Part One:
I step out my front door four days a week with my runners on, iPod on the go and a water bottle in my hand headed out to run where ever my feet take me. I go as far as want as fast or as slow as want, I turn off my brain and I center myself to the earth and to the music and I find peace.
Sometimes I get going and everything falls into place, I have hit what I call my 'rhythm'. For me that is when my heart rate, my breathing pattern and my legs all decide to work together and I feel like I am flying. I can't say at anytime I feel like it is effortless, but it sure feels good. I come home collapse in the driveway happy that I laced up my runners.
Other times I never hit IT. I don't get everything to match up, it feels like I am working harder than I have to; my shoulders are up high around my ears, I clench up my hands a bit. Or maybe its just a day that my legs feel heavy and I can feel my ass jiggling behind me as I pound my way down the hill. I does not feel good to run on these days, but when I get home and collapse in the driveway I feel good, happy that I laced up that day.
Part Two:
The kids have been back to school for almost a month now (APL they start back the Tuesday after Labour day, mine missed the first week, they were in Vegas with Paul) Sebass has started second grade and PJ is into first. Quentin had some choices to make this year, he could do one or two Kindergarten classes.
He is in the Montessori class and has been in the preschool for a few years now. He had the option of doing the Montessori kindergarten, the public school kindergarten or to do both classes on in the morning and one in the afternoon. Quentin thought about his options for about two seconds and said to me, "Mommy, I would like to make more friends so I think I will do both classes."
He does montessori in the morning and then a lunch program with the teachers of the morning class and then they walk him to his second classroom for the afternoon. (It is all at the same school and PJ and SeaBass are at the same school as well) What all this means is that all of my kids are in full time school.
I, being the fool that I am, have decided to most of my newly found free time to work. Yes, you read that right I volunteered to work more. I am now in the office 4 days a week. We have added office hours, we now have two days a week that between Paul and I we work straight through the day. We open the office and 7:00 and a.m. and we close at 5:00 no closing for lunch. It is working out well, but it means a bigger work load for all of us. Both Paul and I are feeling the crunch as we get into the rhythm of things.
Here is where I tie in Part One and Part Two:
I am struggling a bit to manage everything. I feel like I am sprinting from point A to point B all day every day. The kids have homework that needs to be attended too, they have piano lessons one afternoon a week (and practice their lessons 4 days a week, I only ask them to do it for 12 min. let's keep it reasonable, it is supposed to be fun.) they start Peter Puck on Thursday of this week and will do that only one day a week.
Learning how to get everything done and still keeping it fun for the kids has been like one one of those daily runs where I never quite get my rhythm. I feel like I am doing the right things and getting the right balance but I am struggling a bit to do it, shoulders up around my ears, my hands clenched to tight and my ass dragging along behind me while I completely forget to breath in and out. At the end of the day when I collapse on the couch I find myself glad I put on my runners and laced up but damn I can't wait until I find my rhythm again.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Secret Mystery Guy
Shannon, can you tell I have been reading the Junie B books to PJ. She loves them by the way. They really make all the kids laugh.
This weekend we went camping to Badger Lake, it was incredibly beautiful and the weather was perfect. It was really cold at night, frost on the ground when you wake up kind of cold and warm enough for shorts during the day.
Here is the infamous Pablo. I finally caught him on film (on memory card actually) here he is checking out his camping pictures.
Paul and Doug decided a couple of the large rocks in our campsite were in the way so they decided to re-arrange the campground. I got such a chuckle out of guys being guys. Of course Pablo got right into the swing of things and soon the men folk had the dirt and rocks arranged to their liking.
They thought this rock moving was perfectly normal, but if I think I want to move the couch to the other side of the front room they would both think I was crazy.
I mixed in a few pictures with the macro lens. I spent a bit of my time playing with it and relaxing that way. I am really enjoying it.
Doug came camping with us, Badger Lake is actually one of his favorite camping places and he really wanted to show it to us. It is a bit of a bumpy ride in with the trailer but worth every bump. There are only 16 campsites there. It is very quiet and private.
Doug has some great toys and he brought them out to share with us. He has a quad and everyone had a go at it. Paul has been trying to get me to try a quad for a couple of years now. Well, I did this past weekend and I am hooked. Paul drove it into the bush and I drove it out. I went slow and easy at a pace I was comfortable with, what a blast. We drove out to a little lake and sat there just the two us for a little bit and enjoyed the solitude, so nice.
Doug brought two kayak's with him as well. Here is Pablo in one of them. The lake is like glass and you can putter all around it in the kayaks. You can use them in as little as a foot of water, so you can cruise along the shore and check out whatever you want or travel out to the middle of the lake and enjoy the space.
Another macro lens shot:
One more picture of Pablo the secret mystery guy. I am posting this one for his parents. He seems to having a great time here in Canada and is welcoming any adventure that crosses his path. (He did not go out the quad alone, he did went out with Paul and was wearing safety gear!) We are enjoying him very much his two months with us is going by just a little to quickly for all of us.
This weekend we went camping to Badger Lake, it was incredibly beautiful and the weather was perfect. It was really cold at night, frost on the ground when you wake up kind of cold and warm enough for shorts during the day.
Here is the infamous Pablo. I finally caught him on film (on memory card actually) here he is checking out his camping pictures.
Paul and Doug decided a couple of the large rocks in our campsite were in the way so they decided to re-arrange the campground. I got such a chuckle out of guys being guys. Of course Pablo got right into the swing of things and soon the men folk had the dirt and rocks arranged to their liking.
They thought this rock moving was perfectly normal, but if I think I want to move the couch to the other side of the front room they would both think I was crazy.
I mixed in a few pictures with the macro lens. I spent a bit of my time playing with it and relaxing that way. I am really enjoying it.
Doug came camping with us, Badger Lake is actually one of his favorite camping places and he really wanted to show it to us. It is a bit of a bumpy ride in with the trailer but worth every bump. There are only 16 campsites there. It is very quiet and private.
Doug has some great toys and he brought them out to share with us. He has a quad and everyone had a go at it. Paul has been trying to get me to try a quad for a couple of years now. Well, I did this past weekend and I am hooked. Paul drove it into the bush and I drove it out. I went slow and easy at a pace I was comfortable with, what a blast. We drove out to a little lake and sat there just the two us for a little bit and enjoyed the solitude, so nice.
Doug brought two kayak's with him as well. Here is Pablo in one of them. The lake is like glass and you can putter all around it in the kayaks. You can use them in as little as a foot of water, so you can cruise along the shore and check out whatever you want or travel out to the middle of the lake and enjoy the space.
Another macro lens shot:
One more picture of Pablo the secret mystery guy. I am posting this one for his parents. He seems to having a great time here in Canada and is welcoming any adventure that crosses his path. (He did not go out the quad alone, he did went out with Paul and was wearing safety gear!) We are enjoying him very much his two months with us is going by just a little to quickly for all of us.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tangled Web
I love what you all had to say about my last post. I knew I was speaking to a group of women that would understand what I was saying and contribute more for me to think about.
Here is a picture of the sunset off our back deck about two weeks ago. It was not long I think after Pablo had arrived, a week maybe. I told him to go outside and check out the sunset. I thought it was so nice of mother nature to give him such a show within his first week.
The spider web pictures I took with the macro lens were only a small portion of the web. The web is quite beautiful. When you walk out the sliding glass door to the back deck. If you look up and too your right this web has been made there attached to the house and to the gazebo cover over the deck.
It is quite large, at least a foot and half across maybe larger. We have all watched it grow and every one has respectfully let the spider work and avoids the web so they don't damage it. Often you can see the spiders dinner it.
I have been wondering where the spider is, I have never actually seen her until today. (was is Charlotte's Web that makes me think of most spiders as being female?) I decided to have a closer look and see if I could find the homeowner. She is in the picture below but hard to see due her colouring.
This one should make it easier for you. These are taken with my regular lens. I did not want to get so close as to disturb her. She is huge. This photo does her no justice. She is big fat and round with very furry short legs. She is the size of a big fat purple grape. I am not kidding you, she is huge. Think the end of thumb kind of thing. I think if she were a person she would be shaped with pear if you know what I mean.
We will just leave her be unless she seeks shelter in the house in the winter. She is not welcome inside. Maybe if she moves in I could talk Paul into moving her out to the shed? Do spiders hibernate or what?? Anyone out there know what the heck they do in the winter?
Shannon, I went online and did some research I ended up buying the Cannon EF 100mm f/2.8 marco lens. It seemed the best for what I wanted without spending to much dough. Makes me laugh the booklet on it says it does 1x magnification...um isn't that lifesized, so basically no magnification? You can get as close as 15cm from the front of the lens to your subect and out to 1.6 feet. (odd that I think in both feet and cm and don't think about now) So far I like it, a serious learning curve on how close to get and how to focus. Fun stuff. Which lens did you decide on?
Here is a picture of the sunset off our back deck about two weeks ago. It was not long I think after Pablo had arrived, a week maybe. I told him to go outside and check out the sunset. I thought it was so nice of mother nature to give him such a show within his first week.
The spider web pictures I took with the macro lens were only a small portion of the web. The web is quite beautiful. When you walk out the sliding glass door to the back deck. If you look up and too your right this web has been made there attached to the house and to the gazebo cover over the deck.
It is quite large, at least a foot and half across maybe larger. We have all watched it grow and every one has respectfully let the spider work and avoids the web so they don't damage it. Often you can see the spiders dinner it.
I have been wondering where the spider is, I have never actually seen her until today. (was is Charlotte's Web that makes me think of most spiders as being female?) I decided to have a closer look and see if I could find the homeowner. She is in the picture below but hard to see due her colouring.
This one should make it easier for you. These are taken with my regular lens. I did not want to get so close as to disturb her. She is huge. This photo does her no justice. She is big fat and round with very furry short legs. She is the size of a big fat purple grape. I am not kidding you, she is huge. Think the end of thumb kind of thing. I think if she were a person she would be shaped with pear if you know what I mean.
We will just leave her be unless she seeks shelter in the house in the winter. She is not welcome inside. Maybe if she moves in I could talk Paul into moving her out to the shed? Do spiders hibernate or what?? Anyone out there know what the heck they do in the winter?
Shannon, I went online and did some research I ended up buying the Cannon EF 100mm f/2.8 marco lens. It seemed the best for what I wanted without spending to much dough. Makes me laugh the booklet on it says it does 1x magnification...um isn't that lifesized, so basically no magnification? You can get as close as 15cm from the front of the lens to your subect and out to 1.6 feet. (odd that I think in both feet and cm and don't think about now) So far I like it, a serious learning curve on how close to get and how to focus. Fun stuff. Which lens did you decide on?
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Maybe a Rant
"Race against Time, how will the American voters make their choice."
This was the byline for a news report on a major Canadian television station the other day. I have to say that at first it made very angry. (You should know that I did not actually catch the whole piece so I have no idea how they played the angle) I found myself incensed that the world is viewing this election and Americans like this.
The implication that I am going to make my choice regarding the leadership of my country of birth based on one's age or the colour of their skin makes me angry. What about the real issues? War, health care, economy, environment....the list is long.
I was all fired up to blog about it, to email the television station that this byline is not okay. I slept on it for a few days and came the conclusion that frankly, makes me a little sad. I think that for a portion of the world population and for a percentage of US voters this "Race against Time" this; African American vs. the Experienced War Hero is THE issue.
I think that if the press focused a little less (read not at all) on what the candidates look like and a little more on what they stand for, if they chose to deliver information on the issues instead of sensationalism it may actually affect how people choose what box to mark on their ballot.
I don't want to stir everyone up. I am not on top of all issues myself. But I can tell you that for me what is NOT an issue is the colour of the candidates skin nor the wrinkles that line their faces.
This was the byline for a news report on a major Canadian television station the other day. I have to say that at first it made very angry. (You should know that I did not actually catch the whole piece so I have no idea how they played the angle) I found myself incensed that the world is viewing this election and Americans like this.
The implication that I am going to make my choice regarding the leadership of my country of birth based on one's age or the colour of their skin makes me angry. What about the real issues? War, health care, economy, environment....the list is long.
I was all fired up to blog about it, to email the television station that this byline is not okay. I slept on it for a few days and came the conclusion that frankly, makes me a little sad. I think that for a portion of the world population and for a percentage of US voters this "Race against Time" this; African American vs. the Experienced War Hero is THE issue.
I think that if the press focused a little less (read not at all) on what the candidates look like and a little more on what they stand for, if they chose to deliver information on the issues instead of sensationalism it may actually affect how people choose what box to mark on their ballot.
I don't want to stir everyone up. I am not on top of all issues myself. But I can tell you that for me what is NOT an issue is the colour of the candidates skin nor the wrinkles that line their faces.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Bring the Noise
I am celebrating tonight. I just had a medium thin crust chicken club pizza delivered and I cracked open a beer. Paul and the kids come back tomorrow afternoon. I am celebrating their return, I am ready to have the house full of noise again, and I am celebrating my last evening to myself.
Pablo is on his first exchange weekend meeting all the other rotary exchange students. It has been fun to have this week with him without the kids. I think it gave him a good chance to get started in school and into a morning routine before we add the kids to the mix. I have really enjoyed having the quiet evenings to chat with him about his day and how is getting along here in Canada. He is a wonderful young man to spend time with.
I had a 'duh' moment with my vest. I pulled out a fleece vest I wear all the time and I like the way it fits. I put away the tape measure and knit the back of the Celtic Vest until it was the same width across the shoulders as my fleece vest. I appreciate the help, I agree with mom and Shannon about the 15' being in addition to the few inches I had already knit.
I got a laugh when Shannon posted about her macro lens. I have been looking for one on the internet for a while and finally ordered when I found a price I liked and saved some money for it. I got it a week or two ago, I have only played with it a little. It is going to take a bit for me to get the hang of it.
We had a light shower while I was in the hot tub this morning and I saw the way the water was beading up on the flowers and it seemed like a good time to play with the lens. The focal field really changes when you get that lens on. It is easy to focus on a portion of something and blur out the rest of your picture, but really hard for me to get the whole field into focus. I had a great time playing with it today.
I think it is time for one more slice of pizza, a good action movie and some more knitting.
Shannon, I took a page out your book today and danced around the living room with music blasting in my ears. I was wearing my pajamas though. It was fun, I thought of you and had a great time.
Pablo is on his first exchange weekend meeting all the other rotary exchange students. It has been fun to have this week with him without the kids. I think it gave him a good chance to get started in school and into a morning routine before we add the kids to the mix. I have really enjoyed having the quiet evenings to chat with him about his day and how is getting along here in Canada. He is a wonderful young man to spend time with.
I had a 'duh' moment with my vest. I pulled out a fleece vest I wear all the time and I like the way it fits. I put away the tape measure and knit the back of the Celtic Vest until it was the same width across the shoulders as my fleece vest. I appreciate the help, I agree with mom and Shannon about the 15' being in addition to the few inches I had already knit.
I got a laugh when Shannon posted about her macro lens. I have been looking for one on the internet for a while and finally ordered when I found a price I liked and saved some money for it. I got it a week or two ago, I have only played with it a little. It is going to take a bit for me to get the hang of it.
We had a light shower while I was in the hot tub this morning and I saw the way the water was beading up on the flowers and it seemed like a good time to play with the lens. The focal field really changes when you get that lens on. It is easy to focus on a portion of something and blur out the rest of your picture, but really hard for me to get the whole field into focus. I had a great time playing with it today.
I think it is time for one more slice of pizza, a good action movie and some more knitting.
Shannon, I took a page out your book today and danced around the living room with music blasting in my ears. I was wearing my pajamas though. It was fun, I thought of you and had a great time.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Knitting Help
I have been knitting up the Celtic vest and it is coming along pretty quickly. I really like the stitch pattern, I will take a picture of it this weekend for you. I am not that impressed with the pattern directions. I actually have a question for all of you, the directions seem to be a bit subject to interpretation and I am wondering what you all think.
The vest is knit sideways and you start under the right arm, you knit for about 2" in pattern and then you cast on more stitches and you are knitting the back. pattern reads: " cast on x number of stitches and continue in pattern for 13/15/17" I can't decide if the entire work is supposed to measure 15" (I am knitting a medium) or if the work from the added cast-on stitches is to measure 15" Anyone have an idea. I figure I can fudge a bit when I block it, but I don't want it to stick out to far across the shoulders.
I took Pablo and one of the German exchange students to see The Dark Knight movies last night. It was so good. I am feeling the need to see the movie a second time and that does not happen often for me.
Tonight after work is girls night. Three women who I work out with are coming over after a run. I emailed Paul to let him know the hot tub would be full of beautiful woman while he was out of town.
He and the kids are having fun. I guess Sebass has spent so much time in the pool he is wearing out the bottom of feet on the concrete pool bottom. Paul sounds wonderful and relaxed when I talk him on the phone he needed the break from work. They will be home Sunday evening.
The vest is knit sideways and you start under the right arm, you knit for about 2" in pattern and then you cast on more stitches and you are knitting the back. pattern reads: " cast on x number of stitches and continue in pattern for 13/15/17" I can't decide if the entire work is supposed to measure 15" (I am knitting a medium) or if the work from the added cast-on stitches is to measure 15" Anyone have an idea. I figure I can fudge a bit when I block it, but I don't want it to stick out to far across the shoulders.
I took Pablo and one of the German exchange students to see The Dark Knight movies last night. It was so good. I am feeling the need to see the movie a second time and that does not happen often for me.
Tonight after work is girls night. Three women who I work out with are coming over after a run. I emailed Paul to let him know the hot tub would be full of beautiful woman while he was out of town.
He and the kids are having fun. I guess Sebass has spent so much time in the pool he is wearing out the bottom of feet on the concrete pool bottom. Paul sounds wonderful and relaxed when I talk him on the phone he needed the break from work. They will be home Sunday evening.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Quiet
Paul and the kids left for Vegas on Friday afternoon. They will be back next Monday.
Pablo went out the lake with one of the rotary families and I spent the weekend in quiet. I did not even turn on my computer, except to email Paul and check in with him.
I went out Friday evening and slept in until 7:30 on Saturday. When I woke up I read a book in bed for a little while. It was cold in the morning so I just snuggled in with a cup of coffee and good book. It was wonderful. I waited until it hit 15C and then I went out for a run, came home and had a hot tub and a shower.
I did go out of the house to get a baby gift for our neighbor and to pick up some groceries for myself and Pablo when he gets back on Monday evening.
I have been knitting away on my vest. I started and finished an entire book. I borrowed three movies from Dave and watched them all. I went on three runs, washed all the sheets in the house and cleaned the kids rooms. I did a little shopping and had brunch with Doug. It has been very relaxing. I am just starting to miss the energy of the kids and Paul in the house.
The timing is good as I work for the rest of the week and Pablo is on his way home from the lake. I will get my fill of people again and have lots to distract me from missing the kids and Paul.
Pablo went out the lake with one of the rotary families and I spent the weekend in quiet. I did not even turn on my computer, except to email Paul and check in with him.
I went out Friday evening and slept in until 7:30 on Saturday. When I woke up I read a book in bed for a little while. It was cold in the morning so I just snuggled in with a cup of coffee and good book. It was wonderful. I waited until it hit 15C and then I went out for a run, came home and had a hot tub and a shower.
I did go out of the house to get a baby gift for our neighbor and to pick up some groceries for myself and Pablo when he gets back on Monday evening.
I have been knitting away on my vest. I started and finished an entire book. I borrowed three movies from Dave and watched them all. I went on three runs, washed all the sheets in the house and cleaned the kids rooms. I did a little shopping and had brunch with Doug. It has been very relaxing. I am just starting to miss the energy of the kids and Paul in the house.
The timing is good as I work for the rest of the week and Pablo is on his way home from the lake. I will get my fill of people again and have lots to distract me from missing the kids and Paul.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Cowboys
The kids and I went to the rodeo while it was in town this weekend. Pablo was interested in going and I thought the kids would enjoy it. We were lucky enough that one of the rotarians gave us some tickets, so we got to go for free.
I took a lot of pictures of the bucking broncho's, I think some of these are bare back and some are saddled up. Click them to make them big.
It was kind of a mixed experience. It was great to watch most of it, but it was kind of slow. Lots of downtime, or stuff the kids did not like watching. My kids were not into the calf roping, they were quite worried that the animals would be hurt. They were not fond of the steer wrestling as well for the same reason. I explained that the animals are not hurt, but they felt it looked as if they were. It was sweet.
We waited all night for the bull riding and then when it finally started there were only three bull riders and that was a little disappointing. I think the broncho's were my favorite, I got a kick out that part.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
New Project
Shannon asked me what I have been knitting lately. The answer to that is sadly nothing. I don't know why but for some reason I have not picked up the needles in three weeks or so. I have been pretty bagged at the end of the day, I have been working on our year end accounting and I have been so sucked into the Summer Olympics that I can't even knit while I watch it.
I bought this kit when I was in Kelowna for the family reunion. I really like the pattern and thought the yarn would go with almost anything. It is a little washed out in this picture.
Here is the pattern. It is the Celtic Vest by Fleece Artist. The yarn is 65% wool and 35% silk. The vest in knit sideways in one piece and is reversible. It is worked from two balls of yarn at the same time, in ribbed stitch pattern. It has no buttons or zipper, it is closed with a shawl pin ((I am going to need one of those). I was hoping to start it today, but it looks like it might be Friday's project.
We have been having fun with Pablo. He seems to be settling in well. The kids have fallen in love with him already. He is game to go to the park and ride bikes with us, he gets down in the floor and plays cars with Q and Legos with all of them. He helps out around the house any time you ask and sometimes when you don't.
He is looking forward to meeting some kids his age which should happen this weekend. He is going on a day trip with some of the Rotarians that have kids his age.
Tonight we introduced him to hockey. We went out and watched Paul play. I can't believe how much he has improved since I saw him play last time. Pablo showed a lot of interest in the game, and is ready to learn to ice skate.
I bought this kit when I was in Kelowna for the family reunion. I really like the pattern and thought the yarn would go with almost anything. It is a little washed out in this picture.
Here is the pattern. It is the Celtic Vest by Fleece Artist. The yarn is 65% wool and 35% silk. The vest in knit sideways in one piece and is reversible. It is worked from two balls of yarn at the same time, in ribbed stitch pattern. It has no buttons or zipper, it is closed with a shawl pin ((I am going to need one of those). I was hoping to start it today, but it looks like it might be Friday's project.
We have been having fun with Pablo. He seems to be settling in well. The kids have fallen in love with him already. He is game to go to the park and ride bikes with us, he gets down in the floor and plays cars with Q and Legos with all of them. He helps out around the house any time you ask and sometimes when you don't.
He is looking forward to meeting some kids his age which should happen this weekend. He is going on a day trip with some of the Rotarians that have kids his age.
Tonight we introduced him to hockey. We went out and watched Paul play. I can't believe how much he has improved since I saw him play last time. Pablo showed a lot of interest in the game, and is ready to learn to ice skate.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
House Paint (cont.)
In Paul's spare moments he has been on a ladder with a paint brush in his hand. He seems to be very busy these past few weeks. He is still getting together with the Brain Trust once a week for the development of the Welcome back clinic.
We are very busy at the office and are seeing a wonderful amount of growth. We are adding another Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in September and there is talk of even more growth on the horizon. We are outgrowing our space but won't be ready to look into a building of our own for another 2 years or so. We are considering looking for a larger space to rent for the next couple of years. Things are moving fast for us on a professional level and that is keeping Paul and I on our toes.
I have been working on our accounting and getting our year end wrapped up for our accountant. Lots of time on the front room floor with papers piled around me and th ten-key clicking away. I am thinking I will have that all wrapped up by the end of the week.
I think I got side tracked there. Here is what the outside of the house looks like today:
We are excited to be having a rotary exchange student; Pablo from Ecuador; to be joining our family on Sunday. I am sure you all remember Marianna (who we still keep in contact with) Marianna if you read this post give a shout out to us, we miss you! who is from Brazil. We also had Alex from Australia stay with us when PJ and Bass were babies and Q was not even born yet.
We have done a bit of rearranging to give him some space of his own. I decided to see my big weight set downstairs and was thinking of using the room downstairs for storage or a craft room. When we found out we got to be a host family for Pablo, we decided he might want to be downstairs for a bit of privacy and we would not double up our kids upstairs.
Deb gave us Layne's old bed for SeaBass and SeaBass's bed went downstairs for Pablo. I know it looks a bit plain down there now, but I figure once he moves in he may want to move things around or add things to make it his own space. I have given Pablo and his family a link to this blog so if you are reading, don't worry the doll house down there still needs to be moved, we won't leave it there for you!
Here are some pictures of the inside of the house, this one is a bit washed out but I think you get the idea of how the paint came out. (Whoops, one picture, I meant to post more but must have missed one)
And a few of Grandpa George doing an experiment with the kids while he and Grandma Judy were here.
We are very busy at the office and are seeing a wonderful amount of growth. We are adding another Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in September and there is talk of even more growth on the horizon. We are outgrowing our space but won't be ready to look into a building of our own for another 2 years or so. We are considering looking for a larger space to rent for the next couple of years. Things are moving fast for us on a professional level and that is keeping Paul and I on our toes.
I have been working on our accounting and getting our year end wrapped up for our accountant. Lots of time on the front room floor with papers piled around me and th ten-key clicking away. I am thinking I will have that all wrapped up by the end of the week.
I think I got side tracked there. Here is what the outside of the house looks like today:
We are excited to be having a rotary exchange student; Pablo from Ecuador; to be joining our family on Sunday. I am sure you all remember Marianna (who we still keep in contact with) Marianna if you read this post give a shout out to us, we miss you! who is from Brazil. We also had Alex from Australia stay with us when PJ and Bass were babies and Q was not even born yet.
We have done a bit of rearranging to give him some space of his own. I decided to see my big weight set downstairs and was thinking of using the room downstairs for storage or a craft room. When we found out we got to be a host family for Pablo, we decided he might want to be downstairs for a bit of privacy and we would not double up our kids upstairs.
Deb gave us Layne's old bed for SeaBass and SeaBass's bed went downstairs for Pablo. I know it looks a bit plain down there now, but I figure once he moves in he may want to move things around or add things to make it his own space. I have given Pablo and his family a link to this blog so if you are reading, don't worry the doll house down there still needs to be moved, we won't leave it there for you!
Here are some pictures of the inside of the house, this one is a bit washed out but I think you get the idea of how the paint came out. (Whoops, one picture, I meant to post more but must have missed one)
And a few of Grandpa George doing an experiment with the kids while he and Grandma Judy were here.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Family Reunion
We spent this last weekend at a family reunion on Paul's side of the family. It was the first one in many years. Aunt Colleen and her wonderful husband Darryl were kind enough to host it at their place. (both pictured below) It was a blast. I tried to get a good face shot of everyone there, don't worry I wont show them all to you!
Paul's dad is one of 6 children and 5of them made it to the reuinion, what a great turn out. Of course George and Judy made it up for the occasion and have stayed on with us for the rest of the week. It has been a great visit and we will be sad to see the go Saturday morning. Below is Paul's sister Jodie, she was at the reunion and followed on to our house for two nights as well. We don't get to see enough of her.
Here is one of Aunt Colleen's children Cory (Paul's cousin) with his nephew Logan. Logan is cute as a button and comes complete with his own language. He speaks Loganese, jabbers constantly with only a few words you can understand, the amazing thing is he somehow makes sure that you know what he is talking about. It makes you laugh till you burst.
Uncle Lee, one of the bothers. A kind man who the kids seem to adore. Every time he sits down either Logan or Q jump into his lap.
Here is Aunt Jackie, I think she is the oldest of the 6 siblings. There is a strong family resemblance isn't there.
And one shot for the road: I think you know everyone in this picture. It catches a bit of the chaos that seems to be my children these days. Lots of Fun!!
Paul's dad is one of 6 children and 5of them made it to the reuinion, what a great turn out. Of course George and Judy made it up for the occasion and have stayed on with us for the rest of the week. It has been a great visit and we will be sad to see the go Saturday morning. Below is Paul's sister Jodie, she was at the reunion and followed on to our house for two nights as well. We don't get to see enough of her.
Here is one of Aunt Colleen's children Cory (Paul's cousin) with his nephew Logan. Logan is cute as a button and comes complete with his own language. He speaks Loganese, jabbers constantly with only a few words you can understand, the amazing thing is he somehow makes sure that you know what he is talking about. It makes you laugh till you burst.
Uncle Lee, one of the bothers. A kind man who the kids seem to adore. Every time he sits down either Logan or Q jump into his lap.
Here is Aunt Jackie, I think she is the oldest of the 6 siblings. There is a strong family resemblance isn't there.
And one shot for the road: I think you know everyone in this picture. It catches a bit of the chaos that seems to be my children these days. Lots of Fun!!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
May as Well Be Mars
I spent part of the day prepping for more painting. I am just about ready to paint on the chocolate, I am hoping to get it done tomorrow. Masking off the area's to be painted was a bit of a challenge for me today, I had to get out the very tall ladder and climb up to mask off the peak. I am not a fan of heights and suffered from sweaty palms during this adventure.
This 4 foot long untaped area above the stairs may as well be Mars in my book. I waited until all the kids were out of the house and I climbed up on the banister over the stairs, I reached over the stairwell and reached as far as I could within my comfort zone. I can't get to that last 4 feet without hanging over the lowest stairs and the entrance way below me. Forget it. I am going to see if I can Paul to tape it for me while I hide in the kitchen with the kids.
Paul has been busy with a job of his own. He started painting the outside of the house a year ago (He told me he could do it in month, I laughed) so far the back and bottom half of one side have been done. He seems to be on a mission now. I may have nudged him a bit. Every time he comes up with something fun he wants to do, I ask him how the house is coming along.
I am not much for nagging, but the house looks terrible like it is and will look so good when it is all done.
I can never get Paul to smile for me when I take a picture. I caught him off guard while he was chatting with the neighbour.
Today he skipped Stage 2 of his reunion, it was a family deal down at the park. Tonight he and I go to Stage 3 together so we are out to dinner at 7. I think it is odd that it is a 3 day event. It seems to be pretty typical for this area I guess. Seems odd to me, I wonder if I have enough common ground with those I graduated with 20 years ago to talk for an evening, let alone 3 days. Sunday he golfs with his grad class. I guess 160 out of a class of 400 have signed up for the reunion. Pretty good turn out for 20 years I think.
He must have enjoyed last night he got home at 3:00 in the morning and left the truck downtown. I expected he would be late and I was glad to hear he had such a good time. He said it was kind of weird, but good. I can see that. He really thinks I should check into a plane ticket for mine.
Enough rambling. I am going to go clean up.
This 4 foot long untaped area above the stairs may as well be Mars in my book. I waited until all the kids were out of the house and I climbed up on the banister over the stairs, I reached over the stairwell and reached as far as I could within my comfort zone. I can't get to that last 4 feet without hanging over the lowest stairs and the entrance way below me. Forget it. I am going to see if I can Paul to tape it for me while I hide in the kitchen with the kids.
Paul has been busy with a job of his own. He started painting the outside of the house a year ago (He told me he could do it in month, I laughed) so far the back and bottom half of one side have been done. He seems to be on a mission now. I may have nudged him a bit. Every time he comes up with something fun he wants to do, I ask him how the house is coming along.
I am not much for nagging, but the house looks terrible like it is and will look so good when it is all done.
I can never get Paul to smile for me when I take a picture. I caught him off guard while he was chatting with the neighbour.
Today he skipped Stage 2 of his reunion, it was a family deal down at the park. Tonight he and I go to Stage 3 together so we are out to dinner at 7. I think it is odd that it is a 3 day event. It seems to be pretty typical for this area I guess. Seems odd to me, I wonder if I have enough common ground with those I graduated with 20 years ago to talk for an evening, let alone 3 days. Sunday he golfs with his grad class. I guess 160 out of a class of 400 have signed up for the reunion. Pretty good turn out for 20 years I think.
He must have enjoyed last night he got home at 3:00 in the morning and left the truck downtown. I expected he would be late and I was glad to hear he had such a good time. He said it was kind of weird, but good. I can see that. He really thinks I should check into a plane ticket for mine.
Enough rambling. I am going to go clean up.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Master Plan
We have some serious painting going on at our house right now. I am on the inside and Paul is on the out.
I have never had so much trouble picking out paint colours in my life. I knew that I wanted one wall to be chocolate brown and I am trying to work the rest around that. You have no idea how hard it is to find brown. Everything on the brown paint chips seems to have pink tones to it and I don't want pink at all!!
I have finally picked out three shade that I am going to use. I don't how your computer screen shows the colour of the hallways there, but they are the colour of a rich glass of chocolate milk. It is my medium tone of the three colours I am using. I have been fretting that it is to dark and has sucked the light out the hallways.
I actually went back to home depot to check out slightly lighter shades again, after the first coat went on. All the lighter shades...have pink tones to them, or orange. I am staying the path.
In this picture the blue wall with the plant hanging on it (that plant was Grandma's by the way) will be the lightest shade of brown, the blue wall on the other side will be the chocolate wall. Doesn't that just sound yummy? A wall of chocolate...whoops I got lost there. The other chocolate wall will be the blue part with the big window on it, you know the one that faces the street. If you don't remember I will post more pictures as I go.
Paul is at Stage 1 of his 20 year high school reunion. I have opted out of Stage 1 and stayed home with the kids tonight. I painted all day and dipped into the hot tub once the kids got settled. I have been craving a strawberry daquari and have mixed myself up one (one pitcher that is) and I am now getting ready to watch a chick flick and knit for while. Paradise.
I have never had so much trouble picking out paint colours in my life. I knew that I wanted one wall to be chocolate brown and I am trying to work the rest around that. You have no idea how hard it is to find brown. Everything on the brown paint chips seems to have pink tones to it and I don't want pink at all!!
I have finally picked out three shade that I am going to use. I don't how your computer screen shows the colour of the hallways there, but they are the colour of a rich glass of chocolate milk. It is my medium tone of the three colours I am using. I have been fretting that it is to dark and has sucked the light out the hallways.
I actually went back to home depot to check out slightly lighter shades again, after the first coat went on. All the lighter shades...have pink tones to them, or orange. I am staying the path.
In this picture the blue wall with the plant hanging on it (that plant was Grandma's by the way) will be the lightest shade of brown, the blue wall on the other side will be the chocolate wall. Doesn't that just sound yummy? A wall of chocolate...whoops I got lost there. The other chocolate wall will be the blue part with the big window on it, you know the one that faces the street. If you don't remember I will post more pictures as I go.
Paul is at Stage 1 of his 20 year high school reunion. I have opted out of Stage 1 and stayed home with the kids tonight. I painted all day and dipped into the hot tub once the kids got settled. I have been craving a strawberry daquari and have mixed myself up one (one pitcher that is) and I am now getting ready to watch a chick flick and knit for while. Paradise.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
No Pictures
I am juggling computers right now and all my pictures are on the other one. Paul bought a new laptop for work at it turns out to be nothing but a headache for him. It has the dreaded Vista on it and it seems to be a terrible program that does not work with his blackberry, his wireless printer at the office and various other programs he uses all the time.
It turns out that the Welcome Back clinic we are involved with has network that Paul will be on and it is a Mac network. Of course he found this out three months after he bought this computer. This computer has been back to the shop eight times since Paul bought it. I tried to get them to take it back but they won't. They tell me they will fix it as many times I need them too, but they will not replace it.
I now have the Vista computer, I run fewer programs than Paul does and I have only had it to the shop twice. I have not had any trouble with it since Monday, but that was the last time I turned it on!
I have some pictures I have wanted to share for a while. I am hoping to get them onto this computer sometime Friday. I have been doing some painting in the house and it has been keeping busier than it should.
Two more kind of random things:
computer trouble was the reason my meez was snorkeling for so long.
It looks like the Welcome Back group will be getting a great deal on Mac's as they are buying a whole bunch of them so Paul should be able to network just fine.
It turns out that the Welcome Back clinic we are involved with has network that Paul will be on and it is a Mac network. Of course he found this out three months after he bought this computer. This computer has been back to the shop eight times since Paul bought it. I tried to get them to take it back but they won't. They tell me they will fix it as many times I need them too, but they will not replace it.
I now have the Vista computer, I run fewer programs than Paul does and I have only had it to the shop twice. I have not had any trouble with it since Monday, but that was the last time I turned it on!
I have some pictures I have wanted to share for a while. I am hoping to get them onto this computer sometime Friday. I have been doing some painting in the house and it has been keeping busier than it should.
Two more kind of random things:
computer trouble was the reason my meez was snorkeling for so long.
It looks like the Welcome Back group will be getting a great deal on Mac's as they are buying a whole bunch of them so Paul should be able to network just fine.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Camping Pictures
This first picture is the evening view from our camp site. It was bordering on to hot during the day but the evenings were so nice. It was to warm for a fire, but we had one for the heck of it, we all sat far away from the heat of it and chatted.
Of course you get a picture of each kid down by the water. Our site was very close to the beach a three minute walk. I love this picture of Seabass, he is at the age of missing teeth. His front teeth look huge and the neighboring teeth are missing, making them look even bigger. I still think he is a good looking kid.
The ham: he spent most of his time by the water looking just like this. I am not sure why he felt the need for goggles as I am pretty sure his face never made it into the water. The water is pretty cold being melt off and all. All the kids played in it about to their waists and then got to cold. Doug and his kids were along, they have a water trampoline that Doug set up and the kids spent a lot of time on that.
His kids are great swimmers, a bit older older than ours, 9 and 12? The nine year old swam all the way out to the safety markers with me with no problem and not one complaint of the cold water. That kid is a fish!
And of course PJ, she had a great time playing in the water and digging in the sand. I have a funny picture of her crying her eyes out that almost posted, maybe next time.
It is a beautiful day out today, 32C and a nice breeze. I can't spend it on the computer so I am going to step outside and play with kids. Or I might give in and have a nap. We are thinking of taking the kids to see a movie tonight, if Q will lay down with me that might keep him awake at the movie.
Of course you get a picture of each kid down by the water. Our site was very close to the beach a three minute walk. I love this picture of Seabass, he is at the age of missing teeth. His front teeth look huge and the neighboring teeth are missing, making them look even bigger. I still think he is a good looking kid.
The ham: he spent most of his time by the water looking just like this. I am not sure why he felt the need for goggles as I am pretty sure his face never made it into the water. The water is pretty cold being melt off and all. All the kids played in it about to their waists and then got to cold. Doug and his kids were along, they have a water trampoline that Doug set up and the kids spent a lot of time on that.
His kids are great swimmers, a bit older older than ours, 9 and 12? The nine year old swam all the way out to the safety markers with me with no problem and not one complaint of the cold water. That kid is a fish!
And of course PJ, she had a great time playing in the water and digging in the sand. I have a funny picture of her crying her eyes out that almost posted, maybe next time.
It is a beautiful day out today, 32C and a nice breeze. I can't spend it on the computer so I am going to step outside and play with kids. Or I might give in and have a nap. We are thinking of taking the kids to see a movie tonight, if Q will lay down with me that might keep him awake at the movie.
Friday, July 11, 2008
I Did Not Mean to Scare You
Hi all. I am going to post a quick one today.
I am feeling tons better. So much so that I did not have nap today. I found I did not sleep well last night due to my nap yesterday and today I pushed right through, so I am beat now.
Things are pretty well back to normal around here. I went to Sebastian's science camp with PJ and Q for an hour to see what he had been up to all week. I did the laundry, cleaned out the computer cupboard and did some other odds and ends. I even got a tasty dinner on the table and the dishes done up.
Doug was even kind enough to stop by this morning and bring me a cup of coffee and the kids some hot chocolate. We sat out on the deck in the sunshine and I even knit a few rows.
I was really hopeful that I would I bring you a better post than this little shorty but I think it is just about bedtime for me.
I am feeling tons better. So much so that I did not have nap today. I found I did not sleep well last night due to my nap yesterday and today I pushed right through, so I am beat now.
Things are pretty well back to normal around here. I went to Sebastian's science camp with PJ and Q for an hour to see what he had been up to all week. I did the laundry, cleaned out the computer cupboard and did some other odds and ends. I even got a tasty dinner on the table and the dishes done up.
Doug was even kind enough to stop by this morning and bring me a cup of coffee and the kids some hot chocolate. We sat out on the deck in the sunshine and I even knit a few rows.
I was really hopeful that I would I bring you a better post than this little shorty but I think it is just about bedtime for me.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Perspective
Click on the picture to make it big, its totally worth it. I took this picture while we camping this past weekend. I post it today because I need some perspective. In Peruvian shamanism the (and I am sure in many others) one of the things the eagle represents is perspective. Flying above it all to see the patterns, the flow of things and not getting caught up in the crap.
I think of the wind lifting my wings, soaring effortlessly above the mountain tops and the rivers, letting the wind and perspective take away all the things that I am letting bog me down these days. In short I am asking the great eagle to help me with an attitude adjustment.
This past weekend was the Canada Day weekend. I took the kids camping on Thursday night and Paul joined us late Friday night. (More on that soon) We stayed until Monday afternoon and then came home to enjoy the Tuesday off and relax in the air-conditioning. It was over 100F out there and we were sleeping in a tin box and no showers there. We were in need of cold shower.
Paul worked on the Friday and rode his dirt bike out after he got off work and a game of hockey. He did not arrive until about 11:00. I know that Paul has spent quite a lot of time on a moterbike and I trust his driving skills. When 10:30 rolled by I did begin to worry about him. His dirt bike is cheap street legal bike that we bought to save on insurance dollars (in this weird Canadian insurance system we save almost $2,000 a year by insuring the bike as a primary vehicle and Paul's truck as secondary) I trust Paul on the bike but did not trust the bike. It has crapped out on him in the bush more than once.
I had cause to worry. As Paul got closer to the campground the lights on the bike began to flicker on and off. When he pulled up to the campground, going only about 10 or 15kilometers per hour the electrical on the bike gave out and the bike came to a screaming halt. Paul did not. He was wearing heavy pants and thick leather jacket and riding gloves. He skinned up his elbow and hurt his ankle a little bit. The worst of it is the hyper-extended thumb of his right hand. He did not fracture it, that would heal faster. He damaged the joint capsule and some of the surrounding ligaments. His hand is all splinted up and he is unable to oppose his thumb and fingers. He has hopes of being back to work on Tuesday, I think this is unrealistic.
I think on the bright side and thank the powers that be the bike did not seize up on the highway when he was going 90KPH. I realize how lucky we are that he is not more badly hurt. I also feel a little overwhelmed and crabby. There is a lot going on right now (hiring staff, PMS, I enjoyed my first migraine last night, a head cold and general lack of exercise ect. ect.)
Today my goal is to suck it and change my attitude. Thank you for hearing me out; it helps my gain perspective. Click on that picture and soar with me please!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Deck
We have been doing a lot of work in the yard. One thing turned into another and we found ourselves rebuilding the deck.
We have been meaning to do this for a long time. The old deck was fiberglass glued onto plywood. It was beginning to wear badly on one edge and the fiberglass decking was so slippery when it got wet it was very dangerous.
Paul did a whole bunch of research and in the long run we decided to go with a composite decking. It is recycled plastic and has a bit of real wood in it as well.
It went together like a dream. The pieces are put together with these spacers or clamps that just screw right in. If you need to take a piece in the middle at a later date you can remove any piece you like easily.
Scott came over and did the cutting so Paul could get it done faster. Paul returned the favor on Sunday and went over to Scott's place to help him cement his patio. I am thinking Scott got the good end of that deal, but I am happy to be part of neighbourhood that helps one and other out.
The deck has changed just a little since this last picture. See where the hose is? Paul moved that and the hose bib. He built a bit of deck in that spot so it comes out even with the house where it comes out for our bedroom window. The bit he added on covers up the sprinkler works. Now the BBQ sits up there and it looks great.
We are off to a ball tournament this weekend. Taking the trailer and kids and getting ready ready to bark like a cow. Should be fun. The weather has been pretty crummy, hopeful we get some sun for the ball games.
Have a good one!
We have been meaning to do this for a long time. The old deck was fiberglass glued onto plywood. It was beginning to wear badly on one edge and the fiberglass decking was so slippery when it got wet it was very dangerous.
Paul did a whole bunch of research and in the long run we decided to go with a composite decking. It is recycled plastic and has a bit of real wood in it as well.
It went together like a dream. The pieces are put together with these spacers or clamps that just screw right in. If you need to take a piece in the middle at a later date you can remove any piece you like easily.
Scott came over and did the cutting so Paul could get it done faster. Paul returned the favor on Sunday and went over to Scott's place to help him cement his patio. I am thinking Scott got the good end of that deal, but I am happy to be part of neighbourhood that helps one and other out.
The deck has changed just a little since this last picture. See where the hose is? Paul moved that and the hose bib. He built a bit of deck in that spot so it comes out even with the house where it comes out for our bedroom window. The bit he added on covers up the sprinkler works. Now the BBQ sits up there and it looks great.
We are off to a ball tournament this weekend. Taking the trailer and kids and getting ready ready to bark like a cow. Should be fun. The weather has been pretty crummy, hopeful we get some sun for the ball games.
Have a good one!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)