This morning my family took me in to outpatients to see the doc about the pain I am in. On the way into town my spouse asked my son to sing for me to make me feel better. He sang me the prettiest, wordless song.
When we arrived at outpatients, I checked in and went promptly into the bathroom to continue puking. I started to puke this morning as a result I think of the combination of every pain medication I could put my hands on in the house and the pain.
I had Max with me while Shel parked and brought the baby in. Max got to come with me to the bathroom and watch me vomit into a garbage can while sitting on the toilet! Lucky little guy.
When I thought I was all done we went out to the lobby to wait and be called back. I made the comment to Shel that I felt I was going to puke again - to which my son responded by picking up the garbage can from under the seat and giving it to me to puke into!
How could I not feel a TEENY bit better after that?
p.s. The doctor did see me, he looked into my mouth and suggested I see a dentist! He gave me pain pills and antibiotics to get started on and we came home. On the way home Shel had to pull over a few times for me to puke some more. I have heard of "dry heaves" before and I just assumed it was retching when there was nothing in your stomach. I got a whole new perspective of dry heaves today let me tell you. Pulled over on a side road, in plain view of everyone driving down the highway, because I had nothing in my stomach, my stomach and throat constricted and tried to force something out of my gut that was not there. As a result of there being nothing to expel, my body tried to turn my esophagus inside out and violently force it up my throat and out of my mouth, and nose. That hurts. In addition to the pain my body was making WEIRD noises that sounded like something from a planet earth video of whales communicating. Had we been in any kind of proximity of whales I am certain their ears would have burned with the things I was screaming. Nothing like burning stomach acid coming through your nose on the side road in the dead of winter to make the holidays seem merry and bright!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Pain
I do NOT deal well with pain. I never have.
This fact being known, one would think I would then make choices in my life that would reduce the possibility of ever experiencing pain.
But what did thinking ever get you?
I just have one word to say..... Dentist.
I have blogged on this topic before. I LOATHE the dentist. I always have, I always will. I never go to the dentist until I am in pain at which time I make a load of follow up appointments which I will cancel. I do it every time.
Then I go without seeing a dentist until the next time I am in pain and then I call again. And the cycle repeats itself.
I am not a medical doctor, so what I am about to say is not grounded in any kind of medical fact.
I think that when I am in pain, there is some chemical released into my brain so that when the pain is OVER I cannot recall the intensity of it and this is why I don't bother following up and think it will be 'Ok" until the next time.
I am sitting here right now in pain. I can only blame myself for it and I am not seeking any kind of sympathy because I know I don't deserve any. I drove this bus off the cliff and now I must deal with it.
I am in AGONY.
The only reason I am blogging is because I cannot do anything else. I can't read. I can't watch tv. I can't do ANYTHING that I would normally do to take my mind off the present. I can't consume copious amounts of sugar. I can't consume ANYTHING. I have been sitting with an electric heating pad on my face for hours - on high. NOTHING IS WORKING. I have taken so many pan killers I have made myself sick to my stomach. I can't sleep.
On a scale of one to ten the pain I am in is EASILY a nine. I say nine because I am upright. I am only upright because I am so out of my head that laying down is more of a bother, but I have had migraines that rank 10 on that scale of intensity.
I'm thinking there should be more than one scale for pain. Cause this is a tenner.
I am ready to rip my tooth from my head with my fingers if need be. OH MY LAND there is nothing anyone can do for me at 12:33 am. The pain is getting worse. Why does this happen to me when I am supposed to be on vacation? AND on a weekend? AND worse at night?
Believe you me there was a LOT of things I wanted to eat today and couldn't because of the pain.
Tonight is my night to sleep and here I am - not sleeping.
I LOATHE my teeth. I want them all ripped from my skull so I don't have to deal with this shiza anymore.
HOLY F@#% I hurt right now.
This fact being known, one would think I would then make choices in my life that would reduce the possibility of ever experiencing pain.
But what did thinking ever get you?
I just have one word to say..... Dentist.
I have blogged on this topic before. I LOATHE the dentist. I always have, I always will. I never go to the dentist until I am in pain at which time I make a load of follow up appointments which I will cancel. I do it every time.
Then I go without seeing a dentist until the next time I am in pain and then I call again. And the cycle repeats itself.
I am not a medical doctor, so what I am about to say is not grounded in any kind of medical fact.
I think that when I am in pain, there is some chemical released into my brain so that when the pain is OVER I cannot recall the intensity of it and this is why I don't bother following up and think it will be 'Ok" until the next time.
I am sitting here right now in pain. I can only blame myself for it and I am not seeking any kind of sympathy because I know I don't deserve any. I drove this bus off the cliff and now I must deal with it.
I am in AGONY.
The only reason I am blogging is because I cannot do anything else. I can't read. I can't watch tv. I can't do ANYTHING that I would normally do to take my mind off the present. I can't consume copious amounts of sugar. I can't consume ANYTHING. I have been sitting with an electric heating pad on my face for hours - on high. NOTHING IS WORKING. I have taken so many pan killers I have made myself sick to my stomach. I can't sleep.
On a scale of one to ten the pain I am in is EASILY a nine. I say nine because I am upright. I am only upright because I am so out of my head that laying down is more of a bother, but I have had migraines that rank 10 on that scale of intensity.
I'm thinking there should be more than one scale for pain. Cause this is a tenner.
I am ready to rip my tooth from my head with my fingers if need be. OH MY LAND there is nothing anyone can do for me at 12:33 am. The pain is getting worse. Why does this happen to me when I am supposed to be on vacation? AND on a weekend? AND worse at night?
Believe you me there was a LOT of things I wanted to eat today and couldn't because of the pain.
Tonight is my night to sleep and here I am - not sleeping.
I LOATHE my teeth. I want them all ripped from my skull so I don't have to deal with this shiza anymore.
HOLY F@#% I hurt right now.
Friday, December 26, 2008
As Max Grows
This afternoon I was laying in bed taking a nap. When Max woke up, Shel went to pick him up and he was helping her in the kitchen while I still lay in bed.
Supper was ready and it was time for me to get out of bed and come to the table. Shel said to Max, "Max, Please go get your mom up" to which Max responded (from the kitchen) " MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM"
I was already awake and listening to the conversation and I had to laugh outloud at what he considered to be " getting me up". What are we going to do with him when he is a teenager?
Supper was ready and it was time for me to get out of bed and come to the table. Shel said to Max, "Max, Please go get your mom up" to which Max responded (from the kitchen) " MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM"
I was already awake and listening to the conversation and I had to laugh outloud at what he considered to be " getting me up". What are we going to do with him when he is a teenager?
Thursday, December 25, 2008
conversations in bed
Watching Treehouse "Go, Diego, Go"
Me: " I have never seen a chinchilla before in it's natural habitat."
Shel: Uncontrollable laughter.
Me: " I have never seen a chinchilla before in it's natural habitat."
Shel: Uncontrollable laughter.
conversations in bed
Watching HGTV "Home to Flip". Peter Fallico just spent over 150 thousand dollars on a house.
Me: " I wish we had the kind of money to buy a house and flip it, only flip it for us."
Shel: " That's called renovation."
Me: " I wish we had the kind of money to buy a house and flip it, only flip it for us."
Shel: " That's called renovation."
Back to Blogging
It feels as though the year got closer and closer to it's end, life started to speed up and speed up and the last few weeks I have felt like a whirling dervish.
My understanding of whirling dervishes is that they do a lot of spinning in place which may or may not result in a spiritual experience. I have done a lot of spinning but the spiritual experience has yet to make itself known.
Finally with some time off I hope to get back to the things I love ... reading, writing, playing with the boys, paying attention to the dogs, and I might even squeeze some cross stitch in.
Christmas day has come and gone. I will blog about that later. In the meantime there's a new book, new sheets, and some snacks waiting for me in bed!
My understanding of whirling dervishes is that they do a lot of spinning in place which may or may not result in a spiritual experience. I have done a lot of spinning but the spiritual experience has yet to make itself known.
Finally with some time off I hope to get back to the things I love ... reading, writing, playing with the boys, paying attention to the dogs, and I might even squeeze some cross stitch in.
Christmas day has come and gone. I will blog about that later. In the meantime there's a new book, new sheets, and some snacks waiting for me in bed!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
reducing my caffeine intake
I have changed my goal from "giving up coke" to "reducing my caffeine intake". This change will enable me to be more successful, because I honestly don't think I truly desire to give up Coke forEVer.
My SU thought it would be a good idea for me to try this over the Christmas break so I could be at home and if I happened to experience mind blowing pain of withdrawals I would not subject anyone around me to my screams of agony. I agree with her, but at the same time I have no intention of spending my precious days off work writhing on the floor and crying. This let me to believe I should start reducing my intake of caffeine immediately so that when my vacation days arrive if I cut caffeine out of my diet completely I won't experience withdrawals quite as dramatic. I am doing ok with it so far. By OK, I mean..... it hurts but I'm upright and I can still see.
Yesterday I had to stop and buy a drink from the vending machine in the middle of the day because a wicked migraine was descending and I could feel it behind my eyes. I didn't have any coke last night when I went home. When I am at work I drink coffee which is something I have only just started to do since moving to Fairview. I drink it because I am cold. I hate cold and coffee tastes ok with half a cup of sugar and half a cup of cream. (I have to drink from a very large mug to fit it all in). I just wish it tasted as good as it smells! Yesterday I had two cups of coffee and a coke. That is a big improvement over two or more cups of coffee and three or more cans of coke. I woke up this morning with a really bad headache and got up right away and took a grandpa powder. If those headaches get a hold of me I am doomed. Today I have had one cup of coffee and no cokes. So far the headache seems to be staying away and I am keeping my fingers crossed.
I'll keep you updated.
Christmas meme
DECK THE HALLS
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
We still use some wrapping paper, but my mom made us very cool gift bags which we use also. I prefer to use the gift bags.
2. Real tree or Artificial?
A real tree. At some point we would like to grow our own on our acreage.
3. When do you put up the tree?
We are not very consistent with when we put up the tree. I would like to put it up at the beginning of December but that would mean I had to be more organised.
4. When do you take the tree down?
When we are tired of it.
5. Do you like eggnog?
Not even remotely. Gag-o-rama
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Uh..... I got a bike one year.
7. Hardest person to buy for?
My dad, because he always guesses what we got him but it's fun to try and surprise him - almost impossible.
8. Easiest person to buy for?
My boy. I am always seeing thing I want to get him.
9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail. Also if we get around to it. I have cards from last year stamped and addressed but never mailed.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
My parents gave me the same gift a few years in a row. (more than one). The worst one was a thing to put on a bike over the back wheel that zipped up and you could put stuff in it. I never used it but it was given to me a few consecutive years which was funny.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
The Original Grinch.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
All through the year I am looking for ideas for Christmas.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
This year I am regifting all the Ferrerro Rocher I have been given.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
I like to eat my spouses Almond Rocha
16. Lights on the tree?
Absolutely.
17. Favorite Christmas song?
I like way too many. I will do another post today about all the Christmas music I like. Little Drummer Boy is one favorite.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Stay home. I would like to travel to my family, but it is insanely cold here and I won't get on the highway for love nor money.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
An Angel
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Mrs Claus always delivers pajamas for us to open on Christmas eve.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
Lines in stores.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
I like handmade ornaments.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
At Christmas I get marrowfat peas and brussel sprouts. I love them both but only eat them at holidays.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
I could probably think of a lot of things, but we are just exchanging for the kids this year.
26. Lights, blinking or always on?
We alternate.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
We still use some wrapping paper, but my mom made us very cool gift bags which we use also. I prefer to use the gift bags.
2. Real tree or Artificial?
A real tree. At some point we would like to grow our own on our acreage.
3. When do you put up the tree?
We are not very consistent with when we put up the tree. I would like to put it up at the beginning of December but that would mean I had to be more organised.
4. When do you take the tree down?
When we are tired of it.
5. Do you like eggnog?
Not even remotely. Gag-o-rama
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Uh..... I got a bike one year.
7. Hardest person to buy for?
My dad, because he always guesses what we got him but it's fun to try and surprise him - almost impossible.
8. Easiest person to buy for?
My boy. I am always seeing thing I want to get him.
9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail. Also if we get around to it. I have cards from last year stamped and addressed but never mailed.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
My parents gave me the same gift a few years in a row. (more than one). The worst one was a thing to put on a bike over the back wheel that zipped up and you could put stuff in it. I never used it but it was given to me a few consecutive years which was funny.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
The Original Grinch.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
All through the year I am looking for ideas for Christmas.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
This year I am regifting all the Ferrerro Rocher I have been given.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
I like to eat my spouses Almond Rocha
16. Lights on the tree?
Absolutely.
17. Favorite Christmas song?
I like way too many. I will do another post today about all the Christmas music I like. Little Drummer Boy is one favorite.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Stay home. I would like to travel to my family, but it is insanely cold here and I won't get on the highway for love nor money.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
An Angel
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Mrs Claus always delivers pajamas for us to open on Christmas eve.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
Lines in stores.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
I like handmade ornaments.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
At Christmas I get marrowfat peas and brussel sprouts. I love them both but only eat them at holidays.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
I could probably think of a lot of things, but we are just exchanging for the kids this year.
26. Lights, blinking or always on?
We alternate.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
My Blog personality
I picked this up from typealyzer. Check out your blog type here!
I think this will amuse my spouse.
ESFP - The Performers
The entertaining and friendly type. They are especially attuned to pleasure and beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft fabrics, bright colors and sweet smells. They live in the present moment and don´t like to plan ahead - they are always in risk of exhausting themselves.
They enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way. They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation - qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions.
I think this will amuse my spouse.
ESFP - The Performers
The entertaining and friendly type. They are especially attuned to pleasure and beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft fabrics, bright colors and sweet smells. They live in the present moment and don´t like to plan ahead - they are always in risk of exhausting themselves.
They enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way. They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation - qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
ten on tuesday: the ten best gifts I have given
Here is a list of the ten best gifts I have given.
1. When my dad turned 50 years old I made him a scrapbook. I collected pictures of him from throughout his life and stories of him from siblings, children, parents, etc. I put the whole book together. It was my scrapbooking debut, the only scrapbooking project I have ever worked on and it rocked - if I say so myself.
2. For Valentines day one year I made my spousal unit a basket out of bread and filled it with strawberries.
3. For my spousal unit's fiftieth birthday I gave her 50 presents. That isn't really 'ONE' gift, but it was a blast to put together.
4. My first cross stitch project was a mime face that I stitched for my mom. I have NO idea why I chose to do a mime face. To my knowledge she has no particular interest in mimes, but it was quite the project to "start" my cross stitching career. Man that was a lot of work. I am surprised I finished it!
5. I cross stitched my SU some cool things - I have even framed one of them! It is three hearts with the words "love, love, love"
6. Last year for Christmas we decided we would give each of our nieces and nephews a book each year. Books are special to us and it is a way to share something of us with them. Our first gift was a book my SU found online - a book of counting in Shona (the language I grew up with in Zimbabwe)
7. My family has a funny "tradition" of gift giving. When I was growing up we didn't have lots of money. My parents would find things on sale throughout the year and put everything into a locked crate and then on Christmas eve sort through the crate and make piles to wrap for each kid. One year I got a flower that danced when it heard music. I wasn't ALL that interested in it and when my mom was cleaning up after Christmas she asked me if I wanted it and I said "not really" _ well back into the crate it went. Wouldn't you know, the next Christmas what do you suppose I unwrapped? You guessed it, a dancing flower. We laughed so hard. I think I got that stupid thing a few more times before other kids in the family started to get it. Well my parents have moved countries since then - a number of times - and the dancing flower has been lost along the way. Two years ago they came to Canada to celebrate Christmas with us and I happened to find for my dad --- A dancing flower. He totally loves it and it sits by his computer at home. It was so incredibly fun to give that to him and knowing that it sits by his computer in South Africa I always try to make noises - like "knocking" on msn messenger - to see if I can make it dance!
8. We got our son a balloon for his 2nd birthday. It was not the only thing we got him - but it was his "best" gift - it lasted months.
9. One year my spouse and I heard that my grandmother had a need for some items in her home. We sent money to my cousin (who I am certain "ADDED" to it) and got the stuff my ailing grandmother needed.
10. My SU and I did the 12 days of Christmas for a family in need in our community. For the 12 days leading up to Christmas we would put together a gift, write a poem, then put it on the doorstep and knock and run. We had a BLAST and can't wait to do it again.
1. When my dad turned 50 years old I made him a scrapbook. I collected pictures of him from throughout his life and stories of him from siblings, children, parents, etc. I put the whole book together. It was my scrapbooking debut, the only scrapbooking project I have ever worked on and it rocked - if I say so myself.
2. For Valentines day one year I made my spousal unit a basket out of bread and filled it with strawberries.
3. For my spousal unit's fiftieth birthday I gave her 50 presents. That isn't really 'ONE' gift, but it was a blast to put together.
4. My first cross stitch project was a mime face that I stitched for my mom. I have NO idea why I chose to do a mime face. To my knowledge she has no particular interest in mimes, but it was quite the project to "start" my cross stitching career. Man that was a lot of work. I am surprised I finished it!
5. I cross stitched my SU some cool things - I have even framed one of them! It is three hearts with the words "love, love, love"
6. Last year for Christmas we decided we would give each of our nieces and nephews a book each year. Books are special to us and it is a way to share something of us with them. Our first gift was a book my SU found online - a book of counting in Shona (the language I grew up with in Zimbabwe)
7. My family has a funny "tradition" of gift giving. When I was growing up we didn't have lots of money. My parents would find things on sale throughout the year and put everything into a locked crate and then on Christmas eve sort through the crate and make piles to wrap for each kid. One year I got a flower that danced when it heard music. I wasn't ALL that interested in it and when my mom was cleaning up after Christmas she asked me if I wanted it and I said "not really" _ well back into the crate it went. Wouldn't you know, the next Christmas what do you suppose I unwrapped? You guessed it, a dancing flower. We laughed so hard. I think I got that stupid thing a few more times before other kids in the family started to get it. Well my parents have moved countries since then - a number of times - and the dancing flower has been lost along the way. Two years ago they came to Canada to celebrate Christmas with us and I happened to find for my dad --- A dancing flower. He totally loves it and it sits by his computer at home. It was so incredibly fun to give that to him and knowing that it sits by his computer in South Africa I always try to make noises - like "knocking" on msn messenger - to see if I can make it dance!
8. We got our son a balloon for his 2nd birthday. It was not the only thing we got him - but it was his "best" gift - it lasted months.
9. One year my spouse and I heard that my grandmother had a need for some items in her home. We sent money to my cousin (who I am certain "ADDED" to it) and got the stuff my ailing grandmother needed.
10. My SU and I did the 12 days of Christmas for a family in need in our community. For the 12 days leading up to Christmas we would put together a gift, write a poem, then put it on the doorstep and knock and run. We had a BLAST and can't wait to do it again.
Monday, December 15, 2008
giving up Coke
My spouse and I discussed in passing that it might be a good idea for me to give up Coke over the holidays. Her thought was that it would be good to go through blinding caffeine withdrawals while I was at home and not at work so I could spare the people around me from my agony. I don't do pain well. Or quietly.
I think it is a good idea except that I REALLY like Coke.
1. It isn't good for me.
2. I am addicted to the caffeine.
3. I don't need the sugar.
4. I'm pretty sure I would feel healthier all around if I gave it up,
5. I may even lose some weight?
But have I mentioned that I REALLY like Coke?
I think that is pretty much the only reason I can come up with to keep drinking it, that and the blinding withdrawals I know I will go through if I give it up. I just have to be 100 percent sure that I won't start drinking it again because I have gone through this in the past, I've even managed to stay off it for a while, but there is no point in going through the withdrawal if I am just going to start drinking it again down the line.
It's not that easy of a decision - even though it should be.
Ah Coca Cola adds Life!
I think it is a good idea except that I REALLY like Coke.
1. It isn't good for me.
2. I am addicted to the caffeine.
3. I don't need the sugar.
4. I'm pretty sure I would feel healthier all around if I gave it up,
5. I may even lose some weight?
But have I mentioned that I REALLY like Coke?
I think that is pretty much the only reason I can come up with to keep drinking it, that and the blinding withdrawals I know I will go through if I give it up. I just have to be 100 percent sure that I won't start drinking it again because I have gone through this in the past, I've even managed to stay off it for a while, but there is no point in going through the withdrawal if I am just going to start drinking it again down the line.
It's not that easy of a decision - even though it should be.
Ah Coca Cola adds Life!
Blog Frustration (new)
So my GREEN blog background is boring and I thought I would try something new for the holiday season. Mix it up a little for the three people who come here with some regularity (maybe now it's two people?)
ANYWAY. I went out, found a cute background, followed the directions - I THOUGHT - and ended up with a really cute background but lost ALL my links! Links to blogs, links to memes, photo of Mukiwa, background music, countdown ticker to the day of our takeover. ARG!!!!!!!!
I have gone back to see if I missed a step somewhere but can't see where I missed anything.
Now I have to start over to try and recreate what was here.
I know it isn't rocket science and probably no-one noticed any of it but me, still, DANG IT.
Though my background is now festive, I am not feeling it!
ANYWAY. I went out, found a cute background, followed the directions - I THOUGHT - and ended up with a really cute background but lost ALL my links! Links to blogs, links to memes, photo of Mukiwa, background music, countdown ticker to the day of our takeover. ARG!!!!!!!!
I have gone back to see if I missed a step somewhere but can't see where I missed anything.
Now I have to start over to try and recreate what was here.
I know it isn't rocket science and probably no-one noticed any of it but me, still, DANG IT.
Though my background is now festive, I am not feeling it!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Adoption frustration (still)
I know I have blogged about this in the past and yet here I am again. Same topic, still frustrated. It appears nothing has changed but a whole lot of time has passed.
We have an adoption worker (I am fairly sure it is number 7 or 8 which I have mentioned before).
We pressed the issue of how ridiculous it was that we still hadn't adopted in a meeting for foster parents a little over a month ago and it seemed as though things from that meeting put a bee in someones bonnet because it APPEARED as though things were moving forward. There has been a horrible shortage of workers in our region and so there was no-one to work on our file. After we voiced some complaints a supervisor called and said she would be working on our file herself so that we could move forward. I have started to ask SPECIFICS from the workers so we can have an idea of what we are looking at in terms of timelines. I asked when we could expect to become permanent guardians of our man. This is a step that has to be completed before we can become legal parents. I was told by the supervisor that we could look at being permanent guardians by the end of December. At the time she told us there were some things missing from our file. Of the things that were "missing", a copy of my Spousal Units Driver's license and an ORIGINAL copy of our marriage certificate was needed. Now I know we have given copies of this stuff before, because LAST year at the foster parent Christmas party we took copies of all this stuff and gave it to the person who was then working on our file. I don't understand exactly how this stuff goes "missing" from files. I have many files in my office. Things have never gone "missing" from them unless #1 I didn't put it into the file in the first place or #2 I didn't put it into the file in the first place. So I can only assume that it was never put into our file. It makes me wonder where a copy of my spouses driver's licence and a copy of our marriage certificate got to. Whatever the case, we need to supply them with this info again. I am a little confused, because I have NEVER been asked to give an ORIGINAL copy of my marriage certificate to any agency for any reason. Why do they need an original?
After she worked on our file, a new, full time, adoption worker was hired in the office and our file was transferred to her. She had an appointment to meet with us last week, which she had to cancel. It has now been rescheduled for the end of December. This means it is unlikely that we will be permanent guardians of our man before January or later.
Meanwhile I have been working on some assignments for my social movements class and came across an article about a gay couple in Edmonton who had some trouble adopting their son. In their story which you can link to here, they faced a number of obstacles in their adoption and it sounds too familiar.
In the meantime, we are still "ONLY" foster parents to our son and while he doesn't know the difference I certainly do. Until he is "ours" he is NOT ours - and while that may seem like a silly thing to say, another couple who we know personally recently had a child in their home for over 5 years had that child removed by foster care ... they were also "working" on adopting her.
Until the papers are in our hands that say our boy is our family, he COULD BE taken at any time.
We have an adoption worker (I am fairly sure it is number 7 or 8 which I have mentioned before).
We pressed the issue of how ridiculous it was that we still hadn't adopted in a meeting for foster parents a little over a month ago and it seemed as though things from that meeting put a bee in someones bonnet because it APPEARED as though things were moving forward. There has been a horrible shortage of workers in our region and so there was no-one to work on our file. After we voiced some complaints a supervisor called and said she would be working on our file herself so that we could move forward. I have started to ask SPECIFICS from the workers so we can have an idea of what we are looking at in terms of timelines. I asked when we could expect to become permanent guardians of our man. This is a step that has to be completed before we can become legal parents. I was told by the supervisor that we could look at being permanent guardians by the end of December. At the time she told us there were some things missing from our file. Of the things that were "missing", a copy of my Spousal Units Driver's license and an ORIGINAL copy of our marriage certificate was needed. Now I know we have given copies of this stuff before, because LAST year at the foster parent Christmas party we took copies of all this stuff and gave it to the person who was then working on our file. I don't understand exactly how this stuff goes "missing" from files. I have many files in my office. Things have never gone "missing" from them unless #1 I didn't put it into the file in the first place or #2 I didn't put it into the file in the first place. So I can only assume that it was never put into our file. It makes me wonder where a copy of my spouses driver's licence and a copy of our marriage certificate got to. Whatever the case, we need to supply them with this info again. I am a little confused, because I have NEVER been asked to give an ORIGINAL copy of my marriage certificate to any agency for any reason. Why do they need an original?
After she worked on our file, a new, full time, adoption worker was hired in the office and our file was transferred to her. She had an appointment to meet with us last week, which she had to cancel. It has now been rescheduled for the end of December. This means it is unlikely that we will be permanent guardians of our man before January or later.
Meanwhile I have been working on some assignments for my social movements class and came across an article about a gay couple in Edmonton who had some trouble adopting their son. In their story which you can link to here, they faced a number of obstacles in their adoption and it sounds too familiar.
In the meantime, we are still "ONLY" foster parents to our son and while he doesn't know the difference I certainly do. Until he is "ours" he is NOT ours - and while that may seem like a silly thing to say, another couple who we know personally recently had a child in their home for over 5 years had that child removed by foster care ... they were also "working" on adopting her.
Until the papers are in our hands that say our boy is our family, he COULD BE taken at any time.
Vehicle frustration
Last month my SU and I traded in our old van for a newer van.
When we purchased the van and left the building (I am leaving out the gory stress details) they gave us one key and said they had another key somewhere but at the time they couldn't find it.
So we have been using just one key for a month or so.
Earlier this week my SU went back to the dealership to ask if they had found the second key. They hadn't, but it is impractical for us to only have one key and so we needed to get another key cut.
They were more than happy to cut us another key and then CHARGE us over $100.00 bucks for the second key.
I think while they were cutting the key, they told my SU to bend over and take one up the butt.
SERIOUSLY. After the money we paid for the vehicle and the key they COULD NOT FIND when we were there on the day of purchase, they have the nerve to charge us an additional $100.00 for another key. What a freaking joke. It makes me SOOOOO mad how they take every opportunity to gouge customers who are in no position to just walk away.
And then the government bails out the auto industry! I am aggravated.
When we purchased the van and left the building (I am leaving out the gory stress details) they gave us one key and said they had another key somewhere but at the time they couldn't find it.
So we have been using just one key for a month or so.
Earlier this week my SU went back to the dealership to ask if they had found the second key. They hadn't, but it is impractical for us to only have one key and so we needed to get another key cut.
They were more than happy to cut us another key and then CHARGE us over $100.00 bucks for the second key.
I think while they were cutting the key, they told my SU to bend over and take one up the butt.
SERIOUSLY. After the money we paid for the vehicle and the key they COULD NOT FIND when we were there on the day of purchase, they have the nerve to charge us an additional $100.00 for another key. What a freaking joke. It makes me SOOOOO mad how they take every opportunity to gouge customers who are in no position to just walk away.
And then the government bails out the auto industry! I am aggravated.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Stolen from "My 2 cents"
1. Who did you spend at least two hours with today?
Ummm. I haven't been at work for two hours yet, and my family wasn't awake for 2 hours before I left. so no-one has yet had the joy of spending 2 hours with me today.
2. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks?
Time off from work.
3. Who was the last person you called?
My spousal unit, I was returning her call.
4. What were you doing at 12am last night?
Watching television.
5. Are your parents married/divorced?
Married.
6. When did you last see your mom?
This Spring
7. What are you wearing right now?
Jeans, a shoe with a hole in it, a t-shirt and sweater thingy. Not a sweater, but LIKE a sweater.
8. Where is your favorite place to be?
In bed, fast asleep.
9. Where is your least favorite place to be?
In bed, half awake because a baby is crying.
10. Where would you go if you could go anywhere?
Right now I would go anyplace warm - where I could sleep all night.
11. Where do you think you’ll be in 10 years?
I have no idea, but I hope I am doing something different than I am doing now.
12. What was the last thing that really made you laugh?
Max laughing at his cousin Tabby.
13. What cities/towns/villages have you lived in?
Gweru, Sydney NS, Saskatoon SK, Edmonton AB, Everett WA, Provo UT, Ogden UT, Bellingham WA, Maple Valley WA, Oak Harbour WA, Brier WA...
14. Are you a social person?
I can be VERY social when I want to be. I don't often want to be social outside of my group of friends.
15. Do you sleep alone?
Nope.
Ummm. I haven't been at work for two hours yet, and my family wasn't awake for 2 hours before I left. so no-one has yet had the joy of spending 2 hours with me today.
2. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks?
Time off from work.
3. Who was the last person you called?
My spousal unit, I was returning her call.
4. What were you doing at 12am last night?
Watching television.
5. Are your parents married/divorced?
Married.
6. When did you last see your mom?
This Spring
7. What are you wearing right now?
Jeans, a shoe with a hole in it, a t-shirt and sweater thingy. Not a sweater, but LIKE a sweater.
8. Where is your favorite place to be?
In bed, fast asleep.
9. Where is your least favorite place to be?
In bed, half awake because a baby is crying.
10. Where would you go if you could go anywhere?
Right now I would go anyplace warm - where I could sleep all night.
11. Where do you think you’ll be in 10 years?
I have no idea, but I hope I am doing something different than I am doing now.
12. What was the last thing that really made you laugh?
Max laughing at his cousin Tabby.
13. What cities/towns/villages have you lived in?
Gweru, Sydney NS, Saskatoon SK, Edmonton AB, Everett WA, Provo UT, Ogden UT, Bellingham WA, Maple Valley WA, Oak Harbour WA, Brier WA...
14. Are you a social person?
I can be VERY social when I want to be. I don't often want to be social outside of my group of friends.
15. Do you sleep alone?
Nope.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Friday Fill In
1. Snow is WAYYYY better than freezing rain.
2. I'm looking forward to Christmas holidays.
3. Wendy's Chili is the best quick meal on a cold night ever!
4. One of my favorite old tv shows is Greatest American Hero.
5. I'm done with getting frustrated with people if I haven't shared my expectations.
6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is family time.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging in the hotel with my family, tomorrow my plans include attending a class party and Sunday, I want to TAKE A NAP!
2. I'm looking forward to Christmas holidays.
3. Wendy's Chili is the best quick meal on a cold night ever!
4. One of my favorite old tv shows is Greatest American Hero.
5. I'm done with getting frustrated with people if I haven't shared my expectations.
6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is family time.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging in the hotel with my family, tomorrow my plans include attending a class party and Sunday, I want to TAKE A NAP!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
google me
When I enter a search into google sometimes the things that come up are completely unrelated to what I am looking for. I spend a fair amount of time googling and it can be very frustrating.
My spouse on her blog, has a way to look at the things people google that bring hits to her blog. I have always thought this was interesting but never knew how to do it on blogger - which is where I blog. Partially this is because I don't WANT to know, I am too lazy to spend the time to figure it out. If it isn't laid out for me easy peasy, then I likely won't be bothered with it.
So of course, because I have class tomorrow and I have a class presentation, major project and two papers left to finish, tonight I decided to try and find out what people were searching for when they came across my site.
You may not believe this, but "poop in the mouth" is one of them. It's true. If you go to google right now, enter "poop in the mouth" in the search box, you will be shown a link to my blog page.
That's inspiring. I don't know what bothers me more. The fact that people out there are searching for poop in the mouth, or that they are finding what they are looking for on my blog.
You know... I actually went out and tried it, and I can't find my blog on google when I enter this search. What I DID find was "dentists who poop in your mouth" and "20 reasons why dogs eat poo". I am not on the first 3 pages at least. That makes me feel a little better, but is it REALLY possible to feel better about this topic at all?
My spouse on her blog, has a way to look at the things people google that bring hits to her blog. I have always thought this was interesting but never knew how to do it on blogger - which is where I blog. Partially this is because I don't WANT to know, I am too lazy to spend the time to figure it out. If it isn't laid out for me easy peasy, then I likely won't be bothered with it.
So of course, because I have class tomorrow and I have a class presentation, major project and two papers left to finish, tonight I decided to try and find out what people were searching for when they came across my site.
You may not believe this, but "poop in the mouth" is one of them. It's true. If you go to google right now, enter "poop in the mouth" in the search box, you will be shown a link to my blog page.
That's inspiring. I don't know what bothers me more. The fact that people out there are searching for poop in the mouth, or that they are finding what they are looking for on my blog.
You know... I actually went out and tried it, and I can't find my blog on google when I enter this search. What I DID find was "dentists who poop in your mouth" and "20 reasons why dogs eat poo". I am not on the first 3 pages at least. That makes me feel a little better, but is it REALLY possible to feel better about this topic at all?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Doing Homework
I am a procrastinator of the grandest proportions. I am registered in a class right now and the requirements of the class include handing in 4 papers and doing a project and report on the project.
Now any other reasonable person would have done this work ages ago - considering the class is over this Friday. I was stressed about not having done anything until I went to class last weekend and discussed with other students how few of them had handed in assignments either. I felt some relief at the thought I was not alone, but it only further fueled my procrastination. I figured if no-one else had handed anything in, then why should I stress about it?
I came into the office so that I could work uninterrupted. In the time that I have been here tonight I have eaten two chocolate bars, two bags of chips, one beef jerky, consumed one bottle of coke and one half bottle of water. I have spoken to two people on facebook chat, been to the bathroom three times and I am now blogging. Believe it or not this IS what I consider to be working uninterrupted!
I'd like to think that I have abandoned some of my perfectionist tendencies. I'd like to think that - but I can't. When I leave writing to this late I would LIKE to just bust something out, write it once, spellcheck it, and mail it off. But, no. I write down thoughts, then I start writing, I edit and paste, check spelling, move things, rewrite things, call my spouse and read her what I have written so far, email it to my spouse to read, then make corrections and THEN send it off. In spite of all that I HAVE managed to write one article and get it in. THEN I started on number two. Now I have to pick a topic, read the chapter, then go on line and look for any supporting ideas. Talk to my spouse about it, print off articles, read articles, then start writing down ideas.
I have 6 newspaper articles, 11 research articles, 1 book chapter and my class notes all for the second paper. I have read the chapter and the six newpaper articles, but I have to now read the 11 research articles to glean what I need before I can start writing paper number 2. What happened to bust it out? How in the name of Hades am I going to get another THREE papers written at this rate?
Oh, the things I do to myself.
Now any other reasonable person would have done this work ages ago - considering the class is over this Friday. I was stressed about not having done anything until I went to class last weekend and discussed with other students how few of them had handed in assignments either. I felt some relief at the thought I was not alone, but it only further fueled my procrastination. I figured if no-one else had handed anything in, then why should I stress about it?
I came into the office so that I could work uninterrupted. In the time that I have been here tonight I have eaten two chocolate bars, two bags of chips, one beef jerky, consumed one bottle of coke and one half bottle of water. I have spoken to two people on facebook chat, been to the bathroom three times and I am now blogging. Believe it or not this IS what I consider to be working uninterrupted!
I'd like to think that I have abandoned some of my perfectionist tendencies. I'd like to think that - but I can't. When I leave writing to this late I would LIKE to just bust something out, write it once, spellcheck it, and mail it off. But, no. I write down thoughts, then I start writing, I edit and paste, check spelling, move things, rewrite things, call my spouse and read her what I have written so far, email it to my spouse to read, then make corrections and THEN send it off. In spite of all that I HAVE managed to write one article and get it in. THEN I started on number two. Now I have to pick a topic, read the chapter, then go on line and look for any supporting ideas. Talk to my spouse about it, print off articles, read articles, then start writing down ideas.
I have 6 newspaper articles, 11 research articles, 1 book chapter and my class notes all for the second paper. I have read the chapter and the six newpaper articles, but I have to now read the 11 research articles to glean what I need before I can start writing paper number 2. What happened to bust it out? How in the name of Hades am I going to get another THREE papers written at this rate?
Oh, the things I do to myself.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Ten on tuesday: Ten Ways you can Save Money
This week the topic for ten on Tuesday is "ten ways you can save money".
Here are ten ways we try to save money.
1. Eat out less. This is not really a problem since we have lived in our new town because.... there are not a lot of places to eat out! NO burrito grande, no souper salad, no mongolian BBQ, no Ogden Pizzeria, no Natalie's. WOW, we ate out lots!
2. Use coupons from IGA to buy milk, margarine, eggs etc. The milk is a big one - We save almost four dollars per gallon of milk using the coupons.
3. Shop for bulk items at Costco. Items like dog food, Kitty litter, Diapers, Toilet paper and Coke are WAY cheaper at Costco than anywhere else.
4. While at Costco eat from all of the tester tables. If you are there long enough that can save you the cost of two meals at LEAST.
5. It WOULD save us money if I applied for a gas card from UFA. I lost my application though. You would think I would walk in and get another. You would think.
6. Going to the library for books instead of buying them. Now while this theoretically should save us money, we ALWAYS have late fees. Admittedly the late fees are not ever as much as a new book, but it bothers me to get late fees continually and we lose them, and we drop them in the tub. Another good thing about going to the library for books instead of buying them is that it is a lot easier to move houses (and keep friends) if you don't have 20 thousand boxes of books to move.
7. Blogging in the dark - that's what I am doing right now. I'm sure we are saving money on electricity.
8. Showering in the dark. I personally cannot do this but my spouse who is blind without her glasses can because she can't see anyway so why turn on the light! My two year old likes to turn the light out on me when I am in the shower but it messes up with my arm pit shaving. I occasionally have armpit mohawk as a result. I used to do morning bottle feeds in the dark also until I stepped on the head of a dead mouse and crushed it between my toes. Now the cost of electricity is not as important to me when I am on bottle duty in the middle of the night.
9. Having a really good long distance phone plan - especially if your parents live overseas and your friends live in another country. There are some crappy deals out there that can cost you a LOT of money.
10. Growing your own vegetables. This would save money. If we could ever grow anything taller than 2cm AND plant it in the ground. We have goals.
Here are ten ways we try to save money.
1. Eat out less. This is not really a problem since we have lived in our new town because.... there are not a lot of places to eat out! NO burrito grande, no souper salad, no mongolian BBQ, no Ogden Pizzeria, no Natalie's. WOW, we ate out lots!
2. Use coupons from IGA to buy milk, margarine, eggs etc. The milk is a big one - We save almost four dollars per gallon of milk using the coupons.
3. Shop for bulk items at Costco. Items like dog food, Kitty litter, Diapers, Toilet paper and Coke are WAY cheaper at Costco than anywhere else.
4. While at Costco eat from all of the tester tables. If you are there long enough that can save you the cost of two meals at LEAST.
5. It WOULD save us money if I applied for a gas card from UFA. I lost my application though. You would think I would walk in and get another. You would think.
6. Going to the library for books instead of buying them. Now while this theoretically should save us money, we ALWAYS have late fees. Admittedly the late fees are not ever as much as a new book, but it bothers me to get late fees continually and we lose them, and we drop them in the tub. Another good thing about going to the library for books instead of buying them is that it is a lot easier to move houses (and keep friends) if you don't have 20 thousand boxes of books to move.
7. Blogging in the dark - that's what I am doing right now. I'm sure we are saving money on electricity.
8. Showering in the dark. I personally cannot do this but my spouse who is blind without her glasses can because she can't see anyway so why turn on the light! My two year old likes to turn the light out on me when I am in the shower but it messes up with my arm pit shaving. I occasionally have armpit mohawk as a result. I used to do morning bottle feeds in the dark also until I stepped on the head of a dead mouse and crushed it between my toes. Now the cost of electricity is not as important to me when I am on bottle duty in the middle of the night.
9. Having a really good long distance phone plan - especially if your parents live overseas and your friends live in another country. There are some crappy deals out there that can cost you a LOT of money.
10. Growing your own vegetables. This would save money. If we could ever grow anything taller than 2cm AND plant it in the ground. We have goals.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Stealing from "My Two Cents"
I steal these memes weekly from here.
Here you go!
1. When was the last time you cried? When my mom left.
2. Were you named after anyone? Yes.
3. Why are you so fickle when it comes to women? I didn't know I was.
4. What is your favorite lunchmeat? Ham
5. Do you have kids? I have two kids, two dogs and five cats.
6. If you were another person would you be friends with you? Sure, why not.
7. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Is there another way to communicate?
8. Do you still have your tonsils? Yes.
9. Would you bungee jump? I have and I would do it again.
10. What is your favorite cereal? ProNutro from South Africa
11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? No.
12. Do you think you are strong enough to be with me? I don't know who this question is referring to - but I am pretty strong.
13. What is your favorite ice cream? Vanilla, because I can't get coconut pineapple icecream from Lucki's in California.
14. What is the first thing you notice about people?I don't usually notice people. (i'm not kidding)
15. Red or pink?vRed
16. What is your least favorite thing about yourself? My wonky toe.
17. Who do you mess with the most? Anyone who leaves themself open to it.
18. What was the last thing you ate? Cream of Broccoli Soup.
19. What are you listening to right now? The phone ring in my bosses office.
20. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? The Accounts Manager.
21. Why aren’t you married?I am married actually.
22. Last movie you watched? Maid of Honor.
23. What did you dream about last night? I don't remember - which is unusual for me.
24. What book are you reading? I just finished the Story Of Edgar Sawtelle and I was disappointed in the way it ended.
25. Summer or winter? Anything but winter.
26. Hugs or kisses? Kisses
27. Do you have any special talents? If I thought about it long and hard I may come up with something.
28. What are they? I'll have to get back to you.
29. What did you watch on TV last? Brothers and Sisters, Amazing Race, and Desperate Housewives.
30. What is your favorite sound? Absolute silence in my house in the middle of the night because it means everyone is asleep and I can fall back to sleep immediately.
31. Rolling Stones or The Beatles? The Beatles.
32. Most likely to respond to this meme? I don't know.
33. Least likely to respond? My spousal unit who hates memes.
Here you go!
1. When was the last time you cried? When my mom left.
2. Were you named after anyone? Yes.
3. Why are you so fickle when it comes to women? I didn't know I was.
4. What is your favorite lunchmeat? Ham
5. Do you have kids? I have two kids, two dogs and five cats.
6. If you were another person would you be friends with you? Sure, why not.
7. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Is there another way to communicate?
8. Do you still have your tonsils? Yes.
9. Would you bungee jump? I have and I would do it again.
10. What is your favorite cereal? ProNutro from South Africa
11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? No.
12. Do you think you are strong enough to be with me? I don't know who this question is referring to - but I am pretty strong.
13. What is your favorite ice cream? Vanilla, because I can't get coconut pineapple icecream from Lucki's in California.
14. What is the first thing you notice about people?I don't usually notice people. (i'm not kidding)
15. Red or pink?vRed
16. What is your least favorite thing about yourself? My wonky toe.
17. Who do you mess with the most? Anyone who leaves themself open to it.
18. What was the last thing you ate? Cream of Broccoli Soup.
19. What are you listening to right now? The phone ring in my bosses office.
20. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? The Accounts Manager.
21. Why aren’t you married?I am married actually.
22. Last movie you watched? Maid of Honor.
23. What did you dream about last night? I don't remember - which is unusual for me.
24. What book are you reading? I just finished the Story Of Edgar Sawtelle and I was disappointed in the way it ended.
25. Summer or winter? Anything but winter.
26. Hugs or kisses? Kisses
27. Do you have any special talents? If I thought about it long and hard I may come up with something.
28. What are they? I'll have to get back to you.
29. What did you watch on TV last? Brothers and Sisters, Amazing Race, and Desperate Housewives.
30. What is your favorite sound? Absolute silence in my house in the middle of the night because it means everyone is asleep and I can fall back to sleep immediately.
31. Rolling Stones or The Beatles? The Beatles.
32. Most likely to respond to this meme? I don't know.
33. Least likely to respond? My spousal unit who hates memes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)