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.

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 :)

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 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.

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.

1. 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!
2. 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!
3. Wash dishes (if any) if enough, load dishwashers

Step Two: Upstairs

1. Fluff pillows, make bed (change sheets every other week)
2. Using homemade vinegar/water cleaner - wipe down all surfaces, including fan.
3. Scrub toilets, sinks and tubs
4. Once a month - wash the shower curtains
5. Vacuum floor and stairs (don't forget under the bed and dressers!)
6. Wash the floor and stairs

Step Three: Downstairs

1. Using same homemade cleaner - wipe down all surfaces
2. Dust the media center and swiffer underneath
3. Scrub toilet and sink
4. Wipe down front hall mirror
5. Wash boot tray
6. Vacuum floor
7. Wash floor

Finally....
Light a few candles
Admire clean, disinfected, organized home

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!

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

Perpetual Listing

I love lists.

Any lists, I am a big fan of records, colour-coding, organizing and my favourite - crossing out completed items.

Over a fantastic celebratory dinner with the hubs on Thursday - celebrating the completion of our decor appointment with the builder - I created our "sell this house" list.

On Saturday we will head out to purchase some lights and get started on the project. We have just about a month to prep and prime the house for our March 1st posting.

I can't wait to cross things out!!

Eyes on the Prize!

Dear blog type friends.

Struggling with weight once again. I go up, I go down - I gain, I lose.

I need a focus, I need a goal.

In 5 months we will move into our new house. 2 years ago (almost exactly) we moved into this house and with that came the start to 2009 - battle year. From January 2009 I was in and out of hospital and dropped down to an astonishing 120lbs. Not by will, in fact I desperately clung to each pound as it shed away.Needless to say it was a terrible 6 months.

Purchasing this house was more than a step into our future but it was a chance to put bad memories that much further in the past. I could physically leave them in the old house. More than that, it gives me a goal, a focus.

A focus of health and of change. I am trying desperately to gain focus on what I want most - to remain healthy. This meaning not just body, but mind and spirit as well.

The photo below is my short term goal. We were at the gym 4 days a week, eating fantastically and were very proud to suit up and go out.

Now the photo below is my long term goal - mind you it is from 4 years ago but again it's a long term goal.

(sorry to my lovely sister that I cut out but I needed to have make a clear focus)

So there. it's out there. I am setting my eyes on the prize and I'll try to keep you updated - whoever you are!

Jackie 2, math, unemployment 0

Okay, okay so I didn't keep up with 365 project - but lets face it - we knew it was going to go down that way.

I am preparing for exams and with a week left of teaching I am beaming. I taught math. yes my dreaded subject is conquered and I feel so much better. Strike that off the "regrets" list. Jackie -1, Math - 0

Also this week I interviewed for a position 2nd semester at a new school ... and got it. Jackie -1, Unemployment- 0

This weekend should be filled with blogging since we have two nights planned out with two groups of friends that will ensure laughter and good times.

For now, I am trying to fight off this cold!

Worth the Drive

Tonight we fought through the blistering snow - okay so it wasn't blistering - to meet with my parents and get their advice on our decor choices for the new house.

but mostly we just played

Momma got a new kitchen tool which of course I had to document.

It's a 60 second Pomegranate seeder - you will also require a mallet or heavy hand held tool. Cut the pomegranate in half and...

smash the be-jesus out of it!

..and then you will have un-smashed seeds! AH-mazing. Well to me anyway!

Devil Wears Fur

our life is being run by a 5lb blonde fur ball.

and we love it.

Patience is a Virtue...

I have no patience. Okay so that may be an overstatement, but I am the person who bounces her leg when she sits for long periods of time, who checks on toast to see if it's done, or zips by people who leisurely stroll in the mall.

There are exceptions though, as there are in anything.

I think it all has to do with pairing. The pairing of patience with another virtue that is. What you lack in one, you can make up for with the other.

My patience may wane depending on situation but my forgiveness is monumental. Sure like any other person I get angry or frustrated, mad even, but my belief is you can't hold onto negative feelings (cue: sitar music).

Currently my patience is being tested, I want the future now but can't have it. I am the 12 year old girl desperate to be 17 only to realize at 17 I want to be 21 and so on until it cycles backward. In order to remain calm, I observe my surroundings. I breathe.

Think happy thoughts.

like a puppy in a warm bed.

Jet Lagging

Internet and Phone were out last night so don't blame me for the lack of posts - I haven't given up yet! Going back to work after a two week break is comparable to jet leg. One day transition per one hour change. I finished my coffee way too early with no effect to my demeanour. I don't want to break my New Year's resolution (read: not a snow ball's chance in hell) to reduce my caffeine intake.

please mum, can I have a pear?

Happy New Year!

I always like January 2nd more than I do the 1st. Call it grade school mentality "first is the worst, second is the best" but there is something about the 2nd that makes all the New Year's possibilities come to life. Oddly, I feel the same way about Sunday's.

So this Sunday January 2nd made it all the more appropriate to start anew.

Determined to be more engaged in the outside world I am partaking in the 365 project, my husband David is also taking on this challenge here. I know what you may be thinking: but Jackie, you didn't post anything yesterday. Yes, this would seem true...to the naked eye, however one of my photos appears in David's blog and since I don't really start counting until January 2nd then it's all fair....

Besides...my blog, my rules.

So today I offer a few things to you my faithful readers:

1. My favourite mantra: "don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today!" This was repeated many many time last night as I slaved away with the last of my marking. In a skype conversation with a teacher friend we battled as to who had more marking to do during the break. Luckily I had my stack with me that I had been chipping away on for the past 2 weeks (read: 4 days)

2. Much like the last 10 pounds, the last 10 essays are the hardest to get through. My stubbornness and my determination to finish the last of my marking was completed by 1:45am

3. Waking up at 10am, refreshed and without the worry of the dreaded marking, I revived "Pancake Sunday" with our new favourite - Banana Oatmeal Whole Wheat Pancakes. Complete with coffee as made by Davide

Happy New Year!