Ben’s moving out-again.
Ben married Carolyn in the summer of 2004 and like all good, healthy couples, found an apartment of their own. While their marriage was a happy occasion, it was also a time of re-evaluation for me. My children are growing up, becoming independent and are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves.
Eric moved out just a few short months after Ben. About 6 months after that, Ben moved back to our house-with Carolyn. They live in the basement. It’s not as bad as it sounds and I find that when I tell people that my 25 year old son lives in the basement of my house with his wife, I find myself speaking faster and faster so I can explain that it really isn’t as strange as it sounds. “You see, we have an apartment in our basement
itsaselfcontainedsuitewithitsownkitchenandbathroomand
theydoalltheirowncookinganditsnotreallyasstrange
asitsoundsandIkeepmynoseoutoftheirbusiness…”
Well, I will no longer have to explain myself. Ben and Carolyn are moving out again, into their own house. It’s an exciting time and I’m really happy for them but I’m going to have to deal with Ben moving out again and the fact that my children are growing up and they don’t need me the way they used to. Sigh.
The good news is that we already have someone to rent the apartment in the basement. The fact that we have such a low vacancy rate in Winnipeg is good for us although not good for those people who are looking to rent.
So, my life changes once again. Change is good. It keeps me on my toes. I'm looking forward to getting to know Briane, our new tenant (and her dog!).
Monday, May 08, 2006
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Kristen's Visit to the Doctor
I just got back from a neurologist’s office with Kristen today. I don’t remember his name but let’s just call him Dr. A.R.Rogant. Or maybe Dr. M.Y. Shitdoesnotstink. Needless to say, he didn’t help us at all.
We got there at 8:55, for our 9:00 appointment. He had us wait for 20 minutes although there was nobody else in the office. I know this because we had to leave our shoes at the door so that we wouldn’t mess up his new carpet and our shoes were the only ones in sight. So, there we sat for twenty minutes, both of us barefoot, patiently waiting for the good doctor to call us when he was ready.
When we entered his hallowed personal corner office, he looked at me and said, “This is Kristen?” I smiled and answered yes. He then asked Kristen to explain why she was there and as she is in the habit of doing, suggested that I give the history. Dr. A. R. Rogant believes that because it is Kristen’s problem she should be the one talking and he told us so. We decided to ignore his wise counsel and I proceeded to give a brief history of what has been going on for the last 3 years. He then asked Kristen a number of questions and she answered them all for him as best she could. We assume she passed the blood pressure test although Dr. A.R. didn’t say anything about it. I also assumed that she passed the tests for dizziness because she did them successfully and didn’t fall over once. Her reflexes are excellent. (He didn’t say that but I could tell) He typed something into his computer while Kristen sat with the blood pressure cuff on her arm and I sat on my chair wondering if I could sit on my feet because they were getting cold.
He asked her if she drinks coffee or coke (No). He asked if she liked school and how her grades were (Good and honour roll). Medications? No. Birth control? No. He asked if she ever tried taking Advil when the episodes happen and she told him that she had tried it but it didn’t help. The fact is, Kristen is in good general health, does well at school and to look at her, you wouldn’t think there was anything wrong.
It was then that the good Doctor looked at her and said something like, “So this really is a minor inconvenience, isn’t it.” There was a moment of dead silence. I looked at Kristen and the shock in her eyes, I'm sure, mirrored mine.
Being the tolerant, friendly Canadians that we are, we assured him calmly that this was NOT a minor inconvenience and that this was affecting her life (and mine) in a pretty negative way. I told him that she had missed a lot of school and in Grade 9 missed a number of her exams and I knew she couldn’t do that in Grade 12. I wanted to yell at him: “THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM! A VERY BIG PROBLEM. WHY DO YOU THINK I WOULD BE WASTING MY VALUABLE TIME IN THE OFFICE OF A SHITHEAD LIKE YOU!” But, I controlled myself.
Dr. M.Y. Shitdoesnotstink then suggested that it could be a type of migraine. That was the most intelligent thing he said during the entire appointment. He told her to avoid caffeine and take a couple of Advil. I was thinking of suggesting that perhaps he needed to see an ear specialist to see if his hearing was good because she already told him that SHE DOESN’T CONSUME CAFFEINE AND ADVIL DOESN’T WORK! HOW MANY YEARS DID YOU HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL TO BECOME A NEUROLOGIST WHO PRESCRIBES ADVIL TO A DESPERATE TEEN?
Thankfully he didn’t try to shake my hand when we left-probably thought that touching me was beneath him. Besides, he gave me the heeby geebies and I couldn’t wait to get out of there.
As soon as we got out of the door, Kristen announced in no uncertain terms that she would never, ever see him again and I concurred. NOT IF HE WAS THE LAST DOCTOR ON EARTH!
We are none the worse for wear after this episode and we are grateful that other doctors and specialists we have seen are very different. As a matter of fact, we saw a naturopathic doctor a couple of weeks ago and he was wonderful! I’ll write more about that another time, when we get the results of a test he recommended.
The health care system here in Manitoba has flaws, there is no doubt about that. But I have found in almost all cases, the people we have dealt with are friendly and compassionate. Even my own doctor, who seems rushed most of the time, is a kind woman. Unfortunately, it is people like Dr. A.R.Rogant who give many of the health care professionals a bad name. I’m glad I won’t have to deal with him ever again.
We got there at 8:55, for our 9:00 appointment. He had us wait for 20 minutes although there was nobody else in the office. I know this because we had to leave our shoes at the door so that we wouldn’t mess up his new carpet and our shoes were the only ones in sight. So, there we sat for twenty minutes, both of us barefoot, patiently waiting for the good doctor to call us when he was ready.
When we entered his hallowed personal corner office, he looked at me and said, “This is Kristen?” I smiled and answered yes. He then asked Kristen to explain why she was there and as she is in the habit of doing, suggested that I give the history. Dr. A. R. Rogant believes that because it is Kristen’s problem she should be the one talking and he told us so. We decided to ignore his wise counsel and I proceeded to give a brief history of what has been going on for the last 3 years. He then asked Kristen a number of questions and she answered them all for him as best she could. We assume she passed the blood pressure test although Dr. A.R. didn’t say anything about it. I also assumed that she passed the tests for dizziness because she did them successfully and didn’t fall over once. Her reflexes are excellent. (He didn’t say that but I could tell) He typed something into his computer while Kristen sat with the blood pressure cuff on her arm and I sat on my chair wondering if I could sit on my feet because they were getting cold.
He asked her if she drinks coffee or coke (No). He asked if she liked school and how her grades were (Good and honour roll). Medications? No. Birth control? No. He asked if she ever tried taking Advil when the episodes happen and she told him that she had tried it but it didn’t help. The fact is, Kristen is in good general health, does well at school and to look at her, you wouldn’t think there was anything wrong.
It was then that the good Doctor looked at her and said something like, “So this really is a minor inconvenience, isn’t it.” There was a moment of dead silence. I looked at Kristen and the shock in her eyes, I'm sure, mirrored mine.
Being the tolerant, friendly Canadians that we are, we assured him calmly that this was NOT a minor inconvenience and that this was affecting her life (and mine) in a pretty negative way. I told him that she had missed a lot of school and in Grade 9 missed a number of her exams and I knew she couldn’t do that in Grade 12. I wanted to yell at him: “THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM! A VERY BIG PROBLEM. WHY DO YOU THINK I WOULD BE WASTING MY VALUABLE TIME IN THE OFFICE OF A SHITHEAD LIKE YOU!” But, I controlled myself.
Dr. M.Y. Shitdoesnotstink then suggested that it could be a type of migraine. That was the most intelligent thing he said during the entire appointment. He told her to avoid caffeine and take a couple of Advil. I was thinking of suggesting that perhaps he needed to see an ear specialist to see if his hearing was good because she already told him that SHE DOESN’T CONSUME CAFFEINE AND ADVIL DOESN’T WORK! HOW MANY YEARS DID YOU HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL TO BECOME A NEUROLOGIST WHO PRESCRIBES ADVIL TO A DESPERATE TEEN?
Thankfully he didn’t try to shake my hand when we left-probably thought that touching me was beneath him. Besides, he gave me the heeby geebies and I couldn’t wait to get out of there.
As soon as we got out of the door, Kristen announced in no uncertain terms that she would never, ever see him again and I concurred. NOT IF HE WAS THE LAST DOCTOR ON EARTH!
We are none the worse for wear after this episode and we are grateful that other doctors and specialists we have seen are very different. As a matter of fact, we saw a naturopathic doctor a couple of weeks ago and he was wonderful! I’ll write more about that another time, when we get the results of a test he recommended.
The health care system here in Manitoba has flaws, there is no doubt about that. But I have found in almost all cases, the people we have dealt with are friendly and compassionate. Even my own doctor, who seems rushed most of the time, is a kind woman. Unfortunately, it is people like Dr. A.R.Rogant who give many of the health care professionals a bad name. I’m glad I won’t have to deal with him ever again.
Friday, April 28, 2006
A Disclaimer
Some of you may have read Michele's blog over at the laundromat. I must tell you all that I did not read her "I'm From" entry before I wrote mine. When I read hers, I was amazed to see how alike they were.
Well, she is my sister (the one whose life I saved by my screams) and we are similar in many ways. I think it's cool that we are from the same place.
Well, she is my sister (the one whose life I saved by my screams) and we are similar in many ways. I think it's cool that we are from the same place.
I Am From...
I read Heather's essay and thought it would be fun to do my own.
I am from a shiny blue bike with flowing ribbons and a plastic handlebar carrier. I am from rattling old Ford Trucks that smelled of electrical tape, WD 40, and chicken barns.
I am from the big brick house on Ontario Street with a back kitchen, sloping floors and draughty windows. I am from Saturday renovations, falling plaster and “I can’t stand living in this mess anymore” cries from my mother.
I am from the heart of the Niagara fruit belt. From glorious, fragrant Blossom Sundays to chilly Thanksgiving Mondays. I am from dusty roads and hot, muggy summers. From the cool and quiet of the Bruce Trail on humid afternoons and Kinsmen Pool and family drives out to the country. I am from flying down Mountain Street at crazy speeds and always grateful that I
didn’t fall.
I am from birthday presents in the early morning, Sunday afternoon fires in the living room and silly April Fool’s jokes. I am from Berendina Heremina and Arend Jan, Lina Wilhelmina and Englebertus, Johanna and Johannes. I am from Wikkerink, Hoornenborg, TeBrake, Bierman.
I am from heavy smokers and big eaters. I am from lovers of good food, Dutch chocolate and homemade wine. I am from relaxing Sunday dinners, chili on Friday nights and Saturday night hamburgers. I am from jam making, vegetable freezing and fruit canning. I am from the first family on the block to own a gas barbeque.
I am from chasing birds with a salt shaker and saving a family of baby squirrels. I am from the cottage and "dadmade" motorhomes. I am from Florida at Christmas time, from tent trailers and Walt Disney World and freshly squeezed orange juice.
I am from going to church twice on Sunday, from hard pews and singing harmony. From church organs and out-of-tune pianos. I am from the church with a hole where the bell should be. I am from waking up to the sound of the church bell next door and watching the beautiful, blushing brides on Saturdays. Peering from behind the curtain in the dining room, dreaming of the day it would be my turn.
I'm from Holland where life was hard for my parents and grandparents but became harder still with the WWII occupation. I am from a grandfather who died as a result of “friendly fire” to Oom Henk who never stepped foot in Germany even though the border was so close he could spit into it. I am from a mother and father who left their country of birth, knowing that they would never live there again. I am from the Queen of Holland who visited my uncle in his home and used his toilet.
I am from the family whose dad was in the Lions club, the family who owned the only Laundromat in town. The father who “picked up” a swimming pool “for a song” and supplied us with shovels to start digging. I am from red clay soil and mosquito bites. I am from the mother who got mumps when she was 35 and slammed her finger in a car door when she was 38. I am from the father who had a snow laden tent trailer fall onto his head just before leaving on our vacation. I am from busy Ontario Street where my hysterical scream saved my sister’s life.
I am from shoe boxes filled with pictures, a crazy poodle and pretty birds. I am from green shag carpeting and macramé light fixtures, orange flooring and a lime green kitchen, a freezing toilet and an uninhabitable rec room. I am from the back room, full of junky memories.
I am from the growing shade of the maple tree in the backyard, the smell of freshly mown grass and weedy gardens. I am from the parade route in town and the veranda at the front of the house. I am from love and tolerance, pride and prejudice. I am from many who have gone before me. I am a daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother.
I am from all of these things. I am me.
I am from a shiny blue bike with flowing ribbons and a plastic handlebar carrier. I am from rattling old Ford Trucks that smelled of electrical tape, WD 40, and chicken barns.
I am from the big brick house on Ontario Street with a back kitchen, sloping floors and draughty windows. I am from Saturday renovations, falling plaster and “I can’t stand living in this mess anymore” cries from my mother.
I am from the heart of the Niagara fruit belt. From glorious, fragrant Blossom Sundays to chilly Thanksgiving Mondays. I am from dusty roads and hot, muggy summers. From the cool and quiet of the Bruce Trail on humid afternoons and Kinsmen Pool and family drives out to the country. I am from flying down Mountain Street at crazy speeds and always grateful that I
didn’t fall.
I am from birthday presents in the early morning, Sunday afternoon fires in the living room and silly April Fool’s jokes. I am from Berendina Heremina and Arend Jan, Lina Wilhelmina and Englebertus, Johanna and Johannes. I am from Wikkerink, Hoornenborg, TeBrake, Bierman.
I am from heavy smokers and big eaters. I am from lovers of good food, Dutch chocolate and homemade wine. I am from relaxing Sunday dinners, chili on Friday nights and Saturday night hamburgers. I am from jam making, vegetable freezing and fruit canning. I am from the first family on the block to own a gas barbeque.
I am from chasing birds with a salt shaker and saving a family of baby squirrels. I am from the cottage and "dadmade" motorhomes. I am from Florida at Christmas time, from tent trailers and Walt Disney World and freshly squeezed orange juice.
I am from going to church twice on Sunday, from hard pews and singing harmony. From church organs and out-of-tune pianos. I am from the church with a hole where the bell should be. I am from waking up to the sound of the church bell next door and watching the beautiful, blushing brides on Saturdays. Peering from behind the curtain in the dining room, dreaming of the day it would be my turn.
I'm from Holland where life was hard for my parents and grandparents but became harder still with the WWII occupation. I am from a grandfather who died as a result of “friendly fire” to Oom Henk who never stepped foot in Germany even though the border was so close he could spit into it. I am from a mother and father who left their country of birth, knowing that they would never live there again. I am from the Queen of Holland who visited my uncle in his home and used his toilet.
I am from the family whose dad was in the Lions club, the family who owned the only Laundromat in town. The father who “picked up” a swimming pool “for a song” and supplied us with shovels to start digging. I am from red clay soil and mosquito bites. I am from the mother who got mumps when she was 35 and slammed her finger in a car door when she was 38. I am from the father who had a snow laden tent trailer fall onto his head just before leaving on our vacation. I am from busy Ontario Street where my hysterical scream saved my sister’s life.
I am from shoe boxes filled with pictures, a crazy poodle and pretty birds. I am from green shag carpeting and macramé light fixtures, orange flooring and a lime green kitchen, a freezing toilet and an uninhabitable rec room. I am from the back room, full of junky memories.
I am from the growing shade of the maple tree in the backyard, the smell of freshly mown grass and weedy gardens. I am from the parade route in town and the veranda at the front of the house. I am from love and tolerance, pride and prejudice. I am from many who have gone before me. I am a daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother.
I am from all of these things. I am me.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Happy Birthday Carolyn
In honour of Carolyn, my daughter-in-law.
there was no morning sickness
no stretch marks
or varicose veins
no pain of labour
or ecstasy of birth
no episiotomy
or prenatal depression
but as surely as ben is my son
and by virtue of your love for him
you are my daughter
when i look into the mirror
i see all of my children
the furrows on my forehead
the laugh lines around my mouth
the greying hair
and i see you
in the small diamond i wear in my ear
the diamond
your birthstone
that will remain there
in sickness and in health
until death do us part
there was no morning sickness
no stretch marks
or varicose veins
no pain of labour
or ecstasy of birth
no episiotomy
or prenatal depression
but as surely as ben is my son
and by virtue of your love for him
you are my daughter
when i look into the mirror
i see all of my children
the furrows on my forehead
the laugh lines around my mouth
the greying hair
and i see you
in the small diamond i wear in my ear
the diamond
your birthstone
that will remain there
in sickness and in health
until death do us part
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Friday, April 14, 2006
Happy Anniversary to Me!
As of yesterday, April 13, I have been a blogger for one year. I must thank Heather for putting the idea into my head.
It's been fun getting to know some of you by reading your blogs and receiving your comments. As I read through my year of blogs I realized that this has been a great way for me to record my thoughts and responses to what's happening in the world around me. I think it will be really good to read this blog when I'm 80, to remind myself how I've grown (and stayed the same).
Unlike my journal which has stuff in it that I would not want anyone to read, I have been able to share some of my journey through blogger.com. It has been personal and goofy; painful and (dare I say?) profound at times. It has helped me to focus my thoughts in a way that writing in my journal does not.
It's been a great trip and I intend to continue this part of my journey.
It's been fun getting to know some of you by reading your blogs and receiving your comments. As I read through my year of blogs I realized that this has been a great way for me to record my thoughts and responses to what's happening in the world around me. I think it will be really good to read this blog when I'm 80, to remind myself how I've grown (and stayed the same).
Unlike my journal which has stuff in it that I would not want anyone to read, I have been able to share some of my journey through blogger.com. It has been personal and goofy; painful and (dare I say?) profound at times. It has helped me to focus my thoughts in a way that writing in my journal does not.
It's been a great trip and I intend to continue this part of my journey.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
A Solution of Sorts
Sammy is unfortunately, not afraid of the 1.21 m. Picta Dieffenbacia. It actually looks pretty good up there on the landing so I think I’ll keep it. The following photo shows you our solution to Sammy’s sneaking upstairs. I wish I had thought of this earlier because it would have saved me some money and a trip to WalMart.
You may see that there is a spindle missing on the back of the chair. Tim seems to have miscalculated the distance between the 5th step of the stairway and the floor.
The shin is healing nicely and the spindle has been added to the "things to do" pile.
My Springtime Garden
I planted a perennial garden last fall. I couldn't wait to see what it would look like in the spring so I was just thrilled when I came back from Florida a week ago to see the snow melted away. I am absolutely amazed to see new growth just after the freezing temperatures of the winter. It reminds me of the promise God made to Noah and his family after the flood:
"As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat,
summer and winter,
day and night
will never cease."
-Genesis 8:22
My new garden is coming up nicely as you can see.
"As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat,
summer and winter,
day and night
will never cease."
-Genesis 8:22
My new garden is coming up nicely as you can see.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
There's Always a Bright Side
In my last post I mentioned that Kristen got sick during our vacation. We had passes to Disney and wanted to take advantage of them so even though she wasn't feeling good, we went to the Magic Kingdom where we rented a wheelchair for her. That was the best thing we did because it allowed her to enjoy the day with us and it got us into the attractions, without having to wait in line!
Sick and Tired
It usually happens at night, when I'm asleep. I hear a knock on my bedroom door and a whispered, "Mom?" I know what's coming. This has been happening for 3 years.
I get up and ask her if it's pretty bad and she just nods. We go into the spare bedroom and open the window wide (even if it's -30 outside) because the cold air feels good on her face. I get some Gravol, a glass of water and the book we're reading and I settle down beside her. On a good night, I can go back to bed within an hour. Other nights it can last longer than two.
When I became a parent, I knew interrupted sleep was part of the deal. While I expected to be awakened regularly with young children, I didn't think it would be an issue with a 17 year old.
I remember the day 3 years ago when it all started. It was Easter Sunday and I figured that she had eaten too much candy. But the nausea and dizziness continued for several days so I took her to the doctor. She had a bladder infection so antibiotics were prescribed and I thought she'd be back to her old self in a few days. Little did I know that this was just the beginning of visits to doctors, specialists, internet searches and sleepless nights.
I am blogging about this because we are at our wit's end. We cannot figure out what is wrong with Kristen. Three years ago it was so bad that she didn't write most of her exams in Grade 9. She couldn't read without becoming dizzy and then the nausea would set in. I studied with her and that worked well but writing the exam would take all of her energy for the day and she'd spend hours in bed. For most of the summer of 2003, she hung around, had little energy and very little appetite. She lost weight and the sparkle in her eyes disappeared.
By September, she seemed to get a lot of her energy back and we thought that whatever it was, she had recovered. We thought that maybe, she had just pushed herself too hard that year and her body was simply rebelling.
For the next few years things weren't too bad except for weekly or bi-weekly episodes which usually happened at night, where she would experience nausea and dizziness. I would call these attacks because she would also get really anxious and kind of panicky. After several hours she would settle down and while the next day was hard for her, she usually recovered.
Last week, while we were on holidays, she got sick again-just like three years ago. She has eaten very little in the last few days and has actually lost some weight. Her energy level is extremely low and today is her first full day back at school. We went to the doctor who diagnosed her with Irritable Bowel Syndrome although I do not believe that is a proper diagnosis. She has none of the other symptoms (cramps, diarrhea) and the attacks do not seem to be linked to food in any way.
Is there anyone out in blog land who has experienced something like this? Can you give me some advice? Do you know of anyone else who has similar symptoms? We are so tired of dealing with this. It is heartbreaking to see her this way. She is finishing Grade 12 and has projects and exams to deal with now. She is planning to work next year, before she starts university but the way things are now, she will not be able to do that either.
I suspect that it is related to stress. I made an appointment with a naturopath, we have already done the psychologist thing and my doctor doesn't seem to have the time to sit down with us and figure this out. Gravol is about the only thing that she consumes these days along with bananas, yogurt and an occasional piece of toast.
It’s not Celiac’s, lactose intolerance, crohn’s or colitis. Contrary to my doctor’s diagnosis, I don’t think it’s IBS. She’s had blood tests (it’s not Mono) but it’s something and we’ve got to figure it out.
So my blogger friends and anyone else who reads this, I’d appreciate some advice. In the meantime, we’ll just try to get through this and I’ll keep you all posted.
I get up and ask her if it's pretty bad and she just nods. We go into the spare bedroom and open the window wide (even if it's -30 outside) because the cold air feels good on her face. I get some Gravol, a glass of water and the book we're reading and I settle down beside her. On a good night, I can go back to bed within an hour. Other nights it can last longer than two.
When I became a parent, I knew interrupted sleep was part of the deal. While I expected to be awakened regularly with young children, I didn't think it would be an issue with a 17 year old.
I remember the day 3 years ago when it all started. It was Easter Sunday and I figured that she had eaten too much candy. But the nausea and dizziness continued for several days so I took her to the doctor. She had a bladder infection so antibiotics were prescribed and I thought she'd be back to her old self in a few days. Little did I know that this was just the beginning of visits to doctors, specialists, internet searches and sleepless nights.
I am blogging about this because we are at our wit's end. We cannot figure out what is wrong with Kristen. Three years ago it was so bad that she didn't write most of her exams in Grade 9. She couldn't read without becoming dizzy and then the nausea would set in. I studied with her and that worked well but writing the exam would take all of her energy for the day and she'd spend hours in bed. For most of the summer of 2003, she hung around, had little energy and very little appetite. She lost weight and the sparkle in her eyes disappeared.
By September, she seemed to get a lot of her energy back and we thought that whatever it was, she had recovered. We thought that maybe, she had just pushed herself too hard that year and her body was simply rebelling.
For the next few years things weren't too bad except for weekly or bi-weekly episodes which usually happened at night, where she would experience nausea and dizziness. I would call these attacks because she would also get really anxious and kind of panicky. After several hours she would settle down and while the next day was hard for her, she usually recovered.
Last week, while we were on holidays, she got sick again-just like three years ago. She has eaten very little in the last few days and has actually lost some weight. Her energy level is extremely low and today is her first full day back at school. We went to the doctor who diagnosed her with Irritable Bowel Syndrome although I do not believe that is a proper diagnosis. She has none of the other symptoms (cramps, diarrhea) and the attacks do not seem to be linked to food in any way.
Is there anyone out in blog land who has experienced something like this? Can you give me some advice? Do you know of anyone else who has similar symptoms? We are so tired of dealing with this. It is heartbreaking to see her this way. She is finishing Grade 12 and has projects and exams to deal with now. She is planning to work next year, before she starts university but the way things are now, she will not be able to do that either.
I suspect that it is related to stress. I made an appointment with a naturopath, we have already done the psychologist thing and my doctor doesn't seem to have the time to sit down with us and figure this out. Gravol is about the only thing that she consumes these days along with bananas, yogurt and an occasional piece of toast.
It’s not Celiac’s, lactose intolerance, crohn’s or colitis. Contrary to my doctor’s diagnosis, I don’t think it’s IBS. She’s had blood tests (it’s not Mono) but it’s something and we’ve got to figure it out.
So my blogger friends and anyone else who reads this, I’d appreciate some advice. In the meantime, we’ll just try to get through this and I’ll keep you all posted.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
There's No Place Like Home
Guess where I've been for the last 10 days? Even though you may have never been to Orlando, Florida, you probably recognize the castle in the picture. Yep. That's right. We spent several memorable days at Walt Disney World. The weather was gorgeous, the grass was green and the sun shone down upon us every day. We had a wonderful time.
I must confess, it was hard to leave the warmth and sunshine and come home to Winnipeg. I was thrilled to see that so much of the snow had melted while we were gone and even more pleased to see this:
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Word of the Day
Today's word is "smenita." It could almost be someone's name except that kids at school would probably call her Smellnita. I've been trying to leave comments on some blogs and they all have that same word. I type it in, and get that blasted note telling me to type in the letters as they are shown. Aaaaaugh!
Of Dogs and Trees
I bought a 1.21 m (4 ft.) Picta Dieffenbacia Tree today at Walmart. Those of you who know me may be wondering why in the world would I do that? I do not have plants in my house and I do not enjoy shopping at Walmart. As a matter of fact, the tree is not even "real." The tag tells me that it is "new material only, content polystyrene foam."
I love plants and years ago I had quite a few of them in my house. When the kids grew up and I began working outside of the home, I found my plants were dying and the ones that were still alive, looked very sad indeed. Real plants need time and effort put into them to stay beautiful looking and healthy. I may start up my plant collection again but for now, there aren't any here.
Personally, I do not feel that "fake" plants belong in my house. It's either real or nothing at all. I know that there may be some of you who have them in your houses and that's fine. I do not condemn you. I just don't want them in my place. They get dusty and tired looking, just like the real ones so I'd rather not have them here. I'm a bit of a snob that way. If it can't be real, I don't want it. This goes for bacon bits, cheese whiz and carob chips too. Give me the real stuff or don't give me anything at all.
So, why did I buy the fake dieffenbachia?
Well, it has to do with Sammy. He's been with us for almost 3 months and we are getting pretty comfortable with one another. Wes and Sammy attended obedience classes and passed. (The certificate is on the 'frig, right next to Kristen's report card.) Sammy can sit, shake, go down and stay. We're still working on come. However, Sammy has decided that the landing to the 3rd floor of our house is a good place to do his business. We would find little "gifts" from him and Wes would dutifully clean them up and spray something on the carpet that would supposedly deter Sammy from doing it again. It seemed to work. No more brown turds.
Last week, I smelled something as I was going up the stairs and upon closer inspection of the carpet, noticed that there were yellow stains there. Sammy wasn't doing his big business there anymore but it seems that he felt that peeing was acceptable.
Not in this house.
I rented a steam cleaner from Safeway and cleaned up the mess.
Now that the carpet is clean, I want to keep Sammy away from there and this is where the fake tree comes in. Sammy is still very timid. He's afraid of the garbage cans on trash day, he doesn't like my gym bag sitting on the kitchen floor and he's skittish about the vacuum cleaner. I thought that perhaps I should put something "scary" on the landing to keep him away. Hence, the tree. I'm cashing in on his timidity and hoping that the tree will scare him away from the landing.
Hopefully, I won't have to buy any more fake trees.
I love plants and years ago I had quite a few of them in my house. When the kids grew up and I began working outside of the home, I found my plants were dying and the ones that were still alive, looked very sad indeed. Real plants need time and effort put into them to stay beautiful looking and healthy. I may start up my plant collection again but for now, there aren't any here.
Personally, I do not feel that "fake" plants belong in my house. It's either real or nothing at all. I know that there may be some of you who have them in your houses and that's fine. I do not condemn you. I just don't want them in my place. They get dusty and tired looking, just like the real ones so I'd rather not have them here. I'm a bit of a snob that way. If it can't be real, I don't want it. This goes for bacon bits, cheese whiz and carob chips too. Give me the real stuff or don't give me anything at all.
So, why did I buy the fake dieffenbachia?
Well, it has to do with Sammy. He's been with us for almost 3 months and we are getting pretty comfortable with one another. Wes and Sammy attended obedience classes and passed. (The certificate is on the 'frig, right next to Kristen's report card.) Sammy can sit, shake, go down and stay. We're still working on come. However, Sammy has decided that the landing to the 3rd floor of our house is a good place to do his business. We would find little "gifts" from him and Wes would dutifully clean them up and spray something on the carpet that would supposedly deter Sammy from doing it again. It seemed to work. No more brown turds.
Last week, I smelled something as I was going up the stairs and upon closer inspection of the carpet, noticed that there were yellow stains there. Sammy wasn't doing his big business there anymore but it seems that he felt that peeing was acceptable.
Not in this house.
I rented a steam cleaner from Safeway and cleaned up the mess.
Now that the carpet is clean, I want to keep Sammy away from there and this is where the fake tree comes in. Sammy is still very timid. He's afraid of the garbage cans on trash day, he doesn't like my gym bag sitting on the kitchen floor and he's skittish about the vacuum cleaner. I thought that perhaps I should put something "scary" on the landing to keep him away. Hence, the tree. I'm cashing in on his timidity and hoping that the tree will scare him away from the landing.
Hopefully, I won't have to buy any more fake trees.
Monday, March 06, 2006
This and That #2
Once again, it's been a long time since I've posted. Sorry to those of you who faithfully check this blog daily. It's just that I've been busy. Here are just a few of the things that have kept me going for the last month or so.
For the last six or so weeks, I've spent one day each week at Yvonne's place. We own 2 wing chairs that were in desperate need of reupholstering so I brought the chairs over to Yvonne's and we took them apart. George fixed them up so they no longer wiggle and squeak and I cut out the fabric and last week, finally finished making the cushions. If I have the time, this week we'll put the new fabric on the chairs and they'll be as good as new. I am particularly proud of the fact that the fabric cost me $40.00 for both chairs, I could use the old foam from the seat cushions and I just needed a few other things for my project. These chairs will cost me less than $50.00 each. Not bad eh? I'll post a photo once they're done. It'll be good to have something to sit on. All that's left in our living room is a couch and one chair that's not terribly comfortable.
Last Friday I was at a shower for a friend-Lee, who at 54, has finally found love. She is so happy and it was such a pleasure to celebrate her upcoming marriage with her and a group of incredibly interesting women who are lucky enough to call her a friend.
I started going to the gym! Yvonne and I joined a gym and we have been going 5 times a week. We frequently spend more than an hour there but it's worth it. Do I feel good! The endorphins just flood my body with their feel-good hormones and I feel that all is well with the world.
We just bought a new car. Wes and I were driving in the van one evening when it just quit on us. Wes thought it was the fuel pump but our mechanic had a different diagnosis. We needed an new engine! Yikes! The van is about 10 years old and had a number of other problems so we decided to get rid of it. While I love the new car (a Hyundai Sonata) I don't like the monthly payments.
This Sunday, I'm doing the "talk" at church. This is what many other churches refer to as the "sermon." I'll be preoccupied with that this week so I don't think I'll post until after it's finished.
I have come to the end of this little entry. I'm sorry if I've bored you with the ho hum facts of my life. I'm not feeling particuarly creative or inspired today. But I do know that there are some people who check this out and will be happy to read something new, even if it is a little dull.
I hope the rest of you keep writing because I always enjoy a new entry!
For the last six or so weeks, I've spent one day each week at Yvonne's place. We own 2 wing chairs that were in desperate need of reupholstering so I brought the chairs over to Yvonne's and we took them apart. George fixed them up so they no longer wiggle and squeak and I cut out the fabric and last week, finally finished making the cushions. If I have the time, this week we'll put the new fabric on the chairs and they'll be as good as new. I am particularly proud of the fact that the fabric cost me $40.00 for both chairs, I could use the old foam from the seat cushions and I just needed a few other things for my project. These chairs will cost me less than $50.00 each. Not bad eh? I'll post a photo once they're done. It'll be good to have something to sit on. All that's left in our living room is a couch and one chair that's not terribly comfortable.
Last Friday I was at a shower for a friend-Lee, who at 54, has finally found love. She is so happy and it was such a pleasure to celebrate her upcoming marriage with her and a group of incredibly interesting women who are lucky enough to call her a friend.
I started going to the gym! Yvonne and I joined a gym and we have been going 5 times a week. We frequently spend more than an hour there but it's worth it. Do I feel good! The endorphins just flood my body with their feel-good hormones and I feel that all is well with the world.
We just bought a new car. Wes and I were driving in the van one evening when it just quit on us. Wes thought it was the fuel pump but our mechanic had a different diagnosis. We needed an new engine! Yikes! The van is about 10 years old and had a number of other problems so we decided to get rid of it. While I love the new car (a Hyundai Sonata) I don't like the monthly payments.
This Sunday, I'm doing the "talk" at church. This is what many other churches refer to as the "sermon." I'll be preoccupied with that this week so I don't think I'll post until after it's finished.
I have come to the end of this little entry. I'm sorry if I've bored you with the ho hum facts of my life. I'm not feeling particuarly creative or inspired today. But I do know that there are some people who check this out and will be happy to read something new, even if it is a little dull.
I hope the rest of you keep writing because I always enjoy a new entry!
Thursday, February 23, 2006
More Than a Summertime Fling
I got a call from Kristen this afternoon.
"Hi mom, I'm at CJ's."
Me: "When will you be coming home?"
Kristen: "I don't know."
Me: "Oh."
Kristen: "It's our 6 month anniversary today!"
I must confess. I thought this would be a "summer fling." To be honest, back then, I had hoped it would be. But I think Kristen's in love too (see previous post). And CJ's a REALLY nice guy.
"Hi mom, I'm at CJ's."
Me: "When will you be coming home?"
Kristen: "I don't know."
Me: "Oh."
Kristen: "It's our 6 month anniversary today!"
I must confess. I thought this would be a "summer fling." To be honest, back then, I had hoped it would be. But I think Kristen's in love too (see previous post). And CJ's a REALLY nice guy.
Lovesick
I knew something was wrong on Monday night when he came home and didn't eat supper. Same thing Tuesday. Came home Tuesday night around 2:00 AM. I checked for a pulse, fever, flu, cold, something but he seemed fine-actually, better than fine.
oooooooh.
I think Tim's in love.
oooooooh.
I think Tim's in love.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Happy Birthday Michele!
Today is my sister’s birthday. I won’t tell you how old she is because she is feeling a little sensitive about that these days but I couldn’t let this day go by without doing something. So, Yvonne and I have compiled a list that will highlight the things that we love and appreciate about Michele.
- She’s fun and she’s funny. There is less laughter at our Monday night family dinners when Michele’s not there.
- She’s smart but doesn’t flaunt it.
- She’s one of the most creative people we know.
- She’s wise.
- I am always impressed with how she tackles a new project.
- Even though she’s the baby of the family, she has never acted spoiled.
- She was smart enough to marry a wonderful man.
- She keeps a neat, tidy, organized household.
- She loves our kids.
- She has taught me more about boundaries than anyone else.
- Her son Joey has 3 lizards and a snake. In his bedroom. (The lizards eat crickets and the snake eats mice) Enough said.
- She has successfully passed her love of reading and books on to her children.
- She only needs to hear the words of a song once to be able to sing it through its entirety.
- When she sets her mind to do something, she does it with gusto.
- She loves God.
- She’s got a funky sense of style including her green toe nails, bright lipsticks, and cool scarves on bad hair days.
- She has a terrific sense of humour and is able to laugh at herself.
- She is presently writing her second textbook. I wish that textbooks were written by people like Michele when I was young.
- She is a great cook. A few days ago, when we were catering a dinner, we realized that we had forgotten to make the salad dressing. All we had to do was call Michele, tell her what kind of salad we had made and she came up with a dressing that was perfect.
- She is one of the most generous people I know.
There you are folks. I think this might embarrass Michele a bit but I think that we don’t often share enough of these kinds of things with the people we love. We'll be taking her out for lunch tomorrow, just the sisters.
I am blessed.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
The Cutest Blogger in the World
While I think my children are all very good looking, they are no longer "cute" like young kids. I had to post this picture of "the cutest blogger in the world." This particular blogger might not want to consider himself "cute" and I apologize to him in advance. But *I* think he still is. Soon enough he will be "hot" or "cool" so I'm going to enjoy the "cute" whether he likes it or not.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Happy Valentine's Day!
One dozen premium long-stemmed roses are now available at Safeway for $29.99. The "Unforgettable Dozen Roses Arrangement" is a mere $44.99. Last time I was at the grocery store, you could get roses for about $12.00 a dozen. D'ya think that it might have something to do with Valentine's Day?
Wes used to always get me flowers on Valentines Day. He is very sweet that way. But a number of years ago I told him that I didn't want flowers because I already know that he loves me-he doesn't have to say it with flowers. And besides, who can afford $29.99 (plus tax) for flowers that often begin to droop within a day or so?
There's a lot of pressure for you men out there because it seems to me that you are the ones who have to shell out your hard earned cash. The flyers are coming fast and furious-jewellry, candy, chocolate, flowers. It's easier for the women. We just have to sit at home and look pretty for you. If we want to, we can cook you a romantic dinner but that's where our Valentines Day responsibility ends. If you don't come through for us, you're in trouble. But if we decide to do nothing, you've got to be okay with that. Even I, can appreciate the unfairness of that.
Happy Valentines day folks! All *I* want is a simple "I love you" or, at the very least, a simple "I like you."
Wes used to always get me flowers on Valentines Day. He is very sweet that way. But a number of years ago I told him that I didn't want flowers because I already know that he loves me-he doesn't have to say it with flowers. And besides, who can afford $29.99 (plus tax) for flowers that often begin to droop within a day or so?
There's a lot of pressure for you men out there because it seems to me that you are the ones who have to shell out your hard earned cash. The flyers are coming fast and furious-jewellry, candy, chocolate, flowers. It's easier for the women. We just have to sit at home and look pretty for you. If we want to, we can cook you a romantic dinner but that's where our Valentines Day responsibility ends. If you don't come through for us, you're in trouble. But if we decide to do nothing, you've got to be okay with that. Even I, can appreciate the unfairness of that.
Happy Valentines day folks! All *I* want is a simple "I love you" or, at the very least, a simple "I like you."
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