Oh... you are still here.
:)
Things to come maybe... Trying to decide if I want to actually focus on this.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Nov-BLAH-ber
November brings all sorts of trouble.
The sharp change in weather, the early dark nights, the mounds of marking, the report cards, the parent-teacher interviews.
This month also commemorates the loss of two people in my life, but the celebration of two others.
With this feeling I have been pondering positivity - how do we keep positive in the grey months. Many people comment on this with the topic of S.A.D - Seasonal Affective Disorder, but I just call it the blahs. Either way with December on its way it's time to wake up the body, shake things up and do something out the usually mundane routine. That's right! - START BLOGGING AGAIN!
So in this attempt to brighten life up I am taking a break from my work and adding a post!
I missed you blog.
The sharp change in weather, the early dark nights, the mounds of marking, the report cards, the parent-teacher interviews.
This month also commemorates the loss of two people in my life, but the celebration of two others.
With this feeling I have been pondering positivity - how do we keep positive in the grey months. Many people comment on this with the topic of S.A.D - Seasonal Affective Disorder, but I just call it the blahs. Either way with December on its way it's time to wake up the body, shake things up and do something out the usually mundane routine. That's right! - START BLOGGING AGAIN!
So in this attempt to brighten life up I am taking a break from my work and adding a post!
I missed you blog.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Wow. Neglect
Apart from the fact that I have been absent from...oh March...wow. I can honestly report that you haven't missed much.
Here is a very short recap
April: it rained - as only April does
May: House on market - sold within a week!
June: last month of school - craziness ensues! Baby Charlotte is born!
Prize winning post exam note :)
So there - in a nutshell - you are caught up !
My house is a disaster zone of boxes and bubble wrap, oh and the odd doggy poop - apparently Blondie is quite upset about this move.
On Wednesday we get our keys, Thursday the A/C, appliances and gas man come, Friday I move the contents of the fridge and SATURDAY (one week from today) the big truck comes to move us.
I am ecstatic. Although this is our first home together as husband and wife, the first year here was 6 months of in and out hospital visits, ambulance calls, hours up at night sick. For me, the great memories are always clouded with the bad ones.
imagine the possibilities of that kitchen....
Now to stop procrastinating and start packing - thank God my mom is coming today to help!
Here is a very short recap
April: it rained - as only April does
May: House on market - sold within a week!
June: last month of school - craziness ensues! Baby Charlotte is born!
Prize winning post exam note :)
Baby Charlotte Grace!
July: a.k.a - why did I decided to do SO much - took an AQ course online, taught grade 12 university English in summer school AND packing!
So there - in a nutshell - you are caught up !
My house is a disaster zone of boxes and bubble wrap, oh and the odd doggy poop - apparently Blondie is quite upset about this move.
On Wednesday we get our keys, Thursday the A/C, appliances and gas man come, Friday I move the contents of the fridge and SATURDAY (one week from today) the big truck comes to move us.
I am ecstatic. Although this is our first home together as husband and wife, the first year here was 6 months of in and out hospital visits, ambulance calls, hours up at night sick. For me, the great memories are always clouded with the bad ones.
imagine the possibilities of that kitchen....Now to stop procrastinating and start packing - thank God my mom is coming today to help!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday Renewed
Something about Sunday's screams NEW WEEK.
I have been trying to approach things with a better, and more balanced perspective. Looking at all sides, allowing for mistakes but also giving myself credit to try things outside of my comfort zone in order to learn from them or at least give them a chance.
I am set in my ways - I like to think that I am adventurous but in reality I can be very (and I mean VERY) specific. This point was proven in yesterday's trip to the mall.
Let me give some context - I have been "looking for a new wallet" for 5 years. Each store I visit with wallets I look , inspect, debate and eventually leave behind a perfectly good wallet. Anyone close to me knows better than to purchase clothing or accessories for me as I am very particular. Although in a side note, I must say Dave is getting increasing better - especially with shoes! Okay back to the backstory - my currently wallet has nothing extremly special or meaningful about it. 6 or 7 years ago on a random trip to Aldo I purchased this red leather wallet - it was sturdy, held the appropriate amount of cards and just suit me. Fast forward to present date - I just can never seem to find one that lives up to the history and ability of the red wallet.
So - yesterday, Dave and I ventured to Yorkdale (the zoo) in search for men's blazers, a stylish yet business like messenger bag and of course anything that catches my eye. Luck have it I picked out a great bag for Dave from Danier that happened to be marked down and an additional 15% off. $180 down to $99 and then 15% off that! SOLD! As we were in line waiting I noticed a teal wallet, soft leather, similar style to my red Aldo wallet but just in an awesome colour. I did my usual "dance" and finally Dave said "it's 40% off - get it" - so I did. This is not unusual - most of my purchases work like this, however the after affect is usually a very deep buyer's remorse followed by a return and a chorus of "I told you so!" from Dave and my family.
I began to reassure myself in the usual way - by telling those around me how "perfect" the item is: "It compliments my new bag!", "It's a fun spring/summer colour!" and so on...
Walking to the car, I talked about it so much and Dave repeated his usual "keep the tags, if you are really worried we can return it" but this time was different, I didn't want to repeat my usual routine. In the car I organized my new wallet, and said "I am going to keep it - I think it's a good idea to try something different". Needless to say Dave was shocked with my response but with an encouraging "good idea!" I was set. I was battling in my mind, but I was determined.
So long story short - I am trying. I am serious trying. In a moment of "signs" I opened my new purse and noticed the teal colour of my wallet, is the exact same as the interior satin of my purse. WHAT A SIGN!
Ok, rant over. Time to tackle the Sunday "to do" list.
I have been trying to approach things with a better, and more balanced perspective. Looking at all sides, allowing for mistakes but also giving myself credit to try things outside of my comfort zone in order to learn from them or at least give them a chance.
I am set in my ways - I like to think that I am adventurous but in reality I can be very (and I mean VERY) specific. This point was proven in yesterday's trip to the mall.
Let me give some context - I have been "looking for a new wallet" for 5 years. Each store I visit with wallets I look , inspect, debate and eventually leave behind a perfectly good wallet. Anyone close to me knows better than to purchase clothing or accessories for me as I am very particular. Although in a side note, I must say Dave is getting increasing better - especially with shoes! Okay back to the backstory - my currently wallet has nothing extremly special or meaningful about it. 6 or 7 years ago on a random trip to Aldo I purchased this red leather wallet - it was sturdy, held the appropriate amount of cards and just suit me. Fast forward to present date - I just can never seem to find one that lives up to the history and ability of the red wallet.
So - yesterday, Dave and I ventured to Yorkdale (the zoo) in search for men's blazers, a stylish yet business like messenger bag and of course anything that catches my eye. Luck have it I picked out a great bag for Dave from Danier that happened to be marked down and an additional 15% off. $180 down to $99 and then 15% off that! SOLD! As we were in line waiting I noticed a teal wallet, soft leather, similar style to my red Aldo wallet but just in an awesome colour. I did my usual "dance" and finally Dave said "it's 40% off - get it" - so I did. This is not unusual - most of my purchases work like this, however the after affect is usually a very deep buyer's remorse followed by a return and a chorus of "I told you so!" from Dave and my family.
I began to reassure myself in the usual way - by telling those around me how "perfect" the item is: "It compliments my new bag!", "It's a fun spring/summer colour!" and so on...
Walking to the car, I talked about it so much and Dave repeated his usual "keep the tags, if you are really worried we can return it" but this time was different, I didn't want to repeat my usual routine. In the car I organized my new wallet, and said "I am going to keep it - I think it's a good idea to try something different". Needless to say Dave was shocked with my response but with an encouraging "good idea!" I was set. I was battling in my mind, but I was determined.
So long story short - I am trying. I am serious trying. In a moment of "signs" I opened my new purse and noticed the teal colour of my wallet, is the exact same as the interior satin of my purse. WHAT A SIGN!
Ok, rant over. Time to tackle the Sunday "to do" list.
Monday, March 14, 2011
The Cleaning Brigade
I just realized that I never posted this! Oh well...Enjoy now! (Wednesday)
This is the first official day of my March break and to start it I decided "SPRING CLEANING!" one of my favourite hobbies. We are putting our house on the market after Easter and I decided what better way to spend my week off then by really cleaning things up.
I really wanted to use my new hand held steamer. After witnessing the power used on the baseboards I decided to try it out in the bathtub, attack the soap scum caused by hard water! I noticed that there was steam coming from the top cap and when I went to tighten it the cap came loose and 135 degrees of hot steam blasted on hand. I yelped in pain and rushed to get cold water. Luckily now, hours later I have no blisters but my hand is still tender. I guess I just wasn't ready for the big leagues.
I have often been asked how I go about cleaning (since I do have a pretty specific routine) and since a blog seems like the correct place to share this type nonsense - here you have it.
Step One: My normal "weekend clean" which was deferred this week due to weekend plans.
Light a few candles
Admire clean, disinfected, organized home
This is the first official day of my March break and to start it I decided "SPRING CLEANING!" one of my favourite hobbies. We are putting our house on the market after Easter and I decided what better way to spend my week off then by really cleaning things up.
I really wanted to use my new hand held steamer. After witnessing the power used on the baseboards I decided to try it out in the bathtub, attack the soap scum caused by hard water! I noticed that there was steam coming from the top cap and when I went to tighten it the cap came loose and 135 degrees of hot steam blasted on hand. I yelped in pain and rushed to get cold water. Luckily now, hours later I have no blisters but my hand is still tender. I guess I just wasn't ready for the big leagues.
I have often been asked how I go about cleaning (since I do have a pretty specific routine) and since a blog seems like the correct place to share this type nonsense - here you have it.
Step One: My normal "weekend clean" which was deferred this week due to weekend plans.
- Sort laundry downstairs, and pre-treat/soak any necessary items - I use the timer on my phone to warn me when to switch since I want to get laundry done and out of the way!
- Gather any stray glasses/mugs/traveling water bottles - Dave always notes how I am like the young girl in the terrible M. Night Shama-lama-ding-dong movie, "Signs". I constantly leave half full glasses of water everywhere!
- Wash dishes (if any) if enough, load dishwashers
- Fluff pillows, make bed (change sheets every other week)
- Using homemade vinegar/water cleaner - wipe down all surfaces, including fan.
- Scrub toilets, sinks and tubs
- Once a month - wash the shower curtains
- Vacuum floor and stairs (don't forget under the bed and dressers!)
- Wash the floor and stairs
- Using same homemade cleaner - wipe down all surfaces
- Dust the media center and swiffer underneath
- Scrub toilet and sink
- Wipe down front hall mirror
- Wash boot tray
- Vacuum floor
- Wash floor
Light a few candles
Admire clean, disinfected, organized home
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Range Hood - CHECK!
In preparing to sell our house we had a few repairs/changes to make. If you read my last post I composed a list in order to keep us on track.
We took off Saturday to hit all the biggies: Lowes, Home Depot and Canadian Tire. We ended up crossing a big item off our list at Home Depot by purchasing a new stainless steel range hood to replace our "out of place "white one.
This morning after a fantastic breakfast and coffee - Dave got to work (and I was the good looking assistant.)
First to remove the "out of place" white hood range.
Check...
Now prepare the stainless steel range and install (repeat until it fits in place)
Admire work
Take memorial photo of the first drill use
Notice the "We've got BIG hawks" t-shirt from 4th year in University.
GO HAWKS (almost 6 years later!)
That's one thing completed - now onto the lights!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Insomia bout.
It's 4:30am and I have been up for an hour. Rather than tossing and turning in bed I returned to the old habits of sleepless nights - get out of bed and do something! Read, write, organize, clean.
It's ridiculous what I can get done quietly in the wee hours of the morn. Here is what my 1-hour has entailed...
- paid 2 bills
- filed blue cross return
- tided desk and bookshelf
- returned e-mails
- posted one other blog
- made a list (of course) of today's to do's
- started organizing files on computer.
I find it oddly ironic that 3:30 used to be the time I came home and fall asleep and now I am getting up - and being productive to boot!
UPDATE @ 11am - I went back to bed at 6:30 and got up at 9:30
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