Cuz sent me a very interesting link - it's a world clock, based on world stats. Tells you how the population is increasing, that sort of thing.
The interesting thing about this site is, you can determine your 'virtual age' based on your life-style, habits, etc. According to this, and I did answer truthfully, my virtual age is 28.1, and my life expectancy is 85.9! Not too bad for someone that will be turning the big 4-0 in September!!
Anyway, if you are interested in this, the here is the site...
Life Expectancy Calculator
~~~~~
Hubby and I had a good session with the nutritionist. We were there for almost a full three hours - far more than I expected.
Based on her findings, Hubby needs to cut out all starches for a while. Not forever - she kept stressing that - but just until his body gets back to where it should be.
She did some interesting testing that I will describe in more depth on my 'weight loss' blog.
With me, she seemed surprised to find that I didn't suffer from any food issues. My body stayed strong with all of the foods she tested me with. The problems started to arise when she started to test my body strength with amino acids. That is when the deficiencies started to appear. It was quite interesting, to say the least.
Hubby and I came home with our pages of things to follow for the next little three weeks, and then we will see how things are progressing for us.
When we got home, both boys were wanting to go on the ATV. Umm....no. It was late, we were hungry, and it was way too dark to even consider it. The A-man had completed his chores, but S had conveniently 'forgot' about his. Same with the homework. Maybe some day he will realize these are like brushing your teeth - it's just something you do. Oh, right, he often forgets that, too...
The A-man is getting his braces off tomorrow, and none of "the ladies" kissed S today, even though his medallion said to do so. (He seemed okay with that.)
My meeting at the school to add the aspergers to the IPRC was delayed, as the proper people at the board hadn't had a chance to review the report. Just goes to show you that the entire process is a mere formality - the school has already been 'told' what will be allowed, or not. This morning I just did not care to fight that too hard. It was nice that I got to sleep that extra couple of hours...
Monday, March 17, 2008
Getting by without me...
I have decided that Hubby is trying to make the boys WANT me to go away more often! ;o)
Hubby started the initial 'trail' in the backyard, and then the boys were allowed to have their time on the track... apparently they like this machine...
When I was away two weeks ago, Hubby took the boys ice-fishing on the Saturday. They had the very best time ever - S caught the most fish in the derby, and the A-man won $65 for catching the longest (or biggest, maybe?) fish. They had never been ice fishing before, and they had a blast. (I used to ice fish with my Dad when I was that age, too - it's a fun day...)
So, I was happy that Hubby had a successful weekend with the boys two weeks ago, but THIS weekend takes the cake for sure. Oh, they had a good weekend alright! Hubby even sent me pictures on Saturday night to show me what was making the boys smile...
Hubby started the initial 'trail' in the backyard, and then the boys were allowed to have their time on the track... apparently they like this machine... On Sunday, Hubby's friend came over with his machine, so both boys got to drive at the same time. (sigh - my babies are growing up...) Hubby and his friend made a few more 'trails' around the backyard, and now my back yard is just a series of ATV marks.
When S woke up this morning, and saw me there waking him, he had the BIGGEST smile on his face, and he hugged me for about 5 straight minutes. Then he started talking about the ATV, asking if I had seen it (yes), been on it (no) and did I see what they did on the weekend. I asked him to show me, and he was so excited to tell me all about the creating of the various 'trails' - but then he grew very serious and told me that they can't ride on that one - he pointed - because they think it goes over the horseshoe pit!!
That is the problem with riding in the snow - ya can't see what is underneath. My poor lawn...
This morning was a little rough for me - I had a very hard time getting out of bed. The A-man was asked to make sure he had all of his uniform stuff upstairs and ready for the morning, but apparently his idea of being organized and mine are little different.
About 3 minutes before the bus arrived, the A-man comes charging out of his room in just his underwear - looking for pants. He made the bus, but she had to wait for quite a long time. He ran outside holding his jacket, and I have no idea if he took his meds this morning or not. Guess we will have to review the tips and tricks of being organized in the morning.
We had bought a number of things for the boys to wear today - St. Patrick's Day!! - but I don't think the A-man took any of them to school this morning.
S came out of his room with his "Ireland" t-shirt his Gramma had brought him, and he was wearing a green necklace with a medallion that says "Kiss me, I'm Irish." He told me he couldn't wait for "the ladies" to see that, "cuz they will all be kissing me all day!" (I didn't have the heart to tell him I didn't think that would happen...) Anyway, he was pretty excited about the whole idea of St. Patrick's Day.
Hubby and I have an appointment with a nutritionist this evening. We actually both have REALLY busy week nights this week. Good thing we are in for a long weekend - I think we are going to need it!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Another city, another hotel
This time - Montreal. I have never been to downtown Montreal before. Although I don't speak the language - at least, not French as it should be - I know we will do just fine. Sister-in-law is in tow, so she will help us out with any language issues. Still waiting for her to arrive, though. Her train was delayed - I'm still trying to figure out how trains get delayed...
The show begins tomorrow at noon, but I am sure Boss will want us all there for 9am for the final prize set-ups, etc., and to train the staff that are new to the whole event - such as sister-in-law. When she (finally) arrives, I will be heading off with her and co-worker and client to have some dinner. Apparently there isn't a bad restaurant in Montreal.
The boys both got up to see me off this morning. Once they realized I would be home in time to get them off to school, they didn't seem to upset about my leaving again. I went to the office until 2, and then it was pretty smooth from then on. Co-worker and I arrived at airport with no problems, had a drink and a sandwich and got on the plane. I was just getting in to the proposal I was working on, and was told it was time to pack it in, because we are landing. Toronto to Montreal in less than an hour - technology at it's best!
The show begins tomorrow at noon, but I am sure Boss will want us all there for 9am for the final prize set-ups, etc., and to train the staff that are new to the whole event - such as sister-in-law. When she (finally) arrives, I will be heading off with her and co-worker and client to have some dinner. Apparently there isn't a bad restaurant in Montreal.
The boys both got up to see me off this morning. Once they realized I would be home in time to get them off to school, they didn't seem to upset about my leaving again. I went to the office until 2, and then it was pretty smooth from then on. Co-worker and I arrived at airport with no problems, had a drink and a sandwich and got on the plane. I was just getting in to the proposal I was working on, and was told it was time to pack it in, because we are landing. Toronto to Montreal in less than an hour - technology at it's best!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
I must explain yesterday's blog - I was not having the best of days at work.
I just don't understand how someone can be SO obtuse about so many subjects, and just not get it. Then, when you explain in further detail, said person then acts like you are the idiot - almost like he was testing to see if you knew what you were talking about. It's not been much better this morning, I'm afraid. For now that is all I am going to say.
I left work at 3 yesterday. The A-man had a final check at the orthodontist, and the braces come off next week. He is very happy about that, I will admit. After the appointment, the boys and I went on a 'date.' We went and picked up some fun "St. Patrick's Day" stuff - me for the weekend in Montreal, them for Monday at school. The luck of the Irish will be surrounding us.
After our shopping trip, we did a few more errands, then we went to a movie - we saw "The Jumper." Not a bad movie - more of a prequel for the next one, if you know what I mean. The computer graphics and special effects were incredible, but when it was finished, you just knew that another one was going to be coming out.
When the movie was finished, we had just enough time for me to head over for my 'website training' for the ADHD board. The boys came with me - obviously - and they were happy to see the gaming systems at the house we were having the meeting at. They played like "RockStars" and watched a movie. The snow was falling as we left, but closer to home there was nothing, thank heavens.
When we got home, all hell broke loose. The A-man had purchased a new video game for his Wii while we were doing our errands. He got frustrated when he was trying to load up the game, and then S and I were the targets for his RAGE episode. I did not manage things as well as I could have, I suppose, but this does happen when trying to do too many things at once. Lesson learned for Mom.
Over the past few days, I have noticed that the A-man does not cope well with unstructured time. He was commenting Saturday that he was 'bored.' This does not bode well when just starting a week's break...
He acted a total goon on Monday, to the point that my mom even commented on it when we went for a visit. He was much better yesterday, but last night, not so much.
After quite a bit of down time in his room, he was able to think more rationally. I could tell he was very remorseful over his earlier actions, which then lead me to (again) trying to explain to him that he needs to take time away from the frustrations rather than trying to 'improve' things - which then ALWAYS makes it worse.
I don't know if he will ever fully understand that things can never be 'better' while in the heat of the moment, but my hope is that if I continue to explain this, maybe - eventually - it will sink in. The A-man has grown and matured so much - he just needs to realize that he isn't quite there just yet. (Being 6 feet tall does not make you 'fully grown' in that sense.)
Poor S was just trying to stay out of the A-man's way while this episode was going on, but no matter what he did, he just seemed to be a target. Pet the cat, the A-man screams at him...try to make a joke, get yelled at. Yeah, it just was not a very good end to an otherwise fun afternoon.
Poor R-man was in his room, with the door closed, I'm sure wondering what was happening, and why. This is when I become so embarrased about the rage episodes. In my head I know that *I* have nothing to be embarrased about, but I still suffer from that - and guilt. The A-man is totally irrational during the event, then SO upset after he has calmed. 98% of the time he is a delight - the other 2%... not so much.
I am sad today. Just.... sad.
I just don't understand how someone can be SO obtuse about so many subjects, and just not get it. Then, when you explain in further detail, said person then acts like you are the idiot - almost like he was testing to see if you knew what you were talking about. It's not been much better this morning, I'm afraid. For now that is all I am going to say.
I left work at 3 yesterday. The A-man had a final check at the orthodontist, and the braces come off next week. He is very happy about that, I will admit. After the appointment, the boys and I went on a 'date.' We went and picked up some fun "St. Patrick's Day" stuff - me for the weekend in Montreal, them for Monday at school. The luck of the Irish will be surrounding us.
After our shopping trip, we did a few more errands, then we went to a movie - we saw "The Jumper." Not a bad movie - more of a prequel for the next one, if you know what I mean. The computer graphics and special effects were incredible, but when it was finished, you just knew that another one was going to be coming out.
When the movie was finished, we had just enough time for me to head over for my 'website training' for the ADHD board. The boys came with me - obviously - and they were happy to see the gaming systems at the house we were having the meeting at. They played like "RockStars" and watched a movie. The snow was falling as we left, but closer to home there was nothing, thank heavens.
When we got home, all hell broke loose. The A-man had purchased a new video game for his Wii while we were doing our errands. He got frustrated when he was trying to load up the game, and then S and I were the targets for his RAGE episode. I did not manage things as well as I could have, I suppose, but this does happen when trying to do too many things at once. Lesson learned for Mom.
Over the past few days, I have noticed that the A-man does not cope well with unstructured time. He was commenting Saturday that he was 'bored.' This does not bode well when just starting a week's break...
He acted a total goon on Monday, to the point that my mom even commented on it when we went for a visit. He was much better yesterday, but last night, not so much.
After quite a bit of down time in his room, he was able to think more rationally. I could tell he was very remorseful over his earlier actions, which then lead me to (again) trying to explain to him that he needs to take time away from the frustrations rather than trying to 'improve' things - which then ALWAYS makes it worse.
I don't know if he will ever fully understand that things can never be 'better' while in the heat of the moment, but my hope is that if I continue to explain this, maybe - eventually - it will sink in. The A-man has grown and matured so much - he just needs to realize that he isn't quite there just yet. (Being 6 feet tall does not make you 'fully grown' in that sense.)
Poor S was just trying to stay out of the A-man's way while this episode was going on, but no matter what he did, he just seemed to be a target. Pet the cat, the A-man screams at him...try to make a joke, get yelled at. Yeah, it just was not a very good end to an otherwise fun afternoon.
Poor R-man was in his room, with the door closed, I'm sure wondering what was happening, and why. This is when I become so embarrased about the rage episodes. In my head I know that *I* have nothing to be embarrased about, but I still suffer from that - and guilt. The A-man is totally irrational during the event, then SO upset after he has calmed. 98% of the time he is a delight - the other 2%... not so much.
I am sad today. Just.... sad.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Frustration
Sometimes, don't you just want to smack someone?
What's the old saying... "some people bring happiness where ever they go, others bring it whenever they go..."
Yeah, today is one of THOSE days.
What's the old saying... "some people bring happiness where ever they go, others bring it whenever they go..."
Yeah, today is one of THOSE days.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Situation comedy
A small job to be completed by Hubby on Saturday turned in to a full-blown event that could have been the premise of a half hour sit-com!
Our kitchen faucet has been giving us grief for a while. Not 'leaking' in the traditional sense, but if you were putting water in to the left sink, it would come out the faucet as it should, but also shoot out the back too - all over the counter. We have endured this for a while, simply because Hubby had repaired it (a number of times) and so we just figured we would replace the faucet - eventually. I wanted to make sure it was NOT going to happen again, so I was determined to find one that I felt was 'good quality.'
Friday afternoon, I get the phone call that our faucet is in. I get the faucet, and Hubby figures that he will replace it on Saturday afternoon while I am out with Jazzy's mom for her birthday surprises. While I am out, I get a text from Honey asking me to pick up some Teflon tape. As I am approaching the hardware store, Honey phones, and tells me to look at sinks, too. Uh oh. Apparently the old faucet is so rusted on to the existing sink, and he has fought with it for about two hours now, so Hubby figures it will be just easier to replace the sink.
While I am at the store, I mention to Jazzy's mom that I have wanted to replace my typical double sinks with a one-and-a half plus sink since my Mom had her kitchen make-over. I find the 'new' sink, call hubby for the necessary dimensions, etc. Dimensionally, this new sink is going to work. So I bring it - and the teflon tape - home. Yippee, I'm getting my new faucet installed, and getting a new sink in the process!
Summary:
The A-man was 'bored' for most of the weekend. I am not sure how this will bode for the remainder of the week off. I am willing to bet he will continue to torment and tease his brother... should be fun.
Found out on Friday that I have to go to Montreal for the show there - it is this coming weekend. Told Boss that I would go, but that I would not drive it. Way too long a drive for a weekend. He was fine with that, so I am flying out late Thursday afternoon, and will be home for bedtime Sunday night. Commuter planes...what a great creation...
Our kitchen faucet has been giving us grief for a while. Not 'leaking' in the traditional sense, but if you were putting water in to the left sink, it would come out the faucet as it should, but also shoot out the back too - all over the counter. We have endured this for a while, simply because Hubby had repaired it (a number of times) and so we just figured we would replace the faucet - eventually. I wanted to make sure it was NOT going to happen again, so I was determined to find one that I felt was 'good quality.'
Friday afternoon, I get the phone call that our faucet is in. I get the faucet, and Hubby figures that he will replace it on Saturday afternoon while I am out with Jazzy's mom for her birthday surprises. While I am out, I get a text from Honey asking me to pick up some Teflon tape. As I am approaching the hardware store, Honey phones, and tells me to look at sinks, too. Uh oh. Apparently the old faucet is so rusted on to the existing sink, and he has fought with it for about two hours now, so Hubby figures it will be just easier to replace the sink.
While I am at the store, I mention to Jazzy's mom that I have wanted to replace my typical double sinks with a one-and-a half plus sink since my Mom had her kitchen make-over. I find the 'new' sink, call hubby for the necessary dimensions, etc. Dimensionally, this new sink is going to work. So I bring it - and the teflon tape - home. Yippee, I'm getting my new faucet installed, and getting a new sink in the process!
Summary:
- dimensions might be same, doesn't mean hole is...
- the lock-on bolts have to go on sink BEFORE sink's final placement...
- plummer's putty is s-l-o-w moving...
- turn hot water off BEFORE playing with dishwasher connector hose...
- new sinks don't necessarily have drain holes in same areas...
- cooking meals for two days without running water in the kitchen - do not advise this...
- Finally able to clean up kitchen at 9pm on Sunday night - PRICELESS
The A-man was 'bored' for most of the weekend. I am not sure how this will bode for the remainder of the week off. I am willing to bet he will continue to torment and tease his brother... should be fun.
Found out on Friday that I have to go to Montreal for the show there - it is this coming weekend. Told Boss that I would go, but that I would not drive it. Way too long a drive for a weekend. He was fine with that, so I am flying out late Thursday afternoon, and will be home for bedtime Sunday night. Commuter planes...what a great creation...
Friday, March 7, 2008
Coping?
Here is a copy of a letter I wrote to my darling Bear today - I think it summarizes how I am feeling right now:
"Got your message today. Thanks.
I'm really not upset about him having Aspergers, I'm really not. I guess it just TICKS ME OFF that I have two wonderful children - beautiful boys, really - that have to go through all of the FREAKING learning issues. They are both so bright - hell, the A-man is 5 IQ points off of being classed as 'gifted' - and they just have to struggle all of the time, to do just the simplest of daily things.
Do you know S can't tie his shoes? Now we know why - right side of brain affects fine motor skills.
For years I have struggled with them being suspended from school, from the bus, causing problems here, there and everywhere. Skating coaches created routines that work around my boys' non-compliance. Total strangers making the "God, I wouldn't want to be THAT kid's mother" while they are pointing at one of my children. You know how many times I have had to call you to see if you could keep S while I went to work, and for 4 years prior to that, I was HOME and able to keep them with me.
So, we find out S has ADHD and multiple learning disorders. I learn about them. Then we discover he has a Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Back to the books. He is so stressed out at school, he tries to jump in front of a bus. I cope - voice my displeasure with the Principal's attitude, get counselling for him, enrol him in Play Therapy, fend off CAS, yadda, yadda, yadda.
Two days after the bus incident, our family doctor tells me he thinks the A-man has Tourette's. Fine. We see the paediatrician, and move onward to Toronto. Yup, Tourette's, ADHD and Rage. Okay, ADHD I know - the rest, I learn. The A-man, for the most part, becomes an entirely different, more responsible child. In Grade 8, his teacher even comments that she would take a classroom full of the A-man's, as he is such a delight! I almost started to cry - since I was at the school dealing with, yet another, S incident.
Following school year, more issues for S. I address as I need to - involve a lawyer, the school superintendent, the trustee. Principal is suspended, more resources are put in place for S - specialized bussing, a full time EA. Computer is suddenly allowed home for homework, and now more programs have been added - and he has been TRAINED!! (crazy concept, really - giving a child a laptop and also teaching him how to use the software...)
So, finally, after years and years of struggling, we are starting to see an improvement. Sure, there are still struggles on occasion, but they are farther and farther between, and less severe than in the past. His report card still say he needs to improve his "cooperation with others", and his "conflict resolution"... we read that each time and think "Yeah, whatever." For the past number of years, the problems have ONLY been at school - the home issues were resolved through the various tips/techniques/training we did through private assistance. Respite weekends were a God-send, I will admit.
And now we can add Aspergers and Non-verbal learning disability to the gammet. Will it end?
I think that is where I am right now - will I ever STOP hearing another 'diagnosis' for either of my sons? I have never been one to hold on to 'labels' of disorders - you know that. Hell, I could have a flipping rheumatology book named after me!, yet I never dwell. Never have, never will. But I feel - so very strongly - that I must educate myself on anything and everything that affects my sons. So, back to the books.
I am tired."
"Got your message today. Thanks.
I'm really not upset about him having Aspergers, I'm really not. I guess it just TICKS ME OFF that I have two wonderful children - beautiful boys, really - that have to go through all of the FREAKING learning issues. They are both so bright - hell, the A-man is 5 IQ points off of being classed as 'gifted' - and they just have to struggle all of the time, to do just the simplest of daily things.
Do you know S can't tie his shoes? Now we know why - right side of brain affects fine motor skills.
For years I have struggled with them being suspended from school, from the bus, causing problems here, there and everywhere. Skating coaches created routines that work around my boys' non-compliance. Total strangers making the "God, I wouldn't want to be THAT kid's mother" while they are pointing at one of my children. You know how many times I have had to call you to see if you could keep S while I went to work, and for 4 years prior to that, I was HOME and able to keep them with me.
So, we find out S has ADHD and multiple learning disorders. I learn about them. Then we discover he has a Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Back to the books. He is so stressed out at school, he tries to jump in front of a bus. I cope - voice my displeasure with the Principal's attitude, get counselling for him, enrol him in Play Therapy, fend off CAS, yadda, yadda, yadda.
Two days after the bus incident, our family doctor tells me he thinks the A-man has Tourette's. Fine. We see the paediatrician, and move onward to Toronto. Yup, Tourette's, ADHD and Rage. Okay, ADHD I know - the rest, I learn. The A-man, for the most part, becomes an entirely different, more responsible child. In Grade 8, his teacher even comments that she would take a classroom full of the A-man's, as he is such a delight! I almost started to cry - since I was at the school dealing with, yet another, S incident.
Following school year, more issues for S. I address as I need to - involve a lawyer, the school superintendent, the trustee. Principal is suspended, more resources are put in place for S - specialized bussing, a full time EA. Computer is suddenly allowed home for homework, and now more programs have been added - and he has been TRAINED!! (crazy concept, really - giving a child a laptop and also teaching him how to use the software...)
So, finally, after years and years of struggling, we are starting to see an improvement. Sure, there are still struggles on occasion, but they are farther and farther between, and less severe than in the past. His report card still say he needs to improve his "cooperation with others", and his "conflict resolution"... we read that each time and think "Yeah, whatever." For the past number of years, the problems have ONLY been at school - the home issues were resolved through the various tips/techniques/training we did through private assistance. Respite weekends were a God-send, I will admit.
And now we can add Aspergers and Non-verbal learning disability to the gammet. Will it end?
I think that is where I am right now - will I ever STOP hearing another 'diagnosis' for either of my sons? I have never been one to hold on to 'labels' of disorders - you know that. Hell, I could have a flipping rheumatology book named after me!, yet I never dwell. Never have, never will. But I feel - so very strongly - that I must educate myself on anything and everything that affects my sons. So, back to the books.
I am tired."
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