If I had been mistaken for a celebrity, it would have been cool. If someone thought that I looked like say, Angelina Jolie, what a boost to my ego! I was a victim of mistaken identity, not once but twice within 2 hours. It was not who I was mistaken for but , what I was mistaken for, that made an interesting afternoon.
Last Sunday,the girls and I were off to church. While getting ready, I chose to wear my black jeans, with my favorite white blouse. It is a wrap around blouse, with a double collar and ties at the side. It was freshly ironed, and because I don't iron often, that in itself, I felt constituted wearing it.I threw on my favorite black shoes. I found my favorite earrings, and grabbed a necklace I thought would complete the outfit. My hair was still somewhat wet from the shower, so I quickly twisted it into a bun and fastened it with a pin. I felt I looked a little "professional " perhaps, but I looked good, and thin. Good enough. I then helped the girls with their dresses and sorted out a shoe fight between them. It's hard having two girls with the same size feet. They don't like to share. When the shoe drama was under control, we headed out the door.
We were late arriving, of course, and I quickly took Gem to her class, and then Jules and I found a seat in the balcony of the really big church. Jules normally attends the Sunday School, like Gem, but opted to watch the service with me instead. It was no ordinary service. Seventeen people were baptized that morning. Among them, Bobbee, the youngest daughter of our dear friends, Dude and Dudette. Even though Jules has watched three baptisms, she still finds them fascinating. I have explained to her the baptism process, why people are baptized, and what it all means. She realizes it's a special day, and she likes watching "the people get dunked, and other people pray for them." It is an emotional moment too, and I felt myself tearing up as I watched the pastor talk to Bobee about her commitment to Christ, and baptize her.
Once Bobbee was baptized, the rest of the service had no interest to Jules, and all she wanted to do was sit with Bobee, Dude, Dudette and their friends. She made the rest of the sermon hard to sit through. She wouldn't sit still. When the service was finally over, I took her down to where our friends were sitting. I gave Bobbee a big hug, left Jules with them and ran off to retrieve Gem.
We decided to head over to Kelsey's for a celebratory lunch because that's where Bobbee wanted to go. The girls wanted the buffet for lunch ,and because they were still offering breakfast dishes, I opted for something from the menu. As I waited for my food I went to wash my hands.
The restaurant was fairly full, we had our table of 12, and I found my self weaving out and around tables to find my way.
On my way back, I was about to reach my table when, one woman, pushed herself out from her table. She had deliberately blocked my path. She reached and grabbed my forearm with a grip that let me know she wanted my attention , NOW.
I plastered a big smile across my face as I bent, looked into her face, fully expecting to hear a compliment on my jewelry, my favorite blouse, or my shoes. Then the following question, "Where on earth did you get it?" (For those of you who don't know me- ebay, ebay, ebay)
For there is nothing more flattering than being stopped by a complete stranger in a public place to be complimented on how you look. But I was about to be seriously disappointed.
Instead of hearing I love that blouse where did you get it?, She turned to me and said," When you head back to the kitchen, tell my waitress that, I am waiting for my toast, he would like some toast with his meal, she would like some more hot water for her tea, we've been waiting for that too, and the rest of us, would like some more coffee, and we need some more creams, please. Did you get all that?"
What the hell happened to my compliment? It's a nice blouse, great even, and I got it for a steal.
It deserved a compliment. She must be blind.
In that split second, I realized two things- She thought I was a waitress. So I said, " I'm going back to sit down at my table now, but If I see my waitress, I'll tell her to check on you."
I sat back down wit Dude and Dudette and told them the story, that's when I realized the second thing. I missed my calling as a waitress, because I not only repeated the entire request to my friends, but I am able to blog for you now.
The meal finally came and the conversation was great. We hadn't been out with them in a while and so it was nice to reconnect. The girls enjoyed the buffet and Gem and Jules ate as many strawberries and whipped cream they could get their hands on.After the meal, I once again excused myself from my company.
On the way back to the table, I was walking towards the entrance to the restaurant, when a nicely dressed woman walked in. She appeared to be n a hurry. She looked around for someone to help her. When she spotted me, her face lit up and she said, "Oh good, " and beckoned to me with her finger. I should have walked over to her and said, "Sit wherever you like. And because you're the 1000th customer through our doors- your meal is on us."
What?
It could happen!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Pizza Drama
I knew I should not have done it. The minute I did, I felt a pang of regret. I had volunteered to take over a position within the
It was a job I felt confident enough to do. Seriously, how hard is it to make up monthly menus, add up the orders on a spreadsheet, contact our Vendors, and place the orders? I figured it would take just a few hours, my time.Then, on any given Monday or Wednesday 150 kids or so would have a hot meal. There were other people in charge of buying drinks and fruit, and organizing volunteers to help serve the food from the school’s kitchen, and as long as I remembered to specify delivery times to our vendors everything should be fine. There are a core of dedicated women who show up precisely at 11:30 am on Hot Lunch days, and within 30 minutes, most, if not all hot lunch has been served to the correct class, desk, and student. It is a well oiled machine. Rather impressive if it runs smoothly.
And it has, relatively speaking. I had a few phone calls about orders being misplaced, (according to the past co-ordinator , not unusual). There was a delivery mix up where the milk was delivered too early, and some students helped themselves, making us short on hot lunch day. Then the tacos arrived coolish- I say this loosely, because I wasn’t there. One of the volunteers absolutely freaked and went on about how if the health authorities happen to show up that we’d be shut down because they were not the right serving temperature.
I almost laughed out loud as I watched her face turn red with fury. I could not tell if she was upset about that, or the fact that the Vendor forgot the hot sauce. The health inspector has yet to show up, and didn’t on that day. Besides, the tacos were eaten without much ado. Still, it was enough drama for one Monday.
Our school has hot lunch twice a week. Mondays, and Wednesdays. On Wednesdays we always serve pizza. Three kinds: Ham and Pineapple, Pepperoni, and Veggie. It comes with a drink and some fruit. On Mondays it varies, Lasagna, Sub sandwiches, tacos and hot dogs. Our hot lunch program is a fund raiser for our school. It has in the past generated quite a bit of money. But since the new legislation for Food in BC Schools, there have been weeks where it is more like providing a service. Adhering to these new guidelines is not optional, and we do our best. It was the job of the previous coordinator to figure out what vendors were willing to work with us within the guidelines, and still make money for the school. It came down to the choices that were offered on our menu. Pizza, for example became a whole wheat crust, and toppings. The serving size is one slice, smaller than what we used to serve, and therefore we’ve added some fruit and a yogurt tube to round off the meal. It’s not the greatest according to some kids, but within the guidelines, it works.
For most of the kids and the parents, they enjoy hot lunch. The kids enjoy a break from the same old sandwiches, and the parents have a break from making lunches. I have often received notes on the bottom or an order form from a parent or two: Thanks for making mornings a little less hectic, or Thank you for all you do. They are notes of appreciation which make me thankful I put up my hand and took on this job.
While compiling the orders for December I came across a note scrawled across the bottom of a form, and I knew once again that not everyone was pleased. It read:
[My Daughter ] used to enjoy the pizza but she finds it is only one piece and is usually cold by the time she gets it. So she doesn’t want it anymore. Just thought you’d like to feel bad. Thanks for the service!
On behalf of myself and the other dedicated volunteers: Get your hand up. Get your ass
to the school at 11:30 and help out. We will not feel bad for one second, so suck it up Princess!
Monday, November 17, 2008
About Thanksgiving
With the Thanksgiving in the
I realize I could be taken out just for writing that, my Mom has been known to lurk here and one of my aunts. But I’m willing to take the risk. It’s family drama. Everyone who has a family, and heads home for that
Even with Carpenter’s family the drama is there. We decided to spend the long weekend up north this year. Papa had his second hip replacement in September, and needed a few things done around the farmyard. We thought we’d give him a hand. We spent time with Ann, Ann’s daughter Andi, and her fiancé Grouse. I have to call him that cuz he’d never shot anything until that weekend. Carpenter and I went for a drive through the back roads, he was hunting, or that’s what he called it, I was no help of course, I slammed the truck door, and talked in anything but a whisper. It was nice watching the sunset, and we happened to see a few mulies. Does, to be precise. And I was thankful that they weren’t bucks. Then I wouldn’t have to watch the killing /cleaning.
We arrived back when dinner was done. Poor Ann was certain the stove wouldn’t cook the turkey. They’ve been having problems with the oven. It was probably a good thing we were an hour late.
Carpenter’s brother, his girlfriend, Tina, and her kids were there. The conversation flowed easily across the table, as long as we nodded blindly and somewhat ignored Wayne, Carpenter’s brother. I swear everything coming out of that guy’s mouth was nothing short of pure Bullshit. I could not believe that Tina, could have put up with it all this long. Every once in a while Papa would interject with his opinion, and
It took me taking a deep breath and counting to ten to refrain from saying “WTF, Are you still in high School?”
The meal however, was stellar. The stuffing and gravy fantastic, and my mouth watered as I filled the girls’ plates and my own. I had hoped that Carpenter would crack the bottle of wine we brought. It would have made the meal fantastic. Unfortunately, it would take more than a glass of wine for me to handle what was coming next.
I watched the girls sitting at their table, complimented Ann on the wonderful meal, when I realized Seven, the old yellow lab, was under the table, inches from my feet. I tried ignoring him as I ate my food. Tina, was finished, complemented Ann on the food. She then remarked that she ate it all except for the piece of gristle on her plate.
“Do you mind if I feed it to Seven?” she asked.
“No, of course not go ahead.” Ann replied.
At this point I thought Tina would have taken her plate from the table, and scraped the remnants into the dog dish, to later be given to Seven.
I was wrong. She called to Seven and scooped up the greasy gristle from her plate into her fingers and shoved them under the table.
Seven, awaking to the call of his name, rose to his feet and stretched. His butt now in line with me, he let one rip.
I gagged on my mouthful of food and could not rise from my chair fast enough. I ran to the kitchen and found the Mike’s hard Lemonade in the fridge. I opened it and gulped it back. I stood there long enough to regain my composure. And cracked open another.
I found my way back to the table and asked Andi to encourage Seven out form under the table. I could not bring myself to finish my food. I turned to Carpenter and said, “You’re driving right?”
When he nodded, I helped myself to a very strong Rum and coke.
It was Thanksgiving, a time when we gather around the table the people that we love but don’t spend much time with. We toss a little dysfunction in the mix and see what happens. For me, I always end up with a blog worthy story. It’s inevitable. So I laugh, I say nothing, and I do what Holly Hunter’s character says, “Let’s just go out there and stuff ourselves.”
Yum.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
When the past comes back.
There is an old saying "Your past will come back to haunt you." Or maybe it's "Your past will always come back to bite you in the ass". Or, in my case, it did neither of those things, but rather sat behind me in a restaurant. Right when I least expected it.
I can honestly say, I didn't believe I'd ever see him again. Arron was my first serious boyfriend in college, where the relationship amounted to nearly eighteen months, if you don't count the break ups, and long distance parts. We had some good times and he gave me a promise ring. (Which I learned very quickly that it means absolutely nothing!) Then Arron witnessed the first seizure I ever had, that led to my diagnosis of epilepsy. A week later, he returned from work, drove me home after a movie and said "I can't do this. I just can't." He turned and walked out of my apartment, down the stairs, got into his car and drove away. He never once looked back. I know because I watched from my window. I knew I'd never see him again.
Until now. Fifteen years later.
Carpenter and I took the girls out for supper one Friday night a few weeks back, to a local family restaurant. During the meal I went with Gem to the ladies room, on our way back, I heard a very familiar voice, and then laugh. I looked up. I looked into a familiar face. I know that guy.
He recognized me.He avoided my gaze. He snapped his head back towards his friends, and lifted his hand as if to scratch the side of his face, but rather hide it. It was Aaron. He was sitting with three friends, perpendicular to our table.
Gem and I sat back down. I leaned forward and whispered to Carpenter, "Do I look good?"
"What?"
I quietly repeated my question. It somehow became important to me that not only was there no food on my face, or broccoli in my teeth since last checking all of those things in the bathroom mirror, but that I looked good, fabulous even. And I just needed him to say it.
"What?" he repeated.
Jules, sensing Carpenter couldn't hear me, piped up,"Mommy wants to know if she looks hot."
I felt my skin turn three shades of red. Carpenter looked at me quizzically. I leaned forward and quietly explained just who was sitting behind and to the left of us.
"You look fine. "He said.
Fine? Are you kidding me? Fine ? That's it? Deciding at the moment to drop it, before causing a scene, I encouraged the girls to finish up.
The girls finished their supper, and we left the restaurant. Once outside Carpenter said,"Why did you need to know if you looked good?"
"Because its important when one runs into an ex, that you look good, it's like giving them the finger without actually giving them the finger."
"Well, you could have gone up to him and said, Hi, nice to see you, oh, by the way, you were the worst lay EVER. Right in front of his friends, now that would have been funny."
I paused and actually let that scenario play in my head. I smiled. Yes, the statement was not only true, but it would have been hilarious; if I had the guts to pull something like that off, if my children weren't there, and if the place hadn't been filled with other families just like mine. But the look on Arron's face would have almost been worth it.
"I couldn't have done that hon," I said, "If we'd run into Jane, wouldn't you be concerned about how you looked?"
"No, I could care less what I looked like. I'd be more concerned about how YOU looked. I'd want her to know that I traded in an old broken down Datsun for a Cadillac." He said and smiled that smile that warms my heart.
That's my Carpenter. The love of my life. Our journey together has been one helluva ride. Come to think of it... I feel like a drive.
I can honestly say, I didn't believe I'd ever see him again. Arron was my first serious boyfriend in college, where the relationship amounted to nearly eighteen months, if you don't count the break ups, and long distance parts. We had some good times and he gave me a promise ring. (Which I learned very quickly that it means absolutely nothing!) Then Arron witnessed the first seizure I ever had, that led to my diagnosis of epilepsy. A week later, he returned from work, drove me home after a movie and said "I can't do this. I just can't." He turned and walked out of my apartment, down the stairs, got into his car and drove away. He never once looked back. I know because I watched from my window. I knew I'd never see him again.
Until now. Fifteen years later.
Carpenter and I took the girls out for supper one Friday night a few weeks back, to a local family restaurant. During the meal I went with Gem to the ladies room, on our way back, I heard a very familiar voice, and then laugh. I looked up. I looked into a familiar face. I know that guy.
He recognized me.He avoided my gaze. He snapped his head back towards his friends, and lifted his hand as if to scratch the side of his face, but rather hide it. It was Aaron. He was sitting with three friends, perpendicular to our table.
Gem and I sat back down. I leaned forward and whispered to Carpenter, "Do I look good?"
"What?"
I quietly repeated my question. It somehow became important to me that not only was there no food on my face, or broccoli in my teeth since last checking all of those things in the bathroom mirror, but that I looked good, fabulous even. And I just needed him to say it.
"What?" he repeated.
Jules, sensing Carpenter couldn't hear me, piped up,"Mommy wants to know if she looks hot."
I felt my skin turn three shades of red. Carpenter looked at me quizzically. I leaned forward and quietly explained just who was sitting behind and to the left of us.
"You look fine. "He said.
Fine? Are you kidding me? Fine ? That's it? Deciding at the moment to drop it, before causing a scene, I encouraged the girls to finish up.
The girls finished their supper, and we left the restaurant. Once outside Carpenter said,"Why did you need to know if you looked good?"
"Because its important when one runs into an ex, that you look good, it's like giving them the finger without actually giving them the finger."
"Well, you could have gone up to him and said, Hi, nice to see you, oh, by the way, you were the worst lay EVER. Right in front of his friends, now that would have been funny."
I paused and actually let that scenario play in my head. I smiled. Yes, the statement was not only true, but it would have been hilarious; if I had the guts to pull something like that off, if my children weren't there, and if the place hadn't been filled with other families just like mine. But the look on Arron's face would have almost been worth it.
"I couldn't have done that hon," I said, "If we'd run into Jane, wouldn't you be concerned about how you looked?"
"No, I could care less what I looked like. I'd be more concerned about how YOU looked. I'd want her to know that I traded in an old broken down Datsun for a Cadillac." He said and smiled that smile that warms my heart.
That's my Carpenter. The love of my life. Our journey together has been one helluva ride. Come to think of it... I feel like a drive.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Will that be Cash, Beer or Deer?
Renovations. They are never ending. There is always something to be done on my house. This year was no exception. There was no company coming. Still there was work to be done. I am starting to think, that my home, as warm, cozy and wonderful as it is, was becoming more like a money pit.
Let me rephrase that. It would be a money pit, IF we had to pay for all of the improvements. No, we do not ever wave a mystical magical wand, and all of our work is done and paid for. ( I have credit card bills for proof of that) However, Carpenter knows how to accomplish all of the tasks, and do them well. We save an incredible amount of money having him be the labour. This weekend for example, he installed all our new windows. They were all installed, by Sunday at suppertime. Now there is some finishing work to be done on them, but I am very happy and looking forward to ice-free windows this winter, and maybe a smaller heating bill.
There are other ways we have been able to save money on fixing our house. Our "outdoor living space" was no exception. Little did I realize, "Out door living space" is just real-estate talk for"Make your back yard look so damn good, you never want to move". We had put off landscaping our back yard simply because Carpenter was always so busy working for other people. Finally this summer, we made the time, and we had the materials, which were -you guessed it FREE.
Carpenter designed the lay-out, and formed up our patio and path, ready for concrete. On a Friday, he had three of his guys show up at our house at 8am, the pump truck came, and in 45 minutes they had the patio and walk way poured, screeted and finished. They are good! We then took them all out for breakfast.
With the patio finished, Carpenter wanted a water feature of some sort. Now, this can conjure up all sorts of ideas in one's head. But Carpenter, has a certain way he likes things done, because it is important to stay on the critical path, while completing a job. He has three basic rules:
1) Do it right the first time, or you will be doing it again.
2) Listen to him, and do it his way, because he knows what he's talking about. Or you will be doing it again.
3) - this one mostly pertains to our house: Go big, Or GO HOME.
It was really no surprise to me then, when exceptionally large rocks began appearing on my lawn, when Carpenter came home from work. He simply asked the blasting crew to keep their eyes out for "interesting looking" rocks, and when they had some, to put them into the back of our truck, instead of hauling them away.
I have become accustomed to left over, wrong cut materials, tossed aside renovation cupboards , sinks and even a toilet landing up on my lawn. Although it was a neighbourhood eyesore for a while, and I was sorely tempted to plant pansies in that toilet, The odds and ends have served us well. The tree house, my dining room table, and now my beautiful living space.
It is in the last few weeks especially, that I have come to not only understand, but fully appreciate, the FRIENDLY INTER-TRADES CURRENCY: Case o' beer. You thought it was CASH, didn't you? Yes, cash does have its place.Revenue Canada shudders at the word and has afield day with it. It works, and you can have quite a bit done for cash. But do not underestimate "Case o' beer."
Case o' Beer falls under the friendly- favour job category. This category is used after the guys have worked with each other for a while. The jobs are for the most part, small and should be no more than a couple of hours work. It is important to recognize that each tradesperson is different, and although it seems to me that the majority of them enjoy Budwiser, or Canadian beer, you should be aware of what they drink, to ensure their help again next time.
However there are exceptions to every rule. Last week, Carpenter had a stucco guy come by while we were away and stucco the concrete retaining wall in my back yard, the length of our property. His choice method of payment? Not Cash. Not Beer. ALL the wild deer,moose and elk meat left in my freezer. I
like this guy. I wonder how many deer it would take to re-stucco my 
house?
Here are some photos of our out door living space.
Sand: left over from a jobsite:FREE
Huge rocks(normally min$1/pound) FREE.
Zoom Boom: To put huge 3'x7'x10inches rock in place $30 permit to borrow from jobsite.
Rocks for pond: Free
Pond liner, pump, plastic hoses: $350
Designing, moving rocks, and working our butts off: Our Time
Having a gorgeous backyard, creating neighbourhood envy:PRICELESS
Let me rephrase that. It would be a money pit, IF we had to pay for all of the improvements. No, we do not ever wave a mystical magical wand, and all of our work is done and paid for. ( I have credit card bills for proof of that) However, Carpenter knows how to accomplish all of the tasks, and do them well. We save an incredible amount of money having him be the labour. This weekend for example, he installed all our new windows. They were all installed, by Sunday at suppertime. Now there is some finishing work to be done on them, but I am very happy and looking forward to ice-free windows this winter, and maybe a smaller heating bill.
There are other ways we have been able to save money on fixing our house. Our "outdoor living space" was no exception. Little did I realize, "Out door living space" is just real-estate talk for"Make your back yard look so damn good, you never want to move". We had put off landscaping our back yard simply because Carpenter was always so busy working for other people. Finally this summer, we made the time, and we had the materials, which were -you guessed it FREE.
Carpenter designed the lay-out, and formed up our patio and path, ready for concrete. On a Friday, he had three of his guys show up at our house at 8am, the pump truck came, and in 45 minutes they had the patio and walk way poured, screeted and finished. They are good! We then took them all out for breakfast.
With the patio finished, Carpenter wanted a water feature of some sort. Now, this can conjure up all sorts of ideas in one's head. But Carpenter, has a certain way he likes things done, because it is important to stay on the critical path, while completing a job. He has three basic rules:
1) Do it right the first time, or you will be doing it again.
2) Listen to him, and do it his way, because he knows what he's talking about. Or you will be doing it again.
3) - this one mostly pertains to our house: Go big, Or GO HOME.
It was really no surprise to me then, when exceptionally large rocks began appearing on my lawn, when Carpenter came home from work. He simply asked the blasting crew to keep their eyes out for "interesting looking" rocks, and when they had some, to put them into the back of our truck, instead of hauling them away.
I have become accustomed to left over, wrong cut materials, tossed aside renovation cupboards , sinks and even a toilet landing up on my lawn. Although it was a neighbourhood eyesore for a while, and I was sorely tempted to plant pansies in that toilet, The odds and ends have served us well. The tree house, my dining room table, and now my beautiful living space.
It is in the last few weeks especially, that I have come to not only understand, but fully appreciate, the FRIENDLY INTER-TRADES CURRENCY: Case o' beer. You thought it was CASH, didn't you? Yes, cash does have its place.Revenue Canada shudders at the word and has afield day with it. It works, and you can have quite a bit done for cash. But do not underestimate "Case o' beer."
Case o' Beer falls under the friendly- favour job category. This category is used after the guys have worked with each other for a while. The jobs are for the most part, small and should be no more than a couple of hours work. It is important to recognize that each tradesperson is different, and although it seems to me that the majority of them enjoy Budwiser, or Canadian beer, you should be aware of what they drink, to ensure their help again next time.
However there are exceptions to every rule. Last week, Carpenter had a stucco guy come by while we were away and stucco the concrete retaining wall in my back yard, the length of our property. His choice method of payment? Not Cash. Not Beer. ALL the wild deer,moose and elk meat left in my freezer. I
like this guy. I wonder how many deer it would take to re-stucco my 
house?Here are some photos of our out door living space.
Sand: left over from a jobsite:FREE
Huge rocks(normally min$1/pound) FREE.
Zoom Boom: To put huge 3'x7'x10inches rock in place $30 permit to borrow from jobsite.
Rocks for pond: Free
Pond liner, pump, plastic hoses: $350
Designing, moving rocks, and working our butts off: Our Time
Having a gorgeous backyard, creating neighbourhood envy:PRICELESS
Monday, July 21, 2008
A little bit of hot water, doesn't hurt.
There is nothing quite like working in my back yard, fixing it up to look and be the way that we want it : An outside living space to compliment our cozy little house.
Though the weekends are long and hot and most K-town folks are off to the beach, we are here working out butts off; Moving rock, shifting pond-liners, digging a big hole in the ground, and being burned by the sun.
So when Dude and Dudette invited us over for a dip in their pool, and a late Sunday afternoon BBQ, how could we refuse. We packed up the marinating ribs that were in the fridge, stopped by the cold beer and wine store, and set off.
We were delighted to see that they had invited Superman and Lois as well. I joined the ladies at the poolside, while the girls ran to change into their swimsuits, and Carpenter, Dude and Superman discussed the limited entry results, oh yeah, because they were in.
The girls came running back, Gem immediately jumped in. Jules was suited up in a life jacket, and then began a hesitant descent into the water, she clung to the side of the pool, with in arms reach, not wanting to be completely submerged, but not wanting to be pulled out either. One of the older girls jumped in the pool and then helped Jules around . She was much happier after that.
I kept a close watch on my girls while I chatted with Lois. We talked about the upcoming changes facing our family.It seems to be the hot topic no matter where we go. For most of my dear friends out there, you know what I'm referring to. However, I am not ready to disclose everything on this blog just yet, because we are still in limbo, and no firm plans can be made. So for those of you who don't know about the new adventure, it'll give you a reason to come back and visit. In the mean time the conversation begins like this: If this happens..... or IF that takes place.... and it becomes almost a frustrating experience, because you just can't plan around "IF''s.
I explained to Lois that as much as I found this process to be an adventure, I wasn't ready to move , In light of our new landscaping work, the tree house, and my home starting to take the shape of something I truly love.
By the time supper hit the grill we were all taking about the men's love of hunting and how September/ October are two months when we barely see our husbands, because they are gone chasing that elusive elk. We feasted on pork, chicken and beef,( the freezers are dwindling low now on that most expensive wild meat. We'll have to wait til hunting season for more I suppose. But I'd just prefer to leave good ol' Babmbi in the forest.) and, there was stories of how Birthdays, and in my case, an anniversary is missed because of hunting season. It was a hot topic and caused more than a couple of waves. Lois, too felt my pain, and we laughed at men's "priorities".
Jules began to choke, and cry. The bigger kids had been making a wave pool. She was swallowing too much water. I rushed to the edge of the pool. I gripped the shoulders of the life jacket, and hoisted her up in one swoop.
She stood there, on the deck, in the twilight air shivering, and catching her breath. She turned to me.
"Oh, Mommy! I'm so sorry! I just couldn't hold it !" She gasped and sputtered.
Then I noticed that with the dripping pool water she began to pee.
"I'm so sorry Mommy! It was an accident, I just couldn't hold it!" She repeated, this time with a quiver in her voice that told me she was embarrassed and about to cry.
It's okay, Sweetheart." I told her, "Accidents happen. At least it wasn't in the pool."
Just then, Jules , looked up at me and exclaimed, "WOW, MOM! PEE IS HOT!"
"I never knew that pee was hot!" She continued, in awe, as she watched it flow down her leg.
Laughter roared from the pool , the other kids no no longer able to contain their giggles, and I smiled at my little Jules and said, "Yes it is, now lets find a hose to rinse you off!"
The deck was rinsed and so was Jules, who wanted back in the pool.
I walked back to my seat, cracked open a cider, and relayed the hot water story. Conversation turned from hunting season, and flowed with ease and laughter. I was thankful to be away from the hot water topic, at least until September.
Though the weekends are long and hot and most K-town folks are off to the beach, we are here working out butts off; Moving rock, shifting pond-liners, digging a big hole in the ground, and being burned by the sun.
So when Dude and Dudette invited us over for a dip in their pool, and a late Sunday afternoon BBQ, how could we refuse. We packed up the marinating ribs that were in the fridge, stopped by the cold beer and wine store, and set off.
We were delighted to see that they had invited Superman and Lois as well. I joined the ladies at the poolside, while the girls ran to change into their swimsuits, and Carpenter, Dude and Superman discussed the limited entry results, oh yeah, because they were in.
The girls came running back, Gem immediately jumped in. Jules was suited up in a life jacket, and then began a hesitant descent into the water, she clung to the side of the pool, with in arms reach, not wanting to be completely submerged, but not wanting to be pulled out either. One of the older girls jumped in the pool and then helped Jules around . She was much happier after that.
I kept a close watch on my girls while I chatted with Lois. We talked about the upcoming changes facing our family.It seems to be the hot topic no matter where we go. For most of my dear friends out there, you know what I'm referring to. However, I am not ready to disclose everything on this blog just yet, because we are still in limbo, and no firm plans can be made. So for those of you who don't know about the new adventure, it'll give you a reason to come back and visit. In the mean time the conversation begins like this: If this happens..... or IF that takes place.... and it becomes almost a frustrating experience, because you just can't plan around "IF''s.
I explained to Lois that as much as I found this process to be an adventure, I wasn't ready to move , In light of our new landscaping work, the tree house, and my home starting to take the shape of something I truly love.
By the time supper hit the grill we were all taking about the men's love of hunting and how September/ October are two months when we barely see our husbands, because they are gone chasing that elusive elk. We feasted on pork, chicken and beef,( the freezers are dwindling low now on that most expensive wild meat. We'll have to wait til hunting season for more I suppose. But I'd just prefer to leave good ol' Babmbi in the forest.) and, there was stories of how Birthdays, and in my case, an anniversary is missed because of hunting season. It was a hot topic and caused more than a couple of waves. Lois, too felt my pain, and we laughed at men's "priorities".
Jules began to choke, and cry. The bigger kids had been making a wave pool. She was swallowing too much water. I rushed to the edge of the pool. I gripped the shoulders of the life jacket, and hoisted her up in one swoop.
She stood there, on the deck, in the twilight air shivering, and catching her breath. She turned to me.
"Oh, Mommy! I'm so sorry! I just couldn't hold it !" She gasped and sputtered.
Then I noticed that with the dripping pool water she began to pee.
"I'm so sorry Mommy! It was an accident, I just couldn't hold it!" She repeated, this time with a quiver in her voice that told me she was embarrassed and about to cry.
It's okay, Sweetheart." I told her, "Accidents happen. At least it wasn't in the pool."
Just then, Jules , looked up at me and exclaimed, "WOW, MOM! PEE IS HOT!"
"I never knew that pee was hot!" She continued, in awe, as she watched it flow down her leg.
Laughter roared from the pool , the other kids no no longer able to contain their giggles, and I smiled at my little Jules and said, "Yes it is, now lets find a hose to rinse you off!"
The deck was rinsed and so was Jules, who wanted back in the pool.
I walked back to my seat, cracked open a cider, and relayed the hot water story. Conversation turned from hunting season, and flowed with ease and laughter. I was thankful to be away from the hot water topic, at least until September.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
THe Matriarch reaches a Milestone
Today is just an ordinary day. For most people they are still recovering from the Long weekend Parties, or preparing to party with the neighbours south of the border. Today, Carpenter awoke at 5:15 am and was gone in 15 minutes to pick up his crew and take them to work.
But for me, aside from looking after my household and running off to work, I must, pick up the phone and call someone today.
She is a very special person, who brought me into this world, taught me countless lessons over the years, and has given loads of advice, some of which I embraced whole heartedly, and some I threw right out the window.
Sorry Mom, but it's true. Then you know that, because Moms just know.
So here is what I know about my MOM:
She enjoys a cup of coffee in the morning in her favorite mug, made her way. Don't ever muck with the coffee. She likes things that are leather or wood. She favours her jeans and turtleneck sweaters, except when she's off to the Cattlemen's ball, then hand her the dancing shoes.
She enjoys a good laugh, a beer with her steak, and has a love- hate relationship with cats that I will never understand.
She has been the right hand -man on the Family Ranch along side my father. And still is. She has put in many long hours with field work, calving,and haying. They used to say that the ranch at one time could employ 50 men. My father does the work of 2 and my Mom, the other 48.
Still,at the end of the day, she is my biggest fan. And I am hers.
So after you climb down from that John Deere, Mom, Have Dad take you out for supper.
Happy Birthday. I love you.
P.S. Tell Dad he can wash the truck tomorrow.
But for me, aside from looking after my household and running off to work, I must, pick up the phone and call someone today.
She is a very special person, who brought me into this world, taught me countless lessons over the years, and has given loads of advice, some of which I embraced whole heartedly, and some I threw right out the window.
Sorry Mom, but it's true. Then you know that, because Moms just know.
So here is what I know about my MOM:
She enjoys a cup of coffee in the morning in her favorite mug, made her way. Don't ever muck with the coffee. She likes things that are leather or wood. She favours her jeans and turtleneck sweaters, except when she's off to the Cattlemen's ball, then hand her the dancing shoes.
She enjoys a good laugh, a beer with her steak, and has a love- hate relationship with cats that I will never understand.
She has been the right hand -man on the Family Ranch along side my father. And still is. She has put in many long hours with field work, calving,and haying. They used to say that the ranch at one time could employ 50 men. My father does the work of 2 and my Mom, the other 48.
Still,at the end of the day, she is my biggest fan. And I am hers.
So after you climb down from that John Deere, Mom, Have Dad take you out for supper.
Happy Birthday. I love you.
P.S. Tell Dad he can wash the truck tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
A little loss of Magic
The Tooth Fairy. My daughter could not wait for her visit from the Tooth fairy last night, and spent most of the night anxiously waiting. Waiting and not sleeping.
She has been trying to wiggle her front teeth ever since she saw her big sister do it , and now my baby, Jules, has lost her first tooth.
When I lost my teeth at the ripe young age of 5-6 years, I enjoyed wiggling them. It would gross my mom out, and my Dad, well, all he wanted to do was pull it out for me. As the tooth became loose, He would say, “Here, let me pull it out for you, Oh please, let me pull it out, you won’t feel anything.”
I looked at his big thumb and index finger and quickly thought of this logically Big fingers in my little mouth. Not feel a thing? Right.
“C’mon, it’s just hanging by a thread; It’ll just be a second.”
I wiggled my tooth. I looked at my Dad, anxious to rid me of it, and thought about the thick coin that would be under my pillow in the morning that I could use to score serious penny candy from the corner store. And gave in. There was some pressure, a small crunch, and then a gush of blood and saliva filled my mouth. Dad replaced his fingers with a wad of tissue, my Mom looked as if she’d hurl at any second. I still remember the taste of that wet wad, and it makes me ill.
So when Gem was about to loose her first tooth, I was bound and determined that Carpenter would deal with it at the appropriate time. I’d never pull it out for her. I didn’t have the stomach for it.
When the little tooth began to wiggle, Gem wiggled it furiously. Then one night with our neighbours over for supper, the boy, Dec, decided to help it along. He carefully wrapped his fingers in paper towel, commanded Gem to “Open Wide” and proceeded to try to pull the tooth out. When he did not succeed, he asked if he could try again. Gem nodded. After all ,she wanted that tooth out , so she could collect on that Tooth Fairy. Once again, he commanded “Open Wide” and struggled with the stubborn tooth.
From my dining room table I watched in horror , this continue for a few minutes. I downed my near full glass of wine in one gulp and decided to intervene. Carpenter asked if I wanted a refill and I nodded. I would need something to quell the sick feeling growing in the pit of my stomach.
Dec caught my eye as I crossed the room, and confessed, “It just won’t come out, I don’t think it’s ready.”
Gem said, “But it’s loose, Mummy, I can wiggle it, I want it out. I can’t pull it out by myself.”
“I don’t think it’s ready. But it will come out when it’s ready to. I promise.”
And it did. When it was loose enough, Gem pulled it out all by herself. And proudly showed it to me while holding a blood soaked tissue in her mouth. My stomach churned. And I kissed my sweet little girl. “You are so brave,” I told her, “Mommy could never do that.”
It’s true, I couldn’t.
So when it was Jules’ turn, she proudly showed me her new wiggly tooth, the morning she discovered it. And the pride continued at school, showing everyone.
This weekend she showed her cousins, and then Grandpa, who said, “Oh, Jules, let me pull that out for you, It’s hanging by a thread, you won’t feel anything.”
But the tooth was not quite ready. Then, while she played with the neighborhood kids last night, she pulled the tooth out her self. She came running home, seven other children in tow. Screaming, “MOMMY, MOMMY, I JUST PULLED OUT MY OWN TOOTH! LOOK! SEE!”
I was impressed, very impressed. I hugged her and took the little tooth from her, placed it in a safe place for later. It was at this moment, I saw the definite trait of my husband in my girl, who still loved being a princess. There is no way, I’d ever pull out my own tooth. I’d have fainted first.
Jules carefully wrapped and re-wrapped her tooth for the Tooth Fairy. She was so excited. She boasted to her sister how the Tooth Fairy would leave her money.
Gem just rolled her eyes. Then she pulled me aside, and said, “Mommy, I have to ask you a question, and I want you to tell me the truth. Are you the Tooth Fairy?”
I looked in my daughter’s big brown eyes, and the seriousness of her face. She had earlier this year, figured out the truth about Santa, thanks to the recycling bag. I decided to come clean. Although apart of me didn’t want to. I had one girl, who was smart enough to figure out the physical impossibilities of reindeer flying, due in part to all the hunting videos she’s watched with her Dad, and thus making the link, to the Tooth Fairy. My other daughter was still willing to believe in that little bit of magic. For how long, I don’t know, but I do know that her smile, like her older sister’s, is changing forever, from a cute little baby smile, to a little girls’, and now onward to a young lady’s.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Time for an Adventure
As you all know, Carpenter and I love adventures. Every camping trip has turned into one and even some regular days have turned into adventures, just buy chance. Some of those have been blog worthy and have been posted here. Some are still very much blog worthy, and will one day be posted here as well, that is if I ever find the time.
There are those that will never be posted, because my Mom reads this blog, and, there is some dirty laundry that I just can’t air here, knowing that she will be reading it . I have given her fair warning that her stories are very much indeed “Blog worthy”. Still, I value my life.
Now, just because these stories are not displayed here for all the world to read, do not assume that we wouldn't share them with you over a meal ,or a glass of wine. No, I’m not fishing for an invite, I’m just saying.
We find ourselves on the cusp of yet another adventure that has less to do with an adventurous camping trip, and more to do with the gut-wrenching, life altering decisions we have to make. And as in our adventures in the past, this too hold some life lessons I’m sure.There are many life lessons to be learned and in fact, I am sure we are by no means finished learning them. I watch my kids learn these little things everyday.
Just a few weeks ago both the girls experienced little lessons that will stay with themfor quite some time , and left an impression on me.
For Gem, it came when we went to a gravel pit area, to shovel some gravel into the truck. While Carpenter and I were hard at work, Gem was desperately trying to climb the steep gravel slope up to the tree line. Each time she attempted to start climbing she would go only a short distance and slide back down. She climbed. The gravel gave way. She slid back down. She would take a deep breath. Climb. Climb. Climb. The gravel gave way. She slid back down. Climb. Climb. Climb. She slid back down. She was frustrated. And angry. And crying. Carpenter and I told her to try walking on an angle across the slope and that she would have more success. She tried that for a few minutes and it seemed to work . Until she went back to climbing vertically again. But this time, she was on a steeper part of the slope. She climbed. She slid. She took one step. She slid. Step. Slide. Step . Slide. Step. Slide. She gave it one last big effort.She took three quick steps. Lost her balance. She slid almost all the way back down. Tears streamed down her now dirty cheeks as she screamed and wailed. She throwing a temper tantrum, the likes of which I have not seen since she was 3. Carpenter and I shoveling away , gravel into the truck, could not contain our amusement. Which made her scream even louder, an cry even harder. She demanded that Carpenter come and rescue her NOW. She was not in any danger. So we told her to figure it out for herself. More screeching and wailing.
Jules, in the meantime, had found sheer enjoyment in climbing up the slope and sliding back down on her bum, and gladly explained to Gem, just how to do it. More screeching and wailing from Gem. Once again, we told her she was fine and more than capable of figuring how to get to the tree line or down to the bottom. She was not in any danger, so we were not about to “rescue” her just yet.
After about twenty minutes or so, carpenter and I heard “Mommy, Daddy, Look at me!” There was gem proudly sitting under neath a tree at the top of the slope. She was so proud of herself. She had calmed down enough and we could see her tracks walking on an angle right to where she wanted to be. She did it.Jules has been struggling for the past year, to ride her bike. She has gone from literally running behind other children on their bikes, trying to keep up with them, to riding a much-too small- trike reminiscent of the “big wheels” coveted when I was growing up. She had desperately wanted to ride her bike to school. I told her she could as long as she practiced.
She would cycle round and round the cul-de-sac. at frst, only going slowly, and I had to give her a push to get going. Finally one day she was able to ride her bike to school. As she finished the crest for the first hill, she stopped and said to me,
“Mommy, I DID IT! I’m so proud of myself, I feel like crying!”
It was at this moment, my little Jules had , a great amount of my genetics- in that she would cry at such an event… but as my Mother could verify , Jules had come by it quite honestly, as I inherited the trait from her. But more importantly, Jules had learned a sense and the value of accomplishment.
Over dinner one night we were talking to the girls about what they have learned. Gem said" I learned never give up- the tree at the top of that gravel slope, taught me that."
"I was so proud of myself, " Jules said triumphantly, "I felt as if the world was mine!"
That night when I checked in on them. I stood in the door way and watched them sleep. I said a small prayer, that they would always carry those little lessons in their heart and never forget. That little lesson for me, is sometimes hard to remember, especially in the light of what Carpenter and I are facing now. In order to fill a dream, there is an adventure we have to take, that is filled with sacrifices, and hard decisions. Like my girls, we will work through it.
It's time to capture our dream.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
I'll help you cross the street- for a Loonie...
It is a new year, a month or so into it actually, and I have felt like I have been in a whirl wind. Our Christmas Vacation was spent on wheels, traveling from one family to the next. It was a lovely quick holiday. There was family drama. Of course there was family drama. I think everyone has it in some form during the holidays . You take relatives you haven't seen in a while, add a litle alcohol and Voila, a classic recipe for Family Drama. Only this year, It wasn't my side of the family.Wahoo!
The family drama was quickly dealt with and then school drama hit. There is no possible way that we could start the year back at school without some of that.
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health have put out new Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in BC Schools. As of January 1,2008, these new guidelines are being enforced. So what does that mean for our school, with an active Parent Advisory Committee? It meant jumping through hoops to find ways of making our hot lunch program "fit"or the program would grind to a halt. It is a major fund raiser, and we certainly couldn't afford to have it stop. Seriously folks, where else would you pay $4 for a simple hot dog and juice box? Okay, we only do the hot dog thing once in a while, just because to even find the number of volunteers required can be a feat in of itself, Nevermind cooking hundreds of hotdogs.
We regularly have vendors do the meal prep for us. So, pizza, lasagna, and sub sandwiches are often on the menu. But it was quite a bit of work for the volunteer parents to convince the vendors to change their ingredients to comply with the new regulations:Some pizza's with vegitables, some sub sandwiches made with lean meats such as turkey and chicken, if served with a whole grain food, and met sodium requirements. Some vendors dropped out, and new vendors were found and so on. Then there were numerous mettings where parents questioned the value of the food for their dollar. Were they willing to pay $4 for a tuna wrap, that their kid probably wouldn't eat anyway?I know I wasn't about to pay $4 for something I could easily make at home for a couple of bucks.
In the spirit of these new regulations of healthy eathing and Healthy schools, some of the teachers jumped on board.Gem's teacher decided to encourage the children to bring more fruit and veggies for healthy snacks, by keeping a daily tally of wrist bands on the child's arm. They received a band for every fruit or veggie serving that they ate. It wasn't good enough that they brought it to school, they had to actually eat it. It grew to the point where Gem, was wanting to bring just fruit and veggies to school - forget the sandwich. Then I noticed that she was coming home with candy.
She was being rewarded with candy for good behavior. The teacher had found the one loophole in the guidelines. It wasn't against the guidelines if the candy was given to them. Between the bracelet rewards, and the candy I was becoming confused. So I decided with another parent to have a chat one afternoon with the teacher.
She explained that the bracelets were a form of helping the children keep track of how many servings of fruits and veggies that they have during the day. In conjunction with the new guidelines, she was wanting to encourage healthy eating. It was not to imply that sandwiches, did not have their place on the nutritional scale. So then I asked about the behavior being rewarded with candy.
It seemed that she was having a difficult time motivating the children daily,to quickly unpack their books and settle down to begin their day.Then again after lunch. So she decided to put all of their names in a bucket at the beginning of the week. At the end of the week, if their name was in the bucket , it went in a draw for a big chocolate bar. But she was still doling out candy daily for those who were good.
The teacher then phoned me the next morning with a follow up call, and asked "Do you not want Gem to have any candy?"
"Oh, yes," I thought "Make me the bad parent and ostrasize my child in front of the other kids!" That would throw Gem in some sort of therapy later on in life, for sure.
"No," I replied, "That's not it. I don't want her being given a candy every time she helps another child, or sits quietly waiting for instruction, or puts up her chair, or erases the black board for you, so that by the end of the day, she is coming home with two or three candies."
"Oh," The teacher was quiet for a moment. " I think that is partially my fault. I tend to keep very close track of how many candies the kids get - for those who are always asking, it's easy. But I tend to loose track of those who are always quiet."
No Kidding?
So she decided at the end of the week, all the children who still had their name in the bucket received a small candy, and participated in the draw. After all candy is an amazing motivator. I realize that a little candy, or even sweets in moderation, probably never hurt anyone. I am not against my kids having candy, after all, even I have a sweet tooth.
But what I want to know is, when did, quickly becoming organized and ready for school, stop being something you did simply because you were told? When did the consequences of not doing it become nil? When did the act of being prepared, being well behaved, and kindness towards others become bribe worthy?
The family drama was quickly dealt with and then school drama hit. There is no possible way that we could start the year back at school without some of that.
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health have put out new Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in BC Schools. As of January 1,2008, these new guidelines are being enforced. So what does that mean for our school, with an active Parent Advisory Committee? It meant jumping through hoops to find ways of making our hot lunch program "fit"or the program would grind to a halt. It is a major fund raiser, and we certainly couldn't afford to have it stop. Seriously folks, where else would you pay $4 for a simple hot dog and juice box? Okay, we only do the hot dog thing once in a while, just because to even find the number of volunteers required can be a feat in of itself, Nevermind cooking hundreds of hotdogs.
We regularly have vendors do the meal prep for us. So, pizza, lasagna, and sub sandwiches are often on the menu. But it was quite a bit of work for the volunteer parents to convince the vendors to change their ingredients to comply with the new regulations:Some pizza's with vegitables, some sub sandwiches made with lean meats such as turkey and chicken, if served with a whole grain food, and met sodium requirements. Some vendors dropped out, and new vendors were found and so on. Then there were numerous mettings where parents questioned the value of the food for their dollar. Were they willing to pay $4 for a tuna wrap, that their kid probably wouldn't eat anyway?I know I wasn't about to pay $4 for something I could easily make at home for a couple of bucks.
In the spirit of these new regulations of healthy eathing and Healthy schools, some of the teachers jumped on board.Gem's teacher decided to encourage the children to bring more fruit and veggies for healthy snacks, by keeping a daily tally of wrist bands on the child's arm. They received a band for every fruit or veggie serving that they ate. It wasn't good enough that they brought it to school, they had to actually eat it. It grew to the point where Gem, was wanting to bring just fruit and veggies to school - forget the sandwich. Then I noticed that she was coming home with candy.
She was being rewarded with candy for good behavior. The teacher had found the one loophole in the guidelines. It wasn't against the guidelines if the candy was given to them. Between the bracelet rewards, and the candy I was becoming confused. So I decided with another parent to have a chat one afternoon with the teacher.
She explained that the bracelets were a form of helping the children keep track of how many servings of fruits and veggies that they have during the day. In conjunction with the new guidelines, she was wanting to encourage healthy eating. It was not to imply that sandwiches, did not have their place on the nutritional scale. So then I asked about the behavior being rewarded with candy.
It seemed that she was having a difficult time motivating the children daily,to quickly unpack their books and settle down to begin their day.Then again after lunch. So she decided to put all of their names in a bucket at the beginning of the week. At the end of the week, if their name was in the bucket , it went in a draw for a big chocolate bar. But she was still doling out candy daily for those who were good.
The teacher then phoned me the next morning with a follow up call, and asked "Do you not want Gem to have any candy?"
"Oh, yes," I thought "Make me the bad parent and ostrasize my child in front of the other kids!" That would throw Gem in some sort of therapy later on in life, for sure.
"No," I replied, "That's not it. I don't want her being given a candy every time she helps another child, or sits quietly waiting for instruction, or puts up her chair, or erases the black board for you, so that by the end of the day, she is coming home with two or three candies."
"Oh," The teacher was quiet for a moment. " I think that is partially my fault. I tend to keep very close track of how many candies the kids get - for those who are always asking, it's easy. But I tend to loose track of those who are always quiet."
No Kidding?
So she decided at the end of the week, all the children who still had their name in the bucket received a small candy, and participated in the draw. After all candy is an amazing motivator. I realize that a little candy, or even sweets in moderation, probably never hurt anyone. I am not against my kids having candy, after all, even I have a sweet tooth.
But what I want to know is, when did, quickly becoming organized and ready for school, stop being something you did simply because you were told? When did the consequences of not doing it become nil? When did the act of being prepared, being well behaved, and kindness towards others become bribe worthy?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
