Back to Regular Blogging Soon ...

It's been a bit of a crazy week around here.
But thanks to everyone for the kind comments, words of concern, etc.
There's so much I want to talk about and say and share, but sometimes it's hard to put the thoughts into words.
I want to talk about my conversation with Matthew about death, about how he has decided that Great Grandma is so much happier now that she is an angel.
I want to talk about the insanity of spending hours on end with people who you know don't like you all that much.
I want to talk about how much one kind word can make you feel so good. And about how one gesture can make you cry.
But, some of this is so hard to say right now because I'm tired and I'm sad. Really really sad. I feel guilty that I never got to say goodbye because the day I was going to go visit my grandma was the day she died.
But for now I'm not dwelling on that. What I'm most worried about is that I get through the eulougy I have to do tomorrow without bursting into tears. (and no, these tears are not for "dramatic effect").
I have to admit, I'm kind of hoping that there are no English professors in the room while I do this eulogy because I discuss, briefly, how my grandmother played the role of Fifth Business in my life. If there are any Robertson Davies aficionados out there you may not be impressed. It's a stretch, but I like it.
Wish me luck ...
And remind me to tell you about how my aunt and uncle live in a town overrun by 6 foot lizards. ick. I had an entire 20 minutes conversation about how wild boars like hogzilla are running wild in my aunt and uncles town (same town as the lizards) but I'm welcome to visit whenever I want. Seriously.
As I said - it's been a LOOOOONNNG week.

Services

A few people have asked for details, so please see below.

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JONES, Betty Jane  Passed away at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, Burlington, on Sunday, May 13, 2007, in her 85th year. Beloved wife of the late Russell (2002). Loving mother of Wayne and his wife Kate, Barry and his wife Bonnie and Nancy and her husband Brian. Cherished grandmother of Becky (Steve), Laural (Michael), Lisa (Richard) and Brent and great-grandmother of Kyla, Matthew, Paige and Kalysta. Predeceased by her sister Mabel. Cremation has taken place. Visitation at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755), on Wednesday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Service of Remembrance will take place at Centennial Park Baptist Church, 11 Kennedy Road, Grimsby, on Thursday, May 17, 2007, at 11 a.m. If desired, memorial contributions to Doctors Without Borders, 720 Spadina Avenue, Suite 402, Toronto, M5S 2T9, would be sincerely appreciated by the family. www.smithsfh.com

Sad

Last night my grandmother passed away.
She hasn't been well for awhile. But, I was still surprised.
We had been planning to go visit her yesterday. My mom called first thing to tell us that they were in emergency with Grandma.
The day went on.
And, then in the evening my uncle called my parents to say that they were changing her medication and that she seemed to be improving. But, then not long after that we were called to the hospital. Before we even got there (I was picking my sister up) my dad called to say she had passed away.
It was a little surreal.
We ended up meeting my parents and aunt and uncle and cousins at the hospital. We said our goodbyes to Grandma. We talked to the doctor.
He said that it was likely a stroke. That she was very peaceful and it was very sudden. We declined an autopsy.
Part of me is really sad. But, I also know that she is happier now.
Her life was full. She loved us all and knew she was loved.
She met all of her great grandchildren.
The funny thing is that we were all sitting around last night, figuring out funeral plans, crying and laughing and chatting. And, I realized that this is what would have made Grandma happy. Her family being a family.
She will be missed, but I know she's in a better place.

Mother's Day

My sister and our children

The World's Best Mom!

My parents
I wanted to write something special for Mother's Day. Something to pay tribute to my mom. I was trying to figure out what one wonderful thing she did, what she would say - something that encapsulated my mom completely.
I can remember a million things about growing up; all of them made my mom special. I remember the rainy days where we jumped in puddles (now I do that with my son), I remember her telling me the story about how she lost her boot in the snow every time I asked (and now I tell my son that story) and I remember her laughing one time when I spilled an entire container of flour on the floor, and was certain I would be in trouble (now I laugh, not shout, when my son spills things).
But above all, what makes my mom special is just who she is.
When you think about a really good mother, or person in general, you don't necessarily think of their attibutes -
just their being.
I think that's what people would say of my mom. Sometimes she's funny. Sometimes she's deep. Sometimes she's quiet. Sometimes she talks a lot. Sometimes she's stunningly beautiful, sometimes she looks pretty in a very simple, uncomplicated kind of way.
But no matter what, her loving kindness shines through.
My mom is cool. She's the mom who welcomed my friends over. She's the mom who was welcome to come into my bedroom when my friends and I were talking about our days, laughing about things that happened and complaining about our teachers. She would chat with us, listen, laugh at our jokes (that probably weren't as funny to her), and then leave before she wore out her welcome.
She was also strict. There were rules and consequences. But there was the other side too. I knew that if I was ever out somewhere and didn't know what to do I could call and she would pick me up - no questions asked. I also always knew that if I ever doubted if I should be doing something I could invoke the name of my mother and she would back me up.
I've grown up, and some things have changed. But, not that much has changed. She's still the person who joins me for coffee and a chat. If I take a day off of work, I usually end up going to her house for coffee. She's still welcome if I'm hanging out with friends, and she still has a pretty good idea of what's going on in my life.
The other day someone was in my office talking about Mother's Day, and I said "oh yeah, here want to see my mom?" and I pulled up her blog. I thought it was pretty normal. But, the person was like "wow. you are like your mom."
Yes.. I am. And to me that's the biggest compliment you can pay me.
When I look at my mom she inspires me. I look to her for advice and guidance. One day I hope that I can be half the woman she is. She's pretty amazing.
So Happy Mother's Day Mom.
And to all of you other incredible moms out there - the same to you!
Have a good one. We all deserve it. (and I hope if you're reading this on Mother's Day morning you are in bed with breakfast and coffee that's been lovingly prepared for you ... yeah right!)
Happy Mother's Day, Mom!!!!

A Little Judgement for a Friday Evening

Tonight my husband and I went on a date. Our daycare had a special evening for the kids (a pizza party) so that the parents could have an evening off. It was wonderful and the kids had a blast. So did we.
After a lovely dinner Mike and I decided to grab coffee and go for a walk by the lake. It was a perfect night. We had a great time.
The way our lake front park is set up is that there is a boardwalk and then there is a lower walk by the water. There is a ledge between the upper and lower boardwalks.
As we were walking along we saw a family. I heard them first. The father in particular. He was yelling to him maybe 5 year old son not to lean over the ledge (from the upper to lower boardwalk). I totally get that. I looked because I was close enough that if a kid was going to fall I would have run over.
But the child stopped as his dad shouted "if you lean over the ledge I'm going to tan your hide."
Okay, not my form of discipline, but whatever. It wasn't so much the words that stopped me, it was the tone. It was chilling. I stopped.
We were maybe two feet away.
The child stopped. Dead in his tracks.
The father came over to him and started to shout. As he shouted the little boy didn't cry, but his younger sister did.
And the the father picked him up. And he pretended to throw hom over the ledge. The whole time he was shouting "this is what will happen. this is what will happen."
The boy was hysterical. His sister was hysterical. The baby his mother was pushing in the stroller was hysterical. I was almost hysterical.
The mother stood quietly by. Watching. Waiting.
I was horrified.
I didn't want to intervene because by the end he was holding his child with one hand.
I was frozen to my spot.
Mike wanted to go. I waited until he put the child down. And then in the loudest voice I oculd muster I said "what was that? who treats a child like that?"
They heard me. I did nothing else.
I wish I had. I felt for those kids. And I was angry. How do you treat kids like that?
I know this is judgemental. I really do.
But really. I could not care LESS if you breastfeed or co-sleep, if you give time outs or count. I wouldn't blink an eye if your child ate ice cream for breakfast and wore mismatched clothes. All of that is inconsequential.
But this - chilling.
And I wish i did something else.
Mike told me to leave it. He said that the wife would probably say something later. And, he said I was just probably shocked because parents don't do that now. Twenty years ago it wouldn't have shocked me.
I guess.
But I wish I'd done something. Said something.
Truthfully I don't think it would have done much. I would have angered the dad, and in fairness, he didn't hurt the child. Just scared him.
But still ...
And then I reminded Mike that if he EVER did something like that the repercussions would be huge. But, in all honesty, I think that's why I married who I did, because I know with every fibre of my being that he would never ever do such a thing.
But, if I ever see something like that again I will say something.
And, tonight I'll hug Matt just a little tighter just so he knows he safe.

Camel Toes, Cleavage and Quality Time

I love to shop. I love shopping even more when I get to sip a latte, pick clothes for someone, judge outfits and have a really good laugh.
Luckily for me, one of my friends wanted to go shopping at Winners. I love this store. It's exhilerating to go through a million racks to find that perfect item. I far prefer shopping at Winners to a lot of other stores because of the variety and, sometimes, the prices.
We started off in the shoe section. My friend (who will remain unnamed) is quite a bit taller than I am. This isnt hard considering i am 5'2, but while she tried on some stunning platform sandals while I hovered nearby in flip flops the evening became hysterically funny.
The true mission of the night was to find capris and sunglasses. First stop - sunglasses.
Now Winners, as I am sure you know, has some great stuff. They also have some stuff that can be rightly considered a fashion don't. This was true of the first pair of sun glasses my friend tried on.
I looked at her and thought she looked like a bug. So, she left the sunglasses on and buzzed, like a bug, while browsing. To me this seemed somewhat normal but to the others looking at sunglasses it seemed odd.
We quickly found a pair and continued on to the clothing racks.
In true shopping spree style we took everything that we thought may be appropriate. We loaded the cart with pants, jeans, capris and shorts and proceeded to the change room.
I learned one very important lesson - when shopping with someone whose legs are approximately twice the length of your own, it is impossible to guage pant length. While i happily flit between the regular and petites section long legged people cannot. Petite length capris are more like hot pants on someone with long legs.
So we made it to the fitting room. Six items were allowed at a time so i ran back and forth a fair bit while she tried on pants.
As she was trying clothes on we were laughing and chatting and telling stories. At one point a woman came out of her dressing room to tell me that we were the best entertainment she had ever had at Winners.
I think we were a little loud!
At one point i was telling a story about the time i tried on a dress that was too small for me. The zipper got stuck and they had to cut it off of me (it was totally relevant to the fact that my friend could not get a pair of too tight jeans off of her!)
Suddenly from two dressing rooms down a woman shouted, "so did you have to pay for the dress??"
The answer was no.
This sent us into hysterical giggles just as my friend opened the door to show off the most hideous pair of shorts known to man.
They were a tight hoochie momma pair of terry irwin inspired shorts that displayed the world's worst camel toe.
It was hilarious.
Not only were the shorts horrible, but this friend is about as likely as i am to wear any garment made to be worn in the outback.
When we saw thosw shorts we lost it. Tears were running down my cheeks. She was snorting she was laughing so hard. It was truly funny.
We decided against the shorts and moved on to brassiers.

Exact same shorts & camel toe

I sware by the bras at Winners. I once read that you have to buy a bra based on breast shape. So, if your boobs are particularly round you want a rounder bra whereas if they are more oblong you want more of any oblong shape. This is why me and my round boobs dont like La Senza so much.
We like Winners. My friend was looking for cleavage enhancement. I just wanted a new bra.
We must have gone through everything on the rack. Who knew that they had blinged up bras at Winners???
In order to keep them untangled we simply hung our bras on the outside of the cart. Again we took about a zillion in - you know we had to try everything.
For some strange reason the fitting room is on the exact opposite side of the store as the bras so off we went our "bra buggy" leading the way.
It was all fun and games till we found the only men shopping in the store. They just did not quite know where to look when the bra buggy and two giggly girls walked past them en route to the changerooms. When we saw their look we really were gone.
Unfortunately we did not get the cleavage we were looking for. Well, I did. Too much. The lovely push up bra I tried on could only be described as startling. So I did not get it. (I did, however, find another one I loved, a little less cleavagey, but quite nice which I broke when I tried it on this morning. Oops!). And, as for my friend. Well, the goal of cleavage would have happened if we had gone back to get more sizes, but just as we discovered that the bedazzled bra was indeed the wrong size the store announced they were closing ... and we had to leave.
All in all a lovely evening. But it looks like we'll be going back. Soon.

Change is in the Air

Like my new layout?
I decided the other day that I was ready for a change. I've been blogging a little over a year, and I was bored of my layout, so I decided to make it a little more exciting.
Well, really I asked someone to do it for me. Sam was incredible, and knew exactly what I wanted with very little to go on. LOVE it!

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And today, well today was great. I feel like spring is officially here. Tonight I came home and gardened. Yep. I know. I'm not a green thumb. But, now that we are homeowners and have a yard we've been trying our hands at gardening.
We started this weekend with the little garden that was already there, but decided to take it to the next level. Together Mike and I cut out a new front garden. Right now it's just dirt, but we went and bought some flowers. I can't wait to plant everything and make our house really pretty.
Matt decided to help us as well. He loved digging in the dirt with his own little shovel. So, as long as he didn't dig up our already planted flowers we were happy. He's also a pro with the watering can.
Once we had dug out the garden we went over to the garden store (in a lovely rented van since our car is in for repairs) and were able to get a ton of stuff. Matt had a wonderful time picking out all of the flowers. It was hilarious. He sat on the special wagons at the garden store and pointed out all the things he liked.
Of course our evening would not have been complete without a visit to Grandma and Grandpa's house. (we needed to borrow a rake and have coffee). It was such a pleasure to visit because Matt feels so at home with my parents. And, he and Grandpa built lego towers.
Plus, when it was time to go Matt actually started helping putting toys away - without any prompting. It was amazing.
And, to top off the night, on the way home Matt said to us "tonight was wonderful!!!"

I agree.

Tired

Lately I've been really tired.
I know I'm a mother, with a pre-schooler who has a ton of energy. And I work full time. And I've been running.
So, in a sense maybe I'm a little burnt out.
But, it's not just that.
Ever since the Virginia Tech Massacre I haven't slept properly.
For the longest time I refused to read about it. I saw the headlines and I didn't completely bury my head in the sand, but I refused to read all of the specifics. Right now I don't want to know the names of those killed. I don't want to know why. Maybe that's a little cold of me. But, I don't.
I remember when Columbine happened. I was fixated on the news. I needed to know why. I think that behind my morbid curiousity was this feeling that was if I knew why they did it I would rest a little easier. I wouldn't need to fear for my safety or the safety of my loved ones.
But, as sad and as scary as Columbine was - it's different now.
I have a child.
And, lately I have found it hard to sleep.
My son is in daycare. I love his daycare. But, it's in a highschool. Sometimes I worry that someone in the highschool will bring a gun. That scares me.
I try to remember that it is unlikely.
I also can think of a million other reasons why it's unlikely. We moved to a safer neighbourhood than we were in. We are part of a community. The school his daycare is in is a great school with a great community. I don't think there's any graffiti on the walls.
But, I still worry.
And, at night, when I'm trying to sleep, I get scared.
I know there will be many more things I need to worry about. I know that on a practical level Matt will be in a zillion fights and have lots of battles to face that will never be as bad as someone coming in and shooting people.
But, logic doesn't always help at night - when you can close your eyes and picture the worst. And, last night these nightmares extended to my nieces. Could I protect them to? Ahhh. It's horrible.
And so I'm tired. Because so many nights I've had horrible nightmares of what could be. And they wake me up. And it's really hard to go back to sleep when you have such a horrible vision in your mind.
I know it's normal. Thank goodness for other parents who have the same fears, who tell me that being scared and concerned makes me a good parent, not a bad one.
But still.
One night's sleep. A good sound sleep ...
Really that's all I ask.
World peace would be good too.

Toilet Training

Toilet Training is all about having friends who support you - and work around your schedule.

When all the kids wanted popsicles, and Matt needed to use the toilet, Kyla suggested doing two things at once (she knows, she has already been through this.)


And, when you've done your business, cuddles are most appreciated! (see how tired toilet training makes Mommy?)

Memories of OCS

Last night was a pretty special evening.
The elementary school I attended as a little girl had a 25th anniversary gala.
Sometimes things like this are cheesy. To me this was pretty special. My parents were very dedicated to this school when I was a little girl. They helped to found it, and put a lot of time and energy (along with other amazing people) to create a school that would give me and thousands of other children a good foundation in life.
Growing up it was just a part of my life.
As a mother I get it. I understand how much my parents sacrificed - both financially and timewise to do this for us. It was pretty amazing to see how far the school has come.
It was also pretty amazing to see some of the people who are still there.
How's this for irony - my favourite teacher of all time was my grade 2 teacher. (She was there - though I also see her occassionally). Last night there was a silent auction and one of the prizes was a few hours of babysitting from the grade 7/8 students.
I bid on a couple of different babysitters. Guess who will be babysitting my son for 4 hours one day? You guessed it - my grade 2 teacher's daughter.
I love it!!!
And, it turns out she lives just around the corner.
I can't wait! Her mom came over thrilled to tell me. And, I was shocked and delighted.
Some of the evening's highlights for me included seeing friends and teachers I hadn't seen in years. The headmaster from when I first attended was there. I always had huge admiration for and just a little bit of fear of him.
I have to admit, I had the same mix of emotions when I saw him last night.
I got hugs from people I hadn't see in years. And, people saw me and were thrilled to see I'd grown up to be happy, healthy and have a family of my own.
It was a wonderful evening.

My grade 1 teacher (Lynn Paterson), me, my grade 2 teacher (Janet Black)
They used to seem so tall!

ABC's of Miss Laural Dawn

I was tagged by the wonderful, preggo Haley of Cheaty Monkey who loves a tag as much as I do.
So, enjoy, my friends, enjoy!

And, if I didn't tag you and you want to do it - knock yourself out.

Happy Friday!

A - Available or Single? Neither

B - Best Friend? Can I have more than one? My sister and Susie, but I still keep in touch with my elementary school best friend, Bonnie, who still holds a special place in my heart

C - Cake or Pie? Cake - birthday cake - have I mentioned my birthday is in 16 days?

D - Drink of Choice? Vodka-Cran or Stella depending on my mood

E - Essential Item(s)? Lipgloss, brush, blackberry or cell phone

F - Favorite Colour? Purple

G - Gummi Bears or Worms? Gummi worms - prefer the sour kind

H - Hometown? Burlington, Ontario

I - Indulgence? Fajitas at Lonestar. Yummy yummy (have I mentioned my birthday is in 16 days?)

J - January or February? February ... Valentine's Day

K - Kids? My 3 year old son Matthew

L - Life is incomplete without… Friends and People who Love you

M - Marriage Date: 07/07/01

N - Number of Siblings: 1 Amazing sister, Becky

O - Oranges or Apples? Both. I love oranges, but I eat way more apples.

P - Phobias/Fears: Snakes, Mice (that aren't in cages), certain bugs

Q - Favorite Quote: Be who you are and say what you feel because those that mind don't matter, and those that matter don't mind (Dr. Seuss)

R - Reasons to Smile? My friends, fun e-mails, people who love me, my adorable son, the weather and good books

S - Season? Spring - I love May (have I mentioned my birthday is in 16 days?)

T - Tag Three: Lisa, Mike, Ruthie

U - Unknown Fact About Me: This is embarrassing - when I'm running (outside) and feel like I'm going to die, I put my ipod on a song I know all the words to and sing my heart out!

V - Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals? I wouldn't say I'm an oppressor of animals, but I do enjoy a good steak

W - Worst habits? Me ... bad habits??? I'd say talking too much.

X - X-rays or Ultrasounds? X-Rays. Drinking all that water and then having an ultrasound during pregnancy was almost as bad as giving birth.

Y - Your Favorite Foods: Lasagna, steak, fajitas

Z - Zodiac: Taurus

Toilet Training ... And an Update

In the last couple of days Matthew has been into the whole idea of using the potty.
We haven't pushed toilet training.
It's not that we're too lazy (maybe a little) so much as he just doesn't seem ready. And if there's one thing I know for sure about my child it's that if he doesn't want to do somehting he won't. In fact, he will do the exact opposite.
So, we've left it.
We've been slowly introducing pull-ups, we've been encouraging him to use the potty in the morning and when he goes to bed. But, we haven't been pushing it.
But, Sunday he told me he wanted to wear underwear. He wore them all morning. He got stickers for using the toilet. And then at noon he wanted a diaper.
That was fine.
But then yesterday at daycare he decided he wanted to use the toilet. It was out of the blue. The teachers always ask him, but usually he says no.
He came home yesterday in a dry diaper - and apparently he used the toilet all day. They kept asking, and he kept saying yes. It was like he just suddenly decided that he wants to do this.
Here's what I love about my daycare. They just took his cue. They immediately made up a sticker chart for him and went with it. They didn't call us to double check. They realized he was excited, and just went with it.
So, today he asked to wear his Lightning McQueen underwear. I said yes, and we used the potty twice before we drove him to daycare. And, he didn't have an accident en route which is a good thing.
We're now in full toilet training mode. At daycare they are going to see where it goes. At home we will encourage it.
Part of me is excited. Part of me realizes that I ran out of Tide this weekend, and I know I need to buy more. Less money on diapers - more money on laundry.
Good times.

Just a little WW update - for those of you wondering. Week 2 of following the program and I lost another 2.8 lbs. Not bad. Must be all the yummy sushi!

What Do You Say to a Bully?

Matthew has been having some run-ins with another kid in his class. I'm not terribly concerned. Matt can, and does, hold his own.
But often he'll tell me "Riley called me a baby today."
I never know quite how to react to that.
Part of me wants to call Riley's mom. Part of me wants to tell Riley off. A bigger part of me knows that this is something that Matt has to deal with, and that the teachers are on top of.
In the last little while there seems to have been a lot of name calling and questionning of friends. Matt's at the stage where when he gets angry he can verbalize it. As can his friends.
Trust me - this is much better than the biting stage - but still freaking annoying.
And, what do I tell him to say?
I suggested saying "I'm not a baby, you're a baby." But I know that is not a good thing to teach a child. I called my sister and asked her.
My suggested line of "I'm not a baby, you loser" did not go over well with her.
I want Matt to be assertive - and not just accept being called names. But, I don't want him to be rude.
So, today in the car I said to him "Matthew, what are you going to say when Riley calls you a baby?"
His response "No. I'm a pirate ... arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr."
Ummmmm... okay.
Apparently he got some crazy genes from me.
Good comeback. Funny and original.
But, any ideas of what you do say to a kid who calls you a baby? I'm still working that and I'm (slowly) approaching 30!

Granola Bars and Sushi

I remember watching those Quaker Chewy commercials, where every time a kid started to say something embarrassing a parent would stuff their child's face with a granola bar.
I used to think that ad was stupid.
Then today Matthew waited in line with me at the GO station while I was buying a monthly pass (it was a long wait, so Mike brought him in).
He came running up to me and shouted "Mommy! Are you my girl?"
That was pretty cute. Then I started to ask about his day. He told me all about another kid hitting him and he told me all about painting. And then out of the blue he shouted "hey! do you want to see my penis?"
No.
I changed topics.
Then he said "Daddy snores. Daddy is a pig who snores." Crap.
Someone please pass the granola bars!
At least it entertained everyone in line.
And, on a completely unrelated topic, Mike and I have been on a bit of a health kick/kick to try to find healthy foods that we like.
For the last several years I have hated sushi. I tried it once. And I thought it was gross. I know it's so healthy. In the world of Weight Watchers it's super low in points. I've kind of been annoyed that I don't enjoy it.
For some reason Mike decided to buy a pack of veggie sushi at the grocery store today.
And we cracked it open. At first bite I hated it. But I decided to eat the whole thing. And guess what?! I liked it!!! Like I could not get enough of it. I feel like I've been converted to a whole new world of deliciousness.
In the past few days I have rediscovered salmon (actually, surprisingly high in points, but yummy and healthy, homemade salsa, a passion for adding curry to food and now sushi. Add this to the fact that I'm eating healthy flax seed infused cereal, tons of fruit and vegetables and cottage cheese.
Add the fact that I'm working on this whole running thing.
I feel like I'm really on some super health kick.
The surprising thing about all of this ... I'm enjoying it! I'm loving new foods, challenging myself with exercise and feeling healthier. Weird. But, don't misunderstand ... if anyone's cracking open the sour cream and onion chips count me in. I'm enjoying being healthy, but I'm not giving up the junk food any time soon. I'm not crazy you know!!!!
Plus ... my birthday is coming up soon and I plan to fully enjoy a delicious dinner of fajitas at Lonestar. yum yum.

I Love LuLuLemon ... and Matt's Green "Cwocs"

I have fallen in love with Lululemon.
It's not that I've never been to the store before. I have. I've just never bought anything.
There's a couple of reasons for this. The first is that as much as I love their pants I just couldn't picture myself in them. I wanted a slightly better body image. The second is that they are expensive, which is fine if you stay one size, but I wanted to be a little more size stable before I spent the money. (I kind of am)
Yesterday my husband spontaneously suggested we go to the store.
It really was the best experience ever.
The staff were so friendly. The woman who was helping me choose the pants was amazingly helpful. She wasn't pushy, but she definitely steered me in the right direction. And, when I said that I wanted to try a tank top on with the pants, she found the perfect one.
It took awhile for me to find the perfect pants, and Mike and Matt were hanging out in the changeroom area waiting. The changeroom people were so nice to Matt. They were offering stickers, and chatting to him while I was getting changed. And when he got a little bratty, they were totally cool (Mike was pretty on top of it, but some people give you the death glare). They even let him have his own changeroom to play in and wrote his name on the board which was beyond nice.
Anyway ...
I ended up with the Reverse Groove pants. And, they totally made me go a size down which was really flattering. I loved the pants! (though I have to wait a week while they hem them)
And the top ... AMAZING!
I truly did not understand the appeal of the uber-expensive tank top until I tried one on. I fell instantly in love with this white tank top. Not only was it designed really nicely, but it's totally designed so you don't need to wear a bra underneath. When the woman told me that I almost laughed at her. I knew better - I've tried on many many shirts where no additional bra was required, and though this may be true for the less endowed, let's just say I would never consider going out of the house without a bra.
But, this tank top. Totally true to it's word. It was amazing. I'm not sure I would run without my beloved sports bra underneath. But, still. It was pretty amazing.
So I ended up leaving with the pretty white tank top. LOVE it.

And, since we were at the mall we decided to finally go and get Matt some Crocs. The daycare is not a big fan of sandals because kids injure their toes too often (weird rule, eh?). But, since the invention of crocs this rule is not a concern for me.
We took Matt to choose out his own pair of Crocs. He's pretty in love with his Diego running shoes, which actually have holes in them, so he wasn't too keen on buying new shoes. But, after I explained that Kyla has a pair and that all the cool kids (really, I did say this. Mike was not impressed) were wearing them, he actually relented and chose a pair.
He went with the bright lime green pair. They really are super adorable.
I wasn't sure if he would wear them, but he totally got into it.
By the end of the day yesterday he kept saying "I love my cwocs. I love my green crowcs."
Adorable.
But, really they are great shoes. He can get them on and off by himself, and if he walks in the mud we can just wash them off. The man at Sporting Life told me that once you get a pair you tend to want a couple of other colours. We'll see about that. But, I'm loving the green ones!
But, for the record, I totally think crocs on adults are not a good fashion statement. I mean, they have a place, at the beach or the cottage or gardening. But, other than ... I don't know.

And, today Matt has decided that he wants to wear big boy underwear. Hooray!!!

Rainy Days Call For Fancy Jackets

Yesterday I got the funniest e-mail from my sister.
It turns out that the really cool puppy dog raincoat I had bought for my older niece Kyla was no longer a hit with her.
Last year I bought both Kyla and Matt raincoats that made them look like animals. Matthew has the froggie jacket and Kyla has the dalmation jacket. Matthew still loves his. Kyla, not so much.
It turns out that the kids in junior kindergarten were making fun of my niece.
An excerpt, as written by Becky (my sis):

So, Kyla's been complaining about the dog coat you got her - apparently what was cool last year, is causing her some problems this year. She says that when she puts her hood up because of the rain everyone says she looks like a dog. She will wear the rain coat but only if she has her cinderella umbrella with her to she can use that instead of putting up the dreaded hood of the coat. She's telling me all this this morning as I'm making her put it on. Paige takes one look at her in her coat and says "woof-woof". It was too funny! I'm trying to get Paige to shut up and to get Kyla to stop crying... When the dilemma is solved, I'll pass the jacket to you and Matty can wear it. I get the impression he would just slug the kid that bothered to call him a dog instead of disolve into tears.

When I read this I could not stop laughing, while at the same time feeling sorry for my niece. I mean the poor child is being called a dog.

Luckily I work very close to a store that sells rain coats. So I went to see what they had available. Luckily they carried the entire Kidorable line, which included some very feminine, and distinctly un-doglike raincoats for little girls.

Last night I went over to see Kyla, and assuage my guilt with this lovely new plastic offering (that came complete with a matching flowered hanger.) I also came bearing gifts for my younger niece. My friend's daughter (who was visiting our office yesterday) gave me the coolest butterfly umbrella for my niece. So, Kyla got a raincoat. Paige got an umbrella.

When I gave Kyla the coat I said "So, that now your friends can't call you a dog." Paige, who is almost 2, heard the word dog and started walking around saying "woof. woof." I could totally see why this would annoy Kyla to no end. Luckily we got Paige back on the word butterfly (cause of the umbrella) and Kyla tried on her new jacket to which she said:
"Great! Now they will call me a flower" (it turns out this is a good thing).

And as we all know ... April showers bring May flowers.

Aren't they cute??

Underage Drinking ... and me!

I have been of legal drinking age for 9 years now.
I have been carded many times, but really not in ages ... Until tonight.
It was my friend's birthday today. I should point out that we work together and we are both legal drinking age.
So we thought nothing of going to Jack Astor's for a drink. We sat at the bar and ordered. The waitress looked at us and said "can i see some id?"
I laughed, but she was serious.
My friend didnt have any id. So the manager decided we could stay - but not drink alcohol (not even me!)
We decided to leave, after of course, bumping into a friend from work who enjoyed the humour in it.
Next bar.
Same thing.
We order drinks. They ask for id! Huh?
My friend swares she is never asked. I am rarely asked.
Bar #3.
At this point we were beginning to feel we needed a drink. We came up with a plan. Go in. Have a very serious conversation. When server comes over i will order 2 coronas. Go back to conversation. We debated sending my friend to the bathroom while I ordered, but we thought that may be too obvious and also, we werent sure of the legalities. (what happens if you order a drink for someone with no i.d.? Do they call the cops or are you just kicked out?)
The plan worked. Okay, really, I'd been to that bar a couple of times before and the person recognized me.
No i.d. was requested. Thank GOD!
We had a fun evening!
And I went home feeling very youthful.
And really, im not worried about the calories consumed because I know we burned them all off laughing at ourselves.

Workin' It!!!

Since I came clean with my confession this week, I didn't want to leave everyone hanging.
I went to my meeting today.
I decided to go to one mid-day, because I've been before, and it's always nice to see a nice smiling face when you have to shed all dignity, step on a scale, and weigh yourself.
This week I was focused. Seriously focused. I journaled. I exercised. I did everything I needed to do. And, I felt an amazing amount of control coming back into my life.
I know - it's weird. But it's totally true.
I turned down ice cream and junk food. And I got into the exercise. I bought shiny new running shoes, and I ran my butt off.
And, it wasn't bad. In fact, I started to enjoy it.
I didn't realize how little water I've been drinking throughout the day. Nor did I realize just how much crap I've really been eating.
Journaling every day made me watch what went in my mouth.
And ... the results?!?!
I lost 4 pounds!!! Seriously. Four pounds in one week.
I know that this is the thing with first weeks. When you have slacked off for awhile and then suddenly get back to it, the first week tends to be extra good.
But still!!!!
Plus, this puts me much closer to the goal I have set for myself.
I think I'm going to go get myself some lovely new lululemon pants to celebrate!!!
And THANK YOU to everyone who commented and made me realize that this is not something to be ashamed of. I held my head up a little bit higher this week.

Things You Don't Want to Hear ...

Last night we were over at my sister's place.
The kids (4,3 & almost 2) were downstairs playing happily while we had coffee.
Suddenly we hear the youngest start crying.

Matthew: "Mommy. Paige is crying."
Me: "Why is she crying, Matt?"
Matthew: "Paige is sad because I'm being the doctor."

You have never seen 4 adults move so quickly!!!

Maybe the kids are not quite ready to play alone.