Second trimester and life if looking up. Posted 2/2/2008 10:15:35 PM I've been away for a while since my first trimester drained me of energy and the ability to keep my food down. Here to things looking up... 80) (2) Comments

A picture with Santa Posted 12/9/2007 9:05:28 AM I took Arden for his picture with Santa this past Thursday. He had been asking to go for a week. I decided to go to South Center again this year because it is always the exact same man with a real beard who plays Santa. Anyway we were standing in line and Arden was having trouble waiting.... "See Santa Mommy, See Santa" I reminded him to smile for the camera. 10 minutes later we were up at the front and I said. Ok Arden time to sit on Santa's lap.... Well after 2 weeks of begging do you think Arden wanted to go near Santa? No. Santa asked if mommy wanted to sit on his lap (which I did, for the first time in 15 years) and then Arden sat on my lap. The girl working the camera snapped a picture (even though this wasn't what I had been planning for). It turned out that all 3 of us were smiling into the camera, so I decided to keep the pic anyways. It looks great sitting by my computer in my office 80) (4) Comments

brr it's cold Posted 12/3/2007 5:59:35 PM I'm not sure what the weather is like in your world but in mine its FREEZING. Last week my fingers were numb at work while I was typing. This week I thought I could conquor the cold through the use of a sweater. Then I was totally over heated and sleepy all day.... ho hum.... what to do.... layers? (2) Comments

nonviolent crisis intervention Posted 11/23/2007 7:08:37 PM I took a course this week on nonviolent physical crisis intervention. We were learning how to put out of control students in humane and safe restraning postions. I don't know how I would do in a emergancy as I kept getting my hands and feet tangled up. Oh well, here's hoping I'll never need to know. (1) Comments

walked the stage Posted 11/17/2007 11:47:56 PM Walked the stage for my Masters last Tuesday. It felt great to be there with my friends. As well, George Stopalopagus a Canadian political talk show host was given an honoray doctorate in law. He was a great key note speaker. As well some U of C trivia. Lulu Lemon developer is a U of C allumni Steven Harper (our PM) got two degrees from U of C. We also have someone who works for NASA...... I wonder how I will make my mark... (1) Comments

An outdoor gallary Posted 11/11/2007 9:30:33 AM Yesterday some friends and I took the kids to the Leighton Centre, an art gallary set in the prarie just 10 minutes south of Calgary. The Leighton center is actually a historical site. It was once the home of Barbara Leighton, a local artist and everything is displayed in the rooms of her house. There is even a green house area which was created out of old train tracks and the glass from LRT stations in the Calgary area. It was an amazing trip as we were able to see a number of original works of art produced by local artizans in the area. The best part however was exploring the outdoor gallary. Imagine running around with your two year old in rolling hills of wheat which are taller than he is. The carvings (stone and wood) are displayed on logs along the path which winds through the woods and then into the fields. Arden was running and laughing and 100% better at hiking than if I would have taken him in August. (I even left the stroller up at the top of the hill). At one point he called "Mommy come here quick.... I want to show you this." When I made it to the spot I noticed there were no statues only a bunch of logs. "Look mommmy this is big, bigger, biggest!!!!!!" Leave it to my son to appreciate god's art rather than the artists. 80) (2) Comments

No Reservations Posted 11/7/2007 7:27:35 PM Last night I went to a movie with some of my mommy friends whom I hadn't seen since going back to work. We went to No Reservations, which was playing at the cheap theater. There was one scene where he is feeding her sauces while blind folded, and I mummbled under my breath... gee that's what I'm missing. Mer heard me and started laughing so hard she fell off her chair.. We were acting like 12 year olds. Thank goodness the theater was practically empty. I love times like this (2) Comments

a weekend in Red Deer Posted 11/5/2007 8:34:54 PM So I went up to Red Deer (small city 1.5 hours north of here) to do a little editting on Sat. Ending up staying until 3 pm Sunday. Thank goodness I have such a supportive hubby.... (1) Comments

Its after midnight on a Friday and I'm doing work Posted 11/3/2007 1:17:39 AM You know that your life is a little off balance when it's after midnight on a Friday and you are still working. Sure I took some time off earlier in the evening to go to the gym and then do a power walk with a friend, however this is still kind of pathetic. 80) (2) Comments

trick or treating was a bust Posted 11/1/2007 6:14:22 PM So I thought I would be a great mom and take Arden Trick or Treating around my mom's neighborhood last night (his first Halloween to go out). I didn't account for a major accident on Deerfoot Trail. By the time we got there it was 5:30 and kids were already trick or treating. Arden was scared of all the costumes. He refused to get dressed up or even leave the house. Basically we sat around watching Family Channel and passing out candy. Oh well, I guess its the thought that counts. (3) Comments

a project is winding down Posted 10/30/2007 9:04:06 PM I have a major project which is winding down. I can't wait until it is over..... it has consumed me for the last 6 months 80) Will I still exist when it doesn't.... I wonder (0) Comments

helping children with their fear Posted 10/29/2007 11:20:10 PM Did you know that in North American Anxiety disorders are even more common than depression. Went to a cool workshop tonight with some neat suggestions for kids and anxiety; 1) anti monster pills- if a child is scared of the mosters under the bed have them take an anti-monster pill (aka smartie) before bed. If they ask why it tastes so good tell them that monsters are yucky and so we keep them away with things that taste good. 2) bad dream dust- have the child sprinkle bad dream dust, they suggest corn starch and sprinkles but I've also heard of lavendar smelling spray, around the room before bed to keep the nightmares away. 3) remember your safe place- have the child image that they are going to a safe place. What does it look, smell, taste, hear and feel like? Have the child practice imagining this place so they can use the imagery when they are frightened. If anyone has any other suggests I'd be glad to hear them (4) Comments

threading vrs wax Posted 10/27/2007 7:35:14 PM So today I got my eyebrows threaded for the first time (usually I wax). I have to say, compared to the brief amount of work of a wax, as well as the warming comfort, I have no idea why anyone would go through the torture of tnreading. I guess I'll have to see how long this lasts to see if its worth it. 80) (1) Comments

Home with the roofers Posted 10/25/2007 5:19:07 PM So I did take the day off as I can not put pressure on my heal and standing all day wouldn't have been fun or practical. I was laying in bed thinking, wow I haven't been able to do this for months. That's when the banging started. The roofers were back...... Oh well, the faster they're done the better. (1) Comments

won't need another tetanus shot Posted 10/25/2007 2:10:49 AM So we are in the process of getting a new roof (shingles instead of shakes). The guys have been tossing debrie over the side of the roof all day. I get home from the gym after dark and decide to bring the bags of leaves to the curb from out back. I take a step by the side of the house..... and... I.... punctured my heal with a 2 inch nail which goes all the way into my foot through my shoe. No serious damage, not even a lot of blood but I did have to go to urgent care for a new tetanus shot. I think I'm going to rack up my sympathy points tomorrow and take a day off!!! 80) (0) Comments

Is it witch with a w or a b? Posted 10/16/2007 10:17:23 PM You Are a Witch (or Warlock) You are deviously brilliant and a perfect manipulator. You somehow always end up getting what you want - without anyone knowing you're working behind the scenes. Crafty and cunning, you can work your way out of any jam. And it's easy for you to get people to do what you want, whether you're working for good or evil. Your greatest power: Mind control Your greatest weakness: Making people your puppets You play well with: Ghosts What Kind of Monster Are You? (3) Comments

love the support Posted 10/16/2007 10:11:55 PM Tonight after work I took the time to visit with 2 of my friends I haven't really seen since being back at work. It's amazing how revitalizing conversation with people you are comfortable around can be. Being able to let down your gaurd is an amazing feeling. (0) Comments

suicide intervention Posted 10/15/2007 7:09:27 PM Today I took part in a suicide intervention workshop. Even though it's all simulated role plays I'm still feeling drained. Can't wait for a nice hot bath, and vegging infront of the TV (2) Comments

Good morning world Posted 10/11/2007 6:11:09 AM It's 5 am and I've been up for an hour. I was so tired last night I went to bed at 8 (2 hours early) and now my body is saying you've already had your 8 hours..... ughhhh Anyway, off to start my day. (2) Comments

baby elephants Posted 10/8/2007 5:22:34 PM Today Arden and I went to the zoo. We were able to see Malti the 3 month old baby elephant. Weighing in at 330 lbs she still a little wobbly going up the stairs. Wouldn't want something like that to accidently step on your toes... So cute! (2) Comments

Happy Thanksgiving Canada Posted 10/5/2007 11:24:59 PM This weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving, which means I get a well deserved break. So what if I'll be stripping wall paper in my bathroom, at least I won't be staring at report cards and wondering how many units each of my students is completing..... For this I am truly thankful ;0) (1) Comments

My breathing is slowing down Posted 10/2/2007 9:22:07 PM I can tell that I'm starting to get back into the swing of things. I can sit through a meeting without hyperventilating. I can have a pleasent evening with my family. I can joke again..... awesome 80) (2) Comments

Asthma Posted 9/29/2007 1:49:49 PM Sorry I haven't been on this week. Arden had an asthma attack again on Monday and we were at the Children's all day. Then he's been rather clingy this week. Does anyone know, is fall a high trigger time for breathing issues? (2) Comments

80)- gymnastics Posted 9/23/2007 3:33:30 PM Arden had his first gymnasitics class. - very busy - very overwhelming - I'm already being asked to push cookie dough (fundraiser). However..... Arden had an absolute fabulous time. They get the kids to all show their teeth (smile) and and raise their hands in the air and shout taadaa at the end of each move so that they get in the habit of keeping their tongues in their mouths (prevent injuries). Arden's been practicing for 2 days now. It will all be worth it 80) (1) Comments

adjusting Posted 9/21/2007 7:43:41 PM We are all adjusting. Me to work, Arden to day home and Vince to participating more. Thankfully we've call in the reserves and my cleaning guy starts next week. (I can't believe I have a cleaning guy- I always said I wouldn't be that kind of person ;0) (3) Comments

first week back Posted 8/31/2007 8:07:02 PM I had a full week of meetings and paper work. Still feels surreal but I'm sure it will all come around 8) (0) Comments

Mmmmm perogies Posted 8/23/2007 4:24:38 PM Had an excellent morning make potato and chees perogies with my best friend and her mom (she's 2 days over due and needs ways to use up her restless energy). Arden was even up on a stool playing with a lump of dough. For lunch we were able to sample our work straight out of the pot.... Delicious. (0) Comments

Enjoying my last week Posted 8/22/2007 11:15:55 AM So it's my last week before I'm back to school. Vince is at work, I sent Arden to Belinda's for the day and I'm soaking up the silence. This is bliss..... Tomorrow I'm off to make perogies but today I am getting in touch with my zen self. (2) Comments

Unsure Posted 8/21/2007 11:41:26 AM Yesterday I stopped by my new office to get unpacked (we have to be in next week). I was totally surprised to see that the person I am replacing, he retired, had not cleared out the space (infact he still had nail clippers in one of the drawers). The filing cabinet, desk and shelves were still full. Unsure of what to do I spent 2 hours moving his stuff into a box- which I placed in the storage room beside my office. Then when I went to the office to get my keys I was told that he had not returned them last June and I would not be issued a new key until I had contacted him. - (This may be a bit difficult considering he's in Europe). As I did not feel that I would be able to achieve anything I had anticipated I chose to go home. I guess I'll just have to work a bit later next week when we're all back in the building. (0) Comments

surgery went well Posted 8/18/2007 1:18:57 PM Just to let everyone know that Arden's ear surgery went well yesterday. It went fairly quickly and except for being disoriented when he woke up he didn't fuss at all. Thanks for your prayers. I also was wondering about a little advice. Now that he has tubes he's unable to go in the water without ear plugs (or cotton balls coated in vaseline) in his ears. This morning he had his first bath and kept trying to remove them. I told him that if he was unwilling to wear the plugs he couldn't be in the water.I quickly washed his hair while the cotton was in and then when he removed the cotton Vince took him out immediatly after he removed the plugs. Does anyone have any advice on how to teach a 2 year old to wear ear plugs? (3) Comments