Last night my sister and I went to the gym. (Beck, please do NOT kill me for telling this story).
We had this personal training session set up where we were going to set up a routine for weights and stuff. So we had to go to the gym early.
When you have a session you have to go to the front desk and let them know you're ready.
As we were walking to the desk (maybe 5o steps from the change room) my normally reserved sister saw someone we went to school with. Specifically someone we went to elementary school with. For the sake of argument we'll call her Marsha Brady because she is just that annoying.
Neither of us liked her. She wasn't awful, just really annoying. And not someone we would choose to hang up with as we got older.
So, Becky sees her and says to me, "OH CRAP MARSHA BRADY!"
It was so loud.
Usually my sister speaks quietly. People ask her to repeat herself. Not today. I think the entire gym heard her.
So there we were, standing at the front desk giggling because she had just shouted this. And, the thing is, we're totally recognizable.
My sister has curly red hair and is really skinny. I have dark brown hair (currently highlighted) and am a little on the chubby side. When we are together, people who have not seen us in years recognize us.
I'm not sure if "Marsha" was just so focused on her workout that she didn't see us, or if she ignored us. But, she's not the type of person to ignore us, so I'm pretty sure she didn't see us.
This may have been because Becky decided to hide behind me for the rest of the evening. She insisted on finding the most distant treadmills and actually did a crouching walk to avoid all eye contact.
The highlight for me was offering on numerous occassions to invite her to belly dancing. I thought Becky may kill me.
Soon our friend left. But, I tell you, the gym is a small place. I'm sure to run into her again.
And, on another note. We had ana awesome training session. I'm totally into doing weights now. I'm hoping some of the trainer's suggestions pay off.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Field Trip
Today was my first ever field trip as a parent.
I was anxious. In my never ending quest to measure up as a parent I wasn't quite sure how it would go, if I'd fit in or if I'd screw up.
Turns out it was awesome.
Four teachers plus myself took 20 children aged 2.5-6 years old to a nursing home where they sang songs, read stories and did crafts. We were there for about an hour.
The trip itself was not all that eventful. There was a lot of helping kids with their coats, making playdoh snowmen and wiping a few tears.
What made it so awesome was the feeling of being needed and wanted and special. I'm used to my son wanting to hold my hand. I'm used to my nieces wanting to hold my hand. I'm not used to a whole bunch of kids loving me cause I'm the new adult in town. I don't know how to explain it better than the word heart warming.
I know that at work I'm needed. But this was different. I got the feeling that if I wasn't there the kids may have fallen or not been able to get their coats on. And when I offered my hand or gave them a hug or put them in the right direction there was this unwavering trust.
It was cool.
It also broke my heart just a little that I miss this every day. But on that I won't dwell, because as awesome as that hour was - it was an hour. I could not do that all day every day.
What I have realized is that I need to get out there a little more. I will definitely be volunteering for more field trips. And maybe I will volunteer for other stuff. I used to work with seniors, and I may see if there are any volunteer opportunities. I think it would be well worth it.
I had planned to leave Matt at daycare and have an afternoon off. But that did not happen. He wanted to stay with me, so we filled our afternoon with a haircut for Matt (side note - this kids hair place has so many kids who have grown up getting their hair cut there and never left that they had to install a larger chair for the "college kids". hilarious). He sat in a bumper car and watched a movie. Life was good.
And then we bonded and had treats.
It was fun.
Oh - and we bought another monster truck.
Fun all around. And since I've had 5 full days of not watching what I eat tonight I'm getting my butt kicked into gear with a session with a personal trainer followed by belly dancing.
Yikes!
I was anxious. In my never ending quest to measure up as a parent I wasn't quite sure how it would go, if I'd fit in or if I'd screw up.
Turns out it was awesome.
Four teachers plus myself took 20 children aged 2.5-6 years old to a nursing home where they sang songs, read stories and did crafts. We were there for about an hour.
The trip itself was not all that eventful. There was a lot of helping kids with their coats, making playdoh snowmen and wiping a few tears.
What made it so awesome was the feeling of being needed and wanted and special. I'm used to my son wanting to hold my hand. I'm used to my nieces wanting to hold my hand. I'm not used to a whole bunch of kids loving me cause I'm the new adult in town. I don't know how to explain it better than the word heart warming.
I know that at work I'm needed. But this was different. I got the feeling that if I wasn't there the kids may have fallen or not been able to get their coats on. And when I offered my hand or gave them a hug or put them in the right direction there was this unwavering trust.
It was cool.
It also broke my heart just a little that I miss this every day. But on that I won't dwell, because as awesome as that hour was - it was an hour. I could not do that all day every day.
What I have realized is that I need to get out there a little more. I will definitely be volunteering for more field trips. And maybe I will volunteer for other stuff. I used to work with seniors, and I may see if there are any volunteer opportunities. I think it would be well worth it.
I had planned to leave Matt at daycare and have an afternoon off. But that did not happen. He wanted to stay with me, so we filled our afternoon with a haircut for Matt (side note - this kids hair place has so many kids who have grown up getting their hair cut there and never left that they had to install a larger chair for the "college kids". hilarious). He sat in a bumper car and watched a movie. Life was good.
And then we bonded and had treats.
It was fun.
Oh - and we bought another monster truck.
Fun all around. And since I've had 5 full days of not watching what I eat tonight I'm getting my butt kicked into gear with a session with a personal trainer followed by belly dancing.
Yikes!
Monday, February 19, 2007
Ballet, Cousins, and a Day Off
Today I took a day off.
I had no agenda, and nothing special planned. That is until my sister mentioned that Monday is ballet for my niece, so I had the amazing privilege of attending the baby ballet class.
This was by far the cutest thing I'd ever seen. Of course, Kyla was the most adorable ballerina in her class. They totally made me laugh when they danced around and followed the teachers. And, at one point Kyla ran out of the room to give me a hug which totally made my day. Too sweet.
After ballet we went for a quick Starbucks and then Kyla and I went to pick up Matthew just before lunch.
Lunch for us was weiner wraps. Yummy! We bought pillsbury crescent rolls and wrapped the weiners in them. We added a bit of ketchup and then baked them. Delicious. Kyla and Matty totally got in on the act, helping roll and squeeze the ketchup. Plus, the two of them devoured the hot dogs when they were done.
After lunch we went to my sister's house to see my new second cousin (my cousin's baby). This baby is adorable. Matt was totally smitten by her. He kept saying "Kallysta is soooo cute." And she was. She slept the entire time and had little chubby cheeks.
I have to admit, though, I was a little jealous. She sleeps all day. In fact, my cousin sets her alarm clock for feedings every 3 hours. I am really happy for her, just like I was happy for my sister when she had a quiet baby. But, I have to say it's not all that fair. Why is that I went for a good year on NO sleep? And, I was in severe pain after Matt was born. My cousin is going to step classes and she has a seven week old. Not me. At seven weeks I was barely able to get through a day.
And, just as a side note, if one more person says to me "this is why you need a second - because it will be a quiet and easy baby." ahhhhh! No. I'm not willing to risk it for the experience of a quiet baby. There's always the possibility of a more active more screaming active baby. And, that I could not take. Anyway, way off topic!
The baby really was quite adorable, all jealousy aside, and I wouldn't trade my monkey for the world, even if I am still recouperating my sleep.
So after a bit of a visit I took Matt and Kyla on yet another adventure. We went to the $2 sale at Once Upon a Child and then to McDonald's. I got the best stuff for both kids at the clothing store. Kyla was smitten by the "Irish Dancing" dress I bought for her. It is black velvet with a tartan skirt. It's actually kind of funny, but she loved it, and who was I to refuse her. I almost said no since I thought it would be too small, but I took a chance on it since it was, after all, only $2. I don't think it will fit her for long, but it will get her at least to St. Patrick's day, and that's all you can ask for when you're a four year old with an Irish heritage.
Matthew was not quite as excited by the racks of clothing, but I managed to find him a pretty cool monster truck which I bought and opened and then he had a major temper tantrum becasue he wanted the blue monster truck not the red one. I felt really bad because there was a super pregnant lady watching the whole scene, and the ladies in the store were (bordering on rude) trying to help me calm him down. I had visions of her going into labour from the sheer terror of what was to lay ahead. I finally picked him up and took him out of the store. I was pretty close to just buying the monster truck that he wanted, but thought no, this is not good parenting. So I convinced him that we would get the blue truck the next time we are at that store, and miraculously he stopped crying.
Once we solved that problem Matt, Kyla and I walked across the parking lot to McDonalds where we enjoyed some fries and time in the play place.
This play place was really big and there was a huge climbing apparatus. It was pretty cool because Kyla could get through but Matt couldn't. I wasn't quite sure what to do. They wanted to stay, but he was just too little. I felt bad, but I was kind of curious how it would play out. Just when I was about to intervene they came up with a solution. It was pretty darn cute. Matt would climb first, and then Kyla would come behind him and give his butt a push and they'd get up the next step. I had to laugh. They were both pretty exhausted by the time we left.
The day went by way too quickly. It was fun.
But today has also left me wondering, how on earth do stay-at-home moms do it??? One day of this and I'm wiped.
I had no agenda, and nothing special planned. That is until my sister mentioned that Monday is ballet for my niece, so I had the amazing privilege of attending the baby ballet class.
This was by far the cutest thing I'd ever seen. Of course, Kyla was the most adorable ballerina in her class. They totally made me laugh when they danced around and followed the teachers. And, at one point Kyla ran out of the room to give me a hug which totally made my day. Too sweet.
After ballet we went for a quick Starbucks and then Kyla and I went to pick up Matthew just before lunch.
Lunch for us was weiner wraps. Yummy! We bought pillsbury crescent rolls and wrapped the weiners in them. We added a bit of ketchup and then baked them. Delicious. Kyla and Matty totally got in on the act, helping roll and squeeze the ketchup. Plus, the two of them devoured the hot dogs when they were done.
After lunch we went to my sister's house to see my new second cousin (my cousin's baby). This baby is adorable. Matt was totally smitten by her. He kept saying "Kallysta is soooo cute." And she was. She slept the entire time and had little chubby cheeks.
I have to admit, though, I was a little jealous. She sleeps all day. In fact, my cousin sets her alarm clock for feedings every 3 hours. I am really happy for her, just like I was happy for my sister when she had a quiet baby. But, I have to say it's not all that fair. Why is that I went for a good year on NO sleep? And, I was in severe pain after Matt was born. My cousin is going to step classes and she has a seven week old. Not me. At seven weeks I was barely able to get through a day.
And, just as a side note, if one more person says to me "this is why you need a second - because it will be a quiet and easy baby." ahhhhh! No. I'm not willing to risk it for the experience of a quiet baby. There's always the possibility of a more active more screaming active baby. And, that I could not take. Anyway, way off topic!
The baby really was quite adorable, all jealousy aside, and I wouldn't trade my monkey for the world, even if I am still recouperating my sleep.
So after a bit of a visit I took Matt and Kyla on yet another adventure. We went to the $2 sale at Once Upon a Child and then to McDonald's. I got the best stuff for both kids at the clothing store. Kyla was smitten by the "Irish Dancing" dress I bought for her. It is black velvet with a tartan skirt. It's actually kind of funny, but she loved it, and who was I to refuse her. I almost said no since I thought it would be too small, but I took a chance on it since it was, after all, only $2. I don't think it will fit her for long, but it will get her at least to St. Patrick's day, and that's all you can ask for when you're a four year old with an Irish heritage.
Matthew was not quite as excited by the racks of clothing, but I managed to find him a pretty cool monster truck which I bought and opened and then he had a major temper tantrum becasue he wanted the blue monster truck not the red one. I felt really bad because there was a super pregnant lady watching the whole scene, and the ladies in the store were (bordering on rude) trying to help me calm him down. I had visions of her going into labour from the sheer terror of what was to lay ahead. I finally picked him up and took him out of the store. I was pretty close to just buying the monster truck that he wanted, but thought no, this is not good parenting. So I convinced him that we would get the blue truck the next time we are at that store, and miraculously he stopped crying.
Once we solved that problem Matt, Kyla and I walked across the parking lot to McDonalds where we enjoyed some fries and time in the play place.
This play place was really big and there was a huge climbing apparatus. It was pretty cool because Kyla could get through but Matt couldn't. I wasn't quite sure what to do. They wanted to stay, but he was just too little. I felt bad, but I was kind of curious how it would play out. Just when I was about to intervene they came up with a solution. It was pretty darn cute. Matt would climb first, and then Kyla would come behind him and give his butt a push and they'd get up the next step. I had to laugh. They were both pretty exhausted by the time we left.
The day went by way too quickly. It was fun.
But today has also left me wondering, how on earth do stay-at-home moms do it??? One day of this and I'm wiped.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Valentine's Weekend
Wanna know what I did this weekend?
I bet you do.
I did a whole lot of nothing followed by some relaxing and some napping.
It was fantastic!
After some pampering (well, kind of, I got my hair done but that's another story) on Friday morning, Mike and I went away for a weekend in Muskoka.
It was amazing.
We basically planned nothing other than the hotel. We didn't rush to get there, and we had no pre-set plans. The entire weekend was about relaxing and having some time together.
We spent a lot of time in the jacuzzi and some time in the pool. We decided to forego all of the outdoor activities available (snow shoeing and cross country skiing). It just sounded way too exhausting.
On Saturday we got up and went for brunch (yummy) and then we went swimming which meant mostly hanging out in the jacuzzi. And then I had a two hour nap. And then once I got up we went into the town where we decided to skip lunch and instead have lattes and buttertarts. It was divine. It was like dating all over again.
I can't believe we haven't had this much time alone since Matthew was born.
One of my favourite moments was over brunch on Saturday morning. We were sitting sipping coffee when this man walked past. I sware it was Stuart Smalley from Saturday Night Live. I, of course, found this hilarious. And, then just because I could I started to (quietly) do a couple of the cheerleader cheers from vintage SNL episodes. It was just funny. We hadn't laughed about stupid things like that for awhile.
It was nice.
The snow was also nice. It wasn't freezing or anything. So, it was pretty to look at.
Anyway, totally worth it.
And, bonus, I'm taking a couple of extra days off of work this week. I fully plan to return to my office relaxed and refreshed.
I bet you do.
I did a whole lot of nothing followed by some relaxing and some napping.
It was fantastic!
After some pampering (well, kind of, I got my hair done but that's another story) on Friday morning, Mike and I went away for a weekend in Muskoka.
It was amazing.
We basically planned nothing other than the hotel. We didn't rush to get there, and we had no pre-set plans. The entire weekend was about relaxing and having some time together.
We spent a lot of time in the jacuzzi and some time in the pool. We decided to forego all of the outdoor activities available (snow shoeing and cross country skiing). It just sounded way too exhausting.
On Saturday we got up and went for brunch (yummy) and then we went swimming which meant mostly hanging out in the jacuzzi. And then I had a two hour nap. And then once I got up we went into the town where we decided to skip lunch and instead have lattes and buttertarts. It was divine. It was like dating all over again.
I can't believe we haven't had this much time alone since Matthew was born.
One of my favourite moments was over brunch on Saturday morning. We were sitting sipping coffee when this man walked past. I sware it was Stuart Smalley from Saturday Night Live. I, of course, found this hilarious. And, then just because I could I started to (quietly) do a couple of the cheerleader cheers from vintage SNL episodes. It was just funny. We hadn't laughed about stupid things like that for awhile.
It was nice.
The snow was also nice. It wasn't freezing or anything. So, it was pretty to look at.
Anyway, totally worth it.
And, bonus, I'm taking a couple of extra days off of work this week. I fully plan to return to my office relaxed and refreshed.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Random Friday
In honour of Random Friday (which I keep forgetting to do, but thanks to Ruthie I'm resurrecting) here are some random things Matt has started saying.
- "Just two more seconds" - this phrase comes out whenever he wants to do something longer (like watch tv) or to calculate time. The other day at Zellers we saw booster seats for the car. I told Mike he would use one when he is older and he said "yes. In two seconds I will use a booster seat."
- "Two Millllllllllion" - this is used to denote anything large. Something expensive is two millllllion dollars and someone old is two milllllllllllion years old
- "How about no?" - I often say stuff like "how about we go to the store?" and he will always say "how about no?" as an option. It's awfully funny.
- "Yo-ho-ho" - If he is made he screams this. I can't help it. When he screams this at us, Mike and I crack up every time. Where did this come from? The other day he also stuck his hand up his sleeve and said "I'm a pirate." okay.
- "You're a sexy race car, mommy" - Yes. This is from Cars, I think. Who knows.
- "Daddio and Mommio" - whenever he wants to butter us up for something he adds "io" to our names. I know - adorable
- "I'm Lightning BuQueen" - he runs around screaming this all the time. We've tried to tell him it's Lightning McQueen but he will have none of it.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Loving Valentines ...
Yay! Valentines.
I loved my Valentines Day!!!
Like most of Southern Ontario we woke up to a ton of snow. I really love snow - at least I love the first snowstorm of the season. I love that we have a walkway to shovel (this is not sarcasm - it's our house ...) So, I was pretty psyched about it. I looked out the window when I rolled out of bed nice and early - almost 5am.
By the time I'd had my shower and made coffee it was about 5:20. I was about to turn on the tv when I saw a card sitting on the couch. It was from Mike. It was a really sweet card and at the end it said to wake him up when I read the card for my super awesome gift.
I could have waited like a nice wife would have. But I ran up the stairs. We don't always "do" Valentines. So I was pretty freaking excited. I didn't even go for a slow wake up. I turned all the lights on and said "I'm ready for my present, Baby!"
I am positive Mike was fully expecting this because he came as close to hopping out of bed as possible, and rushed downstairs.
And, out came the most amazing wonderful Valentine's gift ever.
My Coach bag!!!!
I've wanted one for sooooo long. And, contrary to popular belief, this is not something I would buy for myself. I was thrilled. And, he picked one I would like. It was awesome.
And then back to reality. We still had to get to work. So, I got dressed in my super Valentinesy outfit and shovelled. And got all my Valentines for work. And got Matt's Valentines.
And then we went outside.
Crap. The snow was really really really deep.
It came up to Matt's shoulders. He could hardly walk. And we had left his boots and snowpants at daycare. And then he dropped his bottle in the snow and I couldn't retrieve it. It was tense.
But I got to the train on time. And it was delayed. (surprise).
And, just as I was getting on the late train I got an e-mail telling me that the daycare was closed. Crap. I still got on the train because it was there. And I had a million Valentines to deliver.
So, my incredible amazing sister took Matt for the morning while I went to work.
Really, I also had to show off my purse. So, it was essential to go. And I had a lot of work, of course.
So ...
I went to work for the morning. And, today work was good. Some of the crappy stuff that has been going on wasn't. And, I was dressed in a heart covered outfit. And I was happy. And I delivered Valentines. And I got a whole bunch of Valentines which was SUPER cool!!!!
By noon I was ready to go home to relieve my sister.
My sister! Like the hat? It's her daughter's skirt - the girl can accessorize
And, it was pretty cool because I then got to spend time with my nieces and my sister and of course Matty.
We all went to Starbucks. It was fun and stressful. I'm not so sure that taking 3 tired and stir crazy children to Starbucks is the best idea. But, in our defense, we were planning to go to Chapters but the Starbucks was closed there and we were needing some coffee.
After awhile in Starbucks Matt really was losing it and so we went to the mall. For 2 hours. It almost killed me. We bought popcorn and looked at boots. For 2 hours. Mind you, half an hour was spent in Old Navy in the rocket ship. It was an interesting couple of hours.
Finally our day ended with Matthew telling us we needed to have pizza for dinner. So we all went to Pizza Hut and had a nice Valentines Dinner.
Perfect-o!
This is actually our Sunday evening Valentines Dinner, but you get the point
I loved my Valentines Day!!!
Like most of Southern Ontario we woke up to a ton of snow. I really love snow - at least I love the first snowstorm of the season. I love that we have a walkway to shovel (this is not sarcasm - it's our house ...) So, I was pretty psyched about it. I looked out the window when I rolled out of bed nice and early - almost 5am.
By the time I'd had my shower and made coffee it was about 5:20. I was about to turn on the tv when I saw a card sitting on the couch. It was from Mike. It was a really sweet card and at the end it said to wake him up when I read the card for my super awesome gift.
I could have waited like a nice wife would have. But I ran up the stairs. We don't always "do" Valentines. So I was pretty freaking excited. I didn't even go for a slow wake up. I turned all the lights on and said "I'm ready for my present, Baby!"
I am positive Mike was fully expecting this because he came as close to hopping out of bed as possible, and rushed downstairs.
And, out came the most amazing wonderful Valentine's gift ever.
My Coach bag!!!!
I've wanted one for sooooo long. And, contrary to popular belief, this is not something I would buy for myself. I was thrilled. And, he picked one I would like. It was awesome.
And then back to reality. We still had to get to work. So, I got dressed in my super Valentinesy outfit and shovelled. And got all my Valentines for work. And got Matt's Valentines.
And then we went outside.
Crap. The snow was really really really deep.
It came up to Matt's shoulders. He could hardly walk. And we had left his boots and snowpants at daycare. And then he dropped his bottle in the snow and I couldn't retrieve it. It was tense.
But I got to the train on time. And it was delayed. (surprise).
And, just as I was getting on the late train I got an e-mail telling me that the daycare was closed. Crap. I still got on the train because it was there. And I had a million Valentines to deliver.
So, my incredible amazing sister took Matt for the morning while I went to work.
Really, I also had to show off my purse. So, it was essential to go. And I had a lot of work, of course.
So ...
I went to work for the morning. And, today work was good. Some of the crappy stuff that has been going on wasn't. And, I was dressed in a heart covered outfit. And I was happy. And I delivered Valentines. And I got a whole bunch of Valentines which was SUPER cool!!!!
By noon I was ready to go home to relieve my sister.
My sister! Like the hat? It's her daughter's skirt - the girl can accessorize And, it was pretty cool because I then got to spend time with my nieces and my sister and of course Matty.
We all went to Starbucks. It was fun and stressful. I'm not so sure that taking 3 tired and stir crazy children to Starbucks is the best idea. But, in our defense, we were planning to go to Chapters but the Starbucks was closed there and we were needing some coffee.
After awhile in Starbucks Matt really was losing it and so we went to the mall. For 2 hours. It almost killed me. We bought popcorn and looked at boots. For 2 hours. Mind you, half an hour was spent in Old Navy in the rocket ship. It was an interesting couple of hours.
Finally our day ended with Matthew telling us we needed to have pizza for dinner. So we all went to Pizza Hut and had a nice Valentines Dinner.
Perfect-o!
This is actually our Sunday evening Valentines Dinner, but you get the point
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Cracking the Toddler Code
We've been having some major issues with our toddler.
I'll call it the terrible two's because I'm pretty sure that's what it is. One minute he wants something and the next he is screaming because he doesn't. One minute he's happy the next he's sad. Take for instance gymnastics. He alternates between loving it and running around like a crazy boy to stopping and lying on the floor and saying he's "way too tired, Mommy" and then 2 seconds later bounces right back.
It's driving Mike and I insane.
And the biting. Every so often he bites. It's not so bad, certainly not as bad as when he was younger, but the sudden random bites are PAINFUL. I have the bruises to prove it.
But in addition to all of this he screams.
Last night was fun. I gave him a bath before I went to the gym. As I was trying to convince him to get out of the bath he screamed
"I DON'T WANT OUT. NO OUT. LEAVE ME ALONE MOMMMY. I WILL SLEEP IN THE BATHTUB TONIGHT. GO AWAY. NO. DON'T GO AWAY. STAY. WITH ME. IN THE BATHROOOOOOOM."
I couldn't help it. I laughed. And, I didn't laugh a little. I laughed a lot. It was funny. And if I've learned nothing else about being a parent I've learned that when you have to choose between screaming back or laughing - unless it's life or death laughing is the better option.
The thing is - Matt laughed back.
And we were killing ourselves laughing for a good five minutes.
Till I said "time to get out now."
And he screamed back "NO. NOT GETTING OUT."
What did I do? I laughed and picked him up.
And, instead of his usual kicking and screaming he started to giggle. And then shout and then I'd laugh and then he'd giggle.
This worked all evening.
I was pretty impressed. Perhaps I'm breaking through.
So I went to the gym and when I got back he was asleep. (I know - it's my master plan - lose weight and avoid the bedtime battles). Therefore I did not get to try the laughing thing again last night.
But I tried it this morning.
Whatever he screamed at me I laughed back. Before he was out the door (this is about a 40 minute time span) he had started screaming and then laughing at himself.
It's fantastic. I'm loving this new theory.
I plan to keep trying it.
Frankly, I don't care if it looks bizarre that I laugh when my toddler has a temper tantrum. You know why? Because I have already tried the tactic where you get down to the child's level and speak in the toddler tone. It's way way way more ridiculous. So for now I'm sticking with laughing.
And, as they say: "Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry alone"
I'll call it the terrible two's because I'm pretty sure that's what it is. One minute he wants something and the next he is screaming because he doesn't. One minute he's happy the next he's sad. Take for instance gymnastics. He alternates between loving it and running around like a crazy boy to stopping and lying on the floor and saying he's "way too tired, Mommy" and then 2 seconds later bounces right back.
It's driving Mike and I insane.
And the biting. Every so often he bites. It's not so bad, certainly not as bad as when he was younger, but the sudden random bites are PAINFUL. I have the bruises to prove it.
But in addition to all of this he screams.
Last night was fun. I gave him a bath before I went to the gym. As I was trying to convince him to get out of the bath he screamed
"I DON'T WANT OUT. NO OUT. LEAVE ME ALONE MOMMMY. I WILL SLEEP IN THE BATHTUB TONIGHT. GO AWAY. NO. DON'T GO AWAY. STAY. WITH ME. IN THE BATHROOOOOOOM."
I couldn't help it. I laughed. And, I didn't laugh a little. I laughed a lot. It was funny. And if I've learned nothing else about being a parent I've learned that when you have to choose between screaming back or laughing - unless it's life or death laughing is the better option.
The thing is - Matt laughed back.
And we were killing ourselves laughing for a good five minutes.
Till I said "time to get out now."
And he screamed back "NO. NOT GETTING OUT."
What did I do? I laughed and picked him up.
And, instead of his usual kicking and screaming he started to giggle. And then shout and then I'd laugh and then he'd giggle.
This worked all evening.
I was pretty impressed. Perhaps I'm breaking through.
So I went to the gym and when I got back he was asleep. (I know - it's my master plan - lose weight and avoid the bedtime battles). Therefore I did not get to try the laughing thing again last night.
But I tried it this morning.
Whatever he screamed at me I laughed back. Before he was out the door (this is about a 40 minute time span) he had started screaming and then laughing at himself.
It's fantastic. I'm loving this new theory.
I plan to keep trying it.
Frankly, I don't care if it looks bizarre that I laugh when my toddler has a temper tantrum. You know why? Because I have already tried the tactic where you get down to the child's level and speak in the toddler tone. It's way way way more ridiculous. So for now I'm sticking with laughing.
And, as they say: "Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry alone"
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Private School?
Today, after gymnastics and a visit with my parents, we went to a private school open house.
This isn't just any private school. This is the school that I attended for 8 years. I was a little hesitant to go to the open house. I don't know why. I was kind of nervous.
But, we decided to go, just to check it out.
This year is the school's 25th anniversary. I went there the first year it opened (I was 4 and in jk). It's in the same location, but so much of it has changed. When I walked in it sort of looked the same and it sort of looked different. It had been upgraded, of course. But I think it just looked really small - since I'm significantly taller (at 5'2.5) than I was when I went there.
Anyway, from the moment we walked into the jk room it was amazing. Matthew loved the classroom, we were getting all our questions answered. The jk teacher was sitting chatting to some other prospective parents and we walked over. And she got up and shouted my name. Why? It was my favourite teacher of all time - Mrs. Black. She was my grade 2 teacher.
I have to admit, I love this woman. I loved her in grade 2. I loved her as I got older. She was a surprise guest at my wedding shower. I just didn't know she taugh junior kindergarten at this school.
She hasn't changed a bit. She's still cool and funny and pretty and wears great shoes. She still makes me laugh, and she could probably still make me sit in my sit and listen when she speaks. Love her.
So, a huge huge part of me is now debating putting Matt into this school just for this reason.
And, I also really like the discipline aspect. I like their core values. I like the class sizes. I like the foundation for education. I like it. I also like that in jk/sk at a private school you still get a tax credit like with daycare. So added bonus there.
I don't like that it's slightly more expensive. Nor do I like that there would be two months off in the summer since it's school not daycare. I have time to think about that though.
As I walked through the rest of the school I kept finding people I knew. I felt a little bad for Mike and Matt because I was like the walking social committee. Air kisses and hugs abounded. There was lots of laughing. There was a lot of storytelling. I relived my last 15 years for everyone. I introduced our family. It was cool and wonderful.
I was sad to leave.
I'm not sure if I want my child going to private school forever. There are a lot of pros and a lot of cons. (Cost being one). But, I have to say that I am seriously considering the option. At least for a couple of years.
And, as a complete side note - after reading Jeff's blog, and after deciding that if I watched Cars one more time I might crack, we went out and rented Curious George. Matthew is LOVING this movie. Thank goodness.
This isn't just any private school. This is the school that I attended for 8 years. I was a little hesitant to go to the open house. I don't know why. I was kind of nervous.
But, we decided to go, just to check it out.
This year is the school's 25th anniversary. I went there the first year it opened (I was 4 and in jk). It's in the same location, but so much of it has changed. When I walked in it sort of looked the same and it sort of looked different. It had been upgraded, of course. But I think it just looked really small - since I'm significantly taller (at 5'2.5) than I was when I went there.
Anyway, from the moment we walked into the jk room it was amazing. Matthew loved the classroom, we were getting all our questions answered. The jk teacher was sitting chatting to some other prospective parents and we walked over. And she got up and shouted my name. Why? It was my favourite teacher of all time - Mrs. Black. She was my grade 2 teacher.
I have to admit, I love this woman. I loved her in grade 2. I loved her as I got older. She was a surprise guest at my wedding shower. I just didn't know she taugh junior kindergarten at this school.
She hasn't changed a bit. She's still cool and funny and pretty and wears great shoes. She still makes me laugh, and she could probably still make me sit in my sit and listen when she speaks. Love her.
So, a huge huge part of me is now debating putting Matt into this school just for this reason.
And, I also really like the discipline aspect. I like their core values. I like the class sizes. I like the foundation for education. I like it. I also like that in jk/sk at a private school you still get a tax credit like with daycare. So added bonus there.
I don't like that it's slightly more expensive. Nor do I like that there would be two months off in the summer since it's school not daycare. I have time to think about that though.
As I walked through the rest of the school I kept finding people I knew. I felt a little bad for Mike and Matt because I was like the walking social committee. Air kisses and hugs abounded. There was lots of laughing. There was a lot of storytelling. I relived my last 15 years for everyone. I introduced our family. It was cool and wonderful.
I was sad to leave.
I'm not sure if I want my child going to private school forever. There are a lot of pros and a lot of cons. (Cost being one). But, I have to say that I am seriously considering the option. At least for a couple of years.
And, as a complete side note - after reading Jeff's blog, and after deciding that if I watched Cars one more time I might crack, we went out and rented Curious George. Matthew is LOVING this movie. Thank goodness.
Friday, February 09, 2007
RRSP's on the Brain
So Mike and I have started talking finances.
Unlike some couples, we never discussed money before we got married. Really. We didn't. I had my financial goals, but we never discussed them at length. And, to be honest, as we went along we just kept going with the flow and hoping for the best.
Let me tell you, with or without kids, this is not the way to go at it.
Now that Mike has hit his 30's and I'm approaching them, we're realizing that we need to sort this stuff out. We did this thanks to the show we were on (yes, it has aired, yes it will air again, no I haven't watched it, yes I will).
But, my new found fear of retirement savings has really begun to hit home for me. Some of my friends/colleagues and I started the PPAC course - it's the Pension Plan Administration Course offered by Humber College. We've been doing this for a couple of weeks now.
The focus of the course is to get a broad understanding of pensions in Ontario. It's kind of interesting and kind of boring. But all together terrifying. I'm beginning to really understand that I may not have enough money to retire.
One of my friends did the calculation for me. If I were to stay at the company I work with (or any employment that offers my pension plan) for the next 30 years I could retire at the age of 60. So that gives me just over 30 years to save for retirement.
Mike has about the same, but no pension. So, essentially he could retire into poverty. What if I die??? (okay, we haven't actually gotten to the whole part about survivor benefits so he could actually be fine). But, really, can we survive on one salary when we retire?
I'm planning to travel. Have fun. Dote on my (yikes!) grandchildren. And, I can't do this if I'm not even able to afford a can of soup.
So, tonight, over dinner at McDonald's, Mike and I started a financial plan. We've lined up our RRSP guy and we're going to start saving. You know, my grandchildren will thank me!
And, on a much lighter note ... guess what? Mike and I are going to go away on a romantic weekend for 2 next weekend. A little post-Valentine's child free get away at a resort. I'm super excited!!!! We have never been away without Matt. I have some big plans for the weekend. Apparently they offer free cross country skiing and snow shoeing which Mike is excited about. I'm more excited about the pool, sauna, room service, spa and SLEEP!!!!
And, just for some fun, here are some pictures of Matt. Yesterday when I was trying to wake him up he just did not want to have any of it. He had removed all the sheets from the bed, was curled up in "child's pose" and was sleeping the cold away. I don't blame him.
Honestly, he really prefers the bed without the sheets. And, the pink blanket was mine when I was his age. He loves this blanket.
Poor Caillou ... buried under the neglected sheets!
PS He is sleeping in a bathrobe, but we always take the belt off - so he won't hurt himself.
Unlike some couples, we never discussed money before we got married. Really. We didn't. I had my financial goals, but we never discussed them at length. And, to be honest, as we went along we just kept going with the flow and hoping for the best.
Let me tell you, with or without kids, this is not the way to go at it.
Now that Mike has hit his 30's and I'm approaching them, we're realizing that we need to sort this stuff out. We did this thanks to the show we were on (yes, it has aired, yes it will air again, no I haven't watched it, yes I will).
But, my new found fear of retirement savings has really begun to hit home for me. Some of my friends/colleagues and I started the PPAC course - it's the Pension Plan Administration Course offered by Humber College. We've been doing this for a couple of weeks now.
The focus of the course is to get a broad understanding of pensions in Ontario. It's kind of interesting and kind of boring. But all together terrifying. I'm beginning to really understand that I may not have enough money to retire.
One of my friends did the calculation for me. If I were to stay at the company I work with (or any employment that offers my pension plan) for the next 30 years I could retire at the age of 60. So that gives me just over 30 years to save for retirement.
Mike has about the same, but no pension. So, essentially he could retire into poverty. What if I die??? (okay, we haven't actually gotten to the whole part about survivor benefits so he could actually be fine). But, really, can we survive on one salary when we retire?
I'm planning to travel. Have fun. Dote on my (yikes!) grandchildren. And, I can't do this if I'm not even able to afford a can of soup.
So, tonight, over dinner at McDonald's, Mike and I started a financial plan. We've lined up our RRSP guy and we're going to start saving. You know, my grandchildren will thank me!
And, on a much lighter note ... guess what? Mike and I are going to go away on a romantic weekend for 2 next weekend. A little post-Valentine's child free get away at a resort. I'm super excited!!!! We have never been away without Matt. I have some big plans for the weekend. Apparently they offer free cross country skiing and snow shoeing which Mike is excited about. I'm more excited about the pool, sauna, room service, spa and SLEEP!!!!
And, just for some fun, here are some pictures of Matt. Yesterday when I was trying to wake him up he just did not want to have any of it. He had removed all the sheets from the bed, was curled up in "child's pose" and was sleeping the cold away. I don't blame him.
Honestly, he really prefers the bed without the sheets. And, the pink blanket was mine when I was his age. He loves this blanket.
Poor Caillou ... buried under the neglected sheets!PS He is sleeping in a bathrobe, but we always take the belt off - so he won't hurt himself.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Run Run Run
Sometime in January I set a goal for myself. In the spring I want to run a 5k.
I know that to some people this isn't a huge goal. But, to a non-runner 5k seems like a gigantic feat. The idea of all of this came from me joining a gym and a friend suggesting that we try a specific race. Not one to turn down a dare or a challenge I decided I would try it.
The thing is, I have started to enjoy it.
I've been following the whole idea of taking it at a slow pace and taking needed breaks. Know what's shocking? When you follow this it is actually do-able.
A friend of mine who is a runner told me to start by walking a minute and then running a minute. Afterall, she explained, who can't run for a minute at a time? At the time I honestly thought me!
But I'm sick of all the negative self talk. When I look at myself now as compared to a year ago I like myself a lot better. And a year ago there's no way I would have attempted it. Seriously.
And now ... I'm loving it.
So tonight I decided to see if I could actually go all 5 kilometres.
Here's the goal I set for myself. I wasn't going to watch the calorie read out and I wasn't going to care about the time. I would take walking breaks as needed and I would try to do all 3.1 miles.
By 1 mile I was stressed. Suddenly this goal seemed unattainable. I was tired and cranky and didn't feel like it.
But I persevered. Forty-five minutes later I finished running 5kilometres.
I'm pretty proud of myself!!!!
I know that it's harder to run outside. I know that 45 minutes isn't a great time. In fact, it's not even a good time.
But the point is, I feel like I can do it. And I like it. When things are crappy at work I actually start to think that I can run off the stress in the evening. Seriously. Does anyone else notice that this is new thinking to me? It's weird. And wonderful!
And, amazingly, although I was tired tonight I wasn't out of breath. I wasn't about to run another 5 k. My face was bright red. But I was breathing semi-normally. This above all is pretty amazing.
This running thing is pretty cool!!!
I know that to some people this isn't a huge goal. But, to a non-runner 5k seems like a gigantic feat. The idea of all of this came from me joining a gym and a friend suggesting that we try a specific race. Not one to turn down a dare or a challenge I decided I would try it.
The thing is, I have started to enjoy it.
I've been following the whole idea of taking it at a slow pace and taking needed breaks. Know what's shocking? When you follow this it is actually do-able.
A friend of mine who is a runner told me to start by walking a minute and then running a minute. Afterall, she explained, who can't run for a minute at a time? At the time I honestly thought me!
But I'm sick of all the negative self talk. When I look at myself now as compared to a year ago I like myself a lot better. And a year ago there's no way I would have attempted it. Seriously.
And now ... I'm loving it.
So tonight I decided to see if I could actually go all 5 kilometres.
Here's the goal I set for myself. I wasn't going to watch the calorie read out and I wasn't going to care about the time. I would take walking breaks as needed and I would try to do all 3.1 miles.
By 1 mile I was stressed. Suddenly this goal seemed unattainable. I was tired and cranky and didn't feel like it.
But I persevered. Forty-five minutes later I finished running 5kilometres.
I'm pretty proud of myself!!!!
I know that it's harder to run outside. I know that 45 minutes isn't a great time. In fact, it's not even a good time.
But the point is, I feel like I can do it. And I like it. When things are crappy at work I actually start to think that I can run off the stress in the evening. Seriously. Does anyone else notice that this is new thinking to me? It's weird. And wonderful!
And, amazingly, although I was tired tonight I wasn't out of breath. I wasn't about to run another 5 k. My face was bright red. But I was breathing semi-normally. This above all is pretty amazing.
This running thing is pretty cool!!!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Suburbia & Starbucks
I find it fascinating that I think so much about suburban life. Afterall, I was raised in suburbia. But let me tell you it's a whole different ballgame when you're living in suburbia by choice - and still looking at it from the outside in.
On the weekend my friend came over to visit. She's my friend, Ginny, from the condo. It sort of sucks that we can't just call each other and run down the hall, but the fact that her mom lives close and she can stop by to visit is pretty cool.
The fact that she came bearing Starbucks - even better! (you know how some friends you're like "no no no, it's okay I'll make coffee just come visit" and other friends they call you and it's like "are you still doing non-fat lattes"? Gin is the latter. But, I did have treats).
Anyway, so despite the frigid arctic that was Saturday, Ginny got out of her car and went into the drive-thru Starbucks to place her order. Why? Cause she wanted a whole lot of vanilla sprinkles. So, while she was in there getting her sprinkles someone came up to her and made a funny comment about how she was so bundled up. I forget the phrase. The point is that he interrupted her Starbucks bubble to comment on the weather.
We were laughing about it at the time. But, as I thought about it later I realized that this, my friends, is suburbia.
Trust me, we've seen many the crazy on a Starbucks outing, but in Toronto (or most urban centres) they keep to themselves. Seriously.
Here in the suburbs people talk more. Like, the other day I took a taxi home. And I admit I'm pretty chatty, but somehow in the 4 minutes it took me to get home we had established I was new in town. And then I paid the fare, and the driver spent another 5 minutes telling me about the cool local events, the local shopping and the movie theatre. weird.
Or, like the other day Matt and I were at Shoppers. Matt had his soother in his mouth. And, this other toddler pointed it out. I got all defensive "he's tired and cranky" and the mom was like "oh, noooo ... My son uses one too. Whatever gets you through the day."
We proceeded to go through all of Shoppers on a hunt for the Tide that was on sale (and found it.)
I'd say this is weird. But it happens all the time.
People at the gym stop and talk to me - telling me when the gym is quiet, offering to show me where the yoga mats are, etc. I worked out at 3 different gyms in Toronto. Chatty strangers were an exception. Not the rule.
And I'm loving it.
I can't help it. The more people talk to me me the more I get all chatty back. Sometimes it's just plain funny.
My opinion on this - part of it is all the available free parking. Seriously. Think about it. Why not linger at the drug store when you're not worried about how much time is on the metre. Who cares if you spend an extra couple of minutes at the hair salon if you're not worried about whether or not you are parked illegally. It's fantastic.
Not to mention, where there isn't an abundance of parking there's a drive thru. Within 5 minutes of my house there's a drive thru Starbucks, McDonald's, Wendy's, Tim Hortons (about 4) and I can't remember what else. The point is - here in suburbia we're not worried about our cars which leaves us time to talk.
What else could it be???
Or it could be something else. Truthfully I sucked at sociology. I bet some sociologist would have an idea, but as far as I'm concerned it's all about the mobility.
Oh - and thanks for the coffee Ginny. Next time I'm buying (extra vanilla sprinkles, and I'll remember which one is yours!!!)
And,just an update. Today my teenage neighbour came to my door. I realized I'd been gone way too long when I insisted on shouting out my door "who are you?" while a shivering 16-year-old was telling me they were turning the water off. Oops.
So, then when I figured that my poor neighbour was hanging out in the cold I let him in and let him turn on my water. I know ... city dweller!!!
On the weekend my friend came over to visit. She's my friend, Ginny, from the condo. It sort of sucks that we can't just call each other and run down the hall, but the fact that her mom lives close and she can stop by to visit is pretty cool.
The fact that she came bearing Starbucks - even better! (you know how some friends you're like "no no no, it's okay I'll make coffee just come visit" and other friends they call you and it's like "are you still doing non-fat lattes"? Gin is the latter. But, I did have treats).
Anyway, so despite the frigid arctic that was Saturday, Ginny got out of her car and went into the drive-thru Starbucks to place her order. Why? Cause she wanted a whole lot of vanilla sprinkles. So, while she was in there getting her sprinkles someone came up to her and made a funny comment about how she was so bundled up. I forget the phrase. The point is that he interrupted her Starbucks bubble to comment on the weather.
We were laughing about it at the time. But, as I thought about it later I realized that this, my friends, is suburbia.
Trust me, we've seen many the crazy on a Starbucks outing, but in Toronto (or most urban centres) they keep to themselves. Seriously.
Here in the suburbs people talk more. Like, the other day I took a taxi home. And I admit I'm pretty chatty, but somehow in the 4 minutes it took me to get home we had established I was new in town. And then I paid the fare, and the driver spent another 5 minutes telling me about the cool local events, the local shopping and the movie theatre. weird.
Or, like the other day Matt and I were at Shoppers. Matt had his soother in his mouth. And, this other toddler pointed it out. I got all defensive "he's tired and cranky" and the mom was like "oh, noooo ... My son uses one too. Whatever gets you through the day."
We proceeded to go through all of Shoppers on a hunt for the Tide that was on sale (and found it.)
I'd say this is weird. But it happens all the time.
People at the gym stop and talk to me - telling me when the gym is quiet, offering to show me where the yoga mats are, etc. I worked out at 3 different gyms in Toronto. Chatty strangers were an exception. Not the rule.
And I'm loving it.
I can't help it. The more people talk to me me the more I get all chatty back. Sometimes it's just plain funny.
My opinion on this - part of it is all the available free parking. Seriously. Think about it. Why not linger at the drug store when you're not worried about how much time is on the metre. Who cares if you spend an extra couple of minutes at the hair salon if you're not worried about whether or not you are parked illegally. It's fantastic.
Not to mention, where there isn't an abundance of parking there's a drive thru. Within 5 minutes of my house there's a drive thru Starbucks, McDonald's, Wendy's, Tim Hortons (about 4) and I can't remember what else. The point is - here in suburbia we're not worried about our cars which leaves us time to talk.
What else could it be???
Or it could be something else. Truthfully I sucked at sociology. I bet some sociologist would have an idea, but as far as I'm concerned it's all about the mobility.
Oh - and thanks for the coffee Ginny. Next time I'm buying (extra vanilla sprinkles, and I'll remember which one is yours!!!)
And,just an update. Today my teenage neighbour came to my door. I realized I'd been gone way too long when I insisted on shouting out my door "who are you?" while a shivering 16-year-old was telling me they were turning the water off. Oops.
So, then when I figured that my poor neighbour was hanging out in the cold I let him in and let him turn on my water. I know ... city dweller!!!
Sunday, February 04, 2007
And then they get it
Instead of going to the gym today I had a nap. I probably could have slept right through the night. I think the combination of winter, stress at work, lack of sleeping properly at night and who knows what else has just tired me out.
So when Matt told me he was napping on the couch, and Mike said he would stay awake I made a beeline for the bed.
Two hours later I felt someone waking me up. I was a little surprised. I usually wake up either from Matt crying, Mike snoring (sorry, sweetie), my alarm blaring or my bizarre internal clock that just wakes me up before my alarm.
So the soft gentle shaking took me aback.
Maybe a dream still?
Nope. It was my super adorable toddler who decided it was time for Mommy to wake up. But instead of screaming or crying, or my favourite, having the lights turned on, he started rubbing my arm. And as I slowly started to wake up he whispered "mommy I came to share raisins with you." My eyes were still shut when he started to stuff his favourite food in my mouth. Adorable.
As it was, in fact, not terrible effective at waking me up, he decided to move on to other methods.
He first sang me a song (quietly) and then climbed into bed. And then he said the cutest thing ever "mommy, I will tell you a story to wake you up."
And, he sat on the bed reciting the words to Moo, Baa, LaLaLa. About halfway through the rendition I was awake, but he decided to read me one more story and pulled out his Busy Town book and went through all the pictures with me.
And then we just sat in bed and cuddled. He told me all about Diego saving the pygmy marmasats. He talked about Gravedigger and the Monster. It was pretty cool. It was one of the moments I'll remember because it was so loving and so sweet. He's learning.
And, after the awesome wake-up he had happy mommy back and all was well with the world.
I still can't convince him to watch football though.
So when Matt told me he was napping on the couch, and Mike said he would stay awake I made a beeline for the bed.
Two hours later I felt someone waking me up. I was a little surprised. I usually wake up either from Matt crying, Mike snoring (sorry, sweetie), my alarm blaring or my bizarre internal clock that just wakes me up before my alarm.
So the soft gentle shaking took me aback.
Maybe a dream still?
Nope. It was my super adorable toddler who decided it was time for Mommy to wake up. But instead of screaming or crying, or my favourite, having the lights turned on, he started rubbing my arm. And as I slowly started to wake up he whispered "mommy I came to share raisins with you." My eyes were still shut when he started to stuff his favourite food in my mouth. Adorable.
As it was, in fact, not terrible effective at waking me up, he decided to move on to other methods.
He first sang me a song (quietly) and then climbed into bed. And then he said the cutest thing ever "mommy, I will tell you a story to wake you up."
And, he sat on the bed reciting the words to Moo, Baa, LaLaLa. About halfway through the rendition I was awake, but he decided to read me one more story and pulled out his Busy Town book and went through all the pictures with me.
And then we just sat in bed and cuddled. He told me all about Diego saving the pygmy marmasats. He talked about Gravedigger and the Monster. It was pretty cool. It was one of the moments I'll remember because it was so loving and so sweet. He's learning.
And, after the awesome wake-up he had happy mommy back and all was well with the world.
I still can't convince him to watch football though.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Let's Make a Deal
Newsflash - It's Superbowl Weekend!
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the world's biggest football fan. Neither is my husband. In fact, if we're being completely honest here, I think that back when Mike and I were first together I actually explained the rules of football to him.
But I do, occassionally, enjoy a good football game. I'm a true bandwagon fan of many things. Football included. So when Superbowl Sunday comes along count me in. I love the beer and the nachos and the chili. I've hosted Superbowl parties.
Probably the best or most memorable Superbowl party was the year before we got married. Mike was living with the world's biggest football fan (thank God I had already explained the rules of the game) and since I was always at his place I offered to make a huge batch of chili, get tons of snacks and we would have a party. We all had fun. But as Adam (the roommate)'s team started to lose really badly he went off to his room to cry and watch the end of the game. I'm not sure whether we were more absorbed in the game or laughing at Adam.
But that's what makes Superbowl fun.
Right?
The Janet/Justin fiasco. Golden.
I love it.
There's just one problem. The Superbowl is not shown on Treehouse and Matthew is very demanding about watching his shows.
Hence our use of his favourite phrase - let's make a deal.
Tomorrow we are on a quest to watch the Superbowl and are hoping to do it without a toddler having a temper tantrum for the duration of the game.
Luckily we are getting pretty good with the bribes. Licorice and chips will tide us over for awhile. We can bring all the good basement toys upstairs. And, if worse comes to worst we will turn our bedroom tv on to Treehouse and let him hang out in the love den (ha ha just kidding) while we enjoy the game of all games, the Superbowl.
Now, in all honesty we are a little anxious. This weekend is posing a few problems. Mike went to the grocery store to get all of the ingredients for Chili but they had no kidney beans. I think another traditional Superbowl food is wings, but Mike hates chicken wings so that option is out. We may be making nachos. We'll just have to see. There's also the small issue that we could be without water (our neighbour is turning the water off for a few hours - don't ask). And, we still have to pick up beer. Because it would seem I have a new found affinity for drinking beer. And what is the Superbowl without beer?
We fully intend to spend tomorrow discussing with Matt why the tv will be tuned to football. In highschool I went to a lot of games, and found pure joy in the idea of screaming "smoosh smoosh smoosh" every time someone tackled someone. This will be my final card. If nothing else we will allow Matt to scream at the television while we attempt to enjoy the show.
Wish us luck everyone. I think tomorrow we will be needing it.
Of course, if anyone wants to babysit - you've got our number!
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the world's biggest football fan. Neither is my husband. In fact, if we're being completely honest here, I think that back when Mike and I were first together I actually explained the rules of football to him.
But I do, occassionally, enjoy a good football game. I'm a true bandwagon fan of many things. Football included. So when Superbowl Sunday comes along count me in. I love the beer and the nachos and the chili. I've hosted Superbowl parties.
Probably the best or most memorable Superbowl party was the year before we got married. Mike was living with the world's biggest football fan (thank God I had already explained the rules of the game) and since I was always at his place I offered to make a huge batch of chili, get tons of snacks and we would have a party. We all had fun. But as Adam (the roommate)'s team started to lose really badly he went off to his room to cry and watch the end of the game. I'm not sure whether we were more absorbed in the game or laughing at Adam.
But that's what makes Superbowl fun.
Right?
The Janet/Justin fiasco. Golden.
I love it.
There's just one problem. The Superbowl is not shown on Treehouse and Matthew is very demanding about watching his shows.
Hence our use of his favourite phrase - let's make a deal.
Tomorrow we are on a quest to watch the Superbowl and are hoping to do it without a toddler having a temper tantrum for the duration of the game.
Luckily we are getting pretty good with the bribes. Licorice and chips will tide us over for awhile. We can bring all the good basement toys upstairs. And, if worse comes to worst we will turn our bedroom tv on to Treehouse and let him hang out in the love den (ha ha just kidding) while we enjoy the game of all games, the Superbowl.
Now, in all honesty we are a little anxious. This weekend is posing a few problems. Mike went to the grocery store to get all of the ingredients for Chili but they had no kidney beans. I think another traditional Superbowl food is wings, but Mike hates chicken wings so that option is out. We may be making nachos. We'll just have to see. There's also the small issue that we could be without water (our neighbour is turning the water off for a few hours - don't ask). And, we still have to pick up beer. Because it would seem I have a new found affinity for drinking beer. And what is the Superbowl without beer?
We fully intend to spend tomorrow discussing with Matt why the tv will be tuned to football. In highschool I went to a lot of games, and found pure joy in the idea of screaming "smoosh smoosh smoosh" every time someone tackled someone. This will be my final card. If nothing else we will allow Matt to scream at the television while we attempt to enjoy the show.
Wish us luck everyone. I think tomorrow we will be needing it.
Of course, if anyone wants to babysit - you've got our number!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
The Time Out
My husband and I are advocates of the time out. Sometimes we go with the quick no warning time-out though this is rare.
For instance, last night when Matt kicked Mojo and I told him that was bad, and then when he kicked me in response it was straight to a time out - on the stairs.
We usually try to do the counting thing though. You know - 1, 2, 3 and it's a time out. Usually he freaks when we get to 2 and he stops. When he doesn't we put him in whatever we have deemed the time-out location. Sometimes it's the living room chair, sometimes it's a stair, I've even resorted to the cart in the grocery store (and that is fun). I am not one to carry a naughty mat nor do I think location is that important. If you have ever seen my child in a time out you would understand -- if he's in time out he's pissed off and location is irrelevant.
But this morning I was watching the Gill Deacon show (it was 5 am - there's not much choice at that time). She was talking to an expert about time outs.
It was the stupidest segment of television I have watched in awhile.
The supposed expert they had talking about it was driving me crazy. As they sat in a nicely lit studio with no children running around they had a serious discussion about the idea behind a time out. Apparently, when putting a child in a time out you should be calm, rational and loving. You should not be angry or frustrated. You should lovingly explain to your toddler that you are putting them in time out so that they can calm down and then you will discuss the behaviour. And then the good parent you are, you should walk away and be calm because that is what this behaviour is all about.
HELLO!
Have they met my child?
Seriously.
Time out for me is the moment where I choose to be a good mother and not strangle my child, not leave him alone in the grocery store or just go buy a bottle of wine and drink it because I'm at a loss.
Do I have a moment of clarity, where I think happy thoughts all while my child is freaking out and possibly kicking or screaming or - and this is his latest manouevre - punching. Of course I don't. Generally when we get to the time-out phase I'm mad or frustrated or both. I'm trying to figure out why he's doing what he's doing. And I'm trying to find a good solution. I generally don't take the time to go into my happy place to convey to my child that I'm not mad.
Seriously. I think that may confuse him.
Take for instance my upbringing.
My parents were and are amazing. They had their own discipline techniques - they weren't the biggest advocates of the time out. But let me tell you. I knew when I was in trouble. Don't get me wrong, they didn't bring out the whip and threaten me. Nothing like that. But, my usually calm and fairly reserved parents let me know when they were not pleased with me.
It didn't always get to the punishment stage because they could convey in their words and looks that if I didn't stop I was in trouble. They were not reaching for their inner calmness (well, I 'm sure they had to in order to not kill me) but there were no fake smiles and niceness while calmly putting me in my room.
They made it clear - your actions were wrong and I am upset.
And, that to me is the best way to do it.
I never questionned it. I didn't always listen or behave. But there was never any question that if I was bad my parents were not happy and there would be a consequence.
I can't imagine it being any other way. How confusing would it have been for me if, say, when I was 4 years old, I bit my sister and instead showing her complete disgust with my actions, my mom calmed herself down and then gently told me that biting was wrong? With my personality I probably would have laughed, and then done it again to see what her reaction would be. Truthfully, I vividly recall the day I got mad at my sister and bit her through her winter jacket. I don't remember the punishment, but I certainly remember thinking that I really should never do that again. And I never have.
And trust me. My mom was furious. That I recall.
My point is - sometimes as parents we need to show our emotions.
Of course showing emotions works two ways. Sure last night after the kicking incident Matthew knew I was mad (and in pain), but a lot of the time I let him know how happy I am. It's awesome to fall over laughing with him, or to play "cut the pickle tickle tickle" and laugh. And I think that he'll remember that just as much.
And besides, that's who I am. I'm an emotional nut case and a bit of a drama queen. You know me and love me for who I am. And so will he.
And if all else fails, at least his dad is a pretty calm person.
For instance, last night when Matt kicked Mojo and I told him that was bad, and then when he kicked me in response it was straight to a time out - on the stairs.
We usually try to do the counting thing though. You know - 1, 2, 3 and it's a time out. Usually he freaks when we get to 2 and he stops. When he doesn't we put him in whatever we have deemed the time-out location. Sometimes it's the living room chair, sometimes it's a stair, I've even resorted to the cart in the grocery store (and that is fun). I am not one to carry a naughty mat nor do I think location is that important. If you have ever seen my child in a time out you would understand -- if he's in time out he's pissed off and location is irrelevant.
But this morning I was watching the Gill Deacon show (it was 5 am - there's not much choice at that time). She was talking to an expert about time outs.
It was the stupidest segment of television I have watched in awhile.
The supposed expert they had talking about it was driving me crazy. As they sat in a nicely lit studio with no children running around they had a serious discussion about the idea behind a time out. Apparently, when putting a child in a time out you should be calm, rational and loving. You should not be angry or frustrated. You should lovingly explain to your toddler that you are putting them in time out so that they can calm down and then you will discuss the behaviour. And then the good parent you are, you should walk away and be calm because that is what this behaviour is all about.
HELLO!
Have they met my child?
Seriously.
Time out for me is the moment where I choose to be a good mother and not strangle my child, not leave him alone in the grocery store or just go buy a bottle of wine and drink it because I'm at a loss.
Do I have a moment of clarity, where I think happy thoughts all while my child is freaking out and possibly kicking or screaming or - and this is his latest manouevre - punching. Of course I don't. Generally when we get to the time-out phase I'm mad or frustrated or both. I'm trying to figure out why he's doing what he's doing. And I'm trying to find a good solution. I generally don't take the time to go into my happy place to convey to my child that I'm not mad.
Seriously. I think that may confuse him.
Take for instance my upbringing.
My parents were and are amazing. They had their own discipline techniques - they weren't the biggest advocates of the time out. But let me tell you. I knew when I was in trouble. Don't get me wrong, they didn't bring out the whip and threaten me. Nothing like that. But, my usually calm and fairly reserved parents let me know when they were not pleased with me.
It didn't always get to the punishment stage because they could convey in their words and looks that if I didn't stop I was in trouble. They were not reaching for their inner calmness (well, I 'm sure they had to in order to not kill me) but there were no fake smiles and niceness while calmly putting me in my room.
They made it clear - your actions were wrong and I am upset.
And, that to me is the best way to do it.
I never questionned it. I didn't always listen or behave. But there was never any question that if I was bad my parents were not happy and there would be a consequence.
I can't imagine it being any other way. How confusing would it have been for me if, say, when I was 4 years old, I bit my sister and instead showing her complete disgust with my actions, my mom calmed herself down and then gently told me that biting was wrong? With my personality I probably would have laughed, and then done it again to see what her reaction would be. Truthfully, I vividly recall the day I got mad at my sister and bit her through her winter jacket. I don't remember the punishment, but I certainly remember thinking that I really should never do that again. And I never have.
And trust me. My mom was furious. That I recall.
My point is - sometimes as parents we need to show our emotions.
Of course showing emotions works two ways. Sure last night after the kicking incident Matthew knew I was mad (and in pain), but a lot of the time I let him know how happy I am. It's awesome to fall over laughing with him, or to play "cut the pickle tickle tickle" and laugh. And I think that he'll remember that just as much.
And besides, that's who I am. I'm an emotional nut case and a bit of a drama queen. You know me and love me for who I am. And so will he.
And if all else fails, at least his dad is a pretty calm person.
Monday, January 29, 2007
What we have determined about soothers, and why I'm not giving up this blog
Obviously I'm over what I wrote about yesterday. I know a lot of you don't get it. But, I had to say it. And I had to figure it out. And, to the people who sent me e-mails saying that yep, it's my blog I can say what I want thanks. Cause that's the point. And, as much as sometimes I want to vent about the crap out there I'm not. At the end of the day, no matter what the forum, I'm responsible for what I say. And it would just be really stupid to share some stuff.
And, to the anonymous commenter who found me from Rebecca's blog. HELLO - that is the coolest thing ever! Don't you love her? I love her.
So ...
On to the topic of soothers.
Mike and I were laughing today about soothers. Apparently after nap today Matt had a complete meltdown when they took his soother away. Eventually (and this is why I LOVE this daycare) they let him have it. He was happy, and he needed the added comfort the soother brought. He's 2. I say whatever.
But it made us curious about the whole topic.
What's with this whole soother deal? Why is it that when a child reaches a certain age (1, 2, 3 or 4) parents feel the need to take away the soother. Okay, maybe 4 is a little old, but I don't get the obsession with removing the soother. Sorry. I know a lot of you do.
So, Mike randomly asked Matthew today "who else has a soother at daycare?"
I know a few kids have them but he gave us one response "Julia".
Seriously.
This is the little girl that he hangs out with ALL THE TIME.
He talks about her. She kisses him goodbye. I've never met her since I don't do the daycare pick ups or drop offs, but I know she exists. Cause he talks about her.
And it turns out that she shares his love of soother.
Mike asked me tonight "do you think they are kind of like the foyer crowd but with soothers?"
Actually, I kind of do.
Funny.
Love the soother.
My thoughts on it. We have cut back on the soother. He's content keeping it in his pocket and doing stuff. If he's not tired he can go for long stretches without it. But when he's tired. Seriously he needs it.
The truth is that I've never seen grown kids sucking soothers (well, I have, but not in like the way that a baby/toddler does). And, I know that in kindergarten they won't be allowed them. I've even done some research on it and conferred with my doctor. By all means he's good till the age of 4 then he has to give it up.
My niece gave her soother up around then. I have to admit she's a little like a reformed alcoholic. She can go months without a soother, but if someone slips one to her she just sits there with a look of complete peace on her face. It kills me when I see it (and yes, I am the enabler who occassionally lets her get a taste of soothery goodness).
So, one day we will retire the soother. Oh, and the bottle. But for now. I'm not ready. And neither is Matt.
And, okay, I'll be honest. One time he stuck a soother in my mouth. And it was kind of comforting. But weird. I'm 28 - too old to ever justify it. But, I do see the appeal. There are worse things I tell ya.
And, to the anonymous commenter who found me from Rebecca's blog. HELLO - that is the coolest thing ever! Don't you love her? I love her.
So ...
On to the topic of soothers.
Mike and I were laughing today about soothers. Apparently after nap today Matt had a complete meltdown when they took his soother away. Eventually (and this is why I LOVE this daycare) they let him have it. He was happy, and he needed the added comfort the soother brought. He's 2. I say whatever.
But it made us curious about the whole topic.
What's with this whole soother deal? Why is it that when a child reaches a certain age (1, 2, 3 or 4) parents feel the need to take away the soother. Okay, maybe 4 is a little old, but I don't get the obsession with removing the soother. Sorry. I know a lot of you do.
So, Mike randomly asked Matthew today "who else has a soother at daycare?"
I know a few kids have them but he gave us one response "Julia".
Seriously.
This is the little girl that he hangs out with ALL THE TIME.
He talks about her. She kisses him goodbye. I've never met her since I don't do the daycare pick ups or drop offs, but I know she exists. Cause he talks about her.
And it turns out that she shares his love of soother.
Mike asked me tonight "do you think they are kind of like the foyer crowd but with soothers?"
Actually, I kind of do.
Funny.
Love the soother.
My thoughts on it. We have cut back on the soother. He's content keeping it in his pocket and doing stuff. If he's not tired he can go for long stretches without it. But when he's tired. Seriously he needs it.
The truth is that I've never seen grown kids sucking soothers (well, I have, but not in like the way that a baby/toddler does). And, I know that in kindergarten they won't be allowed them. I've even done some research on it and conferred with my doctor. By all means he's good till the age of 4 then he has to give it up.
My niece gave her soother up around then. I have to admit she's a little like a reformed alcoholic. She can go months without a soother, but if someone slips one to her she just sits there with a look of complete peace on her face. It kills me when I see it (and yes, I am the enabler who occassionally lets her get a taste of soothery goodness).
So, one day we will retire the soother. Oh, and the bottle. But for now. I'm not ready. And neither is Matt.
And, okay, I'll be honest. One time he stuck a soother in my mouth. And it was kind of comforting. But weird. I'm 28 - too old to ever justify it. But, I do see the appeal. There are worse things I tell ya.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Long Time Gone
It feels like I haven't blogged for awhile. And, I know it's been awhile because a couple of people have mentioned it. I mean, I've said the random thing here and there, but lately it's been pretty quiet.
Why?
Well, because sometimes it's hard to write about your life. And, lately I've been questioning it a bit. I started this blog because I wanted to write about my son. I loved the idea of sharing the craziness of motherhood with other people. Someone I pretty much idolize encouraged me to, and I did. And it's been fun.
It's pretty cool knowing that people read about my life and that they care. I love knowing that my niece goes online with my sister to look at pictures of Matty (and of her and her sister). It's cool that friends I don't see very often check it out. It's amazing to me that I sent an e-mail to my best friend from elementary school, who I haven't seen since I was 14, and she saw the link and has been reading (and in some cases relating to my life).
That is cool.
But there are some things that aren't so cool. It's weird knowing that people at work read this. Not everyone - but some people. You can't limit it. Nor can you decide that one day one friend can read and another can't.
It bugs me that I can't be as open as I would like to be. Sure I'm a little negative here, but not really. Without getting into details (because, obviously I can't) there's just some crappy stuff going on right now. And, I don't really know who I can rely on, who I can trust, etc etc. And here would be a great place for it. All of it. Except that I'm not anonymous. And, I wish I were.
(Mom, if you are reading this don't worry - yes, you know the whole story we chatted about it at Starbucks).
I asked someone, another blogger, his opinion of letting people at work in on your life. He didn't say I was crazy, but it's not his practice. At the time I didn't quite understand his point. Now I do.
My point is this. Some people suck. And, knowing sucky people read my blog sucks. So, instead of writing around it and not talking about it I am. Maybe I'll switch blogs. It's not the first time someone has done that. Or maybe I'll get over it and stop being sensitive and remember that at the end of the day it's my choice to write or not to write and how much I share and don't share.
I'm not going to be negative and say all the crap stuff. I think at the end of the day, I'm writing what I know - and what I want to write. And I would way rather talk about the cool adorable funny stuff that Matt does than the crap that sometimes arises outside of home.
Good? Good.
But for those of you who know me - what do you think? Continue? Take a break? Just wondering what you think.
Why?
Well, because sometimes it's hard to write about your life. And, lately I've been questioning it a bit. I started this blog because I wanted to write about my son. I loved the idea of sharing the craziness of motherhood with other people. Someone I pretty much idolize encouraged me to, and I did. And it's been fun.
It's pretty cool knowing that people read about my life and that they care. I love knowing that my niece goes online with my sister to look at pictures of Matty (and of her and her sister). It's cool that friends I don't see very often check it out. It's amazing to me that I sent an e-mail to my best friend from elementary school, who I haven't seen since I was 14, and she saw the link and has been reading (and in some cases relating to my life).
That is cool.
But there are some things that aren't so cool. It's weird knowing that people at work read this. Not everyone - but some people. You can't limit it. Nor can you decide that one day one friend can read and another can't.
It bugs me that I can't be as open as I would like to be. Sure I'm a little negative here, but not really. Without getting into details (because, obviously I can't) there's just some crappy stuff going on right now. And, I don't really know who I can rely on, who I can trust, etc etc. And here would be a great place for it. All of it. Except that I'm not anonymous. And, I wish I were.
(Mom, if you are reading this don't worry - yes, you know the whole story we chatted about it at Starbucks).
I asked someone, another blogger, his opinion of letting people at work in on your life. He didn't say I was crazy, but it's not his practice. At the time I didn't quite understand his point. Now I do.
My point is this. Some people suck. And, knowing sucky people read my blog sucks. So, instead of writing around it and not talking about it I am. Maybe I'll switch blogs. It's not the first time someone has done that. Or maybe I'll get over it and stop being sensitive and remember that at the end of the day it's my choice to write or not to write and how much I share and don't share.
I'm not going to be negative and say all the crap stuff. I think at the end of the day, I'm writing what I know - and what I want to write. And I would way rather talk about the cool adorable funny stuff that Matt does than the crap that sometimes arises outside of home.
Good? Good.
But for those of you who know me - what do you think? Continue? Take a break? Just wondering what you think.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Shimmylicious
Tonight was bellydance class number two.
We switched the routine up a bit and I went and ran a bit before the class. I'm trying now to run 4 minutes and walk 1, so I figure I need to keep this up. So I mixed it up and got a good workout tonight.
And then we bellydanced.
Gotta say - tonight was a blast. I really and truly loved it.
I wasn't good. Far from it. But I followed. I shimmied. I did shoulder shakes, I did the neck thing and I only got lost once. Of course my sister was quite good too.
Now I'm completely positive I will never evolve into a bellydancer. I'm not particularly graceful, nor do I enjoy the music. But, I do like the idea of it.
What I'm particularly enjoying is that we're celebrating our bodies. I know. FROMAGE. We've all heard it before, but really. I've always hated my body. Seriously. At every weight I've been at I've hated my body for as long as I can remember.
Part of the problem is that I have a very feminine body i.e. lots of curves. That's great when you're older, but crappy when you are young and have curves no one else does. And since I had those curves I just never like myself that much.
I try. And, I know I look bettter than I have. I'm eating well and exercising and all of that. So this isn't about saying "poor me". But, at the end of the day, going to a class where the feminie body is the ideal is awesome.
I don't pull down my t-shirt of my tummy is showing. I do moves that have me pushing my hips out. The larger bust is glorified.
And I'm loving it.
And, if nothing else I'm gaining an appreciation for me. And for what I have. And for an hour I just don't care. At least not really. And, it turns out that if I were living in the middle east my body would be glorified.
Huh.
I'm curious as to where exactly the middle east is. Cause I'm moving there. Soon.
And, about tonight. I only really cracked up one time when I got completely turned around. Who knows. There may be hope for me yet.
Note: I have now discovered where the middle East is thanks to Wikipedia: One widely used definition of the "Middle East" is that of the airline industry, maintained by the IATA standards organization. This definition — as of early 2006 — includes Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestinian territories (West Bank and Gaza strip), Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Hmmm ... anyone up for a trip to Qatar. Seriously, I have never even considered a trip to any of these places. Crap!
We switched the routine up a bit and I went and ran a bit before the class. I'm trying now to run 4 minutes and walk 1, so I figure I need to keep this up. So I mixed it up and got a good workout tonight.
And then we bellydanced.
Gotta say - tonight was a blast. I really and truly loved it.
I wasn't good. Far from it. But I followed. I shimmied. I did shoulder shakes, I did the neck thing and I only got lost once. Of course my sister was quite good too.
Now I'm completely positive I will never evolve into a bellydancer. I'm not particularly graceful, nor do I enjoy the music. But, I do like the idea of it.
What I'm particularly enjoying is that we're celebrating our bodies. I know. FROMAGE. We've all heard it before, but really. I've always hated my body. Seriously. At every weight I've been at I've hated my body for as long as I can remember.
Part of the problem is that I have a very feminine body i.e. lots of curves. That's great when you're older, but crappy when you are young and have curves no one else does. And since I had those curves I just never like myself that much.
I try. And, I know I look bettter than I have. I'm eating well and exercising and all of that. So this isn't about saying "poor me". But, at the end of the day, going to a class where the feminie body is the ideal is awesome.
I don't pull down my t-shirt of my tummy is showing. I do moves that have me pushing my hips out. The larger bust is glorified.
And I'm loving it.
And, if nothing else I'm gaining an appreciation for me. And for what I have. And for an hour I just don't care. At least not really. And, it turns out that if I were living in the middle east my body would be glorified.
Huh.
I'm curious as to where exactly the middle east is. Cause I'm moving there. Soon.
And, about tonight. I only really cracked up one time when I got completely turned around. Who knows. There may be hope for me yet.
Note: I have now discovered where the middle East is thanks to Wikipedia: One widely used definition of the "Middle East" is that of the airline industry, maintained by the IATA standards organization. This definition — as of early 2006 — includes Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestinian territories (West Bank and Gaza strip), Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Hmmm ... anyone up for a trip to Qatar. Seriously, I have never even considered a trip to any of these places. Crap!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Happy Birthday, Daddio
Saturday was Mike's birthday. It has been birthday weekend around here with the big event today being the Monster Truck Jam followed by dinner prepared by my sister and hosted by my parents.I'm tired, so without any further ado pictures from today...
Gravedigger, the famous Monster Truck (25th anniversary)
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Why I love gymnastics
Today was our second session of gymnastics. It was, of course, amazing!
I'm loving the coaches. I feel like we got the best one. Lucky us.
Here's why I love the coach, Brianna. Of course I love her because Matt thinks she is cool. And he does whatever she says. He hangs on her every word. It's pretty cool. And, she's patient.
I also love her because today she told me that she had assumed that I had done gymnastics when I was younger. Ha! I'm not kidding.
Alright, so it's not because I showed off my cartwheeling skills. It's actually because I got really excited when she told the parents they could hop into the sponge pit with all of the kids. While some parents held back a little fearful I hopped right in. Gleefully, in fact. (This was to encourage Matthew, of course).
I had never been in a sponge pit. It looked fun. It was not. I got stuck. Seriously. It is like wading through quick sand. All the little kids who were throwing themselves in the pit and crawling around ... I'm at least 100 pounds heavier than them. It was not fun for me.
As I was desperately trying to get out of the middle of the sponge pit (without being hit by a flying toddler) I looked up to the coach for help. She was trying very hard not to laugh.
And that's when she said it.
"I thought you had taken gymnastics. I assumed you knew what the pit is like."
Ummm ... no.
I couldn't help myself. I started to whine. I finally said "I feel like I am in a nightmare or something."
She responded "yeah. That dream when you're running in mud and get move."
Basically, yes.
Don't worry. I made it out. The group waited for me. Matthew didn't. But the junior coach caught him while I climbed out.
But seriously, I'm loving that someone thought I was a gymnast. That's almost as funny as when someone told me that I look like Twiggy. (apparently it was the hairband I had on, but really, Twiggy???)
Anyway ...
Matthew did really well in class today. He flipped over the bar a couple times. He did the balance beam without holding my hand. He totally rocked out in the wiggle time at the end. It was fantastic and fun.
I love that in the class he just randomly comes and gives me a hug, or announces that he loves me or says, "it's just Mommy and Matty today." I love that.
We got home around 10:30 and by 11 we were both ready for naps. Loved it.
Today is also Mike's birthday. We bought him a digital camera which he loves (a new one because this one is 7.1 megapixels and his old one was 1 megapixel.). He gets another super wonderful gift tomorrow. And then I will blog about his birthday. Because the big day is tomorrow when we go to the Monster Truck Jam (yes, I know ... hick!) and then have a birthday party with my parents and sister. We also had cake tonight. Matt and I made the cake. It was fun. But more on that tomorrow.
Monster Truck Jam here we come!
I'm loving the coaches. I feel like we got the best one. Lucky us.
Here's why I love the coach, Brianna. Of course I love her because Matt thinks she is cool. And he does whatever she says. He hangs on her every word. It's pretty cool. And, she's patient.
I also love her because today she told me that she had assumed that I had done gymnastics when I was younger. Ha! I'm not kidding.
Alright, so it's not because I showed off my cartwheeling skills. It's actually because I got really excited when she told the parents they could hop into the sponge pit with all of the kids. While some parents held back a little fearful I hopped right in. Gleefully, in fact. (This was to encourage Matthew, of course).
I had never been in a sponge pit. It looked fun. It was not. I got stuck. Seriously. It is like wading through quick sand. All the little kids who were throwing themselves in the pit and crawling around ... I'm at least 100 pounds heavier than them. It was not fun for me.
As I was desperately trying to get out of the middle of the sponge pit (without being hit by a flying toddler) I looked up to the coach for help. She was trying very hard not to laugh.
And that's when she said it.
"I thought you had taken gymnastics. I assumed you knew what the pit is like."
Ummm ... no.
I couldn't help myself. I started to whine. I finally said "I feel like I am in a nightmare or something."
She responded "yeah. That dream when you're running in mud and get move."
Basically, yes.
Don't worry. I made it out. The group waited for me. Matthew didn't. But the junior coach caught him while I climbed out.
But seriously, I'm loving that someone thought I was a gymnast. That's almost as funny as when someone told me that I look like Twiggy. (apparently it was the hairband I had on, but really, Twiggy???)
Anyway ...
Matthew did really well in class today. He flipped over the bar a couple times. He did the balance beam without holding my hand. He totally rocked out in the wiggle time at the end. It was fantastic and fun.
I love that in the class he just randomly comes and gives me a hug, or announces that he loves me or says, "it's just Mommy and Matty today." I love that.
We got home around 10:30 and by 11 we were both ready for naps. Loved it.
Today is also Mike's birthday. We bought him a digital camera which he loves (a new one because this one is 7.1 megapixels and his old one was 1 megapixel.). He gets another super wonderful gift tomorrow. And then I will blog about his birthday. Because the big day is tomorrow when we go to the Monster Truck Jam (yes, I know ... hick!) and then have a birthday party with my parents and sister. We also had cake tonight. Matt and I made the cake. It was fun. But more on that tomorrow.
Monster Truck Jam here we come!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Random Friday - The Bellydancing Post
What's so random about Belly Dancing, you ask?
If you knew me you would understand.
Yes, I may have spirit. I may enjoy music and dancing and having fun. These are all somewhat known facts about me.
However, my dance skills are not good.
So the fact that I decided to take a bellydancing class is pretty darn random. The fact that my sister took it with me is just plain crazy. And the fact that I'm blogging about it. Well, that's not so crazy.
Here's a brief history of my dance skills. My parents wisely avoided dance classes for me when I was really little. I had a tendency to run into walls and tables and desks and the like. They figurd that I may kill myself if I had to spin around and do other things like that.
It wasn't until I was about 9 that my parents had the courage to enroll me in a dance program. This program encompassed various aspects of dance including jazz.
I was horrible.
Sure I had the spirit.I tried. It was a summer class and by the end of the summer I had mastered the Step-Ball-Change. That is all I had mastered. I think I was a tree or something. It was horrible.
My sister is talented. She mastered it all.
I dropped out of dance.
Fast forward a few years. I had visions of being in musicals. My parents enrolled me in a musical theatre program. Again I took dance. Again I sucked.
Not a good sign.
I quit the formal dance training (and later learned that I couldn't really sing or act either). When I hit the legal drinking age, or so, I learned that dancing is much more fun after a few drinks, when it doesn't really matter how you look or what you are doing as long as you are moving. This sufficed for several years.
Until this week. When Becky and I decided to learn to shimmy in a bellydancing class.
Sadly my dancing skills had not improved at all.
When we got to the class we were given some interesting scarves to wrap around our waists. I just couldn't help it. I started to do my own little belly dance. And I started to giggle.
And, the thing about me is that when I get into a good giggle, I can't stop. I really mean it. I snort and I breathe funny and the harder I try to stop the harder I laugh. My sister, who has been my sister for the last 28 years could see it coming. And started to shush me. But it was infectious. So there we were, not even into the warm up with me on the floor laughing.
We get started. As the poor teacher is trying to show us moves I'm losing it. We started out with a neck movement. I understand that the purpose of the class is to learn all the various isolation movements and then put them together.
But seriously.
How on earth are you supposed to look at a room full of people doing neck movements and not laugh. I made the mistake of looking at my sister who was trying REALLY hard (and succeeding, I may add) and lost it.
This basically went on the whole class. I'd try something and screw it up, catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and start laughing inwardly. Then I'd look at my sister and see her doing the thing, realize how ridiculous it is that BECKY IS A BELLYDANCER and start to laugh.
So we get through the first 35 minutes. It felt like 6 hours. I was tired. My abs were aching (from the laughing) and I thought to myself "cool, maybe we will have time for coffee."
But NO!
It's time to "put it all together" and do some dances.
By some I mean 3.
Three separate songs where we had to use all the movements we had learned and put it all together following the teacher.
Do you know how hard it is to shimmy? It's even harder to shimmy and then do a neck thing and then do pelvic thrusts and then prance around the room backwards and forwards. My sister, of course, did not find it that hard. She just followed along. So did I.
The problem is that in any class where i have to follow a teacher I just watch the teacher and pretend I am her. I find it very distracting to look in the mirror. I either start obsessing about the rolls of fat or I throw myself off with my jerky movements. Plus, the teacher is usuallay prettier.
However, since we were at the back (Becky insisted on this - I prefer the front) I was right next to a mirror. And I caught a glimpse of myself.
Was I ever bad.
In my head I thought I was really catching on and learning some of the fine art of belly dancing.
NOPE.
I looked more like a lumberjack trying ballet for the first time.
So I decided that I had had it with this whole sensual dance thing I was going improv!
I skipped. I flitted. I spinned. I shimmied. I loosely followed direction. Becky kept dancing away from me. I didn't care. I was having fun.
At one point the phrase "this is bellydance not interpretive dance" may have escaped from her lips.
But let's be honest.
What did you expect.
When the three songs were over we had cool down. The breathing exercises actually did me in. I just sat in a tiny little ball and laughed. And so did Becky. I finally sucked her in to the giggling of the day.
I think we're going back. Next week.
We are on the hunt for coin belts. I think I would be an even more excellent shimmier if I made noise while I did it. Next week, also, I have decided I'm going to add some leaps in. Just a few balletic movements. Who knew bellydancing could be so fun.
TGIF!!!
If you knew me you would understand.
Yes, I may have spirit. I may enjoy music and dancing and having fun. These are all somewhat known facts about me.
However, my dance skills are not good.
So the fact that I decided to take a bellydancing class is pretty darn random. The fact that my sister took it with me is just plain crazy. And the fact that I'm blogging about it. Well, that's not so crazy.
Here's a brief history of my dance skills. My parents wisely avoided dance classes for me when I was really little. I had a tendency to run into walls and tables and desks and the like. They figurd that I may kill myself if I had to spin around and do other things like that.
It wasn't until I was about 9 that my parents had the courage to enroll me in a dance program. This program encompassed various aspects of dance including jazz.
I was horrible.
Sure I had the spirit.I tried. It was a summer class and by the end of the summer I had mastered the Step-Ball-Change. That is all I had mastered. I think I was a tree or something. It was horrible.
My sister is talented. She mastered it all.
I dropped out of dance.
Fast forward a few years. I had visions of being in musicals. My parents enrolled me in a musical theatre program. Again I took dance. Again I sucked.
Not a good sign.
I quit the formal dance training (and later learned that I couldn't really sing or act either). When I hit the legal drinking age, or so, I learned that dancing is much more fun after a few drinks, when it doesn't really matter how you look or what you are doing as long as you are moving. This sufficed for several years.
Until this week. When Becky and I decided to learn to shimmy in a bellydancing class.
Sadly my dancing skills had not improved at all.
When we got to the class we were given some interesting scarves to wrap around our waists. I just couldn't help it. I started to do my own little belly dance. And I started to giggle.
And, the thing about me is that when I get into a good giggle, I can't stop. I really mean it. I snort and I breathe funny and the harder I try to stop the harder I laugh. My sister, who has been my sister for the last 28 years could see it coming. And started to shush me. But it was infectious. So there we were, not even into the warm up with me on the floor laughing.
We get started. As the poor teacher is trying to show us moves I'm losing it. We started out with a neck movement. I understand that the purpose of the class is to learn all the various isolation movements and then put them together.
But seriously.
How on earth are you supposed to look at a room full of people doing neck movements and not laugh. I made the mistake of looking at my sister who was trying REALLY hard (and succeeding, I may add) and lost it.
This basically went on the whole class. I'd try something and screw it up, catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and start laughing inwardly. Then I'd look at my sister and see her doing the thing, realize how ridiculous it is that BECKY IS A BELLYDANCER and start to laugh.
So we get through the first 35 minutes. It felt like 6 hours. I was tired. My abs were aching (from the laughing) and I thought to myself "cool, maybe we will have time for coffee."
But NO!
It's time to "put it all together" and do some dances.
By some I mean 3.
Three separate songs where we had to use all the movements we had learned and put it all together following the teacher.
Do you know how hard it is to shimmy? It's even harder to shimmy and then do a neck thing and then do pelvic thrusts and then prance around the room backwards and forwards. My sister, of course, did not find it that hard. She just followed along. So did I.
The problem is that in any class where i have to follow a teacher I just watch the teacher and pretend I am her. I find it very distracting to look in the mirror. I either start obsessing about the rolls of fat or I throw myself off with my jerky movements. Plus, the teacher is usuallay prettier.
However, since we were at the back (Becky insisted on this - I prefer the front) I was right next to a mirror. And I caught a glimpse of myself.
Was I ever bad.
In my head I thought I was really catching on and learning some of the fine art of belly dancing.
NOPE.
I looked more like a lumberjack trying ballet for the first time.
So I decided that I had had it with this whole sensual dance thing I was going improv!
I skipped. I flitted. I spinned. I shimmied. I loosely followed direction. Becky kept dancing away from me. I didn't care. I was having fun.
At one point the phrase "this is bellydance not interpretive dance" may have escaped from her lips.
But let's be honest.
What did you expect.
When the three songs were over we had cool down. The breathing exercises actually did me in. I just sat in a tiny little ball and laughed. And so did Becky. I finally sucked her in to the giggling of the day.
I think we're going back. Next week.
We are on the hunt for coin belts. I think I would be an even more excellent shimmier if I made noise while I did it. Next week, also, I have decided I'm going to add some leaps in. Just a few balletic movements. Who knew bellydancing could be so fun.
TGIF!!!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
If it's too cold to go outside ...
Last night was cold. Frigid. And since there was snow Matthew wanted to play outside.
NO WAY!
So, I decided to entertain Matt with my incredible skills.
So ...
I became a one-woman rollerblading band. In addition to playing guitar I also played the drums.
And I also mastered the marraccas.
All the while
my husband took pictures, and matt played and sang along. We sang songs like Jingle Bells and Happy Birthday and had a whole lot of fun. Of course, my rollerblading skills are not the best. But, it would turn out, they are far superior to the skating skills that I tried to master on the weekend.
I was so inspired by this that I did several laps of the basement screaming "wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee"!!!!
You think I'm kidding. But, I'm not. Matt chased me screaming the same thing while Mike finally retreated scared that I was less mature than our two year old.
See ... fun! I recommend it. And then I went to the gym and ran (3 and 1's for those of you who care about such things)
And, what did Matt think of my performance??? His face says it all.
Stay out of the cold everyone!!!!
NO WAY!
So, I decided to entertain Matt with my incredible skills.
So ...
I became a one-woman rollerblading band. In addition to playing guitar I also played the drums.
And I also mastered the marraccas.All the while
my husband took pictures, and matt played and sang along. We sang songs like Jingle Bells and Happy Birthday and had a whole lot of fun. Of course, my rollerblading skills are not the best. But, it would turn out, they are far superior to the skating skills that I tried to master on the weekend.
I was so inspired by this that I did several laps of the basement screaming "wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee"!!!!
You think I'm kidding. But, I'm not. Matt chased me screaming the same thing while Mike finally retreated scared that I was less mature than our two year old.
See ... fun! I recommend it. And then I went to the gym and ran (3 and 1's for those of you who care about such things)
And, what did Matt think of my performance??? His face says it all.
Stay out of the cold everyone!!!!
Monday, January 15, 2007
Just something I'm thinking about
Yesterday I had a conversation with a friend of mine who is a runner.
I was telling him how I'd starting going back to the gym, and that for some reason I have this running bug, and I keep thinking about running a 5k.
It's not like I have done this EVER.
I'll be the first to admit I'm not a running. I don't have a runner's body, I don't have a runner's stamina, and I have asthma.
And, as this friend pointed out to me - I don't exactly have the mindset of a runner. (that would be a mindset that focuses on one thing).
Now, I should tell you about this friend of mine. First of all, the reason I saw him yesterday was because he was celebrating a birthday - his 65th!! The man runs marathons. He's incredible. I know him through his son, a friend (and sometimes boyfriend) of mine in high school. So, yep, if anyone has any right to think they know how my mind works he probably would be one of those people.
But what I have going for me is a somewhat obsessive streak. If I want to obtain a goal, I usually do - through sheer will power.
In this case I will need willpower and a whole lot of stamina.
So we sat and figured out a bit of a plan in order for me to be able to run a 5k by my birthday (that is May 20th - mark your calendars, people, I like chocolate cake!). This is not to say I will run the whole thing. I think the goal is to make it through 5 k even if that means crawling part of the way.
And, I figure what is not to love about the runner's life? You get an uninterrupted time to listen to music, you get into shape, and you are encouraged to eat a whole ton of carbs!!! I love it.
So, tonight I will stick to my plan.
We'll see how long this lasts.
Mind you, tomorrow I'm attempting belly dancing. Seriously. I've done it once before and it is not something I am good at. I plan to drag my sister - after all I am going to Pilates ....
I was telling him how I'd starting going back to the gym, and that for some reason I have this running bug, and I keep thinking about running a 5k.
It's not like I have done this EVER.
I'll be the first to admit I'm not a running. I don't have a runner's body, I don't have a runner's stamina, and I have asthma.
And, as this friend pointed out to me - I don't exactly have the mindset of a runner. (that would be a mindset that focuses on one thing).
Now, I should tell you about this friend of mine. First of all, the reason I saw him yesterday was because he was celebrating a birthday - his 65th!! The man runs marathons. He's incredible. I know him through his son, a friend (and sometimes boyfriend) of mine in high school. So, yep, if anyone has any right to think they know how my mind works he probably would be one of those people.
But what I have going for me is a somewhat obsessive streak. If I want to obtain a goal, I usually do - through sheer will power.
In this case I will need willpower and a whole lot of stamina.
So we sat and figured out a bit of a plan in order for me to be able to run a 5k by my birthday (that is May 20th - mark your calendars, people, I like chocolate cake!). This is not to say I will run the whole thing. I think the goal is to make it through 5 k even if that means crawling part of the way.
And, I figure what is not to love about the runner's life? You get an uninterrupted time to listen to music, you get into shape, and you are encouraged to eat a whole ton of carbs!!! I love it.
So, tonight I will stick to my plan.
We'll see how long this lasts.
Mind you, tomorrow I'm attempting belly dancing. Seriously. I've done it once before and it is not something I am good at. I plan to drag my sister - after all I am going to Pilates ....
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Laural (another one) and Skating - oh the excitement!!!
I'm soooo excited.
Let me introduce you to Laural!!!
No, not me silly. Another Laural.
I was reading my comments this morning and I got this comment from another Laural. Another Laural whose name is spelled correctly.
And, I laughed because when I read her blog I noticed that she also had Random Friday. Just like me. Cool. I'm so keeping up with Random Friday just because of this.
If you don't understand my excitement about this, then you likely have a name that is common. A name that you could find on stickers or barrettes or mini licence plates. Don't get me wrong. I like my name. I have grown to embrace it. and I wouldn't change it if I had the choice. But hearing from someone with my name. It made my day.
----
So yesterday ... What a crazy day! After gymnastics we decided to take the kids skating. We being my sister and I and our husbands. I HATE skating. I love to watch it, but I hate doing it. I am not coordinated and I don't really enjoy the cold.
Kyla really wanted to skate though. And Matt was on the Kyla bandwagon. I admit, I tried to bribe Miss K with licks and chapters but she just kept saying "maybe AFTER skating" so we went. Matt and I did not last very long. (Mike just took pictures).
He can't skate at all, so it's up to me to keep him upright. I wasn't good at it. We tried just holding one hand, but he kept tripping. We finally discovered I had to hold him from behind and tell him to walk. Good thing I'm short. It wasn't too bad.
Three minutes in he lost his balance and I lost my balance and we both went flying. OUCH!! I had wisely ought him a nice helmet and he had snowpants on. He was fine. I, on the other hand, am still nursing a sore knee :(
The bruise is great. I must remember to wear pants and long skirts this week to cover the knee.
Let me introduce you to Laural!!!
No, not me silly. Another Laural.
I was reading my comments this morning and I got this comment from another Laural. Another Laural whose name is spelled correctly.
And, I laughed because when I read her blog I noticed that she also had Random Friday. Just like me. Cool. I'm so keeping up with Random Friday just because of this.
If you don't understand my excitement about this, then you likely have a name that is common. A name that you could find on stickers or barrettes or mini licence plates. Don't get me wrong. I like my name. I have grown to embrace it. and I wouldn't change it if I had the choice. But hearing from someone with my name. It made my day.
----
So yesterday ... What a crazy day! After gymnastics we decided to take the kids skating. We being my sister and I and our husbands. I HATE skating. I love to watch it, but I hate doing it. I am not coordinated and I don't really enjoy the cold.
Kyla really wanted to skate though. And Matt was on the Kyla bandwagon. I admit, I tried to bribe Miss K with licks and chapters but she just kept saying "maybe AFTER skating" so we went. Matt and I did not last very long. (Mike just took pictures).
He can't skate at all, so it's up to me to keep him upright. I wasn't good at it. We tried just holding one hand, but he kept tripping. We finally discovered I had to hold him from behind and tell him to walk. Good thing I'm short. It wasn't too bad.
Three minutes in he lost his balance and I lost my balance and we both went flying. OUCH!! I had wisely ought him a nice helmet and he had snowpants on. He was fine. I, on the other hand, am still nursing a sore knee :(
The bruise is great. I must remember to wear pants and long skirts this week to cover the knee.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Gymnastics ... we LOVE it
We loved gymnastics today. LOVED it!
There was a bit of a rough start because Matt decided that he wanted to stay home and watch Cars instead of going out. But, with the lure of a bottle of chocolate milk in the car he decided to get dressed and join me.
So, there were a few mishaps on route. Aren't there always? The first was that there was ice on the car so we got started late. And then when I was driving there I went around the corner to fast and my phone went flying. And of course it started to ring, and, since there were no cars around I slowed down in the middle of the road (empty road) and stopped and leaned over to reach the phone. Somehow I managed to shift the car into neutral and could not figure out why the car wasn't working right. And, then I went to the wrong place and it was locked. Oops.
Okay, so I told my sister I would call her back and managed to negotiate my way to the correct gymnastics facility where we arrived still in good time.
Everyone was really nice.
I got Matty into his shorts and t-shirt and then we waited for the warm up.
So, all the 9am classes are kids. So the whole gym is set up for little kids. It was super cool. BUt there's a warm up room and then a gym with all the equipment.
All the kids from that hour warm up together with the parents who are in the parent tot classes. How fun is that? I rock at Mousercise. So does Matt. It's like 7 minutes of really gentle aerobics. Matt followed along really well. I did okay too.
Then finally we met the coach and went into the gym. Basically the kids all go to different stations in groups and they go through a circuit. It's teaching them the basic gymnastic skills. We learned stuff like how to stop on the trampoline which was neat. And Matt did a zillion sommersaults. The teacher actually asked me if this was his second time doing gymnastics! I know. Soon he'll be in the Olympics.
Actually, he just loves sommersaults. And the balance beam. He was pretty excited by that one. And they also let them swing on the bars and he screamed "I'm a monkey." Adorable.
Honestly, I had a blast. And, I am looking forward to these Saturday sessions.
I was a little worried about the other parents. I didn't know what to expect. But everyone was really cool. In contrast to some of the parent/tot classes I did in Toronto, I did not feel super young. Some parents were a good 10 years older than me, but others were around my age. A couple of the parents who do this are fathers and I thought that was pretty cool.
I did, however, realize that I have the capacity of being a pushy sports parent. I kept wanting Matt to be at the front of the line. I'm embarrassed to say that I was being a tad over-excited when his sommersaults were better than the rest of the class (in my opinion) and I was thrilled when he totally listened to the teachers.
Am I one of THOSE parents??? Oh No!!!! I must check this attitude quickly. It's about fun, not competing. I know this. I must remember this.
By the end of the session I was tired. He kept me going.
Last night I went to the gym and pushed it a little too hard, so I was a little stiff to start with. And, since we're going skating this afternoon ... I'm really getting back in shape. Wow! Can you tell it's January.
There was a bit of a rough start because Matt decided that he wanted to stay home and watch Cars instead of going out. But, with the lure of a bottle of chocolate milk in the car he decided to get dressed and join me.
So, there were a few mishaps on route. Aren't there always? The first was that there was ice on the car so we got started late. And then when I was driving there I went around the corner to fast and my phone went flying. And of course it started to ring, and, since there were no cars around I slowed down in the middle of the road (empty road) and stopped and leaned over to reach the phone. Somehow I managed to shift the car into neutral and could not figure out why the car wasn't working right. And, then I went to the wrong place and it was locked. Oops.
Okay, so I told my sister I would call her back and managed to negotiate my way to the correct gymnastics facility where we arrived still in good time.
Everyone was really nice.
I got Matty into his shorts and t-shirt and then we waited for the warm up.
So, all the 9am classes are kids. So the whole gym is set up for little kids. It was super cool. BUt there's a warm up room and then a gym with all the equipment.
All the kids from that hour warm up together with the parents who are in the parent tot classes. How fun is that? I rock at Mousercise. So does Matt. It's like 7 minutes of really gentle aerobics. Matt followed along really well. I did okay too.
Then finally we met the coach and went into the gym. Basically the kids all go to different stations in groups and they go through a circuit. It's teaching them the basic gymnastic skills. We learned stuff like how to stop on the trampoline which was neat. And Matt did a zillion sommersaults. The teacher actually asked me if this was his second time doing gymnastics! I know. Soon he'll be in the Olympics.
Actually, he just loves sommersaults. And the balance beam. He was pretty excited by that one. And they also let them swing on the bars and he screamed "I'm a monkey." Adorable.
Honestly, I had a blast. And, I am looking forward to these Saturday sessions.
I was a little worried about the other parents. I didn't know what to expect. But everyone was really cool. In contrast to some of the parent/tot classes I did in Toronto, I did not feel super young. Some parents were a good 10 years older than me, but others were around my age. A couple of the parents who do this are fathers and I thought that was pretty cool.
I did, however, realize that I have the capacity of being a pushy sports parent. I kept wanting Matt to be at the front of the line. I'm embarrassed to say that I was being a tad over-excited when his sommersaults were better than the rest of the class (in my opinion) and I was thrilled when he totally listened to the teachers.
Am I one of THOSE parents??? Oh No!!!! I must check this attitude quickly. It's about fun, not competing. I know this. I must remember this.
By the end of the session I was tired. He kept me going.
Last night I went to the gym and pushed it a little too hard, so I was a little stiff to start with. And, since we're going skating this afternoon ... I'm really getting back in shape. Wow! Can you tell it's January.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Random Friday
So, since everybody has special days on their blogs (Jeff has Tuesday Newsday and a zillion people including Haley have Thursday Thirteen and Heather has Wordless Wednesday) I felt kind of left out. Hence the decision to have Random Friday.
Okay, so I get that it doesn't rhyme or follow the convention of it matching the letter of the day of the week. I say WHATEVER. My creation my name. But, if anyone has a suggestion bring it on.
Why Random Friday? Well, for those of you who know me and for those of you who have read this long enough to feel you know me, I have a lot of random thoughts.
And today's randomness.
Well, let's start with the GO Train. A friend of mine told me that in Vancouver they have trains, much like the GO Train, that have dedicated cars. There is a sleeping car where the lights are turned down low and there is a cafeteria cart where you can get coffee and stuff.
So, as I was listening to my lovely mix on my ipod this morning, Mr Timberlake singing Sexy Back gave me the best idea EVER. There needs to be a dance car.
Think about it. I don't mean every morning. But in the nights. How many times have people taken the train from suburbia to Toronto to go clubbing on like a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night. And, wanted to get into the mood. Imagine a car where you could hang out and prepare for the evening ahead.
Okay, maybe not. But, I could totally go for it.
I was also thinking that it would be really nice to have a morning dj. You know, to get everyone going. Seriously, in the morning I am a much much nicer person at work if I've listened to really good music all the way to work. Granted not everyone would think that a constant repeat of Sexy Back (Justin Timberlake) and I Don't Feel Like Dancing (Scissor Sisters) is a great way to start the day. But, duh, that's what a dj is for. Ya know.
HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE
And, oh the excitement of the weekend. Okay, so how cool is this. Saturday morning Matt and I start gymnastics. We have been practicing sommersaults (by we I mean he does them and I cheer him on).
And then in the evening I'm going to a birthday party for my friend from high school. I know - weird, that I still have friends from highschool I guess. But, she decided to throw a party. I'm kind of looking forward to it. And, of course how could I not be catching a ride to a high school friend's house with Greg. Of course I am. Except, I will point out that Greg is not driving me due to my lack of driver's license, but because he lives further. And he always drives. And, maybe because he is a little afraid for me to drive. Come to think of it, I don't know if I have ever driven Greg anywhere. Hmmm ...
Whatever. Old times. Good friends. Much to talk about and catch up on. In like 2 years I think it will be our 10th highschool reunion. Ahhh! Now that is a scary thought (and HA to those of you old people who have already had your tenth reunion).
Hope you enjoyed Random Friday. Thoughts? Don't worry. You can say what you really think. I can take it.
PS Is everyone enjoying the linking action??? I finally figured it out. And, I also updated my links on the side. I know - welcome to the 21st century.
Okay, so I get that it doesn't rhyme or follow the convention of it matching the letter of the day of the week. I say WHATEVER. My creation my name. But, if anyone has a suggestion bring it on.
Why Random Friday? Well, for those of you who know me and for those of you who have read this long enough to feel you know me, I have a lot of random thoughts.
And today's randomness.
Well, let's start with the GO Train. A friend of mine told me that in Vancouver they have trains, much like the GO Train, that have dedicated cars. There is a sleeping car where the lights are turned down low and there is a cafeteria cart where you can get coffee and stuff.
So, as I was listening to my lovely mix on my ipod this morning, Mr Timberlake singing Sexy Back gave me the best idea EVER. There needs to be a dance car.
Think about it. I don't mean every morning. But in the nights. How many times have people taken the train from suburbia to Toronto to go clubbing on like a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night. And, wanted to get into the mood. Imagine a car where you could hang out and prepare for the evening ahead.
Okay, maybe not. But, I could totally go for it.
I was also thinking that it would be really nice to have a morning dj. You know, to get everyone going. Seriously, in the morning I am a much much nicer person at work if I've listened to really good music all the way to work. Granted not everyone would think that a constant repeat of Sexy Back (Justin Timberlake) and I Don't Feel Like Dancing (Scissor Sisters) is a great way to start the day. But, duh, that's what a dj is for. Ya know.
HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE
And, oh the excitement of the weekend. Okay, so how cool is this. Saturday morning Matt and I start gymnastics. We have been practicing sommersaults (by we I mean he does them and I cheer him on).
And then in the evening I'm going to a birthday party for my friend from high school. I know - weird, that I still have friends from highschool I guess. But, she decided to throw a party. I'm kind of looking forward to it. And, of course how could I not be catching a ride to a high school friend's house with Greg. Of course I am. Except, I will point out that Greg is not driving me due to my lack of driver's license, but because he lives further. And he always drives. And, maybe because he is a little afraid for me to drive. Come to think of it, I don't know if I have ever driven Greg anywhere. Hmmm ...
Whatever. Old times. Good friends. Much to talk about and catch up on. In like 2 years I think it will be our 10th highschool reunion. Ahhh! Now that is a scary thought (and HA to those of you old people who have already had your tenth reunion).
Hope you enjoyed Random Friday. Thoughts? Don't worry. You can say what you really think. I can take it.
PS Is everyone enjoying the linking action??? I finally figured it out. And, I also updated my links on the side. I know - welcome to the 21st century.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Date Night with the Cousins
I just got home from a fun and exhausting evening.
Since Mike had originally planned to go out tonight, I decided to bring Matt to McDonald's. And, since I was bringing Matt I decided to surprise him and invite his cousin. My sister was in on it too and surprised Kyla so surprises all around.
In the car I told Matt we were going to McDonald's and then I said "who do you want us to bring with us."
He shouted "Kyla" at the top of his lungs. So, I just said okay. I went home to change, and then we go to their house, slightly before them so that we could surprise Kyla. (the fact that I almost gave my brother in law a heart attack when he saw someone opening his door is totally irrelevant).
So, Kyla was excited and Matt was excited and off we went.
Now, I'm not saying I'm planning a second child. But, I will say this. Taking two children to McDonald's is way easier than just one. Why? Cause they play.
So, it was fun.
Both kids are into this thing where they pretend they are someone else. So, I was Becky then Kayla then Madison then Grandma. And they were each other. Then they were brother and sister and then they were twins.
And, Matt kept saying "I'm Kyla's Brudda" with this hilarious accent. I loved it!
At one point Kyla said to me that she wanted dessert. She suggested that Matt have ice cream and she have apples since she can't have ice-cream. Only sherbet.
And, being the ambitious mother/aunt that I am I proclaimed "Licks has sherbet!!!!" and proceeded to announce to the kids that we would go to Licks for ice cream and sherbet after the PlayLand.
Crap. Forgot to check with my sister and brother-in-law who have a somewhat tighter sugar policy in their home.
It was fine.
We were on.
So, we played in the Playland. Thank goodness there was no puking this time.
Then we went to Licks. Yum yum. If you are trying to eat healthy and not over indulge I highly recommend the Cotton Candy ice cream. Kids love it and trust me, one bite and you do not want anymore.
And, since Licks is next door to Chapters the kids wrangled their way into Chapters where we played with the Thomas Table forever. I was Harold the Helicopter. It was fun. Usually halfway into playing with the kids I forget that I am not in the privacy of my own house and I get way too into the game. And then I realize (too late) that other parents are looking at me like I have lost my mind completely. This happened tonight when I perfected the noise for Harold the helicopter and then he took a nose dive under the table. I looked up and there was a father staring down at me.
Seriously. I spend all day at least trying to be mature (yes, I know I don't always succeed, but at least I can pretend when I need to). So in the evening a little levity is just fine.
And then on the way out (finally, after reading several books) we decided to buy my sister a treat - a decaf Starbucks. Why? I don't know. Cause we love her.
So, we were in line. And waiting and waiting. And Matt announced he wanted chocolate milk. And then Kyla wanted her special chocolate milk (soy.) So, of course I said yes. Why not.
In her ultra serious voice Kyla said, and I kid you not, "You should probably call my mommy to ask her about this one, Aunt Laural. You've given me lots of sugar tonight."
Of course, I pointed out to her that I really was allowed to give her this, and suggested she just have a couple of gulps and leave the rest for morning. Phew.
And, finally we made it home. Exhausted. All of us.
Except my sister. Because her coffee wasn't really decaf. It was caffeinated. JUST KIDDING!!!
Actually, it turns out Matthew is not nearly as tired as I am because he just came running downstairs. So, it's off to fight the bedtime fight. Again.
And tomorrow he starts swimming lessons! Yippee!!!!
PS In answer to the pilates teacher thing - it's the girl who played Felicity on Road to Avonlea. Gemma something???
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
What If ...
What if you you found out that someone you admired as a child - like about age 10 - taught pilates around the corner from you.
And what if your sister and her best friend (who you also really like) asked you to go to these pilates classes with you.
What would you do???
If you were me you would sign up on the spot.
Why?
Why not.
Of course I'm not going to say who this celebrity is. Trust me - unless you are a fan of the CBC you probably may not know who she is. And, given that she's teaching pilates in suburbia, she probably isn't overidden by crazed fans.
But back to my sister and her friend.
I figure there are 2 main reasons that they want me to do these semi-private pilates classes.
The first reason - cost. It's $75 per hour but you can divide it 3 ways.
The second reason - my lack of fear. See, they have a ton of paraphenalia from this show, and they want to have it signed. I think they also may want to get autographed pictures. And let's be honest - I have no qualms about approaching people and professing my complete love of them. (Do we remember when Donnie Wahlberg was shooting a movie outside the building and I threw my coffee at a VP in order to meet him. And this complete lack of embarrassment goes way back: Kurt Browning, Phantom of the Opera, Marilyn Dennis ...)
And so I have been wrangled in.
Why?
Cause I love them.
I do.
However, I HATE pilates. I've done it. It hurts my ab muscles. And, did I
mention I have a tailbone injury that I don't want to aggravate. Maybe I can convince them that I could just watch them pilaticize while I cheer them on. Or maybe I will just be the fall guy, the person who truly sucks in our threesome and I'll make my sister and her friend look good.
Okay, so below a hint on who this celebrity is ....
And what if your sister and her best friend (who you also really like) asked you to go to these pilates classes with you.
What would you do???
If you were me you would sign up on the spot.
Why?
Why not.
Of course I'm not going to say who this celebrity is. Trust me - unless you are a fan of the CBC you probably may not know who she is. And, given that she's teaching pilates in suburbia, she probably isn't overidden by crazed fans.
But back to my sister and her friend.
I figure there are 2 main reasons that they want me to do these semi-private pilates classes.
The first reason - cost. It's $75 per hour but you can divide it 3 ways.
The second reason - my lack of fear. See, they have a ton of paraphenalia from this show, and they want to have it signed. I think they also may want to get autographed pictures. And let's be honest - I have no qualms about approaching people and professing my complete love of them. (Do we remember when Donnie Wahlberg was shooting a movie outside the building and I threw my coffee at a VP in order to meet him. And this complete lack of embarrassment goes way back: Kurt Browning, Phantom of the Opera, Marilyn Dennis ...)
And so I have been wrangled in.
Why?
Cause I love them.
I do.
However, I HATE pilates. I've done it. It hurts my ab muscles. And, did I
mention I have a tailbone injury that I don't want to aggravate. Maybe I can convince them that I could just watch them pilaticize while I cheer them on. Or maybe I will just be the fall guy, the person who truly sucks in our threesome and I'll make my sister and her friend look good.
Okay, so below a hint on who this celebrity is ....
Monday, January 08, 2007
Workin' It Out
So it's January.
And, having gone completely off the Weight Watchers bandwagon since we moved I have decided to recommit.
And part of this was joining a gym. Yep. Me and every other overweight woman in the world joined a gym. But, why not. The one near me is cheap, quiet and convenient. I also (as if everyone can't tell) need a little me time.
Lately this me time has been spent shopping. But, that is getting expensive. And there is no point in spending money on clothes if I just dwell on my flaws. So, it's off to the gym for me. I don't intend to go overboard. Just some treadmill and maybe some classes. I'm not a gym rat. Not at all. But, as I have matured I've learned that working out my way (i.e. listening to music and blocking out music) is actually relaxing. And I like myself more. And so that's a good thing.
Plus, I've been sick for a month. And, I want to kick that.
Now, in all fairness it's not like I gained 5 million pounds over Christmas. I still fit my clothes and all of that. And, no kidding, my boss came in today and said "Wow! The holidays were good to you and you didn't gain any weight at all!" (see, this is why my boss is cool. I loved that!)
But in all honesty, the way I work is that when I'm eating well I exercise. When I go to the gym and see that an hour on the treadmill basically burned off the apple I ate in the morning I stop eating all the junk. I make the connection that I need to eat healthy.
The chips and cookies that have made their way back on to my shelves are making me realize that I'm not making that connection. The fact that I was afraid to weigh myself this morning - also a good sign that I'm out of control.
Before I got married I had the world's coolest trainer, Brian. I loved this guy because he was cool and laid back and basically knew exactly how to push me without annoying me. We used to always discuss my bizarre concepts of eating and exercising (in between lunges.) He's the one who actually drilled into my mind that if you fall off the bandwagon there is always tomorrow. So, Brian, wherever you are, I'm back on the bandwagon. And I have a new trainer.
Too bad he quit being a personal trainer to go fix computers!!!!
Anyway ...
My point is, new year new body. Or at least new year, back to the gym. Back to routine. But, I figure that I will want to wear a bathing suit this summer so I better lose some of the extra icky weight.
And speaking of resolutions, in addition to the jewellry resolution (which is going very well!) I had made another resolution. See, at work I have a tendency to call the help desk a LOT. Honestly, I feel like I am always calling. So, I did kind of resolve not to call as often. Every other day or less.
I went a full week without calling once. And then today happened. I called so many times I was afraid they would start blocking my calls. (I already got in trouble once for calling help desk people directly rather than going through the help desk). But, seriously, today was ridiculous. At least I made the effort not to call so much, right?? Right. Tomorrow no calls at all.
Okay.
Time to put Matty to bed. We're going with a little later bedtime. We'll see how that works.
And, having gone completely off the Weight Watchers bandwagon since we moved I have decided to recommit.
And part of this was joining a gym. Yep. Me and every other overweight woman in the world joined a gym. But, why not. The one near me is cheap, quiet and convenient. I also (as if everyone can't tell) need a little me time.
Lately this me time has been spent shopping. But, that is getting expensive. And there is no point in spending money on clothes if I just dwell on my flaws. So, it's off to the gym for me. I don't intend to go overboard. Just some treadmill and maybe some classes. I'm not a gym rat. Not at all. But, as I have matured I've learned that working out my way (i.e. listening to music and blocking out music) is actually relaxing. And I like myself more. And so that's a good thing.
Plus, I've been sick for a month. And, I want to kick that.
Now, in all fairness it's not like I gained 5 million pounds over Christmas. I still fit my clothes and all of that. And, no kidding, my boss came in today and said "Wow! The holidays were good to you and you didn't gain any weight at all!" (see, this is why my boss is cool. I loved that!)
But in all honesty, the way I work is that when I'm eating well I exercise. When I go to the gym and see that an hour on the treadmill basically burned off the apple I ate in the morning I stop eating all the junk. I make the connection that I need to eat healthy.
The chips and cookies that have made their way back on to my shelves are making me realize that I'm not making that connection. The fact that I was afraid to weigh myself this morning - also a good sign that I'm out of control.
Before I got married I had the world's coolest trainer, Brian. I loved this guy because he was cool and laid back and basically knew exactly how to push me without annoying me. We used to always discuss my bizarre concepts of eating and exercising (in between lunges.) He's the one who actually drilled into my mind that if you fall off the bandwagon there is always tomorrow. So, Brian, wherever you are, I'm back on the bandwagon. And I have a new trainer.
Too bad he quit being a personal trainer to go fix computers!!!!
Anyway ...
My point is, new year new body. Or at least new year, back to the gym. Back to routine. But, I figure that I will want to wear a bathing suit this summer so I better lose some of the extra icky weight.
And speaking of resolutions, in addition to the jewellry resolution (which is going very well!) I had made another resolution. See, at work I have a tendency to call the help desk a LOT. Honestly, I feel like I am always calling. So, I did kind of resolve not to call as often. Every other day or less.
I went a full week without calling once. And then today happened. I called so many times I was afraid they would start blocking my calls. (I already got in trouble once for calling help desk people directly rather than going through the help desk). But, seriously, today was ridiculous. At least I made the effort not to call so much, right?? Right. Tomorrow no calls at all.
Okay.
Time to put Matty to bed. We're going with a little later bedtime. We'll see how that works.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Church
We went to church today.
We had sort of been talking about it, but Matthew has been asking us since Christmas, and we figured that if a child is asking to go to church you should probably go. So, we got up nice and early and headed to the 9am service. (we would have been up anyway, but maybe not showered and dressed).
It went pretty well. Matthew loved it. Seriously. He kept running around shouting "I love church. Church is fun".
It was pretty impressive. Someone actually greeted us when we came in and took us to the room for Matt. He was in the toddler program, and it's a great Sunday School room. They had amazing toys, there were tons of kids his age, and the person running it was really helpful.
And, then on our way to the sanctuary we walked past the kids' service. Now, this is pretty neat. They actually have a church service, with music and stuff for kids (I'm guessing ages 4-12). And, seriously, the kids were rocking out when we walked past.
Our service was pretty upbeat too. Lots of music, people seemed friendly and the service wasn't painfully long.
So, do we keep going?
It's been a really long time since I've gone to church religiously. (ha ha - get it?) I grew up going to church every Sunday. To make a long story short, the church I went to for a really long time had a major major split, they fired the pastors, and about half the congregation left. And, as a very vocal 17 year old, I stood up at the final church meeting, and basically told off all the deacons at the church. I wasn't exactly welcome to return to that church EVER.
If you want to talk screwed up by religion, I'm the person to call. It was horrible and not something I ever want to re-live.
It's also not something that I want to expose my son to.
Though granted most churches don't split up like that, and most 17 year olds aren't in the position to tell the leadership of an entire church that they don't know how to run a church.
But this is what was running through my mind while my angelic toddler was demanding to go to church.
So, what now? Where do we go from here?
Matthew loved Sunday School. Like really loved it. So we'll probably go back. But, I do know that for now I'm not getting over-involved. To steal a blogging term, I'm going to be a lurker. I'm going to sit behind the scenes and I'm going to watch. And, contrary to my extremely social nature I'm not going to join everything. If there is a church social committee I'm most definitely not going to join it.
But, after Sunday School his cousins came over. And let me tell you. Sunday school did not rub off enough. He was pushing and shoving, and, well, being a two-year old boy.
So ...
As for church. We'll see. I'm not ready to commit yet. But we'll go again. And maybe I'll get used to the idea of it.
So, I'm curious ...
Does anyone have any opinions of kids and religion?
We had sort of been talking about it, but Matthew has been asking us since Christmas, and we figured that if a child is asking to go to church you should probably go. So, we got up nice and early and headed to the 9am service. (we would have been up anyway, but maybe not showered and dressed).
It went pretty well. Matthew loved it. Seriously. He kept running around shouting "I love church. Church is fun".
It was pretty impressive. Someone actually greeted us when we came in and took us to the room for Matt. He was in the toddler program, and it's a great Sunday School room. They had amazing toys, there were tons of kids his age, and the person running it was really helpful.
And, then on our way to the sanctuary we walked past the kids' service. Now, this is pretty neat. They actually have a church service, with music and stuff for kids (I'm guessing ages 4-12). And, seriously, the kids were rocking out when we walked past.
Our service was pretty upbeat too. Lots of music, people seemed friendly and the service wasn't painfully long.
So, do we keep going?
It's been a really long time since I've gone to church religiously. (ha ha - get it?) I grew up going to church every Sunday. To make a long story short, the church I went to for a really long time had a major major split, they fired the pastors, and about half the congregation left. And, as a very vocal 17 year old, I stood up at the final church meeting, and basically told off all the deacons at the church. I wasn't exactly welcome to return to that church EVER.
If you want to talk screwed up by religion, I'm the person to call. It was horrible and not something I ever want to re-live.
It's also not something that I want to expose my son to.
Though granted most churches don't split up like that, and most 17 year olds aren't in the position to tell the leadership of an entire church that they don't know how to run a church.
But this is what was running through my mind while my angelic toddler was demanding to go to church.
So, what now? Where do we go from here?
Matthew loved Sunday School. Like really loved it. So we'll probably go back. But, I do know that for now I'm not getting over-involved. To steal a blogging term, I'm going to be a lurker. I'm going to sit behind the scenes and I'm going to watch. And, contrary to my extremely social nature I'm not going to join everything. If there is a church social committee I'm most definitely not going to join it.
But, after Sunday School his cousins came over. And let me tell you. Sunday school did not rub off enough. He was pushing and shoving, and, well, being a two-year old boy.
So ...
As for church. We'll see. I'm not ready to commit yet. But we'll go again. And maybe I'll get used to the idea of it.
So, I'm curious ...
Does anyone have any opinions of kids and religion?
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