One cool chick

Has it really been this long?

2011-05-31T20:11:00.000-07:00

It's been an incredibly long time since I've written anything, but it's not because I haven't thought about it. It just always seems like something else comes up and I never get here. C'est la vie. Abigail is 11 months old and John is 3 1/2. I'm almost done with my maternity leave and so many other things have happened since I last wrote, but I feel the need to document things these days because it's just nice to be able to look back.

Abigail has been a dream baby. She has been a good sleeper from the start without any of the problems that John had. I used the Baby Whisperer sleep training from the beginning, and when I think back, I really did put in a lot of work when she was very young, but with absolutely no "crying it out" she goes down for naps AMAZINGLY and she's starting to sleep through the night every now and then, but with increasing regularity. As long as she has her pink bunny, life is good. At three months old, we were able to get in to see the lactation doctor for a poor latch, and she put me on domperidone to increase my breast milk since Abigail had only gained two pounds since birth (dropping from the 90th percentile to the 15th). She saw a pediatrician at about 10 months because she had continued to drop after she started solids, but he said that everything was looking good since she's hitting her milestones and is happy and not to worry about her weight - and that she should be able to start going longer stretches at night without eating. Yay! And now that she's 11 months, she's babbling like crazy, laughing whenever anyone else laughs, and starting to walk. I love her so much!

John has been going to preschool since he turned three (he calls his teacher - Miss Nella - Aunty Vanilla) and it's amazing how much he's soaking up. He knows most of the letters in the alphabet, a lot of the sounds the letters make, and I'm starting to get him to read simple books to me. Thankfully, the kindergarten classroom has lots of books and the teacher has agreed that I can sign books out of her library! He loves to play outside and his favorite place to play is in the sand box. Dump trucks, diggers, shovels, and buckets are all he really needs to be happy for a LONG time! Aunty Jenn's dog Sophie usually comes over to follow him around and keep him company, which is nice. Soon Abigail will be more able to join him, but she's not quite there yet. He is generally a good kid, but it can be a challenge to discipline him in a way that lets him know that his behaviour is not acceptable but still let him know that you love him.

One year old!

2008-10-13T08:30:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that a whole year has passed. It was really slow for the first three months, better for the next three, the honeymoon period was around 8 months, and now it's great but busy.

John's first birthday was quite enjoyable. We had a party at my parents' house, which was where he had his cake. He didn't make a horrible mess, but he was pretty tired by the time it came to eating. He did seem to enjoy it, though. We were incredibly spoiled by everyone, and whenever his babysitters came to the house, they brought a gift, so he had a new toy every day! Then, for Thanksgiving, we went to Trent's parents' place, and had dinner with the sisters and Pauline and Carol. Very fun to have all of those kids together! John really enjoyed his pumpkin pie!

For the last few nights, John's been sleeping through! This is particularily exciting because I've been so tired going to work on sometimes only a few hours of sleep. Work has been going well, but I find it a bit hard because I have to spend time every week trying to line up babysitters and because I have to spend time in the evening doing prep and marking, when I would rather spend time with Trent or even maintaining a clean home. But I really enjoy getting out of the house for those 4-ish hours and being around other adults. I even really enjoy the kids!

So in our future is allergy testing for John, and me trying to get my stomach muscles back in shape because they're really starting to let me down and hurt now that John's getting so big.

Almost crawling . . .

2008-07-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

It's really amazing just how much stuff a baby can find to get into. John's just over 9 months old, and he's pretty good at crawling with his tummy on the floor. He sure gets around. I've been trying to baby-proof, but there are just so many things that I just don't know what to do with. For example, all the stuff for the cat. There's a scratching post, a cat house, and all the toys that look like SO much fun for a baby. What can I do? There's no room to move it all to a different room, and even if I did, the toys would find their way back, and Oscar would start scratching things he's not supposed to in the living room. Or the living room garbage can. If it wasn't there, I'd be cleaning up a pile of garbage from the table every day. Sigh.

But at the same time, it's really exciting, and you feel so happy for him because he's able to go where he wants, when he wants (with obvious exceptions, of course). The freedom and accomplishment he must feel . . . wow. I love seeing the look of absolute delight on his face when he finds something new and makes discoveries. My friend Carley didn't want me to help her daughter learn to crawl because of all the trouble she could get into (and believe me, I understand that part of it now), but every day that goes by, sometime new and exciting happens, and it makes the 8 months without sleep seem almost worth it. ;)

A Fragile Mind

2008-06-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

So, for a long time there, my son was waking up about every hour, all night long. He was in obvious gas pain, and I was doing everything I could do prevent his getting so gassy. There were days that I would hardly eat, in hopes that he would sleep better at night. And when he woke up, sometimes I would have to hold his tummy for him (sometimes for almost an hour) to alleviate the pain.

Now you would think that at one of the 7 or 8 times I talked to health care professionals, (over the span of a couple of months) someone would realize that didn't sound normal. Oh, they would tell me to stop eating this or that (which I already had) and they would say to heat up a blanket in the dryer and wrap it around his tummy (which didn't work) and other advice like that. The last time that I talked to a doctor, hoping to get a referral to a pediatriciation, they told me that I had post-partum depression. Well, I guess so, since I hadn't slept for months, and nobody was trying to really find out what the problem was. (I was SO sick of hearing, oh, he'll grow out of it)

So, desperation led me to two actions. One was to wean John. I couldn't take the emotional stress of being depressed and having something leaching from me (that's how I felt about it). And the teeth were coming in, and it was just too much for my fragile state of being. Also, after much struggling with God, I came to the conclusion that I would need to take anti-depressants. Since starting the pills, I have been much better, but I think they only have a little to do with it. When I weaned John, he started to get better at night. He started to sleep for two hours at a time (which meant I was only getting up like 5 or 6 times a night!!) and he was able to settle himself if he woke himself up - which NEVER used to happen. So since he was no longer in such pain, he was able to start learning how to sleep.

Then, because I had started taking the pills, I had to check in with my doctor to see how everything was going. As we were talking about all the troubles we've been having, (and she was probably listening a little bit better because she realized just how bad things had gotten) she prescribed a medicine for reflux for John. Since starting that, he's only waking up when he's hungry (or when he pees out of the diaper, I still have to figure out what I'm going to do to prevent that) which is 2 or 3 times a night. Amazing!

So these days, life is good. My son naps well during the day, he goes to bed well when he's tired (with only a little help from me, which is getting less and less all the time), and he sleeps well at night! Praise the Lord! The biggest issue I have with the whole thing is that all the health care people realized that it was probably my breast milk that was causing the problem, but no one even remotely suggested that I wean him. I knew in the back of my mind that it would probably be the best thing, but seeing as how when women breastfeed, global warming is halted and baby whales are saved, it was hard to make the decision, especially since I had to decide it on my own, against the best advice of everyone I talked to. My Bible study group was so supportive, though, and for them, I am forever greatful.

Anyhow, I guess that sums up my trauma. I hope that someone somewhere who has been having similar problems will read this, since I felt like I was the only one during this whole time.

I'm back!

2008-06-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a ridiculously long time since I've written anything, and I can think of three really good reasons - 1. Facebook. I have been enticed into the world where you don't have to write anything, but you can still keep up with the other wonderful folks who have been sucked in. 2. Sick leave/maternity leave. I wasn't at work anymore, where I had the most convenient access to the internet since certain stupid internet companies couldn't figure out how to get a signal at my house 5 km down the road from their tower. 3. Baby. I had a baby. Who didn't/doesn't like to sleep. Sigh.

So the last long while has been crazy busy and exhausting. John was born on his due date (imagine that), and was beautiful! He didn't really sleep well from the beginning, and I remember spending the first week sleeping with him on the couch because he had tummy troubles (and Trent and worried about bringing him into our bed). I also remember that he wouldn't nap well unless someone was holding him. Sigh. For a brief period he slept in his swing because that was the only way that anyone would get any rest. So to summarize, the last eight months have been strength-sapping.

Finally, his nap times have settled, and he sleeps from one to two hours twice a day (usually one and a half hours). I've almost weaned him - he has one nursing feed left, in the morning - and his tummy troubles have finally settled. It's frustrating because I could have just weaned him earlier, but every time you talk to a health nurse, that's the one thing they don't suggest you do, even if it's best for everybody.

Anyhow, I should probably go, since John's sleeping and this is really the only time I have to be me again. Next blog - getting no sleep and the effects on your brain. Hopefully to come sometime in the next two weeks (I make no promises!)

One week left to go . . .

2007-10-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

Well, that's just a rough estimate, I guess. Everyone who has a birthday in October has been telling me what day I should have the baby, but only God knows who will be the lucky person who gets to share my baby's birthday! :)

Things for the last couple of weeks have been pretty rough. Everything hurts or aches in a new way, so it seems, and I have spent a lot of time watching TV or trying to do things that involve sitting with my feet up (otherwise the swelling just gets out of control!). The baby dropped about a week ago, and today the nesting syndrome hit with a vengeance! I am either numb to the pain today, or it miraculously toned down significantly, so I was cleaning like a crazy person. Oscar didn't know what to do. I finally got to scrubbing out my kitchen cabinets, and stuff like that. I'm going to pack the diaper bag and see if there's anything else that I should be adding to my hospital bag either tonight or tomorrow. But I'm trying not to get my hopes up because it's still a week to my due date, and all along I predicted no earlier than the 15th. But we shall see...

Oh! I'm getting internet installed on Thursday, so there's a chance I'll actually get to post some pictures of my growing belly! Stay tuned . . .

It's about time!

2007-09-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

I realize that it's been a riiculously long time since I posted a blog, and I'll understand if no one reads this! :)

Since June, life has just been flowing along. I went to a couple of weddings (both very excellent and fun), to which I wore a dress of Danica's that amazingly looked pretty decent on my expanding belly.

July was ridiculously hot and now I have a new appreciation for people who don't like the heat. I couldn't stand it. Just moving positions on the couch would throw me into a hot flash that would last forever. Even with fans blowing on me, I couldn't seem to get comfortable. I tried to book the boat in at the marina for a week, but they told me that there was a spot available in September - not really what I was looking for. But the couple of times we went out on the boat were the most comfortable days that I had all July.

August just flew by, and I have no idea what I did. I know it was cooler and I was conflicted because I wanted nice weather, but I couldn't help but feel releived that it wasn't hot. We took a few days and went on a trip to Banff, Jasper, and finished up with Sara and Ed's wedding. It was a very nice trip. Made all the better because the person who took our dog, Jules, from the lake two weeks before, called us up and returned her while we were away (thanks Danica for taking care of her!).

As for the pregnancy, things have been growing well all summer. Slow and steady. But now that I'm almost there, it's noticeable that I'm getting bigger every week. I'm officially 37 weeks along as of Monday, Setpt 17, and it's really starting to get uncomfortable. The baby is kicking a lot, and often stretching so that I just want to lay down and stretch out myself so that the baby has enough room (to try and save my ribs, hips and bladder). We have all of the stuff we think we need before the baby comes - crib, change table, side table, rocking chair, and a nice clean closet (I purged a LOT of stuff in August). It's been a little tough to find neutrally colored things for our little one, but I figure you don't really need to decorate at first because the baby doesn't care.

Anyhow, if you made it through to this point, good on ya! I'll be back hopefully before too long passes again!

School's out for the summer!

2007-06-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

Well, it's finally here; the last day of school. Maybe now I can get a bit of the rest I so desperately need! I feel like crap today because my sick leave ended yesterday so I actually had to come to work today, and I'm exhausted. The only reason I'm still here is because I'm waiting for my last piano student, and then I'm gone.

It was a good day, though, and it was great to see and say goodbye to the kids. I had to give out awards and certificates at the awards ceremony, and I felt really fat today. I know I'm just pregnant, but I've started to become self-conscious about my tummy. It could just have been that I was so tired, but there it is.

I'm going to really try hard in the next couple of weeks to download a couple of belly pictures ('cause I've taken lots, but I still have that whole lack of internet at home issue - although steps are being taken with the internet companies that might FINALLY fix that!), so keep checking. I never thought that I would be the kind of pregnant woman who was embarrased about the belly, but I don't like showing it off. Sometimes I even surprise myself! :)

I'm five months.

2007-06-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I figured I should put something down here, although I'm fairly certain that most people have long since stopped checking in to see if I've written anything new.

I'm officially 23 weeks along, which is like 5 months and a week or something like that. I'm still keeping a lot of the baby inside, although it's starting to look like a baby belly. Most people who find out I'm pregnant still tell me that they wouldn't have guessed, though. Oh, well. At first, I was all excited for the belly to grow, but now I'm realizing that having a small belly now will hopefully mean a less uncomfortable 9th month, and maybe even escaping stretch marks.

The baby is kicking several times a day now, which is very exciting because I was only recognizing the kicks maybe once a day, sometimes a day or two without feeling anything. Yes, I do realize that soon enough I'm going to wish the baby would take a break, but I'm going to enjoy this nice "Hi, I'm here" while it lasts.

We wend to Sean's wedding this weekend. It was really nice. They really went all out and everything seemed to go seamlessly, which is amazing for a wedding. Trent was such a good best man - I don't know if Sean even realized how much work Trent was doing at the reception. Trent's speech was really great, too. I wanted to call Pastor Tom on the phone and let him listen, but I thought of it too late. :) Anyhow, it was a great weekend, and I even got to dance a little bit even though I didn't have many people to dance with.

I would say "pictures are coming" but we all know that is a big lie. I took quite a few at the wedding, and I even have recent belly pictures, but there's this little thing called the internet that I'm lacking. That just means you'll have to come visit me if you want to see!

It's already May

2007-05-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe that I haven't written for so long. I was bursting to talk about the pregnancy when it was still too early, and now I'm totally slacking off.

Things with me have been a whirlwind lately. There's so much work to be done at home, and I'm getting pretty behind at marking at school (and this really doesn't help! :) ), and there are a lot of things scheduled in my daytimer. Yes, I had to start a daytimer because I couldn't keep track of personal, professional, and miscellaneous life without one anymore.

Things with the pregnancy are great. I really have a good amount of energy, although when I do anything strenuous, I get really tired when I'm done. But the great thing is, a good night's sleep usually perks me right back up again. I still don't know if I've felt any movement (I'm 18 weeks today), but I have felt a different feeling, although I wouldn't call it the butterflies in your tummy feeling everyone's been describing. I'm definately starting to show, but it still doesn't look like I'm pregnant - just gaining weight. I really need to post a pic, but it's so hard when I don't have internet at home.

There's one thing that is a vague issue. I'm rh negative, and Trent's rh positive, which means I need to go for a prescription shot at the ER. Most people I've talked to say that they only got the shot after the baby was born. I'd like to know why I'm taking mine this way, instead of the other, but I missed the call from my doctor today, which means I need to find some time to call tomorrow. Anther thing I need to schedule in! :)

Anyhow, if you have anything to say about it, I'd love to hear!

It's a . . . baby!

2007-04-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I went for an ultrasound yesterday. I'll start at the very beginning.

I was told to drink four 8 oz. glasses starting two hours before the ultrasound. If any of you can figure it out, that's 32 oz. of water. It really doesn't look that daunting until you think of the size your bladder has to be to accomodate it all. I actually kinda forgot to start 2 hours before, so about one hour before, I start guzzling, and about 45 min. before I get it all down. Then it's off to Bonnyville. In a truck, which means it's a bumpier ride than if I was in a car.

When I get to the hospital, I get out of said truck, and realize that things are starting to get really full down there. It's uncomfortable to take every step, and the entrance is up a slight incline. We get in there, and have to wait in line a couple of minutes before we can check in. I was doing ok until about 5 min before they called me. I was doing everything I could not to think about how badly I have to go to the bathroom. When she does call me, I'm in a lot of pain. She fires off all these instructions about changing and what to do with my clothes, and I barely register any of it because I can barely walk, let alone take off my clothes. I manage, and carry the basket to the room where she tells me to put it on the counter. It's amazing how much you use you stomach muscles when you walk, lift, etc. Then she tells me to lay down on the bed. I'm thinking "you've GOT to be kidding me!" I was past the point of feeling like I have to go and at the point of I'm going to explode with pain! So I lay down with my knees bent, and she asks me to straighten them. I told her I can't. So she pulls up the gown and exclaims "oh my! You are WAY too full. Just let me check how much you can let out." So she pushes on my tummy with the paddle thinger and says that I can let out a big ol' cup full and then stop. I'm thinking you want me to stop!? But by the time I filled the cup I felt SO much better it wasn't a problem. So if I have to go back ever, I only have to drink 16 oz. Yay!

Well, that was the painful part, but the rest was just SO cool! She did all of her looking around, and clicking away on the computer, taking measurements and all. She was really nice and told me a couple of things that were reassuring, although I don't remember much of the conversation. I asked if it was moving around, and she said "oh yeah!" and then I tried to look at the monitor, but she turned it away from me more, because I had to wait for Trent. This took about 10 min or so.

Then she got up to get Trent and he stood beside me and she turned the screen to us and we saw our baby! It was wiggling and moving, and it was so cool! She showed us lots of different angles. At one point it made a big stretch and we could see the whole body from head to toe. We could see the little arms waving about and everything. The baby is now 9. something cm, and everything looks to be going fine. I was 15 weeks exactly yesterday, and everything's as big as it should be, I'm just carrying it all inside so far. The baby was laying with it's head toward my head on it's back during most of the ultrasound. And I was having a Braxton-Hicks contraction when she started the ultrasound, and she said she could see it on the monitor. The best part (well, the second best) was getting to go to the bathroom after it was all done. I couldn't believe how much I still had to go!

Then today I had another doctor's appointment, and we listened to the heartbeat! It was 154 beats per minute, and she was happy with all the blood work and everything else. The only thing that could be a problem is that my blood type is negative. So now Trent has to go in and find out what his is, and then I'll have to go in for shots to build up anti-bodies to positive blood. But even that isn't really something I'm going to worry about because it doesn't seem to be much of a problem anymore.

One final baby thing. I told my students today. I put the ultrasound pictures on the overhead (technology I actually know how to use), and told them they couldn't say anything, they had to try to figure out what it was. A couple of them figured it out right away, and one couldn't hold on anymore and shouted out "is it yours!?" Then we talked about the pictures, and they were all really excited. One seemed a little repulsed at the pictures, but then she was pretty excited, too. The best comments: "You'll have to take at least a week off work!" "Will you bring the baby to work with you, or will you leave it at home. Well, I guess you'd have to bring it to work." and the best "When are you going to bring it to school?" (that one was from a kid in a different class) Then they all started suggesting names for me to name the baby, and I was surprised that they weren't suggesting their own names. :) Too much fun. They said that they should keep it a secret, but as soon as they went for recess, they couldn't tell enough people.

Well, that's my last two days. Hope you all made it to the end! :) And as soon as I figure out how to get the ultrasound pictures on, I'll do that (don't hold your breath).

It's Easter!

2007-04-05T16:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I titled my last blog "trying to be better at blogging" (or something like that) and then it takes me almost a month to get something new on. Sigh.

I guess I have a very good reason. I'm having a baby. Yes, it should arrive sometime in October, and we're really excited. Trent will sometimes just poke my belly when we're watching TV. I'm not showing too much yet (mostly to myself, but no to others is what that means), but I'm not fitting my dress pants AT ALL anymore. I guess that just means I either get to wear jogging pants to work, or I get to go shopping. Either choice is really fine with me. :)

I'm feeling pretty good. There was a little while there that I was nauseous, but as long as I always was eating something, that seemed to settle my stomach. And I was really exhasted all the time, and that's getting better, too. For example, today. It was a mad house, being the last day before the break, and I didn't get enough to eat at lunch, but I'm feeling ok, and I'm not really tired at all. It feels good to feel like myself again. Not that it's going to last for too much longer, but there you go. :)

Well I guess I should get going. Hopefully I'll get some pictures on the blog sooner or later. So far I haven't taken any, but I really should so we can all remember what the starting point was like. And it'll be nice to have some pictures of other things than my cat and dog (especially when the baby comes!)

Trying to be better at blogging

2007-03-12T15:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I know that my last post wasn't that old, but I'm on, and I figured I'd write something else. I had a REALLY good day today. I feel rested, and the kids weren't that annoying ;) and it was just a really good day. I even got two slices of cake because there was a birthday in my classroom, and a staff birthday!

So, I guess here's a bit of controversy. There is a house right beside our church's parking lot, and for many years, they had a chain link fence dividing their property from the parking lot. About a year or so ago, they took down the chain link fence, and we just parked in the same place as always, guesstimating where the lot ended. Last Sunday however, they parked on their property so that we couldn't use that part of the parking lot (as in, where a parking spot should have been, but farther ahead on their lawn). That completely nullified about 4 parking spaces because no one wanted to box them in, as that would be rude, but the parking lot is way too small for the amount of vehicles that need to park. I was confused, and brought it up to our secretary after church, so I don't know what's going to happen. It just seems rude on their part for parking that way. What do you think?

Too many babies

2007-03-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

Did anyone notice how many babies are running around these days? I heard that we're in the midst of another baby boom. I can't even imagine what would be fueling it. I mean, we're in good times here in Alberta, but it can't just be here that it's happening. There's not something in the water, I don't think. But even most of my friends got pregnant within the first month or two of trying, which I've heard is not very common. I was just looking at Tammer's blog, and she could pop any day now (and might have already), and I've been really thinking of my friend Carley who, it seems to me, is either very near or past her due date.

I remember that since the year I got married (2003), there have been at least 10 friends a year who got married - this year excluded, I think it's only 3 or 4 - and kids are coming out of the woodworks. I was at a baby shower for another friend last night, and it was really nice and I think everyone had a great time. I just get reminded at how awful it can feel to be the only one single or the one trying to get pregnant and seeing all of these other women having children seemingly effortlessly. And although you know that your time will come, and God has extra special plans for you, it's so hard not to worry about what happens in the meantime.

Well, this was more philosophical than I had planned (I rarely think a blog through before I start to write), and I think I'm going to sign off now. I think I'll go over to my in-laws and try to forget that report cards are due next Monday . . . mind you that's pretty tough because Trent's mom's a teacher too, and we talk shop a lot. Oh, well. It's better than sitting in my classroom on a Saturday afternoon when the sun's been shining and all the snow melting. I wonder where my dog is . . .

It's Friday, so I should blog.

2007-03-02T15:58:00.000-08:00

Well, it seems that Friday is the only day of the week that I feel like I have a bit of extra time, so here I am, trying to remain a faithful blogger. The trouble is, not much happens in my life. But I guess I have been remembering a lot of dreams lately (not sleeping too well), so I'll tell you about a couple of them. If you've already heard about one, skip down to the next.

"Mr. ? dies"
Well, it was a while ago, and I dreamed that one of my co-workers died. We were at my family's place in the country (which doesn't exist because it was my mom's family), and they were out to kill me and Mr. ?. They got him with hundreds of tiny needles, and I carried him over to my uncles and gave him to them. As I did I knew they were going to kill him, but that was ok because I was going to get away. Other stuff happened, but I don't really remember it now. But the crazy part is, just last week, there was a Mr. ? in Edmonton who was murdered. So my co-worker is still alive but someone else with the same name is not.

"I want a persimmon"
I was in Edmonton, and I needed to get onto the LRT to get to the Claireview station because there's an asian market there. My students were there and I kept missing the train because I had to get them on their trains. That lasted for quite a while. Then I finally got on the train and up to Clairview and into the asian market. Then I couldn't find any persimmon. They had little bags of it, but it was sliced and dried and dipped in different things like garlic. Then I asked someone if they knew where some persimmon was and they directed me to a little room on the side. When I walked in, it was like a library with dark wood, high shelves on all the walls, and tables. But all the shelves and tables were covered with exotic fruits. One table had purple pumpkins that were really in the shape of green peppers only much bigger (about a foot or so tall). Then I asked a clerk sitting at a podium in the middle of the room if they had any persimmon, and she said yes, but only the $50 variety. I was desperate enough to eat some persimmon that I was debating whether I was willing to pay or not, and then I woke up.

"Oscar runs away"
I was at a concert at the school in which my cat was part of. It was over, and I approached the front of the stage. Our youth pastor was there, and we chatted about how well the kids did. Then the kids started doing a walk-through of a new play (while all the parents were still in their seats and watching) when my high-school drama teacher comes to me and tells me whats going on now. Then Oscar (my cat) starts acting up and I get him and take him back to my class. I don't have a carrier, so he's just running around my room while I'm getting ready to go home. Then all these kids and parents start coming in and they leave the door to my class room open. I ask anyone if they've seen Oscar, and then I go out the door and I see him running for the door to outside. I chase after him even though it's night time and I'm just in my stocking feet. (I should probably mention that he's now the size of a small dog in my dream) I get outside and try to catch him, but of course I'm not fast enough, but he's also not running very far away from the school. Finally he stops and looks at me like he really doesn't trust me and starts hissing at me. And then I woke up.

Well, that's all I can remember now. I'm sure I'll remember another bunch by this time next week. The crazy thing is, I can identify why I dreamed about most of the things I dreamed about - persimmon: I was looking in the asian market in WEM and couldn't find any, the drama teacher: my brother was going to try to meet while he was up last weekend, Oscar running away: he often tries to get out the door, etc.

Bye all!

So tired

2007-02-26T15:51:00.000-08:00

I'm so tired, that when I tried to write the title for this blog, it came out more like " toienaeoi" and then I had to erase it and try again. In fact, just for fun, from now on I'm not going to fix any typing errors, just so you can see how little brain power I have left.

So mot much is happening. My borther came up last weekend, and it wa s nice to catch up again. Everyong in my family came over on Sun nught to visit with my pets, and a little with us, I guess.

School's going well. I dread the day begin over because then I hace to clean and prep and get ready for the next day when all i want to do is go home and cuddle my cat. I'd cuddle Trent, but he's not really the duddling kind. :)

Does anyone have any gerat suggestions for an artist to sutdy? We've ben talking about Van Gogh for a while, and the kids really enjoy looking at art and trying to figure out what i'ts all about. I'm trying to turn them into little forgers. ;)

It's been too long . . .

2007-02-20T15:43:00.000-08:00

. . . so I'm writing another post. I really don't have much to say, though. The cat's as ornary as ever, the dog's as friendly with fishers as ever, and my husband's actually getting to be a big help around the house. It's taken a while, but as I have conversations with girlfriends, I realize just how good I've got it. Let's see . . . he always empties his pockets before putting clothes in the laundry, and he usually empties the dishwasher before I get home from work (as he is usually home before I am). There are lots of other great things he helps me with, but as he will be angry that I'm talking about him at all, I probably should move on.

Well, what else is there? I was in Edmonton for teacher's convention, so my week's really screwed up with the Monday off. It feels like the last week was dragging on for months. But now that I'm back to work, things are flying by, and it'll be the end of Feb before I know it. I started testing kids for report cards today. I want to get them done early this time (I always say that), but we'll see.

Well, it's almost 5 already, and I'm starving. I need to get home and make some supper, but I also have a bunch of cleaning, planning, and organizing to do before that can happen. (Oh, and marking, but I'm really just a big ol' procrastinator in that area - did I mention I'd like to get report cards done early? Sigh) I hope this was not too boring for you. :)

The country life

2007-01-31T16:02:00.000-08:00

This morning, I was so impressed with myself because although I didn't get up any earlier than usual, I was at work before 7:30, which means that I was actually able to get a bit of work done before the kids get here. I was listening to my newly downloaded tunes (yay, I was actually able to download some last weekend!), and prepping like a crazy lady. Mostly because I was dancing like a crazy lady, but that's beside the point. Anyhow, I was in the staff room a couple of minutes before classes start, and one of the bus drivers, who is also an aid and has come over to visit, comes into the staff room. "Your dog's outside," she says. So I start freaking out because now I have to take her home, AND now she knows where I go every day, so how am I going to keep her home?!

So I get on my stuff, ask my aide to get the kids to read for 20 minutes while I take my dog home. Luckily, I had the truck today, so I could actually do that. (Mind you, that could be one of the reasons she followed me.) I get outside and I start whistling for her, but she doesn't come. I keep walking around to the back of the school looking for here, and I don't even see a crowd of kids, so I'm starting to panic that she took off down the highway. But then I round one more corner, and there's a huge pile of people standing right beside the doors, but they're all looking toward the school, and I still don't see the dog. Then all of a sudden, the kids see me, and they're all saying things like, "You're dog's so nice!" "Nice show and tell, Mrs. W." and "This is so cool!"

I wrestle my way into the crowd and grab Joules' collar and start pulling her toward the truck. She's so happy to see me that she's jumping all over the place. She was SO thrilled with all the attention she was getting from the kids (did I mention she's a real people dog?). So I chased her to the truck and she climbed into the box and we headed home. I felt so bad when I had to tie her up because she just looked so sad. She would love nothing more than to hang out at the school all day and play with the kids!

Then, all day today, the kids kept bringing it up. And all I could think about was "Mary had a Little Lamb" who followed her to school one day which was against the rules, and it made the children laugh and play to see a lamb at school.

I have no idea . . .

2007-01-22T14:53:00.000-08:00

I did not realize that it has been so long since I blogged. I was impressed with myself for answering some e-mails the other day, though. That's a step in the right direction. I suppose my inability to keep new blogs coming has something to do with not having internet at home. As it stands, it's almost 4 o'clock, I wasn't at work this morning, and now I just have no idea where I should beginning with my post-craziness work, so I'm blogging at the request of Shinbone #4. Alas, I digress.

Hmm, what's new with me. Well, I have attained three new piano students since Christmas. One is a student in my class, and two are adults who work at the school. This I'm a little nervous of, since I don't want money to become an issue, but I'm also not willing to sit down once a week and give lessons for free. ;) One of them is a friend, and I would give her free lessons, but the other is probably going to be stressful. Oh, well. I've also heard it's harder to teach adults . . .

Well, what else is there? Oh! I have a funny story about my dog (a German Shepherd) that Trent told me. Apparently, one of the guys from Trent's work was on the lake ice fishing (I live right on a lake, in case anyone didn't know). Our dog loves being with people and has even made friends with a little dog next door and they play on the ice all the time. This time, she was alone, but she walked over to this guy who Trent works with and is just eyeing him up. He caught a fish and put it down on the ice for a moment, and she swooped in and stole his fish! We were thinking she was scavenging in the bush for food 'cause she hasn't been eating as much dog food, but apparently she's making a good living on the lake as well. I was thinking that we should make a big sign that she wears to warn the fishermen that says, "Be careful, I'll steal your fish" because I don't want someone to get really angry and hurt her. Silly pooch.

Anyhow, I really should do some work and get home. I'm making salmon for supper tonight, and I'm SO excited! (How sad . . . )

Happy New Year

2007-01-08T15:42:00.000-08:00

Hello all. I decided that it was about time to write a new blog, and now I can because I'm back to work. (I hate not having internet at home - anyone have any ideas about how I can get rid of an obnoxious hill that stands in the way?)

Today was the first day back to work after my two-week holiday. I can't believe how fast it went. Christmas was alright. I really missed being with my family on Christmas Eve, though. It just didn't feel like Christmas this year. I would have to say that the best part of the holiday was the 4 days I spent in Edmonton with good friends. I would have to say - best New Years in a while! I would love to post some pics, but alas, no internet gets in the way of that, too.

So now it's back to work, and I feel totally lost. I forgot where we left off, and then I went ahead and left my plan book at home this morning! I don't really live that far away from school, but it would still take me almost half an hour to run home and get it, so I just made due. The kids didn't notice a thing! (most of them were pretty out of it today, too)

I love you all and hope you had a great holiday!

It's Christmas time!

2006-12-23T15:21:00.000-08:00

I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. School is done for two weeks, and both Christmas concerts went off really well. The concert at the church was well received (as far as I heard), which is always good, but the one I was really stressed about was the one at the school.

I was really nervous that no one would like the script and that it would be too long and everyone would be bored and talking by half-way through. However, a lot of people really liked it, and they liked the fact that we acted out the Crippled Lamb for the nativity. So there you go.

The best part of the whole concert for me was when the curtains opened when the K/1's were on the stage dressed as dolls and soldiers, everyone went "awww!", and then they did it again when the curtains opened on my little sheep and shepherds. I couldn't stop smiling! And I even had the best seat in the house because I sat at the piano the whole time. That was actually really great, too, because I didn't have to deal with the kids in the classroom during the concert!

Now, it's the day before Christmas Eve, and I have very mixed feelings. My family has always celebrated Christmas on the Eve, and then Christmas Day was spent doing things together. We really aren't the kind to just sit around all day and visit. We have to do things. But on the other side, that's exactly what they do all day, or the men go out and do things together. Since my family is having Christmas in Calgary, I'm going to be with Trent's family. So I'm looking forward to it because I love his family, but I have a really hard time sitting around all day. *sigh* I could really use some prayer for a better attitude and the ability to not get stir crazy.

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas, and God bless!

So exciting!

2006-12-04T15:32:00.000-08:00

For those of you who know me, you know that I have not had the priviledge of having my very own laudry facility in my home since I got married (almost 3 and a half years ago). Well, this weekend we got a washer and dryer! I'm so excited. I threw in a load of laundry this morning as I was getting ready for work, and I didn't even have to cart it all over to someone else's house! We haven't gotten the dryer hooked up yet (that's going to happen tonight), so I have only washed things that I usually hang to dry, but it's just amazing to be able to do other things around the house that you need to do while doing laundry! YAY!!! I tried to put a picture of them on the blog, but I can't figure it out right now. Maybe someday. As for now, I have to get back to the wonderful world of Christmas planning. Only 12 school days left . . .

Ahh . . . Christmas

2006-11-29T16:37:00.000-08:00

Hello all my faithful readers,

I have been shamed into writing a new blog (thanks Shinbone #4). All that's really on my mind right now is Christmas. I'm in charge of the Christmas program at school, I'm somewhat responsible for the Christmas concert at the church, I'm playing piano for the Christmas choir, we're singing Christmas songs in my music classes, I've already had a very fun (albeit small) Christmas party, and I'm teaching Christmas songs to one of my piano students. Hopefully I'm not all Christmas-ed out by the time it gets here. At least I'm still REALLY looking forward to my Augustana Christmas party coming up soon.

Here's my Christmas dilemma. We do a "Secret Santa" gift exchange at work, where you pick someone else's name and buy them one $5 gift a week for 3-4 weeks. I have been a willing participant for the past 3 years. However, this year, I did not feel like I wanted to be a part of it. Partly because I'm just plain getting too much Christmas at school, and part of it because it seems that it's just about trying to figure out who has who and trying to keep it a secret. It really is quite stressful to try and keep it a secret. And I have enough stress right now. Ok, so I'll stop rambling, and tell you the dilemma. There's actually about 5 of us who didn't participate this year (leaving about 10), and the ones who ARE participating are harassing us and making us feel guilty about it (which is really just making me feel even more like being a hum-bug). What do you think (of their actions or of mine)?

Merry Christmas!

Trick or Treat!

2006-11-03T15:33:00.000-08:00

Well, this was a busy week, with Halloween and all. I had fun, but I am so exhasted now (being Friday after work). I dressed up as a worker. I tried to find a picture of my costume, but it had kids in it, so I couldn't post it, and I thought to crop it, but I couldn't figure out how to do it without altering the original, and like I said, I'm too tired to try to figure it out. C'est la vie. But anyhow, we had a costume parade and all the kids had a great time. I asked for people to bring in snacks, and we ended up with SO much stuff. Mostly cakes and treats and goodie bags, so that by the end of the day, there was just no point in trying to get anything accomplished. Then the next day, there were people from Alberta Learning here, and that was stressful, although it wasn't really a major deal. At this point, I just want to go home, sit in the hot tub and relax. I need a massage. Know anyone good . . . Dags? :) Well, I don't really have anything profound or comical to say, but I thought that I would update my blog so that you wouldn't give up on me! Have a great weekend! By the way, these pumpkins were carved by one of my kids and her brothers. Pretty cool!

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving!

2006-10-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while since I've written. Mostly because I've been quite busy right after work, and by the time I'm finished my prepping, I just want to get home, and we don't have the internet at home. But there's a story there. We called a company who provides satellite internet service, and we had to wait 4 weeks for them to call back to book an appointment to come to our house and see if we were within range of the tower. I don't think that I've ever had to wait on a waiting list to get a call to wait again. Anyhow, by the time they actually showed up (2 weeks later), it appears that there's a hill blocking the signal, so we'd have to set up a tower to the tune of $1000. Yikes! So, we still don't have internet. Sigh!

Let's see, what else is going on. Thanksgiving was good. We had two turkey dinners, and we're going to have a third with my parents this weekend. I do believe that I gained some weight this weekend, but I'm avoiding my scale (yes, I know many would take offense at this remark, but even thin people have their fat days). But I did get my cat to stand on a scale. He's 8 pounds. What a cutie!

Oh, here's an interesting tidbit. The other day, Oscar (the cat) got scared by Trent because when he came he was carrying an armload of stuff that fell into the house, and Oscar bolted into the bedroom. When I went to see if Oscar was ok, there was a large tuft of hair that looked like it was spontaneously shed on the floor. It was the weirdest thing I've seen (yes, I've lived a sheltered life).

Well, I guess that's enough mundanity for one day. I hope you all had a good turkey day, and I hope to hear from you!

Events of my life

2006-09-20T15:11:00.001-07:00

I guess that's a pretty apt title because I'm just going to blab about what I've been doing lately. I have been sick for almost a week now, and it's just migrating from one body part to another. I started with what I though was laryngitis because I felt fine but couldn't talk. Then I thought I was getting better for two days, then it moved into my sinuses. Now it's settled into my throat, and I really hope it doesn't move anywhere else.

Other than that, I've been busy with school and Sunday School. We're starting a new program, and it's going to take a lot of co-operative effort to get it off the ground, which means a lot of meeting and getting together. Which is going to pay off because it'll be really fun and exciting for the kids, but I'm just run down from this cold right now.

Trent's doing pretty well. He went on a guy's quad trip on the weekend, in the cold and snow. He's blaming me because he's not feeling well, but I think that he totally brought it upon himself. :)

Oh! Something exciting . . . I learned how to drive a tractor. I climbed up in my Carhartt overalls and drove the tractor to help Trent bring the bales in off the field by our house. I'm a real farm girl now!

Anyhow, that's about all I have to say about that. I really need to stop procrastinating. TTFN!

Hypocrisy

2006-09-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

I know that I promised some of you to write about my trip this summer, but I have lost the drive to do so. I knew that if I didn't do it right away, it wouldn't get done, and here we are. But I'm happy to be back in the blogging community, now that the first full week of school is finished.

I would like to take this time to talk about something that really bothers me and that I've noticed in myself. I remember when I was young, we would take personality tests quite regularly (everyone had a different version, so they made us do them all), and one of the personalities was a "follower". They would agree with whatever anyone was saying. I used to be that person, and still am to a point (If I feel strongly about a topic, then I'll stand up for it). I realized that if I had no opinion, I would just go with my companion's opinion. Then, five minutes later, I would talk with someone who had the opposite opinion and find myself taking that one. Needless to say, it was a confusing time.

Now, lately, I have found myself to be annoyed with hypocrisy that I see in people. A couple of weeks ago, I was convicted of my own hypocratic tendencies. I had a conversation with a friend, and we were talking about people seeking fullfillment from changing things in their lives, like moving away because they think things will automatically be better. I said, "If you're not happy where you are, you won't be happy if you move." (How many times have we had that siad to us?) Then a couple of hours later, I was thinking about how I wanted to go on a big trip because then I would be happier. How ridiculous! I was a follower in conversations when I was young, and now I'm so trained with opinions that I just spout them without any reflection about how what I'm saying applies to myself. And that's the worst situation to find yourself in because how do you grow?

I don't know if this made much sense, but there it is. I also have a problem with "Remove the plank in your own eye before removing the speck from your brothers" (loosely quoted from who knows where in the Bible). Not because I want to remove the speck from other's eyes (although I know I try to more often than I should), but because I wish people would help me with the plank in my own.

The End?

I'm back!

2006-08-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been absent from the blogging world for quite some time now. I know I've been sorely missed (tee hee). I was going to post last week sometime, but I couldn't get on to my blog, so there's my excuse. I know that I told a couple of you that I would talk about my trip to BC, but I still don't have the pictures off of my camera. So I'm going to put it off. I have to go back to work on Monday, so I'm taking advantage of my last few days to be lazy! Anyhow, mostly, I'm posting so that Kelly doesn't feel like I'm letting her down. Sorry I didn't make it to Sylvan this summer, sweetie! Maybe I'll grab a could of delicious Shinbones and try to come down this fall. :) Alright then, have a pleasant today and I'll talk to you all soon!

One Fine Day

2006-07-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

I'm actually able to use the internet today, so I decided to put a pic on. There you have it. I was on the boat all afternoon yesterday, so I'm a little red in the one stupid place that I didn't put sunscreen. But I did cross one thing off my "things to do this summer" list. I jumped off the boat, and I didn't even think that I was going to drown for a moment. Yay me! Anyhow, toodles!

2006-07-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

You Are Batman

Billionaire playboy by day. Saving the world by night.
And you're not even a true superhero. Just someone with a lot of expensive toys!

What Superhero Are You?

This was unexpected. Batman was really one of my least favorite superheroes. I have to admit, I've always liked Superman the best!

You Should Drive a Ford Shelby Mustang Cobra

You have an extreme need for speed, even when you're not in a hurry.
And while your flying by, you don't want to look like every other car on the road!

What 2007 Car Should You Drive?

I had to do this quiz for my husband. It's amazing that it turned out to be one of his dream cars!

Summer "things to do"

2006-07-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time of year again. The age old tradition that's more important than New Year's resolutions. The wonderful "things I need to accomplish this summer" list. Thanks to Grace and Joy, a summer is incomplete without one. But I need your help.

1. Go to Edmonton, Sylvan, and on a long trip.
2. Go swimming off my boat.
3. Hear about Joy's dating life.
4. Go to no weddings.
5. . . . ?

The End is Near!

2006-06-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

Well, that title sounded a lot more dooms-day than it should, simply because the end is a fabulous thing! We went on our year end field trip today and it was so much fun. I'd love to publish some pictures, but that would be entirely inappropriate and breaking laws and such. I am a rebel (ha), but that's just too far. We went the museum in the morning, and learned about Native culture in the past and took a tour. We got to watch some Native dancing and it was a lot of fun. The kids were really into it, although they were really hungry about half way through the morning because they didn't get to have their usual snack.

Then after lunch, we went swimming, and I got in the water with them this year. That was a whole lot of fun too. I never understood how parents could take their kids swimming because all they did was sit there and watch them and such, but it's the best thing in the world! They're all so proud of what they can do that they all want you to watch, and the rest of the time, you just play! Of course it's very different from what you would do if you were swimming with a bunch of adults, but there you go. A good time was had by all.

Now, all I have to do before the holidays is have fun with the kids, and the awards ceremony. This is the first moment that I could say that things are winding down, and that's because the report cards are done, and I'm finally done all the other things that I need to get done before I don't see the kids for 2 months. On Thursday, I have to come and clean up the classroom and get it ready for cleaning and welcoming the kids back. Would anyone like to come and help? :)

"Winding Down"

2006-06-23T17:12:00.000-07:00

As most people in the world would say, things are finally winding down for the year. Yeah right. I'm just about completely exhausted and I just can't wait to sleep in for 2 months. (Tee hee hee) On the up side, I finished my report cards, and after I finish work tonight (in about 2 hours, and yes, it's already after 6pm) I can just enjoy the weekend. Things at the end of the year just get crazier and crazier until all of a sudden they come to a crashing halt at 3:30 pm on the last day. But then I get the cleaning bug and want to toss everything in sight so that I can start fresh in August. It's very cathartic.

It also surprises me that people are surprised that teachers look forward to the end of the year. Why wouldn't you be happy that you're about to start the working world's best benefit? It's not so much that I'm glad to get away from the kids (although the break is theraputic for both parties), as that I finally get to do all those things that I can't because I'm working all day.

Anyhow, I should run, otherwise I'll still be here when the alarm turns itself on, and that's never a good situation. :)

Random thoughts . . .

2006-06-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

So, I don't really have much to say, but it's been a while since I posted anything. The main reason it that I got tonsillitis this week, and since fighting off a persistant 2 day fever and swollen and painful tonsils all week, I'm still a little exhausted. I only took one day off work, because with the end of the year fast approaching and PATs, there's just no time to be sick. But thankfully it only was really bad for the one day, and it's been tolerable for the rest. I would like to take this moment to thank the creators of Extra-Strength Advil.

Well, this begins the random thoughts that run through my head when I'm having an ADD moment.

Last night, my cat tried to run up a wall to catch a mosquito that got in the house and he made it up about 6 feet. No, he didn't even use anything to launch himself. (This is an old picture of Oscar, he's much darker now, and bigger)

I love my iPOD.

Trent went to the river last night and got eaten alive. Poor guy.

This week, all the kids from Kindergarten to Grade 4 got pencils and trees from the MD for their 50th anniversary. I thought that was pretty cool. Then we talked about how we all change the world with every step we take, every tree we plant, every time we drive, etc.

There are only 9 working days until I'm on 2 months of holidays. I know people hate me for it, but I cannot wait to finally be able to have a social life and catch up on taking care of things in my personal life. We say that Canadian weather is 10 months of winter and 2 months of bad sledding, well my life is 10 months of taking care of everyone around me, and 2 months to recover from it. I don't know where the connection between the first saying and what I just said is, but like I said, I'm having an ADD moment.

Well, I should probably get outta here because I'm sure most of you stopped reading about three points ago, so really I'm just talking to myself, but that's not really different than usual. :)

What color should your eyes be?

2006-06-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Your Eyes Should Be Hazel

Your eyes reflect: Intellect and sensuality

What's hidden behind your eyes: Subtle manipulation

What Color Should Your Eyes Be?

Procrastination

2006-06-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

When I was in my freshman year at college, my friend, Anne-Marie, and I were going to write a book entitled 101 ways to procrastinate. (Writing the book was going to be method #1) Is it a surprise that we procrastinated on that project and it remains incomplete? Here, years later, I find myself using many of the original techniques, although I have managed to add in a few. Some recently added examples of procrastination are, blogging, iPODing, playing with my pets, etc. Today I should be making a math test (alas, the end of the school year brings on these necessary evils), and here I am, procrastinating by blogging. I'm even procrastinating making a deeply intellectual blog by writing about procrastination. I wonder how many times I can use procratination or any derivitive thereof in a single blog? I think I should procrastinate on that one. Au revior! (I'm also going to procrastinate looking that up to see if I spelled it right.)

Feed the Addiction

2006-06-05T15:23:00.000-07:00

For my birthday, I got an iPOD from my husband (after some very subtle hinting). It's fantastic. However, it's just added one more addiction to the growing list. There are things that I really need to do, but are incredibly boring without something to listen to, but the iPOD takes a bit of effort to get everything that I want on it. Sigh. :) Toodles!

Fun Sports Day

2006-06-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

Today we had our sports day in the afternoon. It was a lot of fun. (It was actually called "Fun Sports Day") :) Is it sad that I think little kids are so incredibly cute at everything they do?! I think the best part of all was to sit and chat with kids that I normally don't get a chance to do so. And I got to hang out with kids from my class last year. All in all, it was a really great afternoon. It was even almost warm enough for me! I think it only got up to about 26 degrees, and there was wind and some clouds. Does anyone have ideas about stations that we could use for next year? I think the only glitch was the older kids remember doing much the same thing as last year. Oh, well. It's what you do to maintain a semblance of a life outside of work.

Why I love June.

2006-05-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

June has always been one of my favorite months. First and foremost, obviously, is because it's my birth month. It also happens to be the best month to be born in because it's half way through the year, so the presents are fairly evenly distributed. Secondly, because school is almost done, PATs are wrapping up, and the two-month fabulous holiday is in sight. (I apologize to all those who find a two-month holiday offensive.) Thirdly, it's finally starting to warm up to bad sledding weather. I cannot handle the cold (sorry, Lex, you're on your own here). But best of all, June means that my anniversary is just that much closer (aww!). :)

Mmmm, vomit.

2006-05-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

Today I was at a meeting at the most opportune time. I had two vomitting children. I know that it's part of the job description to deal with these moments, but I am a firm believer that no one should have to. And since I was at a meeting, I didn't! But I feel sorry for my sub.

Hey, what's that funny smell?

What's an addiction?

2006-05-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

Well, as you know, I just began my blog last Friday. Since then, I have been pondering about it. What should I write? Who else should I notify that I even have a blog? What kinds of things will I never write about? How the heck can I add links? (The last question, I did manage to answer.) And this, that I am writing, is completely spur of the moment, as so many other topics flitted through my head, I cannot remember a single one.

As my title indicates, as what point should I label this an addiction? If something consumes you, and you cannot live without it, that is an addiction, right? Sigh. I think I'm not addicted to blogging just yet, but the comments do make my day much brighter. :)

Inauguration

2006-05-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I've done it. Something that I promised myself and many others I would not do. I have officially joined the world of blogging. I'm sure that many people's initial blogs state this same fact, but if I'm already following the crowd, why not go all the way.

Really, I just wanted to have something published, so that's all that I really have to say. Have a great weekend!