A garbage truck had been obstructing my view. I thought it was clear...but it wasn't clear.
I hit a Blue Line taxi.
Did I ever feel bad. But, the good thing was that I was just inching out when it happened, and there was very little damage.
The cab driver was upset. Understandably.
I apologized. Then went and retrieved my documents and information.
I was shaken and very upset, but worked very hard to keep it together. No one was hurt. There was minimal damage to the two cars.
I asked the cab driver for his information and told him that we would swap information and then go to the reporting centre. We could both be on our way in a matter of minutes.
He refused to give me his information. He claimed we had to call the police.
I did not want to argue - but I adamantly informed him that the procedure, as I understood it, was that since no one was hurt and that both cars were drive-able, that we would exchange info and then go to the reporting centre.
He refused. He got angry.
I called the police.
We waited...and waited...and waited.
I looked at the clock - 9:25...9:45...10:10...10:20... 10:30. Graduation time. Tears.
Of course we were not a priority - there were no injuries and no sizable damage.
The cab driver got impatient. I once again informed him what I thought we should do. He disagreed and we called the police again.
They were on their way.
I had been right - I did shed many tears at 10:30. Unfortunately, it wasn't at my eldest child's graduation. It was in my car, frustrated, upset, mad, angry and terribly shaken.
Finally the police arrived.
First I told my side of the story - explaining the garbage truck and how I thought it was clear, but obviously, it wasn't.
I explained how I asked the other driver at least 4 times for his information and wanted to go sort it out at the reporting office. I was visibly upset.
The officer was very understanding. He asked me to wait in my car while he took the information from the cab driver.
Oh, what a heated exchange that was...yes, I was correct in the proper procedure to deal with a minor fender bender. The cab driver - who drives for his living - was wrong. If he would have followed proper procedure, then I would have been at the school well before the graduation.
In spite of the minor finder bender, that I take sole responsibility for, I could have sat in the front row, clapping and cheering...and shedding tears of joy and pride at my son's graduation. I would have been there when my son was awarded to top class award...and I would have shed another tear. Yep. Top honours! The Peacemaker award!
Instead, I sat in my banged up car and cried.
I was charged with failure to yield from a private road - the least of the charges the police officer charge me. The police had been super nice - explained it all to me - told me he had "educated" the cab driver and told me I could go on my way.
I put on my seat belt, turned my key, and realized I had killed my battery while waiting. So, I shed another tear.
Yep, I knew I would shed a tear that morning - but I never imagined I would miss my little man's graduation. It was heartbreaking.
So, here are some photos of my eldest son's graduation, you know, the one his Momma missed :(
All morning the excitement grew.
I finished work shortly before 9am and hustled to my parking garage.
My plan was to head over to Party Planners and pick up a little balloon bouquet and meet my hubby and kids at the school. Today was the BIG day - DJ was graduating from senior kindergarten!
The ceremony was to start at 10:30.
At 9:05 I drove up the parking garage ramp. Stopped to let a few pedestrians walk across. Checked right, checked left, checked right and pulled out.....KABBOOOOOOM!
A garbage truck had been obstructing my view. I thought it was clear...but it wasn't clear.
I hit a Blue Line taxi.
Did I ever feel bad. But, the good thing was that I was just inching out when it happened, and there was very little damage.
The cab driver was upset. Understandably.
I apologized. Then went and retrieved my documents and information.
I was shaken and very upset, but worked very hard to keep it together. No one was hurt. There was minimal damage to the two cars.
I asked the cab driver for his information and told him that we would swap information and then go to the reporting centre. We could both be on our way in a matter of minutes.
He refused to give me his information. He claimed we had to call the police.
I did not want to argue - but I adamantly informed him that the procedure, as I understood it, was that since no one was hurt and that both cars were drive-able, that we would exchange info and then go to the reporting centre.
He refused. He got angry.
I called the police.
We waited...and waited...and waited.
I looked at the clock - 9:25...9:45...10:10...10:20... 10:30. Graduation time. Tears.
Of course we were not a priority - there were no injuries and no sizable damage.
The cab driver got impatient. I once again informed him what I thought we should do. He disagreed and we called the police again.
They were on their way.
I had been right - I did shed many tears at 10:30. Unfortunately, it wasn't at my eldest child's graduation. It was in my car, frustrated, upset, mad, angry and terribly shaken.
Finally the police arrived.
First I told my side of the story - explaining the garbage truck and how I thought it was clear, but obviously, it wasn't.
I explained how I asked the other driver at least 4 times for his information and wanted to go sort it out at the reporting office. I was visibly upset.
The officer was very understanding. He asked me to wait in my car while he took the information from the cab driver.
Oh, what a heated exchange that was...yes, I was correct in the proper procedure to deal with a minor fender bender. The cab driver - who drives for his living - was wrong. If he would have followed proper procedure, then I would have been at the school well before the graduation.
In spite of the minor finder bender, that I take sole responsibility for, I could have sat in the front row, clapping and cheering...and shedding tears of joy and pride at my son's graduation. I would have been there when my son was awarded to top class award...and I would have shed another tear. Yep. Top honours! The Peacemaker award!
Instead, I sat in my banged up car and cried.
I was charged with failure to yield from a private road - the least of the charges the police officer charge me. The police had been super nice - explained it all to me - told me he had "educated" the cab driver and told me I could go on my way.
I put on my seat belt, turned my key, and realized I had killed my battery while waiting. So, I shed another tear.
Yep, I knew I would shed a tear that morning - but I never imagined I would miss my little man's graduation. It was heartbreaking.
So, here are some photos of my eldest son's graduation, you know, the one his Momma missed :(
Let's hope I get to attend his middle school, high school, and university graduations!
(I am so proud of you DJ - You make my heart sing, my child!)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
I am tired
I am tired.
I am tired of of my new hours at work.
I am tired of the being sympathetic to other working parents, who claim to be so tired.
I am tired of not falling asleep in the arms of the man I love.
I am tired of little, coughing, scratchy, kicking, bodies climbing into my bed at 1am and waking me up an hour before I have to get up.
I am tired of my house being a mess. Ok, let's be honest, I am tired of my house being a disaster.
I am tired of washing dishes.
I am tired of doing laundry.
I am tired of stepping over things.
I am tired of three children trying to gravely injure each other by wrestling, hitting, biting, and pushing.
I am tired of listening to three whiny voices at lunch time and then again at dinner time.
I am tired of the toy room looking like a tornado hit it.
I am tired of beating myself up for BLTs (Bites, Licks and Tastes).
I am tired of loosing and gaining the same friggin' pound, over and over again.
I am tired of all junk food in a 7km radius of my location calling my name - screaming my name!
I am tired of feeling like I have no energy to blog or comment on blogs.
I am tired of not being the type of mom I really am, when I am not tired.
I am tired of worrying if my hubby will still have a job at the end of the day.
I am tired of people thinking I have everything under control. I do not.
I am tired of feeling out of control.
I am tired of being tired.
I am tired of of my new hours at work.
I am tired of the being sympathetic to other working parents, who claim to be so tired.
I am tired of not falling asleep in the arms of the man I love.
I am tired of little, coughing, scratchy, kicking, bodies climbing into my bed at 1am and waking me up an hour before I have to get up.
I am tired of my house being a mess. Ok, let's be honest, I am tired of my house being a disaster.
I am tired of washing dishes.
I am tired of doing laundry.
I am tired of stepping over things.
I am tired of three children trying to gravely injure each other by wrestling, hitting, biting, and pushing.
I am tired of listening to three whiny voices at lunch time and then again at dinner time.
I am tired of the toy room looking like a tornado hit it.
I am tired of beating myself up for BLTs (Bites, Licks and Tastes).
I am tired of loosing and gaining the same friggin' pound, over and over again.
I am tired of all junk food in a 7km radius of my location calling my name - screaming my name!
I am tired of feeling like I have no energy to blog or comment on blogs.
I am tired of not being the type of mom I really am, when I am not tired.
I am tired of worrying if my hubby will still have a job at the end of the day.
I am tired of people thinking I have everything under control. I do not.
I am tired of feeling out of control.
I am tired of being tired.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Cursing Bonnie
Apparently, I have a "thing" for Bonnie! And now, I am cursing Bonnie and her cruel ways!
Sunday morning I met up with my running group. We decided on a nice easy 4km run.
My lovely running partner Lesley read out the route, "Down Merivale to Clyde..blah, blah, blah...turn left onto Bonnie...blah, blah, blah".
About 9 minutes into our route I saw a street sign saying "Bonnie", so we jetted left.
No one else did.
Lesley pulled out the paper and informed me we continue down Clyde, then turn on Bonnie.
Ok. Must be a crescent.
We back track back to Clyde and catch up with the back of the pack.
Down Clyde we go.
I look up and there is a street sign saying "Bonnie". Lesley and I take a left, no one else does.
So, as I am making the turn onto Bonnie, I shout out to the rest of the pack, "This is Bonnie! Turn left!"
No sooner had the words come out of my mouth with there was a painful yelp. I collapsed to the ground. I stepped into a pot hole/crack thingy on the road.
Twisted ankle.
So, apparently, given the fact that I kept trying to turn left onto Bonnie, I have some sort of issue with Bonnie. And now, as I nurse my tender ankle (slight sprain) I am super ticked that I am going to miss my soccer game tomorrow, I am upset I am going to probably miss boot camp and I am royally pissed that I may miss the start of my half marathon clinic that starts on Thursday.
Oh ya, I am mad. So mad that I am cursing Bonnie!
Errrrrrrr!
Ok, back to reality. Another reason I am upset is that I have been struggling with my food plan. I have been snacking, making questionable food choices and worst of all, my BLTs are out of control (Bites, Licks and Tastes).
I am already anticipating a weight gain this week based on my eating patterns and based on my monthly cycle - and now the curse of Bonnie.
It feels like a vicious cycle - I eat when I am upset, I cannot exercise to counter any extra calories and that makes me upset, so, well, I eat. Damn Bonnie!
So, this week my setting my food plan is more important than ever!
Here goes:
Monday
Sunday morning I met up with my running group. We decided on a nice easy 4km run.
My lovely running partner Lesley read out the route, "Down Merivale to Clyde..blah, blah, blah...turn left onto Bonnie...blah, blah, blah".
About 9 minutes into our route I saw a street sign saying "Bonnie", so we jetted left.
No one else did.
Lesley pulled out the paper and informed me we continue down Clyde, then turn on Bonnie.
Ok. Must be a crescent.
We back track back to Clyde and catch up with the back of the pack.
Down Clyde we go.
I look up and there is a street sign saying "Bonnie". Lesley and I take a left, no one else does.
So, as I am making the turn onto Bonnie, I shout out to the rest of the pack, "This is Bonnie! Turn left!"
No sooner had the words come out of my mouth with there was a painful yelp. I collapsed to the ground. I stepped into a pot hole/crack thingy on the road.
Twisted ankle.
So, apparently, given the fact that I kept trying to turn left onto Bonnie, I have some sort of issue with Bonnie. And now, as I nurse my tender ankle (slight sprain) I am super ticked that I am going to miss my soccer game tomorrow, I am upset I am going to probably miss boot camp and I am royally pissed that I may miss the start of my half marathon clinic that starts on Thursday.
Oh ya, I am mad. So mad that I am cursing Bonnie!
Errrrrrrr!
Ok, back to reality. Another reason I am upset is that I have been struggling with my food plan. I have been snacking, making questionable food choices and worst of all, my BLTs are out of control (Bites, Licks and Tastes).
I am already anticipating a weight gain this week based on my eating patterns and based on my monthly cycle - and now the curse of Bonnie.
It feels like a vicious cycle - I eat when I am upset, I cannot exercise to counter any extra calories and that makes me upset, so, well, I eat. Damn Bonnie!
So, this week my setting my food plan is more important than ever!
Here goes:
Monday
- Steel cut oats, banana, PB
- Apple slices with Allegro cheese and cracker
- Mixed salad with tuna, low fat dressing
- Veggies and hummus dip
- Grilled chicken and veggies with cous cous
Tuesday
- Steel cut oats, apple, cinnamon
- 1 piece WW bread with tomato and Allegro cheese
- Mixed salad with left over chicken and salsa
- Hard boiled egg, pickles and baby carrots
- WW 5 point frozen dinner
Wednesday
- Steel cut oats, blueberries, vanilla yogurt
- Pita bread with salsa and cottage cheese
- Mixed salad with beef strips and crumbled blue cheese
- Beef stir fry with Bulgar
Thursday
- Steel cut oats, banana, PB
- Crackers with tomato and cucumber with cottage cheese
- Carrot and ginger soup with crackers
- Apple
- Mushroom salmon with rice and green beans
- Popcorn
Friday
- Toasted tomato sandwich with a touch of mayo and cheese
- Kashi Go Lean and vanilla yogurt
- Baked tofu stuffed pita with a side salad
- Hamburger on BBQ with grilled veggies
- Popcorn
Here's hoping I can stick to plan this week...already I have been "eating away my ankle pain". And well, that is not good.
Well, off to ice and elevate my ankle in the slim chance I will be able to play soccer tomorrow night!
Friday, May 22, 2009
This week
This week has been long and tiring.
I started a post detailing my tri last week...but never completed or posted it.
I started a cute story about each of the kiddies...but never completed or posted it.
I started a heartfelt post about my weight loss journey and some of my current struggles...but never completed or posted it.
I started a post about my ambitious gardening adventure...but never completed or posted it.
I started a post about the wonderful wedding of two wonderful friends...but never completed or posted it.
I started a post on my first outdoor soccer game, the one where everyone sees the "new me" for the first time...but never completed or posted it.
I started a post on how much I hate my new work hours (3am-9am)...but never completed or posted it.
I started a post on how I now work a 7 hour shift on Saturdays, which now means by working early hours, six days a week, I am now working FULL time, BEFORE most people wake up - then I am home with the kiddies ALL DAY...but never completed or posted it.
I started a post on how I really need to catch up on the laundry and general household chores...but never completed or posted it.
Let's hope tomorrow, I start a post on how I STARTED and COMPLETED and SURVIVED a brilliant 10k race. Yep. Let's hope.
This week has been long and tiring.
I started a post detailing my tri last week...but never completed or posted it.
I started a cute story about each of the kiddies...but never completed or posted it.
I started a heartfelt post about my weight loss journey and some of my current struggles...but never completed or posted it.
I started a post about my ambitious gardening adventure...but never completed or posted it.
I started a post about the wonderful wedding of two wonderful friends...but never completed or posted it.
I started a post on my first outdoor soccer game, the one where everyone sees the "new me" for the first time...but never completed or posted it.
I started a post on how much I hate my new work hours (3am-9am)...but never completed or posted it.
I started a post on how I now work a 7 hour shift on Saturdays, which now means by working early hours, six days a week, I am now working FULL time, BEFORE most people wake up - then I am home with the kiddies ALL DAY...but never completed or posted it.
I started a post on how I really need to catch up on the laundry and general household chores...but never completed or posted it.
Let's hope tomorrow, I start a post on how I STARTED and COMPLETED and SURVIVED a brilliant 10k race. Yep. Let's hope.
This week has been long and tiring.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Telling time
I have to be at work at 3AM.
I usually wake up around 2:30AM and make a mad dash to the office.
I usually wake up on my own, before the alarm.
This morning I woke up, glanced at the clock: 2:28AM.
2 minutes before the alarm.
I gently asked David to turn off the alarm.
I got up.
I showered.
I did my hair.
I got dressed.
I grabbed my coat.
I glanced at the clock: 12:42AM.
12:42AM.
Damit! I misread the clock!
Back to bed for less than 2 hours, and then off to work I went.
Yep. It is going to be a long, long, long day!
Just call me LOSER LAURA!!!!
Yawn.
I usually wake up around 2:30AM and make a mad dash to the office.
I usually wake up on my own, before the alarm.
This morning I woke up, glanced at the clock: 2:28AM.
2 minutes before the alarm.
I gently asked David to turn off the alarm.
I got up.
I showered.
I did my hair.
I got dressed.
I grabbed my coat.
I glanced at the clock: 12:42AM.
12:42AM.
Damit! I misread the clock!
Back to bed for less than 2 hours, and then off to work I went.
Yep. It is going to be a long, long, long day!
Just call me LOSER LAURA!!!!
Yawn.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Between
Between.
Yep.
Me.
I am between a rock and a hard place.
I am struggling.
Trying to find balance.
Balance.
Work.
Family.
Play.
Balance.
I am between a rock and a hard place.
Have you noticed how lame my posts have been? I have been tired. Over worked.
My long time readers know all about my job. It WAS the perfect balance for me. Yes, my 4am to 8am crazy hours made for a long day - but it all boiled down to a fairly interesting job, no childcare costs and most importantly, the ability for me to have a "real" job AND be a stay at home mom.
While I was pregnant with DJ, I was laid off from a company in the hi-tech industry. I never looked back. I could not fathom going back to the daily grind of the hi-tech, stressful, chaotic life I led pre-kids. I was "saved" when I had Anderson while still on maternity leave! And decided that childcare costs for two kids less than a year apart was crazy. So, never went back to work.
Then, when Ander was 2 I started getting the itch...the itch for more disposable income, the itch to exercise my professional skills, you know, the itch.
This amazing job basically fell into my lap. A good friend I met at playgroup found out about a crazy job that was part time from 4am to 8am. Not only did it work in terms of allowing me forgo any need of childcare - but it married my university education with my work experience. I have a degree in Canadian Studies with a focus on inter-governmental affairs - and I have a diploma (and 16 years experience) in marketing-communications. Oh ya baby! It was a great opportunity! I interviewed, landed the job and started almost immediately. That was 3 years ago.
It was a great gig - while it lasted! I basically got paid to watch the national news! Working for the Canadian federal government, I am part of a media team that monitors, analyzes and reports on news coverage. Our main "client" is actually the Prime Minister of Canada and his staff! They have a morning briefing and our media report is the bulk of that meeting.
OK, jump ahead to today. I got a new boss in January. Nice guy. But since he took control, my job has changed. The workload has exploded. For example, in the years past we monitored 8 stations and usually categorized 15-20 daily clips. Now, we have 13 stations and we do over 100 clips
It is completely heads down from 4am to 630am...no, excuse me, 3am to 630am. Yep. I have been asked to work at 3am. Not only that, but I have also been asked to work on the weekend. First, it was a flexible shift - anytime I wanted on the weekend - now, my work needs to be done by 10am Saturday - meaning I have to complete 5 hours of work between 8pm Friday and 10 am Saturday - no longer very flexible, now, is it???!!!!
My new boss cannot seem to say no.
Our workload is crazy.
Then he sends an email asking for a huge change int he report for the Monday morning submission. He indicates in his Sunday evening email that if overtime is needed, that is OK. Hmmmmm...let's think about this - email sent at 8:43pm, I arrive at work at 3am...report due at 630am...ya, um, excuse me...when could I squeeze in some overtime to help get the work load completed? Ya! Doesn't work!
OK - The increased workload, the new boss with no real idea of what and how we do our job, a very demanding "client" and a huge adjustment to my hours all constitute my "rock".
The hard place?
Well, that is Nortel.
My hubby works at Nortel. Nortel is in trouble. No one knows what is happening and no job is secure. This once hi-tech giant has gone into bankruptcy protection and it looks very grim. We have no idea how much longer David will have a job or an income. Since the company is in protection, no severance will be granted.
This is extremely stressful for everyone. But, my heart goes out to hubby - having to go in every day, remain focused, committed and hard working - with all the uncertainty clouding his workplace.
He tries to keep positive. He tries to let things not impact him - h has a healthy outlook that what will happen, will happen. But, I can see the stress eating at him.
Then, I keep getting offered more work hours. I am not ready for full time - I love having my days at home with the kids. I do not want to have to worry about childcare - I want to care for my children. But, if David should loose his job - then I would have a secure full time job. (well, at least secure till my next contract renewal!) Plus, my director has gone to bat for me before - he is loyal to those who demonstrate commitment to the team and good work. He secured me a contract that allowed me a full year maternity leave with benefits. I feel like if I say no to extra hours and longer hours, that he may "loose that faith in me". He is hard-nose like that. People try to never cross him - he can make your life hell!
So, I am struggling. I am struggling because I am getting even less sleep than before. I am struggling because my workload had multiplied, I am worried about my hubby's job, mental state and peace of mind.
I am struggling with where I want to be in 2-5 years in terms of my professional work - and if declining extra hours and responsibilities will negatively impact my desires and future opportnities.
For me, working full time would mean we would need childcare for Madigan every morning - and then when school is out - for all three - just in the morning. I would have the afternoons to spend with them - and sooner than I realize, they will all be in school full days. It would not be that hard to do...and we could find very affordable options that would capitalize on our new income source and that would help us financially. But I would be working fulltime...
I really feel like I am between a rock and hard place right now.
And that explains my lack of quality posts - Ummm, have I ever posted quality posts???!!!!!
OK - whine and b*tchfest is over. Tomorrow we will be back to our regular bloggy-self!
Oh! I have so much to share with you!!!! Funny stories about the kids, fitness news, weight loss journey tidbits - Let me tell you, the Fringe is never boring...just my posts of late!!!!
Yep.
Me.
I am between a rock and a hard place.
I am struggling.
Trying to find balance.
Balance.
Work.
Family.
Play.
Balance.
I am between a rock and a hard place.
Have you noticed how lame my posts have been? I have been tired. Over worked.
My long time readers know all about my job. It WAS the perfect balance for me. Yes, my 4am to 8am crazy hours made for a long day - but it all boiled down to a fairly interesting job, no childcare costs and most importantly, the ability for me to have a "real" job AND be a stay at home mom.
While I was pregnant with DJ, I was laid off from a company in the hi-tech industry. I never looked back. I could not fathom going back to the daily grind of the hi-tech, stressful, chaotic life I led pre-kids. I was "saved" when I had Anderson while still on maternity leave! And decided that childcare costs for two kids less than a year apart was crazy. So, never went back to work.
Then, when Ander was 2 I started getting the itch...the itch for more disposable income, the itch to exercise my professional skills, you know, the itch.
This amazing job basically fell into my lap. A good friend I met at playgroup found out about a crazy job that was part time from 4am to 8am. Not only did it work in terms of allowing me forgo any need of childcare - but it married my university education with my work experience. I have a degree in Canadian Studies with a focus on inter-governmental affairs - and I have a diploma (and 16 years experience) in marketing-communications. Oh ya baby! It was a great opportunity! I interviewed, landed the job and started almost immediately. That was 3 years ago.
It was a great gig - while it lasted! I basically got paid to watch the national news! Working for the Canadian federal government, I am part of a media team that monitors, analyzes and reports on news coverage. Our main "client" is actually the Prime Minister of Canada and his staff! They have a morning briefing and our media report is the bulk of that meeting.
OK, jump ahead to today. I got a new boss in January. Nice guy. But since he took control, my job has changed. The workload has exploded. For example, in the years past we monitored 8 stations and usually categorized 15-20 daily clips. Now, we have 13 stations and we do over 100 clips
It is completely heads down from 4am to 630am...no, excuse me, 3am to 630am. Yep. I have been asked to work at 3am. Not only that, but I have also been asked to work on the weekend. First, it was a flexible shift - anytime I wanted on the weekend - now, my work needs to be done by 10am Saturday - meaning I have to complete 5 hours of work between 8pm Friday and 10 am Saturday - no longer very flexible, now, is it???!!!!
My new boss cannot seem to say no.
Our workload is crazy.
Then he sends an email asking for a huge change int he report for the Monday morning submission. He indicates in his Sunday evening email that if overtime is needed, that is OK. Hmmmmm...let's think about this - email sent at 8:43pm, I arrive at work at 3am...report due at 630am...ya, um, excuse me...when could I squeeze in some overtime to help get the work load completed? Ya! Doesn't work!
OK - The increased workload, the new boss with no real idea of what and how we do our job, a very demanding "client" and a huge adjustment to my hours all constitute my "rock".
The hard place?
Well, that is Nortel.
My hubby works at Nortel. Nortel is in trouble. No one knows what is happening and no job is secure. This once hi-tech giant has gone into bankruptcy protection and it looks very grim. We have no idea how much longer David will have a job or an income. Since the company is in protection, no severance will be granted.
This is extremely stressful for everyone. But, my heart goes out to hubby - having to go in every day, remain focused, committed and hard working - with all the uncertainty clouding his workplace.
He tries to keep positive. He tries to let things not impact him - h has a healthy outlook that what will happen, will happen. But, I can see the stress eating at him.
Then, I keep getting offered more work hours. I am not ready for full time - I love having my days at home with the kids. I do not want to have to worry about childcare - I want to care for my children. But, if David should loose his job - then I would have a secure full time job. (well, at least secure till my next contract renewal!) Plus, my director has gone to bat for me before - he is loyal to those who demonstrate commitment to the team and good work. He secured me a contract that allowed me a full year maternity leave with benefits. I feel like if I say no to extra hours and longer hours, that he may "loose that faith in me". He is hard-nose like that. People try to never cross him - he can make your life hell!
So, I am struggling. I am struggling because I am getting even less sleep than before. I am struggling because my workload had multiplied, I am worried about my hubby's job, mental state and peace of mind.
I am struggling with where I want to be in 2-5 years in terms of my professional work - and if declining extra hours and responsibilities will negatively impact my desires and future opportnities.
For me, working full time would mean we would need childcare for Madigan every morning - and then when school is out - for all three - just in the morning. I would have the afternoons to spend with them - and sooner than I realize, they will all be in school full days. It would not be that hard to do...and we could find very affordable options that would capitalize on our new income source and that would help us financially. But I would be working fulltime...
I really feel like I am between a rock and hard place right now.
And that explains my lack of quality posts - Ummm, have I ever posted quality posts???!!!!!
OK - whine and b*tchfest is over. Tomorrow we will be back to our regular bloggy-self!
Oh! I have so much to share with you!!!! Funny stories about the kids, fitness news, weight loss journey tidbits - Let me tell you, the Fringe is never boring...just my posts of late!!!!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Road Rage
Oh! I have a mighty case of road rage!
First, I read this post posted on Life is Just so Daily. For those who do not know, Lainey-Painey is a huge advocate for child safety in cars. Sadly, she lost her nephew Riley in September 2005. It was a tragic accident where 2 year old Riley locked himself in the family car and died of heat exposure.
Links and stories on her blog have really opened my eyes to the dangers of unsupervised children in cars. PLEASE - go check out www.kidsincars.org - knowledge and awareness is power and it could save YOUR kids.
Oh...I was fuming after reading that post...and I personally would have used a few harsher names for the "witch" that Lainey-Painey confronted.
Then, as I was walking to work, my temper started to fume again. As you may know Tamil-Canadians are staging a marathon protest. They have been picketing outside my office. Understand that I am not upset that they are staging a protest...it is their right. What I am fuming about is the number of children left sleeping in their cars parked along the route I walk at 3:30am. Sometimes there are entire families sleeping in their cars, sometimes just children. Sometimes the children are in car seats, sometimes not. Sometimes the cars are even running! Sometimes the parents or guardians are also sleeping in the car - sometimes they are congregating a few cars away with other protesters.
The police presence is high - so, within a few metres down the street I stopped two police officers and voiced my concern. They basically said, "Oh, it is not a cold night, and the kids gotta sleep, and the parents cannot be too far away. Don't worry about it."
Don't worry about it?????
Mr. Police officer and Madame Police officer, with all due respect - GO CHECK OUT www.kidsincars.org !
THEN, to top off my morning road rage, here is a news clip I had to review for my media report. YES - two children are in grave condition after a MINOR car accident. Minor...except for the MAJOR error of judgement made by the parental unit to NOT properly secure their children in car seats.
Did you know that it is estimated that 95% of children's car seats are not installed correctly or used correctly? Two of my biggest beefs are infants in the "bucket seats" with the handles upright - CHECK YOUR MANUAL PEOPLE - this is WRONG! And secondly, when children in the harness seats are not tightly secured. CHECK YOUR MANUAL PEOPLE - the straps need to be SNUG. If you have questions contact your local authorities to find out about car seat clinics and checks in your area.
OK. Deep breaths.
I have a serious case of road rage and I only hope and pray this rant of a post gets just one person to rethink leaving children unattended in a car or how their car seats are installed or used.
Children are precious cargo...let's handle them with care.
First, I read this post posted on Life is Just so Daily. For those who do not know, Lainey-Painey is a huge advocate for child safety in cars. Sadly, she lost her nephew Riley in September 2005. It was a tragic accident where 2 year old Riley locked himself in the family car and died of heat exposure.
Links and stories on her blog have really opened my eyes to the dangers of unsupervised children in cars. PLEASE - go check out www.kidsincars.org - knowledge and awareness is power and it could save YOUR kids.
Oh...I was fuming after reading that post...and I personally would have used a few harsher names for the "witch" that Lainey-Painey confronted.
Then, as I was walking to work, my temper started to fume again. As you may know Tamil-Canadians are staging a marathon protest. They have been picketing outside my office. Understand that I am not upset that they are staging a protest...it is their right. What I am fuming about is the number of children left sleeping in their cars parked along the route I walk at 3:30am. Sometimes there are entire families sleeping in their cars, sometimes just children. Sometimes the children are in car seats, sometimes not. Sometimes the cars are even running! Sometimes the parents or guardians are also sleeping in the car - sometimes they are congregating a few cars away with other protesters.
The police presence is high - so, within a few metres down the street I stopped two police officers and voiced my concern. They basically said, "Oh, it is not a cold night, and the kids gotta sleep, and the parents cannot be too far away. Don't worry about it."
Don't worry about it?????
Mr. Police officer and Madame Police officer, with all due respect - GO CHECK OUT www.kidsincars.org !
THEN, to top off my morning road rage, here is a news clip I had to review for my media report. YES - two children are in grave condition after a MINOR car accident. Minor...except for the MAJOR error of judgement made by the parental unit to NOT properly secure their children in car seats.
Did you know that it is estimated that 95% of children's car seats are not installed correctly or used correctly? Two of my biggest beefs are infants in the "bucket seats" with the handles upright - CHECK YOUR MANUAL PEOPLE - this is WRONG! And secondly, when children in the harness seats are not tightly secured. CHECK YOUR MANUAL PEOPLE - the straps need to be SNUG. If you have questions contact your local authorities to find out about car seat clinics and checks in your area.
OK. Deep breaths.
I have a serious case of road rage and I only hope and pray this rant of a post gets just one person to rethink leaving children unattended in a car or how their car seats are installed or used.
Children are precious cargo...let's handle them with care.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Dear Kettle BBQ Chips,
I friggin' HATE you...well, actually, you are yummy good...and, well, there in lays the problem.
Well, at least you are all gone - and so are my Weight Watchers points for the next four days!
It is now after 9PM, I have to get up at early and be at work by 3AM...the Junos are on and I would like to watch them...but, well, my bed calls. I had a FABULOUS weekend and cannot wait to share it all with you.
Nighty-night!
I friggin' HATE you...well, actually, you are yummy good...and, well, there in lays the problem.
Well, at least you are all gone - and so are my Weight Watchers points for the next four days!
It is now after 9PM, I have to get up at early and be at work by 3AM...the Junos are on and I would like to watch them...but, well, my bed calls. I had a FABULOUS weekend and cannot wait to share it all with you.
Nighty-night!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Menu plan Monday - rabbit stew
I am not really in the mood to write much.
I had an AMAZING weekend. But, then it came crashing to a halt when a friend brought it to my attention that I really hurt her feelings...during the course of our scrapbooking weekend I offended her. I am glad she said something, I truly did not realize my comments upset her...and I feel badly about that...but now, I am upset. So, I did not sleep very well last night (couple that with staying up to watch Desperate Housewives, and then getting up for work at 3am) and my Monday did not start off too well. While driving to work at 3:30am, I hit and killed a little bunny...oh ya! I did, and I am a wreck about it...what a great start to the week!
So, without whining anymore, here is my dinner menu for this week. And, um, no, we are not having any rabbit dishes! You can find lots of other meal ideas at Menu Plan Monday entries at I'm an Organizing Junkie.
Monday - Chicken drumsticks with corn peas and rice
Tuesday - Green Curry Shrimp with mixed veggies and couscous
Wednesday - Crockpot Mexican Pork - Recipe below
Thursday - Spaghetti and meatballs
Friday - Vegetable Quinoa with Tilapia
1 pound pork boneless loin roast – cut into 1" pieces
1 20 oz jar salsa
1 4oz can chopped green chiles -- drained
1 15oz can black beans -- rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese -- if desired
Mix pork, salsa and chiles in 3 1/2 to 4 quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat setting 6 to 8 hour or until pork is tender. Stir in beans. Cover and cook about 5 minutes or until hot. Sprinkle with cheese.
1 serving = 345 calories/Fat 10g/Cholesterol 75mg/Sodium 900 mg/Carbohydrate
37g/Fiber 10g/Protein 37g
Weight Watcher's Points = 6
1 20 oz jar salsa
1 4oz can chopped green chiles -- drained
1 15oz can black beans -- rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese -- if desired
Mix pork, salsa and chiles in 3 1/2 to 4 quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat setting 6 to 8 hour or until pork is tender. Stir in beans. Cover and cook about 5 minutes or until hot. Sprinkle with cheese.
1 serving = 345 calories/Fat 10g/Cholesterol 75mg/Sodium 900 mg/Carbohydrate
37g/Fiber 10g/Protein 37g
Weight Watcher's Points = 6
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Diagnosed OXYMORON
I am an OXYMORON.
I am a JUMBO SHRIMP!
(Didn't the great Paul Simon write a song about that? Oh, wait - that was a rock and an island! Well, maybe I am both of those too?!?!?!?)
I have self-diagnosed myself with a very serious newly named (by yours truly) medical condition called the JUMBO SHRIMP SYNDROME.
Now that I have a diagnosis, I am dealing with this condition a lot better. I am in some sort of remission.
For the last few weeks I have been a bit down, not as motivated as before, and a bit in a rut. I was constantly fighting the urge to hang up my running shoes. Look over at my side bar and you will even see a little blimp in my weight loss - for the first time since starting this process, I gained...a WHOLE half a pound. Unfortunately, with Jumbo Shrimp Syndrome, even a small, tiny, insignificant, water-retention, period-about-to-start, gain, can cause a spiral into the death grip of this illness.
Worst of all, I was hearing voices. Chocolate chip cookies that were stashed in the back of the pantry were calling my name; the chip aisle of the grocery store sent off a deafening roar of, " Come on over Laura, the snacking is good over here!" And extra helpings were begging me to put them out of their misery and finish them off.
And when I did exercise or dress in some of my new clothes (smallest sizes since 2003!) I was feeling sexy and skinny! Oh yes, I did. So much so, I went through the bottom drawer of my dresser - yes, the bottom drawer - the one with the lingerie and non-granny underwear.
Oh ya, baby! Alternating with the negative symptoms mentioned above, I started feeling great about myself. I started to really appreciate the change in my body. I started to like my new, healthy curves. I started feeling good about myself. I held my head up high as I exercised, I did not feel out of place at the gym, I did not compare my tickle-fight stance to that of a beached whale. I started to wear sexy underwear on weekdays and even slipped on a lacy number with the hope it would be torn off me (it was!). I started to think I was skinny.
These positive feelings of pride, self-worth and accomplishment would come crashing down with one look in the mirror. While I felt all skinny and great, one look in the mirror, and I would see a happy, yet, still over-weight gal. Insecurity and disappointment would quickly set in. And that would accentuate the negative symptoms of my condition. The happiness would vanish and I was left feeling fat, depressed and upset. When I really opened my eyes and looked at myself, I saw a Jumbo Shrimp.
Basically, inside, I felt all skinny and great, but the reflection in the mirror or the size on the clothing tag, or the annoying high pitch voice of the Wii fit/Madigan, would remind me that yes, I am still considered OBESE.
With tears in my eyes, I would here my inner voice say, "You're an OX, you MORON!"
An ox, you moron... an OXYMORON.
I have become a Jumbo Shrimp.
So, how does a treat Jumbo Shrimp Syndrome?
I am a JUMBO SHRIMP!
(Didn't the great Paul Simon write a song about that? Oh, wait - that was a rock and an island! Well, maybe I am both of those too?!?!?!?)
I have self-diagnosed myself with a very serious newly named (by yours truly) medical condition called the JUMBO SHRIMP SYNDROME.
Now that I have a diagnosis, I am dealing with this condition a lot better. I am in some sort of remission.
For the last few weeks I have been a bit down, not as motivated as before, and a bit in a rut. I was constantly fighting the urge to hang up my running shoes. Look over at my side bar and you will even see a little blimp in my weight loss - for the first time since starting this process, I gained...a WHOLE half a pound. Unfortunately, with Jumbo Shrimp Syndrome, even a small, tiny, insignificant, water-retention, period-about-to-start, gain, can cause a spiral into the death grip of this illness.
Worst of all, I was hearing voices. Chocolate chip cookies that were stashed in the back of the pantry were calling my name; the chip aisle of the grocery store sent off a deafening roar of, " Come on over Laura, the snacking is good over here!" And extra helpings were begging me to put them out of their misery and finish them off.
And when I did exercise or dress in some of my new clothes (smallest sizes since 2003!) I was feeling sexy and skinny! Oh yes, I did. So much so, I went through the bottom drawer of my dresser - yes, the bottom drawer - the one with the lingerie and non-granny underwear.
Oh ya, baby! Alternating with the negative symptoms mentioned above, I started feeling great about myself. I started to really appreciate the change in my body. I started to like my new, healthy curves. I started feeling good about myself. I held my head up high as I exercised, I did not feel out of place at the gym, I did not compare my tickle-fight stance to that of a beached whale. I started to wear sexy underwear on weekdays and even slipped on a lacy number with the hope it would be torn off me (it was!). I started to think I was skinny.
These positive feelings of pride, self-worth and accomplishment would come crashing down with one look in the mirror. While I felt all skinny and great, one look in the mirror, and I would see a happy, yet, still over-weight gal. Insecurity and disappointment would quickly set in. And that would accentuate the negative symptoms of my condition. The happiness would vanish and I was left feeling fat, depressed and upset. When I really opened my eyes and looked at myself, I saw a Jumbo Shrimp.
Basically, inside, I felt all skinny and great, but the reflection in the mirror or the size on the clothing tag, or the annoying high pitch voice of the Wii fit/Madigan, would remind me that yes, I am still considered OBESE.
With tears in my eyes, I would here my inner voice say, "You're an OX, you MORON!"
An ox, you moron... an OXYMORON.
I have become a Jumbo Shrimp.
So, how does a treat Jumbo Shrimp Syndrome?
- Focus on accomplishments thus far - I have lost 64.5 pounds - that is AMAZING. I need to take pride in that accomplishment.
- Keep motivated - this is a process - I need to look at my weight loss as a journey and not dwell on a single step within this journey.
- Journal - I admit it, my journalling has become a bit laxed, I need to document EVERYTHING I eat and drink. I need to be accountable.
- Celebrate and anticipate - I need to celebrate my accomplishments (almost 65 pounds lost, in the smallest size of pants in years, ate a healthy, good choice breakfast...) and also anticipate new milestones (will soon run my first road race in 7 years, obtaining a 75 pound weight loss total is totally within reach, saying no to those voices each and every time they scream out to me...)
- Realize this is not an over-night fix, but a new lifestyle. There will be ups and downs and plateaus...and breaking through and making one good decision at a time is the answer.
Yes, I am an OXYMORON and I suffer from Jumbo Shrimp Syndrome, but I will survive, thrive and be happy.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Reverse Psychology
Reverse Psychology works every time!
Did I mention something big, horrible and ugly is going on at work - you know, the work I love...well, I still love my job, but I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, under appreciated and disappointed...I will not post much about the situation until after I talk to my union rep tomorrow morning for the final numbers and payment options.
It is no wonder I am not in a good mood.
Then my exercise partner cancels out workout for tonight - something about Christmas in a week and no where close to being ready.
So, I dug deep and decided to brave the elements and go running on my own.
Me: Do you think jumping from 4.1km to 5km is too big of a jump? I am still at run for 4 min and walk a min.
Hubby: No, you could do it.
Me: What is a good 5km route around here?
Hubby: Go out and Road A to Road B, turn right and follow to Road C. Then keep going to Road D all the way past the shopping centre to Road E and then all the way to Road F, turn right and then left onto Road G and follow back to Road A.
Me: All the way to the shopping centre and back around?
Hubby Yep.
Me: F*ck, I cannot do that!
So, off I went, totally thinking I would do my 4.1 km route...so, I went Road A to Road G then instead of turning onto my regular route, I headed towards road F, all the way to Road E, past the shopping centre, up to Road D and around to Road C, then I turned left onto Road B and found myself on Road A, heading home.
Not only did I do the 5km route - but I did not walk once!!!
Yep, amazing what a bad day, adrenaline and a bit of reverse psychology can do to up your work out!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Christmas Critters
Know what really sucks?
Discovering that a friggin' mouse got into the plastic tub of Christmas decorations - ruined almost all of them - and then died in the box.
Ya. That friggin' sucks!
(and is also stinks, literally and figuratively!)
Discovering that a friggin' mouse got into the plastic tub of Christmas decorations - ruined almost all of them - and then died in the box.
Ya. That friggin' sucks!
(and is also stinks, literally and figuratively!)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Is the glass half-empty or half-full?
I guess it all depends on how you look at it...
Half-empty, as in the fact that I worked out so hard this week, and only had a one pound decrease...
Half-full, as in, I am under 200 pounds for the first time since month 5 of my first pregnancy 5 years ago, I am on day 4 of my period, and I only have one more week of full fast left.
I am trying to be more optimistic than pessimistic...but it is hard...
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Long Day Lessons
Today has been a long day - literally, it has been a long day.
3:02 AM - Woke up
3:55 - Arrived at work
4:00 - 8:00 - Worked regular hours
8:30 - 11:30 - Played with Madigan, folded laundry, packed for all three kiddies, ran 3 errands with Madigan
11:40 - Met boys' bus
12:30 - 1:30 Hit McD's drive through for kiddies and drove to Kemptville
1:30 - 3:00 - Had a nice visit with my parents
3:00 - 4:00 - Hit the dollar store in Kemptville for party favours - BINGO! Lucked out and got everything I needed!
4:00 - 4:45 - Drove back to Ottawa
5:00 - 5:30 - Caught up on my blog reading and commenting
5:30 - 7:00 - Relaxed in a warm bath
7:00 - 8:30 - Wink, wink, nudge, nudge --- no kids at home, you can figure out how hubby and I spent our time!!!!! (blush, blush)
8:30 - 10:30 - Napped in the arms of my wonderful man
11:00 PM - Arrived at work to do an extra shift
11:00 PM - 1:30 AM - Monitored National news and completed assigned tasks as requested by the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada
2:00 AM - Arrived home
Now, I hope to sleep as I have my French course at 9AM for 3 LONG hours...
...did I mention it was a long day?
And worst of all - I keep thinking of food! I am so tired and all I want is to snack. Mindless snacking. But I am committed to my weight loss program. But I cannot stop thinking of food! Junk food, comfort food.
I am actually a bit depressed over all this craving sweets and junk food. I am scared that once I am transitioned back to food, I may fall into my old habits. That is not acceptable. I cannot go back to my old ways. I have learned coping strategies. I have worked hard to loose 42+ pounds. Why forfeit all that?
Some days I think I have come a long way in changing my way of thinking of food...and then I have a day like today.
While I am optimistic that I am learning and changing and committing to a healthy lifestyle moving forward - I have now realized food will always be an issue for me. And I will have to be strong, committed and secure in my decisions not to let food control me any more.
I did not break program - even though this has been a long day - and even though in the past I would have snacked on chocolate bars, chips, cola and other terrible food choices - I did not.
I learned an invaluable lesson during my long day.
Good Night! Sleep and Eat well my friends.
3:02 AM - Woke up
3:55 - Arrived at work
4:00 - 8:00 - Worked regular hours
8:30 - 11:30 - Played with Madigan, folded laundry, packed for all three kiddies, ran 3 errands with Madigan
11:40 - Met boys' bus
12:30 - 1:30 Hit McD's drive through for kiddies and drove to Kemptville
1:30 - 3:00 - Had a nice visit with my parents
3:00 - 4:00 - Hit the dollar store in Kemptville for party favours - BINGO! Lucked out and got everything I needed!
4:00 - 4:45 - Drove back to Ottawa
5:00 - 5:30 - Caught up on my blog reading and commenting
5:30 - 7:00 - Relaxed in a warm bath
7:00 - 8:30 - Wink, wink, nudge, nudge --- no kids at home, you can figure out how hubby and I spent our time!!!!! (blush, blush)
8:30 - 10:30 - Napped in the arms of my wonderful man
11:00 PM - Arrived at work to do an extra shift
11:00 PM - 1:30 AM - Monitored National news and completed assigned tasks as requested by the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada
2:00 AM - Arrived home
Now, I hope to sleep as I have my French course at 9AM for 3 LONG hours...
...did I mention it was a long day?
And worst of all - I keep thinking of food! I am so tired and all I want is to snack. Mindless snacking. But I am committed to my weight loss program. But I cannot stop thinking of food! Junk food, comfort food.
I am actually a bit depressed over all this craving sweets and junk food. I am scared that once I am transitioned back to food, I may fall into my old habits. That is not acceptable. I cannot go back to my old ways. I have learned coping strategies. I have worked hard to loose 42+ pounds. Why forfeit all that?
Some days I think I have come a long way in changing my way of thinking of food...and then I have a day like today.
While I am optimistic that I am learning and changing and committing to a healthy lifestyle moving forward - I have now realized food will always be an issue for me. And I will have to be strong, committed and secure in my decisions not to let food control me any more.
I did not break program - even though this has been a long day - and even though in the past I would have snacked on chocolate bars, chips, cola and other terrible food choices - I did not.
I learned an invaluable lesson during my long day.
Good Night! Sleep and Eat well my friends.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
I Know
I know I am being a bit bull headed.
I know I am thinking-crazy thoughts.
I know I am a bit loony in my perspective.
I know I am overly emotional.
I know that I am working out every day - 20 minute Turbo Jam or 30 Day Shed Workout or Turbo Sculpt.
I know muscle weighs more than fat.
I know that the week of my period could impact my weekly weight loss patterns.
I know that I have not cheated once on my liquid diet - 4 shakes a day for 21 days - only 900 calories a day.
I know that I have increased my walking and routinely hit over 10K steps a day.
I know that I am feeling stronger, leaner and fitter.
I know my clothes are fitting different - fitting better.
I know that weight loss is a slow process - took me years to put on this extra weight - may take as long to loose it all.
I know that I am sleeping better, feeling better and have more energy.
I know that I use to over eat and snack way too much and my portions were out of control.
I know that I have identified many of my old, bad habits and I vow to eliminate them all.
I know that people are commenting on how good I look - I loved how Suzanne kept commenting on my "new" dimples and bigger smile.
I know that my hubby is so proud of me - and even a bit in awe at how well I am handing this liquid diet thing.
I know that I will succeed on this program.
I know that smile in my latest photo says so much about how proud, happy and committed I am to this weight loss program and lifestyle change.
I know that I have lost 18.5 pounds since September 5, 2008 due to hard work, determination and sticking to my program.
I know that a 2 pound loss this week is commendable...really, I do.
I just do not know why I am so disappointed this week.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Fun Friday
The morning started off on a bit of a sour note. I thought a friend and I had agreed on setting Friday mornings as play dates. I am all about routine and regular activities. I was all excited - for the last 18 months I had been feeling badly that we had not made a huge effort to get together, since our girls are exactly the same age. Anyways, when I emailed her to confirm the plans and to inform her it was a PD day for my boys, she informed me that she was meeting up with another mutual friend for a play date...she later called - maybe feeing bad - and invited us to join them at a local museum. I politely declined - I did not feel like roaming the museum...and, well, I was a little ticked. (If my friend had said, "hey, so-and-so would also like to meet up with us", I would have been totally for it...)
So, based on the lovely fall weather, and our need for a physical activity we decided to head to a local hiking trail and bring along a picnic. What is so much fun about this trail is that the chick-a-dees will come land in your hand to take birdseed.
Well, the pictures speak for themselves! We had so much fun! It was so lovely outside - the air brisk, the leaves falling, the birds chirping, the kids running, laughing and squealing. It was a fun Friday for sure!
So, based on the lovely fall weather, and our need for a physical activity we decided to head to a local hiking trail and bring along a picnic. What is so much fun about this trail is that the chick-a-dees will come land in your hand to take birdseed.
Well, the pictures speak for themselves! We had so much fun! It was so lovely outside - the air brisk, the leaves falling, the birds chirping, the kids running, laughing and squealing. It was a fun Friday for sure!
As I type this Anderson and Madigan are snoring away and DJ is playing quietly - all three of them walked the whole trail! Wonder if they will get their second wind in time for the the family swim night????????
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Come on people!
Come on people!
If you see this sign while driving it means that the left lane is ending. ENDING. Merge to the right. Get over. Just do it. DO.IT.
Come on people!
If you do not merge early, then you will create a traffic jam. A traffic jam.
If you insist on staying in the ending lane, then you deserve all the swearing, name calling and gesturing people like me can throw your way. And many of us usually considerate drivers will not let you in if you missed an eary opportunity to merge.
Come on people!
Ottawa is not Toronto. The 417 is not the 401. Traffic Just. Do. It.
Come on people!
My drive to work on a Sunday afternoon should take less than 10 minutes...not 55!
JEEEEEEZE!
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