While at the world of science we got a phone call that Grandma had collapsed while grocery shopping and was taken away by ambulance. After several frantic phone calls we found out that she was a the Royal Alex in the cardiac unit. After getting the whole story I wanted to share the miraculous things that have resulted in Grandma getting the care she needed to get on the road to recovery.
Grandma says she had been feeling tired the last few days and not quite herself but just thought she was tired from Christmas. Today after a lazy day she decided that she should go to the grocery store. So she headed to Sobeys. Once there she had horrible chest pains and headed to the little coffee shop to sit down. In the coffee area were several long time friends of hers who noticed she wasn't looking good. They helped her get seated and when she started to get nauseous brought her a garbage can. They also went to call an ambulance. However, luckily there was an ambulance crew stopped right there for some groceries. Her friends waved the EMTs over who quickly whisked Grandma away for treatment. The friends then phoned my Aunt and drove Grandma's car home.
In the meantime Aunt Lois called us and we all met up at the Royal Alex where they put a stent in to open up the blocked artery. She was then stable so they took her to the cardiac unit at the Misercordia hospital for her recovery. We were able to see her and visit with her once she was settled into a room. The good news is that she is already feeling better and is looking pretty good. There will be a lot of tests and they will be watching her pretty closely but she is in a good place with great staff. She was very lucky. This happened in a place where she had quick thinking people around her, the medics were right there and she got great care very quickly. As a family we were given a big scare and reminder of how fragile life is. I know many people saw my early prayer request and your prayers were greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support and thank you to all medical staff who have already given Grandma such great care.
Sunday, December 29
Saturday, November 30
Bah HumBug Day
I'm trying really hard today to not hate Christmas/New Years but I fear I'm losing the battle. Usually I'm all about this time of year but the last few have been tough. So in an effort to purge the negative I'm sharing the negative here and my idea to counter it. Maybe someone else is struggling, maybe you have an idea to share, I'd love to hear it. My goal is to not become the Grinch!
1. Financial Drain- Ok I like getting presents don't get me wrong but it is expensive on a single salary to purchase gifts for every member of my family. Plus since they all make like 10 times my salary and buy whatever they would like right up to Christmas day it's really hard to decide what to get them. It's depressing to save for months for Christmas, go shopping pick something small that you think they might like and then your bank account is empty. I don't know why I feel this way, maybe it's the empty bank account, maybe it's the fact that half the time I know the person didn't use the item, or maybe it's just that I feel like Christmas should mean more than presents. I'm just trying to remember it's not about how big the present is or even if they liked it but about that fact that we're together at Christmas.
2. Lack of things to do- So everyone I know is so busy with their families, christmas concerts for their kids, and all the extras Christmas brings they forget that if you don't have a husband and kids this time of year is sucky lonely. It also didn't help that I work a bunch of weekends and so I have to miss out on my family baking day since the weekend I am available didn't work for them. I especially am dreading New Years...it sucks....that's all...stay home alone, babysit so someone else can go out, be a third wheel at someone else's event....none of these options sound amazing. To counter this I made myself an activity advent calendar with a special thing to do each day....hopefully it helps. Doesn't solve the what to do New Years Eve thing but it helps.
3. What to write in the Christmas letter...seriously do you really want a page and a half about my cat's hilarious antics? How about my job? I love it but doubt anyone outside of my work cares about the awesome display I made. No I don't have cute kid photos....how about one of my plant goliath dressed up? Yeah I thought not...so this year I'm writing a gratitude letter...all the things I'm grateful for...watch for it later this month.
Ok that's my rant...I'm purging the negative and going to find some positive. Tomorrow is tree decorating (yep after 4 years I've finally found the spirit to put up the tree) so it's got to get better. My shopping is almost done (hahaha) so I don't have to face the malls except to people watch and I have a date with my nephew this week for some winter fun! Now to dry my tears, degrump and focus on the positive.
1. Financial Drain- Ok I like getting presents don't get me wrong but it is expensive on a single salary to purchase gifts for every member of my family. Plus since they all make like 10 times my salary and buy whatever they would like right up to Christmas day it's really hard to decide what to get them. It's depressing to save for months for Christmas, go shopping pick something small that you think they might like and then your bank account is empty. I don't know why I feel this way, maybe it's the empty bank account, maybe it's the fact that half the time I know the person didn't use the item, or maybe it's just that I feel like Christmas should mean more than presents. I'm just trying to remember it's not about how big the present is or even if they liked it but about that fact that we're together at Christmas.
2. Lack of things to do- So everyone I know is so busy with their families, christmas concerts for their kids, and all the extras Christmas brings they forget that if you don't have a husband and kids this time of year is sucky lonely. It also didn't help that I work a bunch of weekends and so I have to miss out on my family baking day since the weekend I am available didn't work for them. I especially am dreading New Years...it sucks....that's all...stay home alone, babysit so someone else can go out, be a third wheel at someone else's event....none of these options sound amazing. To counter this I made myself an activity advent calendar with a special thing to do each day....hopefully it helps. Doesn't solve the what to do New Years Eve thing but it helps.
3. What to write in the Christmas letter...seriously do you really want a page and a half about my cat's hilarious antics? How about my job? I love it but doubt anyone outside of my work cares about the awesome display I made. No I don't have cute kid photos....how about one of my plant goliath dressed up? Yeah I thought not...so this year I'm writing a gratitude letter...all the things I'm grateful for...watch for it later this month.
Ok that's my rant...I'm purging the negative and going to find some positive. Tomorrow is tree decorating (yep after 4 years I've finally found the spirit to put up the tree) so it's got to get better. My shopping is almost done (hahaha) so I don't have to face the malls except to people watch and I have a date with my nephew this week for some winter fun! Now to dry my tears, degrump and focus on the positive.
Wednesday, November 20
Adulthood that's where it went
My last post generated quite a few comments to me so I wanted to continue my thought. I asked where did fun go...and I mean that crazy, heady type of fun you experience in your late teens early twenties. The truth is that adulthood is where it went. At some point you decide to become a grown up and that means, holding down a job, paying your bills, renting or owning a home and caring about things like credit ratings and laundry.
Work eats up a lot of my time, I'm lucky I like my job, care about what I do and sometimes it is even genuinely fun. The downside is you have to go, you have to do things you don't always like and sometimes is is genuinely hard work.
Then there is housework. The upside of work is income which means you now get to own things. The downside of owning things is you have to take care of them. For every outfit you own you will need to clean it. That comfy sofa needs to be cleaned occasionally. The plants need water, the cat needs food. Feed the cat enough and you'll get to clean his litter box. The alternative is to not own things and I've been trying to downsize. There are lots of people living with radically small amounts of things and I appreciate them but just can't seem to get there. So I've chosen the housework route.
Then there is money. You need it. I work hard to cover rent on my fairly modest place, to pay my bills, and buy a few things to spoil myself, my family and friends. My budget could be tighter and I have made some choices like not having a roommate that up my need for money. So I need to work for my money and so I value it so running out and spending a whole bunch of silly things suddenly isn't as appealing.
Finally is family and friends. As I get older I realize I value time with my family more so rather than go out dancing I choose to visit my grandma for tea. Part of this gets tied up with my friends having kids too. When I am available and have an evening off they are busy putting little guys to bed and forced to choose between sleep or paying a babysitter. I don't blame them for choosing their beds :) I choose mine most times too.
So suddenly it makes sense why life isn't as "fun" as it used to be. So maybe I just need to redefine what is fun?
Work eats up a lot of my time, I'm lucky I like my job, care about what I do and sometimes it is even genuinely fun. The downside is you have to go, you have to do things you don't always like and sometimes is is genuinely hard work.
Then there is housework. The upside of work is income which means you now get to own things. The downside of owning things is you have to take care of them. For every outfit you own you will need to clean it. That comfy sofa needs to be cleaned occasionally. The plants need water, the cat needs food. Feed the cat enough and you'll get to clean his litter box. The alternative is to not own things and I've been trying to downsize. There are lots of people living with radically small amounts of things and I appreciate them but just can't seem to get there. So I've chosen the housework route.
Then there is money. You need it. I work hard to cover rent on my fairly modest place, to pay my bills, and buy a few things to spoil myself, my family and friends. My budget could be tighter and I have made some choices like not having a roommate that up my need for money. So I need to work for my money and so I value it so running out and spending a whole bunch of silly things suddenly isn't as appealing.
Finally is family and friends. As I get older I realize I value time with my family more so rather than go out dancing I choose to visit my grandma for tea. Part of this gets tied up with my friends having kids too. When I am available and have an evening off they are busy putting little guys to bed and forced to choose between sleep or paying a babysitter. I don't blame them for choosing their beds :) I choose mine most times too.
So suddenly it makes sense why life isn't as "fun" as it used to be. So maybe I just need to redefine what is fun?
Sunday, November 17
Where did the fun go?
When did life stop being fun? It seems like endless rounds of work, house cleaning, have to dos and brief catch up with friends who have become strangers. Don't get me wrong I love my job a lot. My friends are great people they just happen to be very busy parents living a very different life than me. The housework I could do without but that would be gross.
What's missing is the fun. The friday night go out for drinks and dancing. The excuse to get dressed up. The adventure of not being sure where you might end up. Of who you might meet.
How do you reclaim that? is it something that gets lost when you get older? maybe this is why I run away or get itchy feet? What is it that I'm looking for?
Sometimes I just want to feel something that isn't just nostalgia. That butterflies in the tummy feeling. The I can't wait to get there feeling. The I'm special to someone special feeling.
It's worse tonight because I opened the box I shared some of my writing and in doing so opened the door to memories and questions. It was a good experience sharing my writing and there is not as much pain in sharing the memories there are lots of good feelings. The pain comes in realizing how empty my life now is. I can fill it with work, studies, classes, family and friends but there is still an emptiness. I'd love to find a special someone but I must say dating in the internet age is difficult. It is discouraging and demoralizing. Somehow you feel judged and rejected and no one even sent you a message. well it is super late (Bad me) so I'll write more about dating adventures next time.
What's missing is the fun. The friday night go out for drinks and dancing. The excuse to get dressed up. The adventure of not being sure where you might end up. Of who you might meet.
How do you reclaim that? is it something that gets lost when you get older? maybe this is why I run away or get itchy feet? What is it that I'm looking for?
Sometimes I just want to feel something that isn't just nostalgia. That butterflies in the tummy feeling. The I can't wait to get there feeling. The I'm special to someone special feeling.
It's worse tonight because I opened the box I shared some of my writing and in doing so opened the door to memories and questions. It was a good experience sharing my writing and there is not as much pain in sharing the memories there are lots of good feelings. The pain comes in realizing how empty my life now is. I can fill it with work, studies, classes, family and friends but there is still an emptiness. I'd love to find a special someone but I must say dating in the internet age is difficult. It is discouraging and demoralizing. Somehow you feel judged and rejected and no one even sent you a message. well it is super late (Bad me) so I'll write more about dating adventures next time.
Sunday, June 3
A Quiet Weekend
It was a very quiet weekend for me, I watched some movies, read some books and did nothing beyond a little housework. It actually was pretty nice to be lazy, as the week gets started again I'll be busy with school work but we're over the halfway point. Time to start working on some papers and final presentations. I can't believe that in a few weeks I'll be done and have two months off. I've offered to housesit for my parents for a few weeks of that but I'm not sure what I want to do with the rest. I'll meet in the next week or two with my cooperating teacher for the fall and then I'll know when I need to be back to school with them. I'm excited and nervous about spending the fall/winter in kindergarten. I'm glad that I'll have an experienced teacher to help guide me as I head into this new adventure.
I've been doing a little searching and I could teach in the UK, in fact with a few shots and a pet passport even tybalt could come with me. I'll put my application in to the grad studies program but part of me wouldn't mind spending a year or two teaching abroad. I'm a little torn about it but I think I'll end up in Edmonton. However, my feet are itchy to travel. I've been in one place too long, I guess. Part of why I'm willing to go abroad now is that while I'd miss my family lots there's not much here for me. I'm realizing I can't just go back to my old life because it doesn't fit anymore. Everyone moved on, including me and I can't pretend nothing changed.
I've been doing a little searching and I could teach in the UK, in fact with a few shots and a pet passport even tybalt could come with me. I'll put my application in to the grad studies program but part of me wouldn't mind spending a year or two teaching abroad. I'm a little torn about it but I think I'll end up in Edmonton. However, my feet are itchy to travel. I've been in one place too long, I guess. Part of why I'm willing to go abroad now is that while I'd miss my family lots there's not much here for me. I'm realizing I can't just go back to my old life because it doesn't fit anymore. Everyone moved on, including me and I can't pretend nothing changed.
Thursday, May 24
The Promised Art Post
Friday, May 18
Don't Forget
I don't know why but this spring has been a hard one for me. It hit me that it's been 3years since Armin died. I think that it finally sunk in that this isn't a passing thing but a forever thing. I've finally stopped looking for him to come through the door but the loss of that hope killed a part of me. I'm also realizing that this means I'm really alone now and that doesn't show any signs of changing anytime soon. When I think about living the rest of my life this way I just shut down. I would give everything I have right now up in a second if it meant more time with him. Yeah I'm doing much better and for the most part life is fine but there's an emptiness I can't quite fill. I keep moving forward but I never quite leave the grief behind, there's a piece of me that is always missing.
I've also had a hard time lately watching so many of my friends starting their families. I don't mean that I'm not happy for them because I am thrilled for them. I just want that too, however it doesn't seem to be in the plans for me. I adore my nephew and I love spending time with him but apart of me wishes he was mine. I guess it's just biological clock ticking but it eats me up a little bit. I'm trying to not dwell on it and try to focus on the good things but life just feels pretty empty. I realized the other day that if something happened to me it would be days before anyone even noticed. Not that I think something is going to happen but still it made me realize how empty my life is.
Does this mean I'm ready to date? I really don't know....the truth is it sure doesn't seem like the right time and there aren't any likely candidates around so that seems to say that it's not. So what do I do to give my life some sort of meaning. Sometimes I feel like I'm just filling time while I wait for something to happen to give me a purpose or reason. Is a career enough? I don't know. I think about the future and I see myself always alone at the fringes of things. It just again feels empty.
Sorry tonight was a pity fest and I don't mean to worry anyone, just wanted to say what I've been feeling.
I've also had a hard time lately watching so many of my friends starting their families. I don't mean that I'm not happy for them because I am thrilled for them. I just want that too, however it doesn't seem to be in the plans for me. I adore my nephew and I love spending time with him but apart of me wishes he was mine. I guess it's just biological clock ticking but it eats me up a little bit. I'm trying to not dwell on it and try to focus on the good things but life just feels pretty empty. I realized the other day that if something happened to me it would be days before anyone even noticed. Not that I think something is going to happen but still it made me realize how empty my life is.
Does this mean I'm ready to date? I really don't know....the truth is it sure doesn't seem like the right time and there aren't any likely candidates around so that seems to say that it's not. So what do I do to give my life some sort of meaning. Sometimes I feel like I'm just filling time while I wait for something to happen to give me a purpose or reason. Is a career enough? I don't know. I think about the future and I see myself always alone at the fringes of things. It just again feels empty.
Sorry tonight was a pity fest and I don't mean to worry anyone, just wanted to say what I've been feeling.
Monday, May 14
Catching Up...Again
Time just keeps flying by and since I've been diligently blogging on my education blog and updating my website (access both at www.thirzadune.com) I figure I should update on here. I finished my semester with an 87% average so I'm pleased to say I'll make the dean's list once again. It was a tough semester for some reason and I found myself really overwhelmed I think it's because it was split between class work and teaching in the field, I just couldn't seem to get into any kind of groove.
My field placement went really well I spent three weeks teaching a writing unit to the grade 2/3 class I was in and we all made it to the other side with stories to be proud of. I did struggle at the beginning to figure out the students level and adapt for such a diverse group and I have ideas for how I'd change the unit for the next time I teach it. However, that's the point...it took me a while to figure out that the point wasn't to teach a flawless unit but to learn from teaching a unit. Sometimes being a perfectionist isn't a good thing. I really stressed myself out but thankfully didn't stress the kids. It sure helped having a mom who is a teacher to talk to about the experience and to help me debrief my feelings about how the three weeks went. She really understood what I was going through and why I might be feeling stressed.
I wish I could share the pictures of the students with you but I don't have parental consent for that but for my prayer warrior friends please remember them in your prayers. One of the hardest things was knowing that these students face incredible obstacles in coming to school and learning. It was an inner city school and community which means a high poverty rate and high aboriginal population. All of these students have stories that can break your heart but yet they would be there with smiles on most days and trying their best. Our society does not create an equal playing field for these students. I pray that they keep coming to school and trying their best because that is the only way they have of changing their future. Already in grade 2/3 I could see the boys mimicking the gang behaviour of the older boys. When asked about what they want to be when they grow up most of the girls responded "a mom". They really don't see any options for themselves. Also pray for their parents and families, these aren't bad parents they just lack the resources society requires of parents to produce successful children. They are battling issues of addiction, poverty, and racism while trying to be good parents. I had to learn to hold part of my heart back or I would have given everything to the students and had nothing left. The system is trying to help but there is just never quite enough.
I had a nice three week break mostly spent in Edmonton with family and friends just lots of visiting and catching up. I still didn't get to see everyone but did pretty good. It seems every time I turn around more of my friends are having children so there are more little people to meet and cuddle. I also spent a lot of time with my nephew watching him discover new skills every day. He's sooo close to walking and talking and I'm watching the baby turn into a toddler. It's so much fun to see him grow and I'm glad I get to see him so much when I'm there because it helps make sure he knows Auntie Megan. Here is is wearing his first baseball cap (from me) I totally spoil him. I also got him a Lightning McQueen and Mater stuffed toys and he seems to really like chewing on Mater. He'll actually chew on anything right now because he has two teeth in on the bottom and I'm sure there's some top teeth coming soon.
I did spend one whole weekend embracing my inner geek at the Calgary Comic Expo. For the first time all the original members of the Star Trek the Next Generation cast were in one place and for trekkies this was a big deal. I really enjoyed myself and will totally go to the Expo again but next time I'm dressing up! I got to go to discussion panels about things like steampunk and roller derby. Learn tips from various artists and collect signed pieces of their work. I also got to see my jr. high crush Will Wheaton in person (although I didn't pay the money for an autograph or photo). I promise I didn't scream or embarrass myself but I was a little giddy. My 13 year old self would have had a meltdown but at almost 33 I was able to handle the excitement. LOL!
I also got to drool over James Marsters (Spike from Buffy) and enjoy a rare musical performance by him. He's actually a pretty talented musician as well as being one of the handsomest men on TV. The thing that impressed me the most at the celebrity panels I was at was how down to earth and genuinely nice all of them were. Some seemed even a little stunned by the large crowds they were presenting to. A big highlight was getting to hear Sir Patrick Stewart speak about his career in both film and theatre. I don't know what I expected but he was just a genuinely humble and well spoken man. The only time he bragged was about his son's success in the theatre. All in all it was a great time. I met up with a bunch of my cousins and we had a chat over a late (really late) supper. I also met my good friend Carmen and her fiancé, chatted with Shannon the SIL of my friend Kathryn several times and ran into my sister once(but she was too good for us dweebs so turned her phone off). Yep the only thing missing was a great costume but I have a year to work on that for next year. I did pull off some purple hair and cat ears so it wasn't a complete waste :)
Whew what a lot to say! This is what happens when you neglect your blog for months. I won't promise daily blogs but I'm aiming for weekly because I miss sharing my life with my friends and family this way. Next time an art update but for a preview I've posted some of my new stuff on my webpage under samples.
My field placement went really well I spent three weeks teaching a writing unit to the grade 2/3 class I was in and we all made it to the other side with stories to be proud of. I did struggle at the beginning to figure out the students level and adapt for such a diverse group and I have ideas for how I'd change the unit for the next time I teach it. However, that's the point...it took me a while to figure out that the point wasn't to teach a flawless unit but to learn from teaching a unit. Sometimes being a perfectionist isn't a good thing. I really stressed myself out but thankfully didn't stress the kids. It sure helped having a mom who is a teacher to talk to about the experience and to help me debrief my feelings about how the three weeks went. She really understood what I was going through and why I might be feeling stressed.
I wish I could share the pictures of the students with you but I don't have parental consent for that but for my prayer warrior friends please remember them in your prayers. One of the hardest things was knowing that these students face incredible obstacles in coming to school and learning. It was an inner city school and community which means a high poverty rate and high aboriginal population. All of these students have stories that can break your heart but yet they would be there with smiles on most days and trying their best. Our society does not create an equal playing field for these students. I pray that they keep coming to school and trying their best because that is the only way they have of changing their future. Already in grade 2/3 I could see the boys mimicking the gang behaviour of the older boys. When asked about what they want to be when they grow up most of the girls responded "a mom". They really don't see any options for themselves. Also pray for their parents and families, these aren't bad parents they just lack the resources society requires of parents to produce successful children. They are battling issues of addiction, poverty, and racism while trying to be good parents. I had to learn to hold part of my heart back or I would have given everything to the students and had nothing left. The system is trying to help but there is just never quite enough.
I did spend one whole weekend embracing my inner geek at the Calgary Comic Expo. For the first time all the original members of the Star Trek the Next Generation cast were in one place and for trekkies this was a big deal. I really enjoyed myself and will totally go to the Expo again but next time I'm dressing up! I got to go to discussion panels about things like steampunk and roller derby. Learn tips from various artists and collect signed pieces of their work. I also got to see my jr. high crush Will Wheaton in person (although I didn't pay the money for an autograph or photo). I promise I didn't scream or embarrass myself but I was a little giddy. My 13 year old self would have had a meltdown but at almost 33 I was able to handle the excitement. LOL!
I also got to drool over James Marsters (Spike from Buffy) and enjoy a rare musical performance by him. He's actually a pretty talented musician as well as being one of the handsomest men on TV. The thing that impressed me the most at the celebrity panels I was at was how down to earth and genuinely nice all of them were. Some seemed even a little stunned by the large crowds they were presenting to. A big highlight was getting to hear Sir Patrick Stewart speak about his career in both film and theatre. I don't know what I expected but he was just a genuinely humble and well spoken man. The only time he bragged was about his son's success in the theatre. All in all it was a great time. I met up with a bunch of my cousins and we had a chat over a late (really late) supper. I also met my good friend Carmen and her fiancé, chatted with Shannon the SIL of my friend Kathryn several times and ran into my sister once(but she was too good for us dweebs so turned her phone off). Yep the only thing missing was a great costume but I have a year to work on that for next year. I did pull off some purple hair and cat ears so it wasn't a complete waste :)Whew what a lot to say! This is what happens when you neglect your blog for months. I won't promise daily blogs but I'm aiming for weekly because I miss sharing my life with my friends and family this way. Next time an art update but for a preview I've posted some of my new stuff on my webpage under samples.
Friday, March 9
I lost a few months and my mind
So it's been a few months and I've been crazy with school work. This compressed semester was intense but now the hard part is over and it's off into the classroom we go for three weeks. Since I've been soo busy nothing has really been getting down around my place. It's been go, come back and dump things. Half the time dishes weren't getting done and things have been kind of gross. So the goal for this weekend was to regain my sanity and get my place under control.
This morning was getting off to a slow start when the fire alarm went off. I started to get my shoes on and then it was turned off. Whew false alarm I thought. Then I heard a funny noise. It sounded like rain on the roof....wait i don't have a roof....I only have an apartment upstairs....hmmm....maybe a tap is dripping. No no taps dripping...hmmm Suddenly I realize there's water in the hall closet...pouring down. Wait now it's coming down in the kitchen! I run downstairs to the lobby to tell the building manager and then the chaos begins. I spent the whole morning moving things out the the water path, putting down buckets and mopping up spots. Then once it stopped coming down so much I began the clean up. The bathroom now sparkles, the closet is reorganized, the kitchen is cleaned top to bottom. The living room is dry and vacuumed. I'm well ahead of my spring cleaning schedule thanks to this little emergency.
Tonight I'm starting the craft room reorganized and straighten up. It'll take most of tomorrow too I suspect but then I'll finally move onto clothes reorganization. Packing up sweaters (since spring seems to be here) and bringing out the work clothes for teaching. I should probably also make sure I have my stuff together for day one of my teaching :-) My brain already feels less crowded and crazy.
In other news I decided to embrace my inner dweeb and bought tickets and booked a hotel room for the calgary comic con. It should be good especially since a large number of my cousins will also be there. Apparently nerd is genetic LOL!
I pulled off a great birthday surprise for my grandma and family last weekend. I worked super hard all week to get ahead on my homework and I then drove down friday for the birthday dinner and back again on sunday. It was a very short visit but I got to see everyone and cuddle my little cole-bear. He's getting so big and soooo much fun. He loves to bounce and is almost crawling. He's also started eating solids and he's a real chow hound. He even cuddled with me at the end of the evening, really melted my heart. He even wore the bear suit I got him because we all call him cole-bear.
My diet hit a bit of hiccup, stress eating is a particular weakness of mine. However, I've been doing okay but mostly because I haven't been buying junk food. I didn't lose any weight but didn't gain any either. I'm hoping to be better now my stress level is dropping and being in the classroom teaching is a lot more active than sitting in a lecture.
So that's my life for the last little bit and how I lost but hopefully am finding my mind again.
Megan
This morning was getting off to a slow start when the fire alarm went off. I started to get my shoes on and then it was turned off. Whew false alarm I thought. Then I heard a funny noise. It sounded like rain on the roof....wait i don't have a roof....I only have an apartment upstairs....hmmm....maybe a tap is dripping. No no taps dripping...hmmm Suddenly I realize there's water in the hall closet...pouring down. Wait now it's coming down in the kitchen! I run downstairs to the lobby to tell the building manager and then the chaos begins. I spent the whole morning moving things out the the water path, putting down buckets and mopping up spots. Then once it stopped coming down so much I began the clean up. The bathroom now sparkles, the closet is reorganized, the kitchen is cleaned top to bottom. The living room is dry and vacuumed. I'm well ahead of my spring cleaning schedule thanks to this little emergency.
Tonight I'm starting the craft room reorganized and straighten up. It'll take most of tomorrow too I suspect but then I'll finally move onto clothes reorganization. Packing up sweaters (since spring seems to be here) and bringing out the work clothes for teaching. I should probably also make sure I have my stuff together for day one of my teaching :-) My brain already feels less crowded and crazy.
In other news I decided to embrace my inner dweeb and bought tickets and booked a hotel room for the calgary comic con. It should be good especially since a large number of my cousins will also be there. Apparently nerd is genetic LOL!
I pulled off a great birthday surprise for my grandma and family last weekend. I worked super hard all week to get ahead on my homework and I then drove down friday for the birthday dinner and back again on sunday. It was a very short visit but I got to see everyone and cuddle my little cole-bear. He's getting so big and soooo much fun. He loves to bounce and is almost crawling. He's also started eating solids and he's a real chow hound. He even cuddled with me at the end of the evening, really melted my heart. He even wore the bear suit I got him because we all call him cole-bear.
My diet hit a bit of hiccup, stress eating is a particular weakness of mine. However, I've been doing okay but mostly because I haven't been buying junk food. I didn't lose any weight but didn't gain any either. I'm hoping to be better now my stress level is dropping and being in the classroom teaching is a lot more active than sitting in a lecture.
So that's my life for the last little bit and how I lost but hopefully am finding my mind again.
Megan
Wednesday, January 25
Portion Distortion
Ok I totally stole the title for my post from this picture I found on pintrest. This picture totally shows one of the biggest challenges for me in weight loss...portions. I just don't know what a healthy portion size is of most foods. Everything is super-sized and I just have lost the ability to judge a portion size. So I spend a lot of my time at home measuring things, reading labels and trying to figure out what a portion should be. This means that eating out is really hard right now because I just don't have the skills to easily judge a portion and yet I know what they brought me is way way way too much. There is also a lot of hidden fat in restaurant foods. I've read that some places put butter on top of their meat before serving to add extra juiciness, if it can be fried they'll do it and there are a lot of sauces with sugars and fats in them. We are programmed to like unhealthy food and too much of it.
 |
| Good Ole Meat and Potatoes |
 |
| My new plate looks more like this |
Also I lost another pound this week, despite a fall of the tracks Saturday, so I'm proud of myself. I fell off the tracks but got back on and pulled it together again, which is why this isn't a diet so much as a healthy lifestyle. In a healthy lifestyle you sometimes make bad choices but you realize it, forgive yourself and next time make better choices.
Tuesday, January 17
Wordless no more
I knew the state of having nothing to say couldn't last :D I know some people might wish I would shut up but I seem to always have an opinion or something to say. So I'm realizing I am an emotional eater...yep...I get stressed I eat. I get upset I eat. I get depressed I eat. I feel happy I eat. You get the picture, heck I even eat cuz Im bored. So I need some new strategies, problem is I don't actually know a healthy way to deal with these emotions. I recognize that eating is just another way of repressing my emotions. I need to address this if I'm going to have long term success.
So I've put a sign on the fridge and the cupboard door it says "WHY are you eating?"to try to get me to think before I reach for food. I also started reading the book "The Life You Want" by Bob Greene. It discusses emotional eating, as well as how to deal with cravings for starches and sugars. I don't know why starches and sugars are so addicting to me but they are the hardest thing to control. I grew up on starches and so they are my comfort food of choice. However, everything I'm learning says that reducing my starch intake is the secret to long term success. I don't struggle as much with sugary treats since my brain has always recognized that a little goes a long way.
So this is what I'm learning about; it's not just about control but figuring out why I eat and finding other ways to deal with those emotions.
So I've put a sign on the fridge and the cupboard door it says "WHY are you eating?"to try to get me to think before I reach for food. I also started reading the book "The Life You Want" by Bob Greene. It discusses emotional eating, as well as how to deal with cravings for starches and sugars. I don't know why starches and sugars are so addicting to me but they are the hardest thing to control. I grew up on starches and so they are my comfort food of choice. However, everything I'm learning says that reducing my starch intake is the secret to long term success. I don't struggle as much with sugary treats since my brain has always recognized that a little goes a long way.
So this is what I'm learning about; it's not just about control but figuring out why I eat and finding other ways to deal with those emotions.
Monday, January 16
Week 2 weigh in
Hooray down 7lbs. so I'm off to a good start. However the first few weeks are the easiest. I'm beginning to really want something starchy so I might save up my extra points this week and splurge on fries from McD's but we'll see how the week goes. Sorry this is going to be short but I've really got not much to say...hmmm...that doesn't happen often but apparently this is one of those rare moments.
Monday, January 9
Weigh In Day 1
Well it's my weigh in day and I'll be honest it was good news I've gone down but I didn't work very hard. I tend to lose quickly at the beginning just by eating a bunch more veggies and cutting out little things like chips/ice cream and fast food. So I wasn't particularly tough on myself and didn't track really well but I took the first steps and that's important. I'm addicted to pintrest and I created a board for healthy 2012 for inspiring quotes, healthy tips and recipes that I find. It's frustrating though because you look up healthy and all you get are pictures of really skinny women usually dressed skimpily.
Now I know you can be skinny and healthy but having a sister that suffers with an eating disorder makes this a sore subject for me. She could be one of these women but she is far from healthy. She exercises obsessively and binges and purges to maintain the physique that we idealize as healthy. I wish there were more pictures of "real" women who are healthy out there people I could look too for inspiration that maybe aren't super skinny but are healthy. I mean who says that only a size 0 is healthy you can be curvy and sexy. My goal is to get down to a size 16 this year...still wouldn't be considered skinny by most standards but for me that would be a big deal. When I get there I will celebrate by buying a new dress; then I'll re-evaluate and set a new goal but I don't think that a size 0 is ever realistic for my frame.
This picture shows the amazing diversity of athletic builds that can be out there so why don't we see and hear more about all types of women. I hate that our society has come to define beauty as only one thing and something that isn't healthy or attainable for everyone. I hate that even if I get healthy I might still not be considered beautiful or thin enough. That's why I set my goal for the year as health not just weight loss. I may need to loose some weight to be healthy but I don't want to just define this year by how "skinny" I get because I recognize that I can be healthy and not "skinny". So I'll get off my beauty soapbox but if you like what I'm saying check out a video on youtube called killing us softly (version 4 is the latest).
Well that's what I have to say this week! Let me know how you are doing with your healthy goals.
 |
| Typical Fitness Photo...grrr... |
 |
| This is better! |
This picture shows the amazing diversity of athletic builds that can be out there so why don't we see and hear more about all types of women. I hate that our society has come to define beauty as only one thing and something that isn't healthy or attainable for everyone. I hate that even if I get healthy I might still not be considered beautiful or thin enough. That's why I set my goal for the year as health not just weight loss. I may need to loose some weight to be healthy but I don't want to just define this year by how "skinny" I get because I recognize that I can be healthy and not "skinny". So I'll get off my beauty soapbox but if you like what I'm saying check out a video on youtube called killing us softly (version 4 is the latest).
Well that's what I have to say this week! Let me know how you are doing with your healthy goals.
Sunday, January 1
New Year...new goal
Well I haven't been writing much lately mostly because I haven't had any ideas. This year I'm focusing in on my health. I'm going to add a new challenge each month so by the end of the year I'll have 12 healthy new habits. This blog will be the place where I will share my progress, insights and struggles. This way I can keep sharing my life with all of you but with a reason for writing I will be more consistent in my blogging.
This months goal is to get back on track with my weight loss program so I'm rejoining weight watchers or chubby club as my mom calls it. My weigh in day is Mondays so I'll be checking in for sure on Mondays to report my progress. Even if you aren't doing the weight watchers thing I am sure others will be interested in joining me on this journey.
So what new years resolutions did you make? How are you helping yourself stay on track?
This months goal is to get back on track with my weight loss program so I'm rejoining weight watchers or chubby club as my mom calls it. My weigh in day is Mondays so I'll be checking in for sure on Mondays to report my progress. Even if you aren't doing the weight watchers thing I am sure others will be interested in joining me on this journey.
So what new years resolutions did you make? How are you helping yourself stay on track?
Tuesday, October 11
What??? It's October??
Suddenly it's October and I haven't posted since august. Peanut safely arrived august 20th and We welcomed him with a shower shortly after. On thanksgiving we celebrated his baptism and our thankfulness that he's such a wonderful new addition to our family. I'll post some of the shower crafts I made in another post but I had a lot of fun making little things to brighten it up.
School got off to a running start and like always it feels like we are sooo behind then it gets a month in and while I'm busy I'm realizing how much less important this stuff is than the prof thinks.
I'm looking into volunteer opportunities for next summer the front runner is a two week volunteer with the book bus and then go on safari for a couple weeks. As well theres some time snorkeling on the coast. Anyone wanna come with me?
School got off to a running start and like always it feels like we are sooo behind then it gets a month in and while I'm busy I'm realizing how much less important this stuff is than the prof thinks.
I'm looking into volunteer opportunities for next summer the front runner is a two week volunteer with the book bus and then go on safari for a couple weeks. As well theres some time snorkeling on the coast. Anyone wanna come with me?
Wednesday, August 3
Waiting....
Well classes finished last week already and I had hoped to be in Edmonton by now....however that is not what has happened but it's not really a bad thing as you'll see.
I went in to register my car here in Saskatchewan, thinking my registration expired in September this year. I had the inspection report I'd been given in hand and was all ready to go. However, they did the wrong inspection (free thankfully) but I had to get the right inspection done (costs money). Bigger problem was that my registration expired a while ago (like April)....CRAP!! The kind lady gave me an 8 day temporary registration so I could legally take my car to the dealership and get my inspection and even phoned to make sure they knew which inspection I needed. CAA membership is totally worth it at moments like this...they always have amazing staff that help with slightly stupid me problems.
So I go to the dealership, wait all day and they call to tell me I have to repair my bumper and front signal light before I can pass inspection (not unexpected). So they order my parts in and tell me to bring the car back Tuesday and she'll be done by Wednesday at the latest. I spend all day yesterday waiting for the early call (NOT) and almost all day today waiting before I called. Apparently the high humidity is really messing with the paint drying times so my car won't be ready until tomorrow. Then they'll sign off on the inspection and I can go back to CAA and get my registration done. This means instead of getting to Edmonton Monday like I thought originally I won't get there until Friday at the best.
But this isn't all the waiting I've been doing. Friday was the date of my 14 day revisit by Orkin...except no one called or showed up that day...I know because I waited most of the day for them. Apparently I was supposed to tell my building manager to schedule it. So I told her I needed the follow up treatment and inspection so she said she'd book it. She then told me they should come yesterday (Tues.)...I waited all day....no Orkin. She then said they said today...I settled in to wait and they were here by 10:30am. So they have retreated things and inspected and I'm officially without house guests. The waiting was worth it in this case to have peace of mind that my place is pest free. Tomorrow I can bring all the items that were decontaminated (1 hour in a hot dryer) and stored in garbage bags on my balcony back into the apartment. I don't know if I'll get it all put away but at least they are out of the elements. I plan on taking time to sort through stuff and get rid of clothes that I don't wear, old towels, mismatched socks and reorganize my clothing storage as I put this stuff away.
On top of all this I've been waiting to hear from my sister that it's GO TIME...but apparently peanut has other ideas or has decided to wait until I can be there (hehehe) since he shows no signs of budging. This is driving my sister sightly batty but she is still before her official due date so he's not late yet. I'm just glad he's healthy and it looks like I'll be around to be part of the welcome to the world party when he arrives. I've been using my waiting time here to craft things up for the baby shower...I'd share photos but I want to surprise my sister with them so you'll have to wait until after the shower. I will say I made my first ever diaper cake and it was easier than I thought and turned out looking soo good. No it's not edible as the father to be thought it's a decorative cake made out of diapers :)
Waiting isn't the most fun and today was even more difficult because during and for 4-6 hours after the retreatment Tyb and I both had to be out of the apartment. Thankfully my friend Kristine came and picked us up (no car you know) and brought us to her apartment where her two kittens greeted Tyb (the world's largest cat) quite nicely. Thankfully our kitty friends were able to find quiet corners and not bug each other too much so we were able to settle in and be creative with paints and circles. Her painting turned out beautifully! Mine was ok but not as stunning but I was just pleased to be creative and with a friend. Friday I broke up the waiting by some winners shopping with Kristine and then went to La Macaroon an amazing French patisserie here in Regina for dessert with Miranda that evening. It was so nice to have guilt free time to just visit and not worry about the school work I should be doing.
I came home today to find the parcel I had been hoping would arrive before I left on my doorstep :) crammed with the most wonderful art supplies to play with while at my parents. So maybe all this waiting hasn't been too bad. I've gotten lots of relaxing done, watched mindless TV, got my apartment woes settled, visited with some friends, and prepped things for the baby shower. Perhaps patience is a virtue and the reward is all the things that get done while you're waiting. At least now when I leave on Friday it's knowing that everything here in Regina is taken care of, my car is legal and safe to drive again, and with some relaxing already done. Which is good because I'm already booking up with chances to see friends and family while I'm home. Saturday is a BBQ with friends in Camrose, Sunday I'm going to see Wicked with a friend (sooo excited), then it's fringing and visiting for the rest of my time. Also more waiting as we wait for peanut to arrive and finally get to welcome him with cuddles and hugs into the Ginther and Pelech families. I've packed my camera so hopefully he's not camera shy so I'll have some pics of the little guy to share when he does arrive!
Good things come to those who wait!
I went in to register my car here in Saskatchewan, thinking my registration expired in September this year. I had the inspection report I'd been given in hand and was all ready to go. However, they did the wrong inspection (free thankfully) but I had to get the right inspection done (costs money). Bigger problem was that my registration expired a while ago (like April)....CRAP!! The kind lady gave me an 8 day temporary registration so I could legally take my car to the dealership and get my inspection and even phoned to make sure they knew which inspection I needed. CAA membership is totally worth it at moments like this...they always have amazing staff that help with slightly stupid me problems.
So I go to the dealership, wait all day and they call to tell me I have to repair my bumper and front signal light before I can pass inspection (not unexpected). So they order my parts in and tell me to bring the car back Tuesday and she'll be done by Wednesday at the latest. I spend all day yesterday waiting for the early call (NOT) and almost all day today waiting before I called. Apparently the high humidity is really messing with the paint drying times so my car won't be ready until tomorrow. Then they'll sign off on the inspection and I can go back to CAA and get my registration done. This means instead of getting to Edmonton Monday like I thought originally I won't get there until Friday at the best.
But this isn't all the waiting I've been doing. Friday was the date of my 14 day revisit by Orkin...except no one called or showed up that day...I know because I waited most of the day for them. Apparently I was supposed to tell my building manager to schedule it. So I told her I needed the follow up treatment and inspection so she said she'd book it. She then told me they should come yesterday (Tues.)...I waited all day....no Orkin. She then said they said today...I settled in to wait and they were here by 10:30am. So they have retreated things and inspected and I'm officially without house guests. The waiting was worth it in this case to have peace of mind that my place is pest free. Tomorrow I can bring all the items that were decontaminated (1 hour in a hot dryer) and stored in garbage bags on my balcony back into the apartment. I don't know if I'll get it all put away but at least they are out of the elements. I plan on taking time to sort through stuff and get rid of clothes that I don't wear, old towels, mismatched socks and reorganize my clothing storage as I put this stuff away.
On top of all this I've been waiting to hear from my sister that it's GO TIME...but apparently peanut has other ideas or has decided to wait until I can be there (hehehe) since he shows no signs of budging. This is driving my sister sightly batty but she is still before her official due date so he's not late yet. I'm just glad he's healthy and it looks like I'll be around to be part of the welcome to the world party when he arrives. I've been using my waiting time here to craft things up for the baby shower...I'd share photos but I want to surprise my sister with them so you'll have to wait until after the shower. I will say I made my first ever diaper cake and it was easier than I thought and turned out looking soo good. No it's not edible as the father to be thought it's a decorative cake made out of diapers :)
Waiting isn't the most fun and today was even more difficult because during and for 4-6 hours after the retreatment Tyb and I both had to be out of the apartment. Thankfully my friend Kristine came and picked us up (no car you know) and brought us to her apartment where her two kittens greeted Tyb (the world's largest cat) quite nicely. Thankfully our kitty friends were able to find quiet corners and not bug each other too much so we were able to settle in and be creative with paints and circles. Her painting turned out beautifully! Mine was ok but not as stunning but I was just pleased to be creative and with a friend. Friday I broke up the waiting by some winners shopping with Kristine and then went to La Macaroon an amazing French patisserie here in Regina for dessert with Miranda that evening. It was so nice to have guilt free time to just visit and not worry about the school work I should be doing.
I came home today to find the parcel I had been hoping would arrive before I left on my doorstep :) crammed with the most wonderful art supplies to play with while at my parents. So maybe all this waiting hasn't been too bad. I've gotten lots of relaxing done, watched mindless TV, got my apartment woes settled, visited with some friends, and prepped things for the baby shower. Perhaps patience is a virtue and the reward is all the things that get done while you're waiting. At least now when I leave on Friday it's knowing that everything here in Regina is taken care of, my car is legal and safe to drive again, and with some relaxing already done. Which is good because I'm already booking up with chances to see friends and family while I'm home. Saturday is a BBQ with friends in Camrose, Sunday I'm going to see Wicked with a friend (sooo excited), then it's fringing and visiting for the rest of my time. Also more waiting as we wait for peanut to arrive and finally get to welcome him with cuddles and hugs into the Ginther and Pelech families. I've packed my camera so hopefully he's not camera shy so I'll have some pics of the little guy to share when he does arrive!
Good things come to those who wait!
Saturday, July 23
Summer vacation ahead!
Well the chaos of last week has settled into the quiet of this week. Monday is the last day of class, Wednesday the final and then I'm done and free for a whole month. I'm going to spend that month in Edmonton with my family and visiting with friends there. To avoid boredom (like that'll happen) I'm volunteering at the edmonton kids fringe and throwing a baby shower for my sister. Nothing like a few projects to make time fly before the next round of classes. I'm a little nervous about the practicum part of the next semesters but I'm choosing to be positive about it.
I heard the rumour this week that the university is discontinuing the early childhood education program. If this is true that means there won't be a single university in Canada offering a bachelors degree with a specific early childhood label. Sometimes it seems that I get to things at the right time. Jeremiah says, "All things work for good for those who believe." and I think that although I couldn't believe that at the time Armin died that this is true. Not that I'm glad Armin died I just think God works even bad things into opportunities for good. We just have to pull our heads out of our misery to be able to see it and that sometimes takes distance. I know I'm here at the right time though and for the right purpose.
I had the pleasure of going with a friend to look at wedding dresses, her wedding is still a ways off so this was more of an I'm so excited and oooh pretty dresses trip than an actual shopping but it still was a lot of fun. She got to try on a bunch of gorgeous dresses and no matter what she put on they looked good. It'll be a tough decision then but she's got time to figure out what she wants.
On the bedbug front things are looking way up. I have seen 2 in the living room, (I quickly killed them) but that's all. I've had no bites since the treatment and the follow up treatment is in a week so I'm feeling really positive that soon this will all be behind me. Most of my stuff is spending time in garbage bags on the balcony until after the second treatment so I don't have to rewash it all. So I'm making do with a limited wardrobe and only one pillow and a sheet on the bed. The cat has started laying on soft furniture again and sleeping on the bed so that makes me happy. I also took the opportunity to tweak the furniture arrangements because they all had to move so I could vacuum underneath everything. I'm choosing to think of this as early fall cleaning. So I'm taking the opportunity to get things in order and cleaned.
I heard the rumour this week that the university is discontinuing the early childhood education program. If this is true that means there won't be a single university in Canada offering a bachelors degree with a specific early childhood label. Sometimes it seems that I get to things at the right time. Jeremiah says, "All things work for good for those who believe." and I think that although I couldn't believe that at the time Armin died that this is true. Not that I'm glad Armin died I just think God works even bad things into opportunities for good. We just have to pull our heads out of our misery to be able to see it and that sometimes takes distance. I know I'm here at the right time though and for the right purpose.
I had the pleasure of going with a friend to look at wedding dresses, her wedding is still a ways off so this was more of an I'm so excited and oooh pretty dresses trip than an actual shopping but it still was a lot of fun. She got to try on a bunch of gorgeous dresses and no matter what she put on they looked good. It'll be a tough decision then but she's got time to figure out what she wants.
On the bedbug front things are looking way up. I have seen 2 in the living room, (I quickly killed them) but that's all. I've had no bites since the treatment and the follow up treatment is in a week so I'm feeling really positive that soon this will all be behind me. Most of my stuff is spending time in garbage bags on the balcony until after the second treatment so I don't have to rewash it all. So I'm making do with a limited wardrobe and only one pillow and a sheet on the bed. The cat has started laying on soft furniture again and sleeping on the bed so that makes me happy. I also took the opportunity to tweak the furniture arrangements because they all had to move so I could vacuum underneath everything. I'm choosing to think of this as early fall cleaning. So I'm taking the opportunity to get things in order and cleaned.
Tuesday, July 12
BedBugs
Well for a few months I've suspected that something wasn't right in my suite. I had way more "hives" than normal and then I saw a few weird bugs around the place on a few separate occasions. So being a librarian at heart I took to the internet to research what bug this was....turns out it was my worst nightmare....BEDBUGS had moved in with me. So I searched for traces but couldn't find anything....hmmm...weird I thought maybe it wasn't anything...cuz who wants to admit to bedbugs. However, the bites continued and I saw them a few more times....okay war was declared. I told my landlord they came in looked saw nothing and said I was mistaken. So I kept watch and put some dust down that said it killed bedbugs, ants etc. however this seemed to encourage them because I saw them more....which needless to say was starting to freak me out. So I went back to the landlord and said I was going to call an exterminator so finally they agreed to have the exterminator come in to check. Today he came and today I was vindicated yes I have bedbugs. The dust apparently doesn't kill them it just drives them out and forces them to spread....so in doing the wrong thing I kind of did the right thing. So Thursday to my equal stress and delight they are coming to spray and KILL the little bastards.
The stress is that Thursday is my midterm for this 3 week course I'm taking and I have this list of things I'm supposed to do to prep for the exterminator. As well everything needs to by washed that's touched the floor or bed. Since laundry is expensive in my building and there are only 8 machines for 20 floors of suites I'm packing everything into garbage bags and taking it to my parents to use their machines. I asked the Orkin guy and he said the chance of me infesting their place is low if I keep the things outside until they go into the machine to be washed. As well I and my cat have to stay out of my suite for 24 hours after treatment. Normally I'm anti chemicals but in this case I just want the suckers DEAD.
Thankfully bedbugs are like lice fairly easy to kill and don't carry any germs but there is social stigma around having them. I thought about not sharing this information but I think people need to know that bedbugs are very active in Canada right now and many people have them who didn't do anything wrong. However they are quite easy to treat but the most important thing is to call a reputable exterminator ASAP. So please don't judge me harshly or avoid me and my home after it's treated. I'd hate to feel like I have the plague just because I got a few evil roommates.
Apparently they could have already been in my suite just dormant until it got warm (for once my liking my place cold is a benefit) or I picked some up at the University (which is apparently a hotbed for bedbugs) especially since I have brought in textiles and display items several time. It's rarer to get them the second way but I did have stuff that was left at the Uni for a few days at a time. I suspect they were here when I moved in because at the beginning I did have an allergy attack(hives) that I thought might be something in my new suite. However, it cleared up once fall got cooler (they go dormant in cold).
The stress is that Thursday is my midterm for this 3 week course I'm taking and I have this list of things I'm supposed to do to prep for the exterminator. As well everything needs to by washed that's touched the floor or bed. Since laundry is expensive in my building and there are only 8 machines for 20 floors of suites I'm packing everything into garbage bags and taking it to my parents to use their machines. I asked the Orkin guy and he said the chance of me infesting their place is low if I keep the things outside until they go into the machine to be washed. As well I and my cat have to stay out of my suite for 24 hours after treatment. Normally I'm anti chemicals but in this case I just want the suckers DEAD.
Thankfully bedbugs are like lice fairly easy to kill and don't carry any germs but there is social stigma around having them. I thought about not sharing this information but I think people need to know that bedbugs are very active in Canada right now and many people have them who didn't do anything wrong. However they are quite easy to treat but the most important thing is to call a reputable exterminator ASAP. So please don't judge me harshly or avoid me and my home after it's treated. I'd hate to feel like I have the plague just because I got a few evil roommates.
Apparently they could have already been in my suite just dormant until it got warm (for once my liking my place cold is a benefit) or I picked some up at the University (which is apparently a hotbed for bedbugs) especially since I have brought in textiles and display items several time. It's rarer to get them the second way but I did have stuff that was left at the Uni for a few days at a time. I suspect they were here when I moved in because at the beginning I did have an allergy attack(hives) that I thought might be something in my new suite. However, it cleared up once fall got cooler (they go dormant in cold).
Tuesday, July 5
New Venture
Well I'm taking the leap into personal business by setting up a website and advertising my services as an instructor, as an added bonus it gives me a place to sell my art. The name is Thirzadune ART Farm a tribute to the farm I grew up on and the family I grew up in. Thirzadune is the name of the farm I grew up on and it means gentle rolling hills an apt description of the farm. The website is www.thirzadune.com and it links to this blog as well. I'm excited about the opportunities this may bring my way but recognize it's going to take some work to get this off the ground.
I am back into classes and it's another super fast 3 week course so I've hit the ground running. Today I swept through the library in search of books for the research paper and the supplementary texts. The subject this time is Indigenous Studies 100 and it looks to be interesting but there's a lot of reading and information to wrap my mind around in a very short time period. I'm glad that I had a good week off in Edmonton to refresh myself because I'll be spending a lot of time in the library for the next few weeks.
I am back into classes and it's another super fast 3 week course so I've hit the ground running. Today I swept through the library in search of books for the research paper and the supplementary texts. The subject this time is Indigenous Studies 100 and it looks to be interesting but there's a lot of reading and information to wrap my mind around in a very short time period. I'm glad that I had a good week off in Edmonton to refresh myself because I'll be spending a lot of time in the library for the next few weeks.
Wednesday, June 22
Race to the finish
Well this crazy short semester is done and the marks seem to support my feelings that while this is stressful I thrive on the pressure. I am glad to be done and have a short break before I begin another 4 week course. So what am I doing with my break? Right now I'm getting up from a nap LOL late night studying plus early morning exams left me tired so I took a nice nap and now I'm forming my plans for the week or so I have off. On Friday I'll be packing myself and a grumpy cat into the car for the road trip to Edmonton. I promised to help get the nursery ready for peanut and I'm excited to help and it'll be a lot of fun. Allison's been told to stop working and stay at home resting so I know she's getting a little bored so I'm glad that I can come help her get ready for the upcoming arrival of this special person. While it was a little scary to hear that she'd started having some labour pains everything is good but she does need to take it easy. I'm so glad that her and peanut are fine because they are both very special to me.
I'm also packing up art supplies so I hope to spend some time crafting with my mom and anyone else that might want to mess around with me. So far I don't have plans for Canada Day but I'm sure something will come up. I'm also bugging my wonderful youngest sister who's a physio for a backrub which I need after lugging books around for these courses. She's been sounding a little down so we're both looking forward to some bonding time and we also have a baby shower to plan!!
I want to visit with my Grandma too while I'm home because it brings her such happiness to hear about my studies and I treasure the time I get to spend with her. She's in such good health but I don't take that for granted I know so many people my age who don't have their grandparents anymore so I'm going to treasure any time I get to spend with her. She's so amazing and I love hearing about her life and learning from her accumulated wisdom.
I guess my week off sounds pretty busy but it's sooo nice to be home in Edmonton and able to visit with friends and family. I'm a little frustrated at how expensive gas is because I've been trying to cut my spending because this last year of school was a little more expensive than I figured but it's always worth the cost to go home. I think after the summer I'll need to get a part time job just for my own peace of mind. I have my savings but I'd rather not go through it all just to pay for school even if education is a good investment. To settle my mind I think I'll make an appointment to see my investment banker while I'm in Edmonton. Once again I say if you're in Edmonton you need to see this guy and I'm happy to give you his information. It's free to meet with him and find out how you're doing financially. The most important thing I learned after Armin's death was how important financial planning is and that it's never to early and you never have too little to chat with a professional to make sure things are all in order.
While I love Regina it's interesting that Edmonton is still home for me. That should put people who are worried about me wandering far away at ease because while I may wander I'll always come home!
I'm also packing up art supplies so I hope to spend some time crafting with my mom and anyone else that might want to mess around with me. So far I don't have plans for Canada Day but I'm sure something will come up. I'm also bugging my wonderful youngest sister who's a physio for a backrub which I need after lugging books around for these courses. She's been sounding a little down so we're both looking forward to some bonding time and we also have a baby shower to plan!!
I want to visit with my Grandma too while I'm home because it brings her such happiness to hear about my studies and I treasure the time I get to spend with her. She's in such good health but I don't take that for granted I know so many people my age who don't have their grandparents anymore so I'm going to treasure any time I get to spend with her. She's so amazing and I love hearing about her life and learning from her accumulated wisdom.
I guess my week off sounds pretty busy but it's sooo nice to be home in Edmonton and able to visit with friends and family. I'm a little frustrated at how expensive gas is because I've been trying to cut my spending because this last year of school was a little more expensive than I figured but it's always worth the cost to go home. I think after the summer I'll need to get a part time job just for my own peace of mind. I have my savings but I'd rather not go through it all just to pay for school even if education is a good investment. To settle my mind I think I'll make an appointment to see my investment banker while I'm in Edmonton. Once again I say if you're in Edmonton you need to see this guy and I'm happy to give you his information. It's free to meet with him and find out how you're doing financially. The most important thing I learned after Armin's death was how important financial planning is and that it's never to early and you never have too little to chat with a professional to make sure things are all in order.
While I love Regina it's interesting that Edmonton is still home for me. That should put people who are worried about me wandering far away at ease because while I may wander I'll always come home!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)