Howdy Humble Readers...
We're beginning to feel a little like Noah around here and wondering if we need to build an ark. Another few days, and I may have to start checking for moss between my toes. It's been raining pretty much for a week. The upshot is that the grass is nice and green, but I'm getting a little tired of walking in the rain every morning. I'm trying to remember how I managed when I lived in Seattle for four years. All the rain never really bothered me then. Hmmm...
*****
I had an appointment with Dr. B today. Just another follow-up on my blood sugars. He's very happy with my sugars, and my weight loss (47 pounds down!). He basically told me that he normally sees diabetic patients once a month for at least 6 months as they adjust and commit to the changes they need to make, but he doesn't need to see me again until I need a refill on my prescriptions (sometime early August). Woohoo! My blood pressure was a little high today, but he chalked that up to the lingering cough. We did talk about my goal of being med free (at least for the high blood pressure) by my 40th birthday a little over a year from now, and he's very confident that I can get there easily. So long as I stay on track.
*****
Pippin has cut two teeth in the past week. So with the congestion from the cold he's still got, and the runny nose stuff from teething, my life has been all about snot the past few days. You know, I can handle the poop, vomit, and pee. But drool and snot just make my skin crawl. Ick.
*****
Ginny has been doing really well with her letters and numbers, being able to name all her uppercase letters for the last few months. Recently she's started figuring out that there's an order to them all, and has begun counting to 10 by rote, as well as singing the alphabet song. This week I started working with her on recognizing her name printed out. We had some dollar store beach balls from Pip's birthday party, so on one of them I wrote out all our names in block letters, and she's gotten very good at picking out her name. I toss her the ball, and when she catches it she has to find the name I say. Next we'll start working on lowercase letters.
*****
AF is here, and true to form, she's been a little strange. For the last 6 months or so, there has been a lot of spotting before and after, and killer (KILLER!!!) cramps. This month, no spotting, hardly any cramps (mostly just a backache)... just 'hey I'm here' and that's it. Could this be due to getting my sugars under control? Being more physically active? Or simply that it's been a year since Pip was born and my body is getting back to normal? Probably a bit of all three, but still it's strange.
*****
Planning on buying myself a new pair of shoes for walking this weekend, maybe some more yoga pants for when I'm working out, and a belt! Do you have any idea how long it's been since I've owned a belt? The capris that I bought at the beginning of April are already getting to be too big, and the jeans I got in January are starting to slip when I walk (especially if I've got my keys or phone in my pocket). Since another wardrobe of pants isn't in the budget, a belt will have to do the trick. I haven't worn a belt in more than 20 years. I'm super excited. Dorky, huh?
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Pippin Update: A Whole Year
Hey Humble Readers...
Well, better late than never, right? I'm finally getting things together to tell you about Pippin's first birthday party. I still can't get over the fact that he's a full year old now. How has it been a year since that crazy nightmare C-section, since my crazy-lady roommate in the hospital, since bringing him home on Mother's day?
For his birthday, I had decided ages ago that we were going with a beach/surf theme and I wanted to use royal blue and orange for the main colours (totally not even thinking about the fact that those are Oilers colours, and we are a Flames household... my sister and BIL thought this was hilarious as they are big Oilers fans).
On the menu were spicy grilled shrimp skewers, fruit kabobs, chips (sea salt and vinegar of course!), gold fish crackers (for Ginny), cake, and a cocktail called a pineapple smash (pineapple juice, white cranberry juice, and vermouth) for the grown ups.
I'm really happy with how the cake turned out, as I am not a baker or a great cake decorator. Of course I got the idea off Pinterest, and with surrounding the outside with kitkat bars, it made it soooo easy. The cake was chocolate raspberry, with raspberry jam (low sugar of course) in the middle. Pippin totally went to town on his piece, ending up with cake up his nose and in his ear.
Ginny loves the Happy Birthday song so much that she's been singing happy birthday to Pip since April. And yes, she's still singing it, more than two weeks after his birthday.
He was spoiled rotten. I had told most of the family that what he really needed was summer clothes, and they came through. He got a ton of tshirts, shorts, and muscle shirts. And couple toys and books thrown in there too.
It was a relatively small gathering, just the four of us, Gramma (Beloved's mom), Mama (my mom), my sister and her husband and kids. Still we had fun celebrating our little man. By four o'clock our hobbit hole was ours again, he was bathed, redressed, and we were all resting. I can't imagine what it's going to be like when we start having birthday parties with tons of kids. I'll be a mess. :)
Well, better late than never, right? I'm finally getting things together to tell you about Pippin's first birthday party. I still can't get over the fact that he's a full year old now. How has it been a year since that crazy nightmare C-section, since my crazy-lady roommate in the hospital, since bringing him home on Mother's day?
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| Spent a couple of hours the night before blowing up a ridiculous number of balloons. |
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| Food! |
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| Graham crumb sand, and blue sprinkles for the water |
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| Took forever to find the little umbrellas |
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| "Happy Birthday to you!" |
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| mmmmm... cake! |
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| more please? |
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| opening gifts with Daddy |
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| Lookin' like a little old farmer |
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| of course he wanted to play with the paper |
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| official 1 year portrait |
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| how can you not love this face? |
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Sunday Night Chit-Chat: Under Quarantine
Good Evening Humble Readers...
Well, another weekend down the toilet, thanks to the crud. I'm still coughing like an 80-year-old with a bad case of emphysema. Ginny is still barking like a seal. And now poor Pippin has got the wretched cough to add to his intense teething and drooling (cut 2 teeth...FINALLY... on Thursday). The only hold out is my Beloved, but he rarely ever gets sick. I can only think of twice in the past seven years that he's been sick, beyond some sniffles. What I wouldn't give to have his immune system.
Oh, and to add insult to injury... my regular cough medicine (safe for high blood pressure and diabetes) was recalled back in January due to a packaging flaw, and hasn't been available since. What am I supposed to do without my Buck.ley's???
I did, finally after missing five days, get a walk in this morning. But while I didn't go my usual 6km, I think I overdid it, because during breakfast I got really light-headed and ended up needing to lie down for the rest of the morning. I will walk again tomorrow, but I'm going to take it slower.
The good news? Well, at least it's stopped raining.
Onto this week's Chit Chat. Here's what I'm...
Reading... Lost Art of Mixing by Erica Bauermeister. It's an enjoyable little book, a follow-up to School of Essential Ingredients. I think you all know by now that I'm a foodie, and this book speaks that that aspect of me in a big way. A sort of collection of stories about a group of people all connected by way of a small restaurant (and the cooking classes the owner offers), this a book for those who enjoy cooking. My only complaint is that I think one or two of the characters could be a little less introspective... everyone in the stories spends a great deal of time living inside their heads.
Watching... I'm sad that there's no more Call The Midwife or Mr. Selfridge now for quite a while, but the season/series finale of Smash is on tonight, so I need to see how they tie up all the strings.
Listening to... Ginny talking about her shadow-girl.
Cooking/Baking... I'm so glad that I planned an easy supper for tonight. My Lazy Sausage Casserole. Italian sausage, taters, carrots, fennel, onion, tomatoes, mushrooms, green pepper, garlic, and some herbs and balsamic vinegar all roasted together. I love how it makes the hobbit hole smell like a pizzeria.
Happy I accomplished this week... I got Ginny registered for her first ever 'program'. She's going to be doing a parent and tot gymnastics camp of sorts this summer. I know, by some standards, I'm behind on getting her involved in something like this, but I have my reasons (budget, transportation, etc). Part of the issue is that her birthday is in November, and so many programs required her to be 2 by September of last year for enrollment. I've also discovered a music program that I may enroll both Ginny and Pip in for the fall.
Looking forward to next week... Getting back to a regular schedule once we kick the crud to the curb. I also have an appointment with Dr. B, and I'm hoping that he will be very pleased with my blood sugars. I'm going to request that he do a blood pressure check as well, because I'm wondering if my hbp meds are too high.
Thankful for today... my Beloved. He doesn't shy away from jumping in and taking care of things when I'm out of commission. He takes such good care of us.
***Bonus Question*** What chore around the house do you 'dislike' the most? I know I've said this before, but I despise laundry. It's never finished. It takes an absurd amount of time from beginning to end. Only to have to start all over.
*****
This was posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat. Pop over and check out what the other's are chatting about this evening, or better yet, jump in yourself and join the conversation.
Well, another weekend down the toilet, thanks to the crud. I'm still coughing like an 80-year-old with a bad case of emphysema. Ginny is still barking like a seal. And now poor Pippin has got the wretched cough to add to his intense teething and drooling (cut 2 teeth...FINALLY... on Thursday). The only hold out is my Beloved, but he rarely ever gets sick. I can only think of twice in the past seven years that he's been sick, beyond some sniffles. What I wouldn't give to have his immune system.
Oh, and to add insult to injury... my regular cough medicine (safe for high blood pressure and diabetes) was recalled back in January due to a packaging flaw, and hasn't been available since. What am I supposed to do without my Buck.ley's???
I did, finally after missing five days, get a walk in this morning. But while I didn't go my usual 6km, I think I overdid it, because during breakfast I got really light-headed and ended up needing to lie down for the rest of the morning. I will walk again tomorrow, but I'm going to take it slower.
The good news? Well, at least it's stopped raining.
 |
| Well, this was supposed to be a nice little shot of Ginny and I. Gotta love toddlers... :) |
Reading... Lost Art of Mixing by Erica Bauermeister. It's an enjoyable little book, a follow-up to School of Essential Ingredients. I think you all know by now that I'm a foodie, and this book speaks that that aspect of me in a big way. A sort of collection of stories about a group of people all connected by way of a small restaurant (and the cooking classes the owner offers), this a book for those who enjoy cooking. My only complaint is that I think one or two of the characters could be a little less introspective... everyone in the stories spends a great deal of time living inside their heads.
Watching... I'm sad that there's no more Call The Midwife or Mr. Selfridge now for quite a while, but the season/series finale of Smash is on tonight, so I need to see how they tie up all the strings.
Listening to... Ginny talking about her shadow-girl.
Cooking/Baking... I'm so glad that I planned an easy supper for tonight. My Lazy Sausage Casserole. Italian sausage, taters, carrots, fennel, onion, tomatoes, mushrooms, green pepper, garlic, and some herbs and balsamic vinegar all roasted together. I love how it makes the hobbit hole smell like a pizzeria.
Happy I accomplished this week... I got Ginny registered for her first ever 'program'. She's going to be doing a parent and tot gymnastics camp of sorts this summer. I know, by some standards, I'm behind on getting her involved in something like this, but I have my reasons (budget, transportation, etc). Part of the issue is that her birthday is in November, and so many programs required her to be 2 by September of last year for enrollment. I've also discovered a music program that I may enroll both Ginny and Pip in for the fall.
Looking forward to next week... Getting back to a regular schedule once we kick the crud to the curb. I also have an appointment with Dr. B, and I'm hoping that he will be very pleased with my blood sugars. I'm going to request that he do a blood pressure check as well, because I'm wondering if my hbp meds are too high.
Thankful for today... my Beloved. He doesn't shy away from jumping in and taking care of things when I'm out of commission. He takes such good care of us.
***Bonus Question*** What chore around the house do you 'dislike' the most? I know I've said this before, but I despise laundry. It's never finished. It takes an absurd amount of time from beginning to end. Only to have to start all over.
*****
This was posted as a part of Carla's Sunday Night Chit Chat. Pop over and check out what the other's are chatting about this evening, or better yet, jump in yourself and join the conversation.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
A Police Action In the Shire
Hey Humble Readers...
It was a bit of an exciting afternoon here at the hobbit hole.
Around noon I noticed a couple of police cruisers blocking off the cross street directly across from our front window. By three o'clock things had gotten more serious.
Tactical vehicles, a mobile command center, and a paddy wagon, along with countless unmarked cars had poured into our neighbourhood.
Apparently, according to one of the many neighbours who were hanging out on our front lawn to watch, there was a raid on a drug house down the block, and the dealer was waving his shotgun around out his front door, and aiming at the RCMP officers. There were several loud bangs (not shots, but perhaps those flash-bang things).
Shortly after four o'clock, the Mounties must have gotten their man, because all the vehicles started to high tail it out of here, starting with the paddy wagon.
The really scary thing is, there was a very similar situation on the same block almost one year ago exactly.
Is it any wonder that I want to move?
It was a bit of an exciting afternoon here at the hobbit hole.
Around noon I noticed a couple of police cruisers blocking off the cross street directly across from our front window. By three o'clock things had gotten more serious.
 |
| Taken from our balcony. |
Tactical vehicles, a mobile command center, and a paddy wagon, along with countless unmarked cars had poured into our neighbourhood.
Apparently, according to one of the many neighbours who were hanging out on our front lawn to watch, there was a raid on a drug house down the block, and the dealer was waving his shotgun around out his front door, and aiming at the RCMP officers. There were several loud bangs (not shots, but perhaps those flash-bang things).
Shortly after four o'clock, the Mounties must have gotten their man, because all the vehicles started to high tail it out of here, starting with the paddy wagon.
The really scary thing is, there was a very similar situation on the same block almost one year ago exactly.
Is it any wonder that I want to move?
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Spring Fever
Howdy Humble Readers...
Spring fever indeed. Ginny and I are both suffering with the crud... sinus congestion, hacking cough. Ginny seems to be okay most of the time, until she throws a tantrum (she is two, after all) or eats something. Me, on the other hand... oy. So much for a fun extra long weekend.
*****
The crud has been taking it's toll on my new exercise routine. There's no way I can walk 6km+ when I'm hacking up a lung. And quite frankly, I don't have the energy to do it. It's also wreaking havoc on my stick-to-it-ivness as far as the diet is concerned. I haven't given in yet, but it's getting harder. All I want are my old comfort foods... potatoes, fries, pasta, bread (and not just my low carb stuff. I want a thick slab of brioche with strawberry jam). MUST. STAY. STRONG. I've even relaxed my self-imposed ban on artificial sweeteners, just to help manage the pressing need for sweet. Diet Dr. Pepper, anyone? The lack of exercise, and the cold itself are making an impression on my blood sugars, not for the better.
*****
Are all toddlers/preschoolers more than a little bit OCD? Or is it just Ginny? I swear it's getting worse. The toys from her farm set CANNOT intermingle with her toys from her airplane set. And heaven help Pippin if he messes with her tea set or picnic basket once she gets them set up. Certain books have to be on particular shelves (ok, she may have gotten that from her mummy) or she will throw a fit. Meal times can be a challenge at the best of times (where oh where did my good little eater go?), and if she gets the wrong colour utensil or plate? Yikes! Please tell me this is a phase.
*****
A couple of you asked, so here it is... my thoughts on the new Star Trek movie. I loved it! (Technical difficulties at the theater notwithstanding... ended up getting a free movie pass because the sound was messed up so I can go see it again. With my Beloved this time.) I thought that it was spectacularly well done, and the story was awesome. Like the first in this reboot series, it's very accessible to new Trek fans, and still honours the original. I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it yet, but there are some great tributes to the original series. And of course, the eye candy in the movie is outstanding. :) I never would have thought that I would find a Vulcan attractive.
*****
I've given up on "The Purchase" by Linda Spalding. I got 150 pages in, and it was just too depressing. I swear, if I wanted to read about Job I would read about him in the Bible. Life is too short to read boring maudlin books. I've moved on to "Shepherd's Abiding" by Jan Karon (second to last in the Mitford series), and I picked up a couple of books at the library yesterday that I'm looking forward to reading... "Lost Art Of Mixing" by Erica Bauermeister and "Winter Palace" by Eva Stachniak. What are you reading right now?
*****
It was supposed to stay nice all day today, but the clouds are rolling in. I would guess that we're in for some rain earlier than anticipated. It suits how I'm feeling. Maybe once the wee-lings are settled for their afternoon naps, I'll get a chance to curl up on the couch with my book and a cup of tea.
Spring fever indeed. Ginny and I are both suffering with the crud... sinus congestion, hacking cough. Ginny seems to be okay most of the time, until she throws a tantrum (she is two, after all) or eats something. Me, on the other hand... oy. So much for a fun extra long weekend.
*****
The crud has been taking it's toll on my new exercise routine. There's no way I can walk 6km+ when I'm hacking up a lung. And quite frankly, I don't have the energy to do it. It's also wreaking havoc on my stick-to-it-ivness as far as the diet is concerned. I haven't given in yet, but it's getting harder. All I want are my old comfort foods... potatoes, fries, pasta, bread (and not just my low carb stuff. I want a thick slab of brioche with strawberry jam). MUST. STAY. STRONG. I've even relaxed my self-imposed ban on artificial sweeteners, just to help manage the pressing need for sweet. Diet Dr. Pepper, anyone? The lack of exercise, and the cold itself are making an impression on my blood sugars, not for the better.
*****
Are all toddlers/preschoolers more than a little bit OCD? Or is it just Ginny? I swear it's getting worse. The toys from her farm set CANNOT intermingle with her toys from her airplane set. And heaven help Pippin if he messes with her tea set or picnic basket once she gets them set up. Certain books have to be on particular shelves (ok, she may have gotten that from her mummy) or she will throw a fit. Meal times can be a challenge at the best of times (where oh where did my good little eater go?), and if she gets the wrong colour utensil or plate? Yikes! Please tell me this is a phase.
*****
A couple of you asked, so here it is... my thoughts on the new Star Trek movie. I loved it! (Technical difficulties at the theater notwithstanding... ended up getting a free movie pass because the sound was messed up so I can go see it again. With my Beloved this time.) I thought that it was spectacularly well done, and the story was awesome. Like the first in this reboot series, it's very accessible to new Trek fans, and still honours the original. I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it yet, but there are some great tributes to the original series. And of course, the eye candy in the movie is outstanding. :) I never would have thought that I would find a Vulcan attractive.
*****
I've given up on "The Purchase" by Linda Spalding. I got 150 pages in, and it was just too depressing. I swear, if I wanted to read about Job I would read about him in the Bible. Life is too short to read boring maudlin books. I've moved on to "Shepherd's Abiding" by Jan Karon (second to last in the Mitford series), and I picked up a couple of books at the library yesterday that I'm looking forward to reading... "Lost Art Of Mixing" by Erica Bauermeister and "Winter Palace" by Eva Stachniak. What are you reading right now?
*****
It was supposed to stay nice all day today, but the clouds are rolling in. I would guess that we're in for some rain earlier than anticipated. It suits how I'm feeling. Maybe once the wee-lings are settled for their afternoon naps, I'll get a chance to curl up on the couch with my book and a cup of tea.
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