We had an interesting week. It was a little rough in spots, when the internet shuts off and Jackson feels he should still be able to use it. I have left him his iPad for the most part, with a shut off before bed. We had a few good days. In particular Wednesday was great. We had to go boot shopping, which was fun, we went all over the place and ended up at a mall where we had dinner and then tried on more boots. Finally got a nice pair, cost more than I wanted. But on the way home we had a good talk, and he said he thought maybe he shouldn't play on the xbox during the week. He was good about that, and only played today.
As soon as he turned it on, it was like he was back in that rage explosion. He was rude, and again with the language. It's the xbox then. He was agreeable to only using it on the weekend, though I'm not sure how long that will last. I will have to set a stronger limit on it, because it really is detrimental to his well being, and my own sanity.
Parent teacher interviews were ok. They are trying to help him, which is good to see, but I'm not sure the methods will really help. He doesn't really respond to sticker chart style rewards. And he doesn't always understand why he's in trouble for things. I have a bit of a plan for it, and read a really good book that has steps to help. I will be following that plan and working with him to problem solve and try to figure out how to stop the explosions.
We chatted today a bit about having a sibling. I asked him if he'd be ok with no trips for a few years if we had a baby in the house. He was not ok with that idea. He seems to think we won't be able to afford to eat (which is silly) and he wouldn't get time to play his xbox (which is being cut back any way) or I'd be too busy paying attention to the baby to have time for him. Of course it isn't his decision but knowing his fears I can perhaps help to allay them. And of course there is the cost to figure out any way. It's expensive to do double donor. I'm not sure I'll be able to afford it. Not that I can afford a trip for awhile any way, but they are cheaper than this method of having a baby.
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Monday, November 12, 2018
The social worker
Jackson has been having difficulty in school. Not with learning, he is very smart, but with the social/emotional aspects of it. He is behind in those it seems. So he rages at the slightest insult, perceiving it to be much greater than it is. Because he can't decompress, each issue is compounded. And he brings it home. The words that come out of his mouth... I haven't heard such language from adults, let alone an 8-year-old. I talked to the vice principal, she explained their plans to help him, and also that they could set me up to speak with their social worker, who could also speak to him if needed. I took them up on it and today we met.
It was 90 minutes of me talking (and crying, because I am a cryer). Going over everything, from his conception to his birth, to how he was as a baby, and even potty training. She listened, asked a lot of questions, I hope I gave her all the information. Then she made some recommendations.
First is to follow up with the family doctor to see about testing for ADHD, depression and/or anxiety issues.I messages the doctor's office to see if they want to meet with me, him, both or what to get that started.
I'm supposed to talk to my EAP and find out what is covered and seek a psych-ed assessment. I will start that at work tomorrow. I also wanted to check what my insurance coverage is for psychologists and see if I need a referral first (we do).
She recommended a place in Ottawa that specializes in children with possible mental health issues, to help us learn collaborative ways to problem solve. That's free, I think I can call and talk to someone or we can go to a drop in time. We'll see first what happens with the doctor and EAP.
She gave me the names of some places I can go to talk to for support since she thinks I'm carrying all the guilt. I think those are free as well. But again, will wait to talk to EAP first.
She recommends a babysitter so I can go out sometimes. That's hard. We have a crazy puppy, the house is not at a point I'd want other people in it, to be honest I hate it myself and find it hard to keep everything sorted. Work in progress. Drives me nuts. We'll see how that goes!
She recommends Jackson be involved in a community activity. The problem there is he only wants to play hockey and it's expensive, so we need something else. I suggested swimming since he was so good at it. I wish he'd try again.
She recommended two books. One I can find and the other I cannot. So I'll start with the one I can find, I will get it on kindle Wednesday (pay day) as the waiting list at the library seems really long.
And she says to limit technology. None allowed in his room (he's up there now watching YouTube on his iPad) and none after 7 pm. That will be a big fight. He currently uses it to self calm before bed. We will have to go back to me staying with him while he falls asleep, starting it earlier, and for sure it will be a process. I may get him to take some melatonin before bed, at least for the first few days to help him calm his mind and hopefully sleep. Earlier bed time.
We have two "problems" that I can see at the moment, his refusal to go to daycare/school and his language/temper tantrums at home. I showed him the times that could work, explaining that I need to work a certain number of hours in the day, unfortunately he is not old enough to be home alone for long periods of time, so his choices are daycare before school and walk home after, daycare before and after but for shorter times, or daycare after and on PD days. He wants to go with what we are currently doing, but he doesn't like it. Well I don't like going to work either but sadly we all have to do things we don't like sometimes. Hopefully we can get through that bit!
I'll have a follow up phone call in 4 weeks, right after his birthday, and hopefully things will be improving, at home and at school. He had a note today that he needed to write two apology notes and he'd know why and to whom. I made him do it. He wasn't happy and will not tell me what all happened. I also got a text from the mom of a boy he walks home with that Jackson pushed him off the side walk into the street. Now first of all the other boy plays football and I'm sure weighs twice as much as Jackson. But that's fine, we spoke about it as I was outside going to check the mail when he got home and he was crying. He told me the two boys he was walking with were teasing him and wouldn't stop. The other boy's mom was with them and apparently got mad at Jackson as well, didn't seem to care that her son was calling him names. I told Jackson to avoid walking with them if he can. I know they go the same way he does so it's hard. And yes he needs to learn to ignore these things, but he's not there yet. So it goes.
I guess I need a "self care" plan as well... what can I do for myself to get through this? I'm not even sure to be honest. I know exercise, eating better, sleep should all be top of the list... we'll see!
It was 90 minutes of me talking (and crying, because I am a cryer). Going over everything, from his conception to his birth, to how he was as a baby, and even potty training. She listened, asked a lot of questions, I hope I gave her all the information. Then she made some recommendations.
First is to follow up with the family doctor to see about testing for ADHD, depression and/or anxiety issues.I messages the doctor's office to see if they want to meet with me, him, both or what to get that started.
I'm supposed to talk to my EAP and find out what is covered and seek a psych-ed assessment. I will start that at work tomorrow. I also wanted to check what my insurance coverage is for psychologists and see if I need a referral first (we do).
She recommended a place in Ottawa that specializes in children with possible mental health issues, to help us learn collaborative ways to problem solve. That's free, I think I can call and talk to someone or we can go to a drop in time. We'll see first what happens with the doctor and EAP.
She gave me the names of some places I can go to talk to for support since she thinks I'm carrying all the guilt. I think those are free as well. But again, will wait to talk to EAP first.
She recommends a babysitter so I can go out sometimes. That's hard. We have a crazy puppy, the house is not at a point I'd want other people in it, to be honest I hate it myself and find it hard to keep everything sorted. Work in progress. Drives me nuts. We'll see how that goes!
She recommends Jackson be involved in a community activity. The problem there is he only wants to play hockey and it's expensive, so we need something else. I suggested swimming since he was so good at it. I wish he'd try again.
She recommended two books. One I can find and the other I cannot. So I'll start with the one I can find, I will get it on kindle Wednesday (pay day) as the waiting list at the library seems really long.
And she says to limit technology. None allowed in his room (he's up there now watching YouTube on his iPad) and none after 7 pm. That will be a big fight. He currently uses it to self calm before bed. We will have to go back to me staying with him while he falls asleep, starting it earlier, and for sure it will be a process. I may get him to take some melatonin before bed, at least for the first few days to help him calm his mind and hopefully sleep. Earlier bed time.
We have two "problems" that I can see at the moment, his refusal to go to daycare/school and his language/temper tantrums at home. I showed him the times that could work, explaining that I need to work a certain number of hours in the day, unfortunately he is not old enough to be home alone for long periods of time, so his choices are daycare before school and walk home after, daycare before and after but for shorter times, or daycare after and on PD days. He wants to go with what we are currently doing, but he doesn't like it. Well I don't like going to work either but sadly we all have to do things we don't like sometimes. Hopefully we can get through that bit!
I'll have a follow up phone call in 4 weeks, right after his birthday, and hopefully things will be improving, at home and at school. He had a note today that he needed to write two apology notes and he'd know why and to whom. I made him do it. He wasn't happy and will not tell me what all happened. I also got a text from the mom of a boy he walks home with that Jackson pushed him off the side walk into the street. Now first of all the other boy plays football and I'm sure weighs twice as much as Jackson. But that's fine, we spoke about it as I was outside going to check the mail when he got home and he was crying. He told me the two boys he was walking with were teasing him and wouldn't stop. The other boy's mom was with them and apparently got mad at Jackson as well, didn't seem to care that her son was calling him names. I told Jackson to avoid walking with them if he can. I know they go the same way he does so it's hard. And yes he needs to learn to ignore these things, but he's not there yet. So it goes.
I guess I need a "self care" plan as well... what can I do for myself to get through this? I'm not even sure to be honest. I know exercise, eating better, sleep should all be top of the list... we'll see!
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Constant Battles
It feels like we are in a constant battle zone at our home. Everything I ask him to do is a fight of "I don't want to" or "Later". But later never happens. I am sooooo tired of this. I cannot keep doing it, I just can't! I'm exhausted and don't see how this will ever get better. I've tried limiting activities, he yells at me, calls me names, it's another fight. Getting out of the house in the morning on time, getting to bed on time, basic things like having a bath. When something is planned, something else is more "fun" so he doesn't want to leave the house, he'd rather play with his friends online.
I've made a chart, he does certain basic things and he's allowed to use the xbox or the ipad. But he still doesn't do them. And he still does use those things. I am so tired it's so hard to fight him. Exhausting. Friday night I went to bed, he stayed up until almost 11. How does that work? not well really.
I need to be firmer, stand my ground. But it ends up as a yelling match. With crying. and words we don't mean. I try to stay calm, and firm, but it never works for long. Never lasts. I wish we'd never gotten the Xbox, never let him play online, never let him use his iPad for Youtube watching. It's too late, the genie is out of the bottle. Now he won't play with toys, but he's only 8! He needs a "hobby" outside of those video games, and watching people play those video games. Next weekend I have him signed up to try an obstacle course class, I know it will be a fight to get him to go to it. As with everything lately. Fight to get him to school, daycare, fight to get him to bed, to go to the store with me. Everything. It's so exhausting. What can I give up on? He already refuses to bathe regularly, refuses to brush his teeth properly twice a day, brush his hair. Heck I did laundry this week and apparently he only changed his under pants once! But I know nothing and he won't listen when I give him why he should or shouldn't do these things. I'm stupid, I don't understand. He promises he'll do it at some point.
I'm failing. He is going to be a spoiled adult. He will be the one who blames everyone else, is always right, doesn't compromise or listen to others, and I don't know how to fix this any more. He was such a good kid, now he's a defiant child who thinks he is older than he is. He should be a kid. But he thinks he knows everything, and I'm not sure how to convince him otherwise. It isn't like he will suddenly start to do chores around the house or take care of himself properly. I can't win. And the Xbox and iPad need to GO. Heck even my own computer needs to go, perhaps the TV too? At least when we are together.
Something has to change, can't keep going like this. I just can't.
We have snow, already. It's going to be a long winter cooped up in the house. He has gone to a friends for dinner. I'll go get him around 7. Two hours to figure something out. Figure out how to limit these things and get him to participate in the house. I hope.
I've made a chart, he does certain basic things and he's allowed to use the xbox or the ipad. But he still doesn't do them. And he still does use those things. I am so tired it's so hard to fight him. Exhausting. Friday night I went to bed, he stayed up until almost 11. How does that work? not well really.
I need to be firmer, stand my ground. But it ends up as a yelling match. With crying. and words we don't mean. I try to stay calm, and firm, but it never works for long. Never lasts. I wish we'd never gotten the Xbox, never let him play online, never let him use his iPad for Youtube watching. It's too late, the genie is out of the bottle. Now he won't play with toys, but he's only 8! He needs a "hobby" outside of those video games, and watching people play those video games. Next weekend I have him signed up to try an obstacle course class, I know it will be a fight to get him to go to it. As with everything lately. Fight to get him to school, daycare, fight to get him to bed, to go to the store with me. Everything. It's so exhausting. What can I give up on? He already refuses to bathe regularly, refuses to brush his teeth properly twice a day, brush his hair. Heck I did laundry this week and apparently he only changed his under pants once! But I know nothing and he won't listen when I give him why he should or shouldn't do these things. I'm stupid, I don't understand. He promises he'll do it at some point.
I'm failing. He is going to be a spoiled adult. He will be the one who blames everyone else, is always right, doesn't compromise or listen to others, and I don't know how to fix this any more. He was such a good kid, now he's a defiant child who thinks he is older than he is. He should be a kid. But he thinks he knows everything, and I'm not sure how to convince him otherwise. It isn't like he will suddenly start to do chores around the house or take care of himself properly. I can't win. And the Xbox and iPad need to GO. Heck even my own computer needs to go, perhaps the TV too? At least when we are together.
Something has to change, can't keep going like this. I just can't.
We have snow, already. It's going to be a long winter cooped up in the house. He has gone to a friends for dinner. I'll go get him around 7. Two hours to figure something out. Figure out how to limit these things and get him to participate in the house. I hope.
Monday, October 15, 2018
Sick kid, video games and connections
Jackson has been "sick" for almost a week now. He complains he is going to throw up, his tummy hurts, his head hurts. I cannot tell if he is being legitimate or if he is trying to avoid school, or daycare. He has already said multiple times that he doesn't want to go to daycare in the mornings. It's too early, his friends aren't there, it's no fun. So what can I do? He's been home from school four days now. I suspect his tummy issues are stress or anxiety related, rather than actually a virus or something. It could be related to diet, we don't always eat the best. But he does eat an apple a day, plus other fruits and veggies. I'm just not sure.
I did tell him no xbox the days he was home last week, but he played a lot over the weekend. The games turn him into a violent, reactive, foul mouthed child. And I hate it. I have tried to limit his time on it, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. When he gets to the point he's over stimulated by the game it's too late, he yells, I yell, we argue, and it does not end well. I am trying to limit things further but it is hard to find a balance of it. He plays online with his friends, and if he isn't playing he's wanting to watch YouTube videos of people playing. How does that make sense? I do not understand it. I fear he is quite addicted to the game and screens in general.
He is, and always has been, a sensitive child. Wearing socks can cause screaming matches. I finally found some with no seams in the toes that he can wear without a fit. But he also gets very upset if I am mad at him, or he thinks I am. He hates when his teachers are upset with him too. He places a lot of his self worth on being good at things, connects who he is with how well he can do something. If he makes a mistake it is the end of the world, he's the only one who has ever done such a thing, and he is worthless because of it. Self esteem is a bit issue for us.
So today a new plan because I can't miss more work. I wasn't planning to go today any way, but I thought I would have the day to myself to clean up a bit, and watch some Netflix. Instead we are working on a new plan and schedule.
He is walking home from school now, and I have been getting home a little before him. I will be changing my hours in November so get home later, and not have to use vacation days for PD days, so I can save those for the summer. That time from when he gets home until dinner is on the table he will be allowed to play OR watch his videos. Then we eat dinner together. After dinner he can choose a game, or toys, or a puzzle for us to do together, or we can walk the dog. Something together. Then he has homework or printing practice. He is quite upset that he loses marks for writing some letters backwards. So practice will hopefully help. I will contact the teachers to see if they can suggest something to help. He will be going up to his room by 7 to either watch YouTube or read, and then that's off by 7:30. He falls asleep with his light on, and I turn it off when I go to bed myself, but I will go up and turn it off earlier now. This should help him get a proper night sleep. I hope. He will still have early daycare until spring at least. I will see about starting work 30 minutes later, though that puts me getting home at 5 when we would normally be eating so I'm not sure I like that. We'll see.
We are also going to go through some of my paleo cook books and see what recipes he might like to try. We will try and clean up our diet more, do a whole foods type thing, less processed, less wheat/gluten. And see if that helps his tummy too. And my own. I haven't been very good about my own eating habits since the power outage. That was a good excuse to start eating lots of bread again. I need to clean it up so I can get back to feeling better myself. Plus I need to lose some weight! A lot of weight.
He is home today but will be going back to school tomorrow. No matter what. He's agreed to that. Hopefully I've covered the bases, more time connecting, less time on screens, healthier diet, better sleep habits. One of those should fix the sore tummy.
I know he is also worried about my dad. He's in the hospital with some heart problems. So strange because he is not a smoker, doesn't drink, eat a healthy diet, and was walking 5k 5 times a week. Now he can barely walk across the room. Sudden and dramatic. He's going for some more test this week, and hopefully it will be ok soon. Jackson is worried about him though.
He's also worried that I will put him up for adoption, that he's "bad" and I don't like him. He doesn't like it when I get mad at him. Which I understand, I was the same when I was a kid. I am hoping less screens, less xbox, and more time connecting, will help to fix that. It does make me wonder at my mothering skills though, perhaps I am a terrible parent who has been too lax, and made a monster. Which of course makes me feel terribly guilty, and also wonder how I could even think of having another child. Not only am a crappy mom but perhaps my son shouldn't have a sibling, how would he behave? Hopefully I am able to fix all this, but it is so hard to be a mom some days. We are very different in a lot of ways, this kid of mine and me. I am very much an introvert and I need alone time very much. He loves to be at least near people and not alone. It has been difficult for me, but as he gets older we find ways for him to be around friends and me to not. Still, how can I think I could do this again? Or with another child around? It needs fixing for sure. I need to fix it.
I did tell him no xbox the days he was home last week, but he played a lot over the weekend. The games turn him into a violent, reactive, foul mouthed child. And I hate it. I have tried to limit his time on it, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. When he gets to the point he's over stimulated by the game it's too late, he yells, I yell, we argue, and it does not end well. I am trying to limit things further but it is hard to find a balance of it. He plays online with his friends, and if he isn't playing he's wanting to watch YouTube videos of people playing. How does that make sense? I do not understand it. I fear he is quite addicted to the game and screens in general.
He is, and always has been, a sensitive child. Wearing socks can cause screaming matches. I finally found some with no seams in the toes that he can wear without a fit. But he also gets very upset if I am mad at him, or he thinks I am. He hates when his teachers are upset with him too. He places a lot of his self worth on being good at things, connects who he is with how well he can do something. If he makes a mistake it is the end of the world, he's the only one who has ever done such a thing, and he is worthless because of it. Self esteem is a bit issue for us.
So today a new plan because I can't miss more work. I wasn't planning to go today any way, but I thought I would have the day to myself to clean up a bit, and watch some Netflix. Instead we are working on a new plan and schedule.
He is walking home from school now, and I have been getting home a little before him. I will be changing my hours in November so get home later, and not have to use vacation days for PD days, so I can save those for the summer. That time from when he gets home until dinner is on the table he will be allowed to play OR watch his videos. Then we eat dinner together. After dinner he can choose a game, or toys, or a puzzle for us to do together, or we can walk the dog. Something together. Then he has homework or printing practice. He is quite upset that he loses marks for writing some letters backwards. So practice will hopefully help. I will contact the teachers to see if they can suggest something to help. He will be going up to his room by 7 to either watch YouTube or read, and then that's off by 7:30. He falls asleep with his light on, and I turn it off when I go to bed myself, but I will go up and turn it off earlier now. This should help him get a proper night sleep. I hope. He will still have early daycare until spring at least. I will see about starting work 30 minutes later, though that puts me getting home at 5 when we would normally be eating so I'm not sure I like that. We'll see.
We are also going to go through some of my paleo cook books and see what recipes he might like to try. We will try and clean up our diet more, do a whole foods type thing, less processed, less wheat/gluten. And see if that helps his tummy too. And my own. I haven't been very good about my own eating habits since the power outage. That was a good excuse to start eating lots of bread again. I need to clean it up so I can get back to feeling better myself. Plus I need to lose some weight! A lot of weight.
He is home today but will be going back to school tomorrow. No matter what. He's agreed to that. Hopefully I've covered the bases, more time connecting, less time on screens, healthier diet, better sleep habits. One of those should fix the sore tummy.
I know he is also worried about my dad. He's in the hospital with some heart problems. So strange because he is not a smoker, doesn't drink, eat a healthy diet, and was walking 5k 5 times a week. Now he can barely walk across the room. Sudden and dramatic. He's going for some more test this week, and hopefully it will be ok soon. Jackson is worried about him though.
He's also worried that I will put him up for adoption, that he's "bad" and I don't like him. He doesn't like it when I get mad at him. Which I understand, I was the same when I was a kid. I am hoping less screens, less xbox, and more time connecting, will help to fix that. It does make me wonder at my mothering skills though, perhaps I am a terrible parent who has been too lax, and made a monster. Which of course makes me feel terribly guilty, and also wonder how I could even think of having another child. Not only am a crappy mom but perhaps my son shouldn't have a sibling, how would he behave? Hopefully I am able to fix all this, but it is so hard to be a mom some days. We are very different in a lot of ways, this kid of mine and me. I am very much an introvert and I need alone time very much. He loves to be at least near people and not alone. It has been difficult for me, but as he gets older we find ways for him to be around friends and me to not. Still, how can I think I could do this again? Or with another child around? It needs fixing for sure. I need to fix it.
Sunday, September 23, 2018
The great Ottawa tornado and power outage of 2018
Whelp. Power is finally back on. It went out Friday at 6pm and came back on today around 6pm. It was a long time with no electricity, no internet, spotty phone coverage. Nothing much in our house to eat that doesn't require cooking. We are also lacking in good flashlights or lanterns.
Friday was a hot humid day, there were thunderstorm warnings and then around 5pm, while we were eating, there were tornado warnings. We have had a few of those before with nothing to show for it. I kept the curtains open to watch the wind and skies while we ate. After dinner I was cleaning up when Jackson got upset because his game kept "lagging him out". The power flickered and then went out. No problem, it was still daylight so we went and found the flashlights and then decided what to do. We played cards in the kitchen while I tried to get through to hydro to report the outage and then check the status of it. The phone line, twitter and facebook were overwhelmed and I couldn't get through. Around 8pm nothing was back on and I finally saw a message that power was expected to be resorted by 10am. So I suggest an early bedtime since we were in the dark. No problem. We chatted for a bit, I left the flashlight on while he fell asleep. Then went to bed myself.
Saturday morning we got up, still no power, and nothing really to eat. No coffee, couldn't get cold water from the fridge, no ice cubes, I didn't want to open the freezer. So we had some warm tap water, a granola bar, and waited. We played some board games, then around 10am I told him to get dressed. My parent's place still had power and they said Jackson could take his xbox out there. So by 10:30 we were on our way. I packed him a change of clothes, jammies and toothbrush just in case. It took and extra 30 minutes just to get out of the area because all the traffic lights were out. We picked up McDonalds on the way for everyone. My dad hasn't been feeling well, is on a bunch of medications and has been resting a lot. He enjoyed lunch though. After his nap I took my mom up to the grocery store and we picked up a chicken for dinner. I also got some bread, PB, honey and water drops. Also a bag of chips. Since we hadn't brought the dog I knew I had to go home after dinner.
Jackson stayed at my parent's place and I came home to the dark. I couldn't find one of the flashlights, so it was a dark, quiet night for me! I went to bed early. I had bread and PB for breakfast, and checked for updates. They were saying our power would be back on by evening. Around 1 I went back to my mom and dad's. I took a load of laundry, and stopped at Walmart to get a lantern, better flashlight, and taco stuff for dinner. After dinner, while mom and I were cleaning up, my sister called. Power was back on! Phew. I told kiddo we were going home, and there was a chance internet wouldn't be working. I also got the notice that schools were closed Monday, so no work or school. Long weekend!
We got home, hooked the xbox back up, and internet is working. So we have a nice evening at home and tomorrow I have to restock the fridge and freezers. A few things can be salvaged but others need to be tossed. Sad part is I just spent a bunch on groceries Friday... all gone. At least we ate the steaks for dinner that night!
Jackson really enjoyed being at my parents. He wished we lived there. They have a very neat, tidy, uncluttered bungalow. We have a messy, toy filled, very cluttered two story. So he's agreed that tomorrow we will start to put things away and declutter. Toys first. We have a lot of them that he doesn't play with so we'll get rid of them, even if they just get stored in boxes for now. Once stuff is put away perhaps we will be more comfortable here. Who knows.
I did miss some of my shows Friday night, they didn't get recorded and now I will have to watch them streaming and probably with commercials. Oh well. This whole thing has really made me appreciate electricity. The city has suffered greatly, the tornadoes destroyed homes near where we used to live. The electric depot nearby looks like it was attacked by missiles. It's been very frustrating but also pretty cool. So many people have offered so much. People I have never met offered me ice and a place to shower. I didn't accept but it's still very cool to see people so helpful during a crisis. Now that power is coming back on we are trying to be conservative, but man do I like being able to watch tv! and have lights on.
Friday was a hot humid day, there were thunderstorm warnings and then around 5pm, while we were eating, there were tornado warnings. We have had a few of those before with nothing to show for it. I kept the curtains open to watch the wind and skies while we ate. After dinner I was cleaning up when Jackson got upset because his game kept "lagging him out". The power flickered and then went out. No problem, it was still daylight so we went and found the flashlights and then decided what to do. We played cards in the kitchen while I tried to get through to hydro to report the outage and then check the status of it. The phone line, twitter and facebook were overwhelmed and I couldn't get through. Around 8pm nothing was back on and I finally saw a message that power was expected to be resorted by 10am. So I suggest an early bedtime since we were in the dark. No problem. We chatted for a bit, I left the flashlight on while he fell asleep. Then went to bed myself.
Saturday morning we got up, still no power, and nothing really to eat. No coffee, couldn't get cold water from the fridge, no ice cubes, I didn't want to open the freezer. So we had some warm tap water, a granola bar, and waited. We played some board games, then around 10am I told him to get dressed. My parent's place still had power and they said Jackson could take his xbox out there. So by 10:30 we were on our way. I packed him a change of clothes, jammies and toothbrush just in case. It took and extra 30 minutes just to get out of the area because all the traffic lights were out. We picked up McDonalds on the way for everyone. My dad hasn't been feeling well, is on a bunch of medications and has been resting a lot. He enjoyed lunch though. After his nap I took my mom up to the grocery store and we picked up a chicken for dinner. I also got some bread, PB, honey and water drops. Also a bag of chips. Since we hadn't brought the dog I knew I had to go home after dinner.
Jackson stayed at my parent's place and I came home to the dark. I couldn't find one of the flashlights, so it was a dark, quiet night for me! I went to bed early. I had bread and PB for breakfast, and checked for updates. They were saying our power would be back on by evening. Around 1 I went back to my mom and dad's. I took a load of laundry, and stopped at Walmart to get a lantern, better flashlight, and taco stuff for dinner. After dinner, while mom and I were cleaning up, my sister called. Power was back on! Phew. I told kiddo we were going home, and there was a chance internet wouldn't be working. I also got the notice that schools were closed Monday, so no work or school. Long weekend!
We got home, hooked the xbox back up, and internet is working. So we have a nice evening at home and tomorrow I have to restock the fridge and freezers. A few things can be salvaged but others need to be tossed. Sad part is I just spent a bunch on groceries Friday... all gone. At least we ate the steaks for dinner that night!
Jackson really enjoyed being at my parents. He wished we lived there. They have a very neat, tidy, uncluttered bungalow. We have a messy, toy filled, very cluttered two story. So he's agreed that tomorrow we will start to put things away and declutter. Toys first. We have a lot of them that he doesn't play with so we'll get rid of them, even if they just get stored in boxes for now. Once stuff is put away perhaps we will be more comfortable here. Who knows.
I did miss some of my shows Friday night, they didn't get recorded and now I will have to watch them streaming and probably with commercials. Oh well. This whole thing has really made me appreciate electricity. The city has suffered greatly, the tornadoes destroyed homes near where we used to live. The electric depot nearby looks like it was attacked by missiles. It's been very frustrating but also pretty cool. So many people have offered so much. People I have never met offered me ice and a place to shower. I didn't accept but it's still very cool to see people so helpful during a crisis. Now that power is coming back on we are trying to be conservative, but man do I like being able to watch tv! and have lights on.
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Grade 4!
Jackson has started grade 4. He is doing French Immersion this year, it starts in Grade 4 at his school. He has half the day in English and half in French. He was quite pleased with who his teachers are this year, seems to like them all (so far). He has 4 teachers! Seems like a lot but I think it will be good for him. if there is one he doesn't get along with very well then he only has her for a short block.
He has first block in English - language, religion and family life. Second block is in English as well but with a different teacher, just for math. After lunch he has his Immersion class for science, phys ed, health, music and dance. Then last block is a different French teacher for language, social studies, visual arts and drama. He has friends in his class, as well as his Immersion class which is a different group than the other classes.
He does not like school, doesn't want to go, but hopefully it will go ok this year. He has two weeks of after school daycare and then he will be walking home. I have to sign some forms, but he is very excited for the responsibility. I got a lock box for the front door so he doesn't have to carry a key, just remember the code. It should work ok to start at least. We can see if it is going well or if we need to do something else. He will still have before school daycare because I don't trust him to leave the video games in time to get to school. We will see about next year!
I go back to work tomorrow, so am enjoying a final day off without kiddo, able to watch some something on TV, other than him playing video games. After this, no breaks until the long weekend in October! Ugh. I have enjoyed the time off. I wish it was longer, yet it was quite long. I think the pets are going to be sad tomorrow, especially the dog who spends the day in his crate. Hopefully he'll be able to be out soon, but right now he is just a terror! :-) He gets into stuff, loves to shred tissues and paper, and will do his business when he feels like it, so if I'm not home to let him out he won't hold it. We are working on that! He's good in his crate so I know he can do it, just doesn't like to I guess.
It's back to school and the temperature is hot, heat warnings in effect. At least kiddo's class room is air conditioned, not all of the rooms are. I imagine it will be hot at recess and if he decides he wants to walk home today. I give him the option these few weeks as practice. At least we are doing some walking.
He has first block in English - language, religion and family life. Second block is in English as well but with a different teacher, just for math. After lunch he has his Immersion class for science, phys ed, health, music and dance. Then last block is a different French teacher for language, social studies, visual arts and drama. He has friends in his class, as well as his Immersion class which is a different group than the other classes.
He does not like school, doesn't want to go, but hopefully it will go ok this year. He has two weeks of after school daycare and then he will be walking home. I have to sign some forms, but he is very excited for the responsibility. I got a lock box for the front door so he doesn't have to carry a key, just remember the code. It should work ok to start at least. We can see if it is going well or if we need to do something else. He will still have before school daycare because I don't trust him to leave the video games in time to get to school. We will see about next year!
I go back to work tomorrow, so am enjoying a final day off without kiddo, able to watch some something on TV, other than him playing video games. After this, no breaks until the long weekend in October! Ugh. I have enjoyed the time off. I wish it was longer, yet it was quite long. I think the pets are going to be sad tomorrow, especially the dog who spends the day in his crate. Hopefully he'll be able to be out soon, but right now he is just a terror! :-) He gets into stuff, loves to shred tissues and paper, and will do his business when he feels like it, so if I'm not home to let him out he won't hold it. We are working on that! He's good in his crate so I know he can do it, just doesn't like to I guess.
It's back to school and the temperature is hot, heat warnings in effect. At least kiddo's class room is air conditioned, not all of the rooms are. I imagine it will be hot at recess and if he decides he wants to walk home today. I give him the option these few weeks as practice. At least we are doing some walking.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Family
My dad is quite ill. It's strange because up until a couple months ago he was walking 5 miles a day. Now he has lost quite a bit of weight, and is on a bunch of medications. He is finally feeling up to eating again so hopefully that will help. He also has had a few tests done and more ordered. And he finally got a new family doctor in their new town. That is good at least, he'll have someone to follow his care instead of having to wait hours in the ER to speak to someone. I hope he feels better soon. My mom is still worried about him, but happy he's starting to eat again.
Jackson and I had a fight at bedtime one night. He told me he wants me to get married and find him a father. He thinks that if he had a dad he would never have to be alone, and he'd have more money to play his game. I tried to explain you can't just run out and get a man to marry, that I'm not really interested, it's hard work, and that it probably wouldn't go how he thinks. But he was quite upset. He then also said he just wants a bigger family. I kind of broke down and told him I am so sorry I never gave him a brother or sister. He gave me a hug and told me he doesn't need a brother or sister. But I do feel badly about it. Not so much the dad part simply because I really don't see the need.
We have seen more of our family these past few weeks than in the months before. I suppose that is a good thing, but it's also different. I am very much an introvert, though I love my kid and being a mom, I also love to be quiet and alone, reading or whatever. It is one thing I do love about vacation, just the two of us and not having to be around people all the time. I find that draining.
Now I just need to grow our family. A little. Though it will be hard, and expensive. I know it can happen. I do regret not doing it sooner. So much. But I will still move forward, and do this. I am old, and my eggs are old. There are options, and I will follow them as best I can.
Jackson and I had a fight at bedtime one night. He told me he wants me to get married and find him a father. He thinks that if he had a dad he would never have to be alone, and he'd have more money to play his game. I tried to explain you can't just run out and get a man to marry, that I'm not really interested, it's hard work, and that it probably wouldn't go how he thinks. But he was quite upset. He then also said he just wants a bigger family. I kind of broke down and told him I am so sorry I never gave him a brother or sister. He gave me a hug and told me he doesn't need a brother or sister. But I do feel badly about it. Not so much the dad part simply because I really don't see the need.
We have seen more of our family these past few weeks than in the months before. I suppose that is a good thing, but it's also different. I am very much an introvert, though I love my kid and being a mom, I also love to be quiet and alone, reading or whatever. It is one thing I do love about vacation, just the two of us and not having to be around people all the time. I find that draining.
Now I just need to grow our family. A little. Though it will be hard, and expensive. I know it can happen. I do regret not doing it sooner. So much. But I will still move forward, and do this. I am old, and my eggs are old. There are options, and I will follow them as best I can.
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