My Family's Whites Are Not White. Sue Me.

Went for a brief school sit down regarding DD#2 this morning.  Nothing serious but yet, serious enough to get me thinking.  And dwelling.  And feeling guilty.  Why do these things always make me feel somehow inadequate?  When discussing today's events with DH, his comment was, "Yes, I was thinking our whites aren't quite up to snuff too".  His response made me smile and was encouraging to help me think things through differently.  You see, DH and I have a long standing hatred/running joke/annoyance with the commercials which somehow imply the housewife is not taking care of her family when their clothes aren't white, the floors aren't clean...you name it.  Pick a thing.  DH's ability to weed through the nonsense and change my perspective is just one of the things I love about him.  So our whites aren't white.  So my DD has some skills to work on.  I am still competent, caring, and loving.  And unless I can believe these things about myself, I am not going to be able to help anyone.

back on the horse

time to get back on the blogging horse.  as a brief update:  we've moved and for anyone who has ever negotiated, cleaned, packed, and stressed their way through that process, those two words "we've moved" speaks volumes about what our summer was like.
we are happily settled in now and our new space has felt like home since the minute we walked in the door.  not only does it have a lovely 70s retro feel (exposed brick fireplace/wall from floor to ceiling, brass and smoked glass light fixtures, brady-bunch style railings and balcony overlooking living space, stucco walls in basement...oh the list really could go on and on), it has a flow and a brightness to it that make me very happy.  and space.  i'm definitely a gal who needs her space.
i've been asked...do you miss your old home?  the one you brought your kids home to?  the one where you left behind your pantry door with their height markings??  no. no. and no.  i still have the kids so all is good.  they were small, they grew, and they are still here.  what is there to feel sentimental about?

Ramped Up Renos

Well we did it.  We took the plunge, bought the house and are madly trying to get our house listed.  To get the deal done we had to go in firm and lift the condition of selling our house.  Which means we could soon be the proud owner of two homes.  But I can't let myself think about such things.  I have a good feeling about things in my gut.  And my gut, while not slim nor six packish in nature, usually steers me in the right direction.  Perhaps fat cells come in handy after all.
So for the next few days we are madly scrambling in all directions.  Already talked DH off the ledge tonight.  Going to be an interesting few days.

On the Move

By the time you read this, DH and I will have put in an offer on a house across town and begun the daunting task that is preparing a house for listing.  And that means more renos.  And we all know how the bathroom redo went in the spring (and if you don't recall, refresh your memory as it's all in black and white somewhere in this blog).  Everything just seems to get more complicated when DH and I put our hands to work.  For instance, who has ever spent over and hour and a half to get a toilet tank off?  I think it is our "never admit your idea won't work" philosophy.  Once committed, we will persist in our clearly-not-working endevour (for the record, i do know endevour is not spelled correctly but i am committed to it so you'll just have to deal) until a) we have exhausted our known repertoire of new and exciting phrases; b) we have succeeded in breaking something; or c) one of our children appears and offers the most simple, straightforward solution (which is always infuriatingly correct).  While the toilet tank is not broken (but I must admit being tempted to hold it in triumph over my head and then smash it to the ground), the dremel motor tool blade is.  And the hacksaw is also looking a little worse for wear. Next up...crown molding and trim in the basement.  Brace yourselves, this could get ugly.

Happy Birthday DD 1

Happy Birthday to my lovely DD #1, who turns 14 today.  I will delve momentarily into the cliche world of motherly pride and start by saying, this amazing young woman is a girl who is going places.  She has her head screwed on straight (except for where One Direction is concerned--bring up Liam Payne and forget brain power and prepare yourself for random giggling/glassy eyed squealing), her heart in the right place (except for the 5:45 am drives to the pool where she is decidedly not kindly but rather a grunty beastly thing---we are making a charming tim horton's commercial where she grunts while i drink coffee and whistfully shove her out the door with my foot), and is ready to take on change with more confidence then many adults possess (this is true on all fronts, no witty comments to make).  At 14 I am beginning to see the amazing woman this beautiful girl will become and I am excited to take that journey with her.

Guiltily Whining Away My Sunday

Ah, the joy of guilt.  Much as I try to shed myself of it's clingyness (not a real word i suspect) I just can't seem to rid myself of it entirely.  And the source?  Is there any other source but family really?  The things I do for family....things that really, no rational, sane person would ever do.  But I suspect many of you are the same.
So later this week, I am wearing the guilt and dragging it along with me to Canada's Wonderland.  Which I have no desire to visit.  But which, my family (out of town guests) and DDs would happily spend their time and oodles of money on.  Don't get me wrong, my lack of desire to ride the rides (yes, I have gotten that old--they make me dizzy and generally mess up my brain for hours.  sad but true) greatly overrides my lack of desire to fork over my hard earned money on slushies, deep fried whatever, and all things sugar.  I know how the day will end for DD2 in this scenario and it isn't pretty.
So here I sit, whiney and guilt riddled.  Great combo, right?  I would go for a drive and read somewhere quiet except I'd probably just end up feeling guilty about that too.

Bet You Thought You'd Wasted A Bookmark, Didn't You?

Is it July already?  The time since my last post has simultaneously crawled along and sped by.  I don't know where to begin so I won't even try.
All is good in the end and sometimes the parts in the middle don't need to be dwelled upon.
DH is up and moving around.  DD 1 and 2 are healthy.  and I am regaining some much-needed rest and relaxation.
And beginning several new projects including home renos, home landscaping, investigating new career options, scouring real estate listings, and today's event...hosting a 70th birthday party for my wonderful mum.
Happy Birthday to a wonderful woman who is a force to be reckoned, even (and especially) at 70.  Much love Mum. xo

Plan B--I wish

As I write this I am way past plan b.  More like plan j or k.  And although I won't stop until I hit plan z, I would like to respectfully say that I am pretty sick of all of this mess and trying to rework my perspective. So for today I would just like to say this is an entirely sucky situation that seems rather endless.

Through this all, I have learned that without amazing people standing behind you, not even plan b is possible.  I know I am so fortunate in many ways.  I am trying to live in that reality and I am eternally grateful for each and every one of you who are helping me to do so.  Much love.  

Mothers Turn the World

This Mother's Day I spent the day in true mother fashion....I got up before the crack of dawn to take DD1 to the pool for her swim meet, sat on rock hard benches with chlorine stinging my eyes for about 4 hours, cheered and supported my daughter in her swims (while hanging with some pretty great swim friends and coming up with an idea for a new tlc reality show called Swim House--kind a mixture between Big Brother and Sister Wives, with an addition of Brother Husbands), raced back across the city to have a quick lunch with the family, then down to the market to drop DD2 off for her play, and then back again later to watch her shine in Fiddler on the Roof.  In between had a few nice moments with DH and the pup.  All and all just about perfect.  

I am so happy and proud to be a mum.  We truly turn the world and I defy anyone to dispute that.  Cause I could take you on while making muffins for lunches, cleaning the cupboards, turning over the garden, and soothing an upset tummy.  Just sayin.

Happy Belated Mother's Day to all you strong, loving, and beautiful mums out there.  Own it.

Overflowing Cup

Home Stretch time folks.  5 days until DHs surgery and although we are all a bit on edge around here, I am rather proud of how we are holding it all together.  Of course, there are many people holding us up so I guess that makes it considerably easier to manage the day to day.  While admittedly, it is a bit of a struggle (large understatement) to accept and be comfortable with all of the wonderful help that is being arranged, I am trying very hard to override my initial response of "no thanks" and learn to be gracious.  I emphasize the word learn.

Of course, there is always 10 more things going on around here that involve our time and energy.  DD2 is in her first theatre production--she began her run of Fiddler on the Roof (Jr) yesterday with two shows and is as energized and happy as I have ever seen her.  On stage is truly where she shines brightest.

DD1 just spent 36 hours at her highschool-to-be with 200 other grade 8s and had the time of her life.  She is optimistic and enthusiastic about going to her new school which is amazing considering she is leaving all of her life long friends behind and branching out to something new.  Her ability to see the positive in change and to consider new starts as an opportunity is truly amazing considering her age.  I know many adults who are not capable of this.  I am so proud.

As for DH and I, we will spend the weekend at the pool watching DD1 compete, at the theatre watching DD2 shine, and inbetween will continue to make plans for next week.  Our freezer is half full, the swim driving schedule has been organized, and the schedule for next week has been created.   All of these things done for us and with us.  Our friends and family--what can I even say?  Love.

Blessed

I have the most amazing friends.  I have the most amazing family.  I am blessed beyond measure.  No more words necessary.

We All Need A Little Sunshine On Our Shoulders

A teenage blogger I follow (shout out to Just Me) posted a John Denver song on her blog the other day.  It's amazing how much mileage music from the 70s can get, isn't it?  But in a good way really.  Who couldn't benefit from a little "Sunshine on my Shoulders"?  It's a good way to start the day, to think of the simple things that can make us happy.  Hope you don't mind H, but I am copying your post.  But unlike you H, I can't seem to get it in the same post as my text!

Sunshine on my shoulders: John Denver

Always Half Full

I don't know about you but I cannot stand it when the pessimists are right.  You know, the ones that tell you how something could not possibly work out or that the something you are excited about is lacking.  Today forces beyond my control conspired to turn best laid plans into a complete schmozzle.  The pessimist got the wish it spoke to the universe when it uttered the words, "are you sure this is going to work out? " and truthfully, I am rethinking quite a bit because of it.  Not in a lose-my-optimism kind of way.  More of a do-I-really-need-this-kind-of-thinking-in-my-life kind of way.  I choose no.  From this moment forward.  Take your half empty glass and hit the road.

Classical Comedy

Earlier this week, we headed off to the Kalahari in Sandusky Ohio for an overnight bit of fun.  On the journey there, we were exploring some of the new options on our new car, including satellite radio.  I swear I feel undereducated to operate this system.  And no longer does it come with a manual; there is a DVD to watch to learn all the ins and outs of things.  Who has time to sit on the couch and watch a dvd on your car?  Whatever happened to a good old manual that you could open anywhere and find out anything you needed to know about your car?  I realize I am old (from a technological standpoint my age is about 80) but I am all for advances that make things easier--this does not fall into that category.  No matter.  I have children and they are apparently born with an intuitive knowledge of these things.  DDs discovered all sorts of interesting things about the stereo/dvd system on the car, including that they could listen to satellite radio through their headphones and weren't obliged to indulge their parents' love of 80s on 8 and 90s on 9 (they didn't appreciate our heartfelt rendition of Take These Broken Wings, not one bit).  I must admit, it brought me great pleasure to watch them car dancing to One Direction in the back seat (especially since I didn't have to hear the music!) and seeing them enjoying being together.  At one point, they were laughing hysterically.  And I truly mean hysterically.  I thought they must have found a comedy channel.  DD1 exclaimed, "you have GOT to listen to this, it is SO FUNNY!" and so, taking the headphones from her, I braced for something that was in fact, funny.  In my ears exploded the William Tell Overture.  Seriously.  Not even some Warner Bros Bugs Bunny version--now that would at least warrant a laugh or two.  Nope.  Just the plain old orchestration.  I returned the headphones and the girls continued to laugh until they couldn't breathe.  For a brief moment, DH and I questioned whether we are somehow depriving our girls of a well-rounded music experience.  And then the Red Hot Chili Peppers took it away and the car karaoke was back on.

Reading is a Life Skill

Just returned from an amazing, relaxing, and rejuvenating weekend with friends.  That we were scrapbooking is arbitrary.  What was really needed was some breathing time away and I didn't realize just how much until one of my friends noted how relaxed I looked.  That is food for thought indeed.  Clearly I am not handling plan b as gracefully as I had dreamed but I guess that's part of the whole adventure now isn't it?  On the journey to our getaway, I had an interesting chat with my BFF about information that we take for granted that just might be new learning for others.  I was reliving a chat I'd had years ago with my children's babysitter when she was exclaiming how brilliant one of her friends was, telling me that she knew all sorts of amazing things like what a female bar mitzvah was called.  I remember thinking silently in my head (i know, one of those rare occurences where what i thought did not pop out of my mouth--i will pause while you absorb the rarity of that moment.......), "doesn't everyone know what a bat mitzvah is?".  And so continued our conversation where we came to some conclusion that people who read alot, even when it's campy fiction, tend to learn alot of things about alot of different things (but apparently do not learn how to write an interesting sentence or use words beside "alot").  That point was driven home during our weekend.  I have some difficulty with dairy foods and in the past, have requested accommodation for this on our weekend away.  As it didn't go so well last year, I decided to keep my mouth shut (i know, i know, twice in one post--maybe i am developing some sort of filter? one can dream) and just take some medication.  However, they still had the dairy free thing on file.  After trying to explain that just because they didn't dip my croissant french toast in milk doesn't mean it is dairy free ("is butter dairy?" i was asked) or that a butter-milk (words hyphenated for full effect) biscuit has dairy in it, I became a little forceful in requesting they disregard the dairy free.  When one has to explain that eggs are not dairy, it becomes apparent that some basic knowledge may be missing.
Make no mistake, it didn't compromise my happiness on the weekend one bit but it did give me some food for thought (no pun intended but feel free to groan if you must)---reading is the gateway to coping in the world.  So bring on the next Sookie Stackhouse novel....I got a few things to learn about viking vampires....

Beware of Inappropriate Language

This past week DH and I have been working on a little bathroom redecorating.  Fraught with drama and frustration, as all of our household projects are, we have persevered even when we didn't feel like being in the same room together.  Last night we (DH really) finished the last step--install of the new light fixture and mirror.  While usually a light fixture rests above (and not over top of) the mirror and usually a mirror will allow it's user to see the top of it's head, we are going our own way and embracing the clusterf**k (i know, i know, trucker language but if you could see it, you would realize this is the absolute only term to describe it).  So much so, in fact, that we laughed until we couldn't breathe and decided maybe we'd pitch a realistic home reno show.  We'd follow Mike Holmes and unlike Mike, whose motto is "I'll make it right", our motto will be, "we'll try not to turn it into a clusterf**k".  In the meantime, no comments on the hair, I don't have enough quad strength to squat while using the mirror.....

Easter Moments

Here are a few ways my family and I whiled away Easter weekend:

We gathered some Ridley fur (using the shedding rake--can you imagine raking a dog?  luckily we can as it does the trick to get rid of massive amounts of fur) and made our own dust bunny!

Caved in to the resident Candy Monkey and made this "delicious" cake for Easter dinner.  I was hoping for the lemon curd cake on the cover of Canadian Living last month however, the sugar bomb won out.

My mum gave the girls each a bunny that was made from a mink coat that was given to her by my dad when they were newly married.  Unbelievably soft and what a wonderful heirloom.  And so much better than more candy!

Hope you and yours had a restful and wonderful Easter Weekend too.

    

Grocery Zen

It's so quiet in my house this morning that I can hear the clock ticking on the wall across the room.  Dog is lazily sleeping at (or on really) my feet and everyone else is pleasantly tucked away.  It's too bad that I have to be awake at 6 AM to achieve this rare moment of complete peace but I'll take what I can get.  Crazily enough, I am about to head out to the grocery store in a few short minutes.  One of my many (and i do mean many) quirks is that I really can't stand to be in a crowded grocery store.  Not that I don't love the occasional cart pushed into my leg, the people shoving to get their choice of bananas (i know, sad but true), and long lost friends reuniting in the 2 foot wide aisle by the meat.  Don't get me wrong, I am not anti-people but seriously folks, grocery shopping is not a contact sport nor is it a social outing.  And don't get me started on the "charming" carts that look like race cars.  Really?  Why are we encouraging grocery shopping as a family event? Don't Even.
Hence the early morning.  Wish me luck, I'm going in and hopefully returning while the house is still silent.  I have a new Cathy Lamb book to crack open.

Cathy Lamb should be required reading

Cathy Lamb is one of my favourite authors these days.  Her characters are strong, quirky, and genuine.  Her stories are humourous suffused with a vulnerability that we can all relate to.  In short, they are the perfect escape.  Cathy Lamb is also a blogger and today's blog on Parenting a Writer was particularly insightful.  You need to check it out.  Really.
www.cathylamb.org

London 2012

DD1 had the opportunity this past weekend to go with her swim club to Montreal.  They spent three days cheering on their fellow teammates at the Olympic Trials and had some pretty exciting moments.  DD1 got to see Ryan Cochrane and Julia Wilkinson earn their spots on the Canadian Olympic team and while these two swimmers are not from her team, she did get to meet them last spring when they came to our pool to train.  Joe Bartoch and Richard Harkness from her team made the Olympic list, signed her shirt, and spent time with their "fans" in the stands.  Her swim coach from last year, Brayden, swam in several events and did well despite battling mono for the past three months.  It's not often you get to be a part of the making of heroes.
Here is my summary of the weekend, from DD1:  They ate cookies for breakfast on the bus, laughed until their sides hurt, cheered until they lost their voice, and had more fun than can ever be explained (or so I've heard).  What an amazing opportunity for DD1.  Now, if I could only scrape her out of bed to get to school....

Literary Awakenings

DD2 had a huge literary awakening last night.  She realized that she might, in fact, like books.  Despite her consistent resisting of all things reading, she has been "encouraged" to read several lengthy chapter books for school in these past few weeks.  The latest book for "literature circles" (and i ask you, isn't that name enough to make you cringe and not want to read??) is called Fire Girl and is about a girl who had been burned in a car fire.  Last night she voluntarily finished the book (ahead of schedule which in and of itself is a small miracle) and as she sat down to dinner she burst into tears.  And I mean tears, as in plural,  as in just shy of sobbing.  "This book is amazing.  but oh so sad.  but still so good".  Although she was sad, I love that she discovered that reading is an experience and a good book should make you feel something.  I feel optimistic for her reading future and am excited to think that she may one day share that passion with me.

Procrastination or Preservation?

I really should be getting groceries, making dinner (but i suppose that would depend on the whole grocery thing now wouldn't it?), cleaning the kitchen, or really anything but sitting at the computer writing a blog. That has been part of the blogging lull lately; so difficult to simply find the time to sit still long enough and to think clearly enough to write something that makes sense.  The last 24 hours have been completely overwhelming--not a "i just can't cope another minute" sort of overwhelming but more of a "i have so much to do that i think i shall take a nap" way.  Now that I am through the drama of getting my parents home safely a week early from Portugal (and hopefully getting some proper medical attention---picture this:  full leg cast, from mid foot to hip, for a hematoma on a knee) and now that we have a surgical date for DH (am simultaneously relieved and terrified) , I am (justifiably i think) spending the next several hours completely ignoring all the household chaos.  "What's for dinner mum?"  they ask.  I have no plan for that.  "Do we have any milk?" they whine.  I have no plan for that either.  "I need these forms filled out and signed and money for grad pictures, field trips, and yearbooks" they badger.  And on and on it goes.  And add in a barking dog for good measure.  I should muster it up but truly, I think I will have that nap now.

When is it Friday?

This about sums it all up nicely.  

Series of Unfortunate Events---a.k.a The Bagel Prophecy

Well the bagel called it correctly.  I was in tears before 9:30am.  The day's journey began with a wildly inconvenient and rude kijiji interaction (kijiji=swahili for "you will come to hate all humankind"), evolved to reams of paperwork and uncomfortable phone conversations stemming from a confidentiality incident, continued with driving through a freak snowsquall,  burning my coffee cup while trying to reheat a much needed hit of caffein and finally culminating in a visit to a public school mourning the murder of a little girl where the EA I was working with broke down in tears mid session.  So hard to bring my own sunshine today I'll tell you.  All I can say is thank God for girlfriends as tonight I get to hang with some of my very favourite people and drink some much needed wine.  Tomorrow I am having cereal for breakfast.

Bagel Gymnastics

You begin to suspect things might not go your way when you drop your cream cheese covered bagel and this is the result.  Welcome to Friday.....

Really? You're taking the pens?

It's amazing how life takes you from highs to lows and everywhere inbetween.  Often in just a few short hours.  Last night our car was broken into as it sat in our driveway.  Our "guard dog" (ha ha ha) didn't even blink.  Not a peep.  This from the dog who hears the car door close and waits by the door for you to come up the walk.  This from the dog who is constantly (and i mean constantly hence the nickname "seagull") making noise.  Perhaps if the thieves had been carrying some dried liver in their pockets....
There was nothing of importance stolen except DH's gas card which i suppose will be very important to his employer.  I suspect the thief has filled his car and all his family's cars by now and really, that is worth a lot of cash.  Other than that, the thief is now the proud owner of an ipod cable, pocket change, an umbrella (now there's a hot item), and some pens.   Where is that happy crossing guard when you need her?

The Happiest Gal on the Block

The happiest person I know is someone, in fact, that I don't know.  I don't know her name or what makes her so happy but she never fails to make me consider how I could be that sort of person.  Let me back up and say, this woman is a crossing guard in the small city of Ingersoll.  I see her about once a week, as I drive by her and up the hill toward the school.  I've never spoken to her and only, truthfully, made eye contact with her to make sure that she isn't going to stop me from turning.  However, there she is with a big friendly (and genuine) smile and a wave for me.  Every time.  No matter what the weather and no matter what time of day, this woman treats me like an old friend as I drive by her.
And, believe it or not, I carry this smile with me all day long.  And sometimes I think about her on days I am not in Ingersoll too.  She is really an amazing example of how we can influence someone's life through things we don't even think about.   I must admit, I am not so good at this.  Certainly not this weekend as I had a near what-do-you-mean-there-are-no-coffee-shops-open-before-7AM meltdown in Newmarket.  How can you LIVE in a place with no access to coffee at the very hours one requires coffee??  As I roared out of the Starbucks parking lot (with an air of something between complete disdain and desperation), I caught the eye of a forlorn police officer trying the locked door.  Sad days when one of the city's finest can't even get a cup of joe.  But I digress.

I love that this woman makes me consider what kind of face I am showing to the world.  I love that she makes me feel happy and frankly, good about myself just by the simplest of gestures.  Oh the power this crossing guard wields.  I just love it.

Literate At Last

So it turns out that my happy bits yesterday were a smart way to start my day.  I tried desperately to cling to them as I spent the day looking for lost autistic boys, cajoling (and flat out bribing if I am being truthful) unwilling kids into doing anything with me, and working around a gymnastics assembly (ever try to remove a child from an event involving music, jumping, and dancing?  do. not. recommend. this.).  And then I got home.  Huge home drama, of which I will spare you all the details.  If you have children, I am sure whatever you imagine will be close enough.  With a conscious (and super human some might say) effort to stay calm, all resolved itself in time.  And then the truly unbelievable happened.  A real life phoenix rising from the ashes moment.  DD2 wrote the most incredible piece of work I've EVER seen her do and we've been working on writing for years.  seriously, for years.  After I took a picture of said work for posterity and sufficiently showered rewards on said child (what says way-to-work hard like peanut m&ms?) I settled in to enjoy the rest of my night.  Today I am still basking in the happy my-child-actually-wrote-something-that-makes-her-appear-literate glow.

Happy Bits

Spent the last hour or so reflecting on some things that make me happy.  Always good to share the good bits right?  Here is my list for today (in no particular order of importance):

Made my donation goal for Heart and Stroke month
Managed to drink a whole cup of coffee while it was hot (this is a remarkable achievement in my world)
No lunches to make today because it's pizza day
Got a lovely hug from DD2 this morning
I am rocking some sassy hair (which is a waste on a work day--where was this hair when i went out to dinner with DH the other day??)
I have the best. friends. ever.

What's on your list?

Saying Yes to the Dress

This past weekend DD1 and I set out to look for a Grad dress.  While I know a few of you just cringed, it turned out to be a rather fun experience.  I must admit, I didn't go into the whole process with high hopes. I do still have vivid memories of shopping with my Mum as a teen (now I'm cringing) and I thought I might be in for my own just desserts.  Luckily, DD1 inherited the bulk of her genes from someone else!  During the course of the two day event, there was not one moment of snarkiness or even an eye roll, and that was just me.  DD1 was pretty well behaved too.  We emerged on the other side of Dante's little known layer of hell--Elizabeth Noel on a Saturday--with "the perfect dress" in hand.  On our first go around.  I know.  I am still in shock.

Bring your Own Sunshine

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine"--Anthony J. D'Angelo

A friend of mine posted this on facebook today--couldn't think of a more timely thing to write today.
I plan on bringing my sunshine tomorrow, and the day after that, and hopefully the day after that too.

Happy Day

My two daughters are as different as different really can be.  For instance, when told of DH's upcoming heart surgery DD1 asked, "are you scared dad?" and DD2 asked, "so they need to stop your heart to operate, right?".  Imagine.  It's a lot like winning the lottery really.  I have my emotional-intuitive-empathetic child (who doesn't know it but who I am banking will take care of me in my later years!) who is so wonderfully kind and caring and my perceptive-logical-and emotional- in- her -own- way child who will one day take over the world (and still find time to snuggle with me).  
It's not often they work very well together, which makes sense given that they come at the world from two different perspectives.  Today was one such rare moment.  DD2 had her weekly math problem to solve and decided that her usual method of solving it would just not do.  Enter DD1 who was more than happy to share her grade eight algebra with her sister.  And so began an hour long math lesson, coupled with discussions and in the end, some pretty good problem solving.  It was really almost a magical moment (my threshold for magic is very low at the moment so humour me).  Maybe it's the full moon?  Maybe the sugar rush from the Tim's valentine's doughnuts I bought them (okay, they are seriously fabulous, you really must try one).  Whatever led to this strange but wonderful coupling I will take it and will remain ever optimistic for more moments such as this.

Toddlers & Tiaras with Tom Hanks

"sexy feet. sexy feet!!"

What Super Bowl?

Tonight DD1 and I had the house to ourselves.  The noisier half of our family (including the dog) headed to a friend's to watch the super bowl and we spent the evening doing anything but (a few sour grapes from a devoted Packers fan).  Following our anti-superbowl agenda, we boldly watched Toddlers and Tiaras while we indulged in mounds and mounds of nachos.  Count on TLC for a few shows to make you are glad you are sane (and even sometimes, confirm you are sane).  Watching pageant parents parade their "sexy babies" (see Tom Hanks clip posted next for reference on this) around is enough to make anyone feel a little superior in the parenting department.  And lest we feel good about gorging on nachos, the next show highlighted the story of a 600 pound woman confined to her bed eating fried foods and drinking pop.  Lesson learned.  We ate nothing more for the rest of the evening.  When the TLC program that followed started with the words, "The orgasm....", I lunged at the tv and turned it off.  On to project B--making tomorrow night's dinner.  We have some friends who celebrate Chinese New Year and always make us some Chinese Dumplings.  This year did not disappoint, they were as fabulous as always.  Only this year I got smart and decided to ask for the recipe.  DD1 and I made our first batch tonight and despite her disgust at handling raw pork, all went smoothly.
What a gift tonight was--whether we were just hanging out watching bad tv (training in the art of guilty pleasure starts early in our home), overeating (sadly, another family tradition), or learning to make something new, I truly enjoyed every minute of our time together.  I know teens can be difficult but under the eye rolls and the one-liners, my teen is a pretty great kid and I am grateful to share moments like these with her.

A Message To You Rudy

Loved The Specials in high school. Love The Specials now. That's what we're missing these days, a little brass and a little ska.

Pity Party---Table for One

For the past week or so I have indulged in a private Pity Party.  No guests.  Just me allowed.  Really and truly a pathetic little affair.  While I thought I was chugging along rather nicely on the outside, I am clearly not the oscar winning performer I had imagined I was.  Funnily enough, the raiding of the party started with a complete (well maybe not complete but there was not much control involved) meltdown over something that while admittedly was rather irksome, did not deserve the response it received.  Nor did the perpetrator of the offence.   Although, in my shallow defence, how many times can you tell a child not to open their car door into another car?  And imagine they were 10 years old--that's like telling them 500,000 times.  But there I go again....must let it go.
Eventually we arrive at home and all the while, the whole event has percolated into a sludgy mess in our brains.  DD2 goes into pleasing mode (and why is it that she only goes into pleasing mode when I am completely at wit's end??  I suspect I could fill some kind of psych text on that subject) and DD1 begins to shut down.  My happy-go-lucky girl is sullen and withdrawn and I am to blame.  Not a lovely thing to look in the face--downright ugly in fact.  And as I take this all in, it slowly sinks in--and trust me I am a slow learner--that I just need to get a grip and get over myself.  It was really just that simple.  And so I did.  And today was a better day.  Go figure.  Yes, work still is a swirling pit of chaos and yes, DH's health is still in limbo but I just don't have to live in all of that.  In fact, I choose not to live in all of that.  So far, so good. 

crap-tacular is the new "bad"

wow.  what a crap-tacular day it's been.  had the soul-crushing experience of visiting a school where passive aggressive posturing wins the day (and lest you think i am being overly dramatic, i defy any one of you to spend time there and leave unscathed).  forget about the kids, they're just in the room.  it's one of those places where you see it on your schedule and just wonder how you'll possibly make it through the experience with your optimism in tact.  now, there are a few bright spots in that building but not enough to redeem the overall situation.  i am telling you, after a few hours there even orphan annie would wonder if the sun was coming out tomorrow.  so there was that.  then came the two hour journey home through the squalls, around the closed bits of the highways, and avoidance of the trucks barrelling by at 130km per hour.  oh, i could really go on and on.  and indeed i have i suppose.
ended the day with a highschool visit for dd1 and so glad i did.  not only does her choice of school seem engaged with their community and committed to a camp-style sense of inclusion, there were some pretty cool electives to choose from.  it was really exciting to see her have a discussion with the enriched english teacher about novels and to hear her discuss getting a credit for a swim-gym course.  it seems like a perfect fit.  thank goodness.

Grown ups Behaving Badly

Spent the day (four hours of it anyway) volunteering in the canteen at the swim club's "Under 12 Celebration" swim meet.  This is a wonderful meet for all the younger swimmers where each child gets a plaque at the end with engraved plates of their races and best times to affix to it.  Usually so much fun.  This year DD2 is too old to swim in this meet but DH and I both have a few (22 but who is counting really?) credits to earn before the end of the swim season and so, we were both at the pool this afternoon.  And to be clear, each four hour stint of volunteer time earns one credit.  You can do the math to see just how much of a "family" sport swimming becomes.  Usually I do not mind (so much) as we've made some pretty good friends there and the parents of the competitors are generally good folk.
It must've been the day after Friday the 13th that brought the crazies to the pool today.  And come in droves they did.  With their attitudes.  With their lying.  With their all around childish behaviour.
Now I would just like to say that when someone buys a psych sheet (schedule of the races, heats, and lanes that your child will swim in--pretty much essential to knowing what the heck is going on since they mostly look when you can only see their heads) only to return 30 mins later saying "i don't need this anymore, my child isn't in it",  I pretty much know they are selling me a bill of goods.  That's just about enough time to scour the booklet and record all the relevant information.  After the third person attempted this I started to get a little testy.  Is $7 really a life or death situation?  But they were only the tip of the titanic sized ice burg to come.  The canteen, where we sell food for the swimmers and their supporters, is generally set up along the rail so that we can see people coming and going and, if we are lucky, see our child swim.  There were a few parents who were upset that we were "using up the good spot by the rail" for our canteen.  So be it.  Get to the swim meet early and get a good spot next time.  However, there was one woman who was not to be deterred and decided she would stand in our canteen.  Near the money boxes and generally, in our way.  Plus, it irritated me that she felt she could do as she wished.  When asked to move, she became immediately irate and abusive (classy) dropping a few f-bombs (even classier at an under 12 celebration right?) and finally shoved a table in to me.  Seriously.
Those of you who know me well probably have a mental picture right now of how the rest of the story went down but you would be wrong.  I know, can you believe it?  I kept my mouth shut (really and truly I did-- and that was no easy feat I'll tell you) and ignored her tantrum.  I know!!!  It just about killed me (really and truly it did).
God bless the swim friends in the kitchen who got to listen to my venting about it and thank goodness I played soccer today and had a chance to kick something hard.  It does wonders for the soul.  But that is a post for another day.

Sweet Sabotage

While trying to buy healthy grocery items today I encountered a new chocolate bar (why do they place these displays amongst the healthy goods?  sabotage indeed.)--Cadbury's Dairy Milk Pretzel and Peanut Butter.  Now it's no Choxie bar (Target rules) but it was pretty delish.  And, you know, I had to eat several pieces to fully determine it's worth.  DO NOT BUY this item unless you are okay with eating half the bar in one sitting (okay, two thirds of the bar if I am being truthful).  My plan B here?  Perhaps I'll just finish this little goodie off and pretend the whole thing never happened.  Best. Plan. B. Ever.

Latte Love Affair

You know you enjoyed a little too much holiday indulgence (creme brule lattes anyone??) when you can't button your sweater for fear of exposing the rather large appendages growing horizontally from your torso.  And that was just day one of back to work in non-pyjama style clothing.  While I have no desire or time to join a gym, I thought it might be helpful to try to track what I am eating (and a friend inspired me to try with promise of a "happy"--as in the clothes i want to wear fit me--shopping trip in the spring).  In the past I've found this helpful to avoid binging on my favourite foods (clearly I am willpower intolerant as well as dairy intolerant).  In this spirit, I recently joined a site named Fat Secret.  Honestly.  Poor name choice I know but it has its redeeming qualities, sort of like Spark People but less labour intensive.  And even better, they have a great App that lets you scan barcodes on what you're eating and presto, all the nutritional information magically appears on your file.  Love.  Or not love.  Depending.

Knitting Tutorial for Beginners- 2. Knit Stitch, Bind Off in Knit Stitch

this post is for you jen--just so you know or have a link when you are ready to learn.  after several attempts at learning, she is the only one i could follow (sad but true).  hope it is helpful.

Family Fun

Well, we finally got our act together around here and left the building as a family unit (prying pyjamas off of the kids was no easy feat but the lure of movie popcorn is strong).  After much debate (or what passes for debate around here) we set off to see We Bought A Zoo.  I knew the premise but I don't think I was prepared for the balance of fun to serious of the movie.  It was well done but a little too much reality and not enough escape if you ask me.  And DD2.  She must've cried her way through a good deal of the second half of the movie and seemed to be struggling with teary eyes as we walked through the parking lot.  When I asked what was the matter the dam broke and she stood and sobbed; "I miss Aunt Catherine".  Ouch.  Guess my family fun ripped the scab right off of that wound.  I am definitely losing my Julie McCoy clipboard over this one.

This Round Goes to Me

Found a learn to knit web series on You Tube for Teens--guess I just need instructions given really slowly and at the most basic level to succeed.
Here is my cast on (independently), knitted and purled tiny scarf.  Think I will finish it for DD2's favourite stuffy.

Resolution Number Two

For years I have been wanting to learn to knit.  And while I have completed a couple of very irregular scarves, my goal for the year is to learn to knit well enough to make something somebody will actually wear.  Flip flop socks in particular.  Found a cool pattern while milling around Michael's last night waiting for DD1's cake decorating class to finish and figured I'd better learn the basics before attempting something of an "Intermediate" nature.  See, already changing my attitude....this time last year I probably would've just tried it anyway figuring I'd learn as I went along.  Hence the unwearable scarves (which says a lot since it's got to be pretty bad for a scarf to be unwearable, right?).
Today I sat in front of the computer and learned how to cast on and while it seemed awkward, I am sure it will improve with practice.  For now, I've unravelled it to try again later.  Again, something I wouldn't have done this time last year.  I am learning the benefits of restarting to do things properly--knitting projects, recipes, relationships....it's amazing how this old dog can learn new tricks.

And This Round Goes To.....

Well, it looks like it might be pastry 1: gill 0
However, the turkey pot pie still needed to be made.
A little creative work was required but sufficient pastry was fashioned into something resembling a covering for the pot pie.  The hearts in no way reflect my feeling about the whole process.

and to rub it in, the picture did not maintain the proper rotation in upload.  of course not.

Year of the Pie Crust

Another year dawns....so far in 2012 I have managed to ignore my family to read the Hunger Games Trilogy.  For those that haven't picked it up yet, it is quite riveting and while written for teens, it is still a pretty good read.  As I emerge from my warm bed, clear away the empty mugs of tea, and brush aside the mountain of foil candy/chocolate wrappings, I am determined to do at least one productive thing today.  DD2 now has a ipod touch so I've essentially lost her to technology.  DD1 is at swim camp.  Pup is chewing a marrow bone (and thank goodness for that as he nearly lost a life today running through the house like a crazy dog with my very dirty front door mat in tow).  Fridge is full of turkey from three days ago that must be managed.  Soup seems easy i suppose but the lure of finally conquering pie pastry is too much to resist.  Break out the kleenex, there will be tears but 2012 is the year I successfully master the "no fail" (if i had a penny for every time i swore while turning a no-fail recipe into a complete failure) pie crust.   Keep Calm and Make Pastry.  Indeed I will.