Hey Humble Readers...
Well, I'm back. Beauregard the laptop is back in my posession and is actually running better than what it did when I first got it. I got the computer back a couple of days ago, but because they had to completely wipe the hard drive, it's taken me some time to get things back to the way I like them. Thank heaven I had backed up all the pictures on Picasa. And the computer tech guys were able to save the files that I was most concerned about losing from my writing and my plethora of lists! Yay!
*****
My Beloved's first few days at his new job have gone well. He says it's a much more professional environment than he's been accustomed to. And it's a rather posh office... a newly built building with granite countertops in the bathrooms and a water feature in the reception area. Still in the dark on the medical benefits (which is one of my main concerns) but all in all, he seems happy and excited about his work. A couple of little bummers... he has to leave a half hour earlier in the morning, and he can't come home for lunch any more. I miss that little bit of adult conversation in the middle of the day and he misses seeing the wee-lings.
*****
My mom has had a bit of a health scare. (Just a reminder that my mom is a 6 time cancer survivor - cervical, uterine, lung, melanoma, lymphoma, lesions on her brain) One of her past cancer issues was a melanoma on her forehead by her left temple. A month ago she found a small spot on her forehead on the right temple. Given her history, her doctors didn't want to mess around, and so yesterday they removed the spot. It was a little over 4mm, and it was sent for further testing. I've been able to keep my concerns in check until today, because I found out that her main doc wants to see her on Monday morning. Part of me knows that it's likely just to check on the incision and possibly remove the stitches, but I'm still anxious. I know that she absolutely doesn't have the emotional reserves right now, with everything going on with the divorce, to deal with a full on cancer battle again. DOESN'T SHE DESERVE A BREAK?!?!
*****
I'm hesitant to say this, but I think we may be past the sleep regression situation. At least for the time being. We changed up the bedtime routine a bit. Ginny and Pippin both go to bed at the same time now. We do teeth brushing, stories, and prayers together now, whereas before we would put Ginny down first and then put Pip down an hour or so later. We are doing a modified version of Ferber (I think that's the name of it anyway), where one of us will go in and comfort him a bit every 10 or 15 minutes if he's fussing. In the last couple of days we've only had to go in twice. I was just so hesitant to do that, because I didn't want his crying to upset Ginny's sleep (and I really don't like CIO), but my Beloved was adamant that we give it a try... and it's worked. And it seems like Ginny's settling a little quicker now too.
QUESTION: Have any of you found that your baby had a tough time learning to self soothe if they didn't learn to suck their thumb? (we don't use pacifiers either)
*****
Goals for 2013 Update: I'm well into my third book of the year already. I'm very happy that I've gotten such a good start on my reading goal for the year. Other goals have been very slow to start. I have been better with my line-a-day journal, but my weightloss has plateaued at 19.6lb down (since November). Workouts have been pretty much non-existent (hence the plateau), but I have booked an appointment for a hair cut tomorrow (my first since last April). And I'm planning on colouring my hair next weekend. Potty training... oh heavens... I am so lame. I am going to get on that on Monday. My daily to do lists have remained unaccomplished mostly for the last couple of weeks, but I'm allowing myself some slack there because of Pippin's sleep issues for the last two weeks.
*****
What's been the highlight of your week so far?
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Friday, January 25, 2013
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Odds & Sods
Hey Humble Readers...
Thunderstorms appear to be weather du jour. We've had some major downpours over the last few days, and honestly I'm loving it. After the heat wave we had before we went on vacation and the desert heat in K-town last week, I was so ready for some cooler temps. Ginny has been enthralled by the heavy cloud bursts and the thunder.
*****
AF has shown up, and I confess she's kicking my ass. All those women in my life who told me that cramps get better or at least easier to deal with after you have kids are lying sacks of dragon poop. I'm in a lot of pain here, and tyl.enol isn't touching it. Ugh.
*****
In other cycle-related news... last week I experienced the epitome of irony. I had what I can only describe as the most incredible, copious EWCM. Seriously, I have never EVER experienced anything like it. I was always one of those women who had to do internal checks for CM in order to catch the scant amount of the good stuff I would get. This was immense, and it lasted for two days. Now, when our family building days are over I get enough to sink a battleship.
*****
While we were in K-town, I saw a couple of movies, and they were polar opposites. First, I went to see "Magic Mike" with my Mom and my sister. While it was entertaining, and certainly drool-worthy, it had the crappiest script I've ever seen in a movie. Honestly, I think they were ad libbing most of it. Channing Tatum is lovely to look at, but this movie certaily didn't do anything to prove his acting chops. I suspect that it will be up for a dozen Razzie awards next winter.
The second movie I went to see was an incredible contrast. My Beloved and I had a date night while in K-town, our first since Pippin was born. "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" was incredibly sweet, moving, and so beautifully acted by some of the best actors of the age. Anytime you can combine Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, and Penelope Wilton (yes... Cousin Matthew's mother from Downton Abbey!) you get sheer genius. If you haven't seen this movie, please do yourself a favour and go see it.
*****
We're planning on taking the wee-lings to a street performers festival this weekend. Seeing as it's basically free, I'm hoping that it will be entertaining for all of us. I want to expose Ginny to as many different fun, cultural, and educational experiences as I can. With our budgetary constraints, anytime I can find something free, I have to give it a shot.
*****
If you are a praying type person, please send out some prayers for my Beloved. He's getting frustrated with his job search. He's in a tough spot right now. While he's been applying for a ton of different positions, so far there have only been a couple of nibbles that would be a step backward for him or would require us to move which isn't an option at this point.
He's sort of in a limbo area in terms of his qualifications. He's worked for years as an accountant and a controller. He's got far more experience than your run of the mill bookkeeper, and yet he doesn't have the accounting designations (like a CGA) to back it up. A lot of job listings have said that relevant experience will be considered in lieu of having a designation, but he's just not getting the calls. The obvious solution is to get him designated (there's a few courses he needs to take), but that costs money that we don't have. He's feeling very discouraged.
Thunderstorms appear to be weather du jour. We've had some major downpours over the last few days, and honestly I'm loving it. After the heat wave we had before we went on vacation and the desert heat in K-town last week, I was so ready for some cooler temps. Ginny has been enthralled by the heavy cloud bursts and the thunder.
*****
AF has shown up, and I confess she's kicking my ass. All those women in my life who told me that cramps get better or at least easier to deal with after you have kids are lying sacks of dragon poop. I'm in a lot of pain here, and tyl.enol isn't touching it. Ugh.
*****
In other cycle-related news... last week I experienced the epitome of irony. I had what I can only describe as the most incredible, copious EWCM. Seriously, I have never EVER experienced anything like it. I was always one of those women who had to do internal checks for CM in order to catch the scant amount of the good stuff I would get. This was immense, and it lasted for two days. Now, when our family building days are over I get enough to sink a battleship.
*****
While we were in K-town, I saw a couple of movies, and they were polar opposites. First, I went to see "Magic Mike" with my Mom and my sister. While it was entertaining, and certainly drool-worthy, it had the crappiest script I've ever seen in a movie. Honestly, I think they were ad libbing most of it. Channing Tatum is lovely to look at, but this movie certaily didn't do anything to prove his acting chops. I suspect that it will be up for a dozen Razzie awards next winter.
The second movie I went to see was an incredible contrast. My Beloved and I had a date night while in K-town, our first since Pippin was born. "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" was incredibly sweet, moving, and so beautifully acted by some of the best actors of the age. Anytime you can combine Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, and Penelope Wilton (yes... Cousin Matthew's mother from Downton Abbey!) you get sheer genius. If you haven't seen this movie, please do yourself a favour and go see it.
*****
We're planning on taking the wee-lings to a street performers festival this weekend. Seeing as it's basically free, I'm hoping that it will be entertaining for all of us. I want to expose Ginny to as many different fun, cultural, and educational experiences as I can. With our budgetary constraints, anytime I can find something free, I have to give it a shot.
*****
If you are a praying type person, please send out some prayers for my Beloved. He's getting frustrated with his job search. He's in a tough spot right now. While he's been applying for a ton of different positions, so far there have only been a couple of nibbles that would be a step backward for him or would require us to move which isn't an option at this point.
He's sort of in a limbo area in terms of his qualifications. He's worked for years as an accountant and a controller. He's got far more experience than your run of the mill bookkeeper, and yet he doesn't have the accounting designations (like a CGA) to back it up. A lot of job listings have said that relevant experience will be considered in lieu of having a designation, but he's just not getting the calls. The obvious solution is to get him designated (there's a few courses he needs to take), but that costs money that we don't have. He's feeling very discouraged.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Bloggity Summer Camp: Work Work Work
Good Afternoon Humble Readers...
Well, I knocked out a huge portion of my to-do list, and even managed to give the baby girl a bath and managed to shave my legs! Woohoo! I'm stealing a bit of time this afternoon, because I won't be at home later this evening to write my post... NKOTBSB here we come! (My Beloved gets the award for best hubby of the year, just for going to this concert with me!!)
Today at Bloggity Summer Camp, Calliope the Camp Director has asked, "Tell us about the best job you ever had, and the worst. Do you ever blog or read blogs while at work? Do you ever quote or reference blogs while at work?"
Hmmmm.... best job? Honestly, the job I loved the most wasn't very glamorous. But I truly enjoyed the work and the people I got to interact with. When I was in college, I found it easier to stay in Seattle at the school during the summer breaks, and work on campus. I did a lot of different jobs... housekeeping, conference services, bulk mailings, the bookstore, and, best of all, the front desk. I loved the front desk.
Answering phones, checking in conference guests, data entry, giving out general information and directions... I know it sounds boring as all get out, but I really enjoyed it. I got to meet a lot of really cool people (including a whole bunch of the Sisters of Providence who had originally owned the campus), and in down times I could read or cross stitch or just talk to whoever was around. I really enjoyed that job. It was so low key, but I still felt that I was doing something worthwhile.
Worst job? Oh there have been a few... telemarketing, working in a cedar nursery trimming dead-wood off trees, cherry picking, being Clarkie the Bear for birthday parties and special events at the restaurant where my bio-mom worked.
I will confess that I did, occasionally, at my last job check blogs... normally when I was waiting for a piece of big news from one of my bloggy friends. As to quoting or referencing... maybe a little. I would sometimes share the stories of my bloggy friends with some of my co-workers.
Well, I knocked out a huge portion of my to-do list, and even managed to give the baby girl a bath and managed to shave my legs! Woohoo! I'm stealing a bit of time this afternoon, because I won't be at home later this evening to write my post... NKOTBSB here we come! (My Beloved gets the award for best hubby of the year, just for going to this concert with me!!)
Today at Bloggity Summer Camp, Calliope the Camp Director has asked, "Tell us about the best job you ever had, and the worst. Do you ever blog or read blogs while at work? Do you ever quote or reference blogs while at work?"
Hmmmm.... best job? Honestly, the job I loved the most wasn't very glamorous. But I truly enjoyed the work and the people I got to interact with. When I was in college, I found it easier to stay in Seattle at the school during the summer breaks, and work on campus. I did a lot of different jobs... housekeeping, conference services, bulk mailings, the bookstore, and, best of all, the front desk. I loved the front desk.
Answering phones, checking in conference guests, data entry, giving out general information and directions... I know it sounds boring as all get out, but I really enjoyed it. I got to meet a lot of really cool people (including a whole bunch of the Sisters of Providence who had originally owned the campus), and in down times I could read or cross stitch or just talk to whoever was around. I really enjoyed that job. It was so low key, but I still felt that I was doing something worthwhile.
Worst job? Oh there have been a few... telemarketing, working in a cedar nursery trimming dead-wood off trees, cherry picking, being Clarkie the Bear for birthday parties and special events at the restaurant where my bio-mom worked.
I will confess that I did, occasionally, at my last job check blogs... normally when I was waiting for a piece of big news from one of my bloggy friends. As to quoting or referencing... maybe a little. I would sometimes share the stories of my bloggy friends with some of my co-workers.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: The Saga Continues
Good Morning Humble Readers -
Well... my Beloved did his best, but in the end, the faucet defeated him. I am currently without water in my kitchen. Have been since last night. Plumber probably won't be here until tomorrow morning. Fun times!
*****
I went to see Dr. U today. Just a follow up on my GD, to see how things are going. He's still not totally happy with my numbers (the mornings especially are far from great), but he set my mind at ease by telling me that it takes time to get the right balance of insulin and my ever changing body chemistry. He said that we may be playing catch up for the rest of this pregnancy, because as the baby grows my need for insulin will continue to increase. I got a quick peak at the Halfling, and he/she seems to be turning a bit... no longer completely transverse. My weight is also down again... now officially lower than my pre-pregnancy weight for two visits to the doctor in a row.
*****
So, the stove... I am so happy with our new stove! It's awesome! Ceramic flat-top with a warming zone and one burner with turbo boil. Self-cleaning convection oven, that can convert a regular cooking setting to a convection setting at the push of a button. And the bake element is hidden. My only complaint is that the storage drawer underneath is smaller so I have had to find space in my cupboards for a few pans and things. But what I'm most proud of is my mad negotiating skills (ok, not really, but I can pretend). We shopped around, and the best deal was at Sears. Regular price on the stove was $1249, but because it was last year's model it was marked down to $799. We agreed to take the floor model (no dings or scratches or anything), so with a three year 'protection agreement' included (valued at $139, which we will get back in three years if we don't need to use it) we paid $769. Delivery and taking away our old stove was extra, but all in all, I'm happy.
*****
My next u/s has been booked for 32 weeks, so first week of October.
*****
In an ironic twist, I have to attend a meeting in Calgary in mid September, for work. The meeting is to help me be a better manager (coaching staff, directing how things go on the sales floor, driving sales, etc). The meeting takes place two weeks before I start my mat leave. Hilarious!
Well... my Beloved did his best, but in the end, the faucet defeated him. I am currently without water in my kitchen. Have been since last night. Plumber probably won't be here until tomorrow morning. Fun times!
*****
I went to see Dr. U today. Just a follow up on my GD, to see how things are going. He's still not totally happy with my numbers (the mornings especially are far from great), but he set my mind at ease by telling me that it takes time to get the right balance of insulin and my ever changing body chemistry. He said that we may be playing catch up for the rest of this pregnancy, because as the baby grows my need for insulin will continue to increase. I got a quick peak at the Halfling, and he/she seems to be turning a bit... no longer completely transverse. My weight is also down again... now officially lower than my pre-pregnancy weight for two visits to the doctor in a row.
*****
So, the stove... I am so happy with our new stove! It's awesome! Ceramic flat-top with a warming zone and one burner with turbo boil. Self-cleaning convection oven, that can convert a regular cooking setting to a convection setting at the push of a button. And the bake element is hidden. My only complaint is that the storage drawer underneath is smaller so I have had to find space in my cupboards for a few pans and things. But what I'm most proud of is my mad negotiating skills (ok, not really, but I can pretend). We shopped around, and the best deal was at Sears. Regular price on the stove was $1249, but because it was last year's model it was marked down to $799. We agreed to take the floor model (no dings or scratches or anything), so with a three year 'protection agreement' included (valued at $139, which we will get back in three years if we don't need to use it) we paid $769. Delivery and taking away our old stove was extra, but all in all, I'm happy.
*****
My next u/s has been booked for 32 weeks, so first week of October.
*****
In an ironic twist, I have to attend a meeting in Calgary in mid September, for work. The meeting is to help me be a better manager (coaching staff, directing how things go on the sales floor, driving sales, etc). The meeting takes place two weeks before I start my mat leave. Hilarious!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: On the Road
Good Afternoon Humble Readers...
I hope that you are all enjoying your weekend. As I write this we are in the midst of a major thunder storm with hail, but when you read it, I will be on the road with my Beloved. We will be driving the most beautiful highway in the world (in my hobbit-ish opinion), through the mountains, heading toward my Mom's fabulous cooking and real summertime weather.
*****
I'm hoping that we get to stop a few times on the drive. There are some great places to visit between here and K-town. I'm especially hoping to have some pictures of the Enchanted Forest for you when we return.
*****
Thank you to everyone who gave great suggestions on how to deal with my 24 hour urine collection. I ended up doing a variation on Kristen's cooler idea (as the only cooler we own is a big one and would have been far more conspicuous. I ended up taking a tote bag with several containers, ziploc bags, and a frozen water bottle in a plastic bag. I also sort of limited my water intake, so I only ended up having to pee once while I was at work. I made up all for the lack of H2O when I got home, and ended up peeing all night.
*****
There were a couple of very funny moments that came out of the whole pee collecting situation. First, yesterday at 4:00am I got up to pee and went to find the collection jugs. My Beloved, in an effort to be thorough when he was cleaning up the kitchen, saw a plain paper bag on the counter. He didn't look inside. He just threw it out. As in the dumpster behind our condo building. So, at 4:00am, I'm having what can only be called a meltdown because I can't find the jugs or the bag (with the lab requisition in it) and I am visualizing having to put off our trip just so I could pee in the damn jugs that I would have to replace. Keep in mind I wasn't really awake, and I was fully over the edge. My poor Beloved, had to get dressed and go dumpster diving in the middle of the night. Have I mentioned how much I love him? The other funny moment was a dream that I had this morning... in my dream I had overslept, and was rushing to get my sample to the lab. I ended up getting lost in the hospital, and I was running around for hours (and was very late for work) carrying a bunch of vials of pee, asking people to help me find the lab. Goofy!
*****
We had a scary moment at work the other day. A little boy, about 3 years old, was in the kids section, and collapsed. I don't know exactly what happened, but we ended up needing to call the paramedics. The little boy was unconscious for a moment or two, but then when he came to he was screaming and crying. The EMTs were pretty sure that he was going to be okay, but took him to the hospital for a full exam. It was a stressful half hour, that's for sure.
I hope that you are all enjoying your weekend. As I write this we are in the midst of a major thunder storm with hail, but when you read it, I will be on the road with my Beloved. We will be driving the most beautiful highway in the world (in my hobbit-ish opinion), through the mountains, heading toward my Mom's fabulous cooking and real summertime weather.
*****
I'm hoping that we get to stop a few times on the drive. There are some great places to visit between here and K-town. I'm especially hoping to have some pictures of the Enchanted Forest for you when we return.
*****
Thank you to everyone who gave great suggestions on how to deal with my 24 hour urine collection. I ended up doing a variation on Kristen's cooler idea (as the only cooler we own is a big one and would have been far more conspicuous. I ended up taking a tote bag with several containers, ziploc bags, and a frozen water bottle in a plastic bag. I also sort of limited my water intake, so I only ended up having to pee once while I was at work. I made up all for the lack of H2O when I got home, and ended up peeing all night.
*****
There were a couple of very funny moments that came out of the whole pee collecting situation. First, yesterday at 4:00am I got up to pee and went to find the collection jugs. My Beloved, in an effort to be thorough when he was cleaning up the kitchen, saw a plain paper bag on the counter. He didn't look inside. He just threw it out. As in the dumpster behind our condo building. So, at 4:00am, I'm having what can only be called a meltdown because I can't find the jugs or the bag (with the lab requisition in it) and I am visualizing having to put off our trip just so I could pee in the damn jugs that I would have to replace. Keep in mind I wasn't really awake, and I was fully over the edge. My poor Beloved, had to get dressed and go dumpster diving in the middle of the night. Have I mentioned how much I love him? The other funny moment was a dream that I had this morning... in my dream I had overslept, and was rushing to get my sample to the lab. I ended up getting lost in the hospital, and I was running around for hours (and was very late for work) carrying a bunch of vials of pee, asking people to help me find the lab. Goofy!
*****
We had a scary moment at work the other day. A little boy, about 3 years old, was in the kids section, and collapsed. I don't know exactly what happened, but we ended up needing to call the paramedics. The little boy was unconscious for a moment or two, but then when he came to he was screaming and crying. The EMTs were pretty sure that he was going to be okay, but took him to the hospital for a full exam. It was a stressful half hour, that's for sure.
Friday, June 11, 2010
The Hobbit Vs The World: Where Have All The "Excuse Me's" Gone?
Good Evening Humble Readers...
This post has been percolating for a while, and I hope you will bear with me. I have ranted about some of these things before, but I need to revisit for the sake of my sanity.
You are probably aware that I work in retail. In general I love my job. I enjoy interacting with our customers, and I enjoy our staff. I know I gripe a fair bit about work, but really, there aren't many other jobs that I think I would enjoy as much.
But one of the things that I love about the job also makes me want to tear my hair out... the customers. I could go on and on about how the customer is NOT always right, and some of the loony things that I have experienced over the years, but that's not the point today.
Today I'm talking about manners...
Now, it may be because I am a large hobbit and I take up a fair bit of space, but I think everyone appreciates their personal space. So when meandering the aisles of my store, why do customers find it acceptable to push past me without saying 'excuse me'? Why do they think it's okay to practically knock me over (as happened two days ago, without so much as an apology) to get by? If they were to simply do the polite thing and let me know they are there, I would gladly get out of their way!
And when someone needs assistance and I am focused on tidying up a shelf, why don't they speak up, say 'excuse me' and ask for help? Why do they feel it's alright to either tap me on the shoulder & scare the bejeepers out of me, or just stand there staring at me until I get that creepy feeling of someone watching me? All they have to do is say 'excuse me' and I would be happy to help them.
Do not even get me started on the people who snap their fingers at me, or start our conversation with 'hey you'.
People who work in retail are not less intelligent than anyone else, and do not deserve to be treated with anything less than the same respect anyone hopes for in their work.
I will confess, the way I am treated by a customer is directly related with the quality of service I give them. I'm much more inclined to be go above and beyond for someone who treats me with dignity and respect.
My mom always taught me to treat others as I want to be treated. It's just good common sense.
Okay, rant over.
This post has been percolating for a while, and I hope you will bear with me. I have ranted about some of these things before, but I need to revisit for the sake of my sanity.
You are probably aware that I work in retail. In general I love my job. I enjoy interacting with our customers, and I enjoy our staff. I know I gripe a fair bit about work, but really, there aren't many other jobs that I think I would enjoy as much.
But one of the things that I love about the job also makes me want to tear my hair out... the customers. I could go on and on about how the customer is NOT always right, and some of the loony things that I have experienced over the years, but that's not the point today.
Today I'm talking about manners...
Now, it may be because I am a large hobbit and I take up a fair bit of space, but I think everyone appreciates their personal space. So when meandering the aisles of my store, why do customers find it acceptable to push past me without saying 'excuse me'? Why do they think it's okay to practically knock me over (as happened two days ago, without so much as an apology) to get by? If they were to simply do the polite thing and let me know they are there, I would gladly get out of their way!
And when someone needs assistance and I am focused on tidying up a shelf, why don't they speak up, say 'excuse me' and ask for help? Why do they feel it's alright to either tap me on the shoulder & scare the bejeepers out of me, or just stand there staring at me until I get that creepy feeling of someone watching me? All they have to do is say 'excuse me' and I would be happy to help them.
Do not even get me started on the people who snap their fingers at me, or start our conversation with 'hey you'.
People who work in retail are not less intelligent than anyone else, and do not deserve to be treated with anything less than the same respect anyone hopes for in their work.
I will confess, the way I am treated by a customer is directly related with the quality of service I give them. I'm much more inclined to be go above and beyond for someone who treats me with dignity and respect.
My mom always taught me to treat others as I want to be treated. It's just good common sense.
Okay, rant over.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Week 5
Good Evening Humble Readers...
I hope you are all having a good long weekend. It's not a long weekend for me, but I do get Sunday off (not usual at all) so I get to spead Easter with my Beloved.
*****
So, last night at work was a bit of a crazy night. I have to give you a bit of back story. We have had, for at least two years, issues with pervy guys at our store. First there was the creepy bike-shorts guy who liked to expose himself. Yuck! We finally got rid of him, and had a few quiet, perv-free months, when we started getting complaints of a guy in the ladies washroom. Twice yesterday we had reports of a man in the ladies room, and I ended up having to confront a guy last night (with the help of a customer). The whole situation involved the guy getting away, and I had to give a statement to the police. Really... what is wrong with people?!?!
*****
One of our neighbours is moving out and renting out his unit. Great... now half the building will be renters. Blech! (not that I have anything against renters per se, it just makes it more difficult to get things done around the building)
*****
Okay, so I know I haven't updated the menu in the sidebar for ages... but I have to tell you about our dinner tonight. I haven't been motivated to do a lot of cooking lately. A lot of evening shifts combined with early pregnancy symptoms makes for a lot of eating out. Tonight tho, I made pan-fried tilapia and tomato rice. Last time I went to Costco, I found panko bread crumbs (the Japanese breadcrumbs that they always use on the food network), so I used them on the fish tonight, and OMG... sooooooo good! Amazingly crunchy and so yummy!
*****
Easter dinner is coming... roasted leg of lamb, lemon potatoes, and green beans with almonds. Who's coming over?
*****
Halfling update: It's been a pretty quiet week, after the doctor stress. Mild nausea pretty much every day, the sore b00bs seem to come and go, my nose is working overtime (what is that smell in the fridge?), and pretty tired all the time. 18 days until the ultrasound. The only thing I've been craving is cottage cheese. I've had a few moments of worry, when it feels like my symptoms have vanished, but I'm clinging to the belief that all will be well, and we WILL see a heartbeat. Monday will bring another bloodtest.
*****
Pregnancy Books... Picks and Pans - So, I was looking for something kind of funny, so I got "The Unexpected When You're Expecting". It claims right up front to be a parody of the obvious. The thing is, I found it very insulting to IFers (one of the games listed in the Baby Shower chapter was 'Guess the Secret Infertile"). Stay away from this book... Run away screaming. On the other end of the spectrum... "The Gourmet Pregnancy" is THE book for a pregnant foodie! Filled with incredibly amazing pregnancy-safe, nutritous recipes (watermelon refresher, cherry mint tart with shortbread crust, tempura pickles, and some incredible looking crab cakes! One particularly groovy feature is the listing of recipes sorted by craving (salt, ice cream, ice, sour, etc).
I hope you are all having a good long weekend. It's not a long weekend for me, but I do get Sunday off (not usual at all) so I get to spead Easter with my Beloved.
*****
So, last night at work was a bit of a crazy night. I have to give you a bit of back story. We have had, for at least two years, issues with pervy guys at our store. First there was the creepy bike-shorts guy who liked to expose himself. Yuck! We finally got rid of him, and had a few quiet, perv-free months, when we started getting complaints of a guy in the ladies washroom. Twice yesterday we had reports of a man in the ladies room, and I ended up having to confront a guy last night (with the help of a customer). The whole situation involved the guy getting away, and I had to give a statement to the police. Really... what is wrong with people?!?!
*****
One of our neighbours is moving out and renting out his unit. Great... now half the building will be renters. Blech! (not that I have anything against renters per se, it just makes it more difficult to get things done around the building)
*****
Okay, so I know I haven't updated the menu in the sidebar for ages... but I have to tell you about our dinner tonight. I haven't been motivated to do a lot of cooking lately. A lot of evening shifts combined with early pregnancy symptoms makes for a lot of eating out. Tonight tho, I made pan-fried tilapia and tomato rice. Last time I went to Costco, I found panko bread crumbs (the Japanese breadcrumbs that they always use on the food network), so I used them on the fish tonight, and OMG... sooooooo good! Amazingly crunchy and so yummy!
*****
Easter dinner is coming... roasted leg of lamb, lemon potatoes, and green beans with almonds. Who's coming over?
*****
Halfling update: It's been a pretty quiet week, after the doctor stress. Mild nausea pretty much every day, the sore b00bs seem to come and go, my nose is working overtime (what is that smell in the fridge?), and pretty tired all the time. 18 days until the ultrasound. The only thing I've been craving is cottage cheese. I've had a few moments of worry, when it feels like my symptoms have vanished, but I'm clinging to the belief that all will be well, and we WILL see a heartbeat. Monday will bring another bloodtest.
*****
Pregnancy Books... Picks and Pans - So, I was looking for something kind of funny, so I got "The Unexpected When You're Expecting". It claims right up front to be a parody of the obvious. The thing is, I found it very insulting to IFers (one of the games listed in the Baby Shower chapter was 'Guess the Secret Infertile"). Stay away from this book... Run away screaming. On the other end of the spectrum... "The Gourmet Pregnancy" is THE book for a pregnant foodie! Filled with incredibly amazing pregnancy-safe, nutritous recipes (watermelon refresher, cherry mint tart with shortbread crust, tempura pickles, and some incredible looking crab cakes! One particularly groovy feature is the listing of recipes sorted by craving (salt, ice cream, ice, sour, etc).
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Gratuitous, Self-Indulgent Dreck
Good evening... er, morning Humble Readers.
My sleep schedule is all out of whack right now, thus you are getting a middle of the night post.
First up, because I'm sure you are dying to know... inventory last night went well. Surprisingly so. I don't wish to malign the particular inventory company whose services we utilize, but in all my previous experiences with them, their staff haven't been the brightest crayons in the box. However, last night, I was pleasantly surprised. The majority of them were efficient, filled with common sense, and altogether pleasant. They were so good, that we actually had all the basic counting, verifications, and required audits done by midnight! Amazing! Normally, it's 4 or 5 am before the counters leave the store.
Second, a cycle update. 8... er, 9dpo now. I made it through the morning (when I'm home alone) without caving to the taunting of the pee sticks. I was going to assemble the shelving unit we bought at IKEA last weekend, but as I mentioned above, my sleep schedule is wacky right now so I ended up dozing most of the morning. Phantom symptoms are more pronounced today (aka - the b00bs are KILLING ME!!). The last two days I have had this odd sort of hot flash thing going on in the late evenings. Not enough to register on my thermometer (yes I checked), but enough to make my face flush and make me feel uncomfortable. Mild nausea, with a few moments of true gagginess. The thing that's kind of got me a bit concerned is that I'm feeling kind of crampy tonight. I know it could potentially be a good thing, but with AF showing her ugly face so early last cycle, I'm a bit freaked out. Here's hoping that being back on the vitamin b is doing the trick.
I know I'm over analyzing every little thing, and Sunday morning has the potential to be a real bitch. But I'm still feeling that seed of hope. I just hope it gets a chance to germinate.
Here's hoping that my lack of interest in chocolate today is a good sign, too.
My sleep schedule is all out of whack right now, thus you are getting a middle of the night post.
First up, because I'm sure you are dying to know... inventory last night went well. Surprisingly so. I don't wish to malign the particular inventory company whose services we utilize, but in all my previous experiences with them, their staff haven't been the brightest crayons in the box. However, last night, I was pleasantly surprised. The majority of them were efficient, filled with common sense, and altogether pleasant. They were so good, that we actually had all the basic counting, verifications, and required audits done by midnight! Amazing! Normally, it's 4 or 5 am before the counters leave the store.
Second, a cycle update. 8... er, 9dpo now. I made it through the morning (when I'm home alone) without caving to the taunting of the pee sticks. I was going to assemble the shelving unit we bought at IKEA last weekend, but as I mentioned above, my sleep schedule is wacky right now so I ended up dozing most of the morning. Phantom symptoms are more pronounced today (aka - the b00bs are KILLING ME!!). The last two days I have had this odd sort of hot flash thing going on in the late evenings. Not enough to register on my thermometer (yes I checked), but enough to make my face flush and make me feel uncomfortable. Mild nausea, with a few moments of true gagginess. The thing that's kind of got me a bit concerned is that I'm feeling kind of crampy tonight. I know it could potentially be a good thing, but with AF showing her ugly face so early last cycle, I'm a bit freaked out. Here's hoping that being back on the vitamin b is doing the trick.
I know I'm over analyzing every little thing, and Sunday morning has the potential to be a real bitch. But I'm still feeling that seed of hope. I just hope it gets a chance to germinate.
Here's hoping that my lack of interest in chocolate today is a good sign, too.
Friday, March 12, 2010
How to Tell When A Hobbit is Tired...
Good evening Humble Readers!
(This is likely to be my second most boring post ever! There was one post about a year ago that no one commented on, and I think this one might just tie that...)
Oooooh my, I am pooped tonight. My work week was only three days, but I just am wrung out. All day long I was using the wrong words (saying computer when I meant cucumber, one staff person's name when I meant another, reminding my staff to change their clocks on Sunday rather than Saturday... oy!).
It's been weird at the store lately. Quiet, traffic-wise, but lots of busy work.
Back during the olympics, I ran a contest for the staff. I divided them into teams and set criteria for earning points. Each team was given a country name... and after the two weeks, Denmark won the gold medal. The prize for the team was a free lunch... but not just any free lunch. I would make them something fantabulous!
Things got a wee titch complicated when one member of Team Denmark told me he had a long list of allergies and intolerances (he can't handle spicy food, and for him ceasar salad dressing is too spicy... oh my) and another told me that she can eat pretty much anything except garlic (her husband is deathly allergic, so she can't have it at all... double oh my... no garlic?????). The other two just had some basic nut and dairy issues, but I could work with that.
I looked at the schedule, and today was the only day for a while that they were all going to be working at the same time, so I planned accordingly. Except, I didn't take into consideration that I was scheduled to close last night and open this morning. Yikes!
So, last night, at 10pm, I was cooking two separate meals. Mandarin Almond Chicken with rice and salad for W & J (my food restricted folks), and Chicken Souvlaki, Roasted Greek Potatoes and Not-So-Greek Salad for M & R.
By the time I crashed on the couch at around midnight, I was done in!
It took me a while to fall asleep because my back was aching, and the alarm went off waaaaaaaay too early. I was up and putting the finishing touches on the dishes at 6:30 this morning.
Don't get me wrong. I had fun last night cooking. It was an adventure to make something that I hoped they would all like and still meet their tastes. I just should have found another day to do it.
Add to all this that my work shoes are pretty much dead, and are making it challenging to get through a shift on a good day...
I'm sore, I'm tired, and my Beloved and I are going shopping tomorrow in Calgary (Ik.ea here I come!)... I think it's going to be an early night for me.
So, what do you guys have going on this weekend?
(This is likely to be my second most boring post ever! There was one post about a year ago that no one commented on, and I think this one might just tie that...)
Oooooh my, I am pooped tonight. My work week was only three days, but I just am wrung out. All day long I was using the wrong words (saying computer when I meant cucumber, one staff person's name when I meant another, reminding my staff to change their clocks on Sunday rather than Saturday... oy!).
It's been weird at the store lately. Quiet, traffic-wise, but lots of busy work.
Back during the olympics, I ran a contest for the staff. I divided them into teams and set criteria for earning points. Each team was given a country name... and after the two weeks, Denmark won the gold medal. The prize for the team was a free lunch... but not just any free lunch. I would make them something fantabulous!
Things got a wee titch complicated when one member of Team Denmark told me he had a long list of allergies and intolerances (he can't handle spicy food, and for him ceasar salad dressing is too spicy... oh my) and another told me that she can eat pretty much anything except garlic (her husband is deathly allergic, so she can't have it at all... double oh my... no garlic?????). The other two just had some basic nut and dairy issues, but I could work with that.
I looked at the schedule, and today was the only day for a while that they were all going to be working at the same time, so I planned accordingly. Except, I didn't take into consideration that I was scheduled to close last night and open this morning. Yikes!
So, last night, at 10pm, I was cooking two separate meals. Mandarin Almond Chicken with rice and salad for W & J (my food restricted folks), and Chicken Souvlaki, Roasted Greek Potatoes and Not-So-Greek Salad for M & R.
By the time I crashed on the couch at around midnight, I was done in!
It took me a while to fall asleep because my back was aching, and the alarm went off waaaaaaaay too early. I was up and putting the finishing touches on the dishes at 6:30 this morning.
Don't get me wrong. I had fun last night cooking. It was an adventure to make something that I hoped they would all like and still meet their tastes. I just should have found another day to do it.
Add to all this that my work shoes are pretty much dead, and are making it challenging to get through a shift on a good day...
I'm sore, I'm tired, and my Beloved and I are going shopping tomorrow in Calgary (Ik.ea here I come!)... I think it's going to be an early night for me.
So, what do you guys have going on this weekend?
Monday, February 15, 2010
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Crawling out From Under A Rock
Good Afternoon Humble Readers...
So, you might be wondering where I've been the last week or so. Probably not, but just in case, I thought I'd tell you what I've been up to...
*******
Work has been very draining lately. Not so much physically, but psychologically and emotionally. The morale in our store has been taking a beating over the last few weeks (the usual post Christmas irritations), and it's potentially going to be getting worse before it gets better due to some changes coming in the next few weeks. The changes won't mean anything to our customers (except for better service!) and I think it will be great when it all falls into place, but the transition for our staff will be challenging, I think. And of course, if it's challenging for them, it means it's challenging for us as a leadership team because we have to make it work and be positive about it.
*******
The Olympics... I'm actually working on a full post about the first few days of Olympic competition. I'm not normally a televised sports fan... don't even get me started on how boring watching football or baseball is on a regular day. But the Olympics make me make me sports-crazy! I'm loving it! One thing I have discovered today... I have to limit how much of the alpine skiing and snowboarding I watch. I am very susceptible to motion sickness, and watching them fly down the slopes, on that track with the lines gives me a horrible headache and makes me feel ill.
*******
Valentine's day was a nice quiet day for my Beloved and I. I made a spectacular dinner (it will be my show and tell this week). We went to church, went out for lunch, got groceries, and then came home and watched a whole lot of speed skating, figure skating, and men's moguls. My Beloved surprised me with some beautiful red tulips on Saturday night... he brought them to my work... he likes to show off a little sometimes. He also got me a dvd (Jane Austen Book Club). I got him one of the official Hockey Canada jerseys. He's pretty stoked about it.
*******
You all have been very busy bloggers... I hadn't read any blogs since sometime Thursday, and when I opened my reader yesterday it had more than 50 posts... YIKES! I've read through most of them now, but I haven't done much commenting yet.
*******
Cycle update... oy! Fertility Friend has been driving me up a wall! I know I have griped incessantly about how my O day has changed significantly in the last few months, but really, it is still stress-inducing. Then throw in a couple of wonky temps, and FF all of a sudden says I O'd on CD 13. I KNEW that wasn't the case and that it would change, but there's nothing like having crosshairs on your chart to make you wonder if you are imagining things. This morning FF changed my O day to when I thought it was, CD 16. But it's still only dotted lines.... grrrr. I'm 3dpo now. Oh, and I got my OV watch. If I don't get a bfp this cycle (and I don't think I will), then we will start using that at the end of this month.
*******
Sunny-boy, aka 'the little poop' has had good days and bad days. He's definitely missing his owners. He's very well potty trained, and has only had one accident in the house, which was our fault because we slept in on Saturday morning. He really does have the personality of a cat... loving us one minute and the next totally ignoring us. He's also darn smart. He very quickly figured out how to open the garbage can in the kitchen. He has a decided opinion about the pizza guy and a couple of our neighbours (they are EEEEEEEVVIILLL!) and he doesn't really like the pen he has to stay in at night or when we aren't home. His owners have emailed several times checking in, which I think it pretty darn cute. But even with a few stressful moments with him, I am still very much wanting a pug... so much so that I started checking the local breeder and rescue sites again.
*******
Why is it that men's clothes are cheaper than women's clothes? I bought my Beloved three pairs of pants today for a total of $100, all of them regular price. I bought myself two pairs for the same amount, and one was half price. grrr.
*******
And while I'm on the subject of shopping, can I just say how much I HATE the mirrors and lights in the fitting rooms? Grey hairs, varicose veins, and let's not even talk about the cellulite... UGH!
So, you might be wondering where I've been the last week or so. Probably not, but just in case, I thought I'd tell you what I've been up to...
*******
Work has been very draining lately. Not so much physically, but psychologically and emotionally. The morale in our store has been taking a beating over the last few weeks (the usual post Christmas irritations), and it's potentially going to be getting worse before it gets better due to some changes coming in the next few weeks. The changes won't mean anything to our customers (except for better service!) and I think it will be great when it all falls into place, but the transition for our staff will be challenging, I think. And of course, if it's challenging for them, it means it's challenging for us as a leadership team because we have to make it work and be positive about it.
*******
The Olympics... I'm actually working on a full post about the first few days of Olympic competition. I'm not normally a televised sports fan... don't even get me started on how boring watching football or baseball is on a regular day. But the Olympics make me make me sports-crazy! I'm loving it! One thing I have discovered today... I have to limit how much of the alpine skiing and snowboarding I watch. I am very susceptible to motion sickness, and watching them fly down the slopes, on that track with the lines gives me a horrible headache and makes me feel ill.
*******
Valentine's day was a nice quiet day for my Beloved and I. I made a spectacular dinner (it will be my show and tell this week). We went to church, went out for lunch, got groceries, and then came home and watched a whole lot of speed skating, figure skating, and men's moguls. My Beloved surprised me with some beautiful red tulips on Saturday night... he brought them to my work... he likes to show off a little sometimes. He also got me a dvd (Jane Austen Book Club). I got him one of the official Hockey Canada jerseys. He's pretty stoked about it.
*******
You all have been very busy bloggers... I hadn't read any blogs since sometime Thursday, and when I opened my reader yesterday it had more than 50 posts... YIKES! I've read through most of them now, but I haven't done much commenting yet.
*******
Cycle update... oy! Fertility Friend has been driving me up a wall! I know I have griped incessantly about how my O day has changed significantly in the last few months, but really, it is still stress-inducing. Then throw in a couple of wonky temps, and FF all of a sudden says I O'd on CD 13. I KNEW that wasn't the case and that it would change, but there's nothing like having crosshairs on your chart to make you wonder if you are imagining things. This morning FF changed my O day to when I thought it was, CD 16. But it's still only dotted lines.... grrrr. I'm 3dpo now. Oh, and I got my OV watch. If I don't get a bfp this cycle (and I don't think I will), then we will start using that at the end of this month.
*******
Sunny-boy, aka 'the little poop' has had good days and bad days. He's definitely missing his owners. He's very well potty trained, and has only had one accident in the house, which was our fault because we slept in on Saturday morning. He really does have the personality of a cat... loving us one minute and the next totally ignoring us. He's also darn smart. He very quickly figured out how to open the garbage can in the kitchen. He has a decided opinion about the pizza guy and a couple of our neighbours (they are EEEEEEEVVIILLL!) and he doesn't really like the pen he has to stay in at night or when we aren't home. His owners have emailed several times checking in, which I think it pretty darn cute. But even with a few stressful moments with him, I am still very much wanting a pug... so much so that I started checking the local breeder and rescue sites again.
*******
Why is it that men's clothes are cheaper than women's clothes? I bought my Beloved three pairs of pants today for a total of $100, all of them regular price. I bought myself two pairs for the same amount, and one was half price. grrr.
*******
And while I'm on the subject of shopping, can I just say how much I HATE the mirrors and lights in the fitting rooms? Grey hairs, varicose veins, and let's not even talk about the cellulite... UGH!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Surprising Thoughts
Good Evening Humble Readers!
I must say that sometimes being a retail manager is half a step away from being a guidance counsellor.
Have I ever told you about... well, we'll call her "Q" just because... have I told you about her? I know, as a manager I'm not supposed to have favourites, but I can't help it with this kid. I hired her last year, when she was still in high school. When she first started with us, she was practically scared of her own shadow, but she has a passion for books.
Last summer I came to the realization that when I was her age, my mom was my age. Yikes! Talk about feeling old!
I have watched her come into her own over the last year and a half. She is funny, sometimes a little too chatty for work, and generally a good kid. She has cried on my shoulder about boys, the turmoil that surrounds high school, and her relationship with her parents. She's made some questionable decisions regarding body piercings. So when she came to me the other day, rather freaked out, I thought it was more of the usual. And I guess in a way it was, only bigger.
She had a pregnancy scare.
She was stressed out, and we talked about what her first steps should be (find out for sure if she was, then move on to what her next steps would be... turns out she's not pg) and some things she should consider to prevent this type of situation from happening again (hello, birth control?).
It wasn't a long conversation, but I think she felt better afterward. I, on the other hand, struggled for the rest of the day. I cannot deny the fact that I felt the typical anger that a 18 year old kid can do without trying what I can't do with two years of focused effort.
But the most surprising thing for me was a thought that streaked across my mind later in the day... "if she is pg, will she choose adoption? would she consider us?" It was like a whisper, an echo, and a lightning bolt all at the same time. I was stunned. I swear I stopped dead in my tracks. Where the hell did that come from? And immediately felt guilty for the thought. I mean, how selfish am I to think something like that when this kid could be facing a life altering event?
The idea of adoption isn't entirely out of left field. My Beloved and I have talked in broad strokes about the possibility. I have done a bit of reading & research, mostly to acquaint myself with the basics. We have agreed that if I m/c again or am not pregnant by summer then we will look into it in more detail. I know that there is a long way from where we are at right now to making the decision to adopt. But the seed of it is there. (A tiny part of our plan to pay down our debt this year is that we want to have that credit available should we need it for adoption fees in the future.)
But, I'm not ready to put ttc behind me. I'm not ready. Not yet.
Will I know when I am?
I must say that sometimes being a retail manager is half a step away from being a guidance counsellor.
Have I ever told you about... well, we'll call her "Q" just because... have I told you about her? I know, as a manager I'm not supposed to have favourites, but I can't help it with this kid. I hired her last year, when she was still in high school. When she first started with us, she was practically scared of her own shadow, but she has a passion for books.
Last summer I came to the realization that when I was her age, my mom was my age. Yikes! Talk about feeling old!
I have watched her come into her own over the last year and a half. She is funny, sometimes a little too chatty for work, and generally a good kid. She has cried on my shoulder about boys, the turmoil that surrounds high school, and her relationship with her parents. She's made some questionable decisions regarding body piercings. So when she came to me the other day, rather freaked out, I thought it was more of the usual. And I guess in a way it was, only bigger.
She had a pregnancy scare.
She was stressed out, and we talked about what her first steps should be (find out for sure if she was, then move on to what her next steps would be... turns out she's not pg) and some things she should consider to prevent this type of situation from happening again (hello, birth control?).
It wasn't a long conversation, but I think she felt better afterward. I, on the other hand, struggled for the rest of the day. I cannot deny the fact that I felt the typical anger that a 18 year old kid can do without trying what I can't do with two years of focused effort.
But the most surprising thing for me was a thought that streaked across my mind later in the day... "if she is pg, will she choose adoption? would she consider us?" It was like a whisper, an echo, and a lightning bolt all at the same time. I was stunned. I swear I stopped dead in my tracks. Where the hell did that come from? And immediately felt guilty for the thought. I mean, how selfish am I to think something like that when this kid could be facing a life altering event?
The idea of adoption isn't entirely out of left field. My Beloved and I have talked in broad strokes about the possibility. I have done a bit of reading & research, mostly to acquaint myself with the basics. We have agreed that if I m/c again or am not pregnant by summer then we will look into it in more detail. I know that there is a long way from where we are at right now to making the decision to adopt. But the seed of it is there. (A tiny part of our plan to pay down our debt this year is that we want to have that credit available should we need it for adoption fees in the future.)
But, I'm not ready to put ttc behind me. I'm not ready. Not yet.
Will I know when I am?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Remind Me Why I Love Christmas?
Good Evening Humble Readers...
I'm sorry I haven't been around as promised. Chalk it up to the expenditure of so much energy at work these days, the extreme cold weather, and a little bit of homesickness. Let me give you the run down...
******
Christmas has finally hit at work... or rather the Christmas shoppers have finally realized that Christmas is a-coming. This weekend was crazy busy. It was fun while I was at work, but by the time I got home I was pretty tuckered out. I'm off today and tomorrow, but on Wednesday, hoo-boy do we have a big event... a big time book signing, our biggest name author ever, a former NHL hockey player who recently published a book chronicling all his time in the sport. We are hoping for a crazy busy night on Wednesday, and I likely won't be home before midnight.
******
Ok, so I know that the northern flatland is known to get cold, but for heaven's sake! The capital of our province, only an hour and a half north of us, was THE COLDEST place on the planet on Saturday. Colder than either the North or South Poles... Insane! It's supposed to be -45C with the wind here tonight. Our windows have ice on them. The windows in our house... not just the car... the house!
******
The joy of being a retail manager is that I absolutely don't get to take time off at Christmas. Actually, we don't get to take time off between mid October and January. This is the third Christmas that I haven't been able to spend with my family. Don't get me wrong, I love my Beloved's family. I just haven't seen anyone from my family in more than a year. I guess you could say I miss my mommy.
******
I haven't started my Christmas baking yet (and thus no Holiday Recipe Round Up... my bad). I haven't done my Christmas cards, wrapping, or shipping. I love Christmas, I just need to get my butt in gear.
******
Cycle Update: CD14... I'm right around O time, but if I didn't have much ewcm last month, holy cow do I have a lot this month. It's been 6 days so far. Talk about confusing me! Hopefully my temps will turn out to be clearer than last month.
I'm sorry I haven't been around as promised. Chalk it up to the expenditure of so much energy at work these days, the extreme cold weather, and a little bit of homesickness. Let me give you the run down...
******
Christmas has finally hit at work... or rather the Christmas shoppers have finally realized that Christmas is a-coming. This weekend was crazy busy. It was fun while I was at work, but by the time I got home I was pretty tuckered out. I'm off today and tomorrow, but on Wednesday, hoo-boy do we have a big event... a big time book signing, our biggest name author ever, a former NHL hockey player who recently published a book chronicling all his time in the sport. We are hoping for a crazy busy night on Wednesday, and I likely won't be home before midnight.
******
Ok, so I know that the northern flatland is known to get cold, but for heaven's sake! The capital of our province, only an hour and a half north of us, was THE COLDEST place on the planet on Saturday. Colder than either the North or South Poles... Insane! It's supposed to be -45C with the wind here tonight. Our windows have ice on them. The windows in our house... not just the car... the house!
******
The joy of being a retail manager is that I absolutely don't get to take time off at Christmas. Actually, we don't get to take time off between mid October and January. This is the third Christmas that I haven't been able to spend with my family. Don't get me wrong, I love my Beloved's family. I just haven't seen anyone from my family in more than a year. I guess you could say I miss my mommy.
******
I haven't started my Christmas baking yet (and thus no Holiday Recipe Round Up... my bad). I haven't done my Christmas cards, wrapping, or shipping. I love Christmas, I just need to get my butt in gear.
******
Cycle Update: CD14... I'm right around O time, but if I didn't have much ewcm last month, holy cow do I have a lot this month. It's been 6 days so far. Talk about confusing me! Hopefully my temps will turn out to be clearer than last month.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Spending Someone Else's Money
Good Evening Humble Readers!
Just a quick post tonight...
Do you recall when I was yammering on about the fund raising we were doing at work for a local school's library?
Well, tonight the principal, librarian, and some helpers came in and spent two hours on a shopping spree. We got to help them spend more than $3500. They still have a bit left to spend, but they were rather overwhelmed with all that they had already purchased.
It was so much fun! I love the idea of all those kids getting have all these new books to explore.
It was great to have a local impact...
It was a good day.
Just a quick post tonight...
Do you recall when I was yammering on about the fund raising we were doing at work for a local school's library?
Well, tonight the principal, librarian, and some helpers came in and spent two hours on a shopping spree. We got to help them spend more than $3500. They still have a bit left to spend, but they were rather overwhelmed with all that they had already purchased.
It was so much fun! I love the idea of all those kids getting have all these new books to explore.
It was great to have a local impact...
It was a good day.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Navel Gazing
Good Evening Humble Readers!
Tonight's post is just a little bit of odds and ends. Nothing too earth-shattering...
******
We've finally decided on what to get my Beloved's mom for Christmas. There is this teeny tiny little town south of here that is home to an incredible dinner theater. When I say teeny tiny, I mean super-dooper teeny. As in, the theater arts school, staff and resident theater company are the bulk of the population. As in, there isn't a gas station in the town. That's TEENY! Anyway, we are going to take Mom C to one of the shows there in the spring. Now if I could just convince my Beloved that we need to go to their Christmas production this year (A Child's Christmas in Wales)...
******
Today was a bit of a bummer for me at work. One of my favourite staff members told me that she's going to have to give her two-week notice. She's just landed a great new job, and on a personal level I'm really happy for her. It's just going to suck losing her... especially at this time of year.
******
Ok, so I've been drinking the grapefruit juice... and liking it a lot actually. The thing is, I haven't noticed any change in my cm, except perhaps for it's absence. Hmmmm....
******
Why is it that when you have a canker sore or an achy tooth you can't help but tease it all the time? I burned the roof of my mouth the other day on some pizza, and that little piece of skin between my two front teeth is driving me insane!
******
I think that it is a statistical improbability for me to have a pair of socks for more than a month without putting a hole in at least one. I am so sick of trying to match up socks that aren't air conditioned.
******
I think the "paycheck vacuum" (courtesy of Alana) may be headed our way. The check engine light came on in the car yesterday. Here's hoping that it's just that the gas cap wasn't put on tight enough or something.
Tonight's post is just a little bit of odds and ends. Nothing too earth-shattering...
******
We've finally decided on what to get my Beloved's mom for Christmas. There is this teeny tiny little town south of here that is home to an incredible dinner theater. When I say teeny tiny, I mean super-dooper teeny. As in, the theater arts school, staff and resident theater company are the bulk of the population. As in, there isn't a gas station in the town. That's TEENY! Anyway, we are going to take Mom C to one of the shows there in the spring. Now if I could just convince my Beloved that we need to go to their Christmas production this year (A Child's Christmas in Wales)...
******
Today was a bit of a bummer for me at work. One of my favourite staff members told me that she's going to have to give her two-week notice. She's just landed a great new job, and on a personal level I'm really happy for her. It's just going to suck losing her... especially at this time of year.
******
Ok, so I've been drinking the grapefruit juice... and liking it a lot actually. The thing is, I haven't noticed any change in my cm, except perhaps for it's absence. Hmmmm....
******
Why is it that when you have a canker sore or an achy tooth you can't help but tease it all the time? I burned the roof of my mouth the other day on some pizza, and that little piece of skin between my two front teeth is driving me insane!
******
I think that it is a statistical improbability for me to have a pair of socks for more than a month without putting a hole in at least one. I am so sick of trying to match up socks that aren't air conditioned.
******
I think the "paycheck vacuum" (courtesy of Alana) may be headed our way. The check engine light came on in the car yesterday. Here's hoping that it's just that the gas cap wasn't put on tight enough or something.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Friday Night Lite
Good evening Humble Readers...
I hope you are all well, and for those in the know, I hope you are having a great ICLW! Tonight's post is just a bit of hobbit-ish randomness.
*******
I am on CD 17, and 3 dpo. Trying to keep myself distracted as we head into the tww. I am going to do my best this month to not test before AF is due. I'll try...
*******
Ever since our vacation, I have become obsessed with movies set in New York. I even love to watch old 80s movies, just so I can see things that I recognize. And don't even get me started on Law & Order... I love it! I have to go back!
*******
While it is only October, the holiday season is in full swing at work. We are already running out of overstock room, I am in the midst of doing my seasonal hiring, and in just over a week we do our full Christmas set up. I can't believe this is going to be my third Christmas at this store. Time sure flies! I will admit, I love the season tho! It's fun, energizing, and completely exhausting all at once.
*******
Lameness Award for the week: One of the other managers and I have had to talk to the same customer twice this week (two days in a row), about not leaving her two year old daughter alone in our kid's section while she stands in line at Sta.rbu.cks. Twice the little one has been wandering around alone, and twice we talked to the mom. I know we are a relatively small city, but there are creepy people everywhere. The thing that really bothered me most, was that the mom actually had the audacity to look put out/annoyed when we asked her to keep her daughter with her.
*******
Does craving strawberries mean anything? Not ttc-wise... just in any way? I have been craving strawberries for more than a week. I must be missing something in my diet, but where's a girl to get decent strawberries in October on the flatland?
*******
On the menu this evening: Another experimental meal. Chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and feta, with a mushroom cream and white wine sauce. Served with mashed potatoes. It turned out pretty good, but I need to work on my cream sauces. They never seem to work out just right. Any suggestions?
*******
Am I the only Canadian who's glad that the loonie dropped in value against the US dollar today? I can't be. A loonie at par or higher is bad news for retail and manufacturers generally. I don't want a repeat of the holiday shopping season we had two years ago, where we had customers cussing out our staff and throwing product at cashiers because of the difference between US and Canadian pricing.
*******
I think that's about it for tonight. I'm going to head over to the ICLW list and checkout a few new blogs.
Have a great weekend everyone!
I hope you are all well, and for those in the know, I hope you are having a great ICLW! Tonight's post is just a bit of hobbit-ish randomness.
*******
I am on CD 17, and 3 dpo. Trying to keep myself distracted as we head into the tww. I am going to do my best this month to not test before AF is due. I'll try...
*******
Ever since our vacation, I have become obsessed with movies set in New York. I even love to watch old 80s movies, just so I can see things that I recognize. And don't even get me started on Law & Order... I love it! I have to go back!
*******
While it is only October, the holiday season is in full swing at work. We are already running out of overstock room, I am in the midst of doing my seasonal hiring, and in just over a week we do our full Christmas set up. I can't believe this is going to be my third Christmas at this store. Time sure flies! I will admit, I love the season tho! It's fun, energizing, and completely exhausting all at once.
*******
Lameness Award for the week: One of the other managers and I have had to talk to the same customer twice this week (two days in a row), about not leaving her two year old daughter alone in our kid's section while she stands in line at Sta.rbu.cks. Twice the little one has been wandering around alone, and twice we talked to the mom. I know we are a relatively small city, but there are creepy people everywhere. The thing that really bothered me most, was that the mom actually had the audacity to look put out/annoyed when we asked her to keep her daughter with her.
*******
Does craving strawberries mean anything? Not ttc-wise... just in any way? I have been craving strawberries for more than a week. I must be missing something in my diet, but where's a girl to get decent strawberries in October on the flatland?
*******
On the menu this evening: Another experimental meal. Chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and feta, with a mushroom cream and white wine sauce. Served with mashed potatoes. It turned out pretty good, but I need to work on my cream sauces. They never seem to work out just right. Any suggestions?
*******
Am I the only Canadian who's glad that the loonie dropped in value against the US dollar today? I can't be. A loonie at par or higher is bad news for retail and manufacturers generally. I don't want a repeat of the holiday shopping season we had two years ago, where we had customers cussing out our staff and throwing product at cashiers because of the difference between US and Canadian pricing.
*******
I think that's about it for tonight. I'm going to head over to the ICLW list and checkout a few new blogs.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Friday, August 7, 2009
The Hobbit vs The World: Two Big Annoyances
Good evening Humble Readers! Your friendly neighbourhood hobbit is irked tonight. Beyond irked actually... pretty pissed off!
Now you may be asking what can get under the skin of a relatively even-keeled hobbit? Well let me tell you...
First up... you may recall that I mentioned that a member of our leadership team at work gave notice a week ago. I was happy for her because she was leaving for a good reason, but I was concerned that someone in her position (in the management heirarchy, she was one level above me) would only give two weeks notice, especially when she gave notice the day before our general manager went on vacation.
So fast forward one week... how many shifts has she shown up for? One and a half. She called in 'sick' for two shifts, and then just stopped showing up. When one of the other managers called to see what was going on, after getting the voicemail run around, she finally owned up to the fact that seeing as our boss wasn't in, she wasn't going to come in either. She was just done. But, oh... 'it's nothing personal', and you know what? She 'still loves us all tons and tons'... Pardon me for saying so, but BULLSHIT!!! And really, the not personal bit? All I could think of was that line in 'You've Got Mail'... ''saying that it's not personal only means that it's not personal to you. It's very personal to me." The remaining three of us have had to juggle our schedules, rearrange our personal lives to cover for her lack of responsibility and respect. And let's not even get started about how she's not going to be able to use any of us as a reference...
Alright, so the other thing that is pissing me off today... read this story. It's ok, I'll wait.
Ok, done?
Are you as disgusted as I am? Yes, I have taken the source into consideration... Fam.ily G.uy is not known for being socially conscious. I know that it's an irreverent and purposely shocking show. I don't watch it for a reason. Infertility, surrogacy and abortion... anyone see anything joke-worthy in that list? And this is the show that was nominated for the Best Comedy Emmy? I applaud Fox for pulling the episode from the broadcast schedule, but it's still going to be out there... on the season 8 dvds. Gah!
Thank you, humble readers, for letting me vent. I needed to get those things off my chest.
Now you may be asking what can get under the skin of a relatively even-keeled hobbit? Well let me tell you...
First up... you may recall that I mentioned that a member of our leadership team at work gave notice a week ago. I was happy for her because she was leaving for a good reason, but I was concerned that someone in her position (in the management heirarchy, she was one level above me) would only give two weeks notice, especially when she gave notice the day before our general manager went on vacation.
So fast forward one week... how many shifts has she shown up for? One and a half. She called in 'sick' for two shifts, and then just stopped showing up. When one of the other managers called to see what was going on, after getting the voicemail run around, she finally owned up to the fact that seeing as our boss wasn't in, she wasn't going to come in either. She was just done. But, oh... 'it's nothing personal', and you know what? She 'still loves us all tons and tons'... Pardon me for saying so, but BULLSHIT!!! And really, the not personal bit? All I could think of was that line in 'You've Got Mail'... ''saying that it's not personal only means that it's not personal to you. It's very personal to me." The remaining three of us have had to juggle our schedules, rearrange our personal lives to cover for her lack of responsibility and respect. And let's not even get started about how she's not going to be able to use any of us as a reference...
Alright, so the other thing that is pissing me off today... read this story. It's ok, I'll wait.
Ok, done?
Are you as disgusted as I am? Yes, I have taken the source into consideration... Fam.ily G.uy is not known for being socially conscious. I know that it's an irreverent and purposely shocking show. I don't watch it for a reason. Infertility, surrogacy and abortion... anyone see anything joke-worthy in that list? And this is the show that was nominated for the Best Comedy Emmy? I applaud Fox for pulling the episode from the broadcast schedule, but it's still going to be out there... on the season 8 dvds. Gah!
Thank you, humble readers, for letting me vent. I needed to get those things off my chest.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Hobbit-ish Potpurri
Good evening Humble Readers! I am overwhelmed by the number of visitors my little corner of the internet has attracted over the last couple of days! I love ICLW! Unfortunately, I have nothing big to talk about tonight... just a few things to mention.
*****************
We went and saw Harry Potter 6 tonight. It was good, funnier than I would have expected knowing the book. But I was saddened by how much was left out, and how much they added to the story that was just not necessary. Of course I cried towards the end. I'm going to have to reread book 7 now.
*****************
One for the insanity file: I baked cookies last night. Now, you may be asking what is so insane about baking cookies? Well, the insanity comes in when you decide to promise your staff homemade cookies if they achieved a particular level of donations to our chain's in house charity. They did it (yay team!) and I was on the hook for cookies... homebaked cookies... in July... during the hottest week of the year... in a non-airconditioned condo. I made flourless peanut butter chocolate chip cookies (for the gluten free staffers) and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies (for the staffers with nut allergies). And sweated buckets in the process.
*****************
I'm working all opening shifts for the rest of the week... 7am... not fun! I am not a morning person, and having to get up at 5:30 just sucks. I was so grouchy at work this morning I almost ripped both my least and most favourite staff members a new one... And I'm known as the 'nice' manager. *sigh*
*****************
My Beloved's 20th high school reunion is this weekend. 20 years! Holy cow! I need to get a hair cut and colour sometime in the next couple of days.
*****************
To add to my crankiness from having to be up at the butt-crack of dawn this morning, I wanted to order chinese food tonight. I called our usual place... and they were CLOSED! In the middle of the summer! They are closed for vacation. Whoever heard of a restaurant closing for two weeks for vacation? We ended up having KF.C instead, and now my fingers are puffed up like sausages.
*****************
Heat lightning is flashing across the sky tonight. It's been crazy hot for the last couple of days, and it's supposed to last through the weekend. This hot weather has brought out the ridiculous in terms of my customers' wardrobes. If you are going to wear a tube top of any sort... please get yourself a strapless bra! The only thing more disturbing than seeing a woman my size walking around without a bra is seeing one wearing a tube top, with a sports bra on underneath! And gents... if you are wearing white shorts, please don't wear black briefs underneath.
*****************
Ok... it's past 11 now and 5:30 is going to come far too soon. This hobbit needs to get some sleep. Pleasant dreams all, blessings on you!
*****************
We went and saw Harry Potter 6 tonight. It was good, funnier than I would have expected knowing the book. But I was saddened by how much was left out, and how much they added to the story that was just not necessary. Of course I cried towards the end. I'm going to have to reread book 7 now.
*****************
One for the insanity file: I baked cookies last night. Now, you may be asking what is so insane about baking cookies? Well, the insanity comes in when you decide to promise your staff homemade cookies if they achieved a particular level of donations to our chain's in house charity. They did it (yay team!) and I was on the hook for cookies... homebaked cookies... in July... during the hottest week of the year... in a non-airconditioned condo. I made flourless peanut butter chocolate chip cookies (for the gluten free staffers) and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies (for the staffers with nut allergies). And sweated buckets in the process.
*****************
I'm working all opening shifts for the rest of the week... 7am... not fun! I am not a morning person, and having to get up at 5:30 just sucks. I was so grouchy at work this morning I almost ripped both my least and most favourite staff members a new one... And I'm known as the 'nice' manager. *sigh*
*****************
My Beloved's 20th high school reunion is this weekend. 20 years! Holy cow! I need to get a hair cut and colour sometime in the next couple of days.
*****************
To add to my crankiness from having to be up at the butt-crack of dawn this morning, I wanted to order chinese food tonight. I called our usual place... and they were CLOSED! In the middle of the summer! They are closed for vacation. Whoever heard of a restaurant closing for two weeks for vacation? We ended up having KF.C instead, and now my fingers are puffed up like sausages.
*****************
Heat lightning is flashing across the sky tonight. It's been crazy hot for the last couple of days, and it's supposed to last through the weekend. This hot weather has brought out the ridiculous in terms of my customers' wardrobes. If you are going to wear a tube top of any sort... please get yourself a strapless bra! The only thing more disturbing than seeing a woman my size walking around without a bra is seeing one wearing a tube top, with a sports bra on underneath! And gents... if you are wearing white shorts, please don't wear black briefs underneath.
*****************
Ok... it's past 11 now and 5:30 is going to come far too soon. This hobbit needs to get some sleep. Pleasant dreams all, blessings on you!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Galactic Badness!
Well Humble Readers, it's been a couple of days... a real @#$! couple of days! Now, don't get me wrong, nothing tragic has happened. Uncle Murphy has been visiting and schooling me in his particular branch of the legal system.
Most of it is work specific, so I won't go into it, but two stories are actually kind of funny now. Both have to do with me trying to eat lunch while at work.
Yesterday, after dealing with several aggravating things (having to be at work at 7am, two key staff members calling in sick, computer issues, and grumpy staff and customers, etc) I was dying to go for my lunch break. I get out of the store, and it's raining. I get to the juice/smoothie place down the block, place my order, open my wallet to pay for my pineapple-strawberry frozen concoction and panini... only to discover that my Beloved has my debit card.
And I have no cash.
Flat broke.
Starving.
And that pineappley frozen goodness is there in front of me. Taunting me.
I ask the girl behind the till to please be patient. On my dash through the rain back to the store, I call my Beloved and not so politely ask him to check his jacket pocket. Sure enough, my card is there. Grrr! He can't get it to me for at least another half hour. I run into my store, and track down my boss. I find him in the office (thankfully!) and beg to borrow some cash. (how humiliating!) He is a kind and generous soul and takes pity on me, and I then dash back to the smoothie place, pay for my lunch, and my day continues.
Fast forward to this morning at 11:30, lunchtime. This morning was relatively ok. A few computer glitches, a few cranky customers, but mostly all is well. I head out of the store and down to my lovely juice place. I order my pineappley-strawberry frozen delight and my panini (I'm nothing if not a creature of habit). This time, all goes well... payment is made and I head back to the store.
I'm almost to the staff room, having only taken a few sips from my pineapple-strawberry frozen cup of heavenly goodness. I'm looking forward to sitting down with my smoothie, my sandwich, and my book and enjoying my break. One of the staff comes up behind me, startling me. I swear she walks on cat feet... I totally didn't hear her approach and when she asked me a question she startled me so much that I actually squeezed the cup so hard that I put my thumb through the cup.
So now I'm standing just outside the staff room door, with frozen pineappley-strawberry goodness gushing out of the cup... over my hand... down my arm... all over my shirt... and my new shoes... and the carpet.
And the staff member who startled me? She's standing there laughing her ass off at me!
So I have to hustle into the staff room and dump what's left of my drink into the garbage *sniff* and attempt to make some sense out of the mess. I ended up spending half my break getting cleaned up (and cleaning up the carpet).
And then ate my panini with a co.ke from the vending machine instead. *pout*
So my Humble Readers, I ask you... Dare I tempt fate (if I actually believed in fate) tomorrow and go for a smoothie again?
What the heck... what else could possibly go wrong?
Most of it is work specific, so I won't go into it, but two stories are actually kind of funny now. Both have to do with me trying to eat lunch while at work.
Yesterday, after dealing with several aggravating things (having to be at work at 7am, two key staff members calling in sick, computer issues, and grumpy staff and customers, etc) I was dying to go for my lunch break. I get out of the store, and it's raining. I get to the juice/smoothie place down the block, place my order, open my wallet to pay for my pineapple-strawberry frozen concoction and panini... only to discover that my Beloved has my debit card.
And I have no cash.
Flat broke.
Starving.
And that pineappley frozen goodness is there in front of me. Taunting me.
I ask the girl behind the till to please be patient. On my dash through the rain back to the store, I call my Beloved and not so politely ask him to check his jacket pocket. Sure enough, my card is there. Grrr! He can't get it to me for at least another half hour. I run into my store, and track down my boss. I find him in the office (thankfully!) and beg to borrow some cash. (how humiliating!) He is a kind and generous soul and takes pity on me, and I then dash back to the smoothie place, pay for my lunch, and my day continues.
Fast forward to this morning at 11:30, lunchtime. This morning was relatively ok. A few computer glitches, a few cranky customers, but mostly all is well. I head out of the store and down to my lovely juice place. I order my pineappley-strawberry frozen delight and my panini (I'm nothing if not a creature of habit). This time, all goes well... payment is made and I head back to the store.
I'm almost to the staff room, having only taken a few sips from my pineapple-strawberry frozen cup of heavenly goodness. I'm looking forward to sitting down with my smoothie, my sandwich, and my book and enjoying my break. One of the staff comes up behind me, startling me. I swear she walks on cat feet... I totally didn't hear her approach and when she asked me a question she startled me so much that I actually squeezed the cup so hard that I put my thumb through the cup.
So now I'm standing just outside the staff room door, with frozen pineappley-strawberry goodness gushing out of the cup... over my hand... down my arm... all over my shirt... and my new shoes... and the carpet.
And the staff member who startled me? She's standing there laughing her ass off at me!
So I have to hustle into the staff room and dump what's left of my drink into the garbage *sniff* and attempt to make some sense out of the mess. I ended up spending half my break getting cleaned up (and cleaning up the carpet).
And then ate my panini with a co.ke from the vending machine instead. *pout*
So my Humble Readers, I ask you... Dare I tempt fate (if I actually believed in fate) tomorrow and go for a smoothie again?
What the heck... what else could possibly go wrong?
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Lament of the Insomniac
Good Evening Humble Readers...
When I was a child, my biological mom would brag about how good a sleeper I was. I would sleep anywhere and everywhere. I slept through the night very early, and was a good napper. (I remember being very upset that I had slept though an animated tv special when I was 5 because my mom didn't want to wake me from my nap.)
As I got a little older, this trend continued. If I was in a moving car for more than 20 minutes, it was common for me to fall asleep (altho, this was more of a defense against motion sickness than anything else, I think).
I can sleep on a plane. I can sleep on a bus. In college, I often slept on the chapel pews (during service). I can sleep with the tv on, with the lights on, and absolutely with my glasses on.
So why couldn't I sleep last night?
Thursday nights are always a bit of a challenge for me because I know that I need to go to sleep early. 5:30 Friday AM comes far too early for a person whose internal alarm clock usually goes off at around 8am.
As per my Thursday usual, I went to bed at around 10 last night, planning on reading for an hour or so. I was still awake when my Beloved came to bed just after midnight. I was still reading, and no where near sleepy at 1:00 AM. (btw, great book Mel! I'm totally loving it!) I forced myself to put the book down and turned off the light.
And I laid there...
And stared at the ceiling...
And tossed and turned...
And fought with the duvet...
And flipped my pillow over to the cool side...
And looked at the clock...
Finally, in the interest of letting my Beloved get a decent night's sleep, I got up and went out to the living room, certain that a little syndicated tv would do the trick.
I watched an entire episode of Numb.ers, and more than half an episode of Hou.se before my eyes finally drifted closed.
They popped open again at 5:15. Two hours of sleep. That's not sleep, it's a nap.
So needless to say, I'm tired. Exhausted. Weary.
I know that there are others out in the world who deal with chronic insomnia, and I truly feel for them. My situation is no where near what my mom deals with on a regular basis. However, I have spent a wasted day at work (got nothing done) and a wasted afternoon/evening at home. And now it's time for bed.
So, good night, humble readers. I will try to be a much better ICLW-er tomorrow.
When I was a child, my biological mom would brag about how good a sleeper I was. I would sleep anywhere and everywhere. I slept through the night very early, and was a good napper. (I remember being very upset that I had slept though an animated tv special when I was 5 because my mom didn't want to wake me from my nap.)
As I got a little older, this trend continued. If I was in a moving car for more than 20 minutes, it was common for me to fall asleep (altho, this was more of a defense against motion sickness than anything else, I think).
I can sleep on a plane. I can sleep on a bus. In college, I often slept on the chapel pews (during service). I can sleep with the tv on, with the lights on, and absolutely with my glasses on.
So why couldn't I sleep last night?
Thursday nights are always a bit of a challenge for me because I know that I need to go to sleep early. 5:30 Friday AM comes far too early for a person whose internal alarm clock usually goes off at around 8am.
As per my Thursday usual, I went to bed at around 10 last night, planning on reading for an hour or so. I was still awake when my Beloved came to bed just after midnight. I was still reading, and no where near sleepy at 1:00 AM. (btw, great book Mel! I'm totally loving it!) I forced myself to put the book down and turned off the light.
And I laid there...
And stared at the ceiling...
And tossed and turned...
And fought with the duvet...
And flipped my pillow over to the cool side...
And looked at the clock...
Finally, in the interest of letting my Beloved get a decent night's sleep, I got up and went out to the living room, certain that a little syndicated tv would do the trick.
I watched an entire episode of Numb.ers, and more than half an episode of Hou.se before my eyes finally drifted closed.
They popped open again at 5:15. Two hours of sleep. That's not sleep, it's a nap.
So needless to say, I'm tired. Exhausted. Weary.
I know that there are others out in the world who deal with chronic insomnia, and I truly feel for them. My situation is no where near what my mom deals with on a regular basis. However, I have spent a wasted day at work (got nothing done) and a wasted afternoon/evening at home. And now it's time for bed.
So, good night, humble readers. I will try to be a much better ICLW-er tomorrow.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Oh the Joy of Sound
Well kids, I did it. I went to work today and worked a whole shift. It's my first full shift since May 2nd. Crazy!
I'm exhausted, but it felt good to be out of the house and doing things again. My voice is thrashed again from having to talk so much, but I am seeing (or should I say hearing?) some improvement in other areas...
Yup... My ears have started to pop.
My right ear popped for the first time last night, and let me tell you, I thought I was going to die! (Imagine that obit... 'After a long struggle with the rhino virus, Mrs. Gamgee succumbed to a fatal popping of her right ear...') It felt like someone was driving a hot poker right through my ear drum. After the pain faded, though, the release of pressure was fabulous! My left ear has popped a few times today, which created a few interesting moments with my staff... imagine me clutching the side of my head after sneezing and one of my retiree part-timers staring at the grimace on my face... not easy to explain to a very prim 70 year old lady.
So, I'm on the mend... just in time for the phantom tww symptoms to kick in. *sigh* I KNOW that the odds are very seriously against anything coming of this cycle... but now that we've been given the 'all clear' I hate having to wait! Oh well... Come on AF!
Off to take a nap...
I'm exhausted, but it felt good to be out of the house and doing things again. My voice is thrashed again from having to talk so much, but I am seeing (or should I say hearing?) some improvement in other areas...
Yup... My ears have started to pop.
My right ear popped for the first time last night, and let me tell you, I thought I was going to die! (Imagine that obit... 'After a long struggle with the rhino virus, Mrs. Gamgee succumbed to a fatal popping of her right ear...') It felt like someone was driving a hot poker right through my ear drum. After the pain faded, though, the release of pressure was fabulous! My left ear has popped a few times today, which created a few interesting moments with my staff... imagine me clutching the side of my head after sneezing and one of my retiree part-timers staring at the grimace on my face... not easy to explain to a very prim 70 year old lady.
So, I'm on the mend... just in time for the phantom tww symptoms to kick in. *sigh* I KNOW that the odds are very seriously against anything coming of this cycle... but now that we've been given the 'all clear' I hate having to wait! Oh well... Come on AF!
Off to take a nap...
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