It's almost the weekend...
Although I am looking forward to a couple of down days, I'm starting to think that I really need some 'down weeks'! (lol)
I guess this, too, shall pass.
I called the school yesterday to get some information about S's specialized bussing. Turns out he will be getting on the bus almost a half hour earlier than he is used to, and about 10 minutes before the A-man's bus comes to get him each day. He's not sold on this whole "short bus" concept, but last night when I asked him if he thought he could manage on the 'regular' bus, he didn't really have a reply for me. I guess I will just have to monitor the situation, and see how he is coping further in to the school year before I look at making some changes in his transportation.
It could be that he's past the issues he'd experienced years ago, but it would probably be something we would have to move into in transitional stages. I'm sure age and maturity will play a large part in all of it - for both S and the other students on the bus, actually.
I would love for him to have the ability to ride the 'regular' bus again, but I just don't want to face all of the turmoil again, and I am thinking the negative stigma to an outburst on a high school bus would be far worse than that of elementary school. Maybe not...
Feeling very unsure about all of this - can you tell?
On Monday we have the official tour of the school - finding the classrooms, getting the locker - that sort of thing. The A-man is really looking forward to being our official tour guide at the school. I think he is quite excited that S is going to finally have the opportunity to get away from the other school.
We are going to the cottage tonight - I left a number of tasks for the boys to complete today and advised them that the sooner they get these done, the sooner we will be able to head out. I am seriously hoping that S helps with the tasks - the A-man always seems to end up having to do his share and then some.
~~~
Haven't had any response from the resumes I've sent out, but I will continue to look and consider. Boss and I are going to be interviewing a young lady on Tuesday morning to replace my assistant, but I'm still not sure if she will be required on a full time basis or not.
Oh, the fun just never ends...
Friday, August 28, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Off again
Little rat fink...
The A-man quickly purchased a number of houses, and then hotels, on the continuing of the Monopoly game.
When I owed him over $500 just for landing on one of his spaces, I knew it was time to call the game.
I think they were both a little disappointed to see me give up so quickly, but to be honest, I knew I was beat! I don't know how the two of my sweet angle-children have become such mean-spirited creatures when it comes to playing Monopoly with their Momma. You would think they would go easy on me - but NOooooo, we can't be doing that now!
Actually, I didn't call the game. I simply asked for a "hold over" until I was a little more awake and able to focus on the game. I think I am going to have to mortgage all of the property that I have, but chances are that will only hold me over until I land on another one of the A-man's hotel properties.
Like I said, "Little rat fink..." ;o)
I am away again this week at another conference. This one isn't as long as the one was last week, and I expect to be home again by about 9 on Wednesday night. I didn't go in to the office this morning, and I will admit that it was quite nice to have the chance to take my time this morning. We had a really busy weekend, and I didn't really feel like I had much down time.
I arrived to the city about 10 minutes late for my 1pm meeting, but it didn't seem to be a big deal. The sales person from the hotel and I had a very enjoyable lunch, and it was nice to have the opportunity to get to know him a bit better. I really enjoy staying at this property, and I really hope I am able to stay here more often - even if it's not for work events!
Boss called me and he should be arriving here at the hotel within the next half hour. We will be heading over to the convention centre to get our display set up, and then we will be off to the opening reception for around 6:30 tonight. Tomorrow will be a long and busy day.
Tomorrow also is Hubby and I's anniversary. I am still finding it very hard to believe that we have been married for 19 years tomorrow. I met him when I was just 17 years old...
Wow. I'm old.
The A-man quickly purchased a number of houses, and then hotels, on the continuing of the Monopoly game.
When I owed him over $500 just for landing on one of his spaces, I knew it was time to call the game.
I think they were both a little disappointed to see me give up so quickly, but to be honest, I knew I was beat! I don't know how the two of my sweet angle-children have become such mean-spirited creatures when it comes to playing Monopoly with their Momma. You would think they would go easy on me - but NOooooo, we can't be doing that now!
Actually, I didn't call the game. I simply asked for a "hold over" until I was a little more awake and able to focus on the game. I think I am going to have to mortgage all of the property that I have, but chances are that will only hold me over until I land on another one of the A-man's hotel properties.
Like I said, "Little rat fink..." ;o)
I am away again this week at another conference. This one isn't as long as the one was last week, and I expect to be home again by about 9 on Wednesday night. I didn't go in to the office this morning, and I will admit that it was quite nice to have the chance to take my time this morning. We had a really busy weekend, and I didn't really feel like I had much down time.
I arrived to the city about 10 minutes late for my 1pm meeting, but it didn't seem to be a big deal. The sales person from the hotel and I had a very enjoyable lunch, and it was nice to have the opportunity to get to know him a bit better. I really enjoy staying at this property, and I really hope I am able to stay here more often - even if it's not for work events!
Boss called me and he should be arriving here at the hotel within the next half hour. We will be heading over to the convention centre to get our display set up, and then we will be off to the opening reception for around 6:30 tonight. Tomorrow will be a long and busy day.
Tomorrow also is Hubby and I's anniversary. I am still finding it very hard to believe that we have been married for 19 years tomorrow. I met him when I was just 17 years old...
Wow. I'm old.
Friday, August 21, 2009
This, that and all
It's quite hard to believe that summer break will soon be coming to an end.
Last night we had a terrible storm - a number of tornadoes hit down in our area, but we didn't see any affects at our house other than some wind kicking up.
Around 10 or 10:30 the power went out, so the boys and I got a number of candles and lanterns lit, and the A-man suggested a board game. He brought up Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit for the options. S had a knack for winning with Monopoly, so of course he picked that game.
We played for quite a while, and even after the power came back on, the A-man went around the house turning off all the lights so that we could continue our candle-lit game. I started to get tired, so I suggested we put the small pieces in the box so that they didn't get scattered by the cats. We have plans on continuing the game this evening.
Apparently I just need to 'invite' the boys upstairs and they would love to play games with me. I asked why they never suggested it to me, and neither of them had a reply!
I'm looking forward to playing some more of it, actually.
~~~
Now, on to something completely different...
Another reason to be careful who you add as a 'friend' on Facebook...
I couldn't imagine!!
Last night we had a terrible storm - a number of tornadoes hit down in our area, but we didn't see any affects at our house other than some wind kicking up.
Around 10 or 10:30 the power went out, so the boys and I got a number of candles and lanterns lit, and the A-man suggested a board game. He brought up Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit for the options. S had a knack for winning with Monopoly, so of course he picked that game.
We played for quite a while, and even after the power came back on, the A-man went around the house turning off all the lights so that we could continue our candle-lit game. I started to get tired, so I suggested we put the small pieces in the box so that they didn't get scattered by the cats. We have plans on continuing the game this evening.
Apparently I just need to 'invite' the boys upstairs and they would love to play games with me. I asked why they never suggested it to me, and neither of them had a reply!
I'm looking forward to playing some more of it, actually.
~~~
Now, on to something completely different...
Another reason to be careful who you add as a 'friend' on Facebook...
I couldn't imagine!!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Summer ending...
Hubby and I are of the general impression that it will be good to have the boys back in school in a few weeks. They have become very lax in looking after their daily chores - even in looking after their own personal hygiene chores!
As nice a change and break as summer vaction is, it will be nice to get back into the regular routine that comes with going to school each day.
I'm sure the boys will disagree, but that's simply a matter of opinion.
I left yesterday afternoon to head to the city for a conference. Not quite sure why both boss and I were required to attend this conference, though. We are really only putting in a few hours of actuall work at the event - the rest of it is some socializing, and trying to keep up on regular work via email. Really crazy considering I've just come off a week of holidays.
My holidays were nice. It was great to have the opportunity to sleep in each morning, and I am feeling very positive from the week S and I spent at assistive technology camp. I will have to set up some appointments at the high school to enusre that S's laptop and equipment have been tranfered to the school, then I will have to ensure that his necessary text books have been scanned and loaded on to his system. Another biggie will be determining what type of EA support he will receive, and to get more details about his specialized bussing requirements.
Never seems to end.
This year I am also planning on getting email addresses for both the A-man and S's teachers so that I can be kept abreast of the various homework assignments/requirements for each of the boys. I don't want a repeat of the A-man's English from last year.
Live and learn, I suppose.
Had a good time this afternoon visiting Chinatown - lots to see and experience. Went to the Kensington Market - not quite what I remember, but still a good way to put in a few hours in the city. Not sure what I will be doing tomorrow afternoon - probably trying to catch up on work emails and getting the electronic newsletter out to the subscribers!
Have sent out a few more resumes, but haven't heard from any of the jobs I've applied for. Again, not something I am worried about - but it sure would be nice to get some type of feedback from what I am sending!
As nice a change and break as summer vaction is, it will be nice to get back into the regular routine that comes with going to school each day.
I'm sure the boys will disagree, but that's simply a matter of opinion.
I left yesterday afternoon to head to the city for a conference. Not quite sure why both boss and I were required to attend this conference, though. We are really only putting in a few hours of actuall work at the event - the rest of it is some socializing, and trying to keep up on regular work via email. Really crazy considering I've just come off a week of holidays.
My holidays were nice. It was great to have the opportunity to sleep in each morning, and I am feeling very positive from the week S and I spent at assistive technology camp. I will have to set up some appointments at the high school to enusre that S's laptop and equipment have been tranfered to the school, then I will have to ensure that his necessary text books have been scanned and loaded on to his system. Another biggie will be determining what type of EA support he will receive, and to get more details about his specialized bussing requirements.
Never seems to end.
This year I am also planning on getting email addresses for both the A-man and S's teachers so that I can be kept abreast of the various homework assignments/requirements for each of the boys. I don't want a repeat of the A-man's English from last year.
Live and learn, I suppose.
Had a good time this afternoon visiting Chinatown - lots to see and experience. Went to the Kensington Market - not quite what I remember, but still a good way to put in a few hours in the city. Not sure what I will be doing tomorrow afternoon - probably trying to catch up on work emails and getting the electronic newsletter out to the subscribers!
Have sent out a few more resumes, but haven't heard from any of the jobs I've applied for. Again, not something I am worried about - but it sure would be nice to get some type of feedback from what I am sending!
Raising Chickens
When we got the birds, they were only three weeks old. Here's a small clip Hubby made of them in their brooding pen. The orange glow in the pen is from the heating lamp.
Now, we are getting over a dozen eggs a day from our 'girls.' I am having way more fun with these chickens than I ever thought I would! Here's a close up of two having a wee snack of leaves yesterday morning.
I also took a few general pictures, so that those reading without high speed can still see what I'm talking about. These are some pics of the pheasants:
And a few stills of 'the girls'
Now, we are getting over a dozen eggs a day from our 'girls.' I am having way more fun with these chickens than I ever thought I would! Here's a close up of two having a wee snack of leaves yesterday morning.
I also took a few general pictures, so that those reading without high speed can still see what I'm talking about. These are some pics of the pheasants:
And a few stills of 'the girls'
Friday, August 14, 2009
Have you ever really thought...
about how much "the Internet" can gather about us? I'm pretty sure we are all very much aware that our "IP" can be tracked, etc., etc., but when you actually sit down and consider the VAST amount of information that is available - well, it's just mind boggling.
So, where did this come from?
If you look here on my blog, on the right hand side of the screen, you will see a little box I've called "Who is visiting." When I found this little widget, I thought it would be an interesting way for me to see where readers are coming from. And it is - I can tell when Cuz has been on to catch up with us, and I can tell when my friend from out West has been to visit, too. Very handy tool, right?
Well, when I installed this thing, I didn't realize that you can go and watch "in real time" and this actually tells you if the person that landed on your site came direct or not. If they accessed you through a web-browser like google, it tells you what they searched for to find you. (Apparently my left vs right brain picture is a biggie... who knew?) It also tells you if they are using Internet Explorer... it's actually really quite creepy to think of how much personal information is shared the minute you put your computer online.
Another site that freaked me out - Pipl.com. (You pronounce it like "people") This is a "deep web" application. I was absolutely astounded when I typed my name into this application and found a link to my company's website and a photo of me that is featured on our site. Of course, there were a large number of women (and their details) listed on this site that weren't me, but it's still kinda creepy.
Try it out - put your name in and see if you can find yourself. (Hint, if you are on Facebook, put your 'full name' that you are using and see what it comes up with, too!)
Anyway - this has just really made me realize the importance of teaching our children about Internet safety, the importance of firewalls on home systems, and about being aware of what we are posting on websites.
Big Brother, indeed.
So, where did this come from?
If you look here on my blog, on the right hand side of the screen, you will see a little box I've called "Who is visiting." When I found this little widget, I thought it would be an interesting way for me to see where readers are coming from. And it is - I can tell when Cuz has been on to catch up with us, and I can tell when my friend from out West has been to visit, too. Very handy tool, right?
Well, when I installed this thing, I didn't realize that you can go and watch "in real time" and this actually tells you if the person that landed on your site came direct or not. If they accessed you through a web-browser like google, it tells you what they searched for to find you. (Apparently my left vs right brain picture is a biggie... who knew?) It also tells you if they are using Internet Explorer... it's actually really quite creepy to think of how much personal information is shared the minute you put your computer online.
Another site that freaked me out - Pipl.com. (You pronounce it like "people") This is a "deep web" application. I was absolutely astounded when I typed my name into this application and found a link to my company's website and a photo of me that is featured on our site. Of course, there were a large number of women (and their details) listed on this site that weren't me, but it's still kinda creepy.
Try it out - put your name in and see if you can find yourself. (Hint, if you are on Facebook, put your 'full name' that you are using and see what it comes up with, too!)
Anyway - this has just really made me realize the importance of teaching our children about Internet safety, the importance of firewalls on home systems, and about being aware of what we are posting on websites.
Big Brother, indeed.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Assistive Technology Camp
S and I have been going to "Assistive Technology Camp" this week. It's not a 'camp' in the traditional sense, though. Each afternoon, from 1 until 4, we are in a classroom in the city close to home, learning about the various programs that are on S's school laptop.
Of course S is already very much aware of the programs, and has been properly trained on them, but this is more or less a refresher course for the new school year, and for me, it's a chance to actually learn about what the programs can do, and also to know how to help him use the programs to the full abilities.
On Monday I was thinking that the course was more or less set up for parents that don't really have a lot of computer experience, but over the past couple of days I have actually had a chance to learn a fair bit. Today is our last day - with some 'tests' and other things.
Of course, this is the first week that we have had any sort of summer weather, and since I'm on holidays, its been a bit hard to have to go inside for the afternoons, but I am coping. ;o)
Tomorrow afternoon I will have a golf lesson, then I am going to play 9 holes with a friend. In the evening, S will be having his very first date. How exciting for him! Too bad his mom and brother are going to be somewhere in the movie theatre with him...
Saturday I am leaving for the city for a 5 day conference. There are going to be about 12 people from the State flying in tomorrow afternoon, so I am thinking it's going to be a pretty good time. I'm hoping to have a chance to take a few of the ladies over to China town for a bit of looking around. I haven't been to that area of the city in over 25 years, and I've always thought it was pretty cool. I think we are going to have a fair bit of down time during the conference, so it will be kind of nice to do some exploring.
Oh - went in to our swimming pool for the first time last night. It was 80, so I figured I should be able to handle it. Of course, with the warm air, it did feel a bit chilly getting in, but once I was there, I was happy I'd made the 'plunge.'
Okay - off to check on "the girls" and see how many eggs we have so far today. We are up to about a full dozen each day now!
Of course S is already very much aware of the programs, and has been properly trained on them, but this is more or less a refresher course for the new school year, and for me, it's a chance to actually learn about what the programs can do, and also to know how to help him use the programs to the full abilities.
On Monday I was thinking that the course was more or less set up for parents that don't really have a lot of computer experience, but over the past couple of days I have actually had a chance to learn a fair bit. Today is our last day - with some 'tests' and other things.
Of course, this is the first week that we have had any sort of summer weather, and since I'm on holidays, its been a bit hard to have to go inside for the afternoons, but I am coping. ;o)
Tomorrow afternoon I will have a golf lesson, then I am going to play 9 holes with a friend. In the evening, S will be having his very first date. How exciting for him! Too bad his mom and brother are going to be somewhere in the movie theatre with him...
Saturday I am leaving for the city for a 5 day conference. There are going to be about 12 people from the State flying in tomorrow afternoon, so I am thinking it's going to be a pretty good time. I'm hoping to have a chance to take a few of the ladies over to China town for a bit of looking around. I haven't been to that area of the city in over 25 years, and I've always thought it was pretty cool. I think we are going to have a fair bit of down time during the conference, so it will be kind of nice to do some exploring.
Oh - went in to our swimming pool for the first time last night. It was 80, so I figured I should be able to handle it. Of course, with the warm air, it did feel a bit chilly getting in, but once I was there, I was happy I'd made the 'plunge.'
Okay - off to check on "the girls" and see how many eggs we have so far today. We are up to about a full dozen each day now!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Civic Holiday weekend
We had such a great long weekend!
Friday evening Hubby and I relaxed with some margarittas on the deck before dinner. After dinner, we went for a family swim - but I found the water too cold and didn't get in to far. Hubby and the A-man had a good little tussle/wrestling match, and it was quite fun to watch them having such a good time. S tried to get into it after a little while, but he was a little leary of getting into the middle of these two pretty big guys.
Saturday morning, I slept in! It was WONDERFUL to get up that late, even though I did feel like a lazy sloth, I was glad I did it. I worked on a resume update & send off, then spent some hours in the garden pulling weeds. We had a very quiet Saturday evening - just watched a movie together and went to bed pretty early. We got 5 eggs from the chicken this day. S seemed very excited every time he went into the coop and came out with another treasure.
Sunday was another sunny and beautiful day. I made up some of my famous weed killer (vinegar, salt and dish soap!) and attached the growth going on between the bricks in the patio. Next I got out the hose and got the patio all cleaned of dirt and debris. S and the A-man washed down the patio furniture and moved a few wheelbarrows full of wood chips for me. Then I got wedding the night garden, chive garden and iris area. I moved a few plants around, and generally got the entire patio area looking very presentable indeed. That evening we had some company - a co-worker of Hubby and his wife came over shortly after dinner.
Monday was another beautiful, sunny day. I got out in the veggie garden in the morning and managed to get some weeding done between the onion rows, the lettuce rows and up to the Swiss Chard area before I had to go in and shower for my afternoon sail with my highschool friends.
Sammy and Suz came to pick me up around 12:30 and we headed off to Dar's. We sat and admired Dar's garden area for a while, and then headed out the lake for our afternoon sail. Loaded down with our picnic, I am sure we looked like quite the group as we entered Dar's private docking area. The sun had gone in behind some clouds, but we still managed to have a good afternoon on the water.
The winds started to pick up as we were coming in, so Dar dropped the sail and we came into the port on the motor.
Last night we had another quiet, peaceful evening, and went to bed early, ready to face another work week.
The boys have been loving the swimming pool, and have been using it two and three times each day. In fact, last night I had to poke my head out of the laundry room adn tell them that since it was almost dark, they should probably head back in. I don't think they had realized how much the sun had set until I mentioned it to them.
The A-man had called R to see if she could go to a movie with him on Sunday, but since she never called back, we are going to assume she was away with her family for the weekend.
We are going up to the cottage next weekend, and since I am starting holidays, and Hubby is going on afternoons, it looks like we are going to be able to come home on Monday morning instead of having to rush back on Sunday night.
Friday evening Hubby and I relaxed with some margarittas on the deck before dinner. After dinner, we went for a family swim - but I found the water too cold and didn't get in to far. Hubby and the A-man had a good little tussle/wrestling match, and it was quite fun to watch them having such a good time. S tried to get into it after a little while, but he was a little leary of getting into the middle of these two pretty big guys.
Saturday morning, I slept in! It was WONDERFUL to get up that late, even though I did feel like a lazy sloth, I was glad I did it. I worked on a resume update & send off, then spent some hours in the garden pulling weeds. We had a very quiet Saturday evening - just watched a movie together and went to bed pretty early. We got 5 eggs from the chicken this day. S seemed very excited every time he went into the coop and came out with another treasure.
Sunday was another sunny and beautiful day. I made up some of my famous weed killer (vinegar, salt and dish soap!) and attached the growth going on between the bricks in the patio. Next I got out the hose and got the patio all cleaned of dirt and debris. S and the A-man washed down the patio furniture and moved a few wheelbarrows full of wood chips for me. Then I got wedding the night garden, chive garden and iris area. I moved a few plants around, and generally got the entire patio area looking very presentable indeed. That evening we had some company - a co-worker of Hubby and his wife came over shortly after dinner.
Monday was another beautiful, sunny day. I got out in the veggie garden in the morning and managed to get some weeding done between the onion rows, the lettuce rows and up to the Swiss Chard area before I had to go in and shower for my afternoon sail with my highschool friends.
Sammy and Suz came to pick me up around 12:30 and we headed off to Dar's. We sat and admired Dar's garden area for a while, and then headed out the lake for our afternoon sail. Loaded down with our picnic, I am sure we looked like quite the group as we entered Dar's private docking area. The sun had gone in behind some clouds, but we still managed to have a good afternoon on the water.
The winds started to pick up as we were coming in, so Dar dropped the sail and we came into the port on the motor.
Last night we had another quiet, peaceful evening, and went to bed early, ready to face another work week.
The boys have been loving the swimming pool, and have been using it two and three times each day. In fact, last night I had to poke my head out of the laundry room adn tell them that since it was almost dark, they should probably head back in. I don't think they had realized how much the sun had set until I mentioned it to them.
The A-man had called R to see if she could go to a movie with him on Sunday, but since she never called back, we are going to assume she was away with her family for the weekend.
We are going up to the cottage next weekend, and since I am starting holidays, and Hubby is going on afternoons, it looks like we are going to be able to come home on Monday morning instead of having to rush back on Sunday night.
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