How do you know you have not blogged in a while? The site changes the look and feel completely and you were totally oblivious to it.
Things have been insane at work... on many levels. Anyway, hopefully a bit calmer now.
Have embarked on weight loss campaign. I tried the WeightWatchers method... for a day. Mind you, I did not want to fork over $20 a month, so I got hold of the calculators and tried to do it that way. Nope, not for me. There is absolutely no way that I will be calculating how many points all of my foods have. It's either not worry about the point value at all or eat on the 0 points side. I'm guessing that if you actually pay the money, they give you easier methods.
So, back to eating the good carb/bad carb way. Basically, no bread, pasta, rice, or potatos. All of them make me sick anyway. Now, if I could only eliminate sugar. So far so good on this approach. Not sure if I lost any weight, but my tummy is smaller (less bloating), so that has to be good.
I thought I'd get the Women's Health book of exercises. It's like a bible of exercise. But when I got to the store and looked at it, I realized that I can't just look at a book while I attempt some of these contortions (most of which require a home gym). So, I got Jillian Michael's DVD instead. I was only able to do one circuit of it. She kills me. Was in pain for three days after. Have not done it since, but I realize that I do need to. Sigh. Yoga just no longer cuts it, though I still love it.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
March
So, almost three months off the Celexa. Feeling much more myself. I wonder how long I'll be saying that.
Sad news. My grandmother passed away March 17. She was 89. It was not unexpected, but still it's a shock. My poor aunt is bearing the worst of it. She took care of grandma and they lived together for the past 20 years or so.
A couple of grandma stories. Once she was babysitting me and we were waiting for my mom to come home. She was standing at the window looking out. She said to me that my mom should wash the windows and just kept looking out. When nobody was looking she wrote my mom's name on the window pane with her finger. Then of course, my mom thought it was me, but grandma came clean. :)
Another time she gave my mom a packet of her favourite cigarettes (it was the 70's, OK?). She wrapped it in like 20 pieces of paper. Each layer was sealed. My mom unwrapped the first, then the second, then the third, all the while smiling. When she got to the fifth and sixth layers, she was getting a bit frustrated. Then she asked us if there was anything actually in there. We said yes, so she had to unwrap the whole thing. She laughed though. My grandma was a joker. I miss her.
In more sad news, we are still monitoring how my father-in-law is doing. His cancer spread to his brain.
In happier news, penboy went to his first confession today. He was super nervous, but was very happy and relieved when it was over (all one minute of it). I went too and was a bit stumped as to what to say. I mean, if you lead a fairly normal life, what can you possibly have to confess. I lie a bit, of course, who doesn't, but other than that? I work and I come home and try to have some fun on the weekends with penboy and Mr. P and that is pretty much my life. Who has the time to sin?
So now penboy is ready for his first communion, which will take place at the end of April. Wow, my boy is getting all grown up!
Monday, February 20, 2012
February
So, I have to tell you that I went off my "happy pills." It's been over a month now. I am pretty surprised at the changes that are taking place. Just a bit of anxiety so far, but perhaps that was just brought on by the fear that the "big one" would hit. Stupid thing, anxiety, things that should help, can actually bring it on, like exercise. The increased heart rate and breathing can mimic and bring on an attack. Not fun. But, as I said, so far, so good. Aside from feeling a lot more emotional (on serotonin enhancers you kind of feel even all the time), I feel more energetic, less lethargic, but also, a lot physically colder. Weird. When I was on Celexa, I was always hot. Now I am freezing. Bizarre. I'm hoping all this will normalize after some time.
So, for me, February has been a month of navel gazing a bit. Mind you, it's the worst possible time for it because I am crazy busy at work and my co-worker is off on mat leave (her third).
My grandma is not doing well. My mom is off to Poland tomorrow. Hard to say, but it seems like it's the beginning of the end. She's had a stroke and they found a mass in her lungs that is cancerous. She's never been a smoker, so likely this is actually a secondary tumour. I was going through my linen closet yesterday and I found a lacy table runner she crocheted for me a long time ago and almost burst into tears. And of course, the sucky thing for me is that I can't even see her one more time. Can't tell her anything. Can't hold her hand.
The one nice thing about February has been Valentine's Day. Mr. P got me a lovely necklace, a huge box of chocolates, and a bottle of wine. Basically, all a girl needs. He also took us out for a nice Milestones dinner.
Another nice thing is that belly dancing started up once again. Meagan is a tough teacher, which I like. She really insists on us doing the moves properly. She made me sweat a lot yesterday. So maybe one day I will be able to do this:
So, I have to tell you that I went off my "happy pills." It's been over a month now. I am pretty surprised at the changes that are taking place. Just a bit of anxiety so far, but perhaps that was just brought on by the fear that the "big one" would hit. Stupid thing, anxiety, things that should help, can actually bring it on, like exercise. The increased heart rate and breathing can mimic and bring on an attack. Not fun. But, as I said, so far, so good. Aside from feeling a lot more emotional (on serotonin enhancers you kind of feel even all the time), I feel more energetic, less lethargic, but also, a lot physically colder. Weird. When I was on Celexa, I was always hot. Now I am freezing. Bizarre. I'm hoping all this will normalize after some time.
So, for me, February has been a month of navel gazing a bit. Mind you, it's the worst possible time for it because I am crazy busy at work and my co-worker is off on mat leave (her third).
My grandma is not doing well. My mom is off to Poland tomorrow. Hard to say, but it seems like it's the beginning of the end. She's had a stroke and they found a mass in her lungs that is cancerous. She's never been a smoker, so likely this is actually a secondary tumour. I was going through my linen closet yesterday and I found a lacy table runner she crocheted for me a long time ago and almost burst into tears. And of course, the sucky thing for me is that I can't even see her one more time. Can't tell her anything. Can't hold her hand.
The one nice thing about February has been Valentine's Day. Mr. P got me a lovely necklace, a huge box of chocolates, and a bottle of wine. Basically, all a girl needs. He also took us out for a nice Milestones dinner.
Another nice thing is that belly dancing started up once again. Meagan is a tough teacher, which I like. She really insists on us doing the moves properly. She made me sweat a lot yesterday. So maybe one day I will be able to do this:
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Favourite Book
I have hunted for this book for most of my adult life. First of all, I did not know the English title because I had ever read it only in Polish. I read it first when I was about eleven, and had loved it ever since. It took me a while to figure out the English title, all thanks to a site that sells Polish books. They had it in Polish and that way I found the author - Clare Compton. From there it was easy to learn the title was "Harriet and the Cherry Pie." OK, that was the easy part. Turns out this book was only published in 1963 and then in paperback in 1968 and that's it. Never re-printed in English, though it has been in Polish. I started haunting used book sellers' sites. They had it, sure, but in hardcover, the first edition and for $50, a bit more than I was willing to pay. And then finally, at the beginning of December, I found it from a seller in the UK in paperback. Ordered it immediately. It came a couple of days after Christmas. Oh, joy!!! And now I've read it for the first time in almost 30 years. And I still love it!
And to all my friends out there - I love you, but I am not lending this book to anyone! It's just too important to me.
I bet you're wondering what it's about. It's the story of a little girl (Harriet) who comes from Bristol with her sister to live with a great aunt because their father is posted to Australia for six months and their mother had died. The great aunt owns a cafe called the Cherry Pie and is very young and energentic. She makes the girls feel at home, but Harriet feels lonely and out of place, but by accident meets people who are involved in the theatre and then becomes a child actress and stars in a play. I know it doesn't sound like much, but the writing is very nice, all cosy and comfy and this book has become part of me. I often imagined myself in Harriet's place.
I have hunted for this book for most of my adult life. First of all, I did not know the English title because I had ever read it only in Polish. I read it first when I was about eleven, and had loved it ever since. It took me a while to figure out the English title, all thanks to a site that sells Polish books. They had it in Polish and that way I found the author - Clare Compton. From there it was easy to learn the title was "Harriet and the Cherry Pie." OK, that was the easy part. Turns out this book was only published in 1963 and then in paperback in 1968 and that's it. Never re-printed in English, though it has been in Polish. I started haunting used book sellers' sites. They had it, sure, but in hardcover, the first edition and for $50, a bit more than I was willing to pay. And then finally, at the beginning of December, I found it from a seller in the UK in paperback. Ordered it immediately. It came a couple of days after Christmas. Oh, joy!!! And now I've read it for the first time in almost 30 years. And I still love it!
And to all my friends out there - I love you, but I am not lending this book to anyone! It's just too important to me.
I bet you're wondering what it's about. It's the story of a little girl (Harriet) who comes from Bristol with her sister to live with a great aunt because their father is posted to Australia for six months and their mother had died. The great aunt owns a cafe called the Cherry Pie and is very young and energentic. She makes the girls feel at home, but Harriet feels lonely and out of place, but by accident meets people who are involved in the theatre and then becomes a child actress and stars in a play. I know it doesn't sound like much, but the writing is very nice, all cosy and comfy and this book has become part of me. I often imagined myself in Harriet's place.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Enjoying Other People's Birthdays
Had a great day celebrating Car's birthday and Mr. P's birthday. Both of them have actually already passed, but for various reasons we had not celebrated them. So, I went over to Car's place and we had a lovely Japanese lunch in Aurora. Bought an extremely cool scarf which I did not need and some sunglasses, which I did. Then this evening, we went to Milestones to celebrate Mr. P's birthday. Had a lovely dinner and I persuaded him to try Bellinis (mostly because I wanted the monkey toy and I was the designated driver, so no booze for me). We did not get the monkey alas, but got a moose and a beaver/squirrel thingie (oh, yeah he had to have two because Penboy wanted a toy too).
I like other people's birthdays!
Had a great day celebrating Car's birthday and Mr. P's birthday. Both of them have actually already passed, but for various reasons we had not celebrated them. So, I went over to Car's place and we had a lovely Japanese lunch in Aurora. Bought an extremely cool scarf which I did not need and some sunglasses, which I did. Then this evening, we went to Milestones to celebrate Mr. P's birthday. Had a lovely dinner and I persuaded him to try Bellinis (mostly because I wanted the monkey toy and I was the designated driver, so no booze for me). We did not get the monkey alas, but got a moose and a beaver/squirrel thingie (oh, yeah he had to have two because Penboy wanted a toy too).
I like other people's birthdays!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Christmas Day
Well, it's been a banner Christmas day for gifts. I got a laptop! And so did Penboy!
I really have the best husband in the world. And not just because of the electronics. He let me sleep in at six in the morning when our child was done tearing into his gifts (he got up at 5:30). He was the designated driver last night so I could have some Christmas Eve wine. He cleaned the kitchen yesterday and took out the garbage countless times. :)
So, the day has been all about learning about laptops and stuff. And sleeping. I slept very badly last night and have been pretty tired all day.
We are off to my friend Car's tomorrow and seeing Mrs.Peel Tuesday. Love the holidays.
Well, it's been a banner Christmas day for gifts. I got a laptop! And so did Penboy!
I really have the best husband in the world. And not just because of the electronics. He let me sleep in at six in the morning when our child was done tearing into his gifts (he got up at 5:30). He was the designated driver last night so I could have some Christmas Eve wine. He cleaned the kitchen yesterday and took out the garbage countless times. :)
So, the day has been all about learning about laptops and stuff. And sleeping. I slept very badly last night and have been pretty tired all day.
We are off to my friend Car's tomorrow and seeing Mrs.Peel Tuesday. Love the holidays.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Monday, December 05, 2011
'Tis the Season... Almost
I can't believe it's almost Christmas. I've been trying to fashion my own felt decorations and let me tell you something - there is a reason you can buy these things instead of making them. Still, it's fun and I learned the blanket stitch pretty well.
Penboy and I are going to Casa Loma for gingerbread decorating later this month. I'm looking forward to seeing the castle decorated for Christmas. And speaking of gingerbread, I finally made it and it turned out pretty good, I think. Of course, my mom turned her nose up at it a bit, but I was expecting this. I was not given the honour of making it for the family at Christmas. That's OK, I will make it for friends.
Penboy has the sniffles. He went to a party Saturday afternoon and Sunday was sniffly all day. Today he's sniffly too. I am having tummy problems and I think a liquid diet will be de rigeur for the next little while. We're just a bunch of sickies right now.
Hoping to get out to the movies this season. I really want to see "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" and "W.E." Both of them are coming out this Friday, I believe. Mind you, Alec Guiness will be a hard act to follow. Too bad they don't make "Smiley's People." Anyway, Moscow rules all the way.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
November
Penboy persuaded me to go to Black Creek Pioneer Village yesterday. It was a fabulous idea. I had not been there in yonks, at least since high school.
They had the place decorated for Christmas and we even spied a certain gentleman in red with a white beard coming in as we were leaving.
From there we went for lunch at a certain Toronto mall and it took us 10 minutes to find a parking spot about a kilometer away form the entrance. I say, Black Friday and Saturday should be cancelled.
In other news, Occupy Toronto people seem to be gone from St. James park (and about time) and I am still not 100% clear what it is they were protesting. They did not do a great job of explaining their protest or even publishing a list of demands. I know they are against banks, but not sure what they propose as an alternative - keeping money in a sock? And what about loans? Back to loan sharks? It's very puzzling. I will just go on with my regular, middle-class life with a job and consumer debt.
Penboy persuaded me to go to Black Creek Pioneer Village yesterday. It was a fabulous idea. I had not been there in yonks, at least since high school.
They had the place decorated for Christmas and we even spied a certain gentleman in red with a white beard coming in as we were leaving.
From there we went for lunch at a certain Toronto mall and it took us 10 minutes to find a parking spot about a kilometer away form the entrance. I say, Black Friday and Saturday should be cancelled.
In other news, Occupy Toronto people seem to be gone from St. James park (and about time) and I am still not 100% clear what it is they were protesting. They did not do a great job of explaining their protest or even publishing a list of demands. I know they are against banks, but not sure what they propose as an alternative - keeping money in a sock? And what about loans? Back to loan sharks? It's very puzzling. I will just go on with my regular, middle-class life with a job and consumer debt.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
October
So, here we are in the fall, friends. October has been busy already, and we're barely past the half mark.
We went to Parry Sound again, for Thanksgiving weekend, and this time made it on the 30 000 islands cruise. It was beautiful - emerald green water, blue sky, trees blazing with reds and golds. Also saw a swivel bridge for the first time. I didn't even know such things existed.
Now it's all about the prep for penboy's birthday. This year we are having a party, mainly because he went to so many parties last year. Booked an indoor playground, bought plates, cups, napkins, loot bags, loot bag contents, decorations. The only thing I still have to get is food and drinks. Now, of course, there is one kid in his class who is allergic to everything, and after some pondering, I realize I can't cater to him. Penboy keeps asking "what's Owen going to eat?" And I say "fruit" 'cause that is the only thing this kid can eat.
In knitting news, I have finished the Harry Potter scarf and have started on baby blanket for co-worker, but I am already thinking about taking it apart and starting again because it's too thin. Yeah, OK, it doesn't have to be super thick, but I'm a lazy individual and making a thin blanket takes way longer, so I would rather double the yarn and go with thicker. Anyway, I have until mid-February to finish, so not that long.
I have also been making bracelets for United Way and they've been selling on the spot, so I keep having to make more. That's good thing, of course, but keeps me away from my knitting time.
And finally, we are almost finished watching Lost. OMG, I am really ready for this series to end. It's been really interesting, but there are only so many iterations of John Locke that I can take.
So, here we are in the fall, friends. October has been busy already, and we're barely past the half mark.
We went to Parry Sound again, for Thanksgiving weekend, and this time made it on the 30 000 islands cruise. It was beautiful - emerald green water, blue sky, trees blazing with reds and golds. Also saw a swivel bridge for the first time. I didn't even know such things existed.
Now it's all about the prep for penboy's birthday. This year we are having a party, mainly because he went to so many parties last year. Booked an indoor playground, bought plates, cups, napkins, loot bags, loot bag contents, decorations. The only thing I still have to get is food and drinks. Now, of course, there is one kid in his class who is allergic to everything, and after some pondering, I realize I can't cater to him. Penboy keeps asking "what's Owen going to eat?" And I say "fruit" 'cause that is the only thing this kid can eat.
In knitting news, I have finished the Harry Potter scarf and have started on baby blanket for co-worker, but I am already thinking about taking it apart and starting again because it's too thin. Yeah, OK, it doesn't have to be super thick, but I'm a lazy individual and making a thin blanket takes way longer, so I would rather double the yarn and go with thicker. Anyway, I have until mid-February to finish, so not that long.
I have also been making bracelets for United Way and they've been selling on the spot, so I keep having to make more. That's good thing, of course, but keeps me away from my knitting time.
And finally, we are almost finished watching Lost. OMG, I am really ready for this series to end. It's been really interesting, but there are only so many iterations of John Locke that I can take.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Splint Free!
The splint is off my broken wrist (that was broken August 1, thank you very much). I feel much better and am back to regular activities like knitting. Penboy is a newly minted Harry Potter fan and wants a Gryffindor scarf, which is about half made now. Pics of the finished product will follow.
In other news... my sister got married. And I found out about it the day before. It astounds me that she can do stuff like this. This is the woman who caused me to join Facebook in the hopes of keeping in touch with her. She did communicate with me there a few times, but clearly did not think it necessary to mention that she was engaged. Slipped her mind, do you think? Of course, she also did not tell our dad and I can only imagine how hurt he is. So, how did we find out, you ask? From my aunt who let it slip that she was resting on Friday because she wanted to be fresh for the wedding on Saturday. Grr. I feel doubly betrayed.
It's funny though. There was no mistaking the satisfaction in my mom's voice when she said "yes, your sister is getting married... for the first time...at her age..." Yah, OK, your daughter's been married for eight years now and is six years younger, we all know. :) I should 'splain that my sister is my dad's daughter from his frist marriage.
The splint is off my broken wrist (that was broken August 1, thank you very much). I feel much better and am back to regular activities like knitting. Penboy is a newly minted Harry Potter fan and wants a Gryffindor scarf, which is about half made now. Pics of the finished product will follow.
In other news... my sister got married. And I found out about it the day before. It astounds me that she can do stuff like this. This is the woman who caused me to join Facebook in the hopes of keeping in touch with her. She did communicate with me there a few times, but clearly did not think it necessary to mention that she was engaged. Slipped her mind, do you think? Of course, she also did not tell our dad and I can only imagine how hurt he is. So, how did we find out, you ask? From my aunt who let it slip that she was resting on Friday because she wanted to be fresh for the wedding on Saturday. Grr. I feel doubly betrayed.
It's funny though. There was no mistaking the satisfaction in my mom's voice when she said "yes, your sister is getting married... for the first time...at her age..." Yah, OK, your daughter's been married for eight years now and is six years younger, we all know. :) I should 'splain that my sister is my dad's daughter from his frist marriage.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
One-handed Bandit
I am broken. Literally. Well, OK, just my wrist, but it seems to be taking a toll on the rest of me. I was getting out of a paddle boat at Safari Niagara, slipped and fell and injured my left wrist. Of course, I refused to go to emerg because of a. c difficile in the Niagara region and b. the six hour wait times. So went to physio instead. After about two weeks, the therapist said she was not happy with the progress and I should go get it x-rayed. By then I was in a lot of pain, so went to emerg. Yep, after six hours of waiting, and many painful x-rays (had to twist arm in many directions), found out it's broken. They then sent me to the fracture clinic at Mt. Sinai, where, frankly I looked the most healthy and whole. I got away with a splint, which I have to wear for four weeks (one down, three to go). It's my left wrist and only now I am finding out how much I normally use it. Even stupid things like washing my hair and getting dressed are hard. But worst of all - I can't drive! Gaaah!
I am broken. Literally. Well, OK, just my wrist, but it seems to be taking a toll on the rest of me. I was getting out of a paddle boat at Safari Niagara, slipped and fell and injured my left wrist. Of course, I refused to go to emerg because of a. c difficile in the Niagara region and b. the six hour wait times. So went to physio instead. After about two weeks, the therapist said she was not happy with the progress and I should go get it x-rayed. By then I was in a lot of pain, so went to emerg. Yep, after six hours of waiting, and many painful x-rays (had to twist arm in many directions), found out it's broken. They then sent me to the fracture clinic at Mt. Sinai, where, frankly I looked the most healthy and whole. I got away with a splint, which I have to wear for four weeks (one down, three to go). It's my left wrist and only now I am finding out how much I normally use it. Even stupid things like washing my hair and getting dressed are hard. But worst of all - I can't drive! Gaaah!
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Summer!
Summer is offcially here - that means splash pads, ice cream trucks, trips to the beach... We did all three this long weekend. And bbq. Yep, we are those people now, the people we hate because they have a bbq on their balcony and the smoke goes everywhere. We couldn't beat them, so we joined them. So far, we've had four bbqs. Yum. Today we even had my parents over for a bbq lunch. Oh, and I am spreading the evil by helping my neighbours get their own bbq. They have no car, so I drove them to WalMart today to get their own bbq, brickettes, and tools. Ha!
In other news... I have stepped over to the dark side and... joined Facebook. It's all my sister's fault. Why? After five years of no communication from her, she sends me a Facebook invite. So, I joined and sent her a message saying "I'm so happy you got in touch! How are things with you? Here in Toronto, it's been really hot lately." And what does she write back? "In Warsaw it's cold." Yes, ladies and gentlemen, after five years of no calling, writing or otherwise giving a sign of life, my sister imparts this earth-shattering revelation - it's cold in Warsaw.
But speaking of long lost friends, found one! My friend Justyna from elementary school, no less! I did some sleuthing on Google and various other sites and found her! She's married and has two little boys and we've been e-mailing a bit. I miss her. We used to play together for hours. We used to walk each other home after school until our moms came home and pulled us indoors.
OK, last bit of news. My lovely husband gave me an iPod Touch for our wedding anniversary! Oh, I so love electronic toys!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Love Birthdays!
OK, the birthday was good. And the best part is that it keeps on giving! As the actual day was on Wednesday, there was not too much happening (except delish dinner at home). Made up for it starting Friday night! Had a lovely dinner with Mrs. Peel. OK, the company was lovely, the dinner... well, left some things to be desired. We went to this kind of cutsey, artsy place called Kalendar. Frankly, the service was appalling. It took them 45 minutes to bring ANY food to the table (this being hors d'oeuvres). Then another half hour for the main course. I had this "scroll" which was a fancy name for a crepe stuffed with chicken salad. Hmm. The description said roast chicken with tomatos, feta and all kinds of other yummys. I did not expect chicken salad. And there was a LOT of it, my friends. Took half home to Mr. P, who fortunately, liked it. Food and service notwithstanding, we had a blast. She got us matching bracelets!
Saturday was a trip to Port Perry with Car. We took a lovely cruise on lake Scugog and did some shopping in town, of course. I got a lovely pair of summer sandals. Car also gave me some lovely jewellery, all in silver and purple tones. Did I mention that purple is my new favourite colour? The bling is from Magnolia, this UK company that only has a few retail places in Canada. My friends make me feel so special!
Of course, there was cake with my parents as well. And Mr. P gave me a GORGEOUS side table that I am using as my night stand now. Oh, and flowers, AND new fave movie "The King's Speech."
Birthdays - good!
OK, the birthday was good. And the best part is that it keeps on giving! As the actual day was on Wednesday, there was not too much happening (except delish dinner at home). Made up for it starting Friday night! Had a lovely dinner with Mrs. Peel. OK, the company was lovely, the dinner... well, left some things to be desired. We went to this kind of cutsey, artsy place called Kalendar. Frankly, the service was appalling. It took them 45 minutes to bring ANY food to the table (this being hors d'oeuvres). Then another half hour for the main course. I had this "scroll" which was a fancy name for a crepe stuffed with chicken salad. Hmm. The description said roast chicken with tomatos, feta and all kinds of other yummys. I did not expect chicken salad. And there was a LOT of it, my friends. Took half home to Mr. P, who fortunately, liked it. Food and service notwithstanding, we had a blast. She got us matching bracelets!
Saturday was a trip to Port Perry with Car. We took a lovely cruise on lake Scugog and did some shopping in town, of course. I got a lovely pair of summer sandals. Car also gave me some lovely jewellery, all in silver and purple tones. Did I mention that purple is my new favourite colour? The bling is from Magnolia, this UK company that only has a few retail places in Canada. My friends make me feel so special!
Of course, there was cake with my parents as well. And Mr. P gave me a GORGEOUS side table that I am using as my night stand now. Oh, and flowers, AND new fave movie "The King's Speech."
Birthdays - good!
Friday, April 29, 2011
The B-day Approacheth
It is that time of year... next week to be precise. I should be feeling a lot more mature, but I'm not. I am still reduced to tears by the stupidest things, like being seen to have made a wrong decision. I am still in love with jewellery and can't seem to get enough. I still can't give up sugar. Maybe what I need to get is acceptance, not maturity. Or maybe they are the same. Or maybe I should start thinking of these failings as assets. Probably the latter would be best. So. Resolutions for the next year of my life:
Go against every grain but my own.
Be the most genuinely me that I can be, even if that means a magpie fairy stuffing her face with chocolate, running after every shiny stone she sees.
And try not to care how it all looks.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Height of Married Life
So Mr. P and I have reached the pinnacle of married life. Oh, lucky pengirl, you say. Listen to this. OK, this is going to get a bit intimate. Mr. P and I are not above using some shall we say utensils in our whoopee time and one of them is a bottle of personal ...hm, lubricant. Penboy has a hamster, as you know, Henry. Henry likes to run in his wheel all night long. The wheel has become really squeaky, keeping us up. Do you see where I'm going with this? Finally, Mr.P decided enough was enough and he was going to put WD40 on that wheel.
I came home from work the next day and this conversation ensued.
Mr. P: I finally got Henry's wheel to stop squeaking!
Me: You put WD40 on it, could that not be harmful to him!?
Mr. P (with a happy shining smile on his face): No, actually, I could not find the right lube, so I used our lube for it.
Me: As in...happy times lube?
Mr. P (with pride): Yes!
And that, ladies and gentlemen is the height of married life. Using sex toys to fix your child's pent's cage. Yep, it doesn't get better than that.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day
OK, so it's Valentine's Day's Eve really. Mr. P and I are going to have a quiet celebration with some wine and crepes with mixed fruit. Oooh, la, la! And chocolate, of course.
In t-shirt blanket news... it is almost finished! Yay! Today I put the backing on and now just have to put on some tape on the edges to make it look nice.
This is what it looks like on Penboy's bed.
And speaking of Penboy, he is loving his hamster, Henry. Henry gets to visit pretty much ever corner of our apartment. Luckily, Penboy is good about supervising.
Here's the little rodent, being squeezed in my child's hand.
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In world news, I salute Egypt! The world is really a different place when you can get real-life reports from ordinary people. I love the way they took advantage of the internet to make the world pay attention. This is true power of the individual! I hope they get the freedoms and prosperity they deserve.
OK, so it's Valentine's Day's Eve really. Mr. P and I are going to have a quiet celebration with some wine and crepes with mixed fruit. Oooh, la, la! And chocolate, of course.
In t-shirt blanket news... it is almost finished! Yay! Today I put the backing on and now just have to put on some tape on the edges to make it look nice.
This is what it looks like on Penboy's bed.
And speaking of Penboy, he is loving his hamster, Henry. Henry gets to visit pretty much ever corner of our apartment. Luckily, Penboy is good about supervising.
Here's the little rodent, being squeezed in my child's hand.
-------------------
In world news, I salute Egypt! The world is really a different place when you can get real-life reports from ordinary people. I love the way they took advantage of the internet to make the world pay attention. This is true power of the individual! I hope they get the freedoms and prosperity they deserve.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
School Nerves
Penboy is in grade 1. He has Cruella DeVille as his teacher. Seriously. OK, I know I'm a mom and as such people will accuse me of hysteria when it comes to my child. Let's just get past that for a second. I don't know what this woman wants from my kid. He's not brilliant. He's a normal six-year-old who prefers recess to any school activity. When he writes, you can most of the time figure out what he's trying to say. He can read quite well, but doesn't want to. He's not great at drawing, but loves painting. He also likes geology, space, nature, and animals and knows quite a bit about those subjects. Cruella thinks he's seriously incapacitated. Every time I pick him up from school (which does not happen too often because I work for a living!), she beckons me with her bony finger and says "Oh, Mrs. Pen, I'm so glad you're here." Then proceeds to tell me what extra activities she has dreamed up for my child to do at home. This is supposedly because he is capable of nothing at school.
She asked me the other day if she could bring him up at a school meeting. I foolishly gave permission. She then phoned me with the results (recommendations for occupational therapy and such). She phone my cell. She phoned my work. I was away from my desk, so I called her back. She took about ten minutes to admonish me for not being available to her at the drop of a hat.
Yesterday PenBoy asked me for a timer (a stop watch). I asked him why he wanted one and he said it was because his teacher used it in class.
"What for?" I asked.
"Because Dennis was being slow."
"So she TIMED him?"
"Yes, she set the time for him to be finished the work he was doing."
No pressure there! Good thing my boss doesn't stand over me with a stop watch. "Pengirl! Write faster, you have ten seconds to go!" I think if she threw in the theme from Jeopardy, that would have made it even more "fun."
Yes, so this woman has rubbed me the wrong way. But if I'm overreacting, so is she. PenBoy has even told me of times when she flicked him in the head with her fingers to "make him focus."
Well, now I have to go pick him up. Maybe if I wear dark glasses and a hat I will escape the dreaded finger.
Penboy is in grade 1. He has Cruella DeVille as his teacher. Seriously. OK, I know I'm a mom and as such people will accuse me of hysteria when it comes to my child. Let's just get past that for a second. I don't know what this woman wants from my kid. He's not brilliant. He's a normal six-year-old who prefers recess to any school activity. When he writes, you can most of the time figure out what he's trying to say. He can read quite well, but doesn't want to. He's not great at drawing, but loves painting. He also likes geology, space, nature, and animals and knows quite a bit about those subjects. Cruella thinks he's seriously incapacitated. Every time I pick him up from school (which does not happen too often because I work for a living!), she beckons me with her bony finger and says "Oh, Mrs. Pen, I'm so glad you're here." Then proceeds to tell me what extra activities she has dreamed up for my child to do at home. This is supposedly because he is capable of nothing at school.
She asked me the other day if she could bring him up at a school meeting. I foolishly gave permission. She then phoned me with the results (recommendations for occupational therapy and such). She phone my cell. She phoned my work. I was away from my desk, so I called her back. She took about ten minutes to admonish me for not being available to her at the drop of a hat.
Yesterday PenBoy asked me for a timer (a stop watch). I asked him why he wanted one and he said it was because his teacher used it in class.
"What for?" I asked.
"Because Dennis was being slow."
"So she TIMED him?"
"Yes, she set the time for him to be finished the work he was doing."
No pressure there! Good thing my boss doesn't stand over me with a stop watch. "Pengirl! Write faster, you have ten seconds to go!" I think if she threw in the theme from Jeopardy, that would have made it even more "fun."
Yes, so this woman has rubbed me the wrong way. But if I'm overreacting, so is she. PenBoy has even told me of times when she flicked him in the head with her fingers to "make him focus."
Well, now I have to go pick him up. Maybe if I wear dark glasses and a hat I will escape the dreaded finger.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
New Year
Yes, another one. It came on subtly. We did not make it until midnight. That is, I read in bed until about 11:00 and then could not fall asleep, so actuall saw midnight come and go, but that's it.
I just have one resolution - to take more action rather than wait for things to "improve."
Today was Mr. P's birthday. We went for our usual Mandarin Palace lunch. I find that buffet places are a waste of time on me. I can eat one plate of food. I had some dessert as well and then I was over-full. Also, their quality has deteriorated or maybe I have become more discerning. Anyway, Chef's House it is not. Munching on my papaya enzymes now.
Christmas was good except for all of us being sick. Seems that every year at this time we all get sick. I got some excellent loot from Santa.
and
and more stuff too, of course, including a new very chic watch from my friend Car. She spoils me so. I wish I could reciprocate.
Penboy has been begging for a new Leapster and we got it for him today - Leapster Explorer. Of course, we now have to get new games for it. Sigh. Toy manufacturers are evil. For Christmas Santa brought him a new hamster whom he named Henry. Henry is very cute and happily climbs onto my hand. Penboy very quickly adapted to Henry. I was worried that he'd be a bit scared. At first he was unsure, but when he picked up Henry for the first time, it was a love affair at first touch.
I got Mr. P a collection of four Sci Fi movies, including 2001 The Space Odyssey. I think it will be many happy hours of knitting time for me.
Happy New Year to all!
Yes, another one. It came on subtly. We did not make it until midnight. That is, I read in bed until about 11:00 and then could not fall asleep, so actuall saw midnight come and go, but that's it.
I just have one resolution - to take more action rather than wait for things to "improve."
Today was Mr. P's birthday. We went for our usual Mandarin Palace lunch. I find that buffet places are a waste of time on me. I can eat one plate of food. I had some dessert as well and then I was over-full. Also, their quality has deteriorated or maybe I have become more discerning. Anyway, Chef's House it is not. Munching on my papaya enzymes now.
Christmas was good except for all of us being sick. Seems that every year at this time we all get sick. I got some excellent loot from Santa.
and
and more stuff too, of course, including a new very chic watch from my friend Car. She spoils me so. I wish I could reciprocate.
Penboy has been begging for a new Leapster and we got it for him today - Leapster Explorer. Of course, we now have to get new games for it. Sigh. Toy manufacturers are evil. For Christmas Santa brought him a new hamster whom he named Henry. Henry is very cute and happily climbs onto my hand. Penboy very quickly adapted to Henry. I was worried that he'd be a bit scared. At first he was unsure, but when he picked up Henry for the first time, it was a love affair at first touch.
I got Mr. P a collection of four Sci Fi movies, including 2001 The Space Odyssey. I think it will be many happy hours of knitting time for me.
Happy New Year to all!
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