Tonight we decided to go to Licks as a family. It's pretty easy because Matt likes their food, their nature burger is healthy for me and Mike is happy to have whatever they are serving.
The Licks near us is usually fairly slow. But, tonight was an exception. Tonight they were extraordinarily slow.
The painful process started when I ordered. Matt has waited in line with me for a few minutes, but eventually he and Mike gave up and went for a walk.
So, I ordered: "One kids' homeburger meal with cheese, please," is what I started with. Before I could get to mine I was stopped.
"You can't get a kid's meal. You are over 12."
Huh???
I was ordering for my son, but this is dumb. So I had to point my child out to her.
Ohhhh kay.
Then I got on to ordering Mike's meal.
"I'll have the homeburger combo with large onion rings and a diet coke."
Her question "What size diet coke?"
Me: "The size that comes with a combo."
Her: "This isn't a combo anymore since you got a large."
Ohhh kay.
And then we got to the name thing.
Her: "What's your name"
me: "Laural"
Her: "What?"
Me: "Laural - L-A-U-R-A-L"
Her: "really? that's weird."
Nice.
Once we got through that we moved on to getting the burgers and fries. I waited 10 minutes. There was one person in front of my. Seriously. 10 minutes. For fast food. In an empty restaurant. And then they got stuff wrong. It was frustrating.
As I finally walked away with my correct order I got called back for an extra order of fries. And I had to explain that no, I did not order those fries. And then had to wait while they made sure that I indeed did not order the fries that I did not want.
Painful.
I won't get started on the whole ice cream shamozzle that occurred at the end of the meal.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Not that I'm feeling old, or anything ...
But, last night I was babysitting my nieces.
It turns out that my nieces and my son are all obsessed with the question "how old are you?"
I have no problem telling them my age, but after being asked a zillion times by every child I meet, I grow a little tired of it.
So last night when my 5-year-old niece said to me "Aunt Laural, how old are you?"
I said "how old do you think I am?"
Kyla looked at me, thought about it for a minute and then said "Ummmm 82?"
Nice.
She was completely serious.
It turns out that I may be buying that wrinkle cream a little earlier than anticipated.
Kyla's baby sister redeemed them, though, when she guessed that I'm 4.
I'm thinking 29 is a happy medium???
It turns out that my nieces and my son are all obsessed with the question "how old are you?"
I have no problem telling them my age, but after being asked a zillion times by every child I meet, I grow a little tired of it.
So last night when my 5-year-old niece said to me "Aunt Laural, how old are you?"
I said "how old do you think I am?"
Kyla looked at me, thought about it for a minute and then said "Ummmm 82?"
Nice.
She was completely serious.
It turns out that I may be buying that wrinkle cream a little earlier than anticipated.
Kyla's baby sister redeemed them, though, when she guessed that I'm 4.
I'm thinking 29 is a happy medium???
Monday, July 09, 2007
Lately I haven't been totally focused on losing weight.
I still have a goal in mind. But, it's summer. And, it's harder to go to the gym. Matt wants to play outside, we've gone on a mini-vacation, we've been gardening, we've been celebrating birthdays and holidays.
The bottom line is, I've been having too much fun to be completely focused on my eating and exercising habits.
Add to this the fact that I had a tooth pulled (don't worry - no more pictures) which has limited how much I want to eat, what I can eat, and the ability to use a straw ... and you have some very bizarre food combinations going on.
When we went to Buffalo I had every intention of stuffing myself at Cheesecake Factory, and enjoying some fine American cuisine. I did, but I wasn't that hungry. I actually whined to Mike that it was unfair that I was at my new favourite restaurant and all I wanted was soup!!!
So today I decided to weigh myself.
I knew that I've been eating poorly. I told myself as I stepped on the scale that it was totally fine whatever number came up because I would just focus back on eating healthy and lose the "vacation weight".
I almost had a heart attack when I saw the number.
It was significantly less than when I weighed myself last week.
Bizarre.
I stepped off, let the scale go blank, and then stepped back on (it's digital).
Same number.
Then I had my shower. And got back on. Soaking wet, with a towel I was still 5 pounds lighter than last Monday.
This morning I weighed myself 7 times. I'm convinced it's not a fluke, and that I actually have lost weight. I don't get it. But I like it.
And, it's kicked me back into healthy eating because I figure I may as well see if I can lose more weight while my body is on a role!!!
I still have a goal in mind. But, it's summer. And, it's harder to go to the gym. Matt wants to play outside, we've gone on a mini-vacation, we've been gardening, we've been celebrating birthdays and holidays.
The bottom line is, I've been having too much fun to be completely focused on my eating and exercising habits.
Add to this the fact that I had a tooth pulled (don't worry - no more pictures) which has limited how much I want to eat, what I can eat, and the ability to use a straw ... and you have some very bizarre food combinations going on.
When we went to Buffalo I had every intention of stuffing myself at Cheesecake Factory, and enjoying some fine American cuisine. I did, but I wasn't that hungry. I actually whined to Mike that it was unfair that I was at my new favourite restaurant and all I wanted was soup!!!
So today I decided to weigh myself.
I knew that I've been eating poorly. I told myself as I stepped on the scale that it was totally fine whatever number came up because I would just focus back on eating healthy and lose the "vacation weight".
I almost had a heart attack when I saw the number.
It was significantly less than when I weighed myself last week.
Bizarre.
I stepped off, let the scale go blank, and then stepped back on (it's digital).
Same number.
Then I had my shower. And got back on. Soaking wet, with a towel I was still 5 pounds lighter than last Monday.
This morning I weighed myself 7 times. I'm convinced it's not a fluke, and that I actually have lost weight. I don't get it. But I like it.
And, it's kicked me back into healthy eating because I figure I may as well see if I can lose more weight while my body is on a role!!!
Friday, July 06, 2007
Playing "BAY-cation" with Mommy
Rarely do I think that I am a brilliant mother. I steal ideas, I copy trends. I'm not terribly original. But today ... I was smart.
At the end of July, Matthew and I are going on vacation to Vermont. I'm a little worried about losing him while we are travelling (we're taking the train) or while we are shopping or while we are wandering around.
I debated buying a harness. But ... I know my child well. And I know that there is no way that he would allow me to put one on him. So, while we were in Buffalo I bought a wrist harness. (it also included a full harness if anyone wants it). Mike and I decided that we needed to come up with some super great idea to convince Matthew to wear it.
And convince him I did.
I told him I bought him a "vacation bracelet". I pulled it out at the same time I pulled out the toys we brought back from Buffalo.
He likes the giant Lightning McQueen car. He played with it for 2 minutes.
But he loves the vacation bracelet.
I put it on him and gave him some leftover candy we had brought home with us.
All evening he has been saying "let's play BAY-cation!!!" and we put on our bracelets and walk around connected. Every so often we stop for "bay-cation food" (ju-jubes).
I feel a little like a dog being walked. So much so that Mike helpfully pointed out that we could have saved money and just bought me a leash.
But whatever. we're playing vacation and my child is willing to wear a bracelet that will hopefully keep us connected.
Genius.
I'm getting way too excited for our vacation.
At the end of July, Matthew and I are going on vacation to Vermont. I'm a little worried about losing him while we are travelling (we're taking the train) or while we are shopping or while we are wandering around.
I debated buying a harness. But ... I know my child well. And I know that there is no way that he would allow me to put one on him. So, while we were in Buffalo I bought a wrist harness. (it also included a full harness if anyone wants it). Mike and I decided that we needed to come up with some super great idea to convince Matthew to wear it.
And convince him I did.
I told him I bought him a "vacation bracelet". I pulled it out at the same time I pulled out the toys we brought back from Buffalo.
He likes the giant Lightning McQueen car. He played with it for 2 minutes.
But he loves the vacation bracelet.
I put it on him and gave him some leftover candy we had brought home with us.
All evening he has been saying "let's play BAY-cation!!!" and we put on our bracelets and walk around connected. Every so often we stop for "bay-cation food" (ju-jubes).
I feel a little like a dog being walked. So much so that Mike helpfully pointed out that we could have saved money and just bought me a leash.
But whatever. we're playing vacation and my child is willing to wear a bracelet that will hopefully keep us connected.
Genius.
I'm getting way too excited for our vacation.
Shuffled Off to Buffalo
Tomorrow, 07/07/07 is our 6th anniversary. So on wednesday night we left matt with my parents and shuffled off to buffalo.
We were going to leave thursday morning, but i decided to surprside mike and leave a day early.
It was a little crazy getting ready. i am usually the person who overpacks while mike survives on very little. But in his excitement he literally dumped the entire laundry basket in his suitcase and we were off!
We have had a lot of fun. We went shopping. We ate out. We sat and had starbucks. Twice! We have laughed over dumb stuff and not worried about much.
Of course we went to the Cheesecake factory. Yum. My meal (which again i ate a third of) filled me up so much that i could eat cheesecake. We ended up getting cheesecake to go!
Yummy.
More on our trip later.
We were going to leave thursday morning, but i decided to surprside mike and leave a day early.
It was a little crazy getting ready. i am usually the person who overpacks while mike survives on very little. But in his excitement he literally dumped the entire laundry basket in his suitcase and we were off!
We have had a lot of fun. We went shopping. We ate out. We sat and had starbucks. Twice! We have laughed over dumb stuff and not worried about much.
Of course we went to the Cheesecake factory. Yum. My meal (which again i ate a third of) filled me up so much that i could eat cheesecake. We ended up getting cheesecake to go!
Yummy.
More on our trip later.
Shuffled Off to Buffalo
Tomorrow, 07/07/07 is our 6th anniversary. So on wednesday night we left matt with my parents and shuffled off to buffalo.
We were going to leave thursday morning, but i decided to surprside mike and leave a day early.
It was a little crazy getting ready. i am usually the person who overpacks while mike survives on very little. But in his excitement he literally dumped the entire laundry basket in his suitcase and we were off!
We have had a lot of fun. We went shopping. We ate out. We sat and had starbucks. Twice! We have laughed over dumb stuff and not worried about much.
Of course we went to the Cheesecake factory. Yum. My meal (which again i ate a third of) filled me up so much that i could eat cheesecake. We ended up getting cheesecake to go!
Yummy.
More on our trip later.
We were going to leave thursday morning, but i decided to surprside mike and leave a day early.
It was a little crazy getting ready. i am usually the person who overpacks while mike survives on very little. But in his excitement he literally dumped the entire laundry basket in his suitcase and we were off!
We have had a lot of fun. We went shopping. We ate out. We sat and had starbucks. Twice! We have laughed over dumb stuff and not worried about much.
Of course we went to the Cheesecake factory. Yum. My meal (which again i ate a third of) filled me up so much that i could eat cheesecake. We ended up getting cheesecake to go!
Yummy.
More on our trip later.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Tooth Extraction ... Gross
This is the good side ...Tonight I went for the long anticipated tooth extraction.
The good news is that the freezing has not yet worn off so I can type this. The bad news is that I know what's to come thanks to a helpful hygeniest.
Anyway, I won't get into too many details because one word sums it up quite nicely. OUCH!
I went in trying very hard not to be a baby about things. And that lasted at least 30 seconds.
Actually, it was very cool because the dentist put this little camera in my mouth and I got to see things on the big screen. It made me realize that this procedure was definitely necessary and that the cleaning I've been putting off for, okay YEARS, is really necessary.
So, sparing the details. But, it's not pleasant. In fact, it's so unpleasant that the dentist chose not to tell me anything other than that he would freeze me completely, and I had to sign a waiver.
The whole thing was longer than I thought. He had to wriggle the tooth for a full 10 minutes. I was shaking. And then he gave me a break. I calmed down, we started again.
The good news is that when I was a little girl my dad used to pull my tooth using pliers (when they were ready to come out). So, I was prepared. I had dealt with this before.
All in all. A success.
My reward???
I got to keep the tooth. Admittedly the dentist said that he had never let a patient keep a tooth that was infected. But, he felt that since he didn't think I would get through this without hyperventilating (I used my yoa breathing techniques) or crying (it was close but I held those tears in) I could choose between the tooth or a sticker.
I chose the tooth.
Why? Because I wanted to share it with the internets. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
Feel free to show your children who don't brush their teeth.
And this is why they pulled the tooth - look at that hole!!!Tooth Fun ...
Sorry
I didn't mean to leave everyone hanging on the tooth front.
It turned out that the pain I was experiencing was from 2 teeth. The top and bottom molars. I thought it was the bottom of my mouth that was hurting. When they asked that's what I told them, but the hygeniest looked in my mouth and said we should probably x-ray the top and the bottom.
Which they did.
The bottom was a cavity. It was kind of deep and so they filled it right away. (a temporary filling). The top is bad news. The tooth is eroded. It's pretty gross. So I have to have it (WARNING - only look if you have a strong stomach) extracted. TONIGHT!
Actually, he would have extracted it right there. Except. I was shaking way too much. And, I was alone. So I get to go back tonight.
Thank God for Ativan. And ice packs. And Tylenol 3.
The funniest part was when he said to me that the bad news is that I have to take the tooth out. The good news is that I'm only afraid of the drill - not copious amounts of blood. Nice.
Have I mentioned it took me weeks to get over my wisdom teeth removal. Uggggh.
I didn't mean to leave everyone hanging on the tooth front.
It turned out that the pain I was experiencing was from 2 teeth. The top and bottom molars. I thought it was the bottom of my mouth that was hurting. When they asked that's what I told them, but the hygeniest looked in my mouth and said we should probably x-ray the top and the bottom.
Which they did.
The bottom was a cavity. It was kind of deep and so they filled it right away. (a temporary filling). The top is bad news. The tooth is eroded. It's pretty gross. So I have to have it (WARNING - only look if you have a strong stomach) extracted. TONIGHT!
Actually, he would have extracted it right there. Except. I was shaking way too much. And, I was alone. So I get to go back tonight.
Thank God for Ativan. And ice packs. And Tylenol 3.
The funniest part was when he said to me that the bad news is that I have to take the tooth out. The good news is that I'm only afraid of the drill - not copious amounts of blood. Nice.
Have I mentioned it took me weeks to get over my wisdom teeth removal. Uggggh.
Monday, July 02, 2007
A Weekend to Celebrate
Mtt
It was a bit of an up and down weekend for me. I had a disastrous dentist appointment on Saturday where I had one cavity filled, and found out I'm getting another tooth pulled. (I have to go back because I didn't want to be totally swollen and in pain at a wedding). So, it's been a painful weekend.
But we didn't let that deter us from having fun.My cousin's wedding - beautiful. It was nice to hang out with our family, we had a lot of laughs, and I love weddings.
Canada Day was also a blast. We discovered our new favourite food - kettle corn. I do NOT want to know how many calories that stuff has, but it sure is delicious. Matthew loved the ice cream and hotdogs being served up.
It was a beuatiful weekend. And, I'm grateful that today is a day off to relax (and go for lunch with my wondermoms!)
Cousins!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
As If ...
I think I jinxed myself yesterday by saying how good life is.
Because when I got home my tooth started aching. It had been bugging me, but by 7:30 last night I was in severe pain. Of course on the Friday of a long weekend no dentist in Burlington was at their office. I was flipping through the yellow pages and calling every.single.office that had emergency service. And no one answered.
Then I finally discovered a phone number. It's very cool. It's the emergency dentist hotline. One dentist is always on call. So, I reached a very friendly dentist.
He went through all of my symptoms with me. And, he explained to me that not only was he convinced that I had a tooth infection, but that if I had a cold that had been around a couple of weeks and then my teeth were really hurting, my body was probably fighting an infection.
So this morning I'm going to go get my problem solved.
I've been told to get there for 9:30 and since my cousin's wedding is today he will have me out by 1.
Have I mentioned I'm terrified of the dentist? I'm squeamish. It hurts. I'm cranky. And I wanted to spend time looking pretty for the wedding, not having my teeth drilled.
However.
I am very grateful that I have fantastic dental coverage so I should get reimbursed for some of this appointment. And, I'm grateful that the dentist could squeeze me in today.
I'm just really hoping this does not mean a root canal. Because that will do me in. (and I'm going all alone and I need moral support for root canals.)
Wish me luck. Stupid Teeth.
PS I love this quote:
Germaine Greer - "The essence of pleasure is spontaneity."
Because when I got home my tooth started aching. It had been bugging me, but by 7:30 last night I was in severe pain. Of course on the Friday of a long weekend no dentist in Burlington was at their office. I was flipping through the yellow pages and calling every.single.office that had emergency service. And no one answered.
Then I finally discovered a phone number. It's very cool. It's the emergency dentist hotline. One dentist is always on call. So, I reached a very friendly dentist.
He went through all of my symptoms with me. And, he explained to me that not only was he convinced that I had a tooth infection, but that if I had a cold that had been around a couple of weeks and then my teeth were really hurting, my body was probably fighting an infection.
So this morning I'm going to go get my problem solved.
I've been told to get there for 9:30 and since my cousin's wedding is today he will have me out by 1.
Have I mentioned I'm terrified of the dentist? I'm squeamish. It hurts. I'm cranky. And I wanted to spend time looking pretty for the wedding, not having my teeth drilled.
However.
I am very grateful that I have fantastic dental coverage so I should get reimbursed for some of this appointment. And, I'm grateful that the dentist could squeeze me in today.
I'm just really hoping this does not mean a root canal. Because that will do me in. (and I'm going all alone and I need moral support for root canals.)
Wish me luck. Stupid Teeth.
PS I love this quote:
Germaine Greer - "The essence of pleasure is spontaneity."
Friday, June 29, 2007
FANTASTIC!
Things are good. I know I've been very sparse in my comments to everyone lately, and really, in posting. I've just been swamped with stuff. I think we all are - that's what summer is about.
But, some good stuff.
Yesterday we had a work event where we went in teams (go team 5) and did a scavenger hunt around the city. I love this kind of stuff. LOVE IT!!!! Luckily I was on a team that was amazing. We were enthusiastic... AND WE WON!!!!!!! So cool. I got a gift certificate for $100 at Yorkdale. Go Team.
Nothing says fun like shopping. And, we went out afterwards and I had a few drinks with some old work friends and made some new ones. I love getting to know people. And, get to know people I did.
THEN...
I came in this morning to check my e-mail. I was flattered beyond belief to find out that I had been awarded a Rocking Girl Award. I was nominated by my blogging friend who I knew from Journalism School. (as I type this I suddenly have a serious craving for Salad King).
Anyway, I'm flattered and honoured. And, then someone said something really nice about me in the comments. And, that made me even happier.
So, thank you my friend.
Part of this award is that I get to award a Rocking Girl award to 5 people.
Multi-Tasking Mommy - because not only does she have a great blog, she is also a truly beautiful person. She's my complete opposite, I think, and I've e-mailed her several times to ask her opinion on things. She's amazing!
Haley-O - Hers was one of the first blogs I ever read (after Nine Pound Dictator). She is entertaining and funny and I love teh way she writes. I also love her honesty about what she's going through.
Ali - I actually read her blog for months before commenting on it because I felt she was far too cool for me. I have since realized that as cool as she is she's also very nice and hilarious sometimes.
Getting Unstuck - I loved Chantel's blog. I love love loved her book (really, if you haven't read it you should) and I found out that we went to the same school. Random. Anyway ... Really, she has some cool stuff, like she has lots of beauty tips and funny stories. Cool.
Nine Pound Dictator - We all know I love Rebecca. She's amazing and wonderful. She's honest, and she writes her stuff not caring whether or not people are mean to her or make fun of it. She's totally my hero in blogging and maybe even in real life. How could I NOT nominate her?
But, some good stuff.
Yesterday we had a work event where we went in teams (go team 5) and did a scavenger hunt around the city. I love this kind of stuff. LOVE IT!!!! Luckily I was on a team that was amazing. We were enthusiastic... AND WE WON!!!!!!! So cool. I got a gift certificate for $100 at Yorkdale. Go Team.
Nothing says fun like shopping. And, we went out afterwards and I had a few drinks with some old work friends and made some new ones. I love getting to know people. And, get to know people I did.
THEN...
I came in this morning to check my e-mail. I was flattered beyond belief to find out that I had been awarded a Rocking Girl Award. I was nominated by my blogging friend who I knew from Journalism School. (as I type this I suddenly have a serious craving for Salad King).
Anyway, I'm flattered and honoured. And, then someone said something really nice about me in the comments. And, that made me even happier.
So, thank you my friend.
Part of this award is that I get to award a Rocking Girl award to 5 people.Multi-Tasking Mommy - because not only does she have a great blog, she is also a truly beautiful person. She's my complete opposite, I think, and I've e-mailed her several times to ask her opinion on things. She's amazing!
Haley-O - Hers was one of the first blogs I ever read (after Nine Pound Dictator). She is entertaining and funny and I love teh way she writes. I also love her honesty about what she's going through.
Ali - I actually read her blog for months before commenting on it because I felt she was far too cool for me. I have since realized that as cool as she is she's also very nice and hilarious sometimes.
Getting Unstuck - I loved Chantel's blog. I love love loved her book (really, if you haven't read it you should) and I found out that we went to the same school. Random. Anyway ... Really, she has some cool stuff, like she has lots of beauty tips and funny stories. Cool.
Nine Pound Dictator - We all know I love Rebecca. She's amazing and wonderful. She's honest, and she writes her stuff not caring whether or not people are mean to her or make fun of it. She's totally my hero in blogging and maybe even in real life. How could I NOT nominate her?
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Sometimes he's just so cute ...
tonight we got home, and I was feeling miserable. Matt was being whiny. So, I asked him if he wanted a treat.
I pulled out his favourite - Pringles chips.
"No, mommy. I don't want that treat. I want a good treat."
The first thing that came to mind was that we have no treats in our house. And then he explained that he in fact wanted RAISINS.
Seriously. Raisins. Not lollipops or chocolate or chips. Raisins.
And he followed that by asking for apple juice.
I do not get it!
But, whatever works.
I pulled out his favourite - Pringles chips.
"No, mommy. I don't want that treat. I want a good treat."
The first thing that came to mind was that we have no treats in our house. And then he explained that he in fact wanted RAISINS.
Seriously. Raisins. Not lollipops or chocolate or chips. Raisins.
And he followed that by asking for apple juice.
I do not get it!
But, whatever works.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Overprotective much??
I try very hard not to be an overprotective mom.
I don't freak out if my son falls. I don't generally get annoyed at other kids being kids around him. He's in daycare, and I'm not one of the parents who wants an accident report for every cut and scratch.
So, it struck me as rather odd when my overprotective mothering instinct kicked in a couple of weeks ago.
We live in a townhouse complex, so there is a wall that divides our house from the house behind us. (so we have a side yard rather than a backyard). The house behind us has several children, four we think, one of whom, M, is 6 going on 7.
I met her when we had taken Rosie Rose Petal, our kitten, for a car ride and we were carrying her back home. M stopped us and asked to hold Rosie. I said no because she was really scared. But, M wanted to talk and play with Matthew. I finally told her that the next time Matthew and I were outside she could come hold Rosie and play with Matt.
I thought she would forget.
But, the next time we were outside, out she came. She wanted Matt to come over to her place. I said no. It went back and forth. I finally had to put on my mommy voice and say that it was time for her to go home. (she and Matt wanted to play on his bunk beds - I didn't really want her to come in).
Again tonight Matthew and I were outside with my nieces, my husband and my brother in law. Over she came - decked out in her bathing suit - to play in the sprinkler. Apparently she had asked her mom.
I didn't really mind it. First of all, it was kind of nice to have a 6 (almost 7) year old play in the sprinkler while I took a break. If she's playing outside, with me around, I'm okay with it. She seems nice. But, she's a little pushy.
What worries me is she wants Matt to go and play with her and her friends. There are lots of kids in the complex. I want Matthew to have friends. I want him to ride bikes and play and have a good time. But I'm not ready for him to be out of my sight.
I'm not quite ready to let go.
I'm sort of worried that I'll turn into that mom chasing her child around, bottle of sunscreen in one hand, cookies in another.
And, the other thing I wonder about ... why is this little girl allowed to run around to some other kids' house, with no concept of time or who these parents are. I would say my parents were fairly protective of me, but not overprotective. But, I guarantee you that they would not have let me go over to a stranger's home dressed only in a bathing suit. Isn't dangerous????
So, what do you think? Am I overprotective? And at what point do you start to let go a bit? I think 3 is just way too young.
I don't freak out if my son falls. I don't generally get annoyed at other kids being kids around him. He's in daycare, and I'm not one of the parents who wants an accident report for every cut and scratch.
So, it struck me as rather odd when my overprotective mothering instinct kicked in a couple of weeks ago.
We live in a townhouse complex, so there is a wall that divides our house from the house behind us. (so we have a side yard rather than a backyard). The house behind us has several children, four we think, one of whom, M, is 6 going on 7.
I met her when we had taken Rosie Rose Petal, our kitten, for a car ride and we were carrying her back home. M stopped us and asked to hold Rosie. I said no because she was really scared. But, M wanted to talk and play with Matthew. I finally told her that the next time Matthew and I were outside she could come hold Rosie and play with Matt.
I thought she would forget.
But, the next time we were outside, out she came. She wanted Matt to come over to her place. I said no. It went back and forth. I finally had to put on my mommy voice and say that it was time for her to go home. (she and Matt wanted to play on his bunk beds - I didn't really want her to come in).
Again tonight Matthew and I were outside with my nieces, my husband and my brother in law. Over she came - decked out in her bathing suit - to play in the sprinkler. Apparently she had asked her mom.
I didn't really mind it. First of all, it was kind of nice to have a 6 (almost 7) year old play in the sprinkler while I took a break. If she's playing outside, with me around, I'm okay with it. She seems nice. But, she's a little pushy.
What worries me is she wants Matt to go and play with her and her friends. There are lots of kids in the complex. I want Matthew to have friends. I want him to ride bikes and play and have a good time. But I'm not ready for him to be out of my sight.
I'm not quite ready to let go.
I'm sort of worried that I'll turn into that mom chasing her child around, bottle of sunscreen in one hand, cookies in another.
And, the other thing I wonder about ... why is this little girl allowed to run around to some other kids' house, with no concept of time or who these parents are. I would say my parents were fairly protective of me, but not overprotective. But, I guarantee you that they would not have let me go over to a stranger's home dressed only in a bathing suit. Isn't dangerous????
So, what do you think? Am I overprotective? And at what point do you start to let go a bit? I think 3 is just way too young.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Strawberry Picking and Amazing Strapless Bra Pics
My big plan for this weekend was to hang out with my boys and relax. But here it is, 9pm on Sunday, and I just realized I have not relaxed. At all.But we had fun!
Yesterday I did something that's been needed doing for a long time. I did all of our laundry. I was hitting the point where I felt I had no clothes. I was beginning to think Matthew needed more clothes. I did 10 loads of laundry and discovered that we had a lot more stuff than I thought. And, I went to town organizing the entire basement.
Today we were going to go to the Pride parade, but Mike seemed grumpy, and I decided that the last thing we needed to do was take the GO train to Toronto, then the subway, and then stand in the sun. It was too much.
So thanks to the brilliant idea of Multi-tasking Mommy I decided to take Matthew strawberry picking.
We had a ton of fun.
We went on a tractor ride, we went for a pony ride and of course we picked strawberries.
Luckily I wasn't in it for the actual strawberry side of things because neither Matt nor I turned out to be great at actually picking strawberries. We got bored rather easily, and were more excited to eat than to pick. We ended up with a half basket of strawberries. We had a ton of fun and spent about 3 hours at the farm.
Then this evening we had a big family party for all of the July birthdays and father's day. It reallly was a lot of fun.
The new playhouse!
Kyla's crocs!And, of course I took a picture of me in the new strapless bra ... fantastic!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Another Year ... Another Ballet Recital!!!!
Last night I went to my niece's second ballet recital. Again I attended as the proud aunt.Because I'm not involved in the ballet world, I don't take her to lessons (though I've been and loved it), don't know all the parents, etc, to me a ballet recital is the coolest thing in the world. I love watching my niece dance. I couldn't be prouder.
The school she goes to is really well organized in the show. They have tons of classes to get onstage, and they do it really quickly. I actually sat back and thoroughly enjoyed the show. They mixed it so that you would get a baby ballet class (adorable) followed by an older class, and then they would throw in a seasoned dancer. I love the way they lay it out. You not only get an idea of all the classes, but you don't get bored watching all of one level at a time.
Of course Kyla's routine was the best. Her outfit was adorable and she was totally excited to be going onstage.
It was amazing for me to watch her this year compared to last year. A year makes a huge difference. She followed along better, they did more complicated stuff. It was pretty cute.
It's also hilarious to watch the teachers. Kyla's teachers (Miss Marlene and Miss Rebecca) are onstage with the younger groups, and they are fun to watch. They totally get into it. It's worth going to the show just to watch them.
And, the other funny thing is watching all the little dancers in the audience. They get into the show completely. They twirl in their seats, and bop along to the music. LOVE it. They had a little boys hip hop class. I think when Matt is older I'll put him in.
ENjoy the pictures!!!
My sister, her husband and Kyla
My sister, her husband and Kyla
My parents and Kyla - click to enlarge - Kyla and my dad have the funniest expressions
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Water for Elephants ... My Thoughts
Last week I wrote about any amazing book that I enjoyed. I'm not sure if it was a book review exactly, but i enjoyed it any wrote about it. Since then I've received some comments and emails suggesting that i should do this more often. And since i read a lot, i thought that is a great idea.
When i finished stuck in downward dog i started reading Leah Maclaren's book "The Continuity Girl". It sounded really good, but I could not get into it. At all.
My salvation from that drudgery came in the book "Water for Elephants" by Sara Cruen. One of my colleagues and I have discussed books at length. We disagree on several, however when she told me she enjoys Rebecca Eckler's writing, we figured a common ground could be found.
Enter her suggestion - Water for Elephants.
This book is not my typical read. It was dark and mostly humourless. It is haunting and chilling.
The story is about a young man who goes and joins a circus after his parents die suddenly. It tells of the circus life.
The book goes back and forth between a man in his nineties and a boy in his early twenties.
There were parts of the book I could barely stomach - stories of horrid abuse both to animals and people. There were sections where, if it were a movie, I would have looked away.
But the book is gripping. There were times i couldn't put it down. And the ending ...
The book is worth it for the ending, if nothing else.
I wouldn't say it was my favourite book ever. But i thoroughly enjoyed it, and it will haunt me for weeks to come.
---
The next book I'm reading is written by a comedienne. Check back soon - it looks like a good one!!
When i finished stuck in downward dog i started reading Leah Maclaren's book "The Continuity Girl". It sounded really good, but I could not get into it. At all.
My salvation from that drudgery came in the book "Water for Elephants" by Sara Cruen. One of my colleagues and I have discussed books at length. We disagree on several, however when she told me she enjoys Rebecca Eckler's writing, we figured a common ground could be found.
Enter her suggestion - Water for Elephants.
This book is not my typical read. It was dark and mostly humourless. It is haunting and chilling.
The story is about a young man who goes and joins a circus after his parents die suddenly. It tells of the circus life.
The book goes back and forth between a man in his nineties and a boy in his early twenties.
There were parts of the book I could barely stomach - stories of horrid abuse both to animals and people. There were sections where, if it were a movie, I would have looked away.
But the book is gripping. There were times i couldn't put it down. And the ending ...
The book is worth it for the ending, if nothing else.
I wouldn't say it was my favourite book ever. But i thoroughly enjoyed it, and it will haunt me for weeks to come.
---
The next book I'm reading is written by a comedienne. Check back soon - it looks like a good one!!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Girl's Night Out with my Niece
Tonight I went shoe shopping with my adorable, soon-to-be-5 niece Kyla.
When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday (July 1) she told me without hesitation pink, non-Mary Jane crocs.
Kyla is a very smart child. At the age of five she knows how to wrap me around her baby finger. She also knows that the way to my heart is through shoe shopping.
We went to the mall with a mission - to get crocs. We started off with a smoothie (for energy) and popcorn. I should point out that we would have gotten ice cream, but I had already been forbidden so we went with popcorn.
Once we were satisfied with all of that we went and got crocs. Choosing the crocs was the easy part - choosing the charms was not. She found 4 princesses, and I told her she could choose 2. I think she chose Belle and Cinderella. And then I decided to secretly buy the other two. But, apparently my tricky hiding the charms from Kyla looked like I was shop lifiting.
Once I cleared that up ...
We decided to go to Winners. Between us we tried on about 30 pairs of shoes. Kyla has mastered walking in heels of any size. We found some adorable high heel slides for her - but they were $25, and I was pretty sure that she would kill herself. But, I was impressed by her fashion sense. And, then we spotted some knock-off ballet flat crocs in hot pink. IN HER SIZE. How could we turn that down. They were too cute. So, then we decided she would wear those home and I will wrap the crocs for her birthday.
Of course, throughout the night we had lots of girl talk, some serious discussions about how you can not like the colour black or white but still have clothes with black and white in them. Seriousl business I tell you.
To top the night off I thought we should go to one of those photo booths. However, Kyla said to me "Aunt Laural, we can't do everything you want to do in one night. We need to save that for another day."
It would seem I've been told.
So, no pictures, but it was a fun night.
When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday (July 1) she told me without hesitation pink, non-Mary Jane crocs.
Kyla is a very smart child. At the age of five she knows how to wrap me around her baby finger. She also knows that the way to my heart is through shoe shopping.
We went to the mall with a mission - to get crocs. We started off with a smoothie (for energy) and popcorn. I should point out that we would have gotten ice cream, but I had already been forbidden so we went with popcorn.
Once we were satisfied with all of that we went and got crocs. Choosing the crocs was the easy part - choosing the charms was not. She found 4 princesses, and I told her she could choose 2. I think she chose Belle and Cinderella. And then I decided to secretly buy the other two. But, apparently my tricky hiding the charms from Kyla looked like I was shop lifiting.
Once I cleared that up ...
We decided to go to Winners. Between us we tried on about 30 pairs of shoes. Kyla has mastered walking in heels of any size. We found some adorable high heel slides for her - but they were $25, and I was pretty sure that she would kill herself. But, I was impressed by her fashion sense. And, then we spotted some knock-off ballet flat crocs in hot pink. IN HER SIZE. How could we turn that down. They were too cute. So, then we decided she would wear those home and I will wrap the crocs for her birthday.
Of course, throughout the night we had lots of girl talk, some serious discussions about how you can not like the colour black or white but still have clothes with black and white in them. Seriousl business I tell you.
To top the night off I thought we should go to one of those photo booths. However, Kyla said to me "Aunt Laural, we can't do everything you want to do in one night. We need to save that for another day."
It would seem I've been told.
So, no pictures, but it was a fun night.
Bra Adventures in Buffalo
I will be the first person to tell you that I have big boobs. Not gigantic, freakish or Dolly Partonesque. Just big.
Here's the problem with breasts larger than a C cup - it's impossible to buy a strapless bra. And, given that all of the dresses out there that are made for women under the age of 80 require a strapless bra, I've been completely and utterly frustrated.
Here's the problem. My cousin is getting married in a couple of weeks (tee hee - Lisa did I just stress you out?) and while she is worrying about all of the last minute details, I'm worrying about what to wear.
I do have clothes I could wear. The problem is, all of my pre-pregnancy clothes, though I can at least squeeze into all of them, don't necessarily suit my body. Like I had this favourite blue dress that looked amazing and hugged all of the right curves. I can still do it up - it just doesn't look so right anymore.
I have clothes I wore post pregnancy, but they are huge.
And, who am I to turn down the opportunity to do a little shopping for a good cause.
But ... it's frustrating. All of the dresses this season are either strapless, spaghetti strapped or empire waisted. The empire waist does not flatter me, generally speaking. the empire waist held up by a stapless top is downright scary.
Basically, dresses this season are made for small boobed women. Seriously. I've worked my butt off to get into a smaller size, and now I have to go up to the largest size possible to squeeze my boobs in.
The good news is that having lost weight my breasts actually fit into the largest size - where as last year they would not have.
But, I still needed a strapless bra.
And, finding the perfect strapless bra is about 50 times harder than finding the perfect dress. It seems Canada does not sell bras, without straps, in anything larger than a c cup.
So last night we hopped in the car to go to Buffalo.
I had my sights set on Victoria's Secret. We got to Walden Galleria in record time, and made a beeline for V.S. (after we went to the toystore). Guess what? It was closed for some super sale. I almost cracked.
But, no, we went to Fredericks of Hollywood. I thought this store was only known for crotchless panties. But, no ... it's also known for bras made to fit women with implants. (the lady told me this). I don't have implants, but DD is a very typical implant size thanks to Pamela Anderson.
Anyway ...
They had strapless bras (see the extreme cleavage push-up) IN MY SIZE!!! It was a moment of pure excitement. I had choices. There was the strapless push up, the strapless non-push up. There were colour choices. I was in heaven. The sales lady was amazing. She confirmed my size, consluted on design, and brought me tons of stuff. And, not only did they have what I wanted. It was all on sale.
I ended up with 4 bras - 2 strapless, 2 normal (which are convertible).
I almost hugged the woman - and she told me that she gets this response from many Canadians - due to the lack of strapless bras.
Our evening was complete when we went to the Cheesecake Factory, where we had the yummiest dinner ever (though seriously, I ate a third of mine - and Mike ate half of his) and a waitress came over to tell us how adorable and well behaved our child was. Seriously. It was shocking!!!!
When we drove across the border we got stopped by customs. I knew we would, but I was not about to lie about my purchases because it would have been ridiculous. They inspected our entire car (which is a pretty scary thing), and then sent us on our way without making us pay anything.
Pretty sweet.
I love adventures like that!!!!
Here's the problem with breasts larger than a C cup - it's impossible to buy a strapless bra. And, given that all of the dresses out there that are made for women under the age of 80 require a strapless bra, I've been completely and utterly frustrated.
Here's the problem. My cousin is getting married in a couple of weeks (tee hee - Lisa did I just stress you out?) and while she is worrying about all of the last minute details, I'm worrying about what to wear.
I do have clothes I could wear. The problem is, all of my pre-pregnancy clothes, though I can at least squeeze into all of them, don't necessarily suit my body. Like I had this favourite blue dress that looked amazing and hugged all of the right curves. I can still do it up - it just doesn't look so right anymore.
I have clothes I wore post pregnancy, but they are huge.
And, who am I to turn down the opportunity to do a little shopping for a good cause.
But ... it's frustrating. All of the dresses this season are either strapless, spaghetti strapped or empire waisted. The empire waist does not flatter me, generally speaking. the empire waist held up by a stapless top is downright scary.
Basically, dresses this season are made for small boobed women. Seriously. I've worked my butt off to get into a smaller size, and now I have to go up to the largest size possible to squeeze my boobs in.
The good news is that having lost weight my breasts actually fit into the largest size - where as last year they would not have.
But, I still needed a strapless bra.
And, finding the perfect strapless bra is about 50 times harder than finding the perfect dress. It seems Canada does not sell bras, without straps, in anything larger than a c cup.
So last night we hopped in the car to go to Buffalo.
I had my sights set on Victoria's Secret. We got to Walden Galleria in record time, and made a beeline for V.S. (after we went to the toystore). Guess what? It was closed for some super sale. I almost cracked.
But, no, we went to Fredericks of Hollywood. I thought this store was only known for crotchless panties. But, no ... it's also known for bras made to fit women with implants. (the lady told me this). I don't have implants, but DD is a very typical implant size thanks to Pamela Anderson.
Anyway ...
They had strapless bras (see the extreme cleavage push-up) IN MY SIZE!!! It was a moment of pure excitement. I had choices. There was the strapless push up, the strapless non-push up. There were colour choices. I was in heaven. The sales lady was amazing. She confirmed my size, consluted on design, and brought me tons of stuff. And, not only did they have what I wanted. It was all on sale.
I ended up with 4 bras - 2 strapless, 2 normal (which are convertible).
I almost hugged the woman - and she told me that she gets this response from many Canadians - due to the lack of strapless bras.
Our evening was complete when we went to the Cheesecake Factory, where we had the yummiest dinner ever (though seriously, I ate a third of mine - and Mike ate half of his) and a waitress came over to tell us how adorable and well behaved our child was. Seriously. It was shocking!!!!
When we drove across the border we got stopped by customs. I knew we would, but I was not about to lie about my purchases because it would have been ridiculous. They inspected our entire car (which is a pretty scary thing), and then sent us on our way without making us pay anything.
Pretty sweet.
I love adventures like that!!!!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Grateful
It's father's day today. It's been a beautiful day. We went to brunch, we went shopping, we came home and set up an inflatable pool and enjoyed the sunny day.
A little later one of Mike's closest friends came over. They have gone off to the driving range. Matthew and I stayed home to make dinner, relax, and give Mike some time off.
Because it's Father's Day, and I wanted to make an authentic Father's Day meal I decided on homemade macaroni and potato salad.
So, I put 2 pots on the stove to boil.
We had a glass casserole dish sitting on the stove. I put our kettle on top of it to make some space. I put my pots of water on to boil.
EXCEPT.
I turned the wrong burner on.
I wasn't watching the stove. It takes a couple of minutes for the water to boil so I was cleaning off our dining room table.
And then I heard an explosion. It was so loud. I can't describe it.
The glass casserole dish exploded.
When I say exploded, I mean glass was everywhere.
Thank God - I had just turned on Treehouse and that Matthew was watching it far away from the kitchen
Thank God - I was in the dining room and didn't check when I was about to. If I had checked 5 seconds earlier I would have been attacked by spraying glass.
Thank God - that the cats were not around. Matthew had left his cup of slurpee drink on the stairs (even though I had told him not to) and Rosie Rose Petal was attempting to drink from his straw.
The kitchen's a mess. I have shards of glass in my feet from running into the kitchen, but really - could have been so much worse.
So grateful today. My heart is still pounding though.
A little later one of Mike's closest friends came over. They have gone off to the driving range. Matthew and I stayed home to make dinner, relax, and give Mike some time off.
Because it's Father's Day, and I wanted to make an authentic Father's Day meal I decided on homemade macaroni and potato salad.
So, I put 2 pots on the stove to boil.
We had a glass casserole dish sitting on the stove. I put our kettle on top of it to make some space. I put my pots of water on to boil.
EXCEPT.
I turned the wrong burner on.
I wasn't watching the stove. It takes a couple of minutes for the water to boil so I was cleaning off our dining room table.
And then I heard an explosion. It was so loud. I can't describe it.
The glass casserole dish exploded.
When I say exploded, I mean glass was everywhere.
Thank God - I had just turned on Treehouse and that Matthew was watching it far away from the kitchen
Thank God - I was in the dining room and didn't check when I was about to. If I had checked 5 seconds earlier I would have been attacked by spraying glass.
Thank God - that the cats were not around. Matthew had left his cup of slurpee drink on the stairs (even though I had told him not to) and Rosie Rose Petal was attempting to drink from his straw.
The kitchen's a mess. I have shards of glass in my feet from running into the kitchen, but really - could have been so much worse.
So grateful today. My heart is still pounding though.
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