September 3, 2009 at 12:59 am (Stuff, Wonder Boy, Wonder Girl)
Well if there is anyone out there still stopping by, my apologies for such a long gap.
Summer, hell, life got the better of me.
WB is now done working for the summer and we are moving him back up to school tomorrow. Truck rented. A ton of boxes, groceries, small kitchen appliances and 19 yr paraphernalia litters my dining room. And if your friends with me on Facebook you know I have waffled between smothering him in his sleep and crying the past couple of days.
WG is good. After a lot of back and forth, she will be living with Rhino this year. He did want me to have her keep living with me, while he was a couple blocks away and being the door mat I can be I was going to do it. But turning 40 tends to make you re evaluate some things. I told him she needed her father. All the time. Not part time. So, Sam is settling in with her father. Time will tell how that situation plays out.
Work is work. Spent a week in Orlando for convention and can I just say…why? Why would anyone live in Orlando in August? Or plan a vacation for then? It was ridiculously hot.
So, I am going to make a concious effort to be here on a more regular basis and to visit you all more often.
And how are you guys?
4 Comments
June 8, 2009 at 8:17 pm (Stuff, Wonder Boy, Wonder Girl)
So, we’re in the process of moving. Sold the house and bought a ground floor condo with some green space out back I don’t need to mow and a driveway/parking area I don’t have to shovel. The reasoning behind it was twofold – cut in pay at work, escalating property taxes, university costs and I will officially be an empty nester come September.
I have been painting my little heart out at the new place and slowly moving some stuff in. I am already very excited about moving in. It’s still by the lake, lots of mature trees and so QUIET!! Both WB and WG love it and they still have their own rooms.
But the packing of the old place?? Dear lord we are pack rats. I never thought so before but I put 7 garbage bags on the curb this morning for pick up. That’s garbage. Multiple bags of clothes have already been donated. WB had shirts that still had price tags on them that don’t fit. Me? A pair of size 6 pants in my closet. Not sure who the hell I was trying to fool but I haven’t seen that on a piece of clothing in quite some time.
WB leaves Friday for Halifax. The new girlfriend lives near there and for his birthday just past, I bought him a ticket for one week. So now I’m stressing over what to get her parents as a thank you gift for having him for the week. A nice box of chocolates just doesn’t seem to cut it. See cute pic of the couple below – taken St Paddy’s Day:
She is a super sweet, very funny and intelligent woman. I heart her already and have really only spent a lunch with her and moving home day from residence. She is coming to visit us though the short week in August, so hopefully we can get to know each other better.
WG is in full blown exam panic-my life is over-I’ll never get anything done end of school mode. Between my lack of sleeping and heightened stress levels, WB’s I don’t have to listen to this crap attitude, WG’s hormones out in full force and only 24 hours in a day – we are all getting on each other’s nerves just a wee bit. Hence….
Another reason why I like the new place - I’m sitting here right now in the one fully done room – the dining room – in peace and quiet. I painted two walls a colour called Slippery Rock, the other one Belgian Cream (its open concept). The baseboards, which are huge, are done in Champagne. My grandma’s walnut dining room table is in with my new black leather parson’s chairs. Drapes hung. Butcher’s block wine rack partially stocked. And previously requested stolen internet from my new neighbour.
All I need is a bed and I may just leave the kids at the house to fend for themselves.
8 Comments
January 28, 2009 at 12:32 pm (Stuff, The comedy act that is my life, Work)
I had to go to Dallas at the beginning of the month for a business trip and usually I pack enough gum to last me a month. Somehow I ran out with a day still left, so I ventured into the gift shop in the Hotel.
As I stood staring at where the gum should be and not seeing it, I finally asked where it was. The following insanity is what happened.
Me: Can you tell me where the gum is?
Sales Clerk (SC): Gum?
Me: Yes. Chewing gum.
SC: We don’t sell gum ma’am.
Me: What???
SC: We don’t sell gum ma’am?
Me: Are you sold out?
SC: No. We don’t sell gum ma’am.
Me: I don’t understand. I just want chewing gum. How can you not sell gum?
SC: We don’t sell gum ma’am. It’s against the resort’s policy.
Me: You have a policy on gum?
SC: Yes, we don’t sell gum ma’am.
Me: Why??
SC: Because people spit it out ma’am.
Me: But I’m not one of those people.
SC: We don’t sell gum ma’am.
Me: Let me get this straight. I can buy cigarettes, shells for my gun and a beer but I can’t have gum?
SC: We don’t sell gum ma’am.
Me: You know what? Your right. I can see how my spitting my gum out is far worse than getting drunk, addicted to nicotine and shooting someone.
SC: We don’t sell gum ma’am.
Me: AAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
7 Comments
December 9, 2008 at 9:23 am (Stuff)
Things I’m loving right now:
Starbucks non fat pumpkin spice lattes
Homemade shortbread
How I Met Your Mother
Homemade 60 pepper hummus on Cracked Black Pepper and Olive Oil Triscuits.
The IPod I won and gave to WG to preserve my sanity
My new boots
My Gap Flirt jeans with just enough give for the aforementioned shortbread and lattes
Things that I could live without right now:
Self absorbed 18 year old boys who were raised better.
The Jonas Brothers – see aforementioned Ipod in love list.
The extra 5 pounds I’ve packed on in the last 3 weeks – damn shortbread.
School assignments.
The pilfering of my make up bag by a teen that shall remain nameless- WG!!
The -21C wind chills when winter doesn’t arrive till December 21st.
What’s on your love / not so much lists these days?
12 Comments
December 4, 2008 at 2:55 pm (Rhino, Stuff, Wonder Boy)
I went snowboarding this past week end with WG and my cousin. And while I was advised to remember the correct procedure was snowboard, then drink – thanks Allison – I found falling on my ass didn’t hurt nearly as much when I had a couple Blueberry Tea’s in me.
I went and got my hair done – finally – last night and in a moment of weakness agreed to highlights. Um, apparently my definition of subtle and my hairdresser’s are different. Vastly different. I may or may not have left several messages for friends along the lines of “OMG. My Hair. OMG. I got highlights. OMG. What was I thinking???” When I came into work this morning one of the guys was all “WTF?!? Are you passing out sunglasses with that do? Holy hell.” That’s a pretty accurate reaction. I normally have chocolate brown hair. I now have chocolate brown hair with VERY BRIGHT RED highlights. I’ve decided to tell people I’m in a festive mood.
WB is in the middle of writing exams and will be home on the 10th for 3 weeks. I am beyond ecstatic that he is coming home. Not just because I miss him but because I am slowly losing my mind trying to do everything by myself.
Which brings me to one of the major reasons I have been absent of late. Rhino has been home maybe 3 week ends since the school year started. 3 week ends. I have been doing the single parent thing since the second week of September with a lovely young lady who is a little on edge about her new living arrangements. And then on edge about the lack of time she sees her Dad. And then on edge about the fact her mother keeps trying to get her to say bad things about us. And then on edge cause I’m on edge.
So while we have survived the past few months, barely, I feel that Iwe have let WG down in helping her get use to living with us. Rhino and I have had many fights conversations about this issue, to no avail. He has to work and can’t always make the drive. This argument drives me slowly insane in that “Hi. Remember me over here? 2 jobs, school and raising your daughter for you.” The back and forth and back and forth has made me put up walls and just say “Fine. Everything’s fine.” when asked. Unfortunately its not FINE and I need to fix it.
While I hope to be here more often, right now I’m just trying to hold everyone together to get thru the Holidays.
8 Comments
October 7, 2008 at 2:36 pm (Stuff)
I promise I’ll tell the story of my sister’s wedding day because really, the fact that we had to stop at a pizza place at midnight due to starvation requires retelling. Alas today I need to get a few things off my chest.
When I tell you I’m going to come down for a couple days and then develop the flu/cold from hell that prevents me from getting on a plane, let alone enjoying the time with you – DON’T BE AN ASS. I didn’t plan on getting sick, nor did I intentionally “ruin” YOUR week. And did you not read the comments of the lovely group of ladies who are willing to come up here – or visit you in Ottawa – and kick your ass? Dude you’re out numbered.
After 17 years you finally find the time to come to one of your son’s “school” functions and act all pissy with me when I’m shocked. I told you WB was graduating this Friday 4 MONTHS ago. Do not call me this morning and ask if I have an extra ticket and expect me to roll out the red carpet. I have found you a ticket but seriously – grow up.
I know you’re away at University and thriving – for this I am grateful. But respond to emails and voice mails. Honestly, you expect me to believe you don’t have 5 minutes of free time? Facebook says otherwise. If you want a fucking ride home Friday, pick up the phone before tomorrow at noon. Otherwise, walk.
I’m so glad you are settling in WG. Beyond ecstatic that we managed the whole week end without either of us having a breakdown. But honey? If the word LIKE comes out of your mouth again I will put you out with tomorrow’s trash.
7 Comments
September 18, 2008 at 3:23 pm (Stuff)
Dear Rhino,
These past 3 weeks have just about killed me. The fact that you had to go back to Ottawa sooner than expected and have STILL NOT COME BACK is the reason I’m a bitch when we talk. Instead of asking me “what my problem is”, “is it that time of the month” or “have you completely lost your mind” – try LISTENING!!!! And no, $175 to get the dishwasher fixed is not a lot of money. I didn’t stick my head in the oven as a result of it being fixed – so money well spent.
You know what, on second thought – keep your ass in Ottawa. I don’t quite have the spot picked out yet to bury your body in the back yard. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.
Dear WG,
I know this has been a bit of an adjustment period and you have some fully justified trust issues. But honest to god honey, if you don’t stop asking me 15 times every morning if I am going to be home by 5pm, I may lose my shit. And the phone. Really? Do we need to be on it 3 hours every night rehashing your apparently event filled Grade 9 day? And the clothes. Is it really necessary to try on absolutely everything you own every morning? I would love to get to work on time just once this month. Please?
Dear Work,
Really? Is it really possible to forget to pay people?
Dear School,
Three major papers due in one month? Is the fact these are on line distance courses not a good indication that we don’t have the time to devote to sitting in a lecture hall – so what on Earth makes you think we have the freaking time to do 3 papers???????????
Dear WB,
I may need your help digging a hole in the back yard when your home next week end. Oh, and sound proof WG’s room so I can maintain some semblance of sanity. And if you have some free time, can you write a paper for me? And please don’t ask for money.
Love, your instututional bound Josie
7 Comments
September 10, 2008 at 11:54 am (Family, Stuff, Wonder Boy, Work)
I was offered a better paying job in our office in NH.
I have slept 1.25 hours.
I wrote a 20 page Economics paper on a topic I’m not 100% up on. BS for about 10 pages.
Rhino is off to Ottawa even though HE WAS SUPPOSE TO BE HERE TILL THE 15TH.
Ummm, teenage girls? They are loud, emotional, messy and just a tad bit irrational. It’s like looking at myself 20+ years ago.
Major shit happening at work.
My dishwasher is leaking and the person who was suppose to fix it LEFT FOR OTTAWA EARLY.
WB is suffering absolutely no pangs about leaving home. Me? Still the odd sniffle.
Slammed my arm in the car door. The Dr at the clinic lectured me on spousal abuse for 30 minutes.
I am beginning to sound more and more like a whiny teenage girl.
Send vodka.
8 Comments
September 5, 2008 at 12:54 pm (Stuff, Wonder Boy, Work)
That’s WB hard at work at University. Money well spent don’t you think?
Sorry for the absence. Between moving one out and crying randomly for 3 days; moving one in; first day of school for WG and me; two jobs and budgets due by next week I barely have time to breathe.
7 Comments
August 22, 2008 at 10:04 am (Family, Stuff)
That’s what my life has become.
A list of what I still need to buy WB to take with him to University on the 30th.
A list of what WG needs before school starts on the 2nd.
A list of “room renovation” supplies as we start decorating WG’s room this weekend.
A grovery list, as I have been living the single life for two weeks. The non existent contents of my fridge will not satisfy the spawn.
A list of what needs to be finished at work, as I am off as of Wednesday for a couple days.
Cripes, even this post looks like a list.
I need help. Rhino, if you’re reading this, get your ass home. I’ve become my mother.
5 Comments
