Not feeling too well

On the eve of my 50th birthday, I'm recovering from another bladder infection. My second in about 4 weeks.  Now my doctor isn't sure if it is a bladder infection as the last culture wasn't positive, so she thinks I may have interstitial cystitis.  Right now, I'm just relaxing at home on another round of antibiotics (which may be for not if this isn't an infection) and a drug that acts as a painkiller for the bladder.

On happier news, both of the kids have been really on a strong streak in school with each of them getting As or high Bs on a number of their tests and assignments.  It makes me feel good knowing that the extra work I have been putting in showing them how to study and prepare for tests, quizzes and exams is paying off.

Creativity a bit stalled

I think Instagram has be cheating on this blog.  I'm going through a cycle right now where I seem to want to rather post on IG than write on my blog.  I am not sure why exactly but I think it has something to do with the instant gratification that comes from a "like."  I also think it is harder to get IG likes than FB likes, therefore when I get followers and "likes" it tends to feed something in me and I want to upload another photo.

Oh, social media is a funny thing, isn't it?

I think I am feeling guilty too for not scrapbooking, only taking a few photos, and just barely getting finished with my Banff photo journal without losing interest.  My Christmas card photos are done but my newsletter hasn't even been started yet.  This time last year they were already stamped and ready for mailing. 

The kids are keeping me incredibly busy right now.  With Sophie in Grade 6 and Fynn in Grade 3, they need extra support for school, dance, piano and hockey for Fynn (although Vic looks after that piece mostly).  The house décor needs my attention too, so trying to find time for that is challenging. 

The positive things are that I continue to read a lot (so I am not completely wasting time) and I still exercise regularly.

I hope "starting" will be my motto or matra for 2016.  I need to start a few things.....

Resting, unwinding

Dictionary dot com's definition of unwinding is "to reduce the tension of; relax:".  That was dthe build definitely how I viewed this weekend. I had a number of projects at work to deal with last week, including a presentation that I was stressing out over.  By the time Friday rolled around and the bulk of the work week was behind me, I needed to distress in a big way.

I am a homebody and a creature of habit.  As much as I like going places and seeing new things, I also like to spend some weekends during the year at home.  On Friday were went to a movie (Wild) with some friends.  On Saturday, Vic took Fynn to his hockey games in Sicamous and while Sophie was at her acrobatic class, I had a free hour to myself to have a latte and read a magazine.  In my life before kids, I took that time for granted and had no idea that when I didn't have the freedom or luxury of doing it whenever I wanted how much I would miss that feeling.  I got a bit of that feeling back on Saturday morning.

Later that day we hung out at home and that was simple and nice.  No trips to the ski hill, no more gear to load and unload.  Today Fynn had more games in Sicamous for his tournament and I had time with Sophie at home.  She had some math tutoring - which to me is like a brain spa day, as her tutor has a nice voice to listen to and I can sit and listen or can read a book.  Bliss.  Sophie had a friend over after lunch so I got a chance to do a bit more reading, prepped a bit for my book club meeting this week,  did some laundry and put fresh sheets on our bed and went for a walk -- we have had beautiful sunshine -- it was so nice to be on my schedule.  I washed my car -- that in itself was a spa for my car as the dirt and mud from our winter roads is disgusting.

Just a nice day of doing not too much of anything special.

spring break

Ah, spring break is nice. Without school obligations and activities, it really does cut down on the stress in my life.

• Lunches are easier as Fynn only needs a lunch (he goes to daycare).  Sophie is home most days and is able to microwave herself a chicken pot pie.  The odd day she has had a playdate (like today) and had lunch over at her friend's house.
• It is also nice not having the daily routine of homework.  The only light homework is Sophie's piano practicing and some multiplication drilling.
• After school activities are also reduced.  Just gymnastics this week.
• A less rushed morning. Without having to get kids to school by 8:15, I can relax a little.  I am getting Fynn to school by about 8:25 - the extra few minutes are so nice.
• Activities that we do have are a little more "free form".  Last week, I enrolled Sophie in some private lessons at the pool so she could brush up on her strokes.  It was nice and relaxed and she really enjoyed the extra attention without the added pressure of having to complete her badges.

Later this week we head to Vancouver for a little more of a break.  Looking forward to getting away.

TGIF

I am so happy it is Saturday tomorrow! I need some extra sleep and rest.  It has been a jamed pack week of go, go, go.

Between working full time, kids activities (piano, gymnastics and dance for Sophie), planning her birthday party (which required a complete reworking of the date), homework for both kids and then trying to squeeze in some fitness and the Coursera course that Vic and I are doing, I am exhausted.

Sophie had a sleepover tonight at Hunter's.  Nice to have some one on one time with Fynn.  Tomorrow we are skiing but it is going to be a laid back/low key ski day.

Around here

Whenever I have a day like the one today, I always say to myself "I have to blog about that" because I am sure my older self will look back and not believe the craziness that made up our days sometimes. I am often so tired at night I postpone writing and then the next day comes and it starts all over again and I forget what I was going to say.

1. I have been thinking about Christmas. How to keep it simple. More blogging on that some other time.

2. Fynn is only a couple of lessons away from wrapping up his swimming lessons. The never ending cycle
of swimming lessons can seem like a bit much, but it is a life skill and it must be mastered - at least to the point where I know he could save himself.

3. I took 3 hours of vacation time (yes, we can book it off by the hour, which is great) so I could be a taxi driver for the kids. Pick Fynn up from school, pick Sophie up from her field trip and deliver her to Dance, drive Fynn to indoor soccer, meet Vic at indoor soccer so he could drive Fynn to his swimming lessons, pick up Sophie, drive to store to buy a small birthday gift for a party Fynn is going to tomorrow. It was exhausting today.

4. I want to do some scrapbooking. I have a photo of Fynn playing with his pirate ship that I really want to scrap, but the days swirl by and I really need to buy some fresh supplies. My stock is really old.

5. I want to get the area rug in our dining room/kitchen cleaned before Christmas. I had it done in the spring and of course it needs it again. I am also waiting to hear back from a store in town that is helping me select a new area rug for our bedroom. The house is a never ending "tweak" of mini projects.

Friday round up

Ah, Friday. Here's what's new around here:

- Sophie is out at a sleepover tonight. Fynn is enjoying the respite :)
- Fynn is pumped about his birthday party on Sunday. We picked out some little Hot Wheels cars for his goody bags - I don't really do the whole goody bag thing too well, so we just buy individual little tokens. The cars work well;
- Vic and I are pleased that the daycare bill for this month is down to $185. From the days when it was $1100 or so, this is a real treat. With Fynn only in daycare a couple of days a week after school and then coming home with Sophie the remainder of the week, it has really reduced our expenses. We finally have some extra dollars to pay down our mortgage;
- the pool is now winterized;
- I took a bag of my work clothes into the consignment store this week. I was able to unload about 2/3 of the bag, the rest came back with me and will likely land in the thrift store. Being careful with what I buy and only buying what I truly need and things I love. This book that I read recently really resonated with me. I like the tips about how to shop more wisely.

today

Oh, Monday, here you are again. We had a lovely weekend. It was actually pretty restful. After the pace of our trip to Chicago (which actually wasn't as rushed as I might make it out to be), it was nice this weekend to just chill out and not do too much. Vic did some yard work, we went for a run or two and Vic and I went to a movie last night. We also went to Value Village and started piecing together the kids' Halloween costumes. There is still more work to do on them, but at least we have started.

This week Fynn starts his next level of swimming lessons, Sophie continues on with her jazz/hip-hop classes and life continues.

Until next time....

Right now....

Here's what is going on right now around here:

Right now, I am really enjoying running. Well, almost. It does feel good and tonight I went for a run while Vic was at a meeting. I am proud of myself for doing it on my own. I usually need a running partner to feel motivated.

Right now, I am reading a lot. My latest book is The Girls. So good.

Right now, work is very busy and demanding.

Right now, Sophie is healing. Her arm is getting better.

Right now, Fynn is stepping up and really taking pride in being in Grade 1.

Right now, I am thinking about the photos I submitted to the SA Fall Fair. They are displayed this weekend. I am trying not to think about other people seeing my work. Putting myself out there is hard.

Right now, Chicago is on my mind. We go for a short vacation in a couple of weeks. I can't wait. So much to see and do. The kids are coming with us. Their first "city vacation."

23 years, and yes, civil engineering is quite amazing

It was appropriate that we visited a dam on our 23rd wedding anniversary today. After all, Vic proposed to me at the Cleveland Dam in North Vancouver.

We went up to Revelstoke today and toured around the Revelstoke Dam, an amazing engineering marvel. Great self guided tour and the elevator to the top of the structure (50 stories up) makes for a great view.

A nice day off

For the last few weeks, I have been working a reduced work week (Fridays off). This is helping me get a bit more balance in my life and not feel so run down from the demands of the constant juggle.

Vic and I headed to Vernon. I made an appointment with the dermatologist I have been to in the past and treated myself to a microdermabrasion treatment. It only takes about 20 minutes of having the fine wand pass over your skin exfoliating and removing dead skin. My face feels baby smooth right now. She also recommended some retinol creme for taking care of my blackheads, etc.

We also went to the new Target in Vernon. Nothing too awe-inspiring, but something new and another shopping option. I did like some of their home stuff.

This year we would like to purchase an umbrella for our deck. We priced one out at BeachComber and I think we will budget for it over the next few weeks. We need a decent quality umbrella that can take UV exposure, is easy to take down and looks good too.

Finally we had Thai food for lunch. A perfect Friday morning for just the two of us.

This and that

Here's what we are up to these days:

- having just gotten through our SF trip, Vic and I began plans on our summer holidays. It sounds a bit crazy, but if we don't get on it, finding accomodations can be tough. We have decided after much debate (between Alberta and returning to Vancouver Island) to head down to Cannon Beach in Oregon. Hotel is booked and we are heading down end of July (driving). Neither one of us has seen the Oregon coast so we are excited.

- I need new prescription sunglasses. I have a pair of prescription sunglasses for everyday wear that I have had for 4 years, but I need a pair for running and doing activities. My prescription (which is pretty strong) limits me to certain frames. I was in the eyeglasses place for 45 minutes today, and still no go. They have some new styles that are coming in this week, so fingers crossed that one of them works for me.

- Sophie has her year end piano recital this Saturday. She has an extra lesson on Thursday to help prepare her for it, so all should go well. I can really hear the improvement in her abilities over this time last year.

- Fynn played soccer tonight in spite of the rain that hit our area. Only 4 boys on his team showed up, so they scrimmaged against the 5 or so kids on the other team. Fynn is a die-hard!

just busy

One of those evenings when I am trying to remember my slow down, calm down, and "thrive" mantra that I have been taking with me at work. Tuesday evening is a full on evening around here. Gym/Dinner/tutoring for Sophie/Valentine's Day card printing with Fynn, baths and some Rosetta Stone French for me. Just want things to slow down and be still for a bit.

Speaking of Fynn and Valentine's Day, this is an old photo from Valentine's Day 2008. What a little bundle of love.

Juggling

It seems every few months I re-evaluate things and see how many balls I should have in the air. I juggle many balls and some have different kinds of weight than others: work, kids, family, volunteer work, fitness, this blog. Sometimes I need to put a few of the balls down for a while. Last week I put the ball of being the Vice President for Shuswap Daycare down. I had been on the board for 8 years and it was time to step down and let someone else step up.

It feels good to have one less ball.

***************

In other news: After a short audition last week at school, Sophie was selected along with 3 other girls to do a "solo" in the Christmas concert for her school. Any musical inclination or talent she has is seriously coming through Vic's side of the family.

I am 80% done my Christmas shopping and my Christmas cards are ready to be mailed. My achilles heel will undoubtedly be the wrapping. I hate wrapping.

The kids received their responses from Santa today. Fun!

Relaxing

We have had sunny, beautiful weather here today.

We took the kids out to the playground and let them burn off some steam.

After that we watched Arthur's Christmas and drank hot chocolate. A warm, fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

On the Christmas preparation front, we have a few presents bought and my Christmas cards have been written and sealed. Just in need of some postage and they are good to go.

Oh, and almost forgot --- Sophie had her piano recital yesterday. She played
Frère Jacques and Bach's Minuet. Well done, Sophie!

Getting organized for the fall

The last few weeks I have been getting us organized for the fall. By that I mean making appointments for the kids and myself.

To date we have done the following:

- Fynn has had a dental cleaning and check up. All good - no cavities!
- Fynn has had his immunization update - 2 shots and no tears. He was very brave.
- Sophie and Fynn both have back to school haircuts this Friday afternoon.
- I am getting my brows waxed and an end of the season pedicure on Saturday. A treat to myself and the last pedicure I will need for the season (and wearing open toed shoes to work).
- I have a scheduled tetnus shot planned in September. I don't think I have ever had one, and I figured with the digging around in the garden and things like that it is not a bad idea. If I get it done now I won't have to worry about if for 10 years or so.
- I have sent in Sophie's passport papers since hers will be expiry in a few months and I don't want to forget about it and then be caught short.

I think that is it for now. Lots on the go as we get ready for school in another 10 days or so.

Tonight we did a library trip and a Starbucks run!

A full cup

Today was one of those full cup kind of days.
I had my day at work pretty packed full of events, meetings, and tasks to complete. Because I stuck to my schedule and didn't get side-tracked I managed to complete everything I had set out to do. I also ate lunch at my desk that saved quite a bit of time. Nice to get out for a quick coffee break with Vic mid afternoon - lots of sunshine here today.

In addition to work items, I also wanted to stop by the drugstore and pick up something fun for the kids for Valentine's Day. Just a small Kinder Surprise for each of them when they wake up tomorrow.

I got home in time to go to my fitness class while Vic picked up the kids. Sophie had piano tonight at 6:30pm and then Vic had his Masters swimming. Lots of activity.

I raced around tonight using up every last Valentine card I could find in my stash. Between Sophie's Grade 2 class, her after school program, Fynn's daycare and preschool class, it took a lot of cards. But happily they are all done and I can almost relax for the night.

Today's highlights

Today's highlights:

1.Sophie is enjoying her piano lessons. Jen is a good teacher and they are using some of the material from Music for Young Children and it seems to be resonating with Sophie. MFYC uses animal figures/names to help teach the various keys.

2. Zellers had rubber rain boots! Normally rubber boots wouldn't excite me but when Sophie got home from school and announced that she needed a pair for her field trip to Hanna's Orchard tomorrow, I had to find a pair -- pronto.

3. Fynn is having 40 minute melt downs in the morning. He doesn't want to wear pants to daycare (he'd prefer shorts) and it is causing some challenges. We know it is just a phase, but a difficult one.

4. Between work, parenting, fitness and preparing for our Boston trip next week, life is becoming a tad stressful.

5. I am thankful for the 40 minute walk I got in after work today. It helped clear my head and gave me a bit of exercise before Vic and the kids came home. I will take exercise where/when I can get it.

balance

I was reading a blog I love about how working moms find balance. I enjoyed the questions that were asked of the moms, so I tried them on myself.

1. What's your work schedule?
I work 8:30 - 5:00pm Monday - Friday. I also work from home as needed in the evenings. It doesn't happen that often but likely 1-2 evenings a week I am reading emails or composing a document of some sort at home.

I drive Sophie to her daycare (when school is out) or to her school during the school year by 8:00am each day. She is still a stickler for time, so I try to get her out the door to reduce her anxiety in the a.m. Vic takes Fynn to daycare since Fynn needs a bit more time in the morning to walk up and get going.

2. How do you handle childcare?
Both Sophie and Fynn are in full time daycare. For Sophie it is an after school program that is run through the same daycare as Fynn's. Both kids have been going there since they were 1. We love our daycare. We are very fortunate to have a good one. It is not cheap -- not crazy expensive either, but still a significant expense each month.

3. Where do you work during the day?
From my office at work.

4. What do you like best about your current set-up?
That I know the kids are well looked after, entertained and educated during the day by people who are competent in childcare. Sophie is thrilled because her group is going to Wendy's for lunch tomorrow.

5. What do you find so-so/tricky/hilariously bad about your current set-up? What would you love to change if you had a magic wand?
The scheduling if Sophie or Fynn has an appointment or an activity. Sophie was in ballet and had French tutoring twice per week last term. That was enough to almost put me over the edge as it meant one of us had to pick her up from school (instead of her taking the bus) and then drive her back to her daycare. It was a bit harried.

6. What's your favorite part of your work?
The challenge, the great people I get to work with. The work itself is also very good and rewarding (Human Resources).

7. What's your favorite part of your home life?
Time with Vic after 9pm. Library evenings (Friday) with the kids. I am also enjoying Sophie's french tutoring that is happening at home on Monday evenings. I can sit at the kitchen table and listen and be part of it, but also do some of my own work too. It's actually quite calming.

8. How do you and your husband fit your marriage to the balance?
We try to go and see the odd movie -- sometime it is hard to get a sitter, but we do our best. We are also hooked on Nurse Jackie so that is our guilty evening pleasure.

9. Do you have time for yourself?
Every few months I will get a pedicure and Vic and I have an unwritten life rule that we are each entitled to exercise/fitness time. So, we don't really compromise on that front. He gets more fitness time in than I do, but that likely will shift as the kids get older and I'll have more time for runs and walks. I also read like crazy so as long as I have a book to read at night, I'm happy.

10. What advice would you give to other moms about how to balance work and life?
Life is not neat and tidy. One foot in front of the other. Keep moving the marble forward.

a good colour week

I've been noticing all of the blue that we have around the house these days. A new book, some old jewellery, Fynn's freezie.

A reminder that spring is coming.

We are off to see Rio tonight.

Kids are excited. I am just grateful we have a gift card to help ease the cost of these crazy expensive 3D movies.