Day 13 of January

It's Thursday morning, January 31st - the last day of January; and I'm ready for spring, or at least a rest.

I'll actually settle for the weekend because I think I need to just veg. out and relax.  I have pulled a few oops in the past 24 hours and it is just causing me more work.

My first oops (and De you won't be proud of me)  was at Superstore last night.  I finally bit the bullet and headed to the store for groceries.  My list was getting longer and longer.  I thought at least there was a good coupon in the paper - spend $250.00 - get a $25.00 gift card.  Well when I got to the check out my bill was $244.00 - I didn't have the energy to even reach for a couple of magazines.  To top that off, I had two coupons in my pocket for cheese and milk.  Forgot to give her those.  That left me feeling a little blue for the evening.
  Second oops, I have been telling people the wrong schedule for the next 7 days.  I'm a entire week ahead of myself.  Now that's not too bad, but then I had to go back and set the record straight for everyone.

  Third oops was this morning.  I am sending care packages out to Patrick and his room mate.  I got the parcel's all wrapped, measured, weighed and I'm filling the form on-line.  I mix up the addresses for to and from (just switched them) No problem I think, I'll just white it out and write in the correct addresses.  Then I read the fine print - "cannot manually change anything on the forms."  I guess I'll be making a trip and standing in line at the post office.

  Fourth oops was again this morning. I decided I had a few extra minutes before I leave for work so I paid a couple of bills on line.  First I paid the gas bill, then the cable bill.  Now the cable seemed a little high, but thought, I'll pay it and then investigate.  And this is where is gets really confusing.  It appears that the cable company never got my last payment. Hmmmm.  I checked our balance book - yup, I paid it.  I checked my bank account.  Seems I accidently made the payment to the credit card instead of cable.  The good news, (and there always is)  the new payment I made is correct; and I'm ahead on the credit card payment.

  It's a good think I only have to play with kids this morning, and we are in an enclosed and safe environment.

  Enjoy the last of Janaury, and look forward to a great February.
(Believe it or not, I'm actually smiling at my silly, but time consuming mistakes)

off to play
Stacey

Day 12 of January

It's Thursday, January 24th and I'm a little tired.  I've been putting in a few extra hours at work (the kid work)  and playing with three 2 1/2 year olds can tire one out.  Or at least it tires me out.  And I can honestly say it's not so much my body that is tired, but my brain.  Questions, questions, questions, and the three kids talk, talk and talk, and usually at the same time.  They have so much to say.  I really should be keeping a book on these three because some of the things that come out of their mouths, well I just smile all day. 
  I have been trying to think of a way to record my passwords for everything, because every once in a while I forget one.  Well maybe it's a little more frequent than that.  I know there are on line site that will store your passwords but I'm not sure I am totally confidant with cyber storage just yet.  And on these same lines, I've been a little concerned with my memory, or lack there of.  So while researching on dementia and memory loss in the elderly, I came across a website "foodforthebrain.org"  There have a cognitive function test on the site and I finally found 15 minutes of uninterrupted time last night.  so I took the test and I'm happy and a little surprised to say I passed. The results say that I performed at or above the norm for my age.  This suggests that I am not showing the early cognitive funciton problems that can be a sympton of future cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.  So I guess all the games I play on my I-pad are well worth the time and effort.
  Speaking of games.  You know how I love them.  Well I was up early again this morning, and listening to the radio in the kitchen while I was getting a roast in the crock pot.  103 was on with Don and Joanne and on came Lyrical pursuit (a music game)  I didn't have the phone nearby, so I'm listening to the clue and I knew the answer was Neil Diamond and Cracklin' Rosie.  So I picked up the phone, but I couldn't remember the contest number, so I had to wait until they said the number; I dialed, and the phone started ringing.  I was so surprised I actually pulled the headset away from my ear and checked to make sure I dialed the correct number (I didn't want to wake some stranger so early)  Yes I had dialed the correct number and so I continued cutting my vegetables and low and behold, Don came on the line.  He asked his usual question "have you won anything in the last 30 days".  I answered honestly - No (it's been at least 45 days)  So the short story is I won.  I have tickets for the RV show this weekend and tickets for Theatre Calgary. 
  So now I have this extra grin in my smile (if that's possible)
I love life!!!!!
Off to test my brain with some 2 1/2 year olds.
Stacey

Day 11 of January

It's Monday, January 21st.  The weather is a little chillier than it has been, but afterall, it is the middle of January.
  Well I have good news, and I have disappointing news.  The good news is I am finished my story on my Mom, and it is ready for some criticing and editing.  The disappointing news; I read it to my mom and she does not want me to submit it.  I am torn for her reasons why, but they are her reasons, and it is her story.  First of all she doesn't think she has an interesting story, and second "she doesn't want people knowing her business!"  I have to respect her wishes, but I'm hoping at some point in the future, she may come around.  I'm going to start my next story on Ashley, but I'm pretty sure I won't have it done in time for the contest. (this year)  I am hoping to make her's also into a "book" of sorts for her to keep.  It will take her from birth to age 18. 
  So in addition to this new venture I need to finish my knitting, finishing my lamenating, and finish two books I'm reading.  This probably explains why I have been going to bed so early.
  Also, I finally ordered my pin hole glasses.  For those who aren't familar, google them. 
  The rest of the day was pretty tame and my paperwork is almost caught up.  See, Monday's aren't so bad.
Stacey

Day 10 of January

It's Saturday night and the house is quiet.
Ashley and Ethan have switched parent houses tonight and Bill is reviewing some paperwork.  Even Maya is just hanging out with me in the office.
It was a quiet day today.  I bought a new cook book "Hungry Girl" by Lisa Lillien.  She appeared on the Anderson Cooper show on Friday.  I was impressed with the quickness and and ingredients on her recipes she did on the show.  So I purchased the book to my I-Pad.  Mistake number one.  I haven't quite figured out how to go to a recipe quickly; but I'm sure I can keep working on that.  So I decided to try out a few of the recipes for dinner, and who better to help critic them, then Bill.
  The first item was an onion bloom.  I had never heard of these before our last holiday, but Bill ordered it at Margaritaville.  It's basically one big onion ring.  You cut the onion except for the bottom so everything stays attached, and when it cooks, it looks like a flower.  It's quite impressive.  Now this is supposed to be a low calorie, cook book.  So instead of using your normal coating for an onion ring, you use egg substitutes and "fibre one" cereal that has been ground up. Then instead of deep frying it, you bake it.  Sounds healthy - tastes - not like real onion rings.  That's not to say it tasted bad, but it is one of the recipe's I won't be repeating.
  The next meal item was egg foo young in a mug.  This recipe I thought was good - very filling - and very easy to make.  To mix all your ingredients and put them in the microwave in a mug.  There is your meal.  Bill said it tasted good, but no need to remake that one (I would recommend this one)
  The last item I tried was a desert.  It was a brownie muffin.  You took a devils food cake mix, add puree pumpkin and bake.  Yup that its.  It has a brownie texture, and a little boring in taste, but then we added whip cream around it, and it was delicious (might bring the calorie count up just a little)  I think if you put some fresh rasberries on top, that would make it even more delicious.  So that one I would make again; might even serve that one to company.
  I've got to investigate the recipes a little more.  I like the quickness and the fresh ingredients.  Not crazy about some of the add in items (refined), but will see what turns out next.
  Off to work on my "Mom Story"
Stacey

Day 9 of January

It's Wednesday, January 16th. 
My apologies for the error in the date of the previous entry.  Thank you to all of you who brought it to my attention - k, only one of you, but at least it means you read my blog, and paid attention.  I appreciate it.
  January is half over, or if you look at it in a positive way, we are lucky to still have 15 days left in January.  That statement is probably more easy to accept considering the beautiful weather we are having.  And I did appreciate the warm weather today because was the first day of swimming lessons.  Not for me, but for the triplets.  Yes, three 2 1/2 year old, and three adults.  I can only describe it in two words - Crazy - Fun.  The crazy part if of course the pre and post lesson.  We as adults, need to be a little more organized.  The fun part, three two year old, in the pool, a new environment for them, and them feeling safe in your arms.  It's been a long time since I've had to partake in mom-tot (or this case caregiver/tot) swimming lessons.  That was 16 years ago, and a few dress sizes smaller.
   The afternoon was spent with Mom.  While I was there we got talking about childhoods, hers and mine.  I love to hear stories about Mom growing up.  I'm glad I wrote many of these memories down years ago, when Mom was able to remember them with a little bit more confidence.  But it is still surprising the different stories that just pop out of know where. 
   After our visit, and while driving home, I was listening to the CBC and they announced a literary contest. I thought to myself, "I can do this".  I might not win, but you know I like contests, and it's not always about the winning, but getting to participate. (sounds like an Oscar speech - It's nice to win, but I was just happy with being nominated).  But I actually speak the truth when I say I love playing games/contests.  If you've ever heard my on 103, in the Y vs X, I don't mind when I lose, I just love playing (or being heard on the radio)
   K, I am getting way of topic here.  I have many different piece I have written.  Most of them I haven't edited, and some still have notes at the bottom.  As I strolled over some of these writings, I realize I have a couple of themes going.  First they are mostly non-fiction; second, many are biographical and third, some are about people who have had a great influence on my life.  So I've decided to edit the piece I wrote on my mom and maybe submit it.  I called mom first and asked her permission.  She gave her permission, but was humbly persistent that there was really nothing important to say about her.  I, disagreed.
   Without going into most of the details right now, here is a lady that was born in early 1920's.  Attended 5 different schools by grade 5, and simultaneously lived with different families. She helped her mom take care of 5 younger siblings. Dropped out of school after grade 9.  At the age of 15 entered the work force, taking care of children (Hmmm , maybe that's where I get my love of kids from).  Was working as a telephone operator when she met and married my Dad.  Both Mom and Dad shared a November 6 birthday. Was a young bride at 20, a young mom at 21, and 23.  Was a coalminers wife. Was a hockey mom. Re-entered parenthood at the age of 35 and 38. Became a Grandma at 44; Became a widow at 59.  Is a grandma 9 9 great-grandma of 5.  And this year she will celebrate her 90th birthday.  I think she's got a very interesting history.
  Anyway, I'll keep you posted on how the story goes.  i have until the beginning of February to finish.  I may be calling on all my "teacher" types to provide feedback. 
Off for another early bedtime, with a smile on my face.
Night
Stacey

Day 8 of January

It's Monday, January 24th and the start of a new work week.  I had to go back and read yesterday blog because sometime during the night last night I had this uncomfortable feeling that I might have misrepresented what I was trying to accomplish with my goals.  But after reviewing the words, I guess that's close to what I wanted to say.  In short, I'm hoping each day (whether I record it or not) to do something meaningful.  How little or how big is not the ultimate goal, but rather something that makes me feel good inside and if by chance benefits others, even better.
  So tonight, I went out and cleared the driveway.  Now I know I do this often, but I did it tonight hoping it would make the rest of Bill's evening relaxing.  I think I should take lessons with the snowblower machine though.  Being a little OCD, I do not like the fact, that when there is even a slight wind, I have to reclear parts of the driveway.  Maybe I'll discover that the ultimate lesson would be to just take out the darn shovel!  Sometimes I just make myself laugh (in my own little world)
  I'm off to read my newest book on the I-Pad - "Fallen Masters".  It's a fictional book by John Edward, the medium(sp) that I have the joy of seeing live.  It started off as a slow read the first couple of chapters, but now that I have gotten to know the characters, it's getting very exciting.
  Stay warm and stay positive! Sending positive energy out to Camryn, who is sick with the flu and her grandpa who is in the hospital,  and their family.
Stacey

Day 7 of January

It's Sunday, Janaury 13, 2013
Before I get into anything else, I'm going to finish off my vacation blog.

Florida Vacation
Day 7
Thursday, January 3rd

Again this day is a bit of a blur from Wednesday.  There are two reasons for that; #1, We arrived at the Winnipeg airport late on the 2nd of January and didn't fly out to Calgary until the morning of the 3rd; and #2, My notes were getting a little more vague by the end of the trip - I was just ready to home.
    So I believe as I last left it, we have moved to the departure level at the Winnipeg airport and found ourselves some comfy (as comfy as can be in an airport) benches and nestled in for a short sleep.  I must have grabbed an hour or two of sleep, because when I awoke at 3:00 a.m. there were some people sitting in the chairs at the nearby cafe.  I moved from my spot and tapped Bill on the shoulder so we could gather a little closer as a family and give these new visitors some space.  I think they were more comfortable on the cushy chairs.  There was another young lady sitting at the end of the benches, and she must have been coming down with something, because from when I woke up, until we left for our gate, she coughed and coughed and coughed.
    When Bill had originally booked the trip and I discovered our long lay over in Winnipeg, I considered that maybe we should get a hotel room, but I now realize we wouldn't have really gotten any more sleep than we did on our benches.  We arrived in Winnipeg around midnight, and our flight left at 6:00 a.m., so we would have had to been at the airport by 4:00 a.m.; then throw in the travel time.....
  So we got our new tickets, etc and as we were going through security, it was Ashley who was chosed to be searched this time.  And they searched everything on her.  They opened every bag, pocket, etc.  I know we get frustrated with these people, but thank goodness they are doing their job. (easier to say when someone else is being searched.)
    The flight home was short and uneventful.  I slept.  Our luggage came relatively fast and then Ethan arrived to with my car and we headed home.  Maya was very happy to see us (me) and she looked like she was well taken care of.
    And so ends another vacation with the Wee family.  As of date, we don't have anything planned for 2013, but there are always surprises.

  For my next blog I have decided once again to find a theme.  I just finished watching a taped show of George Stroumboulopoulos.  He was interviewing Mitch Albom.  For those not familar with Mitch Albom, he is the author of Tuesdays with Morrie, the Five people you meet in heaven, and a few others.  I have most of his books.  Aparently he has a new one out, a novel, about time.  He is one of the authors whose books I like to keep.  The interview was very thought provoking.  Something that Mitch said made me pause and ponder.  I can't remember exactly how he phrased it, but basically, instead of living each day getting things done that you think must get done, stop and doing something that is meaningful in your day.  Of couse, unlike Mitch, I'm not quite ready to drop everything and go to Haiti to run an orphanage.  But everything little gesture, every kind word, is meaningful to someone.  So that is my goal.
    And here is how I'm going to start.  It's been a long time since I got rid of books on my shelf.  I like to read a book, then give it to someone else to read, with the hopes they will pass it on when they are done.  Now there are a few books I keep, because they have given me a message and I hope to reread it again.  I do lend those out. 
  So I have a Book on Tape "Unbearable Lightness" a Story of Loss and Gain - by Portia De Rossi.  It is a very good book.  Portia is the the wife of Ellen DeGeneres; and Portia talks about her struggle with depression, and eating disorders.  If anyone would like the book (and I will mail it to those who are far away), let me know.
  I'm already looking forward to tomorrow.
Stacey