Another Christmas. This one went pretty well this morning, especially compared to last year. Kiddo got things he hadn't asked for but said if he had known he would have asked for them. So that was good! He is playing video games with his friends now, we will head to my sister's this afternoon for dinner and to play some games. He got a few, cribbage, chinese checkers and backgammon. Classics. He got some chocolate bars, some candy of course, and some star wars things. He got two posters for his room, and I got him a weighted blanket which I hope will help him sleep! My parents got him a chromebook to take to school. I wouldn't buy it for him. I just hope he doesn't lose it or have it get stolen or something. Fingers crossed!
My parents were generous to me as well, they got me a really cool red keurig mini, a new fitbit and they are paying to have someone come spend two days getting rid of "stuff" from my house. Which is really cool. She is coming on the 28 & 29th, I am hopeful it will make a difference, and we'll be able to be more comfortable. The lady is great, she has a lot of energy and is very into it. Plus she takes all the stuff away, which is great.
For dinner this year we are having pasta, with a bunch of toppings and sauces, rather than a turkey dinner. I had planned to get a turkey to do for us but never got around to it, so we'll wait I guess, and see what happens. I may get one after Christmas, but we have a few meals in the fridge to cook and eat, so I don't want to waste that. I ordered a meal box this week, to avoid having to shop, but still ended up going for groceries, so that didn't work as well as I hoped! But we have 3 healthy meals for later this week. I will go and get a few other things later this week, pet food mostly. And probably some lunch items for him.
In January and February we will be on a "no buy" challenge, only getting things we NEED. As I try and pay a few things off, and save up to move. That may carry over into March. I will have to stop imagining we can go away at March break though. I love to plan trips, even when we can't actually go on them.
Now I could use a nap! I didn't sleep well, kept expecting him to get up early. He always has a hard time sleeping on Christmas Eve but did well last night. I could really use a nap though. Perhaps I will go lie down for a bit, we have a few hours before we head out again. At least we have two weeks off, no school or work until January!
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Ungratefulness
Jackson turns 10 tomorrow. For his party we went to the swimming pool, with 6 of his friends. They had a great time, then ran around the party room. He got a few nerf guns and a couple other presents. I only served cake and koolaid. I had chips but they ate the cake and then ran around so I didn't put them out. I assumed because the party was from 1 to 3, and swimming was the first hour, that at 2 pm I wouldn't need to serve anything lunch like. I guess a couple of the kids at least didn't have lunch. Oops. Oh well.
Today I let him go out with a friend most of the day and then open his present from my parents and one from me. He got a video game he's wanted. He set it up, really excited, and of course it was hard so he lost his temper and wants to sell it. Very frustrating to me. Then the phone I got him, he would rather have my old cellphone than a brand new just for him phone. Of course I set it up with a new child's google account for him, and it won't let him use regular Youtube. Only the kids version, which makes me wonder if that's the version he should have been using for everything. And makes me really angry. Ungrateful child.
I think it's typical really, he doesn't seem to appreciate anything that he has, from the stuff to the trips we've been on. I don't know that I can fix it, or teach it. I'm at a loss and it just really upsets me. I get that he is a child, and children are, by nature, selfish. But he fails to show much empathy or consideration. I know it's part of why he's had such difficulty in school, getting along with others. He is spoiled, gets everything he asks for or wants. Even a chromebook for school. He asked for it, I said no. He asked my mom, and my dad bought him one for Christmas. Why? I have no idea, they have them in the classroom so I don't know why he feels he needs his own. I'm sure it will get lost/broken/stolen.
My parents got a person to help me with my clutter for Christmas. So she came last week to evaluate my spaces and stuff, and she'll be coming for two days over the holidays to help me get rid of as much as possible. I hope it will make a big difference. A lot of the stuff is Jackson's toys, which he won't really have much say over. I would like him to help with two buckets of toys but otherwise I will make the decisions. She was very excited, and energetic and told me I have great space. I hope it will feel better once she's done. And set me up for an easy move next year. Maybe I will hire her to come help me set up the house once I'm moved in.
Now I need to figure out what to do with this stupid phone, it's a good freaking phone, 3 day battery life, nice big screen, good for videos and calls, he doesn't like that it doesn't have a button, well no kidding, they don't have those any more! Even my new one doesn't have that. I just don't know. I guess he's been spoiled for too long. Getting him the phone in the first place probably didn't help. But I can get rid of the home line again.
I wish I hadn't spent so much over the past few months, though I don't feel like I've overspent. I did increase how much I spend on the pets, they are eating better food and it shows. But it means I can't do the March Break cruise I had booked, and that makes me sad. I understand, and it does come down to the choices I've made, but I still wish I could afford to do it. The itinerary is just so nice, and it would be so fun. We'll have to wait until December 2020.
I got the new job, I start late January. The commute and parking will suck, but the job itself should be fun and I'll be around my friends more which will be good for me I hope. My current job has been frustrating and I am very tired of it. I look forward to moving on. Hopefully the new one works out! But if not I'll be back where I know more people and I'm sure will have the chance to move around if I seek it.
Today I let him go out with a friend most of the day and then open his present from my parents and one from me. He got a video game he's wanted. He set it up, really excited, and of course it was hard so he lost his temper and wants to sell it. Very frustrating to me. Then the phone I got him, he would rather have my old cellphone than a brand new just for him phone. Of course I set it up with a new child's google account for him, and it won't let him use regular Youtube. Only the kids version, which makes me wonder if that's the version he should have been using for everything. And makes me really angry. Ungrateful child.
I think it's typical really, he doesn't seem to appreciate anything that he has, from the stuff to the trips we've been on. I don't know that I can fix it, or teach it. I'm at a loss and it just really upsets me. I get that he is a child, and children are, by nature, selfish. But he fails to show much empathy or consideration. I know it's part of why he's had such difficulty in school, getting along with others. He is spoiled, gets everything he asks for or wants. Even a chromebook for school. He asked for it, I said no. He asked my mom, and my dad bought him one for Christmas. Why? I have no idea, they have them in the classroom so I don't know why he feels he needs his own. I'm sure it will get lost/broken/stolen.
My parents got a person to help me with my clutter for Christmas. So she came last week to evaluate my spaces and stuff, and she'll be coming for two days over the holidays to help me get rid of as much as possible. I hope it will make a big difference. A lot of the stuff is Jackson's toys, which he won't really have much say over. I would like him to help with two buckets of toys but otherwise I will make the decisions. She was very excited, and energetic and told me I have great space. I hope it will feel better once she's done. And set me up for an easy move next year. Maybe I will hire her to come help me set up the house once I'm moved in.
Now I need to figure out what to do with this stupid phone, it's a good freaking phone, 3 day battery life, nice big screen, good for videos and calls, he doesn't like that it doesn't have a button, well no kidding, they don't have those any more! Even my new one doesn't have that. I just don't know. I guess he's been spoiled for too long. Getting him the phone in the first place probably didn't help. But I can get rid of the home line again.
I wish I hadn't spent so much over the past few months, though I don't feel like I've overspent. I did increase how much I spend on the pets, they are eating better food and it shows. But it means I can't do the March Break cruise I had booked, and that makes me sad. I understand, and it does come down to the choices I've made, but I still wish I could afford to do it. The itinerary is just so nice, and it would be so fun. We'll have to wait until December 2020.
I got the new job, I start late January. The commute and parking will suck, but the job itself should be fun and I'll be around my friends more which will be good for me I hope. My current job has been frustrating and I am very tired of it. I look forward to moving on. Hopefully the new one works out! But if not I'll be back where I know more people and I'm sure will have the chance to move around if I seek it.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Winter season and holidays
Winter arrived, then went away a bit. It's cold but we had some rain so all the snow melted. Phew! I am not a cold and snow kind of person, which is strange I'm sure, since I live in Canada after all. Winter of course, means Jackson's birthday party and soon after that Christmas. Which means so much money to spend.
He wanted to see the new Star Wars for his party but they don't do parties over the holidays so we settled on Swimming. It was less expensive than some choices, and I was able to book the date/time that works. He's invited 6 friends, there is room for one more but he'd better decide soon if he wants to add someone. My sister makes the cake, star wars themed of course. I have to get some loot bags or something, and provide some snacks. More money to spend. This time of year is often a struggle with money, especially as Jackson has gotten older and wants less toys and more tech.
This year he wants a laptop, and a cellphone with a data plan. He hasn't decided what to ask Santa for. Yes he still believes. And he is also worried that he'll end up with coal since he's "bad". I am not entirely sure how to proceed, I don't think he is a bad kid, he has some problems of course but in general he does try so hard. And we have been doing a lot better lately as well. My parents gave him their old ipad, with a kid proof case, and so I at least get my lap top back. Though he still wants to use it to play his games. But for now, it is going to help.
I got him a weighted blanket, which I hope will help with sleep, and make life a bit easier in that regard. I had planned to get him a new Xbox controller but I think my parents are doing that to go with the new game they got him as well.
For me, my parents want to pay someone to help me declutter and clean the house. I admit, it gets overwhelming. I am terrible at house work and keeping things neat, I tend to keep some things far longer than I should. I did some work today, cleaning a few things out and ready to recycle on Tuesday. Everything still needs work though, and we need to make room for the tree soon. Probably for next weekend. Not as much to do this year as last for that though, just the recycling I packed up today and somewhere to put the exercise bike. Perhaps that will go down to the basement.
Given how terrible I seem to be at money and cleaning, my desire to expand my family is probably pretty stupid. How would I manage? I admit, the last house was easier to keep neater with the wood floors, much easier to clean. I miss my robot vacuum but it broke and isn't worth it to try and repair. The choppy layout here makes it hard to use that any way. Perhaps it would work in the new place when we get to move next year. At least I hope we get to move next year! I should have saved more I guess, but we have enjoyed travelling. Which we will be doing much less of going forward.
Work is still frustrating. I have an interview on Tuesday for a new position but I'm not sure I am interested. I will talk to the hiring manager and see what it's about and how flexible they are on a few things. Otherwise I will stay where I am through winter at least. I would enjoy what I do if people would actually do their jobs and I didn't feel like I am babysitting them all. Including my boss. If only I was bilingual, I could be the boss. I don't speak french and don't feel like I can learn it, even the language training they would send me on is a year and you can't take vacations or anything. That's hard with a young kid. He is almost 10 now, but still can't stay home alone for any length of time.
2019 is winding down, the year has been interesting. Summer was really good and our Disney trip was awesome. but I wonder if I should have saved that money and done something else with it instead. I got a new car, and it is so awesome. I have spent a lot of time stressed, and it is wearing on me. Jackson has struggled but we seem to be doing better and I hope that continues to improve. I hope that 2020 will be an amazing year and am trying to get us settled to a point where it should be smooth sailing.
He wanted to see the new Star Wars for his party but they don't do parties over the holidays so we settled on Swimming. It was less expensive than some choices, and I was able to book the date/time that works. He's invited 6 friends, there is room for one more but he'd better decide soon if he wants to add someone. My sister makes the cake, star wars themed of course. I have to get some loot bags or something, and provide some snacks. More money to spend. This time of year is often a struggle with money, especially as Jackson has gotten older and wants less toys and more tech.
This year he wants a laptop, and a cellphone with a data plan. He hasn't decided what to ask Santa for. Yes he still believes. And he is also worried that he'll end up with coal since he's "bad". I am not entirely sure how to proceed, I don't think he is a bad kid, he has some problems of course but in general he does try so hard. And we have been doing a lot better lately as well. My parents gave him their old ipad, with a kid proof case, and so I at least get my lap top back. Though he still wants to use it to play his games. But for now, it is going to help.
I got him a weighted blanket, which I hope will help with sleep, and make life a bit easier in that regard. I had planned to get him a new Xbox controller but I think my parents are doing that to go with the new game they got him as well.
For me, my parents want to pay someone to help me declutter and clean the house. I admit, it gets overwhelming. I am terrible at house work and keeping things neat, I tend to keep some things far longer than I should. I did some work today, cleaning a few things out and ready to recycle on Tuesday. Everything still needs work though, and we need to make room for the tree soon. Probably for next weekend. Not as much to do this year as last for that though, just the recycling I packed up today and somewhere to put the exercise bike. Perhaps that will go down to the basement.
Given how terrible I seem to be at money and cleaning, my desire to expand my family is probably pretty stupid. How would I manage? I admit, the last house was easier to keep neater with the wood floors, much easier to clean. I miss my robot vacuum but it broke and isn't worth it to try and repair. The choppy layout here makes it hard to use that any way. Perhaps it would work in the new place when we get to move next year. At least I hope we get to move next year! I should have saved more I guess, but we have enjoyed travelling. Which we will be doing much less of going forward.
Work is still frustrating. I have an interview on Tuesday for a new position but I'm not sure I am interested. I will talk to the hiring manager and see what it's about and how flexible they are on a few things. Otherwise I will stay where I am through winter at least. I would enjoy what I do if people would actually do their jobs and I didn't feel like I am babysitting them all. Including my boss. If only I was bilingual, I could be the boss. I don't speak french and don't feel like I can learn it, even the language training they would send me on is a year and you can't take vacations or anything. That's hard with a young kid. He is almost 10 now, but still can't stay home alone for any length of time.
2019 is winding down, the year has been interesting. Summer was really good and our Disney trip was awesome. but I wonder if I should have saved that money and done something else with it instead. I got a new car, and it is so awesome. I have spent a lot of time stressed, and it is wearing on me. Jackson has struggled but we seem to be doing better and I hope that continues to improve. I hope that 2020 will be an amazing year and am trying to get us settled to a point where it should be smooth sailing.
Monday, November 11, 2019
Winter already?
What is with the weather? A snow storm already, why is it starting so early??? I just do not like winter and snow. Yet I am Canadian, I mean we live in this. I have been here 44 years, I should be used to it! But wow this seems early. I don't know what I am going to do to get through this. I have a hard time going out and even walking in the snow. I don't ski, I don't skate. It will be hard to keep us busy and hopefully active. I hope the roads are ok by morning, or the commute will be terrible and I have a meeting in the afternoon that I need to be at work for. At least it's a short week, only 3 days to get through. But then it's full weeks until Christmas! Ugh again. I may need to take a day off to do my Christmas shopping, sometime in mid-December I guess.
Jackson really wanted a Star Wars birthday with the new movie, but the theatres don't do parties over the holidays so we can't. He's sad. I'm sad. But we'll go see it together. I will get us tickets soon. It will give us something to do over the two weeks off. It meant a back up plan for the party, so we are looking at swimming again. At least he likes to swim and everything. So hopefully that will be fun? It's about the same cost, and same number of kids. If we had a nicer, cleaner, more organized home it would be possible to do a movie party with coming back for cake I guess. But that's not an option this year at least. Maybe if we move.
I wish we could go on a trip this winter. I'm not sure how well I will survive it. I am trying to hold on to the thought of moving, thoughts of having another baby, but what I really want is a cruise and beaches. That's a "right now" kind of thought I guess. What the kid wants, a cell phone with a plan and a new computer. Since he's been using mine, he broke his table, I kind of wish he had his own as well. At least then I wouldn't be spending so much time in the basement. Though the cats are happy about that, they like to play with their toys without the dog trying to get in on the action. He's been playing a lot of fetch in the house, which he seems to love. We thought we lost his ball but found it. Now we have a back up since I bought a new one just in case.
We are going to my parents this weekend, need to stop and get kiddo's new passport photos done as well. Might as well get that sorted. It's hard to believe it was 5 years ago we got his first passport and were getting ready for our first trip. It sparked a love of cruising and Disney. One that I hope we can enjoy many more times.
Jackson really wanted a Star Wars birthday with the new movie, but the theatres don't do parties over the holidays so we can't. He's sad. I'm sad. But we'll go see it together. I will get us tickets soon. It will give us something to do over the two weeks off. It meant a back up plan for the party, so we are looking at swimming again. At least he likes to swim and everything. So hopefully that will be fun? It's about the same cost, and same number of kids. If we had a nicer, cleaner, more organized home it would be possible to do a movie party with coming back for cake I guess. But that's not an option this year at least. Maybe if we move.
I wish we could go on a trip this winter. I'm not sure how well I will survive it. I am trying to hold on to the thought of moving, thoughts of having another baby, but what I really want is a cruise and beaches. That's a "right now" kind of thought I guess. What the kid wants, a cell phone with a plan and a new computer. Since he's been using mine, he broke his table, I kind of wish he had his own as well. At least then I wouldn't be spending so much time in the basement. Though the cats are happy about that, they like to play with their toys without the dog trying to get in on the action. He's been playing a lot of fetch in the house, which he seems to love. We thought we lost his ball but found it. Now we have a back up since I bought a new one just in case.
We are going to my parents this weekend, need to stop and get kiddo's new passport photos done as well. Might as well get that sorted. It's hard to believe it was 5 years ago we got his first passport and were getting ready for our first trip. It sparked a love of cruising and Disney. One that I hope we can enjoy many more times.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
That time of year
Looking back over the past few years, it seems this is the time of year when I write about how much I wish I'd had another baby. And once again I am feeling it. Why didn't I do this when Jackson was two or three? Why didn't I do it at 41 when I started the process? Fear? Probably. Every step I run into fear. I get scared of the unknown, of how much work it would be, how much money it would cost. I feel like I sabotage any chance of moving forward. I choose vacations and travel over trying. Trips are easy to plan, trying for a baby is hard and full of unknowns. Full of possible disappointment. With Jackson it was easy, it was a decision but not, if it happened great but if not, it was ok.
And now I am 44. And Jackson is almost 10. We were talking about how things would be if he had a baby brother. He said he really wanted to have one. But he wants me to have a baby in December like his birthday, and NOW. And then he got upset he didn't already have a baby brother, not a baby sister. The past couple years have been difficult as we have been working through everything at school. The problems he has had, some other stuff too. The fact I still have to sit with him every night until he falls asleep. How would I manage that with a baby? I am just getting to a point where I stay up past 10, it leaves me exhausted a lot of the time, but I hate having to go to bed at the same time as him or shortly after, leaves me no time to myself. Which I do like. And a baby would impact that as well. It makes sense for us to stay as a family of two. But my heart aches. I have regrets. I feel I have made the wrong choices. Even though every trip has been amazing and fun and so worth it in the moment. The memories, some of the moments on the trips, those have been amazing.
I do feel I've made some poor choices along the way. Even now, I want to move to a newer place, still rent, but it'll cost me so much more, and the place is smaller, with no back yard, though I am terrible at yard work any way. Financially, should I? Probably not. But purchasing a home has gone way up and is out of reach. Homes have increased by $100K over the past few years. It is crazy, my salary hasn't gone up that much! And, as happens when I run into baby fever, I then put all that longing into getting a new pet, so when we move, I want to get another cat. Because 3 cats and a dog just isn't enough! Right? Ha!
The problem with having a baby is it's donor eggs and sperm, and the cost. Over $20K for one lot of eggs/sperm with one FET. Less than I've spent on all our trips combined, but way more than I have access to right now. And getting it? Will take at least a year, which puts me at 45 and makes it harder to do everything. So what do I do? Stick with letting it go, even though I can't (and should talk to someone I guess) or try, and work on my weight, keto diet?, and saving. Which means no trips. But I really want a trip. So am I deflecting my desires? Trying to push the regret away by focusing on a trip, moving, a kitten? And of course also trying to focus on connecting with Jackson, maintaining that and trying to work on it more.
I finally managed to get him a prescription for therapy, but can't convince him to go. I guess I need to get one for myself as well and actually follow through for myself.
As much as I wanted to attempt to adopt, the more I look into it, the more concerned I become. I have my hands full with Jackson's problems, it tries me as a parent. I am not sure I can handle another kid with issues like his, or worse, and that is a concern with adoption.
So here we are, the night before Halloween, and it's supposed to be a rainy one. October almost over, 2019 almost over. And I wish I had a bigger family, and regret my lost chances and the choices I have made. They were my choices, and I live with them.
And now I am 44. And Jackson is almost 10. We were talking about how things would be if he had a baby brother. He said he really wanted to have one. But he wants me to have a baby in December like his birthday, and NOW. And then he got upset he didn't already have a baby brother, not a baby sister. The past couple years have been difficult as we have been working through everything at school. The problems he has had, some other stuff too. The fact I still have to sit with him every night until he falls asleep. How would I manage that with a baby? I am just getting to a point where I stay up past 10, it leaves me exhausted a lot of the time, but I hate having to go to bed at the same time as him or shortly after, leaves me no time to myself. Which I do like. And a baby would impact that as well. It makes sense for us to stay as a family of two. But my heart aches. I have regrets. I feel I have made the wrong choices. Even though every trip has been amazing and fun and so worth it in the moment. The memories, some of the moments on the trips, those have been amazing.
I do feel I've made some poor choices along the way. Even now, I want to move to a newer place, still rent, but it'll cost me so much more, and the place is smaller, with no back yard, though I am terrible at yard work any way. Financially, should I? Probably not. But purchasing a home has gone way up and is out of reach. Homes have increased by $100K over the past few years. It is crazy, my salary hasn't gone up that much! And, as happens when I run into baby fever, I then put all that longing into getting a new pet, so when we move, I want to get another cat. Because 3 cats and a dog just isn't enough! Right? Ha!
The problem with having a baby is it's donor eggs and sperm, and the cost. Over $20K for one lot of eggs/sperm with one FET. Less than I've spent on all our trips combined, but way more than I have access to right now. And getting it? Will take at least a year, which puts me at 45 and makes it harder to do everything. So what do I do? Stick with letting it go, even though I can't (and should talk to someone I guess) or try, and work on my weight, keto diet?, and saving. Which means no trips. But I really want a trip. So am I deflecting my desires? Trying to push the regret away by focusing on a trip, moving, a kitten? And of course also trying to focus on connecting with Jackson, maintaining that and trying to work on it more.
I finally managed to get him a prescription for therapy, but can't convince him to go. I guess I need to get one for myself as well and actually follow through for myself.
As much as I wanted to attempt to adopt, the more I look into it, the more concerned I become. I have my hands full with Jackson's problems, it tries me as a parent. I am not sure I can handle another kid with issues like his, or worse, and that is a concern with adoption.
So here we are, the night before Halloween, and it's supposed to be a rainy one. October almost over, 2019 almost over. And I wish I had a bigger family, and regret my lost chances and the choices I have made. They were my choices, and I live with them.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Same old
Got a call from the school last week. Jackson has been having a hard time with one of his teachers. He was mean to her and she reported it, which led to the principal calling me to arrange for me to come in and chat. I did that on Friday. Apparently he's been acting out, again, but no one thought to let me know for a month. Which contradicts what I was told on the phone, that he was doing well this year. I know the resource teacher was not in, so I wasn't able to check in with her when he told me he wanted a new teacher, and to not go at all. I wonder if we will go through this every year now? It reminds me of how he was with one of his teachers last year, he hated her at the start, but by the end of the year he was sad to see her leave the school. So somehow she managed to connect with him.
I get it, he's hard to get connected to, he has strong opinions and will call you on anything he feels is unfair. But he gets loud, and the language! He apparently scares the other kids, and the teachers. What can I do about that? I can't force him to respect them. Sure, kids are supposed to, but he is not the kid who does so blindly and you'd better give him a reason to. And if you let him push, he will knock you down.
He has not (yet) missed any school for this though. He is still going to morning daycare, dropped off at 7:30, I work 8 to 4, and he gets home around 4. Unless he goes to play with a friend after school. He wants a real cellphone for this. I've said no. He has my really old s4, which has no plan associated to it, and the battery is dead, doesn't last a full 8 hours. I am considering options. I want to upgrade mine to an s10, and perhaps I will get him a pay as you go plan. There is one through my provider that is good for a year, has 3GB data (for the year), unlimited evening and weekends, plus some minutes for during the day, and I think unlimited texting. He'd have to earn more data, or just not really use that, and use the wifi at home. I'm considering. It would be a Christmas gift I think. So I have time to consider it.
We are taking him to the doctor on Tuesday for his sore feet. They are the bane of bedtime, sore feet, can't sleep, rather thrash around and scream. I lost it on him, cannot handle the screeching. I made him the appointment to miss the least amount of work and school. Then I tried to find solutions (again). And see magnesium may help. I know it helps one calm down, and help fall asleep. Also read it can help with muscle pain and soreness. So. I found him a liquid version and he takes 200 mg about 2 hours before bedtime. Seems to help, sort of? Maybe it's all a placebo but between that and the melatonin, he at least falls asleep better than he was. We will ask the doctor about it, and I also hope to get a referral or prescription for physiologist. Though Jackson will refuse to go.
Also working on connecting with him more. We play board games in the evening, his choice of game. And I try and get him talking more. We are also watching shows together, instead of him watching Youtube. Gives us things to talk about. I look forward to some new shows starting, and the new streaming services that are coming as well. But I am trying to give more compliments, and just generally talk more.
I am still hoping to move in the spring/summer. Not sure exactly where. The new places by his school are very nice, and will be brand new (still being built, not occupied yet). But there are some other places that would be nice as well, I think. Not sure. Perhaps closer to work, or to more work locations? But he doesn't want to change schools and have to make new friends. He would not miss his teachers, though I do wonder if a change would be good. I suspect things would follow him to a new school. Some of the places I've been looking at have pools, dog parks. As long as they have in suite laundry and air conditioning, covered parking, I'm good. Covered parking is, I guess, a nice to have. But laundry is a must have. I'm not using coin, shared machines.
Fall has arrived, the weather is a bit cooler. I guess I'll need to get him pants soon, and snow gear before too long. October, money should improve, or be a disaster. One or the other. My parents bought him a costume for halloween. At least that is taken care of. I will need new boots this year too, my old ones were getting leaky by the end of last year. Mine at least are less expensive. His will probably cost a fortune and only be good for one year.
Summer seemed to hardly last. It was nice but time seems to move very fast. Jackson is almost 10, I am creeping up on 45, and life is not how I thought it would be. I guess it never really is. And it isn't bad per se, just not what I expected. We play the game of life sometimes and I like when my little peg gets to have children fill the car. I wish I had more, but age, money and my health, and my kiddos problems, have hindered that and I have (mostly) accepted it. We have no trip planned for this winter, or at least not one I expect we can afford. I am going to focus on moving, and then we'll see about next winter.
I get it, he's hard to get connected to, he has strong opinions and will call you on anything he feels is unfair. But he gets loud, and the language! He apparently scares the other kids, and the teachers. What can I do about that? I can't force him to respect them. Sure, kids are supposed to, but he is not the kid who does so blindly and you'd better give him a reason to. And if you let him push, he will knock you down.
He has not (yet) missed any school for this though. He is still going to morning daycare, dropped off at 7:30, I work 8 to 4, and he gets home around 4. Unless he goes to play with a friend after school. He wants a real cellphone for this. I've said no. He has my really old s4, which has no plan associated to it, and the battery is dead, doesn't last a full 8 hours. I am considering options. I want to upgrade mine to an s10, and perhaps I will get him a pay as you go plan. There is one through my provider that is good for a year, has 3GB data (for the year), unlimited evening and weekends, plus some minutes for during the day, and I think unlimited texting. He'd have to earn more data, or just not really use that, and use the wifi at home. I'm considering. It would be a Christmas gift I think. So I have time to consider it.
We are taking him to the doctor on Tuesday for his sore feet. They are the bane of bedtime, sore feet, can't sleep, rather thrash around and scream. I lost it on him, cannot handle the screeching. I made him the appointment to miss the least amount of work and school. Then I tried to find solutions (again). And see magnesium may help. I know it helps one calm down, and help fall asleep. Also read it can help with muscle pain and soreness. So. I found him a liquid version and he takes 200 mg about 2 hours before bedtime. Seems to help, sort of? Maybe it's all a placebo but between that and the melatonin, he at least falls asleep better than he was. We will ask the doctor about it, and I also hope to get a referral or prescription for physiologist. Though Jackson will refuse to go.
Also working on connecting with him more. We play board games in the evening, his choice of game. And I try and get him talking more. We are also watching shows together, instead of him watching Youtube. Gives us things to talk about. I look forward to some new shows starting, and the new streaming services that are coming as well. But I am trying to give more compliments, and just generally talk more.
I am still hoping to move in the spring/summer. Not sure exactly where. The new places by his school are very nice, and will be brand new (still being built, not occupied yet). But there are some other places that would be nice as well, I think. Not sure. Perhaps closer to work, or to more work locations? But he doesn't want to change schools and have to make new friends. He would not miss his teachers, though I do wonder if a change would be good. I suspect things would follow him to a new school. Some of the places I've been looking at have pools, dog parks. As long as they have in suite laundry and air conditioning, covered parking, I'm good. Covered parking is, I guess, a nice to have. But laundry is a must have. I'm not using coin, shared machines.
Fall has arrived, the weather is a bit cooler. I guess I'll need to get him pants soon, and snow gear before too long. October, money should improve, or be a disaster. One or the other. My parents bought him a costume for halloween. At least that is taken care of. I will need new boots this year too, my old ones were getting leaky by the end of last year. Mine at least are less expensive. His will probably cost a fortune and only be good for one year.
Summer seemed to hardly last. It was nice but time seems to move very fast. Jackson is almost 10, I am creeping up on 45, and life is not how I thought it would be. I guess it never really is. And it isn't bad per se, just not what I expected. We play the game of life sometimes and I like when my little peg gets to have children fill the car. I wish I had more, but age, money and my health, and my kiddos problems, have hindered that and I have (mostly) accepted it. We have no trip planned for this winter, or at least not one I expect we can afford. I am going to focus on moving, and then we'll see about next winter.
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Summer Disney 2019 Trip
We are home. We flew to Disney on Aug 24 and home yesterday. Kiddo is not good at flying, he threw up before we even got on the planes. But his ears only hurt on the way there so I guess that's better? He just gets very anxious and boom... He does it whether he eats or not, and prefers not to so there is nothing really to throw up. The flights were pretty good otherwise, just about 3 hours, he napped, I read. I could have watched a movie but my headphones never work properly.
We had a blast! We stayed at the All-Star Movies and were close to Music. We normally took buses back to Music as it was closer to the room. We went to all the parks, including water parks. We did all the rides, I think we maybe missed one or two that we had no interest in doing. We got to try a few we'd never done before, and we also got to check out the new Galaxy's Edge. Which was fine. We built a droid that was fun. We got a BB unit and he's a little hard to control, Jackson wants to get an R2 unit next time, we'll see! They are not cheap, especially when you factor in the exchange rate. I guess we'll see :-)
We had the quick service dining plan and while I'm not positive it was worth it, we did take advantage and it was less annoying for me when he didn't actually like what he got. He also ate a few adult meals, even though we paid kid prices for his plan. He finally found a fountain drink he likes. I think we didn't drink enough most days, but it was so nice to not carry a bunch of stuff around. We shared a few meals and didn't really spend anything on food except for one sit down meal, which wasn't very good to be honest. I think next time we will stick with the counter service meals.
I have sore feet, tired legs and oh my there was a lot of laundry from the trip! It was very hot down in Florida so we got very sweaty. And wet, it rained on us a few times. There were also a few rides that got us wet. I managed to get a bad sunburn on my face on Tuesday at the water park, it's still red and peeling, but that was the only burn so I guess that's ok.
We both felt like the trip was over super fast. We think maybe next time we'd want to do 2 weeks and take it slower. But I guess we'll see how that goes :-)
Not sure when our next trip will be, we have a cruise booked over March Break but with everything else I want to do I am not sure we'll go. Perhaps we'll do an all-inclusive this winter instead. Otherwise we have another cruise booked for December 2020 and I want to do that one for sure. Since we will probably be moving next fall, it will get expensive. The new place will require some different furniture and things. I also need a new fitbit since my broke when we got on the plane to come home. At least it survived the trip!
Jackson starts Grade 5 in a few days, he has 3 teachers from what I can tell. Hopefully he will like them, two are new to the school. He has his first male teacher. Fingers crossed for a better year.
I'll need to figure out work as well, my boss is still off (she took 5 weeks and added 3 more). I need to decide if I want to stay where I am, or change positions and move somewhere else. I'd like to be able to have more flexibility in my hours and days off. I'd like to have a more understanding boss and do something I enjoy. I go back to work Thursday, and I'll need to make some decisions then I guess.
We had a blast! We stayed at the All-Star Movies and were close to Music. We normally took buses back to Music as it was closer to the room. We went to all the parks, including water parks. We did all the rides, I think we maybe missed one or two that we had no interest in doing. We got to try a few we'd never done before, and we also got to check out the new Galaxy's Edge. Which was fine. We built a droid that was fun. We got a BB unit and he's a little hard to control, Jackson wants to get an R2 unit next time, we'll see! They are not cheap, especially when you factor in the exchange rate. I guess we'll see :-)
We had the quick service dining plan and while I'm not positive it was worth it, we did take advantage and it was less annoying for me when he didn't actually like what he got. He also ate a few adult meals, even though we paid kid prices for his plan. He finally found a fountain drink he likes. I think we didn't drink enough most days, but it was so nice to not carry a bunch of stuff around. We shared a few meals and didn't really spend anything on food except for one sit down meal, which wasn't very good to be honest. I think next time we will stick with the counter service meals.
I have sore feet, tired legs and oh my there was a lot of laundry from the trip! It was very hot down in Florida so we got very sweaty. And wet, it rained on us a few times. There were also a few rides that got us wet. I managed to get a bad sunburn on my face on Tuesday at the water park, it's still red and peeling, but that was the only burn so I guess that's ok.
We both felt like the trip was over super fast. We think maybe next time we'd want to do 2 weeks and take it slower. But I guess we'll see how that goes :-)
Not sure when our next trip will be, we have a cruise booked over March Break but with everything else I want to do I am not sure we'll go. Perhaps we'll do an all-inclusive this winter instead. Otherwise we have another cruise booked for December 2020 and I want to do that one for sure. Since we will probably be moving next fall, it will get expensive. The new place will require some different furniture and things. I also need a new fitbit since my broke when we got on the plane to come home. At least it survived the trip!
Jackson starts Grade 5 in a few days, he has 3 teachers from what I can tell. Hopefully he will like them, two are new to the school. He has his first male teacher. Fingers crossed for a better year.
I'll need to figure out work as well, my boss is still off (she took 5 weeks and added 3 more). I need to decide if I want to stay where I am, or change positions and move somewhere else. I'd like to be able to have more flexibility in my hours and days off. I'd like to have a more understanding boss and do something I enjoy. I go back to work Thursday, and I'll need to make some decisions then I guess.
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