Monday was a holiday, for some. It is Family Day in Ontario but my job is federal so I had to use vacation to get it off with kiddo. We spent the day at a high school that was set up with bouncy castles, hamster balls, laser tag and other things. He had a lot of fun. Luckily one of his friends was there so he had someone to play with. I was able to sit and chat, and wait. We got there at 10:30 and closed the place at 4. He was the last kid to get his face painted. We ate expensive pizza, expensive popcorn, and kiddo burned a lot of energy.
It was a nice day off, I was a little cranky, but it was good over all. It is always nice to have a day off! It makes for a strange work week though. It's short, but that is good too of course. Work has been busy the past few months, and of course change is coming as always. End result will be good though.
The weather has warmed up, snow is melting. I am glad to be able to see when I am backing up from my driveway. I will be very glad when I can see the grass, but that is still a ways away I think. Jackson enjoys the winter and playing in the snow, but even he is a bit tired of it and anxious to get back on his bike, and back to the park. I hate to feel like I am rushing time but I would really like to get through winter. I find it so hard with the snow, ice, cold and lack of sun. The past few sunny days have been lovely, though I also feel I don't get to enjoy it very much. Hopefully spring is on the way.
We are both excited about our Disney trip in August. It will wrap up the end of our holidays, so far away! I do love going on these trips with him though, I feel like it makes better memories for us, and allows me to get to do all those things that I never did as a kid myself. I am trying to live in the moment more, to enjoy things and do things even if they push us a bit. I want to create memories for him. Outside of school and daycare, and home.
I am still debating what to do about a house, but until I get some paperwork done, get the money, I can't make a decision any way. So I will continue to dream and flip flop on which house, which situation, we will find ourselves in. I know he will more likely have to change schools. I think he will be ok with that in the end. He makes friends easily, he is a good kid. I am more concerned about finding before/after school care for him in a new situation. But even that I know we can work out. Getting a dog means we need a yard, which means different homes than I thought we'd be looking at. Wanting to travel still, means the budget is smaller so we can afford to keep doing that. It will all be good in the end, and we will end up in the house we are meant to. Perhaps this summer, perhaps next. We are ok here for awhile any way.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
February
This year started off a little rough at times. Though our awesome cruise did make up for that. February has been great so far. I finally got my back pay, and raise. I managed to pay off some debt, put some into savings for later, and then booked a trip to Disney for the end of August. I booked flights, bought tickets and put a deposit on the hotel. I'm quite excited about the trip, and hope the weather won't be too brutally hot. I think this will be one of the only times we spend a whole week there. The timing of everything was fortuitous. I got the tickets right before they went up in price, booked the flights right before they went up as well. Even the hotel worked out well. I booked and then found out I had been misquoted, the cost is actually $500 less than I was expecting. Apparently the quote included tickets or something, which I didn't want. Very happy about this turn of events!
Last week kiddo was sick a few days, sore tummy and lots of bathroom runs. I kept him home 3 days, the third was partly because I didn't feel like driving in the crappy winter weather, buses were cancelled so whatever. When I got back to work I found out my whole (small) team would be moving to another division! Not happy about this I was fuming at first. Then I spoke to one of my team members, my boss starts much later than I do, and the team mate told me the work I do was staying so I would probably be given the choice to stay. I like my boss, but I really like his boss. So I wanted to stay, and get to! It is a good job for me, I am getting to work with upper management, get noticed, I enjoy it, am learning a tonne, and still get to do things like take August off. Hopefully this will lead to language training, eventually, and management. Which I am still not sure I want to do. But the opportunity is important.
While we were on the cruise I booked for the next one. I just moved that to March 2018, saving some money and better able to get direct flights. We are really looking forward to that one too. We like cruising!
Jackson is doing well at school, though he hates it. He complains he doesn't like to sit and learn things. I can't blame him and really only want him to do his best. He is getting about a B average, which is fine with me. I guess because I can see so many people in my place of employment with very little education beyond high school and perhaps some college, I just feel that a good job is possible without over the top effort. I mean I want him to be able to read, and think for himself, but I want him to be happy, and able to support himself. Perhaps I am cynical about employment and careers, while I like my job, I like it mostly because it supports us and allows me to do what I do.
Health wise, I am trying to move more. Especially if we are going to Disney for a week. It is a lot of walking! I would like to be able to do it and not have my feet hurt everyday. I would like to be able to do it and have energy to do so. I set up the basement to be able to workout, but have only done a few workouts down there. I'm not sure why really. I am tired, and though my thyroid medicine is apparently working, it doesn't feel like it. I am hoping this is a "winter blues" sort of thing, I do hate winter, and long for spring!
We are getting a puppy! I was going to wait until Jackson was older but he has been talking about it for awhile, he really wants a "friend" to play with. So I have been checking out breeds, and cross breeds, breeders, rescues, and doing a lot of reading. We are getting a cockapoo puppy in another month or so. He will be black, and Jackson likes the name Finn. I am both looking forward to it, and worried. Puppies are a lot of work, potty training, regular training. Even worrying about what to do with the puppy while we travel. I am sure it will all work out though. I am also nervous about a new dog after the issues with Riley. He had some serious issues, many I'm sure because of his rough start in life and lack of socialization. I am desperate to avoid any of those issues again. I hope that my choice of breed, and early training, socialization, will help keep everything smooth and easy.
Last week kiddo was sick a few days, sore tummy and lots of bathroom runs. I kept him home 3 days, the third was partly because I didn't feel like driving in the crappy winter weather, buses were cancelled so whatever. When I got back to work I found out my whole (small) team would be moving to another division! Not happy about this I was fuming at first. Then I spoke to one of my team members, my boss starts much later than I do, and the team mate told me the work I do was staying so I would probably be given the choice to stay. I like my boss, but I really like his boss. So I wanted to stay, and get to! It is a good job for me, I am getting to work with upper management, get noticed, I enjoy it, am learning a tonne, and still get to do things like take August off. Hopefully this will lead to language training, eventually, and management. Which I am still not sure I want to do. But the opportunity is important.
While we were on the cruise I booked for the next one. I just moved that to March 2018, saving some money and better able to get direct flights. We are really looking forward to that one too. We like cruising!
Jackson is doing well at school, though he hates it. He complains he doesn't like to sit and learn things. I can't blame him and really only want him to do his best. He is getting about a B average, which is fine with me. I guess because I can see so many people in my place of employment with very little education beyond high school and perhaps some college, I just feel that a good job is possible without over the top effort. I mean I want him to be able to read, and think for himself, but I want him to be happy, and able to support himself. Perhaps I am cynical about employment and careers, while I like my job, I like it mostly because it supports us and allows me to do what I do.
Health wise, I am trying to move more. Especially if we are going to Disney for a week. It is a lot of walking! I would like to be able to do it and not have my feet hurt everyday. I would like to be able to do it and have energy to do so. I set up the basement to be able to workout, but have only done a few workouts down there. I'm not sure why really. I am tired, and though my thyroid medicine is apparently working, it doesn't feel like it. I am hoping this is a "winter blues" sort of thing, I do hate winter, and long for spring!
We are getting a puppy! I was going to wait until Jackson was older but he has been talking about it for awhile, he really wants a "friend" to play with. So I have been checking out breeds, and cross breeds, breeders, rescues, and doing a lot of reading. We are getting a cockapoo puppy in another month or so. He will be black, and Jackson likes the name Finn. I am both looking forward to it, and worried. Puppies are a lot of work, potty training, regular training. Even worrying about what to do with the puppy while we travel. I am sure it will all work out though. I am also nervous about a new dog after the issues with Riley. He had some serious issues, many I'm sure because of his rough start in life and lack of socialization. I am desperate to avoid any of those issues again. I hope that my choice of breed, and early training, socialization, will help keep everything smooth and easy.
Friday, January 27, 2017
A quick trip
We've been back from our cruise for almost a week. It was a 6-night cruise and it was far too short. We both really enjoyed it, perfect weather, and it was just so nice to be away. I booked another while we were on board but will have to change it because we can't get direct flights for the date I chose. I can move it without a penalty so I will do that once they open up some more dates in early April. I will be replacing it as well, with another cruise for the same time frame I had booked for.
We flew to Fort Lauderdale, about a week after the tragedy there. Which made me rather nervous, but it went ok. We ended up taking a taxi to the hotel because I didn't have a cellphone to call the hotel shuttle. I think the driver took us for a bit of a ride around, and it cost more than it should have. But whatever. The hotel was nice enough, we walked over to Taco Bell for lunch but it was so slow, we ended up at McDonalds instead. Then to Kmart, we don't have that here. Jackson got some little cars. Silly kid. He wanted to swim, but the pool was not heated so it was rather cold. He swam, I watched, and when he started to turn blue lipped with shivering I made him get out. We went back to Taco Bell for supper, he really wanted to try it, and then ended up getting McDonalds as well, the tacos were good but wow the service was so slow!
Sunday morning we had breakfast at the hotel, well kiddo didn't really eat anything. My goodness he is picky. We took a shuttle to the ship and were on super quick. Right after we ate some lunch we got to go to our cabin, kiddo put on a swim suit and we went swimming. Also not heated. He swam a bit before the emergency drill. Then it was pretty much time to get ready for supper and the ship headed out. Our luggage was super late arriving. We signed him up for the kids club, which he didn't go to at all! We had table mates for dinner from Toronto, which was kind of fun. They only came 3 nights. We ran into them all over the ship though.
We had a sea day and Jackson played in the H20 zone a lot. We played games, walked around the ship, ate hot dogs for lunch (he did that everyday) and generally enjoyed the sun and nice weather.
Our ports were Cayman Islands, Cozumel and Costa Maya. They were all quite amazing. We swam with sting rays on a practically private tour, went to beaches, he used his goggles to look at fish under the water. It was all over far too fast. Our last sea day was nice as well, lots of time in the splash zone, a good dinner, packing up and then to bed.
Debarkation was a disaster and I thought we were going to miss the flight home. Next time we will take our bags off ourselves for sure. I still get stressed thinking about it. But we caught the flight, barely. Jackson got sick on the flight home but still wants to go again. There was turbulence so that explains it. I wish he'd take some gravol or something before the flight.
The cats were super happy to see us when we got home. They were well taken care of while we were gone though. I spent Sunday doing laundry, some groceries and that's it! Back to work as of Monday, feels like I didn't have a vacation at all, but will start working on plans for the next one soon.
I still haven't received my back pay although everyone I know has received some money. If I don't have anything by the 8th I'm finally allowed to call and find out what's going on. I got information about the severance portion, which I will put into my RRSP and use as a down payment for a home. I can't decide when I want to buy though, or what. So I will be here for awhile. I keep thinking of all the extra expenses when you own. My furnace died the day before my trip, landlord had it replaced while we were away. Expensive. Fence fell over this summer and got replaced, expensive! So many things and they add up.
Work has been frustrating, I like the project I am working on but feel like I'm the only one doing anything, or perhaps I'm just not being kept in the loop very much. Maybe a little of both. I will try and stick it out. I notice that this is the time of year I start wanting a change, job or whatever. We'll see I suppose!
I will be getting us both snorkeling masks and we'll be practicing in the pool in preparation for next time. I will also be getting us Nexus passes to speed up crossing the borders, and also I think clearing security in some US places. I was asked for his birth certificate on the way home this time, I had it with me. But it was still kind of annoying. One of those things I guess.
We flew to Fort Lauderdale, about a week after the tragedy there. Which made me rather nervous, but it went ok. We ended up taking a taxi to the hotel because I didn't have a cellphone to call the hotel shuttle. I think the driver took us for a bit of a ride around, and it cost more than it should have. But whatever. The hotel was nice enough, we walked over to Taco Bell for lunch but it was so slow, we ended up at McDonalds instead. Then to Kmart, we don't have that here. Jackson got some little cars. Silly kid. He wanted to swim, but the pool was not heated so it was rather cold. He swam, I watched, and when he started to turn blue lipped with shivering I made him get out. We went back to Taco Bell for supper, he really wanted to try it, and then ended up getting McDonalds as well, the tacos were good but wow the service was so slow!
Sunday morning we had breakfast at the hotel, well kiddo didn't really eat anything. My goodness he is picky. We took a shuttle to the ship and were on super quick. Right after we ate some lunch we got to go to our cabin, kiddo put on a swim suit and we went swimming. Also not heated. He swam a bit before the emergency drill. Then it was pretty much time to get ready for supper and the ship headed out. Our luggage was super late arriving. We signed him up for the kids club, which he didn't go to at all! We had table mates for dinner from Toronto, which was kind of fun. They only came 3 nights. We ran into them all over the ship though.
We had a sea day and Jackson played in the H20 zone a lot. We played games, walked around the ship, ate hot dogs for lunch (he did that everyday) and generally enjoyed the sun and nice weather.
Our ports were Cayman Islands, Cozumel and Costa Maya. They were all quite amazing. We swam with sting rays on a practically private tour, went to beaches, he used his goggles to look at fish under the water. It was all over far too fast. Our last sea day was nice as well, lots of time in the splash zone, a good dinner, packing up and then to bed.
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| Enjoying Costa Maya beaches |
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| 7 Years good luck for kissing a sting ray |
Debarkation was a disaster and I thought we were going to miss the flight home. Next time we will take our bags off ourselves for sure. I still get stressed thinking about it. But we caught the flight, barely. Jackson got sick on the flight home but still wants to go again. There was turbulence so that explains it. I wish he'd take some gravol or something before the flight.
The cats were super happy to see us when we got home. They were well taken care of while we were gone though. I spent Sunday doing laundry, some groceries and that's it! Back to work as of Monday, feels like I didn't have a vacation at all, but will start working on plans for the next one soon.
I still haven't received my back pay although everyone I know has received some money. If I don't have anything by the 8th I'm finally allowed to call and find out what's going on. I got information about the severance portion, which I will put into my RRSP and use as a down payment for a home. I can't decide when I want to buy though, or what. So I will be here for awhile. I keep thinking of all the extra expenses when you own. My furnace died the day before my trip, landlord had it replaced while we were away. Expensive. Fence fell over this summer and got replaced, expensive! So many things and they add up.
Work has been frustrating, I like the project I am working on but feel like I'm the only one doing anything, or perhaps I'm just not being kept in the loop very much. Maybe a little of both. I will try and stick it out. I notice that this is the time of year I start wanting a change, job or whatever. We'll see I suppose!
I will be getting us both snorkeling masks and we'll be practicing in the pool in preparation for next time. I will also be getting us Nexus passes to speed up crossing the borders, and also I think clearing security in some US places. I was asked for his birth certificate on the way home this time, I had it with me. But it was still kind of annoying. One of those things I guess.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Happy New Year 2017
We made it through the holidays! Well we have tomorrow off still to get through but I guess we made it past the interesting days. Christmas was good, he got lots of gifts he was happy to get, and my sister got him a hatchimal which is funny, creepy, annoying, and well enjoyed. Last night was tricky. Jackson really wanted to stay up until midnight, but by 9 he was tired and ready for a nap. He had a little rest but was back up soon. Apparently he had an image of a big party with lots of people talking and chatting, eating food and having fun. The weather was crappy though so we didn't go out. Around 10:30 I could see he was done so I flipped the TV to Newfoundland, they are 90 minutes ahead so it was midnight there. We counted down, said happy new year, kissed (he hates kisses but he gave me one on the cheek and let me kiss his head). Then we danced and he ate a bit more candy before we went up to bed. By 11 he was out. He wasn't too happy about it though, and he got up at 7 this morning any way.
Today was a long day. I am, by nature, an introvert. I thrive on alone time. Kiddo is not like me. He doesn't like to be alone at all, so it gets hard on me sometimes, like when we are together for 10 days in a row and he doesn't want to leave me alone and all I want is to sit and read a book or something. Normal work/school days I get some time in the morning before I get him up, and then again at the end of my work day before I get him from daycare. This week has been hard for me. Of course he takes it to mean I don't like him/love him, and he feels bad. Once again I explain, hopefully he will remember but I guess we'll see. I do love my kid, and I like him too, he is a good kid. But I just thrive on some me time! He stays up later so I get less after bedtime, and last night I had none. Today was rough for me.
For New Years I joined a transformation challenge. I know I won't win the challenge but I am still hopeful. I realize I will miss a week due to the cruise, I will do my best to eat well, but do plan to enjoy the things I like while I'm travelling. My goal is to start working out tomorrow, we will see how that goes with kiddo at home, and to do mainly cardio until the trip. I will use some of my easier videos to get back on track. When I get back I have a new set I got through airmiles that is a 60 day plan, and I will do that. I may add on some extra cardio as I go. I plan to cut carbs and processed foods, hopefully before and after the trip. It is hard with having to feed kiddo but if I plan and do pre-cooking on the weekends it usually goes ok. I mean I am making the cats food now, surely I can make my own!
Once the 60 days are up I will still have 2 weeks to the end of the challenge, and the plan is to really do whatever I can to make the most of those two weeks. I still can't believe I took, and posted, my before pictures. Hopefully they will prove motivating over the next few months. The trickiest parts will be doing all of this and keeping kiddo happy. It should be that if I am happy, it's easier for kiddo to be happy too. That doesn't always work though.
Other than the challenge I don't really have any goals for 2017. I may buy a house, we will likely plan another trip. I would like to yell less, though I think I have gotten better at that over the past year any way. I hope to cook more, plan more, so I don't just say "let's eat out". I think we will be happy, as we usually are. Though kiddo would be happier if I played with him more. I would be happier if he played on his own more. Whatever happens, we will be together.
Today was a long day. I am, by nature, an introvert. I thrive on alone time. Kiddo is not like me. He doesn't like to be alone at all, so it gets hard on me sometimes, like when we are together for 10 days in a row and he doesn't want to leave me alone and all I want is to sit and read a book or something. Normal work/school days I get some time in the morning before I get him up, and then again at the end of my work day before I get him from daycare. This week has been hard for me. Of course he takes it to mean I don't like him/love him, and he feels bad. Once again I explain, hopefully he will remember but I guess we'll see. I do love my kid, and I like him too, he is a good kid. But I just thrive on some me time! He stays up later so I get less after bedtime, and last night I had none. Today was rough for me.
For New Years I joined a transformation challenge. I know I won't win the challenge but I am still hopeful. I realize I will miss a week due to the cruise, I will do my best to eat well, but do plan to enjoy the things I like while I'm travelling. My goal is to start working out tomorrow, we will see how that goes with kiddo at home, and to do mainly cardio until the trip. I will use some of my easier videos to get back on track. When I get back I have a new set I got through airmiles that is a 60 day plan, and I will do that. I may add on some extra cardio as I go. I plan to cut carbs and processed foods, hopefully before and after the trip. It is hard with having to feed kiddo but if I plan and do pre-cooking on the weekends it usually goes ok. I mean I am making the cats food now, surely I can make my own!
Once the 60 days are up I will still have 2 weeks to the end of the challenge, and the plan is to really do whatever I can to make the most of those two weeks. I still can't believe I took, and posted, my before pictures. Hopefully they will prove motivating over the next few months. The trickiest parts will be doing all of this and keeping kiddo happy. It should be that if I am happy, it's easier for kiddo to be happy too. That doesn't always work though.
Other than the challenge I don't really have any goals for 2017. I may buy a house, we will likely plan another trip. I would like to yell less, though I think I have gotten better at that over the past year any way. I hope to cook more, plan more, so I don't just say "let's eat out". I think we will be happy, as we usually are. Though kiddo would be happier if I played with him more. I would be happier if he played on his own more. Whatever happens, we will be together.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Christmas Eve
I think I like it better when Christmas Eve is during the week, so we don't have the whole day to figure out what to do. He came to work with me yesterday, so that took up lots of time. Then today we didn't do a whole lot. There was some Christmas movie and TV watching, We had a nice dinner, one of Jackson's favourites, steak and noodles. He has some simple tastes. We left out some cookies and water, because we always leave water instead of milk. Then we sprinkled some reindeer food outside on the front snow piles. We watched Santa on NORAD for awhile, then I convinced him to go up to bed. That is where things kind of fell apart.
After reading a story, brushing teeth and settling down, he decided that what he had asked Santa for was not what he really wanted, and he started to cry. Now being mommy has an in with the big guy, I kind of felt what he said he was asking for wasn't really what he'd want. So while he is getting what he asked for, he also got a cool hockey table set that he will hopefully like. I did promise, so he'd go to sleep, that after his trip, we'd look at getting him what he really wanted. I guess we'll see how that goes!
We are going to my sister's for dinner, and I made the wild rice casserole today to take with us. It seems to taste pretty good, Jackson was pleased. So at least we'll have that, depending on what else she does for dinner. It's always a bit of an adventure! My parents have not come to visit, they did drop off their gift for Jackson at Thanksgiving, and I bought my own from them. I have a couple things to open, but not much! The day is mostly about Jackson. For my sister's families, I got my nieces gifts, but no one else. I made a deal with my sister. It always feels silly, getting gifts for her and her husband that I have no idea if they will even really like or use. And I'd rather just get gift cards, practical stuff.
I do find this time of year strange. I love the excitement Jackson has for the whole thing, but also feel like it's too much. So much stuff. I don't like the lunches out with the team, or getting gifts for people at work. I mean I like a lot of people I work with (not all of them of course!) but I don't consider most of them really friends. It's weird to me, I guess I am just not that type of person. It also always makes me a little sad that I don't have a bigger family. I love that we go to my sister's for dinner, but I wish my own home had more people in it. I don't really think I want a spouse, at all. But a couple more kids? Perhaps that would be fun. I hate that we watch shows about families, and the kids all fight and then they start getting along, It's always so sweet. Ah well.
We got news at work about our back pay, apparently we will be getting it starting January 11th, which is awesome. Because I took some unpaid leave I may not get mine then. I hope I do. That extra money would be awesome on the trip but even without it, we will have a great cruise. Everything is sorted and paid for, well the big items are any way. A couple more things I will pay for this coming week, and then it will just be the excursions, which I can decide on once we're on the ship, based on how much money we have and what we feel like doing. We are doing a swim with sting rays thing in Grand Cayman, that is a little scary, but should be fun. Costa Maya will be a beach day. and Cozumel is the one up for debate, inexpensive beach day, or fancier beach day
Time for bed I guess, Santa won't come unless I'm asleep right? :-) Plus kiddo will be up extra early I'm sure.
After reading a story, brushing teeth and settling down, he decided that what he had asked Santa for was not what he really wanted, and he started to cry. Now being mommy has an in with the big guy, I kind of felt what he said he was asking for wasn't really what he'd want. So while he is getting what he asked for, he also got a cool hockey table set that he will hopefully like. I did promise, so he'd go to sleep, that after his trip, we'd look at getting him what he really wanted. I guess we'll see how that goes!
We are going to my sister's for dinner, and I made the wild rice casserole today to take with us. It seems to taste pretty good, Jackson was pleased. So at least we'll have that, depending on what else she does for dinner. It's always a bit of an adventure! My parents have not come to visit, they did drop off their gift for Jackson at Thanksgiving, and I bought my own from them. I have a couple things to open, but not much! The day is mostly about Jackson. For my sister's families, I got my nieces gifts, but no one else. I made a deal with my sister. It always feels silly, getting gifts for her and her husband that I have no idea if they will even really like or use. And I'd rather just get gift cards, practical stuff.
I do find this time of year strange. I love the excitement Jackson has for the whole thing, but also feel like it's too much. So much stuff. I don't like the lunches out with the team, or getting gifts for people at work. I mean I like a lot of people I work with (not all of them of course!) but I don't consider most of them really friends. It's weird to me, I guess I am just not that type of person. It also always makes me a little sad that I don't have a bigger family. I love that we go to my sister's for dinner, but I wish my own home had more people in it. I don't really think I want a spouse, at all. But a couple more kids? Perhaps that would be fun. I hate that we watch shows about families, and the kids all fight and then they start getting along, It's always so sweet. Ah well.
We got news at work about our back pay, apparently we will be getting it starting January 11th, which is awesome. Because I took some unpaid leave I may not get mine then. I hope I do. That extra money would be awesome on the trip but even without it, we will have a great cruise. Everything is sorted and paid for, well the big items are any way. A couple more things I will pay for this coming week, and then it will just be the excursions, which I can decide on once we're on the ship, based on how much money we have and what we feel like doing. We are doing a swim with sting rays thing in Grand Cayman, that is a little scary, but should be fun. Costa Maya will be a beach day. and Cozumel is the one up for debate, inexpensive beach day, or fancier beach day
Time for bed I guess, Santa won't come unless I'm asleep right? :-) Plus kiddo will be up extra early I'm sure.
Monday, December 12, 2016
A 7-year-old
My baby is 7! It's crazy and he's not a little boy any more. Well he is but he's not. He had a great birthday party at the local pool, him and 7 of his little friends. The pool part was great. There were two lifeguards in the pool with the kids, and they had a lot of fun playing games, jumping off the diving board, using the obstacle course. Then it was an hour in the party room. Which made me very thankful that one of the dads had stayed. Eight boys was a little much for me. They ate snacks and took turns getting dressed. One of the boys pulled the emergency alarm in the bathroom. So that was fun. We ate cake, though getting the boys to sing was difficult. And then Jackson opened his gifts, and boom the party was over. I was relieved, it was done! Phew! Fun times but stressful for me.
Winter has arrived in full force. I am at home today because I just can't face the drive in. I hate winter, snow, all of it! When I retired I am moving south. No one seems to believe me but I am looking at options that are good for ex-pats. So far Belize is the top of the list, party because they speak English, and are a former commonwealth country. Also on the list are Costa Rica, Panama and Equador.
Given the terrible weather lately, well it's not really terrible, it's just regular winter. But in any case it has pushed me to book a cruise. For January 15th. Like a month away! I can't wait. Jackson is excited but scared to fly. We'll be doing a 6-night cruise, and one night pre-cruise since we like to fly in early. Hate to miss the boat! The cruise has 3 ports, which are all new to us, and two sea days. Jackson is looking forward to trying the rock climbing again, and going ice skating. Since you know, we don't do that here! Silly kid. I booked a guaranteed cabin so we won't get it assigned for awhile. We got early dining. And I've already booked one excursion. One port we'll take a cab to the beach, and the other one I'm debating which all inclusive to book at, Can't wait! I really don't like winter, snow, cold... ugh!!
My doctor has increased my thyroid medicine by a bit, to bring my numbers down a little more in case I do want to go ahead with trying again. I haven't gone for the blood work yet. My cycle has been incredibly messed up. And I am very unsure of what to do. I think perhaps I am done at one. As much as I would like another baby, I do not look forward to the work, the lost sleep, the extra expenses. Money is a big part of it. I am almost done with all daycare. The savings would be great, and perhaps worth an extra trip every year.
Work has been going well. I am working on a big project with a lot of responsibility. I am enjoying it, though it feels like a big much at times, and I wonder about people. I have some time off at Christmas, and I am looking forward to that. I would like some time to myself to figure things out, decide what I want. In order to advance at work I need to learn French, I've been taking part time classes at work. I do feel that in order to really learn I will need full time training, which can take a year. The problem when doing the training is that you can't take vacation, it's quite far a commute, and it's very intensive. I am not sure I'm quite ready to do it. I will continue what I'm doing and hope to do it later I guess.
Christmas is coming. I am mostly done shopping, just need to get stocking stuffers. And something for my parents which has to be mailed soon. I should be able to go Wednesday or next weekend at the latest. Our tree is up. The Elf has so far remembered to move on a daily basis, though I am not as exciting as many families in being creative on what to do with it. Ours changes shelves and location. That's it. But we are boring like that any way!
Winter has arrived in full force. I am at home today because I just can't face the drive in. I hate winter, snow, all of it! When I retired I am moving south. No one seems to believe me but I am looking at options that are good for ex-pats. So far Belize is the top of the list, party because they speak English, and are a former commonwealth country. Also on the list are Costa Rica, Panama and Equador.
Given the terrible weather lately, well it's not really terrible, it's just regular winter. But in any case it has pushed me to book a cruise. For January 15th. Like a month away! I can't wait. Jackson is excited but scared to fly. We'll be doing a 6-night cruise, and one night pre-cruise since we like to fly in early. Hate to miss the boat! The cruise has 3 ports, which are all new to us, and two sea days. Jackson is looking forward to trying the rock climbing again, and going ice skating. Since you know, we don't do that here! Silly kid. I booked a guaranteed cabin so we won't get it assigned for awhile. We got early dining. And I've already booked one excursion. One port we'll take a cab to the beach, and the other one I'm debating which all inclusive to book at, Can't wait! I really don't like winter, snow, cold... ugh!!
My doctor has increased my thyroid medicine by a bit, to bring my numbers down a little more in case I do want to go ahead with trying again. I haven't gone for the blood work yet. My cycle has been incredibly messed up. And I am very unsure of what to do. I think perhaps I am done at one. As much as I would like another baby, I do not look forward to the work, the lost sleep, the extra expenses. Money is a big part of it. I am almost done with all daycare. The savings would be great, and perhaps worth an extra trip every year.
Work has been going well. I am working on a big project with a lot of responsibility. I am enjoying it, though it feels like a big much at times, and I wonder about people. I have some time off at Christmas, and I am looking forward to that. I would like some time to myself to figure things out, decide what I want. In order to advance at work I need to learn French, I've been taking part time classes at work. I do feel that in order to really learn I will need full time training, which can take a year. The problem when doing the training is that you can't take vacation, it's quite far a commute, and it's very intensive. I am not sure I'm quite ready to do it. I will continue what I'm doing and hope to do it later I guess.
Christmas is coming. I am mostly done shopping, just need to get stocking stuffers. And something for my parents which has to be mailed soon. I should be able to go Wednesday or next weekend at the latest. Our tree is up. The Elf has so far remembered to move on a daily basis, though I am not as exciting as many families in being creative on what to do with it. Ours changes shelves and location. That's it. But we are boring like that any way!
Friday, October 28, 2016
Nothing much to say
Since my appointment a month ago I have been taking my synthroid, which doesn't seem to be doing anything, and charting. My body decided it wasn't going to ovulate last month which also meant I haven't had a day 3 yet. So I'm still waiting! I will go get my TSH rechecked today as it has been a month on the medication, and I only have 10 pills left so need it checked to see if the dose needs to change (hoping they up it!). Otherwise I have just been waiting. I do find it somewhat ironic that I finally decide to move forward and my body decides to skip a month. Is it a sign of things to come?
I think my day 3 should be around Nov 7th now, give or take. Which means I'm out for November since there is no way to get the blood work back in time for that month. And since December is kind of "shut down" month I guess I am out then too! I now have to continue waiting. But it does give me a chance to save some money back up.
I had some saved for this but then my cat got sick. And rushed to the vet for xrays, blood work, and then 2 types of medicine plus a laxative and special food. This my youngest kitten, the one my son loves the most. I think if it had been ones of the others I might have waiting longer to see what would happen. In any case, it was crazy expensive and now I'm stuck saving again! But, my union finalized our contracts so we have 150 days to get the raise and back pay, plus we should get the silly $700 signing bonus by the end of the year, hopefully in time for Christmas shopping. And the extra pay out we'll know the numbers and details by end of January, with decision needing to be made on that by the end of April (I think?). I already know what I'll be doing with my payout. We have the choice of taking it now or waiting until we retire/leave the job. I'll be taking it and putting it directly into my retirement savings, avoiding having it taxed, and then able to use it for the down payment on a house.
Of course Canada has come up with some new rules for buying a house and I think it limits my mortgage amount, though I also think it's probably still in line with what I was hoping to spend any way so it shouldn't be too bad. I am still torn over the "new vs old" and "change school?" questions, but have some time any way. End of July I guess is when I will be able to move forward. We'll see at that point what is on the market, where it is, and how my journey to baby 2 is progressing, or if it's a lost cause, or what.
Jackson is still doing well in grade 2. He's a smart kid. They split his split 2/3 class into a grade 2 and a grade 3 class, so that is good. He has been forgetting a lot of stuff at school though, and has already managed to lose a coat, one mitten and a few lunch items. The coat bothers me, since it was only worn maybe 4 times. The weather today has turned cold and we had some snow, so hopefully he will keep his coat on when he's outside from now on.
His swimming is going well too. He was jumping into the deep diving pool last week, and enjoying it. I hope he continues to do well, I want him to be able to swim the length of the pool, then he can choose to stop lessons, or go into diving or whatever he wants to do. I am not sure if I will put him in January lessons though, the weather is so cold and I find it hard to get him dry enough to avoid ear infections and other illnesses. We'll see how he's doing and his interest level though.
I think my day 3 should be around Nov 7th now, give or take. Which means I'm out for November since there is no way to get the blood work back in time for that month. And since December is kind of "shut down" month I guess I am out then too! I now have to continue waiting. But it does give me a chance to save some money back up.
I had some saved for this but then my cat got sick. And rushed to the vet for xrays, blood work, and then 2 types of medicine plus a laxative and special food. This my youngest kitten, the one my son loves the most. I think if it had been ones of the others I might have waiting longer to see what would happen. In any case, it was crazy expensive and now I'm stuck saving again! But, my union finalized our contracts so we have 150 days to get the raise and back pay, plus we should get the silly $700 signing bonus by the end of the year, hopefully in time for Christmas shopping. And the extra pay out we'll know the numbers and details by end of January, with decision needing to be made on that by the end of April (I think?). I already know what I'll be doing with my payout. We have the choice of taking it now or waiting until we retire/leave the job. I'll be taking it and putting it directly into my retirement savings, avoiding having it taxed, and then able to use it for the down payment on a house.
Of course Canada has come up with some new rules for buying a house and I think it limits my mortgage amount, though I also think it's probably still in line with what I was hoping to spend any way so it shouldn't be too bad. I am still torn over the "new vs old" and "change school?" questions, but have some time any way. End of July I guess is when I will be able to move forward. We'll see at that point what is on the market, where it is, and how my journey to baby 2 is progressing, or if it's a lost cause, or what.
Jackson is still doing well in grade 2. He's a smart kid. They split his split 2/3 class into a grade 2 and a grade 3 class, so that is good. He has been forgetting a lot of stuff at school though, and has already managed to lose a coat, one mitten and a few lunch items. The coat bothers me, since it was only worn maybe 4 times. The weather today has turned cold and we had some snow, so hopefully he will keep his coat on when he's outside from now on.
His swimming is going well too. He was jumping into the deep diving pool last week, and enjoying it. I hope he continues to do well, I want him to be able to swim the length of the pool, then he can choose to stop lessons, or go into diving or whatever he wants to do. I am not sure if I will put him in January lessons though, the weather is so cold and I find it hard to get him dry enough to avoid ear infections and other illnesses. We'll see how he's doing and his interest level though.
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