Firefly's Adventures

Ariane Rose

2009-08-28T22:25:00.001-05:00

July 14, 2009 10:18am 7lb 13ounces 20.5" long

Explanations

2009-01-11T14:43:00.011-05:00

So once again I haven't posted in a LONG time, but this time I have a good reason! Two good reasons in fact.

Number 1:

We are finally in the house and free of the apartment, it was a pain getting everything over here without movers(my husband is such a dork, but now he can brag he did it all in the Subaru). We haven't finished the basement floor yet, so there are a lot of boxes strewn around the house waiting to be unpacked. All of our stuff is in one of the 4 bedrooms, most of it will be going into the basement soon I hope. Once we move all of the scuba stuff, bike stuff, and misc basement things that room will be set up. We are sleeping in another of the bedrooms since I had to suspend activity on the wall demo around the time I last blogged. Mostly because we were so bust moving and getting the apartment inspection ready(got the damage deposit back yay!), but also because I was really sick from my last post to a week or two before Xmas. This was due to the second reason I haven't posted.

Number 2:

I was so sick because I was busy gestating. I am due July 12, and had morning(all day) sickness from week 6 to week 10, with a relapse over Xmas due to either the change in climate travelling to Alberta(cold and dry) or just stress. Basically all I could eat for weeks was apples and toasted bagels with peanut butter. I am feeling so much better though now and hope it lasts for awhile so I can catch up on all the stuff I let pile up, and get the house in gear.

We aren't finding out what it is, although Jason commented the other day that maybe we should have a boy(like we have a choice either way) so that he can buy all of the toys he has wants (but for the baby of course). What he wants are remote controlled tanks, various WWII models and kits, basically stuff he can play with and get away with because he has a kid. We'll see, it'll be awhile until the "sprog" ca play with anything, no matter what the gender.

So that is why I have been out of the loop this time around. Now that I have "broken the seal" and posted again I am hoping(and you have heard it before) that I will get back on track and keep this blog up to date!

Happy New Year!

Update

2008-11-20T13:47:00.002-05:00

I am still alive!

So it seems to have taken me a lot longer to recover from the visits than I realised. I was sure I had posted in November but apparently my memory is faulty, so here goes:

1. Everyone finally went home!

2. George and Barbara got planted in their new homes.

3. We have been doing some work on the house (since we have our apartment until the end of December) so things are ready for moving in.
3a. Cleaning and painting the creepy basement

3b. Tearing down a wall between two small bedrooms.

4. Jason has decided he can move everything in our Subaru and has been taking things over a bit at a time to prove this to me, he just wants to be able to tell people he did this, although everyone who hears it will think he is an idiot.

5. The only large things left in our apartment are our bed and the futon(couch).

6. We bought a set of living room furniture(sofa, love seat, and chair).! I have been trying to get off that blasted futon for years and finally it has happened! It gets delivered to the house Dec. 9.

7. We are going home(to Alberta) for xmas but haven't booked our tickets yet.

8. I have to mail all the xmas gifts to England by the end of next week, ugh.

9. I have to buy all of the xmas gifts for England by next week

10. Jason has been in Dallas at a conference since last Saturday and he comes home tomorrow night.

11. He has had steak for dinner every night and so complains about his upset stomach every night. Every night!Come on, I am sure he could have ordered chicken or something, he's supposed to be a smart guy right, but apparently Dallas only serves beef. Whatever.

12. The big stuff is mostly moved, but the small stuff really adds up! Need more boxes.

13. I have been working on a secret project, but I can't say anything here because it should be ready for xmas and people at home read this blog, but if it turns out I'll post about it after the big reveal.

So close

2008-10-14T21:01:00.002-05:00

I am in the final stretch! As of 9am Thursday morning we will finally be visitor free! Tommorrow I just have to drive to Toronto(again, for a 3rd time since the onlsaught began), to take my Mother and Granmother to the airport, spend the night, make sure they got off in the morning, drive back to Rochester, and I am free! What will I do first? I am dying to leave my bedroom without a bra on, I have been trapped in a fully clothed state for months!

Meet the "Bush's"

2008-10-04T17:04:00.005-05:00

In anticipation of having an actual garden (and not just a bit of dirt next to an apartment step) we went out and purchased some plants.

Jase's parents think the house looks like the White House( I know it doesn't but they are Brits and it is a white house after all), and therefore I would like to introduce you to:

George and Barbara Bush

"Barbara" is an Endless Summer Hydrangea and "George" is a Japanese Barberry (very dense with many thorns). Until we close on the house they will live on our balcony, but once we have the keys they will have a nice new home.

Restoring

2008-10-02T16:13:00.005-05:00

Back from Florida and boy did we need that "vacation"!

The weather was quite a bit cooler when we got back than it was when we left, but I have managed to dig my trousers out of the closet and my legs are getting over the shock of being covered. My feet are still rebelling at wearing socks though, so hopefully it doesn't get any cooler for awhile.

Jase and I had our 3rd anniversary the week before we went away and he got me some lovely shoes! I am officially a Fluevog collector now, thank goodness we are moving somewhere with ample closet space.

I have been watching Craigslist for a few months, checking out the furniture listings, since we have no furniture for the new house(and I am dying to get rid of the futon/couch). A few week ago a 1920-1930's dining room set came up for sale and I somehow managed to buy it. It was a super price and had for sale for at least a month, so the in-laws and I drove over to check it out, Jase's Dad gave it the thumbs up and I made an offer(which included delivery). So we have a china cabinet, sideboard, table(with 2 leaves) and 6 chairs! It needed to be cleaned up a bit, but it is really nice and fits the house. We cleaned and waxed the sideboard and it looks great, but we are stripping and refinishing the table. It wasn't so bad but since it is the thing we will use the most it is worth making it look good. So my father in-law has been stripping the stain and varnish, and I have been sanding, and we should be done before they leave(next Friday). The chairs need refinishing as well(need isn't really true, but I want to do them) and that is going to be a pain because the legs are round and harder to scrape. Once we are out of the apartment and in the house I have a whole basement, and garage to do my projects, instead of my living room, so I am hoping it will be fast to get the chairs done.

I like having a project.

Today we were out at the diner for lunch(2 blocks from the new house) and a "Crash Test Dummies" song came on overhead. When I was 17-19 my friends and I listened to this band's Cd's almost non-stop and I have many memories that include different songs. We were a really close group spending most weekends and summers camping, and doing various outdoor activities together, as well as just chilling in each others basements, It was one of the happiest times of my life. We've all drifted apart and spread out across the map, but I like to think that if I ever really needed anything I could call anyone of those old friends and they would be do what they could to help me. I haven't been able to listen to this music since I was 21, when one of those friends passed away, it seems he didn't think he could reach out to any of us at that time. I was living in France and found out later than everyone else and I really regret not being able to mourn with my friends. I still have a lot of guilt about the situation. Today while I listened I waited for the tears and the nausea to come, and they did, but I was also able to smile. Maybe one day I'll be able to listen and make it through a whole song.

Enough melancholy. I am planning out my garden, and this weekend I want to go and buy a small bush. Their are some at the garden center that have turned lovely colours for the fall and it we all (Jase, the 'rents, and I) pick it out it can be the family bush. When they come next time they can see where we have planted it and they will have a memory from the house. It should be okay out on the balcony for a couple of weeks, I think it might freak out the current owners if I snuck into the yard in the night and started planting things.

Final Countdown!

2008-09-28T17:36:00.002-05:00

Well,

We are currently in Florida, Jase and I have done some diving and his parents have done some sitting in the sun. It makes such a difference to be out of the apartment and to have Jase around all the time to help with his folks. Tomorrow we are flying home so the stress level will begin to climb, but we are in the home stretch and they fly back to England on October 9. My mother and Grandmother arrive October 8 and leave October 15(?), so the insanity isn't quite over yet. We take possession of the house on October 14 so at least they will get a chance to see the new abode. Gotta run, the hotel computer is going to kick me off in 30 seconds!!!

Something to take my mind off things

2008-09-16T16:55:00.004-05:00

The third installment of a spooky swap...

Click on the button and visit the info site....if you dare...

Week 2

2008-09-13T11:13:00.003-05:00

Jase's parents are lovely but I am getting a bit worn down by the constant jibber-jabber. His Dad is going deaf(although he doesn't think so) so there is a lot of repetition in conversation.

Here is a pretty much word for word example of a multiple daily occurrence:

Mom: Does anyone want a cup of tea?
Dad:Are you having a cup Jason?
Mom: Does Marga want one?
ME: Yes please
Dad: Oh does Firefly want one?
Mom: What's Jason want?
Jase: anything mom
Dad: What's Jason having then, chai or regular?
Mom Chai or regular Jase?
Jase: whatever, what do you want mom?
Mom: Oh I don't know, anything'll do for me
Dad: Is Jason having Chai?
Jase: Chai!
Dad: I'll have chai then
Mom: Firefly what'll you have
ME: Just make a pot of chai for everyone
Mom: Oh I don;'t want chai, I'll just put a bag of regular tea in my cup
Dad: Is Firefly having chai

Substitute any food/snack/beverage item and you have an idea of our nightly routine. When I am alone with them during the day there is no escape, if I don't talk to them they just go back and forth between each other. It is hard getting used to having people around all the time, I am used to being alone and quiet.

Another thing I have to get used to is that they eat desert every day! I am never going to lose any weight. I have been trying to avoid the desserts but his mom is unstoppable. When we are in the shops I try to steer her clear of the pastry/cake aisle but we always end up there where she picks out a desert for the night, although she won't have any(or so she says, she somehow ends up with a portion every night). She made dinner the other night; chips(fries), fried eggs, beans, peas, and bread, and the amount of oil she used for frying was so gross! I now have a big water bottle of used oil in the cupboard waiting to be reused...ugh

We have gone through more white bread, butter, oil, milk, potatoes, and cheese slices(which we never have) these 2 weeks than I usually use in months.

But the are lovely people....

Time travel...can I jump ahead another 6 weeks?

2008-09-04T12:24:00.011-05:00

How the heck did it get to be September!!!

The summer went by in a flash, it mainly consisted of looking at houses during the week and diving on the weekends. Jason's parents arrived last Saturday for their 6 week visit and we are still in the apartment. I managed to convince Jase that we should clear out the spare room and put a bed in so his parents didn't have to sleep on the old, lumpy, futon for 6 weeks, did I mention they are here for 6 weeks? So they have a room with a door, and the week after they leave we may be able to move into our new house. That's right we finally found a house, but "Murphy's law" is once again proven, after 7 months of looking, Jason's parent still get 6 weeks of apartment living, not house fixing. Jase's Dad is a Contractor/Carpenter and 6 weeks with a live-in workman would have been wonderful, but the house is lovely and we will be in it by November(fingers crossed). Here are some photos to entertain until I get up the energy to write again, before the 6 weeks is up. It is a 2 storey colonial on a corner lot; has 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, living room, dining room, front porch, 2nd floor back porch, and a great yard!

Front of house

Side yard (front of the house)

Front porch(technically on the side of the house, but off the living room)

Kitchen Island(we are getting rid of the chimney)

Living room fireplace (with doors to porch on either side)

Another view of the living room

Front Stairs

Driveway and 2 car garage

Dining Room

Back of house, deck off kitchen and 2nd floor porch

Away

2008-06-01T17:34:00.006-05:00

So Jason was away last week at a conference in Williamsburg, Virginia. As soon as I dropped him off at the airport I went to the grocery store and stocked up for the week on wine and popcorn. I bought good food(healthy stuff) to eat during the days so I could have popcorn (guilt free)for dinner, drink wine, and overdose on chick flicks.

His flight was cancelled on Saturday so I had to go back and pick him up at the airport around dinner time, he flew out early Sunday morning instead. The problem was all I had in the apartment was booze and popcorn, and when he asked me if I was really going to have popcorn for dinner I laughed and said of course not,(you know the truth) and that I just hadn't been to the store for dinner stuff yet.

While Jason was away I watched:
August Rush
27 Dresses
The Breakup
PS I love You
Music and Lyrics
Lie with Me
Enchanted
The Holiday
Dan in Real Life
Trapped
Chuck and Larry
Georgia Rule(horrible!)
Lars and the Real Girl
Baby Mama
Catch and Release
The Jane Austen Book Club

I had the time to watch these movies because I find I can no longer sleep alone. I saw the sunrise 3-4 times last week and I think I averaged 4-5 hours a night. I can sleep alone in the bed,like when when I go away with friends (sans husbands so we share a room), and for some reason with someone in the room I am fine. All alone in bed and the room is hard. So Jase came home and I can now sleep, plus he won't let me stay up all night reading or watching movies(which I can't resist when alone).

I was sure there would be a ton f perfect houses showing up while Jase was away, but there wasn't a single one! I am so ready to be in a house, with central air, the heat and humidity here kills me!

Spring change

2008-05-13T19:04:00.003-05:00

So I was getting tired of my hair with all of the various highlights that I had growing out(red, blond, brown, caramel, etc?). My hair didn't have a colour any more, just kind of looked blah, so in the spirit of Spring and new beginnings I dyed it black. It took a few days to get used to it, but I think I like it, still not sure. Here is a picture do you can judge for yourselves, hopefully you can tell the hair is black and you don't think I am just wearing a bad Halloween wig ;)

I also got bangs,I know it's crazy, but true.

Life Soundtrack

2008-05-12T15:10:00.002-05:00

Saw this on Dellybeans blog, looked like fun. It was fun but it took awhile to finish because I kept stopping to listen to the songs!

Life Soundtrack
IF YOUR LIFE WAS A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE SOUNDTRACK BE?
So, here’s how it works:

1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that’s playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don’t lie

Opening Credits:
a) Dirty Vegas - "Days Go By"
b) Counting Crows/Vanessa Carlton - "Big Yellow Taxi"

Waking Up:
a)Mariah Carey - "It's Like That"
b)Story of the Year - "Sidewalks"

First day at High School:
a) Alison Krauss - "Appalachian Stomp"
b) K'Maro - "Crazy" (french rap)Interesting combo for highschool, not sure what to think of these songs coming up other than I have a strange mix of music on my player.

Falling in Love:
a) Imogen Heap - "Have You Got it in You" (I adore Imogen, so glad this song came up, very appropriate)
b)DJ Tiesto - "Flight 463" - (Techno Love)

Fight Song:
a) Paul Van Dyk - "We are Alive" (techno fighter)
b) Charlotte Church - "Crazy Chick" (fitting, all chicks are crazy and I am chiecf crazy some days)

Breaking Up:
a) Imogen Heap - "Hide and Seek" (This is sad when I think of it as a break up tune, such a beautiful song)
b)Samantha Ronson - "Built this Way" (Perfect, it's a great break up song)

Prom:
a) Annie - "Chewing Gum" (I am enjoying listenign to all of these songs tonight)
b) Absolute Beginnerz - "Reckless Girl" (fun dance song)

Life:
a) Jojo - "Baby it's You" (I was a bit worried about what would come up in this category, but this is a good one)
b) Sarah McLachlan - Full of Grace (fits very well this month, but would work in the next category too)

Mental Breakdown:
a) 4 Strings - "Until you Love Me" (fits, but a bit stalker-ish, but like I said it fits)
b)Tragedie - "Gentleman" (french pop)(another breakup stalker song...imteresting)

Driving:
a) Bjork (Paul Oakenfold remix) - "Sex Drive" (Perfect!!!)
b) Nickelback - "Learn the Hard Way" (rock is always good for driving)

Flashback:
a) Sixpence None the Richer - "Kiss me" (awwwwww, makes me remember the time...)
b) Stevie Wonder - "Isn't She Lovely"

Getting Back Together:
a) Papi Sanchez - "Enamorame" (spanish pop) from what I can tell it fits)
b) Imogen Heap - "Say Goodnight and Go" (once again she has a song for every mood)

Wedding:
a) Florent Pagny - "Savoir Aimer" (when I loved in france this song played constantly, but it is a love song - ballad)
b) Silverchair - "Anthem for the Year 2000" (not sure what to say)

Birth of Child:
a) Alison Krauss - "Baby, Now That I've Found You" (do I even need to comment?)
b) Evanescence - "Bring Me to Life"

Final Battle:
a) Willy denzey - "Sexy Honey" (french pop, not the best choice, but he is fighting for his woman)
b) Made by Mokeys(Peter Pauhofer Future Mix - "I Try" (good techno anthem)

Death Scene:
a) O-zone - "Depsre Tine" (I have no idea what this song is about because it is in Romanian(I think), it's got a pretty peppy beat, but it is anthemlike, could be a tribute song)
b) Pink - "God is a DJ" (makes me laugh, beacuse it fits!)

Funeral Song:
a) Will Young - "Ain't no Sunshine" (This is getting a bit creepy)
b) Shapeshifters - Lola's Theme"

End Credits:
a) Imogen heap - "Come Here Boy (I've said enough, you know how I feel...another perfect song)
b) Satind - "Black(Pearl Jam Cover)" (Great endto this list)

This was actually really fun, it just goes to show you that:
1. I have a strange mix of music on my player
2. Most songs can be interpreted many ways
3. My Mp3 player can tell the future!

If you dare

2008-05-08T09:11:00.002-05:00

So I am not dead, just frustrated and unispired. This post is going to be pretty whiny so read on if you dare.

Vegas was great but the day I flew back I had a migraine, traevling with a migraine sucks, and I arrived home to Jason having entered full on level red stress. If I look back April is one of Jase's most stressful months but this year it is worse because he is responsible for planning the national conference he is ususally just worried about getting a presentation ready for. Now he has to make sure everyone is ready for it and that enough people attend. Things aren't going well. Add to this house hunting. We have seen some wonderful houss but they have sold before we could decide. Rather they have sold vefore Jason could decide. He needs a few days to think about things and when you only have an hour it doesn't work. He is starting to understand this so i am hoping that the right house will come up and he will be ready. We lost a beautiful house on Tuesday, perfect, and he liked it but it sold 2 hours after it listed. I think he would have been ready to make an offer the next day on that one. So house hunting continues.

Allergies are killing me. It is so nice here in the spring, all of the leaves are out, trees are blooming, bulbs flowers everywhere, and birds singing. Pollen fills the air and I am suffering so badly, I don't think I have slept properly since the 2nd week of April, neither has Jason. This also adds to the sress level in our house.

Not much else has happenned. We are going diving next weekend(16th) to a quarry in Ohia with our friends. Four days away should be good, long enough to actually relax a bit. I am trying to get Jason to go to MOntreal the weekend of the 24th, but it is hard catching him in the right mood to plan it. I think I will go either way, I just hope he comes along.

That is what I have been up to, hopefully things pick up soon!!!

House sniping

2008-04-01T18:45:00.004-05:00

House hunting in Rochester right now is kind of like shopping on eBay, you can get sniped at the last minute. We found a house we liked, saw it Thursday night, discussed things Friday, like if there was anywhere in the house to put another bathroom, and arranged to see it again Saturday with a contractor/plumber. Jase did a dry run with his bike to see how the commute to work would be, and then Saturday we got a call it was sold. It listed Thursday afternoon. This is one of the houses we actually got in to see! Some houses sell the same day they list and I never even get to see the inside. Not optimum conditions for making a big life decision. Oh well there is a house for us out there, and hopefully we find it soon because Jase's parents have booked their tickets and they arrive August 31 for 6 weeks of "vacation" here in Rochester.

In other news I am getting very excited for my trip to VEGAS!!! I leave Monday afternoon and after 9 hours of travel and a 3 hour time change I'll meet my BFF in the airport and we are off to our hotel. I fully intend on hitting the casino as soon as I get my luggage dropped off and change my shoes.

I so need this trip, March is such a sucky month and I know I will love Jason so much more after a week away from him. Time for some apart time to make the together time mean more. In other words we are driving each other crazy on the weekends with nothing to do and scuba season a month away!!!

Still no joy from Mr. Horton, but I hold on to hope, maybe my luck is being saved up for VEGAS!!!

Jeez

2008-03-19T10:01:00.005-05:00

Why can't I "roll up the rim to win"!?!

It is that time of year and I have yet to even win a cup of coffee! This is killing me because here in the States they messed up the sizes and there is no "small", they kept the same cups but now a Canadian Large is an American Medium. So you actually get a Large coffee so when you order a combo, which for me is too much coffee. Can you tell I just had one and am under the influence of too much caffeine? I can't believe I keep getting loser cups, I wonder if they leave all the winners in Canada, but when we were there on the weekend and had coffee we lost as well(but at least you get a nice french lesson with the bilingual labeling). I refuse to go through "Roll up the rim to win" season without at least one win!!!

Maybe I can at least win my friend Robyn's contest. You have to post a picture of 10 products that you bought but haven't used (yet). So here is my picture.

There is a basket I bought that folds flat, I thought it would be good for going to the market or just carrying things around, so far it has sat in the corner. Jase's friends had a baby in September so I bought them a gift(size 9 months) and Jason has yet to get me their address(in Scotland), by the time they finally get it the kid is going to be too big! The shoes I got last Spring, but they are too warm for summer and I never ended up using them. I bought them in a panic when we were in England, they were sold out of this color all across the country, and now I am not so sure if I still like them. The tape is for Jason, he wanted yellow duct tape but who knows why. I got a visor for running in the summer, so my head doesn't overheat and I can still keep the sun out of my eyes. The small pouch was cute and cheap, but has yet to find a purpose in life. Jase needed a lock for the gym, but hasn't gone since I got him one. I thought I would give mousse another try, since it has apparently improved from the original formula(20 years ago), that left your hair crispy and flaky. When we went to Mexico I thought I would try waxing my bikini line myself, with hard wax, but it looked like too much work once I got it home so I just went to the salon to get it done(and got scalped). A few years ago, when we spent a summer near San Francisco, I got this purse in Chinatown,It's cute but I just haven't ever found a time to use it.

So there is my list, now I have to get these items into circulation! Maybe I will finally win something this year.

What the?

2008-03-17T21:54:00.003-05:00

Jase is acting weird, like what happened to my husband weird!

First thing has to do with house hunting. I found a house I liked last week and we went to look at it after work together, it was the first house he has seen. The way the market is in Rochester(Brighton) right now you have to move fast because houses are selling the same day they are listed, Jase didn't understand this and wasn't ready for a rushed decision. Sunday we went out with the agent to see a bunch of houses(some I had already seen) so that he has a better idea of what is out there and why last weeks house was good. I guess if he only sees the good ones he can't tell why they are good. Through our house hunting this weekend I discovered that Jason actually wants a bigger house than I have been looking at. Jason who last summer complained that $40 was too much to give as a wedding gift wants to spend $30-50,000 more than I ever thought he would. So I am now looking at bigger listings, too bad there has been nothing new since last week.

Secondly he seems on board with the baby plan. As recently as New Years Eve he wouldn't even discuss having kids soon(or buying a house) but now he seems to have no problem with a September start date. His parents are coming for 6 weeks this year(that is why we need a house),and they will be coming the last week of August so I was joking that it may be hard to procreate with the parents in the house. He just said they'll have to go out in the evenings and see a lot of movies. For Jason to make a joke about actual not hypothetical but concrete baby-making is astounding.

So we are getting a house and a kid, hopefully in that order, and Jase is cool as a cucumber.

Where happenned to my husband?

Under Pressure

2008-03-14T08:38:00.003-05:00

I got a call from a Sergeant with the State Police on Wednesday, apparently one of the dozen forms I filled out re:my eBay coffee pot disaster, after Paypal screwed me, made its way to someones desk. He asked if I had been refunded, by the eBay dickhead who ripped me off(my language not his),I laughed and replied negative. He said he was going to give the guy a call and see what he could do, I laughed again and said " I am not expecting it will work but I appreciate the effort". Thursday morning a refund was in my Paypal account! The guy, who has been making excuses since October 2007, finally coughed up my money after a call from Sergeant Wonderful. The Sergeant called me later in the day to see if anything had happened and I babbled about my thanks and heaped praise upon his unbelievable achievement. His reply was "I just put some pressure on the guy". Bloody miracle is what I call it.

No excuses

2008-03-11T15:30:00.014-05:00

I have no idea what has been up with me lately, whenever I think about posting I feel overwhelmed with what to write about and then put it off. I don't have such major things to say I just can't think of anything interesting, or remember what I have to share!

So Mexico is long gone and my peeling skin attests to that, it was great, I didn't get to phone my friend "Speedy Gonzales" while I was there because we had no phone in our condo and when I was around a phone I didn't feel I had the time to dedicate to the conversation I want to have with her. I haven't seen her for almost 10 years and she was my best friend in Paris when we were Au Pairs "in hell" together, I miss her a lot but will have to call her from here ASAP, I just worry that we will have a bad connection and calling her in Mexico sounded like a plan at the time. Jason is all fired up about scuba this year and has been making furious plans for our summer.

I invested in a female p-valve, which if you don't dive will make no sense, and if you do dive was until January an unheard of thing. Guys have had p-valves forever, they use condom catheters and hook up to a hose that ports(one way) out the leg of their drysuits so when spending a full day in your suit or long hours in the water you can relieve yourself. Women cannot wear condoms so until now there hasn't been any real effective way to make a "external seal" so there are no leaks and you can also feel the sweet release. I hate trying to go to the bathroom on a boat, that is usually rocking or being thrown around, and the toilet is small and cramped, and you don't want to touch anything, and you have your suit around your ankles trying not to drop it in any puddles. In Mexico the Cenote toilets were especially bad and that prompted my joining the ranks of she-p pioneers. A diver in the Netherlands has created the latest version to see the light (but not the sun) in the female five world. I bought one(there are about $20 out there right now) and on the weekend I tested it out. I can finally fulfill the dream i have had since I was a wee 3 year old....I can pee standing up! It isn't all bells and whistles, there is the fact that you have a lot of adhesive in delicate areas and things remain a bit sticky afterwards, but the pros definitely out weigh the cons. Now I can hydrate on those hot summer days on the lake!!!

Okay that last paragraph probably makes no sense but I am so proud of my new "weenis" that I can't hold it in.

I finished a my "socks that rock".

And I knit a camera case.

And I haven't found a house yet, there has been a bit of a dry spell on the market the last 2 weeks but my "lady" tells me after Easter things will pick up. I am so glad we have the time to look because if we were in a rush I would be FREAKING OUT!

April 7-12 I am going

with my BFF the Diva!!! We are staying at "The Palazzo"(thank you priceline) and going to see shows and shop!

Any advice/tips/hints for things to do in Vegas this will be my first time and most likely my last for a while, especially if the baby making is successful(Next winter).

I'll try not to be such a stranger!

Better late than never

2008-02-23T16:49:00.011-05:00

A turtle we saw while diving in the ocean.

Well this was the post I had ready to go before I left for Mexico(it seems so long ago), and since there was a lot of info to cover I'll post it now. I'll also post a few quick vacation pics and I promise you'll get a Mexico post ASAP!

Look what happened to my sock when I went through airport security in Mexico!

I also got a wonderful package from my SP angel, as you can see the candy didn't last long and I am on the hunt for more of that yummy licorice!
Thank you SP Angel!!!!

Pre Mexico post:

I met with a realtor the last week of January and also went into the bank to get a mortgage pre-qualification letter. Jase, perhaps in a moment of temporary insanity, agreed that we should start house hunting so that we can move out of the apartment sooner rather than later. So I went and got as much done as I could before leaving on the trip. When we get back I'll start going to see some places, but it is nice to not be in a hurry and be able to shop around. His parents are apparently thinking of coming to stay for 6 weeks this fall(last year it was only for 3) so we definitely need to be in a new space by then!

I went to the salon and got some prep work done for Mexico, so I got a bikini wax and a body scrub. I came out with a bit different look than I anticipated, a bit more waxing was done than I expected but what can I do now? Can't wait to get in that hammock and watch the ocean!!!!

Vacation pictures:

Me exiting Grand Cenote, what an awesome dive! Here is some video(not me) that gives you an idea of what it was like: http://www.wethorse.nl/movies/cavemexico1.html

Cenote Diving rules(which is funny because that's how I dive all the time anyway.)

Jase checking out another cenote we dove called "Car Wash" (Taxis used to come and use the water to wash their cars).

Me in another cenote called "Taj Mahal".

Global Underwater Explorer

2008-02-05T21:37:00.000-05:00

I am so tired and I really do have an intersting post ready to go but I am taking this crazy diving course that starts at 7am and ends at 7pm and we are busy! I am ready to fall into bed as soon as i walk through the door. I have lots to say, I love Mexico and the diving in the cenotes is awesome. We are in Akumal and the course end on Thursday so Friday I will write a nice informative post.

This is the course I am taking

GUE DIR Fundamentals

If you read the whole thing you'll see the course requirements, etc. It is the pre-requisite course before either tech or cave diving,(through this agency) they are pretty strict about the requirements and it is not like a normal PADI dive class, only 60% of students usually pass. This is hard but I love it!

Quickie on the way to the beach...

2008-02-01T21:47:00.001-05:00

I have a post mostly written but since our flight leaves at 6am (9 hours!!) and at the moment the weather is so crappy, frozen ice rain, slush, more rain, more ice....and we are still running around so for now I will just leave a quick post.

I made a cake from scratch(must get a ball winder one day)!

I got some wicked stitch markers from my SP angel(www.weeones.etsy.com)!!! Thank you so much!!!
More to follow.....

Things that make you go hmmmmm....

2008-01-23T16:04:00.000-05:00

I saw the film "The Business of Being Born" today and I found it quite thought provoking. If you are thinking of having kids, or even if you aren't, it explains some stuff about hospitals and societal beliefs around birth. Not sure what I think but it made me think.

2 weeks!

2008-01-18T11:05:00.000-05:00

So we leave for Mexico on Feb 2 and I am uber excited, it will be so great to have a 2 week vacation. Jason is, as usual, stressed out at work and with his maladies he is feeling a bit down on things. His foot is still sore so he thinks the surgery didn't work, but it has only been 5 weeks and I think it is too soon to tell because the healing hasn't ended. Earlier in the week Jase thought he had re-ruptured his hernia(fixed in 2004) and Wednesday evening after we had gone swimming(an exercise Jase can do at the moment) he had some rapid swelling of the "boys". We went to the emergency room and they did an exam, I got quite the show as smiley, young, blond doctor handled his junk, and an ultrasound that found there was no testicular torsion or bowel protrusion. I am hoping this means that he just tore a bit of scar tissue and with rest, ice, and ibuprofen it will heal. At the hospital we both thought he might need surgery that night, swollen gnads are not a good sign of anything. Mexico was off, he was going to have to have surgery again, and basically his life was over(it was late at night and we were both really tired). Now things seem better the swelling has gone down, the redness is gone, it still hurts but it isn't getting worse. Mexico is a go and once we get there everything will be better, all our worries will melt away in while swinging in a hammock.

I bought a new camera this week it arrives on Tuesday! I decided to wait on the DSLR and just get a new point and shoot. The Canon SD850 is an upgrade from our Powershot S300(old school) and I can't wait to try it out in Mexico. I still want a Nikon D40 but I think I can wait a few months for that. My birthday boots(Fluevog Bev's I found on eBay Nov. 24) now fit perfectly, after a visit to the shoemaker for a stretch, they were a bit too narrow. I thought I would have to return them and be bootless(discontinued) but now all is well and I have some hot boots!(ignore my messy bedroom, we were in the middle of a laundry frenzy)

Friday I started back at yoga and I am so sore, it is a good sore though and I can't wait to go next week. My friend Aimee owns the studio and I hadn't been for awhile due to tumour/surgery stuff and since I last spoke to her she has gotten divorced, bought a house, and hooked up with a new guy! She is the same age as me and it has only been about 6 months, crazy!

Jase has agreed to start house hunting. This means I am allowed to look and we can talk about it sometimes. In a month or two he will be more into it(once he is used to the idea), I am going to make an appointment with the bank next week to figure out mortgage stuff. I have no idea how to go about buying a house! It is exciting though, our lease runs out in November and hopefully we will be out of here by then but I am not sure what the deal is with getting out of the lease(we have been in the apartment for 5+ years so maybe they will give us a break).

2008 continues to be interesting.

Good year.

2008-01-11T09:53:00.000-05:00

So far this year has been great!(apart fom the Paypal/eBay rip off)

I emailed eBay about the problem but since it has been more than 60 days since the transaction they can't do much. They said they would note my issues on the seller and investigate it but I can't get any money back. They advised me to file a mail fraud claim and a dispute with squaretrade.com so I did both and maybe something will happen. I am not holding my breath it just makes me so angry though that this guy is still sellling things and using Paypal.

So back to the good year, we are starting to swim a few times a week and it is nice to do something in the evenings besides watch tv. jason is in a new office that he doessn't have to share so things at work are a bit better, he is getting a lot more done without the distraction of an office mate and with a door he can close. Our trip to Mexico is fast approaching and I can't wait to get back in the water! I went this week for some "beach" prep and now my legs are smooth and my bikin line is safe(a lot safer than I intended it to be! Ouch!)Every night this week we have tried to go to bed early but for some reason or another it hasn't worked out so we are both really tired. We have a dive club meeting tonight so we are off to Hamilton after work, it will be nice to see our friends adn catch up. I have strted and ripped out three socks, I keep having stitch count problems and I think there must be a small error in the pattern becuase I knwo I am doing things right(after three times I was being super observant). I think because we talked about things during the holidays and now have a plan for the year we are both able to relax a bit more, which is contributing to the general air of happiness around the flat. Not much else to report but I have a smile on my face!

Paypal Assholes.

2008-01-04T15:06:00.000-05:00

So I submitted my appeal through Paypal in October for the coffee pot I bought for Jase's dad. TI sent the item back in Novemebr to the seller. Paypal told me I would get my money in 48-72 hours. SO far no money, I have called a few times since then to check on things and have always received "no problem" reassurances. Today I call because I can see the seller is still selling on eBay and using Paypal so there are funds in his account and I am told there is nothing they can do he has to pay me back. That is not going to happen so I am screwed. Ebay appeals have to be filed in 60 days which would have been December 16. I did everything they told me, called and checked every step of the way to make sure nothing was done wrong or forgotten all that happened was I ended up getting ripped off a second time.

Hello 2008

2008-01-03T10:47:00.000-05:00

Well I hope everyone had a happy holiday season!

We had a nice time this year, we spent the weekend before Christmas in Ontario with some friends going to Christmas parties. I got a hand blender in the traditional pick it/steal it/trade it gift exchange (much better than bikini wax or a thong!). Christmas day we opened gifts at home and then went over to our friends house for a wonderful dinner, so much food the last few weeks! Surprisingly I didn't get any socks from Jason for Xmas, I did get some scuba equipment(which he conveniently also got for himself at the same time) some pretty panties, a new MEC jacket, a pretty necklace, and some sephora treats. Jase was quite happy with his expedition hammock(basically a hanging tent) and proceeded to set it up in the living room using chairs and other articles of furniture(he couldn't get in it but he could see how it look all hung up). He then proceeded to go and purchase 8 2x4's over the break to build a frame for it so he can sleep on the balcony(whatever). There is now sawdust in my living room, again.

During the holidays I finally got Jase to sit down and have the "talk" about what we were doing this next year, we have just been kind of in limbo living in this apartment and waiting to get a job in Canada and I am not doing it any longer. If we are here I want to be here and not be in this drafty apartment for another 5 years. If a job in Canada comes up we can move and all will be well. It is hard for Jase to understand because making some commitments to Rochester makes him feel like he is giving in but every year around my b-day I have the same panicky feeling that our lives are running away from us. So we are going to start thinking about starting a family in a year and then after that it will be easier for him to make other changes, once he is in for a penny he is in for a pound.

At work Jase finally got his own office! The guy he was sharing with (while a very nice man) was super distracting. He was always on the phone,playing computer games, or napping(he is near retirement) and now that Jase has his own space he said he got more done in a day than he used to in a week! Hopefully this makes work a happier place, at least a bit less stressful. It needs some pictures/posters to liven it up but he refuses to let it be "christened"(there is a locking door and you can go in on weekends), spoilsport.

We went to Canada for New years and had a wonderful night with our friends who we are going to Mexico with in February. The three couples all brought a different course and then we pitched in for the entrees (steaks for them lobster for me). It was soooo good. We started with appetizers at 3:00 and didn't finish with the desert(chocolate fondue) until 11:55. We took a big break between each course and there were at least 6 tasty courses. I can't imagine what will happen in Mexico when we are all drinking and no one has to drive because when only half of us are boozing it is a gong show. There may have been some nice pictures taken where one or more people in the shot flashed the camera man without the other peoples knowledge, I may have been one of the guilty parties(I did have pretty new underwear to show off).

It was a great couple of weeks and once I get the car back(it should be done today) from the auto body shop everything will be back to normal. There was only about $1000 worth of damage and it was fully covered by the other guys insurance(plus a rental car for me while it was being fixed) so even though it was a pain it is probably good to have a new exhaust system since the old one was most likely rusting and due for replacement anyway. The only thing that really annoyed me was the rental car, I had two and they were both Dodge's and they both sucked. I don't know why Dodge makes such crappy cars. I have driven quite a few different models since they seem to be the rental agencies manufacturer of choice and I have never found one that I liked driving. Plus the names are dumb; caliber, magnum, avenger,ram, charger, viper, nitro,etc. Friends of ours have the Grand Caravan which as far as I can tell is the best of the bunch. Ugh, I miss my Subaru!

Happy New year!

"Family" Christmas

2007-12-27T10:48:00.001-05:00

Christmas was good, I'll post about that later I just wanted to write a quick note.

To any members of my family who read this blog

My mother and my sister do not know about this and I do not want them to know so please don't print out the posts to tell them about it or tell them what I have written about them.

I am pretty sure I mentioned this when I gave out the address but if I didn't it is my fault but I don't really know what is going on at home and having my sister call and want to know what bad things I had written about her didn't really make my xmas extra cheery.

What the Elf?

2007-12-24T20:31:00.000-05:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
(Click for free show)

Oh what fun it is to ride....

2007-12-20T10:04:00.000-05:00

in a crappy rental car.
(quite catchy when sung to Jingle Bells)

So today the insurance guy came to look at the car finally. He came at 8am! I knew he was coming but all he told me was Thursday morning so when he came I was in the shower and Jase was in the other shower so the guy left an estimate on the windshield of the Subaru. He says it is drivable so they won't pay for the rental car. It is not drivable, the muffler is cracked and the exhaust pipe is bent and rubs against the axle when you drive it. I called the main insurance lady(who is in Texas) and asked her WTF? She said she would call him and get him to recheck it. The estimate also states that the shop has two days to fix it, I questioned her about this and she said not to worry since it was Xmas it was a special case. So now I have to get the car towed to the shop, because it isn't drivable, and hope this guy sees it before then or the shop can back up my claim so I am not on the hook for a rental car for 2-3 weeks. I almost wish I was injured so I could call the "heavy hitters" (injury attorneys)and make a jillion dollars. That would be wrong though, and they already think I am a liar for trying to scam a shitty compact car rental(why would I want that instead of my own car, especially with all of the snow?)

I am just waiting for a couple of packages to arrive and then my Xmas shopping is done!!! Since Jase's birthday is on Jan. 3 I have had to do double shopping, I buy all of the gifts for him from everyone(they just send the money) so it has been busy.

We are going to a party this weekend in Ontario, it is the annual dive club shindig and this year we are doing one of those "keep it, steal it, trade it" gift exchanges. Normally with these you get stuck with some horrible $10 thing like nicorette or bikini wax but this year I think everyone may have rebelled against the trading of crap. I know the two gifts we are taking are awesome, I would be happy with either one and just in case anyone from the club is reading this I won't say what they are. Hopefully it goes well and noone gets the short end.

Not sure what we are doing Xmas day yet since it looks like we'll be here in Ra-cha-cha, most likely we'll go over to some friends and open gifts with them. As long as booze is involved how bad a time can we have?

Happy Holidays!

Found a dollar!

2007-12-15T12:14:00.000-05:00

Crashed the car made a buck.

I got rear ended last night,5:15, rush hour on a Friday, bad timing or what? It happened right in front of the car wash so plenty of witnesses and I found a dollar on the ground while filling out the police report, my lucky day eh?

I was at a stop light, about 7 cars back from the light, fully stopped and some guy rear ended me! His car(Ford focus) bounced off the back of the Forester(my foot was on the brake so I didn't hit the guy in front of me) and his front end was crushed, really crushed. The Subaru looks alright but the muffler is probably cracked and I suspect the frame under the bumper is bent, all I could see was the crushed license plate and I had to pull pieces of his car out of the muffler pipe, there was a perfect hole where my tailpipe punched through his front bumper.

Luckily I got my insurance company on the phone right away and the police came within 10 minutes so I got the police report filed and my claim filed all by 6:00pm. Monday his insurance company should call and then i get to fixing up our chariot. Jase wasn't with me but when I got home he inspected the car in better light and the muffler and exhaust system is all bent and f***ed up so I'll get a rental car for next week(apparently we are covered for 30 days, $30/day) so that helps. I have never been in an accident before so it was quite the education. My neck is a bit stiff but hopefully it goes away in a few days,

Limpy

2007-12-12T14:59:00.000-05:00

Jason's surgery went smoothly, it will be awhile before we can tell if he will be able to finally run/ski again without pain but for now he is alright. He is on crutches and even then it is hard to make him take it easy! All weekend he was supposed to stay off his foot as much as possible, only getting up to go to the loo but he insisted he could do the laundry(I didn't let him) which is in the basement, down two flights of stairs, and through three doors. I think the hardest thing for him is he isn't supposed to get his foot wet so he can't shower, he has to take baths(which he hates) and our bath tub has those sliding shower doors so when he hangs his right foot over the edge it sits on the door rails, plus his back is up against the faucet. It is funny to listen to his swearing though.

I am doing alright, I was pretty sore on Friday after driving Jason to surgery, getting him back home and settled, and then getting his prescriptions and errands done. It was at the point where I had to take very shallow breaths because if I took a big one it hurt to much, having swelling under your ribcage sucks. As soon as I could(once I no longer had to drive or leave the apartment for the rest of the day) I took my pain pills and the two of us just sat on the couch stoned. I have been pretty sore by the end of the day since then and at night I still can't sleep on my right hand side because of the swelling so I have to sleep on my back which ,means I haven't been sleeping very well(if I take some meds before bed it helps but I am down to my last three!) I see the doctor on Tuesday so I am hoping by then I will be mostly back to normal. This makes me think having a baby is going to be bad, my swelling is nothing compared to a kid in your belly(but that is nothing to worry about now)!

We are getting excited about our trip to Mexico in February, we are going with two other couples and staying two weeks. Three of us are going the first week to take some technical dive courses and the other three are coming to join us for the last week. I can't wait to lie in a hammock by the beach!

Hope everyone is well and the holiday cheer is driving you mad!

babytour

2007-12-05T10:46:00.000-05:00

I am still feeling a bit crappy, no longer stoned all of the time(that got to be less enjoyable than one would think) but I am sore and feeling flu-ey (which I guess is normal). My incisions are closing up well and once the swelling goes down I am hoping that I will be back on track. Jason goes for foot surgery on Friday so I will have to be better for that.

Big Sky Country

While I was home I did the "Baby Tour" I visited a bunch of old friends in Sherwood Park, 4 of whom had babies in the last 9 months. I also had lunch with another friend who is expecting again and discussed kids with one of my BF's when she has never talked about babies before. There must be something in the air out west. They all have really good kids, none of them cried when I was around(I am sure this was only for my benefit apparently they do have their moments). I was surrounded by happy, cute, friendly babies and while the maternal urges did increase I was able to handle it and wait a little while longer. Jase still needs some time to get used to the idea, buying furniture is still to much for him to process right now.

Baby R(9 months left) and Baby G(3 months right), R is happy he just looks like he is trying to escape in this photo, it was hard to get one of both of them looking at the camera at once. G is so mellow she just rolls with it.

Copper wondering where all the of love went, now he has to share his space all the time!

G hanging chilling with Dad and Uncle S.

R making the moves on G.

Shirley and her baby R.

Baby I and Mum, she is one happy girl.

It was a nice trip home and the wedding was interesting, I will post about it soon I am just waiting for decent pics to tell the story. It is snowy here and so pretty, looks like we'll get a real winter this year!

All is good

2007-12-01T12:16:00.000-05:00

Surgery went well, I am home and quite doped up now but just wanted to drop a note so no one worried. I look like I was in a knife fight, there are about 5 "stab" wounds from the laparoscopy and I have bruises on my arms from the Heparin shots (I think that was the worst part). Hamish is no more and I should be good as new in a couple of weeks.

Back with tracks*

2007-11-27T18:10:00.000-05:00

*Needle tracks from all of the pre-op tests and scans.

So the second week in Florida was great! We went to the Gainesville area for a few days to do some diving in the springs around there and we were not disappointed. When we first arrived in High Springs, FL we had a great lunch at this place called Floyd's Diner(and we ate our next 7 meals there, Jason likes to stick with a sure thing) We went to the local dive shop ,which is also a kind of mecca for cave divers, and we saw one of the pioneers of GUE in the flesh. It was like seeing a rock star for Jason.

A relaxed Jase @ Floyd's

Another exciting moment for Jason was getting bitten by fire ants. We don't have these in the northern climates and when my foot started burning I thought I had just brushed against some stinging nettle. We were rinsing the sand off our dry suits under a faucet and it was getting dark, Jase asked if my feet were burning and they were, and then we saw ants all over his feet(he was barefoot, I had shoes). We had been standing in the nest under all around the faucet, not like a nest up here (no mound) just holes in the ground. I had 2 bites on my left foot . Jason had 36 on his right and 18 on his left. He was fascinated with the changes in his bites over the next few days and had me take pictures to document the progress (he also reminded me multiple times a day "I got bit by ants"). Here is the gory proof

We got some good dives in at the springs nothing exciting but we practiced a lot of skills and got ready for our course in February. I tried out Jason's doubles(I usually just dive a single tank) and I love them. I have been converted to the dark side and next year will dive doubles, I think they look burly!

After a few days in High Springs we drove up to Wakulla near Tallahassee and stayed at the Wakulla Springs Lodge. It is a crazy place not too fancy heavy on the old world charm( I think all of the plumbing and furniture is original from the 40's) It was a nice break though, no TVs and a very beautiful peaceful setting. Mostly we just sat in front of the fire in the lobby and read or went on walks. There was an excellent river boat tour we took twice and we some some really pretty sights.

Wakulla Springs is where a lot of cave diving is done, right in front of the lodge just beyond the swimming area(yes they swim with gators around) the springs drop to 185 feet and there is a cave mouth. The water was dark when we were there(tannic) but when it is clear you can see to the bottom and there are mastodon bones lying at the cave mouth. They run glass bottom boat tours but since it was dark we just went on the river boat(which is also an original from the 1950's). A lot of movies were shot in the springs back in the day: Tarzan(old school) Creature from the Black Lagoon, and one called Airport 77?

Since we were getting a bit weary of restaurant food, especially when it uses real butter, full fat cream, and peanut oil to fry everything we headed into Crawfordville to find a grocery store. There we found Sonic(never seen one before) and explored the amazing world of a southern Wall Mart Supercenter. I also drank sweet tea with every meal(that can't be good for a person) but we had a really nice time together relaxing before the next few busy weeks.

I am scheduled for my surgery tomorrow morning and this week have been to lots of pre-op appointments. Today I had a CT Scan and had to drink some dye and also had iv dye (which they warn you will make you feel warm but it totally makes you feel like you are wetting yourself, warm indeed) The official name for my surgery is a hepatic wedge resection, do a google search if you want specifics. It will be laparoscopic(if all goes well) and I will be home Friday morning after just one night in the hospital. I will be glad to have this behind me. I know it has been a bad couple of months for posts but if you bear with me I should be back on track soon enough.

Oh yeah, Paypal success!

I lodged a complaint with Paypal on October 15 about the bad eBay coffee press and tomorrow I get my refund! I had to send the press pot back to the guy(good riddance) but it is nice to know that the system can work sometimes.

And just for fun here is a picture of one of the "physicists" getting crazy at a Greek restaurant in Orlando. Not to shabby R!

Hot Stuff

2007-11-15T14:37:00.000-05:00

Jason is at the APS DPP Conference here in Florida. APS stands for American Physical Society and apparently the staff at the hotel meant that it was a bodybuilding/fitness conference. Imagine their shock when the scientists began arriving, totally not bodybuilders, pretty much the polar opposite(not that they are large guys but they are Physicists and they look like what you think of when you think "rocket scientist", at least the picture in my head matches the reality).

Time Warp

2007-11-14T15:33:00.001-05:00

Where did the last two weeks go!

I was sure I had posted more recently but I guess I got caught up in all of the drama.

First of all I left Alberta and it was -7C and sleeting and arrived in Florida to 25C weather, it has been a crazy trip to pack for. I am now in Orlando with Jason, he is at a conference until Friday and then we are heading up to Northern Florida to do some diving and flying back to Rochester on Nov 23. I arrived last night around 11:00 to an empty hotel room, Jase showed up about 20 minutes later and he was hammered. He couldn't understand why I would turn down a chance to go back downstairs to the bar with him to party with the guys from St. Petersburg. Now I am sure those Russian physicists were having a wild time but after a day of travel all I wanted was a shower. Today Jase is super hungover and I am sure that by tomorrow we will be back to our normal loving selves.

My sisters wedding was insane! She got her money's worth with the photographer though, we started photos at 11am(before the ceremony while getting ready, etc) the ceremony was at 12:30 and we went straight from the receiving line to the photo session which lasted until 7PM!!!!!! We were taking photos the whole time, they didn't start doing just couple shots until 6:15 at which point the bridal party fled to get a snack since we hadn't had a break to eat all day. She used to model so she was all about the poses. There were some great shots but by the time the dinner started 7pm I was exhausted and ready to drink and drink I did. There is more to tell but I will save that for my next post, until then here are some pictures of the "happy day".

The Bride and her attendants(standing on the side of a very steep hill, you had to let the heels of your shoes sink into the ground in order not to fall down the embankment but hey models have to suffer for their art right?

The "happy" couple (see down the hill!)

My "date" Y(Jase couldn't come) after I (quite drunk by then)was allowed to change out of the BM dress(after the first dance and the photographer left).

My brother the "player" after his big "Thriller" dance off making some married"ladies" happy.

Quickie

2007-11-01T09:03:00.000-05:00

Okay so I am at the airport waiting for my flight to Toronto and I am not sure when I will have another free WiFI connection. Halloween was fun, we went trick or treating and Jase's costume was a hit! I can't post a picture now but I will soon. K is such a funny kid at the end of the night she dumped out her candy and divided it up between the 5(4 adults and her) of us, she is not a candy kid but I now have a nice baggie of treats to eat on the plane! Do kids still dress up as hookers? I remember this being a popular costume when I was a kid (that and punk rockers). It seems a bit odd now to think that prostitute is an acceptable costume but who knows, we'll see what our kids end up going as one day. Anyway have to go the plane is here but I'll post again soon and some of you I'll see soon!!!

Pressure

2007-10-31T14:45:00.000-05:00

Tonight we are going to take our friend K trick or treating andJase is going all out and dressing up (I will definitely get a picture of that) he has this creepy life sized crow that is part of the costume that he likes to place around the bedroom in order to freak me out, he got it last year so I have had a whole year of "creepy crow" fun time.

Tomorrow is the day, I leave on a jet plane bound for Alberta. I am excited that I will get to meet all the new people who have been born since I was last there, I am not so excited about my sisters wedding. Not only has it turned into a spending spree but my dress hasn't arrived yet and I will have to in the same room with both of my parents for the first time in two years. Not good but surely material for some interesting blog posts.

I got a bunch of stuff waxed today(all above the waist) in prep for my trip home. It was my first experience with underarm waxing and DAY-UM! My waxing lady was nice enough to put pressure on the torn skin to soothe the area in between ripping off new sections but not so soothing. Hopefully I will have gorgeous armpits for the wedding and be able to show them off in my "still in transit" Maid of Honour dress. I will document the trip with lots of pictures because believe me everybody want s to see how the whole thing turns out.

Right after I am in Alberta I fly directly to Orlando to meet Jase(he isn't coming home with me because he has a conference starting the day of the wedding) and when the conference is over we are going to try and get some Scuba diving done. We get back on Nov. 23 so basically this month is over before it has even begun. November 24 my ovaries turn another year older and then on Nov. 29 Hamish gets removed(yuck), quite the month.

I'll try and post from the road, I'll have my laptop with me so whenever I find a WiFi spot I'll fill you in on the adventure!

Family Fun Time

2007-10-24T10:32:00.001-05:00

Well I submitted a dispute on Paypal about the eBay coffee pot and I'll let you know how that pans out, theoretically I should get my money back, it can't be that easy though so we'll see. In the mean time my wonderful friend Diana saved the day and is in possession of a new press pot this very minute! Christmas is saved and all is right with the world once again.
All except my sisters wedding that is.

My father called me on Saturday, which was odd considering it wasn't one of our 3 yearly obligatory conversations, it was neither a birthday nor Christmas so I knew it couldn't be good. He called to tell me that he thinks my sister will have to cancel her wedding. ????!!!???? The grooms father called my father to see how much money the brides family was paying for the wedding, so since money was involved Dad started paying attention. Apparently they are $30,000 in debt and this was discovered when the $15,000 wedding line of credit was exhausted and his dad was called. ??????????!!!!!!!????? HOLY SH*T. I emailed my sister asking if the wedding was on/off and where it would be since Dad figures it will now be an afternoon affair(as if).

Okay Dad is crazy and not friendly with reality but I am not surprised. This was Saturday. Sunday my mother calls me, another rare occurrence to tell me that she had a call from my Dad and he told her my sister has a debt of $10,000.?????!!!!??? This is how everything is with my immediate family not the clearest of communications and you kind of have to look through a blurry lens to see the truth behind all statements. My mothers response to this is "Not my problem" as is her response to all things wedding related. I once again emailed my sister and she reports all is well, they are going to pay it off no problem and super fast, I doubt this because my I am still going to be paying off my student loans for another 5 years and they are no where near her debt, but if they can pull it off that is great!

So the wedding should provide lots of entertainment and blog fodder, I'll keep you posted.

The weather here is still gorgeous and since the nights have been cooler the leaves are really starting to change. Here is my second attempt at pictures from the in-laws visit.

Our cabin at the Kingston, Ontario KOA.

Jase's Dad feeding the birds with our friends daughter. If you look at the picture closely you'll see the bird on her hand.

The two men of the family wearing matching t-shirts from Jase's favorite place in Hawaii, the Kona Brew Pub. Can you see the resemblance between the two of them?

Lunch out on a patio near our place, they have totally redone the shopping plaza and I never even knew this was there. Beautiful weather and good food.

eBay Upset

2007-10-18T15:48:00.001-05:00

I think I was just scammed on eBay, not a huge scam the item I got was what I ordered but it was not in the condition I expected. When Jason's folks were here I made notes of things they wanted so I would have ideas for Xmas gifts, Jason's dad wants a coffee press like ours. Coffee press not found in stores so I check eBay, see one that appears to be new, (has no indication otherwise in the listing)and buy it. It came today and was scratched, dented, and dirty(didn't even run it through the dishwasher first). No question that this is inappropriate for a gift. I am pissed so I went to eBay and looked up the policies and sent a polite email to the seller thanking him for prompt shipping, expressing my dismay at the condition, and requesting a refund or other solution.

He responds with:

"I am sorry about that. I am selling on eBay due to my financial situation, I have literally no money and an Alpine mountain of debt. to refund your money it would take me months. I suggest you sell it on eBay. I received a lot of questions and bids for the french press and I am sure it will sell quickly. do you have any other suggestions. again sorry for the confusion. "

I am not going to re list this since I would totally have to explain the condition and not get the amount I paid back.

I replied:
"I wouldn't feel comfortable re listing the item myself since I would have to describe the condition. Perhaps you can refund my money and re list it? I would be willing to ship it to the new buyer for you once I received the refund. As you say it did have a lot of bids and you will most likely have no problem selling it. Is this an acceptable solution?"

I haven't heard back but I suspect I am screwed. I will dispute it with eBay but the worst the guy will get is bad feedback and having his account banned.

I think my money is gone and I have no gift for Jason's dad, plus I dread telling Jason(he is under uber-stress prepping for Nov 10 conference).

On a "happier" note I head back home on Nov 1 for 12 days for my sister's wedding(she is 26 and it is her 2nd). It will be great to see my friends and all the new babies that have popped out in the last year but staying with my mom is starting to give me a pre-trip tummy ache. My sister is threatening to move the reception to another hotel if she gets charged for a minimum amount of guests(50 more than they have) even though they signed a contract saying they would pay for 200 guests. She has even had a lawyer look over the contract while she has the hotels scrambling around. I could never pull that off!

Here are pictures from the in-law visit and happier times.
WRONG!NO PICTURES! I HAVE TRIED UPLOADING 4 TIMES AND NO JOY, BLOGGER IS MAKING ME KRAZY, PICTURES WILL HAVE TO WAIT.

Home Run Stretch

2007-10-11T19:33:00.000-05:00

Well Jason's parents head back to England tomorrow and it was a busy 3 1/2 weeks! Last weekend we went to Niagara/Welland and stayed in Jason favorite Inn(@ Lock 7) where we watched the boats in the canal. there was a spectacular thunderstorm in the middle of Saturday night and the lightening was like a camera flashing, I could have swore the paparazzi found out where we were staying. We went into Niagara on the Lake for lunch and then headed over to our friends for coffee, I think we may have bored Jason's parents at that point because we launched into Scuba talk(which actually doesn't make much sense if you don't know the terms) and I think it was the quietest Jase's mom has been the entire trip.

I'll miss them when they go though, it has been nice having people around to talk to during the day but I won't miss the eating, the bread, the deserts, and the chips. Every day is another day of cooking, mostly whatever Jason's mom thinks he will like, last night was rack of lamb and red wine poached pears. Tonight was Salmon, lentils, rice, and pumpkin pie. My kitchen is too small for more than one person to be in at a time so having 3-4 people crowded in "watching" and "helping" me cook has been a bit stressful. I have enjoyed the wine with every dinner though, by the time 6:00 rolled around I was in need of a glass or two just to relax.

I did however receive a great package from my Secret Pal. It was full of all sorts of goodies!

Some great self striping yarn, I have been wanting to try striping yarn out for awhile, some super cute Halloween washcloths, some of my favorite Patons yarn and a fibertrends pattern for the felted clog(which funnily enough I got for my SP as well), funny post-it notes, and finally something to hold my needles!! Thank you Secret Pal!!

I will go through the pictures and put some up this week of where we've been and what we've done. Until yesterday the weather had been glorious so we got lots of time out in the sun!

SP11 Survey

2007-10-02T10:42:00.000-05:00

Here's a little survey my Sp hostess sent out The prize for doing it? Yarn of course!~
List your favorite:

Actor - Will Ferrell
Actress - Zooey Deschanel
Animal - Hippo
Band - Great Big Sea
Book - Right now anything by Phillipa Gregory
Bubble Bath - Lemon
Candy - Licorice
Color - Blue
Flower - Poppy
Food - Crab Legs
Lip Balm - Sephora Pink grapefuit
Lotion - L'occitane Lavender
Movie - So I Married an Axe Murderer
Song - At Last -Etta James
TV Show - The Office (British and US)
Vacation Spot - HAWAII!!

Better

2007-09-29T10:34:00.001-05:00

Well we have settled into a routine now and the stress level has gone down noticeably. I think that taking a long car trip the first few days Jase's folks were here was a bit too optimistic. This week we went to the Public Market and now my fridge is overflowing with vegetables because how can you not buy the 5 lbs of potatoes/apples/beets/carrots/etc when they only cost $2!!!! So I have more produce than we will ever be able to use and my fridge freezer is full of bread. These Brits love themselves some bread. Every meal has bread, buttered sliced bread. If I want something from the freezer I crack the door and shove my hand in to prevent an avalanche before I can fully open it. We went to the grocery store every day(sometimes more than once), Target(they love it), Old Navy(bargains galore), and then yesterday we went and painted some ceramics at one of those little studios where they fire it for you. I made something for my SP and Jason's parents each painted a different dog figurine, great outing for the kids. With Jase at work all day I have been trying to find things to keep them entertained.

Jase is home today and has gone for a walk with his parents along the canal, they are desperate to see a groundhog and so far have had no luck which is ironic because usually I see at least 2 a day when driving around. We were going to try and head to the Niagara region this weekend but Jase is waiting for some visa paperwork and it didn't come this week so we didn't want to risk another lock out at the border(last time we were missing a paper it took us a month to get back into the US). We haven't been diving in ages, almost a month! Not a big deal normally but it is the end of the season and with all the diving we were doing I feel like I will forget my skills if I am away for to long(and I have got me some skills).

My sister is getting married in November and last week she declared that we had to get our measurements into the bridal shop so that they could rush order our bridesmaid dresses, apparently I am the Maid of Honour(last week was the first I heard of that) and therefore have the honour of wearing a questionable $300 dress in baby blue. She had picked a floor length, strapless, taffeta dress but immediately I requested to be able to change my outfit, permission granted as long as it was the right colour and by a certain designer(the only one who can deliver a dress in just over 6 weeks).

In the period of 24 hours I picked a 2 piece outfit, got "permission" from the dress shop to order it and then got them to tell me which colour matched her choice(new dress is satin so dye's differently than taffeta). I placed my order and told my sister to get to the shop to make sure the colour met her approval, apparently the shade is a bit dark but they told her it was to late to change the order(even though it has only been 5 hours). Bridal industry is brutal, you pay $$$ for them to do you the favour of ordering a dress. Hopefully it is all sorted and I won't need to many alterations considering I will only have 5 days before the wedding with the dress(if it arrives when they say it will).

Who knows what next week will bring!!

Travelling

2007-09-23T09:41:00.000-05:00

We are on the road with Jason's parents. The first coupleof days when they visit is always a bit tense between the two of us, I am not sure why but we fight alot. It is just little things like where to go, what to do but I think we are not used to having constant noise and other people to take care of so we need an adjustment period. Jason's parents chatter to each other constantly, the only time it is quiet is when they have a nap, which since we have been on the road is whenever the car has been in motion more than 15 minutes. They are also jet lagged so hey are up at 5:30 every day, chattering.

It is hard because Jason is working during the weekdays they are here and we are taking long weekend trips with them around to see our favorite places within a days drive of Ra-cha-cha. I really feel like it was when I was a nanny, that I have kids to take care of. We all get along super and they are wonderful but having guests for 3 weeks is always stressful(and it has only been 5 days!). We need to make sure they have enough snacks in the car(they munch constantly), that our route contains regular bathroom stops(every hour, doesn't sound unreasonable but we are so used to long drives alone that we forget these things). We are all starting to settle into a routine and after 3-4 nights of not sleeping well Jase and I have started to relax. Today after my favorite brunch we're going for a hike today and the weather is gorgeous so I am looking forward to that and hopefulyy tonight I can hook up with an old friend who lives in town. We are in Ottawa/Gatineau until Monday.

This is just a quick post while I have a minute to myself, they have gone for a walk and will be abck any minute. I know I'll miss them when they are gone so I am glad that Jase and I are now going to be able to enjoy the visit.

MIA resolved

2007-09-18T17:25:00.000-05:00

Gas station roses. It is the first time Jase has given me roses (although I have received flowers before) so I can't complain. At least when his parents arrive tomorrow I will have flowers in the apartment!

MIA

2007-09-17T18:52:00.000-05:00

Okay so today is our second wedding anniversary (time has flown!)

Jason seems to have forgotten that this occasion merits at least a card and after dinner I finally said "Happy Anniversary" to which he cocked hi head and looked puzzled and then said it back to me. A little while later he went downstairs to put in a load of laundry and I heard a car pull out of the garage. I didn't think much of it I thought it was a neighbour but he has now been in the basement putting a load in the wash for the last 20 minutes. Does he think I don't notice he is gone? Anyway he probably went to get laundry detergent or something, we'll see what happens when he comes upstairs to get quarters for he dryer.

Limited time offer!

2007-09-13T16:05:00.000-05:00

Boo-ty Swap 2 Button is ready to go,click on the button to visit the sign up site and spread the word to anyone you think might be interested!

Back in Ra-cha-cha

2007-09-11T19:05:00.000-05:00

Kilauea Lava Rift

Punalu'u Black sand Beach

Kona Brewing Pub Gecko

Vocano National Park Sulphur Banks

Kilauea Volcano Crater Overlook

What a great trip but now we are back!

Long flight, 4 bags lost for over 24 hours, and my tan started to peel today. Hawaii seems so long ago and I only left on Friday!!!

Boo-ty Swap 2

2007-09-05T02:19:00.000-05:00

Boo-ty Swap 2

The nightmare continues!

Only 4 sleeps left!

2007-09-03T19:34:00.000-05:00

Aloha!

Diving has been incredible, it is so easy compared to diving the Great Lakes. Saw a white tipped shark today, up close and personal, turtles, moray eels, puffer fish, dolphins, and my favorite Eagle Rays. We have been the only ones diving on the boat so it is just like a private charter, very nice. Tomorrow we are diving and then heading to Hilo, where the volcanoes are!

Hawaii

2007-08-28T23:16:00.000-05:00

Well even though the jet lag is harsh and it was a 22 hour trip to get here I am enjoying Maui. My afternoons are spent lounging by the pool and snorkeling in the Ocean. The funny thing about the ocean here is that is doesn't smell. No seaweed, no seagulls, very pleasant indeed.Tomorrow we are going to go diving and I am looking forward to getting a bit deeper. The snorkeling here is awesome I have seen puffer fish, unicorn fish, and some HUGE turtles. Jase has been so excited that he has been getting up early to go before his sessions start at 7:00am. That is a bit too gung ho for me.

Here is a picture of my hidden "stash" for the SP contest. If you look you will see that there are boxes full of yarn, the other boxes are usually stacked to cover up the stash. Jase wouldn't appreciate the need to stock up, he doesn't understand why you would get something if you don't have a specific use for it(for now). I started working on the 6.5 Stitches baby wrap cardigan, the long plane journey was perfect for knitting, even though near the end I was making a lot ofmistakes and frogging almost every row.

Aloha!

Maybe I need a tankini?

2007-08-23T10:19:00.000-05:00

I saw the surgeon on August 14 and they want to take do a liver resection on November 29. They could monitor it but the risk is if they don't take it out and it grows/rupture when I am pregnant(as these pesky things tend to do) then it is an emergency surgery and the pregnancy is jeopardised. So I think it is best to get it over with that way I am healed up, no tumour, and no worries on that front when time for kids. I am hoping that the tumour is in a place where they can do it laproscopically since the incision would be like a big smile from one side of my rib cage to the other(they call it a chevron). The first thing I thought when they said surgery was will I be able to wear a bikini(in Mexico/February). Isn't that silly.

MURPHY!!!!!!

2007-08-22T11:24:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to J & C on the birth of their new baby girl, aka Sumo(for now)! I knew it would be a girl. J didn't want a girl but I am sure he will get used to the idea once he purchases a few new locks and shotguns to protect her from all those bad boys(like him) out there.

I was driving through the park this morning and it had just started to rain when a bunch of University guys came around the corner running in 2-3 groups. Why mention this? It was the swim team, wearing no shirts, and they were wet. If you need me to explain further you probably would rather not know. Made my morning a bit cheerier!

Well I picked out a bikini, wore it this weekend in Kingston while diving and the weather was cold! It went from 34C (Thursday night)down to 11C(Saturday morning). Not a big deal for us because the water stays the same temp but we had our friends A, W, and K(8)come up and stay with us at the KOA (in the Kabins) and it was their first time "camping". I felt so bad because the weather was crap but I think they had a good time anyway, the campfire was fun and they roasted marshmallows for the first time.

Diving was fun except for the fact that on Saturday the boat was only running on one engine so it took a long time to get out to the dive sites and back (8am-3pm) and on Sunday the one engine died in the middle of the lake. Luckily we were just arriving at the first dive site and another boat was there, they towed us to the second dive site and then part of the way home, we were handed off to two other boats and finally made it back to the dock so it was another long day(8am-3pm). Needless to say we were shagged by the time we got home Sunday night.

I am going to Vegas baby. Actually I am going to have a 2 hour layover at the airport but that qualifies doesn't it? Never been there and I intend to scope out the slot machines in the airport and make my fortune.

The weather in Maui isn't great, it figures that I get everything set for a leisurely week by the pool and the long term forecast calls for rain and highs of 20C/70F all week. Whatever, I am from Alberta and I will be out by the pool even if I have to spend an hour in the shower warming up, I got that damn bikini and I am going to wear it!

Damn Murphy and his stupid laws.

SP11 Questionnaire

2007-08-16T10:04:00.001-05:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I am getting more interested in lighter weight yarns, handpainted, and colorways. In an ideal world I would have a limitless account to buy all the Lornas Laces color combos, but I don't. I don't really like acrylic it is too squeaky, ugh...

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a little basket thet I keep my current project in and a zipper makeup bag that holds my needles/notions.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learned when I was around 12 but I just started up again in the last 12 months. I think I am an intermediate sock knitter and probably beginner/intermediate everything else. I am definitely learning to "trust the pattern" This fall I am going to attempt a sweater!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes

5. What's your favorite scent?
I like fresh scents, citrus, lavender,almond, cloves or verbena. Nothing to sweet or heavy/overpowering.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
More of a salty one but I like cinnamon,peanut butter, and dark chocolate

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I quilt and sew. I don't spin

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I can play mp3's and I can't think of anything I wouldn't listen to(sorry not a very helpful anwer).

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Blue is my #1 favorite colour, not a huge fan of pastels. I am really liking browns and green right now, various shades, kind of nature colours.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

Married(does that count as having one child?), no kids, no pets

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes, yes, no

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I like socks, I am branching out and thinking of tring a wrap/sweater, something with more shaping and blocking.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Socks that I started in April!!! I haven't been doing much knitting recently but I have started collecting patterns and planning my next project, probably a large scarf/wrap/shawl thingy.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Cetainly

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
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The only thing I don't like is metal needles, I can't stand the way the scrape/squeak against each other but I use aluminum, circular, DPN's, bamboo and am off to get a set of strights this week.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

I have a pair of slippers that need to be felted, I think they are from January(still not sure if I want to waste precious laundry quarters, must find friend with old school washer!(They all have front loaders)

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Not really, anything Firefly related when I come across something. I do have a stash of Dragonfly fabrics.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I have my eye on the Stitch Diva "Knit Cardi Wrap" pattern at the moment but honestly I want them all!
No subscriptions.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I am going to try lace knitting this winter and as I mentioned knit a sweater.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes, not sure exactly but I wear a size 8.5/9 shoe.

23. When is your birthday?

November 24

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

Yes. ID Firef1y

Bathing Suit Blues

2007-08-06T10:17:00.000-05:00

I am still on the elusive hunt for a bikini top. I managed to get a one piece for swimming last week, a standard navy speedo(but the legs are cut a bit lower than I am used too, not Grandma low, just lower). I did a huge online shop yesterday and ordered 10 different tops to try on, free shipping and free return shipping, can't beat that! Buying bikini tops according top bra size may be the answer I need.

I am finding all sorts of people on facebook, I just hooked up with a bunch of family members who I thought would never get computer savvy. It is quite convenient for keeping in touch, no email guilt.

This weekend we are diving in Barcelona again, just on Saturday though, our friends from Ontario are going to be with us this time so it should be a good day. It was so nice not to have to be anywhere yesterday, I pretty much did nothing but read on the patio all day. It is still hot here but over the weekend the humidity dropped so it was quite pleasant (compared to today and the return of the humidity). I hate humidity!!!

Go Knitpurlmama!

2007-08-05T14:15:00.000-05:00

My friend Robyn has a new project!

Robyn's Nest

She is the one that made me those great Firefly markers and there are lots of goodies on her site. I am going to sign up for the sock club as soon as possible!

Summer, Summer, Summer Time

2007-08-02T10:19:00.000-05:00

Diving over the weekend was good, my back was a bit stiff but it didn't bother me enough to not dive(codeine is good). The weather was beautiful, perfect for hanging out on a the lake in a boat.

Yhis week has been pretty quiet, I have been on a neverending search for a new bathing suit. Who knew you couldn't find a suit in the summer? I have been scouring any store I can think of, usually the sales racks and so far no luck. I really hate bathing suit shopping. There don't seem to be any stores here that specifically sell swimwear(at least no that I can find) so this weekend when we are in Canada I am going to a couple swimwear stores I know and doing an exhaustive search. I want a bikini top and a suit for actual swimming, not as easy as it may sound.

No long weekend here in the US, unlike my lucky Canadian friends. Jase is revving up into high stress gear getting ready for his conference in Hawaii, I just keep thinking how happy he'll be in the second week when it is over and we can go diving. I on the other hand can't wait to get there and sit by the pool with a Pina Colada in my new "suit" and read a good book (any suggestions?)

The end

2007-07-26T12:28:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday afternoon my back started feeling a bit stiff and by 5:00 I could hardly walk, somehow I pulled something in my back but I have no idea how! It was okay though because I have the new Harry Potter book to keep me busy whiloe I am stick on my back in bed. I reread book 6 and started book 7 yesterday, so far so good but i am sad it is the end. Today my back is better but still a bit funny, I am supposed to be diving tommorrow in Barcelona,NY and I would hate to hacve to bail because of my back. Hopefully another night of taking it easy and loading up n the pills will do the trick!

My friend Y ordered this beautiful pair of Fluevog boots and had them sent to me(to save on international shipping) and I sent them off to her today. I was very temtped to say they got lost in the mail, or confiscated at customs but I know she will give them a good home and I can visit them one day. Jase even said that maybe I would get a pair for B-day/xmas(I won't clue him in on the fact that they usually cost $300) I will just order them, love them and treat him well!

I think I will start a Hawaii countdown ticker and add it to my page, I am really looking forward to our trip in August!!!!

Still sticky

2007-07-19T14:38:00.000-05:00

I think the thing that bothers me most about the weather here is that I am always sticky. Humidity makes me cranky.

We had a nice dive trip to Lake Erie last weekend, it was pretty windy and rough at the surface but I didn't get "sea" sick(never have but Erie is exceptionally rough) and once we were below the surface the diving was great. We are going to Kingston this weekend with some friends and should get some more good dives in. On Monday I drove up to Buffalo to meet some friends from Ontario who were on a cross border shopping spree and I got the cutest pair of shoes! They bought a ton of stuff and after a nice dinner I drove home and put my feet up, they were killing me!

I had a follow up ultrasound on Hamish to see if he had gotten any smaller in the 6 months I have been off the pill, he hasn't(but he isn't any bigger). I have an appointment with a GI oncology surgeon to discuss liver resection on August 14. I am not sure what to feel about this but never the less I am trying to ignore the situation. Jason promises to buy me something shiny if I have to get the chop.

I finished the baby gift package for my friend Shirley and sent it off in the mail yesterday, that blanket took way longer than I ever expected but I am happy with the way it turned out and that it is finally on it's way to "mini G". Hopefully the colours go with the nursery and it makes it through the first laundering.

Getting excited for our trip to Hawaii at the end of August, diving in warm water with colourful fish will be such a change from the cold, dark lake full of shipwrecks, full of brown/green fish.

Hope everyone is well and enjoying their summers!

Refreshment

2007-07-05T10:51:00.000-05:00

The weather this week has been so nice. The locals hate it because it rained on July 4 but I love it! It has been below 30C most of the week, humidity fairly low, and at night I haven't needed to run the air conditioner to sleep, open windows all the way! Running has also been quite pleasant overcast with a breeze is the way to go. I was running on Monday in shorts and a sleeveless top and I passed someone on a bike in a sweatshirt, that is craziness.

Not much has happened this week, we went diving on Saturday and then over to our friends for a BBQ(in Hamilton). It was a slog but it was still worth it to drive 3 hours each way in one day rather than staying home and doing nothing. Sunday we cleaned out all the boxes in the apartment, since we have been away a lot the recycling has been piling up and the apartment has gotten cluttered. If I do a bit each day then by the time we leave for Hawaii(end of August) the apartment should be *ping* clean so that when we get back in September we don't have to do a big marathon session before Jase's parents come to visit(3 weeks in September/October).

I have been finishing up my latest project the last little while, it took way longer than I expected, who knew hand embroidery was so much work? It is almost done, just needs to be lined and bound but I am happy with the way it turned out. I don't really need to line it but because the stitching show on the underside(it looks fine) i wouldn't want the baby to catch a thread or something plus the lining should help protect the thread in the wash(not super confident on my knot tying, even though there are a lot of knots). There was quite a bit more work involved than I thought there would be from looking at the pattern picture but I enjoyed a change of pace and I think they will like it.

(Ignore the centering lines they will disappear in a day or so)

I have been spending time on Facebook, it is a bit addictive. I really like being able to keep track of my friends in other parts of the world, not in a stalker way but just being able to feel like I know what they are up to and am present in their lives. It is hard to keep in touch with people when you hardly ever see them and this is a bit easier to keep up with than email(for me at least). What I find a bit weird are the Facebook stalkers, people who send out friend requests to anyone they have ever been in a room with so they have hundreds of friends. I am just going to keep it to people I actually know and am interested in rather than everyone who was in school at the same time as me. It is fun at the moment maybe it will wear off soon though. I feel bad that I haven't been updating my blog more than once a week,nothing has really been happening so I haven't known what to write. I am sure once the summer ends I will be back in full force with all sorts of interesting observations, I am full of wit after all. ;)

HOT!!!!!

2007-06-29T19:07:00.000-05:00

It has been so hot this week I thought my brain would melt, only having an air conditioning unit in the bedroom sucks but at least at night we can sleep. During the day I have been hanging out in the bedroom with the air on, wearing as little as possible when it is necessary to venture out into the main apartment. I think even my weather pixie would be naked if she could!

On Tuesday I went to Marineland with my friend A and her 7 year old daughter K. It was a hot day but if you could get into the shade it was quite pleasant. We got soaked during the killer whale show and K got to pet/feed a beluga whale, there were also dolphins, sea lions, a walrus, and a herd of deer you could feed and pet. Very sweet to see things through a kids eyes. The beluga whales are my favorite and they had to drag me away from the underwater viewing area(it was nice and cool down there) I love how the whales can turn their heads and their face always looks smiley. A few years ago Jase and I went and and we got some pictures of a newborn beluga(super newborn) it was so cute! there were babies this time but not as little as the ones in the photos.

Today we took K to get her ears pierced at the mall. It brought up all sorts of memories because I am a big baby and tried to get my ears pierced many times(3+) between the ages of 5-14. I chickened out every time, grabbed my earlobes and panicked but the last time my sister got hers done first, didn't flinch, and I couldn't bear the humiliation of backing out again. Now I have 5 piercings but I still got butterfly's in my tummy watching K get ready. The piercing gun isn't quite as big or scary as I remember but I think after they did the first one she considered stopping and not getting the second one done. An hour later she was over it and so happy, they are the cutest little daisy studs, much nicer than the studs we got back in the day.

Tomorrow we are heading to do some diving near Hamilton, just for the day(no long weekend for us,*sniff). Jase gets Wednesday off I think for July 4 but a day in the middle of the week doesn't really give us a chance to go anywhere.Summer is flying by!!! I have been booking stuff for our Hawaii trip at the end of the summer, I have everything sorted except where to stay the last night before we fly home. I LOVE Priceline!!!!!

Too hot to be clever or witty(that is my excuse today anyway) Must mix drink and sit on patio!!

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!

Partied out...for now

2007-06-25T12:58:00.000-05:00

Let's just say that the wedding this weekend was fun. I wasn't passed out I just wanted 5 minutes to rest, which I didn't get because of Jase's relentless teasing and soon after this photo was taken I got back up and stayed on my feet for another 4 hours.

It was a really nice say and we had a great time with all of our friends. Jason and J left the wedding around 11:30 to go to a pub down the street with the centerpiece(which was given away in a game of musical chairs, a vase shaped like a huge pilsner glass, discovered at the pub to hold 5 pints of Newcastle Brown).

J's wife was mad when she found out they had gone and when the wedding ended and they hadn't returned we got in the mini-van(6 of us) and went in search of the boys. Jase was in the pub happily masquerading as a South African surgeon to a bunch of "ladies" from Saskatchewan but J was no where to be found. L took her daughter(14) into the pub to use the washroom where they ran into her school principle(I think he was more shocked then she was).We called J's cell phone to locate him and after informing us he was downtown he hung up. Five calls later he answered and was able to mumble out the name of the street he was on and that he was near a museum. He totally mispronounced the street and we had to ask a cop for the real name(it was by now 2:00am on a Saturday night). There was a flash of motion down the road, moving quickly so we didn't think it was him but when we got over there he was standing on the sidewalk looking wary. S rolled down the window and in a calm voice said "Hey buddy, it's us, we've been looking for you, get in the van". It was like trying to coax a pet into the yard, not wanting to scare him away. J got in the van, his wife bit her tongue(until he sobered up the next morning anyway)the kids (12/14) were dying to laugh and we drove away. A few minutes later all he said was "Where's my big glass?". No explanation, no discussion, he just sadly asked for his glass and then tried to convince us he was walking home to Hamilton and had been on the street in Burlington, not Niagara-on- the-Lake.

I am not sure if it comes across but it was one of the funniest things I have witnessed in a long time. Stories from this event are going to be passed around for years to come much like my legendary Going away pool party in 1998. If you were there you know what i am talking about.

I am waiting for people to send me some pics of Jase and I from the wedding and then I will post them, he was in a suit and I had my hair straightened, we looked quite posh.

Summer Time

2007-06-19T11:57:00.000-05:00

We had a great weekend in Kingston. We dove on Saturday and then took it easy on Sunday, drove around and took our time getting home. This year we have been staying in this motel next to the dive shop instead of at the KOA and while it is convenient it has seen better days. Maybe I am a Princess but the grubbiness gets to me a bit. We stayed there last weekend and I didn't sleep all Friday night because I thought there might be bugs in the bed and the room reeked of smoke. We switched rooms for the second night and it was much better. The sheets and towels are clean but the rooms have been closed up all winter(I think) and so are a bit musty, plus they are in the middle of a remodel and I think last weekends 1st room was the worst room they had. The second room we had was nicer but it was the "murder" room. It was totally redone but I think the stabbing that took place there made redoing it a necessity. This weekend we were in a "waterfront" room and it was nicer but I still I didn't walk around the room with bare feet or sit on any furniture.

We are going to a wedding in Niagara on the Lake this coming weekend and I have been on the hunt for white shoes, doesn't sound hard but apparently they don't exist in Rochester shoe stores(or they have 3 inch heels). I am not panicking yet but maybe if tomorrow doesn't yield results that may change. Jase needs to get something to wear and a haircut, he is like a dog who doesn't want a bath he digs his heels in and resists but after the fact is happy with the results. Getting him to the hair dresser is such a pain and shopping is a whole other kind of hurt. If all works out I will try and get a picture of us to post from the wedding.

Last week Sephora opened a store here in Rochester, I went as a VIP(lol) since I have an account with Sephora online. I got a tote bag but the oodles of freebies I was hoping for didn't materialise,sniff. When I did finish filling my basket the line to pay went out the door of the store, I had no desire to wait 1+hour to pay. Ordering online is still better for me, free samples and quick shipping. I did hook up with this nice gay boy while waiting in the line(on the red carpet) to be escorted into the store. We shopped together and had our make up done, he had a really nice green purse and nails to match, it was fun to have someone to discuss makeup and the people in the store with.

Rochester is hot! The humidity isn't too bad yet but the temps have been in the high 30's/90's and I hate to sweat. I redyed my hair again since the temp colour had faded, it is dark and reddish and if the sun is out you should be able to see it at the wedding. I had it cut last week and my guy blew it straight for me, it is so long now and it was(to quote Jase) like silk. I am going to try and get an appointment to have it straightened this week for the wedding. Eyebrows were done last week as well and so I should be looking good, from the neck up anyway, I have been delaying re-trying on the dress I bought because I can't remember what it looked like on, just that it wasn't as bad as the other choices(and with Spanx it will look even better). If all else fails I have my standby LBD to wear but it would be nice to wear something new.

Anyway I have to run so have a great day!

Off again..

2007-06-15T13:49:00.000-05:00

Last weekends dice trip was really great, we got in some good dives and the weather was beautiful!

Here is a picture of Jase and I at about 100ft on a wreck called the Munson.I am on the right "talking" to Jase(I think I was suggesting we swim around, hence the flipper motion with my fingers.)

This week was pretty uneventful, I got my eyebrows waxed and my hair cut. My hairdresser straightened my hair which was great! It is so long now and having it straight was definitely different. Next weekend we are going to a wedding in Niagara on the Lake, I think I'll try and get my hair straightened for that. It should be fun, all of our dive friends will be there and it is at a super swanky hotel with the promise of good food and unlimited drink. Wherever we are with that group we have a good time. Niagara on the Lake is very picturesque and it will be nice to have some time to chill since we are staying Friday/Saturday night in a Bed and Breakfast.

Tonight we are headed back to Kingston to dive again, just the two of us this time. I think we'll only dive Saturday and then maybe bum around the area, check out Brockville and take it easy.

Have a good weekend and Happy Fathers Day!

J'arrive

2007-06-08T09:43:00.000-05:00

Okay I am back and sorry for the long intermission. So all is going fairly well, my family back in Alberta is having a meltdown and that is the main thing happening this week, I can't decide if it fit for an episode of Jerry Springer or Doctor Phil. Definitely not in "normal happy family" territory. I am not even sure what is going on I get emails from all involved and they are very contradictory, never the less it was a bit of a stressful week. If you want details I'll write a paragraph at the bottom, if not just skip it.

We are going diving in Kingston this weekend, should be nice to be back out in the water with the dive club. I am really happy dive season has started for us because now we are away from Rochester most weekends and it is pretty quiet under the water!

Jase has a conference in Hawaii the end of August and he got the approval to go so this week we have been booking tickets and trying to sort out plans for the week after the conference is over. We are hoping to stay an extra week, fly over to Kona from Kahului and get some ocean dives under our belts. I haven't ever dove in salt water and the prospect of seeing coloured fish and not being wrapped in rubber from head to toe is quite appealing. There is a 3mm wetsuit with my name on it out there somewhere!

I got some awesome stitch markers from my SP10 Pal, they are made by knittingmama and match some that I already have(which I use all of the time!).

I also got a package from knittingmama herself which was jam packed with goodie goodness. There was yummy yarn, pens, pencils, markers, magnets,a cool journal, skittles, stitch markers, beading supplies, tea, and earrings!

I have to get my packages out for mailing first thing next week, this has been such an unproductive month. What with catching up from travel in May and dealing with my "Krazy" family I haven't gotten much done. Sorry.

I have been running this week, it has been hot but not so humid so running in the shade with a bit of a breeze is actually quite pleasant. Yesterday I didn't run until after 5:00 and I though I was going to pass out, my route had little shade so running in the full sun with a breeze doesn't quite do it (thank god I was carrying a water bottle). My new phone is awesome for running, I just stick it on the little pocket of my top, connect the headphones, and go! I have a phone and mp3 player all together in a wee pocket so I don't have to wear an arm/waist carrier. I love efficiency!

Okay family drama time.

My sister and her fiance have been staying with my mother in Edmonton while they get a place to live. It has been about 5 months which admittedly is a long time to live with either of them. My sister is going to school and has a job, they got a place to live and were moving in yesterday. Apparently my mother went to stay in a hotel a week or so ago fearing her safety(?) not sure what is up with that, my sister and my mom fight pretty badly, since mom really f*cked up with the parenting skills when we were at home.

My stepfather was a really bad man and my mother is very passive when in relationships so basically he ruled the roost and the two kids were inconveniences. They sent my sister into foster care and shelters when she was 12(actually legally abandoning her, not sure how they pulled that off but they both work in "social services" so can work the system). Sis's main crime was fighting back, she didn't do drugs or anything you normally get sent away for she just dug in her heels and stood up for herself. After locking her in her room contantly and grounding her didn't work they got rid of her.So there are issues about that.

I was "smart" enough to do what they told me(even though I was being punished most of the time as well), I had to do the time even though I didn't do the crime. Life was very regulated and any infringement on the rules was cause for action. I did my best to not get grounded so I could leave the house, being older meant I could be away from home most weekends and as much as possible during the week. i was still kicked out when I was 18, to stand on my own feet so to speak. As soon as legally possible they cut the strings on me.

While I was living in France my mother and step father divorced which makes me really angry because now she admits he was a bastard but it is too late, we are royally screwed up with trust, abandonment, and self esteem issues that could take years to explain. Mom apologises vaguely from time to time about that stuff that happened but has never owned responsibility for deeds. Basically we play happy family and skirt the issues which is why we barely talk and I dread home visits. Sister tries to confront mom and mom runs from issues. She will never be the mom we want or deserve, what's more she is super generous with her friends and they all think she is a saint since they weren't around when we were living with her. We are "bad" kids.

Back to present day. Sister staying with mom, mom too passive aggressive to face issues, lets new boyfriend dictate situation, sister gets mad, mom goes to hotel. I am positive there was no reason for this, mom is merely a drama queen.

Mom calls police Tuesday,charges sister with squatting, police very confused by situation once they realise it is a mother/daughter issue and fact sister is moving on Thursday, police give sister card and say to call if mom causes problems before move. Mom emailing me with her side. Sister emailing with her side. Sisters fiancee emailing with his version. Mom crazy, sister crazy, fiancee not crazy.

Family f*cked.

Sigh

2007-06-05T17:57:00.000-05:00

I am sorry I haven't posted I am just in a funk and trying to climb out. I will do my best to update in the next day or so. All is well I am just down.

Trip report

2007-05-24T12:14:00.000-05:00

Okay I am back from my whirlwind travels, so nice to sleep in my own bed again. Ohio was fun, we got some good dives in and some crappy dives but the best dive was the last. We were getting back in the water after 6 months of no diving so there were a few bumps to iron out with the new gear and getting back into skills. Jason was ready to chuck the whole things and quit diving for good after the first day(not a good day) but by the end of the weekend he had started talking about a bunch of dives he wants to do this summer. Our dive club is full of a bunch of kindred spirits so to say we have a good time with them is an understatement, to quote Jase "..laugh, I nearly shat!.."

England was really nice, it was the first time I saw Jason's parents garden with flowers in it in 9 years! So much nicer to visit this time of year than Xmas(weather wise). We spent the first couple of days at Jason's parents place and one day a bunch of family and friends came over for a party. Since a bunch of them didn't make it to the wedding it was sort of in celebration of that. Lots of food, wine, and talk. At the end of that night Jason's cousin went out to pick up 14 orders of "fish and chips" complete with curry sauces, mushy peas, battered sausage, and pickled eggs for those so inclined.

We went to Northern Wales for a few days and stayed in a B&B near Bala, having a bathroom attached to your room isn't quite the same as here in North America. Our toilet/shower was in the cupboard, literally. Jason took quite a bit of pleasure from being able to say "Marga pissed in the cupboard".

It was really a beautiful place. We toured a slate mine and drove up towards snowdon, beautiful views and a lot of sheep.

Here's Jase and his mom on the way down into the mine.

I would give you more specifics on the places we went in Wales but I can't say or spell most of the names, Welsh is crazy! After Wales we just had a day left and we went into Birmingham to explore, I wanted to shop but Jase and his dad weren't very interested so basically after about 1.5 hours they declared the shopping over and we were led around town in the rain to see the changes that have been made since last we visited. I hadn't been into the city in almost 6 years and it has changed quite a bit. The whole downtown area has been ripped up and redone with lots of nice new shops(that I only got a glimpse inside). All in all it was a really nice trip and I wish we could have stayed longer.

One last thing CONGRATULATIONS to Cheryl and Shaun on the arrival of Rylee!

Locomotion

2007-05-17T13:21:00.000-05:00

We are back from Houston, which was actually much nicer than I imagined it would be. We left Sunday morning and arrived back Tuesday night and even though I had all sorts of good intentions for checking out the Galleria(4th largest mall in nation) I crashed all day Monday. I think the travelling caught up with me as well as the fact that Jase was up at 5am working on the talk he was giving that day. Three time zones, and three countries in 13 days tends to wear one out. I don't have time to write about our UK trip right now but I can fill you in on Houston.

Our friend J picked us up at the airport and we went out for dinner at this great Mexican place where we ate fish tacos and drank margaritas on the patio. Got back to the room fairly early(9pm) and went to bed, I was drunk after three margaritas and Jase had to get up early to work on his talk. We got up and went for breakfast and then Jase left for his workshop at Rice University around 8:30. I intended to explore and do things but somehow ended up stuck in the super comfy bed watching cable most of the day in air conditioned bliss. J picked up Jase from the workshop around 5:30 and we went to a Bar-B-Que place nearby, supposedly the best place in Houston and those Texans know something about Bar-B-Que. I had a baked potato but Jase had a huge plate of ribs and J ended up with half a chicken(the small order). We went to a nearby pub"The Gingerman" for a beer and then headed back to the room again fairly early 8:30, we had a flight at 8:30am and J had plans. Got up Tuesday morning, had breakfast and caught our town car to the airport. A bit nicer than our usual cab ride. Home at 4:30 and then in bed by 8.

Today we are leaving for a few days to go diving in Ohio, we went last year with our dive buddies and so it is kind of an annual trip. It should be fun, we have a bunch of new gear to test out and it is a nice way to begin the season. All of this travelling has been crazy we haven't really gone any where for months and now it is all coming at one time, we have only been home three full days so far in May! I will tell you all about England when we get back(Tuesday) because we will finally be staying home for a few days in a row and I will have the time for a proper trip report.

Coming...going

2007-05-13T08:01:00.000-05:00

So I am back from England, the trip was really nice but too short. We spent a few days in Northern Wales and it was beautiful, but lots of sheep. Today we are flying to Houston, Jase has a workshop and we will be back on Tuesday. I am actually writing this from the airport, I will write a proper post once we aresettled at the hotel but I just wanted everyone to know we survived our trip, barely.

One note:

NEVER "FLYGLOBESPAN"!!!!!!

Hair

2007-04-27T14:35:00.000-05:00

Well I am loving my hair at the moment as it has been behaving itself admirably. When I went to Toronto in March for the "diva" get together I had just had it cut and it was not behaving, the bangs were particularly bad. I added more blond highlights when I was there and some of them came out a bit too light, so bad bangs and less than stellar highlights. A week or so later I used the semi permanent red colour and now my bangs have grown out! Yesterday I went to the hairdresser for a in between cut check-up and he said he didn't have to do anything beacause my hair looked great. It was so good that he didn't charge me and gave me some updo ideas. I sat in a hairdressers chair for half an hour at the shi-shi salon (that I have to get dressed up to go to) and it didn't cost me a penny. I think somewhere pigs have grown wings and gone on tour.

So good hair (possibly a once on a lifetime occurrence). YAY!

I went to the dentist today and have to get a tooth filled, ugh. I'll do it when I get back from Birmingham. We leave next Wednesday and I guess we are going to spend a couple of days in Wales(Bala). I've never been to that part of Wales so I am looking forward to it, the welsh accent is so amusing. Also there is this excellent curry house in the village where Jase's parents live that I have been dreaming about since the last time we were there. I am hoping to hit it at least 2-3 times(they do take-away). "Malabar" here I come!

Jase wasn't fired, he hasn't said much about things but he has been in an okay mood so I don't ask, if something happens I am sure he will vent to me and I will let you know.

The dress is coming along, hopefully I will finish it this weekend, I'll post pics if I do. Other than that I am dreading Mother's Day, for the same reason I dead my father's birthday(see post ). I will buy a card and mail it before we leave since we will be away for much of the preceding week. I haven't actually heard anything from my mom since mid-February so I assume all is well. I don't even think she knows we'll be in England next week. Bad Mom.

That's all for now!

Pollen Burst

2007-04-23T09:03:00.000-05:00

My weather pixie in the sidebar is such a tart!

Well this weekend was gorgeous! It was sunny and fresh and we spent a lot of time out on the balcony reading. With the nice weather comes the inevitable allergy season and with all this talk of the "pollen super burst" coming our way I am not sure if my nose is really itchy or it is all in my head, they will be real allergies soon enough but I think right now I am just projecting the symptoms upon myself.

I <3> my new phone, haven't got any calls on it other than Jase but the features are tons of fun. Jason's parents called on it yesterday but I didn't get a chance to hear the sound quality because Jase got flustered and had to call them back on his phone. He hadn't bothered to really look at or try out the phone so when they called he didn't even know how to answer it(slider) let alone hold it right. He thought it wasn't loud enough but I think he didn't have the earholes matched up to his earhole. He also keeps his phone's volume turned up really high and I know mine won't go that loud but I don't think he needs it to be megaphone quality. I need to make some international calls this week in order to test out the sound quality so that if I have to exchange it I can(I have until next Monday). It is probably fine Jase just isn't good with new things and can be stubborn about giving stuff a chance.

We head to England in just over a week, next Wednesday we leave from Hamilton and then stay until the following Thursday. It will be nice to see the family and hopefully some friends. I guess we are going up to Wales for a few days to stay on some sheep farm that is also an inn(details will definitely follow). I am prepared to drown in tea and in-law attention. The week after we get back we are heading to Gilboa, PA to meet up with some dive buddies and spend a few days getting ready for dive season. There is a quarry there that is a bit of a dive destination and it is a good chance to shake off the cobwebs from winter and get used to new/old gear before being tossed in the "deeps" exploring the wrecks. It will be so nice to get away and May is going to be over in a flash. Between England and Gilboa Jase might have to go to Houston for a few days for some work thing, so he may hardly be at home in May at all.

I started a new sewing project, I am going to try and make a dress for this wedding we have to go to in June. I bought a dress, it isn't the best fit but it is a good backup in case this project doesn't work out. Basically I just went to the fabric store and bought a pattern that is the same as the dress I have, that way I am hoping to be able to size it a lot better. Dresses for my chest size are way to big for the rest of my body. So Saturday I traced and cut out the pattern and Sunday I pinned and cut out the fabric(I am making a practice dress first).

I finished one of the socks I have been working on, it is my first go at stranded knitting and a short row heel, the heel was a bit of a cock-up but I think it looks alright otherwise.

Here is a photo of the first package I received from my Sp10 Pal, it had some really pretty kool-aid dyed yarn, kool-aid and yarn to dye, some nice opal sock yarn, Peanut butter cups(yum), and a book about sock knitting. Thanks Secret Pal what a super package and I will definitely get some yarn dyed soon, I have been wanting to do this for awhile and have had the supplies for months!! What I have been waiting for is green kool-aid, I can't seem to find any anywhere!!!

The Queen Reigns Supreme

2007-04-16T20:53:00.000-05:00

My Secret Pal sent me an awesome package that arrived on Friday(I will post pictures) lots of goodies to enjoy!

The stress has dissipated a bit and while Jase is still upset I think perhaps the whole "firing" thing was an extreme reaction to an unpleasant situation. He still hasn't sorted it all out but he is talking to me again which is a good sign, things were pretty quiet around here for a few days. He did not notice my hair I had to tell him 5 days after I changed the colour, maybe it is a lot more subtle than I thought (I will try and get a photo to post).

This weekend I went to a Bridal shower and it was really nice. It was in this super fancy old home in the Niagara region(think multi-million dollar home) and each of the guests got nice red wine glasses as a thank you for coming. We also played a few games and I won ALL of them. There were other winners but I won everything. I won the word scramble(got a nice throw pillow), the "guess what spice" game(a matching pillow slipcover), my desert plate had the couples initials on the bottom(another slipcover) and "The Price is right"(which was guessing the price of about 10 household/grocery items), I guessed $1.29 for everything and I had the most correct without going over the correct price so I won all of the items we were guessing! I couldn't believe it and it was quite embarrassing but now I have a nice set of pillows for the couch and I don't have to go grocery shopping for many things this week. It was a really nice shower and we all had a good time.

The shower was in Ontario so I drove up by myself on Sunday, Jase is renewing his UK passport and it has his Visa in it so he couldn't come up with me. I listened to my Justin Timberlake cd and sang my ass off. On the way back there was a snow storm and luckily there wasn't alot of traffic so it wasn't that bad but I was still pretty tired when I got home.

My new cell phone arrived today, I upgraded to a camera phone/music player so I don't have to take my phone and mp3 player on runs, just my phone! I have been playing with it all night and it is just about set up the way I want it. I got the new Nokia 5300(T-mobile) and so far so good, we'll see what it is like when I actually make/receive a call and speak on it.

Still on the dress hunt and I am seriously considering heading to the fabric store this week and just getting a pattern/fabric and making myself something. Almost everything I have tried on has a high waist(empire) and a wrap bodice, not the greatest on me so at least if I make my own I can get the boobs covered and my torso won't look shortened. Seriously these all look like maternity dresses, at least on me, and I am not going to spend the night answering people asking when I am due!!!!

Politics

2007-04-12T09:15:00.000-05:00

Well something is going on at work with Jase, I don't really understand it but apparently a paper that he just published has upset some people at another lab and they are complaining to his boss. He thinks he may get fired. Now this wasn't a "underground" paper, he presented it at a conference in November, it has gone through a ton of reviews by his supervisor/co-authors, but because his results "possibly" contradicted some other scientists at this other lab they are implying that he has been malicious and has intentionally hurt the collaboration between the labs. I don't think this is anything more than a political pissing contest but unfortunately Jase is stuck in the middle because it is his paper. It isn't even like he discovered some amazing secret or got some unbelievable result(as far as I understand) it is just that it affected the worst people possible at another lab, a head honcho's research. So tension at home is a little high and he has to talk to his head guy today or tomorrow to sort it out. I can't believe how political everything is with the managers he works for, there is no reward for doing good work. Basically he should have just done the minimum amount of work possible in order to keep people off his back because anything more is punished. Great working environment, very supportive environment for research. Anyway I am not that clear on the situation I just know that if Jase did do something wrong it was in no way intentional the way it is being presented by the aggrieved parties.

In other news I dyed my hair, I was getting tired of the blond highlights so I put a semi-permanent brown-red over it all and it turned out quite well. I still have highlights but they are more subtle and it should wash out in 28 shampoos(sounds fairly permanent but at least my hair isn't one matte colour.

SORRY

2007-04-11T08:53:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't posted for a long time, for some reason every time I sat down to write something would distract me and then since so much time had gone by I wasn't sure where to start.

So I recovered from my flu in time for my trip to Toronto and it was so fun. We did a lot of shopping and Y bought a ton of funky new wardrobe items. We drank "Skinny Bitches" ,ate chips and dip, and ordered room service the morning after we drank too much and couldn't make it out of the room until afternoon. Y had her first pedicure/manicure and it was the best one I have ever had!!! This place was right next to our hotel and they had the massage thrones(a definite must) for the pedicure. Y was reluctant to go, I am not sure why but now I think she is hooked. They gave us really great foot massages, hand massages, back massages, and did a super job with the nails. I am no stranger to a pedicure and this was definitely the best "overall" experience I have ever had....and it was only $30 for everything!!! Poor Y has had the bar set high and may not ever find a place to match her expectations.

Since we did so much walking and shopping my feet were not happy. For some reason they blistered quite badly on the bottoms of my heels(in shoes I have worn forever!) so midway through the trip I was busy soaking them in ice and "tending" to the blisters so that I would be able to walk. Thursday was not a good day but by Friday I could hobble along steadily and get a pedicure.

I took the train home Saturday and watched a bunch of shows on my laptop, I had a seat in business class because it only costs $5 more and you get a bigger seat, plug in for the laptop, and free drinks on the US side. I hadn't realised how much nudity some of my shows contain until I was watching them in a public place and checking that no one behind me could see, luckily my screen is pretty much impossible to see clearly from any angle not straight on. Y and I also watched a few "flicks" in the hotel room and all I can say is one word "PIE-rats".

The knitting has been going slowly, I have been working on it once or twice a week when I go over to A's but other than that I have been trying to get some quilting done so that we can use the quilt on our bed this Spring/Summer. Luckily the weather hasn't turned too warm yet at night, but soon it will be time to retire the winter duvet.

I have been scouring the stores for dresses the last few weeks(YUCK!) I have some showers and weddings to attend and so therefore need somethings to wear. I hate shopping alone and dresses are not my favorite item, not because I don't like them but because I am tall and my top is large, so dresses are either too short, too tight in the bust, or if they fit up top way to big on the rest of my body. "Dress Barn" was a bit of a success and I thought I was getting closer to finding something so I bought four home to try on with better bras and to get Jase's opinion. He didn't think much of them so they are going back. Ugh, now I think I will try Macy's and maybe move on to a skirt/top combo search.

Other than that not much going on, we leave for England in three weeks so it will be nice to see the family and have a proper curry dinner. Our first dive trip is the end of May and we are really looking forward to that as well, lots of new gear to test out.

Hopefully everyone enjoyed the holiday and I will post again soon!

Stay Tuned

2007-04-04T17:16:00.000-05:00

Don't worry I didn't perish from the man-fection, I was just away in Toronto and I will update ASAP. Getting the house back in order after leaving Jase alone has taken a few days so stay tunes and I promise to even post some pictures!

Man cold

2007-03-22T10:35:00.000-05:00

Jason gave me his "man cold" and I spent the last couple of days feverish and strung out on Nyquil Liquicaps. Today I just feel crap but not sweaty or shivery so that is an improvement. I stocked up on tissues(with lotion), Halls, Tylenol, and orange juice so that I have every advantage available for recovery. I will be better by the weekend because Sunday marks the beginning of my "Trip to the City" and I will not be impaired for that, nor will I be in any state to infect Y with my "man germs". The infection has definitely been traced back to Jason's office mate and so it isn't only a "manfection" but also originated at the laser lab, all sorts of mutations could be present. Anyway I am back to bed, just letting the world know I am still alive and I will conquer this disease!

Crazy day...

2007-03-17T12:26:00.000-05:00

Jase just got back from his regular Saturday run to the grocery store for pastries and was fuming. "There are balloons all over the store that say Happy St. PATTY"S Day!". Why would this upset my usually "calm" spouse otherwise known as the "grammar police"? "Because it isn't F**kin St. Patty it is Paddy!" Did I mention he has a "man cold" and is therefore in a whingeing state of mind.

In other news it is my fathers birthday today, I have been dreading today for at least two weeks because it means I am expected to make a phone call. This will be one of three conversations we will have this year and also the same conversation we have three times a year. Does that make sense? It makes me fell sick to have to do this and that is sad because it is my father. Anyway I have seen him twice in the last 16 years and the last time was at our wedding 1.5 years ago. Strutted around the place acting all "Father of the Bride" when the first time I saw him was as I walked down the aisle. The problem is that he talks to me like we are close and he is the "daddy" and I am his little girl. As I have mentioned before my family definitely has it's share of crazy people and Dad is no exception. He honestly believes he was a good parent and all is well. He has no clue that moving away and not seeing/speaking to your kids for most of their lives is not normal. He was around for the first 13 years of my live and to him that was enough, his job was done and I didn't need a dad anymore.

So tonight I have to grit my teeth and make the call and listen to him "chat" about the same things he always does: maybe he will visit this year, my sister is a normal person, my mother is not(he gets a point for that), the weather, and finally when am I coming to visit him. Well the answer to the last question is probably never because he lives in BC and it is way too expensive to fly there to see a man I have nothing to say to. Especially since he couldn't be bothered to make the 2 hour flight to see me during the 25 years I lived in Alberta. Needless to say I have issues. I feel bad because I know that I am never going to have a proper relationship with my father and when he dies I am going to be very sad, but perhaps a bit relieved because the game will be over. Like I said my family is crazy and I am definitely a full blooded member. My hope is that Jase's "happy family" genes will water down the crazy ones.

Spring = lighter weight socks

2007-03-15T14:01:00.000-05:00

I went from wearing my winter boots on Saturday to not even wearing socks yesterday! It took 2 days of warm weather and ALL of the snow is melted. Winter started on Jan.10(we drove to the hospital for my surgery through the first snow that stayed) and now it is over. Ironically I just finished 2 pairs of socks for Jase in the last couple of weeks and now it is to warm for him too wear them!

Last weekend we went up to Ontario for a dive club meeting, it was fun to see everyone and since it was in Hamilton this time one of our friends who is always designated driver got to drink(lived within walking distance). Unfortunately she was the only one really drinking and she hit the "red juice" pretty hard. It was funny because none of us had seen her drunk before(due to the driving) and she was having a good time! I thought she was funny but one of the "kids"(9) was a bit freaked out. His statement was "she isn't a nice drunk like her husband, she's loud!" What does that say about us if the kid knows what kind of drunk everyone is? He had just never seen her like that and it caught him off guard.

Toronto in 10 days!!!! Who will be there when I am there?
David Usher
Y and I will be once again within "touching" distance of Mr. Usher...will try not to drool and embarrass myself since we are "respectable" married ladies.

I'm currently sitting in the local Library "working", just taking a break to catch up with everyone online. I have to write a paper about Socratic method and thinking it would be easier to work here without distractions have found that I am able to be distracted anywhere. I could just turn off my wireless internet and therefore be unable to email/surf/post but that would be too easy. I have also had to take numerous bathroom breaks due to the Venti coffee I brought as a treat. Don't worry me and Socrates are soon to be parted and I will get to move on to the 4 other papers that need attention. Ugh. Any philosophers out there want to make some money? Just joking....maybe.

While we were in Ontario on the weekend we stopped off at a friends for coffee and Jase spent time looking at their photos from a dive trip in Mexico in January. Because of this I think we will get to go with them next year! Jase wouldn't listen to me if it had been my suggestion but since the man of the house is exactly like Jase(weird), praised the cavern diving, and invited us I think Jase is sold. Mexico here we come!

That's all folks.

SP10 Questions

2007-03-07T13:10:00.000-05:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Right now I am using a lot sock wool and soft yarns.
I don't really like acrylic it is too squeaky, ugh...

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I keep everything I need for my current project in various ziploc bags. Everything I am not using sits in a box.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learned when I was around 12 but I just started up again in the last 12 months. I think I am an intermediate sock knitter and probably beginner/intermediate everything else. I am definitely learning to "trust the pattern"

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes

5. What's your favorite scent?
I like fresh scents, citrus, lavender,almond, cloves or verbena.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
More of a salty one but I like cinnamon,peanut butter, and dark chocolate

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I quilt and sew. I don't spin

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I can play mp3's and I can't think of anything I wouldn't listen to.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Blue, not a huge fan of pastels.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married, no kids, no pets

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes, yes, no

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Right now socks, I am working my way through the books "Sensational Knitted Socks" and "More Sensational Knitted Socks"

13. What are you knitting right now?
Socks

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Cetainly

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
The only thing I don't like is metal needles, I can't stand the way the scrape/squeak against each other

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
1-2 months, I need to felt my Fibertrends Clogs.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Not really, anything Firefly related when I come across something. I do have a stash of Dragonfly fabrics.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I want them all! No subscriptions.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
It;s all new to me unless it is a sock made with #3 needles and yarn 6sts/inch. So far this combination has been good to me.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes, not sure exactly but I wear a size 8.5/9 shoe.

23. When is your birthday?
November 24

Charlie Brown

2007-03-02T11:03:00.000-05:00

So we bought little Alberta Spruce and used it for our Xmas tree with hopes of using it every year. I took care of it and when the needles started to brown a bit I thought maybe it was just shocked from having Xmas ornaments/lights put on/taken off of it's wee branches. I knew it was watered properly and in the sun so I didn't worry too much thinking it would recover in time.

Wrong.

It had spider mites and the little buggers did much, perhaps irreparable damage. We'll put the little guy outside and treat him for the mites since it is giving an effort by producing some new growth. I can't imagine that it will ever look much better than this.

Now we have a Charlie Brown Xmas tree.

Swappity, swap, swap, swap!

2007-02-28T11:44:00.000-05:00

Check out this Swap "Knitting Mama" is hosting.

Contraband

2007-02-24T14:04:00.000-05:00

Look what arrived in the post today....while Jason was out skiing....

Once I get the plastic wrap off I intend to stick it in my laptop and have a listen, with the headphones on. Jason isn't even home yet but I still feel like I am doing something naughty, like sneaking booze from my parents liquor cabinet or something.

This week was fairly uneventful except my GF booked her plane ticket to Toronto for March so I am going to start my hunt for a hotel(I "heart" priceline). The only problem is that I can only make one bid per 24 hour period so luckily I have the time to wait to get a smokin' deal on a 4 star diva hotel. It will be so great having a friend from home to hang with and just "chick" out,the last trip to TO was one of my highlights of 2006!

I started on another pair of socks for Jase, I am doing them in a basket weave pattern but with the yarn I am using I don't think the pattern shows up very well. Next time I will use a solid colour for patterned work.

It looks pretty cool and I am happy with the result.

JT Revisited

2007-02-19T10:38:00.000-05:00

So there was a Justin Timberlake concert in Buffalo last night and the radio station here was giving away tickets every hour from Wed-Sat. I had a bit of an OCD thing come over me and I called in a bunch of times, I was caller 2, 4, and 6 at different times but hey needed 8,so in my frenzy and disappointment at missing out I went and bought the new CD. I ordered it from amazon and it doesn't get here until next week but it will have to be played on the sly. Jase still intensly dislikes anything JT related so I think the sight of a new CD would put him over the edge. Jan-Feb are the worst months for him at work so it wouldn't take much to set him off. Anyway I am not sure where this obsession stems from, maybe it is the change in hormones in my body from going off the pill but I am definitely in thrall. Not in a screaming girl way, more in a primal inextricable way Grrrrrr(does this make me a cougar?) Enough said.

Last week went by super fast, I didn't even realise that I hadn't posted for a while. I finished Jase's socks, they striped up nicely.

I finished Clog #1 and am putting off starting on #2 for a little while.

Valentines Day came and went and Jase got me a card and balloon, and I scored a smokin' deal on flowers the day after.

Our grocery store was super pimped out for the big occasion, there were even ice sculptures and a chocolate fountain on display.

The whole entrance way to the store was transformed into a V-Day wonderland, a huge zone of perfumed sweetness that had to be navigated if you wanted to buy bananas.

We booked our tickets to England and scored another smokin' deal. Flyglobespan.com is a charter that flies from all over Canada and we got both our tickets for the same price we would have paid for one ticket at Xmas. May flowers here we come(May2-May10). I haven't been in England in any season but gloom(Xmas) for about 8 years! Hopefully we can see some friends and the new batch of kids that have been created since last I ventured abroad.

Yesterday was my friend Shirley's birthday and when I called her a bunch of friends were over celebrating. It was bittersweet to hear the laughter since I miss being a part of that group very much. Good people, when we are together I often come close to wetting myself from the laughter. Sigh. They are also a group that is breeding prolifically, 3 couples that I know of are expecting Shirley included! I don't know if it is the already mentioned hormone changes from being off my drugs or my last birthday passing but I am having hardcore baby urges. Logically I know there is time and this isn't the best time for a wee one but I still get pangs. I never really believed all that "clock ticking" business but it is TRUE. I talked to Jase about it and said if I am still jonesing at my next B-Day(November) we will have to have a "talk", either get a dog or get "busy".

Anyway Happy Family/Presidents Day!

On the go

2007-02-06T14:31:00.000-05:00

Weather here has been really nice, sunny, crisp, and cold with really great snow. The locals aren't too pleased, the news keeps talking about how dangerously cold it is but the lowest it has been was -19C. Even with the news anchors threat of exposed flesh freezing Jase and I went outside on Sunday and had a great time. He x-country skied with W and I walked with A while their daughter K skied(2nd time ever). W,A,&K are our friends that we hang out with sometimes, he is German and she is Brazilian and their kid is 7.

A and I have started meeting once a week to knit and hang out. I got an order of yarn in the post last week and I have currently got three projects on needles.
I am making socks for Jase, and since A is making(learning) a pair as well I have two on the go so that I can use one to show her technique and the other to work on at my own pace.

See my Firefly stitch marker. I am really happy with the way this yarn is striping, it is Patons Merino in Forest and I got a bunch of it. I ordered some other colours as well.

I am going to use them for a few different projects. One thing I am working on is the Fibertrend Felted Clog and I knit up a swatch with three of the colours to see how it would felt up.

Since I didn't want to use our communal coin washer for the test I put the swatch in a Tupperware container with hot water and shook it for 5 minutes. It turned out well and I am using the top colour and the bottom colour together(2 strands) for my clog. It is a funny pattern, when you read it it is overwhelming but as you work things become clearer and it is an easy project. Somehow I knit my sole on backwards(?)with the rounded part at the heel instead of the toe. So I picked up the stitches and separated it form the foot and then Kitchener stitched it back on in the proper position, or did I? I actually stitched it back on in the same position so I had to take it out again and today redo the stitching. I can't believe I did this!

You can see that the two pieces are on needles awaiting ther reunion.
I also received a package this week from my SP9 Angel and it was awesome!

So many goodies I am still finding new ones. There was yarn, notions, hot drinks, a mug, stitch markers, two beautiful felted boxes, and chocolate. There were also these two pretty yarn cakes.

And these books.

It was worth the wait, THANK YOU!

Under the gun

2007-01-31T11:47:00.000-05:00

So my friend Delly Bean is hosting a Swap that looks like fun check it out! I think sign ups end today but I am sure they would still accept anyone interested who signs up.

I put in an order for yarn and whatnots that should arrive today(this shop has free shipping on ALL orders, any amount, in the US and Canada!!!). When I told Jase about it he asked me if I knew how long it would take to make him another pair of socks. What he actually asked was "Do they tell you how long it will take?" meaning I assume is there a time listed on the pattern/yarn for the project. Weird question but then again he is a scientist so I just said I didn't the average time socks took but it would depend on how often I worked on them. He wasn't 100% pleased with my answer which I will assume means he wants more socks. Nice to know my work is appreciate but possibly foreshadowing for my future activities.

Firefly's sock sweat shop(not sweat sock shop) will commence Thursday morning. I am going over to my friends house and we are going to knit or whatever takes our fancy. Knitting is the official reason our husbands(they work together and we spent New Year's with them) think we are starting a regular get together but we may very well just sit around and have a beer. We are two wild and crazy gals with the whole day to fill.

Summer Memories

2007-01-28T15:02:00.000-05:00

As I was going through the photos from last summers trip to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia I was struck by the beautiful places we saw.

????

2007-01-26T12:04:00.000-05:00

It is -19C/-2F with the windchill and school was cancelled today. Where am I?

Frustration

2007-01-26T10:07:00.000-05:00

Delly Bean and Lil Rose Thorn are hosting a softie swap so check it out.

People here are less than smart. The weather today is beautiful! Sunny,-12C, and still. The roads are clear and all should be well right? Well the news has been flashing extreme weather warnings since last night, apparently there is going to be some windchill and lake effect snow. Fair enough but right now all is well and people are still driving like morons! The average speed on the freeway which is usually 100-120km/hr(55-60miles) is currently 50km(40miles)/hour. People are creeping along like they are driving on a skating rink but there is no ice, the roads are fine and dry!!!!! It drives me crazy how easily influenced they are here regarding the weather there is always some weather alert and if the news says it is treacherous out it must be so. It took me almost 3x as long to get Jase to work and then back home this morning and there is no reason why this should have been! Needless to say I just got home and things are still a bit fresh in my mind.

I've been tagged by Knitting Mama so here is my response.

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1. I have a bit of a "sheet" issue (as Jase calls it). I have to make the bed and I can't feel comfortable unless the sheets and duvet are straight, there can't be too much sheet sticking out at the top or any areas of "sheet mass"(clumps). If something isn't right I get very anxious and have to rearrange things in order to sleep.

2. I can't have my feet hanging off the end of the bed, it gives me the heebie geebies.

3. I don't like to go grocery shopping unless I have a list, really don't like it.

4. I get a stomachache whenever we have to fly even though I am in no way afraid.

5. I sleep with two stuffed hippos Mr. Hippo and his replacement Trevor(read here).

6. I could live entirely upon Philadelphia Cream Cheese French Onion Dip and Ripple Potato Chips. It wouldn't be pretty but I would be quite content.

Tag: Delly Bean, Lil Rose Thorn, S, Chrissy, Duck Notes, and Poetic Dream

My affair with JT

2007-01-21T15:55:00.000-05:00

Justin Timberlake has been a bit of a presence in our house lately. I was never a fan of N'SYNC but did take a liking to JT when I saw the video for "Cry Me a River". Hot! Jason is not a fan of Mr. Timberlake and it was never a big deal, JT and I just had a secret affair behind Jase's back. I have the cd "Justified"(it was a gift), I listen to it on my own when Jase isn't home(good cleaning music), and I may know all of the words. I share this love with one of my BF's Y and we have spent some time drooling together over this young heartthrob in a way that may be dirty.

Anyway lately with Justin's new cd being released and his song "Sexy back' on constant radio play Jase has taken a strong dislike to the "dickhead" and whenever a song comes on the radio or he sees JT on tv (in a magazine) he yells "PENIS" and starts on a rant about what an idiot Justin Timberlake is and how he looks like such a smarmy bugger. This may be true, I do not know the young man personally, but it has forced my love even deeper into hiding and my arguments for the star are not effective.

Ultimately this is no biggie, I just think it is pretty funny that Jason has taken such an adamant dislike to JT. I may turn up the volume on the radio or happen to be watching "Entertainment Tonight" when Jase is around in order to start him on his rampage because honestly it is pretty funny to witness.

Detox

2007-01-20T14:09:00.000-05:00

Well I am off the percocet, even looking at the syrup bottle makes me feel like gagging. The taste did not get any better after time, 6 doses a day for 9 days was my limit. I am now on huge doses of ibuprofen which seems to be doing the trick. Talking is no longer agony and I am eating more regular foods(sandwiches and toast!). My throat is still sore and it feels like there is something stuck in the back so I feel like I need to constantly clear my throat. This is most likely the "scabs" loosening, pleasant eh? I think that by Monday things should be pretty much back on track and all will return to "normal" in our world.

Jase was so tired this week, riding his bike to and from work through the snow was a bit more than he has been used to, and then he had to feed himself. He succeeded on both fronts but last night he did say how tired he was. I of course took this as an opportunity to point out that he must have missed having a "wife" this week, to which he replied "no, if you weren't here I would just buy a parking pass and then drive to work". So basically he could replace me for about $100/month in parking fees. I know this isn't true and should just accept that he will never "get it" and take the opportunities to praise me that I give him. He loves me and basically if that changes he'll let me know.

His latest obsession is servicing the scuba equipment, his xmas list was all for various tools, bits, and bobs to free us from the evil dive shop conglomerate. He now has manuals, spare parts, and a practice reg to perfect his art with. Hopefully this means that he will get it right, he is a smart guy and scuba equipment is actually pretty simple so I am not really worried and it will save us money in the long run, plus it makes him happy!

Day 6

2007-01-16T16:47:00.000-05:00

No whining today.

I feel better, everything still hurts but I am relieved because Jason called the doctor and I have a refill for my pain narcotics. I think worrying about running out was a huge stresser. So I am still in MoFo level pain but I know I can drug myself through it for at least another week. Jason spoke to the nurse and she said that everything I was experiencing was normal and to expect it to not start changing until after next Sunday. Not great on the amount of recovery time but good to know nothing is out of order. I wonder why they didn't just give me enough medicine to cover the 2 weeks? It would have made me less anxious.

Today I had a piece of bread with peanut butter (chewed very well)which was a huge addition to my diet, my first "solid" food since last Tuesday. I am starting to find that cold things are hurting me more so I am going to try switching to lukewarm beverages, another exciting change. My life is a bit limited in the Wow factors lately. Just wanted to check in and let everyone know that I am over the pity act and ready to accept my fate.

I have been watching a new (for me) series "Dexter" and have been enjoying it, i also have been watching the first season of "Rome", not sure if I like it or not yet. Also I have the best husband ever. Poor Jase has been riding his bike to work since I can't drive(due to the drugs) and while this is something he enjoys doing the weather has been yucky the last few days. It has finally snowed and turned cold and today his 20 minute ride took him an hour. The canal path doesn't get cleared so he had to ride through standing snow and it was a slog. At least he didn't have to ride in the rain, yesterday it poured and he had to sit at work with wet socks and underwear since he had a change of clothes for work but no extra socks/undies. Poor guy.

Day 5

2007-01-15T13:30:00.000-05:00

*Whiney me is making another appearance so read on or just skip it.

Well I have made it this far, 5 days since I left the hospital. I haven't missed a single dose of medication since then and I am starting to panic because I am due to run out Wednesday. When I left the hospital the bottle looked huge and I never thought I would need to take all of it,, maybe just for a day or two, but I was wrong.

Basically my throat still hurts like a mo-fo. I had taken out a ton of books to read from the library and have only made it through one. I am either to drugged up to focus, sleeping, or just not interested. I am ready for the healing to begin so far I haven't noticed any change on the pain, it is almost like it is getting worse. My ears are now involved, plugged up and sore. I think the swelling has gone down but because there has been some "shedding" the pain is still quite bad. Talking is also out of the question and when Jase can't understand something I have said the first time I almost start crying because repeating it is so ouchy.

I get up for my pain dose at 7am, grab a fresh ice pack from the freezer, sleep, wake up for more meds and ice at 10:30, take an italian ice out of the freezer, fill my cup up with ice and get my gatorade for the day ready. I then spend the next 3 hours trying to drink and consume enough cold frozen things to numb my throat and keep hydrated. Pain meds at 3pm and then repeat. Usually by 7pm, when I take my 3rd dose of the day, the pain is under control enough(through meds and fluid consumption) that I get out of bed and have "dinner" with Jase (vegetable broth is surprisingly tasty). Then it is off to bed at 11pm (another dose) ans I set my alarm for the 3am, 7am meds the next day. Ice is my best friend.

Yesterday was really bad because my body seems to be rejecting all things sweet cold and red, which is basically my entire diet at the moment. I wasn't able to drink much or eat all day, super nauseous, and when I had broth around 7 I was really excited because I thought I was doing better and would get dehydrated(dry is bad). Needless to say around 10:30 all of my hard consumed work was flushed down the toilet. Swallowing is painful enough, vomiting was a whole other world. I had a bit of a panic and Jase calmed me down, I was just really frustrated that things aren't getting better and I had just torn my throat up even more.

Jase has been super patient, I don't think either one of us thought it would be this long. I hate being in bed all day in a sick fog. Luckily I have my laptop so I can watch shows and email/internet from bed. I hate feeling sorry for myself and I know I am being a big baby but it kind of makes me feel better to just get it out.

Hopefully tomorrow will be better!

Day 2

2007-01-12T19:54:00.000-05:00

So today sucks.

I think I may have had a bit of a head start on feeling okay coming home from the hospital because of all the IV fluids. Today I can't talk at all, my tongue is all lacerated and swollen, I'm feverish, and I have to try and get as much into me as I can(fluids)for the time when the drugs are somewhat working. I get about an hour every four hours of manageable pain and then the waiting game begins for the next dose. Not great. Jase was at work all day and I think a bit surprised by the change in me from yesterday. I know I am super cranky and Jase isn't sure what to do, since I can't tell him(no talking) and there isn't anything I can think of anyway let's just say things are pretty miserable here this evening.

Oh and bad mom called the night before surgery to ask if I was having "hernia" surgery anytime soon....my sister had mentioned to her I was going into the hospital. Mom knew, we talked about it when she was here in early december, she is just such a bad mom that she doesn't pay attention and then asks me if I am sure I am not having hernia surgery? Needless to say she hasn't called since I have been home. Bad Mom. If it was one of her precious friends having any kind of illness/procedure she would have made up care baskets, sent flowers, or even flown out to see them or done something else "super thoughtful" they think the sun shines out of her ass and for some reason she can't pull it together when it is her kid. She can fake being a good mom around her friends but somehow fails to pull it off, she doesn't even bother trying or she tries and it is just so fake that it is embarrassing.

Time for my drugs.

Home again, home again, jiggedy jig...

2007-01-11T14:48:00.000-05:00

Surgery is over. I went in yesterday at 7am and was done by 9:15. Holy cow was I sore in the recovery room! I was super shaky and it was hard to breathe, needless to say I took maximum advantage of the pain meds and made good use of the pain scale. The meds kicked in and took the edge of to a comfortable level around 12:30.

I was in my own little room, it was a cozy little cube with a bed, sink, and tv. Since we were in the basement there were no windows but I had a sliding glass door facing the nurses station so I could watch them or close the door and curtain so it was quiet and private. While the pain meds work they only work for about 2.5 hours and I can only take them every 4 hours. I feel great when they are working, I can swallow relatively comfortably and pain is at about a 6(when the drugs wear off pain is at an 8).

I had to call the nurse to carry my "IV bag" for me whenever I had to go to the washroom which was quite frequently since my body was sucking up the IV fluids. At around 8:00pm they finally gave me a pole so I could wheel myself back and forth. By 11:00 last night I was sick of Jello and popsicles but in love with crushed ice. I was able to sleep for about 6 hours total last night and I managed to wake up in time for my doses so I didn't go drug free for long. This morning my tongue was so swollen when I woke up I had trouble talking. It is about 4x normal size, totally bizarre. It is still pretty swollen but while the meds are working I am able to get some stuff in my tummy.

Jase brought me home around 9:30 this morning and since then I have been in bed. My alarm is set to go off every 4 hours so I can take my "liquid percocet" and I have been reading for 30-40minutes, taking my syrup, sleeping 2 hours reading 30 minutes and then taking another dose. My body definitely makes sure I am awake in time. I have been able to eat some pudding, jello, italian ice, tea, gatorade, a piece of white bread (that took forever to chew and swallow) and I when I got home I sucked on a few Ritz crackers just to have something salty rather than all the sickly sweet things I am allowed. Jase is at work and will be home around 6(he rode his bike because he doesn't have a parking permit for work) at which point I am looking forward to Miso soup and possibly mashed potatoes for dinner. Eating real food is exciting because I didn't think I would be able to for a few days. I am super sore and it does look like someone took a melon baller to my throat (which is hard to see with my giant tongue in the way) but so far so good.

Gotta run my alarm is going off and it is time for my medicine!

Farewell Forever

2007-01-09T13:01:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the big day, I go in to get my tonsils out and while I will miss them I am so glad they are going. They are huge and it will be strange not to see them when I look in the mirror but I can live with it. I have to stay overnight in then hospital and I think that is what I am the most nervous about, being alone in a gown with no bum , in a room full of strangers. I am looking forward to the drugs(is that bad) so they better be good!

I have been running around the last few days trying to get things done before I "go under". The car was one task and after needing new tires, an alignment, state inspection, oil change, and new tie rod? we are out $750. Not great right after the holidays but the shite part is that the clutch is just starting to go a bit and that is going to cost another $1100. I love our car and it has been great, we drive the crap out of it and have had no problems, it is just not very good at timing its needs. I held off on getting the clutch done I'll get it taken care of next month but when I was in the dealership calling Jase to tell him the price for today he started to have a bit of a fit, and then I told him about the clutch. He is taking it surprisingly well now that he has thought about it probably due to the fact that other than new tires, oil changes, regular servicing, and new brake pads we haven't had to put any major money into the car yet (knock on wood).

Jason's birthday was last week and I made him a cake. It was my first foray into the layered cake genre and I think it turned out pretty well.

I gave him the socks I made and they fit great! Even though they look strange in the picture they are indeed the same size.

On the weekend we had some friends come over and we played "Settlers of Catan" and had more cake. For my second attempt I made Lemon Coconut layer cake(but didn't get any pictures.

My sister sent me this neat wall art for my birthday, it looks just like Jase and I don't you think? Well mostly like Jase since he is a stringbean.

I have become addicted to Torrent downloading. Did you guys know you could get porn online? I am looking forward to catching up on programs in bed on my laptop while I recuperate. Jason has becom addicted to "Most Extreme Elimination Challenge" and we have also gotten our hands on all five seasons of Footballers Wives which I LOVE!

I am going to try and get Jase to take a picture of me in recovery a la "Extreme Makeover" giving the two thumbs up.

Wish me luck!

Welcome to 2007!

2007-01-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

My resolution this year is to try and stay in better contact with my friends via telephone and email. I was lazy last year and relied to much on just assuming people were reading the blog. I also took the plunge and upgraded to the new blogger, fingers crossed nothing f***s up(I like my site just like it was).

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays, we ended up spending Christmas Eve in Welland, had brunch Christmas Day in Niagara Falls, then drove to Toronto and then spent the next few days there meeting up with a friend on Boxing Day.

It didn't really feel very x-mas-y, gifts weren't opened until the evening because we had to check out of the hotel in the morning and then we were in the car. Jason finally clued in and got me something off my wish list (yes indeed that is a Sephora gift bag in my hand and a manic gleam in my eyes).

I also received this little beauty!I had intended on finishing up Jase's socks and sticking them in his stocking but I forgot the finished sock and didn't know how long to make it, not a big deal since his birthday is Jan 3rd and I can give them to him then. He did however receive a lovely authentic Tim Horton's coffee mug(trust me it is better than it sounds). He is very scruffy in this photo but that just means he has had enough days off from work to have grown some stubble and is therefore relaxed! His hair is another issue it desperately needs to be cut.

New Years was spent at our German/Brazilian friends home. We had Raclette for dinner(cheesy goodness), drank too much wine, played Uno and Sorry(both which were new to Jase), and then watched the countdown on TV. It was a really fun night, I like board games and hadn't played those since I was a kid.

Knitting Mama had her baby in the week between Christmas and New Years, he is so tiny and sweet! He was two weeks early and I don't think anyone topped a gift like that this year.

I am getting my tonsils out on January 10th, this morning I had my pre-op appointment and it went well, they had to do a pregnancy test(standard) and all I kept thinking was I hope the "new apparatus" is doing its job!

Apparently non-stop ice cream is no longer on the list for recovering patients so it will be all I can eat Popsicles and juice for 10 days. My room for the night is in the basement of the hospital, it has no window but they compensate you for that with a free TV. Hopefully I am drugged up to my eyeballs and able to just sleep the time away, otherwise I think it will be pretty boring. I'm going to go and get some new PJ bottoms this week so I have something other than the gown to wear.

A la prochaine!

Mail!

2006-12-22T14:45:00.000-05:00

Here are the Stitch Markers I received in Knitting Mama's Stitch Marker Swap.

The small ones are from Celia in Australia and the neat blobby ones are from Angela in Quebec.

Thanks so much!

Chrimbob

2006-12-20T11:06:00.000-05:00

I have been a postal groupie lately, it seems like I have been at the post office for days! Today I mailed off the last international package(Jason's mom's birthday is on Dec.28) so now I can go to the DIY kiosk to post other US items. No more waiting in line! My regular postman(he helps me most of the time) told me my skin was beautiful, I believe his exact words were "Do you know that there are women who would kill for your complexion, it is so clear and natural". I wasn't sure what to say, I guess the 4 step process Jase teases me about is working. He also gave me a full size, post office tape thing-y. You know the big thing you stick a roll of tape in and use for boxes when you move? What a treasure. Jase didn't even bat an eye when I told him because he knows that the postman is about 65, and has no larynx. He wasn't being nice in a dirty old man way, just nice. It made my day sunny!

We are not sure what we are going to be doing for Chrimbob now, I think we might go to Toronto and see our friend Kipp. The important thing is we won't be in Rochester. I am still waiting for a couple of packages to arrive for Jase and hopefully he is waiting for some packages for me because there is an imbalance of gifts under our little tree...they all seem to be for him?

Two small padded envelopes have come for him(me)too small for socks so maybe he got the hint and I will get some jewels :) I have been working on finishing his second sock, I think he has forgotten about them because I made the first one in October, anyway am going to stick them in his stocking but it has been slow since I can't work on it when he is around.

The weather is still above 0C. There was ice on the puddles when I was running this morning, but I still only needed a light jacket to cut the wind. I wore an ear band for the same reason but my head was way to hot. Hopefully there will be some snow this winter, I haven't had a chance to try out my "new" ski boots I got in March yet! Jase has been riding his bike to work and is dying to get back on skis, he thinks he is getting fat, as if he is such a string bean. For his sanity and mine we definitely need snow!

Here's our little Alberta Spruce Chrimbob tree!

My new friend Hamish

2006-12-15T15:38:00.000-05:00

I know I have been bad about updating lately but I have just been a bit overwhelmed by doctors appointments and trying to get a package off to England in time for Christmas. The packages were mailed yesterday and I don't have another appointment until December 28.

Okay so this is what they "think" I have: Hepatic Angioma

So the treatment for now to go off the pill immediately and in 6 months they will do another ultrasound to see if the tumour has shrunk at all. If it hasn't I have to have it biopsied. They don't like to do this because your liver bleeds a lot and it can be tricky.

This means I am off the pill forever and cannot use any kind of hormonal birth control. A diaphragm is the only solution I can think of that would make sure no sprogs turn up unexpectedly.
Will my doctor fit me for a diaphragm? No.
Can I get an appointment with a gynecologist to do it? Yes, but not until March.
Will Jason ever have sex with me again? NO!

I have an appointment at the "Planned Parenthood Clinic" on Monday, they were a bit confused when I called to make an appointment because I am married, have insurance, and am not in a low income household. After going through the explanation that none of my doctors will do it for me and the only GYN appointment I could get was far away they agreed. It is kind of scary to go from a super effective method to something that can be messed up by "aggressive thrusting"(what else is there?) IUD is another solution, but they often release hormones(American ones anyway)and they are scary. Don't want my tumour to explode.

I am still freaked out that there is an actual tumour inside of my liver. I can't really stop worrying 100% until May when we see how it has reacted? I guess it is good that they found it and hopefully they have diagnosed it correctly so it shrinks, which would mean it is most likely benign.

I have decided to call the little bugger "Hamish the Hepatic Angioma". Hopefully once he is on a diet he will become a wee little nubbin and I don't have to worry about it ever again.

I am really okay, there are no symptoms and I feel fine so don't worry about me, I have just been running around a lot and haven't had the heart to post. The weather has been really mild here so I actually have been running in the mornings and that is a great way to start the day.

I can't believe Christmas is just over a week away! I have done almost all of my shopping online this year and there are only 2 packages left to arrive. If they come late it will be okay because they are for Jase and his b-day is January 3 so I can give them to him them. I think we will go to Ottawa for a few days to celebrate Chrimbob and hopefully get a chance to stay in the Wakefield Mill Inn if it isn't too booked up!

Happy Holidays!