I am really looking forward to a full three day weekend of some serious R&R.
We will likely cut the day short on Monday, though, just to make sure we have all the 'back to school' hoopla taken care of. That's supposed to be the nicest day of the weekend, naturally.
Just got a text from Hubby - the waterskis I purchased (and then they broke!!) have been replaced, and he also purchased new running shoes for the A-man. Two more "things to do" that I can cross of my weekend list. This is a good thing.
I am working a bit later than usual today - have some press releases, etc. that need to get out - but then I will have a couple of uninterupted hours to finish with laundry, bedmaking with clean, crisp sheets, and general household tidy before my Mom comes to pick me up.
I think I will do the big groccery shop on Monday afternoon on our way home from the cottage. This is the only good thing about living in a tourist area - all stores are still open even when it's a statutory holiday. Due to the whole listeria breakout, I am not quite sure how I will approach the whole lunchmeat issue. I think I will buy a roast and simply use my meat slicer to provide protein for the boys' lunches. No more processed meats for them. At all. EVER again.
Big shame, however, is that Cuz's son (the R-man's younger brother) works for the company that has been affected by this breakout. Still not sure if his actual plant has been affected, though, because he works strictly with chickens, not processed foods. Supposed to be seeing the R-man tonight so I hope to get more information then.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
A good meeting
At lunch time, I went to meet the new Principal. She was younger than I was expecting. I have no idea why I was expecting an older lady, but for whatever reason, I was.
I was very pleased to see that she had S's student record on her desk, and as we sat and chatted, she went through various sections of the record. Every now and then she would ask questions specific to the section she was looking at - such as suspensions.
It was pretty obvious from the start of the meeting that she has some educational background in special education. She knew things about Aspergers that the average teacher wouldn't now - unless they have either taught such a child, or had some formal training. I wasn't sure which is was until she made a few comments about his LD's, and his ADHD. Then I knew.
YES! (It really does help with the Principal has a good grasp of the issues.)
I was able to address my concerns about the EA and how Hubby and I had our reservations about her formal training. I used the fractured thumb incident as a "for example." The very first thing she said after I told her about that was, "Well, that is the worst thing you could say to a child like S - it would have made him even more anxious."
My heart did yet another happy dance.
I was told that funding has been cut (typical) and she would see what she could do to move the EA's around. For now, though, S will have the same EA as last year.
I also asked about the French teacher - were we going to have the same one? Answer - No. (yippeeee!!)
The Principal then told me that the SERT has requested to offer a Social Skills class, and would I be willing to have S participate in that? (Hmmm.... child with Aspergers and a Social Skills class - would that be helpful??) Of course I said that I would be pleased to have him take such a class, and then I was informed that the class would be offered at the same time of day as French would be. HA!
The SERT couldn't get S exempt from taking French, but she has come up with a viable way to have him excused from the class! :o)
I left the school feeling very positive.
Tonight, I had a minor anxiety attack when I couldn't locate S's records binder.
This binder is over two inches thick, and has to be upgraded to the next binder size. It is full of information pertaining to S - complete with his pshyco-educational report, all doctors reports, reports from his OT, his Play Therapist, all report cards, suspensions, letters to the school...in other words, it is not something you want to lose. I checked two spots then found it in the third.
When I had started to reorganize the boy's homework cabinet - putting away all the new school supplies - I found a number of pieces that needed to be filed in each boy's binder. I knew exactly where the A-man's was, but for some reason S's wasn't where it should have been.
Crisis has been diverted - now I just need to get a big binder and more sheet protectors.
(yes, I am a geek, I know...)
I was very pleased to see that she had S's student record on her desk, and as we sat and chatted, she went through various sections of the record. Every now and then she would ask questions specific to the section she was looking at - such as suspensions.
It was pretty obvious from the start of the meeting that she has some educational background in special education. She knew things about Aspergers that the average teacher wouldn't now - unless they have either taught such a child, or had some formal training. I wasn't sure which is was until she made a few comments about his LD's, and his ADHD. Then I knew.
YES! (It really does help with the Principal has a good grasp of the issues.)
I was able to address my concerns about the EA and how Hubby and I had our reservations about her formal training. I used the fractured thumb incident as a "for example." The very first thing she said after I told her about that was, "Well, that is the worst thing you could say to a child like S - it would have made him even more anxious."
My heart did yet another happy dance.
I was told that funding has been cut (typical) and she would see what she could do to move the EA's around. For now, though, S will have the same EA as last year.
I also asked about the French teacher - were we going to have the same one? Answer - No. (yippeeee!!)
The Principal then told me that the SERT has requested to offer a Social Skills class, and would I be willing to have S participate in that? (Hmmm.... child with Aspergers and a Social Skills class - would that be helpful??) Of course I said that I would be pleased to have him take such a class, and then I was informed that the class would be offered at the same time of day as French would be. HA!
The SERT couldn't get S exempt from taking French, but she has come up with a viable way to have him excused from the class! :o)
I left the school feeling very positive.
Tonight, I had a minor anxiety attack when I couldn't locate S's records binder.
This binder is over two inches thick, and has to be upgraded to the next binder size. It is full of information pertaining to S - complete with his pshyco-educational report, all doctors reports, reports from his OT, his Play Therapist, all report cards, suspensions, letters to the school...in other words, it is not something you want to lose. I checked two spots then found it in the third.
When I had started to reorganize the boy's homework cabinet - putting away all the new school supplies - I found a number of pieces that needed to be filed in each boy's binder. I knew exactly where the A-man's was, but for some reason S's wasn't where it should have been.
Crisis has been diverted - now I just need to get a big binder and more sheet protectors.
(yes, I am a geek, I know...)
My bully wish
The Bully Factor.
It would appear that it is a part of life, regardless of where you live. My dear friend Bear shared a blog excerpt with me today. It was written by a young man living with both bipolar and Aspergers.
In his blog he explained the vicious cycle whereby being a child with Aspergers caused the bulling, which caused the anxiety, which caused post traumatic stress, which then aggravated his bipolar, which then brought out even more Asperger symptoms. What a sad, sad, never ending cycle.
I'm not sure if his parents/guardians were aware of what he was going through when it was happening, but they must have been. How could they not? He was in a fight so bad that he ended up with a broken jaw!
If I could be granted just one wish, it wouldn't be that all bullying stopped - I think that would be next to impossible.
My wish would be that all people were educated about the seriousness, the full detrimental effect that bullying, teasing, and tormenting can have on a person. I do believe that the bully often times believes they are 'just having fun' and not truly aware of how their so-called 'fun' can be at the (very serious) expense of another human's mental well-being. If THAT awareness could be raised, I think the world might just be a better place.
If I could add an additional educational tag to this wish, I would also wish that all parents have the knowledge, the time and the willingness to do battle against a bully and the yeast that allows this spawn to continue to ferment.
Last Spring I spoke to the mother of a girl that was actually not in school for the last two months of the year because it was just easier than going through the proper channels to make the bully stop. I was so upset by this.
My feeling was that rather than showing her daughter that she was there to help her, she (in my opinion) was simply showing her, "Well, I can't do anything about it. Just stay home and avoid that group of girls."
I tried to educate this Mom in to the "proper procedures" that need to be followed within the board; basically how to work the system to her advantage. She listened to what I suggested, but I'm sure she was thinking, "That is just too much work." It was simply easier to keep the girl home.
Education. That is my wish.
It would appear that it is a part of life, regardless of where you live. My dear friend Bear shared a blog excerpt with me today. It was written by a young man living with both bipolar and Aspergers.
In his blog he explained the vicious cycle whereby being a child with Aspergers caused the bulling, which caused the anxiety, which caused post traumatic stress, which then aggravated his bipolar, which then brought out even more Asperger symptoms. What a sad, sad, never ending cycle.
I'm not sure if his parents/guardians were aware of what he was going through when it was happening, but they must have been. How could they not? He was in a fight so bad that he ended up with a broken jaw!
If I could be granted just one wish, it wouldn't be that all bullying stopped - I think that would be next to impossible.
My wish would be that all people were educated about the seriousness, the full detrimental effect that bullying, teasing, and tormenting can have on a person. I do believe that the bully often times believes they are 'just having fun' and not truly aware of how their so-called 'fun' can be at the (very serious) expense of another human's mental well-being. If THAT awareness could be raised, I think the world might just be a better place.
If I could add an additional educational tag to this wish, I would also wish that all parents have the knowledge, the time and the willingness to do battle against a bully and the yeast that allows this spawn to continue to ferment.
Last Spring I spoke to the mother of a girl that was actually not in school for the last two months of the year because it was just easier than going through the proper channels to make the bully stop. I was so upset by this.
My feeling was that rather than showing her daughter that she was there to help her, she (in my opinion) was simply showing her, "Well, I can't do anything about it. Just stay home and avoid that group of girls."
I tried to educate this Mom in to the "proper procedures" that need to be followed within the board; basically how to work the system to her advantage. She listened to what I suggested, but I'm sure she was thinking, "That is just too much work." It was simply easier to keep the girl home.
Education. That is my wish.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Will wonders never cease?
I got an email from S's SERT this morning - wanting to let me know that she was going to do her best to ensure that S has a good 'transitional' year - year between elementary school and high school. She also wanted to get some information about the series of events that unfolded at the end of the school year when she was on jury duty.
The strangest of all - she sent that email at about 11 o'clock at night.
I am going to call the new Principal this morning to go over some things. I have resolved that S will not have an underqualified EA this year. There has to be one SOMEWHERE in this Board that has the qualifications the doctor so clearly defined. I want that EA in our school.
~~
I've been up since 5:30 this morning. Too much going on in this head of mine. Between work and the looming first day of school, my stomach is just in knots.
S deserves to have a good year at school. He really truly does. In my reply email to the SERT, I indicated that neither of my sons will ever "look fondly back at their years in elementary school."
How sad it that? 10 years they spent at that school, and neither will have any positive memories. I don't know that things would have been different had we changed schools... and it's too late now to ponder that. Of course, Mommy guilt will always make me wonder...
The strangest of all - she sent that email at about 11 o'clock at night.
I am going to call the new Principal this morning to go over some things. I have resolved that S will not have an underqualified EA this year. There has to be one SOMEWHERE in this Board that has the qualifications the doctor so clearly defined. I want that EA in our school.
~~
I've been up since 5:30 this morning. Too much going on in this head of mine. Between work and the looming first day of school, my stomach is just in knots.
S deserves to have a good year at school. He really truly does. In my reply email to the SERT, I indicated that neither of my sons will ever "look fondly back at their years in elementary school."
How sad it that? 10 years they spent at that school, and neither will have any positive memories. I don't know that things would have been different had we changed schools... and it's too late now to ponder that. Of course, Mommy guilt will always make me wonder...
Monday, August 25, 2008
General ramblings and such
I guess it has been a while since I did a bit of an update on here.
Hubby and I had a lovely dinner on Thursday evening. It was actually a very nice date. The new Thai place we went to had quite a selection, and I think we both found it tough to decide what to have for dinner.
After dinner, we went shopping to buy Hubby some new clothes that actually fit him, then we came home a shared a nice bottle of wine. It wasn’t a big fan fare anniversary, but it was nice to just have some quite time together.
On Friday night we went and dismantled our new (to us…) swimming pool. I took pictures as the pool was taken down so that we would be sure to reassemble it properly. Saturday morning was sunny and beautiful, and by the end of the day, all of us were quite hot and tired. While Hubby and his friend did the tamping of the sand pad, and S the A-man and I shoveled the sand and took level measurements. Between having to do the level readings, I worked on yanking out some of the weeds in my badly neglected gardens. I am pleased to report that both S and the A-man helped quite a bit with the assembly, and by the time we called it a day, the pool walls were up.
Sunday was just as warm, and after a few fits, starts, adjustments and even a few curse words now and then (bad boy Hubby), we were able to start putting water in to the pool some time around 4 or 5, I guess. This morning Hubby started putting more water in to it shortly after 7. I will continue to fill it each evening when I return home from work. We aren’t going to actually fill the pool to a usable water level – we are more or less going to winterize it and then it will be ready for official opening some time in May. Bummer that we aren’t going to get to use it this year, but I know that the water simply won’t warm up enough to justify trying to get the chemical levels proper.
Throughout the day yesterday, I did laundry and also worked on cleaning up parts of the house. Hubby's parents stopped in after church to wish Hubby and I a happy anniversary. I felt a HUGE pang of guilt when my mother in law informed me that she hasn’t seen S & me since the end of June, and it has been since May when she last saw the A-man. I know we get up to the cottage a lot in the summer, so next year I am going to have to make a very conscious effort to stop and visit MIL more often. My Mom and Dad stopped in on their way home from the cottage to check out the new pool and to wish us a happy anniversary, also.
Overall, it was a very busy weekend. I have broken two nails, I’ve got dirt embedded in my skin, I actually ripped a chunk of skin out of one finger, and I feel like I actually got some things accomplished. :o)
I’m going to be calling S’s school this afternoon to make arrangements to meet with the new principal. I’ll admit it - I am VERY worried about having a new principal. Given the BS we went through the last time we had a new one…well, I guess my trepidation is somewhat understandable. At the end of the last school year, the acting principal told me that I have nothing to fear – he assured me that this new principal is very knowledgeable and understanding in respect to the special educational system. I’m hoping I can get a meeting on Wednesday; I really need to address the EA that S had working with him last year, and the possibility of a more suitable one for him this year.
Ughh… my belly hurts just thinking about the fact that we are starting all over again. The only silver lining I have is that I'm not as concerned about the A-man. His final report card from his second semester had him with two marks in the mid 80's and two in the mid 70's. He was a little disappointed in the 70's marks - figures he should have studied a bit more for the exams. I'm still thinking I can live with that. I don't have any concerns with respect to him anymore. Thankfully.
Hubby and I had a lovely dinner on Thursday evening. It was actually a very nice date. The new Thai place we went to had quite a selection, and I think we both found it tough to decide what to have for dinner.
After dinner, we went shopping to buy Hubby some new clothes that actually fit him, then we came home a shared a nice bottle of wine. It wasn’t a big fan fare anniversary, but it was nice to just have some quite time together.
On Friday night we went and dismantled our new (to us…) swimming pool. I took pictures as the pool was taken down so that we would be sure to reassemble it properly. Saturday morning was sunny and beautiful, and by the end of the day, all of us were quite hot and tired. While Hubby and his friend did the tamping of the sand pad, and S the A-man and I shoveled the sand and took level measurements. Between having to do the level readings, I worked on yanking out some of the weeds in my badly neglected gardens. I am pleased to report that both S and the A-man helped quite a bit with the assembly, and by the time we called it a day, the pool walls were up.
Sunday was just as warm, and after a few fits, starts, adjustments and even a few curse words now and then (bad boy Hubby), we were able to start putting water in to the pool some time around 4 or 5, I guess. This morning Hubby started putting more water in to it shortly after 7. I will continue to fill it each evening when I return home from work. We aren’t going to actually fill the pool to a usable water level – we are more or less going to winterize it and then it will be ready for official opening some time in May. Bummer that we aren’t going to get to use it this year, but I know that the water simply won’t warm up enough to justify trying to get the chemical levels proper.
Throughout the day yesterday, I did laundry and also worked on cleaning up parts of the house. Hubby's parents stopped in after church to wish Hubby and I a happy anniversary. I felt a HUGE pang of guilt when my mother in law informed me that she hasn’t seen S & me since the end of June, and it has been since May when she last saw the A-man. I know we get up to the cottage a lot in the summer, so next year I am going to have to make a very conscious effort to stop and visit MIL more often. My Mom and Dad stopped in on their way home from the cottage to check out the new pool and to wish us a happy anniversary, also.
Overall, it was a very busy weekend. I have broken two nails, I’ve got dirt embedded in my skin, I actually ripped a chunk of skin out of one finger, and I feel like I actually got some things accomplished. :o)
I’m going to be calling S’s school this afternoon to make arrangements to meet with the new principal. I’ll admit it - I am VERY worried about having a new principal. Given the BS we went through the last time we had a new one…well, I guess my trepidation is somewhat understandable. At the end of the last school year, the acting principal told me that I have nothing to fear – he assured me that this new principal is very knowledgeable and understanding in respect to the special educational system. I’m hoping I can get a meeting on Wednesday; I really need to address the EA that S had working with him last year, and the possibility of a more suitable one for him this year.
Ughh… my belly hurts just thinking about the fact that we are starting all over again. The only silver lining I have is that I'm not as concerned about the A-man. His final report card from his second semester had him with two marks in the mid 80's and two in the mid 70's. He was a little disappointed in the 70's marks - figures he should have studied a bit more for the exams. I'm still thinking I can live with that. I don't have any concerns with respect to him anymore. Thankfully.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Ramblings and updates
Guess what I did last night?! I drove a front-load tractor! Yup… and I moved the bucket both up and down, I even dumped it. I DROVE the tractor – both forward and reverse – and I didn’t do too badly. Such a renaissance girl, I am… ;o)
(Hubby and I were trying to get the pool’s sand pad totally level, and it got to the point that Hubby was simply shoveling the sand into the low areas, so after he brought the tractor over and was starting to move around the pool area, someone had to bring the tractor to him. I was that someone.)
Yesterday morning I called Hubby at work and gave him heck for being so miserable with me when I got home the night before. He apologized, naturally, and then last night we were sort of having a follow up conversation about it and he confessed that he had planned on calling me about 10 minutes after I had called him. He didn’t know what time I got going in the morning and knew he didn’t want to wake me. All is forgiven.
Hubby and the boys are going to be away next week for Hubby’s final week of summer holidays. Oh, woe is me – whatever will I do with my entire family away for a whole week??
I’m sure I will working a bit later each night, and then spend my evenings getting the house whipped back in to shape. There is bound to be a night of back to school shopping/organizing, and I’m hoping to have at least one night that I can visit with friends. My bet is that next week is going to fly by on me.
Have I mentioned that the A-man, S and I are going to be participants in an educational DVD about ADHD? I was contacted via email a few weeks back, asking if I would consider helping this marketing company produce a DVD that would educate both doctors and teachers about ADHD. A pharmaceutical company has hired the marketing firm - not to push their particular medication – but to be an information tool. They are going to interview parents, adults with ADHD, adolescents with ADHD and children with ADHD. I got a phone call this morning from the producer of the DVD and they are going to come to our home to do the interviews. Should be interesting to see how the boys behave in front of the camera.
Tonight is the night Hubby and I go on our anniversary date! We are celebrating our 18th anniversary (which is on Monday, when he is away), and also the changes at work that will happen for Hubby when he returns from holidays. I have a new dress that I am going to wear, and I think I may even leave work a little early so that I can primp myself for the night. I’m looking forward to it! Thai food... alone with Hubby... being big people on a date.
And again I am left wondering - when did I suddenly become a grown up?
(Hubby and I were trying to get the pool’s sand pad totally level, and it got to the point that Hubby was simply shoveling the sand into the low areas, so after he brought the tractor over and was starting to move around the pool area, someone had to bring the tractor to him. I was that someone.)
Yesterday morning I called Hubby at work and gave him heck for being so miserable with me when I got home the night before. He apologized, naturally, and then last night we were sort of having a follow up conversation about it and he confessed that he had planned on calling me about 10 minutes after I had called him. He didn’t know what time I got going in the morning and knew he didn’t want to wake me. All is forgiven.
Hubby and the boys are going to be away next week for Hubby’s final week of summer holidays. Oh, woe is me – whatever will I do with my entire family away for a whole week??
I’m sure I will working a bit later each night, and then spend my evenings getting the house whipped back in to shape. There is bound to be a night of back to school shopping/organizing, and I’m hoping to have at least one night that I can visit with friends. My bet is that next week is going to fly by on me.
Have I mentioned that the A-man, S and I are going to be participants in an educational DVD about ADHD? I was contacted via email a few weeks back, asking if I would consider helping this marketing company produce a DVD that would educate both doctors and teachers about ADHD. A pharmaceutical company has hired the marketing firm - not to push their particular medication – but to be an information tool. They are going to interview parents, adults with ADHD, adolescents with ADHD and children with ADHD. I got a phone call this morning from the producer of the DVD and they are going to come to our home to do the interviews. Should be interesting to see how the boys behave in front of the camera.
Tonight is the night Hubby and I go on our anniversary date! We are celebrating our 18th anniversary (which is on Monday, when he is away), and also the changes at work that will happen for Hubby when he returns from holidays. I have a new dress that I am going to wear, and I think I may even leave work a little early so that I can primp myself for the night. I’m looking forward to it! Thai food... alone with Hubby... being big people on a date.
And again I am left wondering - when did I suddenly become a grown up?
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Who's that girl?
Today I felt like I was almost WATCHING my life - similar to watching television - and was wondering, "Who IS that person?" It was almost surreal, to tell the truth. Most days just run in to each other, but with the change in location today, it just seemed to affect my entire perception or something.
I had to attend a trade show today - but it was a corporate show, not a consumer one. (I have only ever worked consumer shows for our clients before.) My day started with my having to do a commute to the big city for the show. Downtown, even.
The actual drive to the city took me an hour and a half, which wasn't too bad, I guess. I was so glad that I was able to start the drive after morning rush hour. As I was heading in to the big smoke, I was thinking, "You know, this wouldn't be too bad. I could do this if I had to.... The money would be much better..." that sort of thing. I have only ever actually driven to the downtown core by myself one other time, but I still managed to do it without even having to really think about where I needed to go - I just knew where the exits were, where the underground parking was, how to get to the convention centre, everything!
I arrived about half an hour before the show began, which then gave me a bit of chance to look around at some of the other exhibitors, to get a 'feel' for the show, that sort of thing. Again, it was very different from the typical show I have ever visited, co-ordinated, or worked at. This was a meeting/travel planner show. Much different, indeed.
Boss reviewed a few key things I would need to know for this type of show, and before long, I was a pro. Corporate shows are much slower... and feel so much longer.
At 5, when the show was done for the day, I was informed that our group had been invited to a reception being hosted by the Barbados Tourism people. I've always dealt with one particular gentleman with this country, and was thrilled that he had extended the invitation to our group.
While we were snacking on canapes and chatting with others at the reception, I was introduced to the new Consulate General for Barbados. He actually stayed with our small group for quite a long time - we had a lovely chat.
Here is where things really started to feel surreal to me. I'm standing there, chatting away with the flipping Consulate General for Barbados, and not one single person in that room was yelling at me, "Impostor!! Get her out of here!" In fact, I was introduced to a number of people attending the reception, and treated like I was supposed to be there!
When the reception was over, we headed off to a dinner meeting. Here is where it got funny again... We were discussing the magazine cover concepts for the Fall issue, and everyone was actually taking my thoughts into consideration. As I was speaking, and giving my opinions on the various mock-ups of the magazine, I looked up, and realized I completely had the floor, and my ideas/suggestions were being carefully considered. Mine! (Wow.)
I'm still not used to this...
After dinner, and a few other subjects were touched upon, I realized I had better start getting out of the city before the major league baseball game let out. Again, I was completely comfortable with knowing where I needed to go, which directions I had to take, everything. There was some construction that slowed my progress a bit, but about 2 hours after heading out of the city, I was home again. I don't think living with a commute would be something I would want to do very often.
I could do it on occasion, but it certainly wouldn't be something I could do daily.
I got home to a majorly grumpy husband. I figured it had something to do with work, but apparently we need another load of sand. From the way he was grouching at me, obviously it's MY fault the full tandem load (ie. 13 tonnes) I had ordered wasn't enough for the swimming pool area. I was glad he was heading off to bed when I got home. I will discuss the grouchy attitude with him tomorrow night.
Hey - when did I suddenly become a grown up? When did I start having a real job, that requires cocktail receptions and dinner meetings? Do you think they will figure out I'm an impostor??
I had to attend a trade show today - but it was a corporate show, not a consumer one. (I have only ever worked consumer shows for our clients before.) My day started with my having to do a commute to the big city for the show. Downtown, even.
The actual drive to the city took me an hour and a half, which wasn't too bad, I guess. I was so glad that I was able to start the drive after morning rush hour. As I was heading in to the big smoke, I was thinking, "You know, this wouldn't be too bad. I could do this if I had to.... The money would be much better..." that sort of thing. I have only ever actually driven to the downtown core by myself one other time, but I still managed to do it without even having to really think about where I needed to go - I just knew where the exits were, where the underground parking was, how to get to the convention centre, everything!
I arrived about half an hour before the show began, which then gave me a bit of chance to look around at some of the other exhibitors, to get a 'feel' for the show, that sort of thing. Again, it was very different from the typical show I have ever visited, co-ordinated, or worked at. This was a meeting/travel planner show. Much different, indeed.
Boss reviewed a few key things I would need to know for this type of show, and before long, I was a pro. Corporate shows are much slower... and feel so much longer.
At 5, when the show was done for the day, I was informed that our group had been invited to a reception being hosted by the Barbados Tourism people. I've always dealt with one particular gentleman with this country, and was thrilled that he had extended the invitation to our group.
While we were snacking on canapes and chatting with others at the reception, I was introduced to the new Consulate General for Barbados. He actually stayed with our small group for quite a long time - we had a lovely chat.
Here is where things really started to feel surreal to me. I'm standing there, chatting away with the flipping Consulate General for Barbados, and not one single person in that room was yelling at me, "Impostor!! Get her out of here!" In fact, I was introduced to a number of people attending the reception, and treated like I was supposed to be there!
When the reception was over, we headed off to a dinner meeting. Here is where it got funny again... We were discussing the magazine cover concepts for the Fall issue, and everyone was actually taking my thoughts into consideration. As I was speaking, and giving my opinions on the various mock-ups of the magazine, I looked up, and realized I completely had the floor, and my ideas/suggestions were being carefully considered. Mine! (Wow.)
I'm still not used to this...
After dinner, and a few other subjects were touched upon, I realized I had better start getting out of the city before the major league baseball game let out. Again, I was completely comfortable with knowing where I needed to go, which directions I had to take, everything. There was some construction that slowed my progress a bit, but about 2 hours after heading out of the city, I was home again. I don't think living with a commute would be something I would want to do very often.
I could do it on occasion, but it certainly wouldn't be something I could do daily.
I got home to a majorly grumpy husband. I figured it had something to do with work, but apparently we need another load of sand. From the way he was grouching at me, obviously it's MY fault the full tandem load (ie. 13 tonnes) I had ordered wasn't enough for the swimming pool area. I was glad he was heading off to bed when I got home. I will discuss the grouchy attitude with him tomorrow night.
Hey - when did I suddenly become a grown up? When did I start having a real job, that requires cocktail receptions and dinner meetings? Do you think they will figure out I'm an impostor??
Monday, August 18, 2008
Backyard changes
I came home from my annual “Girl’s Weekend” at the cottage to a very different looking back yard. Three trees that had been there on Friday morning we gone, as were the stumps and any evidence that they had ever been there! Each of these trees were dead, and I have been bugging Hubby for the better part of two years to get rid of them before one of them fell on the house.
The wooden swing that was incorporated in to one section of my garden had been moved, and a tractor was digging up that section of my garden when I arrived. The stump, roots, etc. from that particular tree was very big and had been giving the guys a bit of grief. I could almost FEEL the satisfaction come from both men when they were finally able to chain that stump and haul it out of there.
A very large circle – about 30 feet in diameter – has been dug out of the lawn, and somewhat graded to a level area. The circle was a bit closer to the garden area than I had originally requested, but I guess the grade of the property was such that a retaining wall would have been necessary, so they made an executive decision. Retaining walls are not exactly in the budget right now.
The only thing I was unhappy to see was where the fallen trees had been moved. The cucumbers, zucchini, and about half of my tomatoes plants are now covered with cut up trees. >:o(
I guess they didn’t realize how close they were getting to the garden? I can hardly even get IN to that one section of the veggie plants now! I am going to see if I can salvage my poor little plants tonight, but I am not holding out much hope. I guess the sacrifice of some veggie plants is a small price to pay for the assistance of a very good friend and his digger/tractor thing.
I asked what the boys had thought about the tractor, and Hubby was telling me that S actually drove it, and did a little bit of digging. During dinner, S was sure to regale me with the great stories of him “taming the beast!” It was nice to see the excitement in his eyes.
I think both boys realize that they won’t likely get to use the pool this season as it won’t be warm enough for them, but I have assured them that if they want to get in, I will let them give it a go. Our friend that was helping with the digging said that they rarely use their pool after Labour Day because the nights get too cool and the pool doesn’t warm up much. I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens.
The wooden swing that was incorporated in to one section of my garden had been moved, and a tractor was digging up that section of my garden when I arrived. The stump, roots, etc. from that particular tree was very big and had been giving the guys a bit of grief. I could almost FEEL the satisfaction come from both men when they were finally able to chain that stump and haul it out of there.
A very large circle – about 30 feet in diameter – has been dug out of the lawn, and somewhat graded to a level area. The circle was a bit closer to the garden area than I had originally requested, but I guess the grade of the property was such that a retaining wall would have been necessary, so they made an executive decision. Retaining walls are not exactly in the budget right now.
The only thing I was unhappy to see was where the fallen trees had been moved. The cucumbers, zucchini, and about half of my tomatoes plants are now covered with cut up trees. >:o(
I guess they didn’t realize how close they were getting to the garden? I can hardly even get IN to that one section of the veggie plants now! I am going to see if I can salvage my poor little plants tonight, but I am not holding out much hope. I guess the sacrifice of some veggie plants is a small price to pay for the assistance of a very good friend and his digger/tractor thing.
I asked what the boys had thought about the tractor, and Hubby was telling me that S actually drove it, and did a little bit of digging. During dinner, S was sure to regale me with the great stories of him “taming the beast!” It was nice to see the excitement in his eyes.
I think both boys realize that they won’t likely get to use the pool this season as it won’t be warm enough for them, but I have assured them that if they want to get in, I will let them give it a go. Our friend that was helping with the digging said that they rarely use their pool after Labour Day because the nights get too cool and the pool doesn’t warm up much. I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Interesting
Just finished reading an article about how technology can impede upon your personal life and actually cause a person to work more during their personal time.
I thought I'd share...
I thought I'd share...
Thursday, August 14, 2008
This just STINKS!
On the work front - assistant, pick number 1 gets offered a full time position when he attempts to tender his resignation. Pick number 2 takes two days to "think about it" and then decides that the commute is too much for the rate of pay!
So that leaves us - with no one. With the work of three people being done by 2...and these 2 being stretched to the breaking point! I don't know how much longer we can do this. Boss has a couple of ideas on how we can find someone, but we needed someone last month, not "in the next little while."
Then, to add insult to injury, my girl's weekend has fallen to pot! Well, I will have a couple of ladies joining me at the cottage, but it certainly isn't going to be the crowd we had last year. Cuz has even bowed out! I haven't got the full story on that as of yet, but you can be rest assured I will be finding out what is going on there!
I know we are going to have fun, but I just love it when we have a full house...the entertainment is always better that way. At least we are supposed to have a good weekend.
Hubby is planning on taking down a couple of dead trees this weekend, and then he going to start clearing the area for the new pool. He would like to have it all in place by the end of next weekend so that he and the boys can get to the cottage. I'm hoping he can do it! I am also hoping we get some warmer weather in September so that the kids can enjoy this thing THIS year!
So that leaves us - with no one. With the work of three people being done by 2...and these 2 being stretched to the breaking point! I don't know how much longer we can do this. Boss has a couple of ideas on how we can find someone, but we needed someone last month, not "in the next little while."
Then, to add insult to injury, my girl's weekend has fallen to pot! Well, I will have a couple of ladies joining me at the cottage, but it certainly isn't going to be the crowd we had last year. Cuz has even bowed out! I haven't got the full story on that as of yet, but you can be rest assured I will be finding out what is going on there!
I know we are going to have fun, but I just love it when we have a full house...the entertainment is always better that way. At least we are supposed to have a good weekend.
Hubby is planning on taking down a couple of dead trees this weekend, and then he going to start clearing the area for the new pool. He would like to have it all in place by the end of next weekend so that he and the boys can get to the cottage. I'm hoping he can do it! I am also hoping we get some warmer weather in September so that the kids can enjoy this thing THIS year!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Salt & Tequila
When I finally got back in to the office, this email was in my inbox. Made me feel good, and I thought I would share:
This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it everyday:
1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
And always remember...
When life hands you lemons,
Ask for Tequila and Salt and call me over!!
Good friends are like stars...
You don't always see them,
But you know they are always there.
I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here than a whole truckload when I'm gone.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Blogging, the Internet, random musings...
I just realized that my "One year blogging" anniversary is coming up. Since I started my blog last August, I have made over 260 posts, and since November, there have been over 2,300 people look (and hopefully read) my blog. That's pretty cool, I think. The Internet has given us such a great way to meet and connect in a way that just would not have been possible in the past. A very good and helpful tool, no doubt. But, as with 'real' life, a tool that can be abused in the worst way.
I am so glad my sons are both quite computer savvy, and very cautious while online. The A-man noticed that I have quite a number of friends on Facebook and his one question to me was, "Do you know all of those people personally, Mom?" I think he was a little surprised when I told him, "Yes, I do." (Mind you, some of them I haven't seen since we were 8 years old, but back in the 70's, we were TIGHT!)
Like blogging, Facebook is another way to get in touch with people, to see where life's roads have taken them... I love doing the whole "catch up" thing when I get a new friend on Facebook. Then I look over the pictures they have posted, and that is pretty much it for contact with them. Still, it is nice to be able to see how others look - and to compare your age lines with theirs... (I look MUCH younger than most, if I do say so myself! ;o) ) Funny thing is, though, most of these people still look the same as they did when I last saw them. Of course, hair styles and clothing is different, but I would be able to look at them now without anyone telling me their names, and I am pretty sure I would be able to name at least 90% of them.
--------
Do you remember last week how I mentioned that we were using the storage cabinet in the R-man's old bedroom for storing various items? I am astounded at how much room this cabinet has! I mean, I knew there were lots of drawers and cupboards, but as I purge and clean areas, then store things in that cabinet, I am left wondering, "Wow, is there still room?" And there is!
I am such a pack rat. I'm getting better, but I do think it's a sickness. My mom is the most organized pack rat I have ever seen, and I do come by it honestly, but I will admit that it did feel good to just get rid of all that STUFF we don't use any more.
Now that I can get back in to the crawl space under the foyer - this space is well over 100 square feet - I can get all of the Christmas items organized in such a way that I won't be scrambling next December when I am looking for things. And here is a crazy concept that I think Hubby has never heard of before - the entire space will be organized! Crazy but true...
----------
I stayed home from work again today. I was feeling better than yesterday, but still not 100%, and knew that my foggy brain just would not function at the level I am used to. I don't think Boss was very happy about it, but what can you do? I will be back in the office for sure tomorrow and it just makes more sense for me to rest up today so that I will be effective when I am in. Used some of the time today to putter in the kitchen and get all of that tidied up, and then I reorganized my closest with some new hooks for my purses and belts. Didn't tackle the shoe boxes though - couldn't imagine doing too much bending over with a stuffy head...
-------
And my final thought for today: One of my favourite quotes! Oscar Wilde said it best when he said, "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go."
My goal in life is meet the first half of that quote!
I am so glad my sons are both quite computer savvy, and very cautious while online. The A-man noticed that I have quite a number of friends on Facebook and his one question to me was, "Do you know all of those people personally, Mom?" I think he was a little surprised when I told him, "Yes, I do." (Mind you, some of them I haven't seen since we were 8 years old, but back in the 70's, we were TIGHT!)
Like blogging, Facebook is another way to get in touch with people, to see where life's roads have taken them... I love doing the whole "catch up" thing when I get a new friend on Facebook. Then I look over the pictures they have posted, and that is pretty much it for contact with them. Still, it is nice to be able to see how others look - and to compare your age lines with theirs... (I look MUCH younger than most, if I do say so myself! ;o) ) Funny thing is, though, most of these people still look the same as they did when I last saw them. Of course, hair styles and clothing is different, but I would be able to look at them now without anyone telling me their names, and I am pretty sure I would be able to name at least 90% of them.
--------
Do you remember last week how I mentioned that we were using the storage cabinet in the R-man's old bedroom for storing various items? I am astounded at how much room this cabinet has! I mean, I knew there were lots of drawers and cupboards, but as I purge and clean areas, then store things in that cabinet, I am left wondering, "Wow, is there still room?" And there is!
I am such a pack rat. I'm getting better, but I do think it's a sickness. My mom is the most organized pack rat I have ever seen, and I do come by it honestly, but I will admit that it did feel good to just get rid of all that STUFF we don't use any more.
Now that I can get back in to the crawl space under the foyer - this space is well over 100 square feet - I can get all of the Christmas items organized in such a way that I won't be scrambling next December when I am looking for things. And here is a crazy concept that I think Hubby has never heard of before - the entire space will be organized! Crazy but true...
----------
I stayed home from work again today. I was feeling better than yesterday, but still not 100%, and knew that my foggy brain just would not function at the level I am used to. I don't think Boss was very happy about it, but what can you do? I will be back in the office for sure tomorrow and it just makes more sense for me to rest up today so that I will be effective when I am in. Used some of the time today to putter in the kitchen and get all of that tidied up, and then I reorganized my closest with some new hooks for my purses and belts. Didn't tackle the shoe boxes though - couldn't imagine doing too much bending over with a stuffy head...
-------
And my final thought for today: One of my favourite quotes! Oscar Wilde said it best when he said, "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go."
My goal in life is meet the first half of that quote!
Monday, August 11, 2008
>:o}
I am sick. My ears hurt, my throat hurts, I can hardly take a deep breath without going in to a coughing fit. Stupid summer cold.
I even took the day off today. Slept for most of it, actually. Not sure if I will be going in tomorrow, either. Hmrphf.
We had our yard sale on the weekend. Got rid of a bunch of stuff and made a couple hundred dollars in the process. Now the task of trying to clean up the house from the purge begins. I'm slowly puttering away at it, but this cold has laid me up a wee bit, obviously. But, on the upside, I am seeing improvements.
Spoke with boss this morning and found out that the new assistant gave his notice at his current part-time job - and was offered a full time position. I'm happy for him, I guess, but I was really looking forward to working with this guy. The other person will be fine, too, I'm sure, but there was a reason he was our first pick, you know?
Yesterday Hubby and I bought a pool for the yard. It's used, but the offer that was made to us was simply too darn good to not take advantage of. The pool is 24 feet across and will be about 4 feet deep or so. Now the fun task of preparing the ground has to be tackled, and we are hoping it will all be in place and filled before Hubby and the boys go to the cottage for their last week of holidays. The boys won't be able to enjoy it too much, but I am hoping we have at least a couple of warm days in September that will let them feel like it's worth a swim. (I'm sure they will go in at least twice...)
I have to start thinking about 'back to school' shopping soon, too, I guess.
I even took the day off today. Slept for most of it, actually. Not sure if I will be going in tomorrow, either. Hmrphf.
We had our yard sale on the weekend. Got rid of a bunch of stuff and made a couple hundred dollars in the process. Now the task of trying to clean up the house from the purge begins. I'm slowly puttering away at it, but this cold has laid me up a wee bit, obviously. But, on the upside, I am seeing improvements.
Spoke with boss this morning and found out that the new assistant gave his notice at his current part-time job - and was offered a full time position. I'm happy for him, I guess, but I was really looking forward to working with this guy. The other person will be fine, too, I'm sure, but there was a reason he was our first pick, you know?
Yesterday Hubby and I bought a pool for the yard. It's used, but the offer that was made to us was simply too darn good to not take advantage of. The pool is 24 feet across and will be about 4 feet deep or so. Now the fun task of preparing the ground has to be tackled, and we are hoping it will all be in place and filled before Hubby and the boys go to the cottage for their last week of holidays. The boys won't be able to enjoy it too much, but I am hoping we have at least a couple of warm days in September that will let them feel like it's worth a swim. (I'm sure they will go in at least twice...)
I have to start thinking about 'back to school' shopping soon, too, I guess.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Surprised
Hubby has been working afternoons this week, which means that when we go to bed on Sunday night, that is the last time I see him - other than when he is sleeping - until we get up on Saturday.
Last night he phoned from work, and his reason for calling kind of surprised me. Basically, he was calling to ask me out on a date. :o)
Our 18th wedding anniversary is coming up, but the actual DAY of our anniversary, he will be on holidays and at the cottage with the boys. He called last night to find out if we could have a date on the Thursday before he begins holidays! He had even heard of a new Thai place that he suggested we go to. (I'm the fan of Thai food - I think he eats it because he knows how much I enjoy it.)
He is just so great. I know I'm lucky to have a guy like him, but it's little things like this that just reinforces it to me.
Last night he phoned from work, and his reason for calling kind of surprised me. Basically, he was calling to ask me out on a date. :o)
Our 18th wedding anniversary is coming up, but the actual DAY of our anniversary, he will be on holidays and at the cottage with the boys. He called last night to find out if we could have a date on the Thursday before he begins holidays! He had even heard of a new Thai place that he suggested we go to. (I'm the fan of Thai food - I think he eats it because he knows how much I enjoy it.)
He is just so great. I know I'm lucky to have a guy like him, but it's little things like this that just reinforces it to me.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Never ending
Today was another day like yesterday. The big project I had been working on yesterday was finally completed this morning, and I was able to send it off to the client and then breathe a big sigh of relief.
Next - new section of the website took up a fair bit of time; tracking down the .gif and .tifs that I needed. Starting get ahead on that.
Followed by - next outdoor event for big client. Advertising deadlines - requested the date over a month ago. Was advised today that the ad is needed tomorrow. Tomorrow??!!?? Yeah, don't think that is going to happen. Graphics guy is good - not that good. Dealt with that... and then it was lunch time....
Afternoon was pretty much a repeat of the morning - but just didn't seem as hairy. Just had a number of smaller things to finish up. Then, when I got home, I stayed on track with the declutter bug.
The yard sale on Saturday is a go, so I really had to get things hauled out. Hubby is taking advantage of this mood - I rarely feel the urge to purge. I'm borrowing a truck tomorrow afternoon, and then it's all going! I even purged the linen closet, the bookcase... early tomorrow afternoon I am going to purge the coat closets. (I know there are a number of coats in there that haven't been worn in a very, very long time.)
As I have been purging, I have also been cleaning. Well, if you were to walk in to the house right now I am sure you would have a hard time believing that I have been cleaning - there are piles of 'stuff' everywhere, but when you look at certain places, you can tell I have been there. If I could have a full day, with no interuptions, I think I would have a pretty good dent in the entire house.
Funny thing, though, is about the way I clean. It just sort of goes for being messy, to looking REALLY messy, and then suddenly, it's all clean and shiny. My best friend in high school always commented on that when she would sit in my room while I was cleaning it. We would be talking, I would slowly move my way around the room, and then suddenly before she realized it, the room was immaculate. I guess I just have my own "cleaning groove."
No matter - I like looking at the CLEAN areas. I know that it is so much better there, and there, and THERE.
The boys helped bit tonight, but most of what I was doing didn't involve their 'stuff' so I just them help me a little bit here and there. They were pretty good to help when asked.
Short work day tomorrow - they have already been warned that I will need their help tomorrow. No doubt about it.
Next - new section of the website took up a fair bit of time; tracking down the .gif and .tifs that I needed. Starting get ahead on that.
Followed by - next outdoor event for big client. Advertising deadlines - requested the date over a month ago. Was advised today that the ad is needed tomorrow. Tomorrow??!!?? Yeah, don't think that is going to happen. Graphics guy is good - not that good. Dealt with that... and then it was lunch time....
Afternoon was pretty much a repeat of the morning - but just didn't seem as hairy. Just had a number of smaller things to finish up. Then, when I got home, I stayed on track with the declutter bug.
The yard sale on Saturday is a go, so I really had to get things hauled out. Hubby is taking advantage of this mood - I rarely feel the urge to purge. I'm borrowing a truck tomorrow afternoon, and then it's all going! I even purged the linen closet, the bookcase... early tomorrow afternoon I am going to purge the coat closets. (I know there are a number of coats in there that haven't been worn in a very, very long time.)
As I have been purging, I have also been cleaning. Well, if you were to walk in to the house right now I am sure you would have a hard time believing that I have been cleaning - there are piles of 'stuff' everywhere, but when you look at certain places, you can tell I have been there. If I could have a full day, with no interuptions, I think I would have a pretty good dent in the entire house.
Funny thing, though, is about the way I clean. It just sort of goes for being messy, to looking REALLY messy, and then suddenly, it's all clean and shiny. My best friend in high school always commented on that when she would sit in my room while I was cleaning it. We would be talking, I would slowly move my way around the room, and then suddenly before she realized it, the room was immaculate. I guess I just have my own "cleaning groove."
No matter - I like looking at the CLEAN areas. I know that it is so much better there, and there, and THERE.
The boys helped bit tonight, but most of what I was doing didn't involve their 'stuff' so I just them help me a little bit here and there. They were pretty good to help when asked.
Short work day tomorrow - they have already been warned that I will need their help tomorrow. No doubt about it.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
What a day!
I just turned around, and BOOM!, my day at work was over. I'm still reeling from it, I will admit. Sometimes is just doesn't seem worth it to take holidays, does it?
On the upside, we have offered the assistant's position to a young man. He is going to join Boss and I for lunch tomorrow and we are going to work out the logistics of his starting time frame. Poor guy is probably going to have to put together his own work station when he begins; no one else has time to do that right now - the magazine will be going to print in less than a month, and Boss is going to be very tied up with that.
The new section of the website/newsletter will be launched in two weeks, and that has me all wrapped up. Throw in the stuff I have off in the graphic's department either in starting or completing stages, and well, quite frankly it is amazing we have managed this long without another person!
Oh well, we might as well work him to realize that it is an 'all encompassing job!'
Last night I took the boys to the movies. We wanted to go and see Momma Mia, but it was all sold out by the time we arrived, so we went to see Hancock instead. It was okay. Not one I would rave about to all of my friends, but one that boys aged 13 and 15 would leave the theatre saying, "That was really good, wasn't it Mom?" It was just nice to have a night out with the boys.
On the way home, we came up with a plan of attack for starting to clean up the clutter in their bedrooms. Both boys have a ton of toys in their rooms, in their TV room, AND the crawlspace. Neither of them even PLAY with toys anymore, but the minute I suggest getting rid of things, the little pack rats in my kids comes out, and there is some sort of sentimental reason to keep each and every item I touch. (I can't really say too much about that - I am a true pack rat, too.)
Last night we all agreed to incorporate the "Top 10" rule. Each boy is allowed to keep their top 10 items from each section of toys. If they have 10 and find something else they really want to keep, they have to eliminate from the 'keep' pile. This will allow them to keep a total of about 40 items - which will be only a small dent in the number of items we have, I'm sure.
Today, both boys tackled the toys in their bedrooms. I have not yet gone through what they put in each pile, but that is okay. The main thing is to get the bins out to the garage, and then I can go through them when I am setting them out for the yard sale. (If I am participating in one this weekend, that is.)
My goal for this evening is to get the kitchen back into a state that doesn't cause me heart palpitations, and then I will pull the bins from the crawl space. Technically neither of the boys even have a clue what is in the crawlspace as it has been in there since the R-man moved in, but I did make the rule, so they are each allowed 10 items from each bin. Fair is fair.
If we don't have a yard sale, I may just take all of these items to the re-use-it centre on the weekend. No sense having it clutter up the already cluttered garage, right?
Okay - off to make dinner and then putting on my official "lets get this house clean so I can mange to not have a heart attack every time I walk in to a room" clothes.
Really - it's that bad. How can such an annal, perfectionist-type person have such a messy, cluttered house? I can't stand it!!
On the upside, we have offered the assistant's position to a young man. He is going to join Boss and I for lunch tomorrow and we are going to work out the logistics of his starting time frame. Poor guy is probably going to have to put together his own work station when he begins; no one else has time to do that right now - the magazine will be going to print in less than a month, and Boss is going to be very tied up with that.
The new section of the website/newsletter will be launched in two weeks, and that has me all wrapped up. Throw in the stuff I have off in the graphic's department either in starting or completing stages, and well, quite frankly it is amazing we have managed this long without another person!
Oh well, we might as well work him to realize that it is an 'all encompassing job!'
Last night I took the boys to the movies. We wanted to go and see Momma Mia, but it was all sold out by the time we arrived, so we went to see Hancock instead. It was okay. Not one I would rave about to all of my friends, but one that boys aged 13 and 15 would leave the theatre saying, "That was really good, wasn't it Mom?" It was just nice to have a night out with the boys.
On the way home, we came up with a plan of attack for starting to clean up the clutter in their bedrooms. Both boys have a ton of toys in their rooms, in their TV room, AND the crawlspace. Neither of them even PLAY with toys anymore, but the minute I suggest getting rid of things, the little pack rats in my kids comes out, and there is some sort of sentimental reason to keep each and every item I touch. (I can't really say too much about that - I am a true pack rat, too.)
Last night we all agreed to incorporate the "Top 10" rule. Each boy is allowed to keep their top 10 items from each section of toys. If they have 10 and find something else they really want to keep, they have to eliminate from the 'keep' pile. This will allow them to keep a total of about 40 items - which will be only a small dent in the number of items we have, I'm sure.
Today, both boys tackled the toys in their bedrooms. I have not yet gone through what they put in each pile, but that is okay. The main thing is to get the bins out to the garage, and then I can go through them when I am setting them out for the yard sale. (If I am participating in one this weekend, that is.)
My goal for this evening is to get the kitchen back into a state that doesn't cause me heart palpitations, and then I will pull the bins from the crawl space. Technically neither of the boys even have a clue what is in the crawlspace as it has been in there since the R-man moved in, but I did make the rule, so they are each allowed 10 items from each bin. Fair is fair.
If we don't have a yard sale, I may just take all of these items to the re-use-it centre on the weekend. No sense having it clutter up the already cluttered garage, right?
Okay - off to make dinner and then putting on my official "lets get this house clean so I can mange to not have a heart attack every time I walk in to a room" clothes.
Really - it's that bad. How can such an annal, perfectionist-type person have such a messy, cluttered house? I can't stand it!!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Summer Holidays
Who-hoo - summer holidays are here!
We can try something new...
Ahhhh....SUMMER!!
We can try something new...
and some things that aren't so new...
We can hang out with our friends...
And take some time enjoying nature...
Ahhhh....SUMMER!!
Another month done...
Had a great week's holidays, but I still can not believe that we are now in to August. We had a good week, and I am going to post some picture highlights when I get home from work tonight and have a bit of time to do so.
I have been blogging for almost a full year now!
Last week, I started having bad dreams about the new start to the school year for S. New principal, new school year, new everything. And I am dreading it. Again. How sad is that?
I have been blogging for almost a full year now!
Last week, I started having bad dreams about the new start to the school year for S. New principal, new school year, new everything. And I am dreading it. Again. How sad is that?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
