I Waited So I Wouldn't Be A Single Parent

Well, Sailor's in Ottawa this week. He passed his re-write with flying colours (thankfully) and I dropped him at the airport just before 5am on Saturday morning. Our wicked neighbour came over in her pink fuzzy slippers, carrying her pillow, and she crashed on the couch for the kids. It took me about 90 minutes round trip, and the traffic was non-existent. Brilliant!

I don't MIND him not being here... but I distinctly remember being a 20-something and saying, "I don't want to be a single mother. I'm going to wait til I have a husband." Well... THAT worked out wonderfully, didn't it? ha!

I'm flying out on the 11th of January at 1000. This gives us enough time to have a 'normal' morning - dropping Greta off at preschool, Ray off on the bus, and then Sailor can drive me to the airport and not be too late to work that day. I'll have a bit of a wait, but an early check-in is okay by me.

Ray's pageant was great! My shy, retiring girlie pranced across that stage, waving her arms like mad, sending the audience laughing. She did so wonderful. I taped both her performances. The church pageant went well too - two of the cutest angels ever standing there looking adorable. Greta's is on Wednesday after Breakfast with Santa.

It sprinkled a little snow here today. Supposed to dump tomorrow, but really, I don't care. The Pathfinder will get us out and about no problem. Tomorrow after reading with Ray I'll be talking to the kindy kids about Channukah. I have packed a driedle, our menorah, some candles and I just have to print out a few things to say about the holiday.

It's strange. This time around, the girls aren't all that upset about their Daddy being away. Greta didn't ask for him once yesterday, but did expect him to be home when we got back from church today. I told her he was at work, and she seemed fine with it. They like talking to him on the phone now, so that's nice.

Ray's been pushing her bedtime earlier and earlier. Last night, bath at 6, bed before 7 for her. Greta lasted til just after 8. Tonight, bath at 7, and we read stories and she was asleep before 8. Greta hung in there til about 8:30, but finally gave up and there's been blessed silence in the house since then.

My MK open house wasn't a raging success. Two customers, each spending under $40, but it's okay - they came, they got what they wanted, and it's a few less things for me to count this week. Everything's in the dining room and I'll be starting on that tomorrow.

Here's this week's revised flex:

Monday: Drop Greta, pick up school chum of Ray's, read to the girls, talk about Channukah to the class, drop off toddler bed and crib mattress to consignment store (do a bit of shopping perhaps!?), banking, bottle depot, check out the Strawberry Shortcake Cafe at Walmart and/or Canadian Tire (Ray wants this for Christmas). Get some smoke detector batteries at Canadian Tire. Do a bit of grocery shopping. Pick up girls, make supper. Candlelight service at Ray's school at 1830. She wants to go. Late night I fear (7:30/8pm)

Tuesday: Drop off Greta, pick up school chum of Ray's, drop them at school. Chiro @ 0900 (and get Ray's insoles!). Car into shop after (get loaner). Passport office (hmmm... where'd I put that envelope with my new info?), Mall #1: Sears, Lush, banking. Mall #2: Toys R Us (that Cafe probably). Pier 1, Sleep Country, Organic Market (to make bath bombs for gifts). Check into work - email etc. Pick up some moose meat. Find out if car's ready. Costco for a small list. Home. Pick up girls. Early night!

Wednesday: Take girls to Breakfast with Santa @ 0730 (leave a little earlier than usual). Leave and take Greta to her pageant at Preschool. Leave and return home to start/finish inventory. Start some baking (fudge? Meat pies? Gingerbread?). Get girls. Early night.

Thursday: Drop off Greta, pick up school chum of Ray's, read to girls. After, go home and keep at the inventory. Start baking meat pies. Get girls. Early night.

Friday: Drop off Greta, pick up school chum of Ray's, read to girls. Hang out in town if I still haven't found that Cafe for Ray. Ray has early dismissal, so we'll spend the afternoon baking. Get Greta. Early night.

Saturday: Pick up Sailor at airport at 11:25 with girls. Hair appointment at 1600 for me!

Life at the Speed of... Life!

The new school is great! Ray is having a blast. She's so tired at the end of the day, it's a miracle if she makes it to the city limits before she's asleep in the car! She's learning so much, and making great friends. It's sometimes easier days that others, but for the most part, she's having a really great time.

She decided to cut her hair short like me the other week. I think it's to be more like her girlfriend, but it's sweet to hear her say, "Do I look like you?" Her school pageant is on Wednesday - a matinee which we can't attend, and an evening show which we all will. Then the church pageant is on Saturday at 4, and then a potluck supper. The preschool's pageant is the following Wednesday, following a breakfast with Santa at Ray's school. The Silly Season is upon us! I think she's coming down with a cold, but I dope her up in the morning and she gets through the day.

Greta is doing well - she's still in her tantrum mode, but is getting better at peeing on the potty. If only she'd be more consistent, but she's so stubborn, it's hard to get her to buy into the whole thing. At a family dinner on the weekend she was saying "no!" and my step-mum said to Sailor, "I guess you can relate to her as you're both the baby of the family," and then Greta started slamming her chopsticks on the table and my step-mum continued with, "But I see some of Mary in there too..." Gee... thanks! Ha ha.

I was at Ray's school for their Bazaar the other weekend and for giggles I saw the psychic. She told me stuff that she could not have known. Suffice it to say, it looks like I'll be taking that medical release in 3 years or so and teaching. Then Dad showed up. How do I know this? Because she said he showed her his engineer's cap and mimed blowing a train whistle. There's no way in hell she'd know that he was an engineer. No. Way. So, we 'chatted' and said we loved each other and I cried, and blah blah blah. I miss him so much, every day.

Sailor's course is nearly over. He tanked his physics exam and has a re-write on Wednesday morning. He's nervous about this. I really hope he passes. He's supposed to go to Ottawa next week, and I think it depends on if he passes the re-write or not. He wants to go, just so he can use the leftover TD money to get a scope for his gun for Christmas.

I'm on leave that week, so we're going to be busy while he's gone.

I've also been loaded onto my 6A course out in Borden (north of Barrie) starting the 12th of Jan. I'll be flying out probably the 10th and leaving around the 18th of Feb. There'll be me and one other Master Seaman. The rest are P2's, so they'll be in one building for quarters, and we'll be in another. No worries though. I usually have a good time in Borden, but I've never been in winter. I'm going to freeze, I can tell. My extra TD money will either go toward the car rental... or school fees for the girls so we don't have to suffer in the spring with it. I'm so thoughtful :-P

We haven't told the girls yet. After the New Year we will for sure. Gotta get them through next week, then Christmas first.

I'm looking forward to seeing friends and family again, for sure. I'll be able to get my MIL's cross-stitch finished for her birthday in March and maybe even a couple more done. I'll be able to write up the lessons for the course I'm supposed to be teaching in the new year (ha, that won't happen now), and will be back in time to hopefully run a course at the church over Lent. I'm also searching for an adult tap class to keep my skilz up while I'm away.

Sailor has to take time off while the ship's at sea in Feb, but that works out great because Ray has a week off for mid-term break during that time.

So... this week's flex:

Tues: work/school. Tap class.

Wed: work/school. School pageant.

Thurs: work/school.

Fri: work/school. Potluck supper for a friend. First night of Channukah!

Sat: Sailor leaves for Ottawa. Dance class, groceries, laundry, prep for Sunday's MK Open House, and Church Pageant!

Sun: Church, MK Open house

Next week's flex:

Mon: Drop off Greta, read to Ray, do MK stocktaking, pick up girls, candle light service at Ray's School.

Tues: drop off girls, go into town: chiro, passport, Pier 1, Lifestyles Market (gotta find the bathbomb recipe!), Sleep Country, Lush & Sears, pick up girls. Dance? Only if I can find a sitter.

Wed: Breakfast with Santa for the girls at the School, then take Greta to her pageant performance! Do more MK stocktaking and inputting. Bake some stuff too.

Thurs: Drop off Greta, Read to Ray, finish inputting. More baking.

Fri: Sailor comes home! Drop off Greta, read to Ray. Early dismissal. More baking before getting Greta.

Sat: Hair cut & colour!! Wheeee!

Endings and Beginnings

What an interesting month it's been so far. The weather has turned now, so it's definitely the end of fall and an early start to winter. It's the end of one school for Ray and the start of another.

I had taken Ray into school a couple weeks ago and on her school's community notice board were two 'official' looking "why not to inoculate your child against H1N1" sheets. Now, I know that it's a place for parents to put up their info, and if there had been even one "pro" sheet, I probably wouldn't have given it a second thought. But for some reason, I lost it. I resent being told how to raise my kid, the sheets were more fear-mongering than informative.

So I called the local private school and there was one more space open. It's a co-ed school from JK-4, and then it's an all-girls school. There's a large equestrian programme in Grade 4 too, and if we're paying a shwack of money anyway, may as well get French 3 times a week, Japanese, music and IT... We save money on groceries too as she gets two snacks and lunch. True, we have to pay for bus twice a week and after school care twice a week, but work will allow me to truncate my hours as long as I do some work from home and even the odd Fri/Sat night when required.

When Greta starts next year, we will get a 20% discount on her tuition, and it'll save us money from full-time preschool too. And when she starts K the year after, she'll be a returning student and then won't have to pay a new-student enrollment fee.

It's a winning situation all around.

I feel guilty though, leaving a school that Ray really likes, and nice people. But it's similar to Communism - great in theory but lousy in practice. The total parental involvement there was taking up a lot of our free time with the girls, and as it is, our time is limited. At the new school, they welcome parents, but don't demand them.

I also lucked out and was in the right place at the right time to get nearly a full uniform for Ray from someone whose kids don't go there anymore. Winter rain coat, cardigans, jumpers (one will be too small by the spring, but will fit Greta next year easily), some spring shirts, shorts, tights, socks, scarf, gloves and toque. The rest go to the school's Uni-cycler where they get sold at a large discount. The first day (August I think) that they open for next year is the day to go to get the smaller sizes that we'll need for grade 1, and we will be there early for sure!

Ray will know her teacher from church, and her best friend is in the class, as is another girl she dances with. She'll take the bus twice a week with her dance friend and I'll drop her the other three days. She'll be in out of school care twice a week, and I'll have to leave work an hour early the other three days. Sailor will have to find someone to carpool with as driving the Pathfinder full time is quite expensive.

We're waiting on our tax info so we can apply for a bursary. If we get one, that will help our money situation quite nicely as well, and perhaps we can expand the bus and after school care days if they cancel each other out.

On the work front, I've been told to pass a fitness test so they can promote me. I'm now taking many opportunities a day to do pushups on various surfaces.

I need to get promoted and sell Mary Kay each month to keep my kid in school. Ha ha.

Sailor's nearly done his course - mid-December it's over. He'll be back on ship then, and standing at least one duty watch over the holidays. I'm taking from mid-December til the start of January and Sailor is taking from Christmas Eve til the middle of January. I'm supposed to work NYE too. Not my cuppa tea, but I'll get $16/hr for it.

So Ray starts on Tuesday. I have a couple things to pick up from the old school on Monday as well as dropping off some MK to a customer before taking Ray to the preschool for one of her last times in the afternoon.

Tuesday will be a drop-off and some forms to finish at the administration side, not to mention delivering the $2200 deposit. I nearly fell off my chair when I read what it would be.

But worth it for my kid's education.

Happy birthday...

to me! Yes, I'm the big 4-3 today. Whoo. Hoo. Three years ago I had a newborn. Five years ago I had a newborn. This year... I have a kindergarten-er and a pre-schooler. Gah! Where does the time go?!

I keep screwing up at work, but hopefully I'll figure out who I'm supposed to call and who I'm not. If I have ANY friends or favours by the end of this gig, I'll be amazed.

Tonight I'm doing my second Adult Tap class. It's interesting so far - only one class in - but I hope to tone up a little bit as the 'mandatory PT' is kind of hit and miss lately . Tomorrow I'm supposed to work out. Instead, I have a Gala Ball committee meeting at 12 then at 13 I'm going to training on how to administer pee tests instead of working out. This takes me to 4pm, which means that Sailor has to find his own way home after work tomorrow so that I won't be too late getting the girls from preschool. As it is, I'll be lucky to get there by 5pm tomorrow because of the shitty weather, the lateness of the hour, and the traffic.

Other than that... things are okay. Not spectacular, but okay. As long as I don't keep screwing up too much, maybe I'll get through this.

This week's flex:

Tues - work, adult tap

Wed - work (meetings, training)

Thurs - work, work out, kid's swim class (just waiting for Greta to get sick)

Fri - work

Sat - Ray's dance class, OctoberFest party

Sun - Church

Add in laundry, etc, etc. Blech.

And another birthday over. Mind you... my present this year is pretty cool - U2 this year!!

Blah.

Ray's 5th birthday is tomorrow. We had her party today. It was a raging success. Greta's 3rd birthday is Wednesday. Her party is Saturday. I hope it'll be a success.

Ray's doing so well in Kindy. She's making great friends and losing her headwear.

Greta is firmly in the terrible 3's right now and is frustrating everyone around her with her obstinacy. Don't know WHERE she gets it from (ha!).

Thanksgiving will be interesting: my step-mother, my mother-in-law, Sailor's niece and her boyfriend, my friend A (who watched the girls while I was in Merritt), her husband and his sister and A's daughter.

Got a Mac Mini now. Love it. It's taking some getting used to, but for the most part, I'm loving it.

Work is going to be a shitstorm tomorrow based on what happened last night which, although it's not my fault, because the buck stops with me, I might be back to being a Supply Tech in the afternoon. We'll find out I guess.

This week's flex:

Monday - Meetings, then work out in the afternoon. Maybe have a job, maybe not. Oh, and selling one of the gates too. Ray's birthday, so she picks the supper.

Tuesday - Meetings, then picking up a pair of tap shoes (hopefully they fit) for my adult tap class that night.

Wednesday - Meetings, then work out in the afternoon. Greta's birthday, so she picks out supper.

Thursday - Work out in the morning. Girls' swim class that night.

Friday - Trying to leave a little early. I have loot bags to buy for and to make up for the party tomorrow, and I have to pick up the cake too.

I have to figure out how to control my temper, find the right words, and keep my chin up. I'm having a rough go of it all right now. Fighting with my 3 year-old, bitching at Sailor, saying stupid shit to my boss.... I might just take the medical release and call it a day in 3 years after all.

The down position

My life is a series of ups and downs. The ups are REALLY up (wedding, kids, etc), and the downs, while crappy enough at the time, aren't all that crappy all things considered (unless you count Dad passing away, but that was really it so far).

Well, right now, it seems I'm in a down rotation right now. Every word out of my mouth is worth of eye-rolling, snickering, or sighs of exasperation from friends and strangers alike. I'm getting the shit kicked out of me at work every day it seems, and even though I try not to take things personally... sometimes I can't help but wonder why on earth I wanted this new job so badly.

Ray loves Kindy. She's not crazy about the 06 wake-up time however. Greta's having a blast in preschool again. She too is resistant to the early rising.

Sailor goes to work tomorrow. Well, on course, technically, but he's stuck in a classroom for 8 hours a day for the next 12-15 weeks. At least he's not sailing til the spring.

Swim classes got shifted a week to the right due to an injury on the instructor. Ray did her first dance class - well... she watched it mostly. But that's okay. She'll warm up again. I hope. Greta danced though.

This week's flex:
Sunday - shopping and movie with a friend
Monday - work (mess meeting. yay.)
Tuesday - work.
Wednesday - work.
Thursday - Ray goes to the school camp for the day. Then we all have swim lessons. As long as Sailor gets home by 4:30. Somehow.
Friday - work (boss's afternoon. yay.)

I'm going to check out the tv listings and see what's on this week. It's pretty shitty when Vampire Diaries is the only thing that cheers me up. Well... that and Gord Ramsay's tirades on HK.

The Rain In Spain...

is falling here because Sailor has two weeks left before he begins his 6B's and the deck that never ends is still going on. So far, he has one set of railings up, the deck covering on, and one coat of sealer. He wants to put up 7 more sets of railings, 4 glass panels, the railings for the stairs and another coat of sealer. Uh huh.

Oh, and he has a wee cold too, so that's laying him low and out of commission.

Ray starts Kindy tomorrow. I have convinced her (I hope) to wear the outfit I purchased her when she was about 9 months old. I'll be taking lots of photos tomorrow for sure.

This week's flex:
Tues - Kindy for Ray, Preschool for Greta. I got part of the forenoon off so I can drop them off and get all sobby. Then I have a Beyond Transitions session which has restarted for the fall.
Wed - I was supposed to have lunch with a designer, but I'm starting my professionally led workouts that day, so I have to reschedule. That'll be swimming from 13-1400, then upper body from 1430-1530. I will pick up the girls a little late on Mondays and Wednesdays now.
Thurs - I'm going to try to work from home today. I have job descriptions to write, and letters of appreciation for the Committee, not to mention that pesky final assignment for my marketing course. That way, I can do the family picnic with Ray at her school, and then get Greta in time for her dad to take her to the Backyardigan's show in town for the afternoon.
Fri - The cleaners are coming! YAY! I have a workout from 0830 - 0930 (lower body), then a forestry memories opening in the afternoon, and choir practice that night. Hopefully my boss gives me the afternoon off.

Things are going to get busier as the fall wears on - we have signed the girls up for swim lessons on Thursday afternoons RIGHT after we get home, so that'll keep us busy til November. My Adult Tap lessons start in October on Tuesday nights, and Ray's dance classes start the same day as the Church's annual garage sale which I'm singing at. Yeesh! Busy enough?

There's No Place Like Home

Well, he's home. Finally. The ship came alongside around 0930 on Friday and my Mother-in-Law came with me to help herd the girls. Got some good photos of the whole thing too.

So he's mowed the lawn and dug up the dead plants in front of the fence, is working on the deck, and has hung out with us for a while. It's all good.

I, on the other hand, have gone to the spa for a 20 minute appointment, went to a kick-ass concert we threw at the Club on Saturday night, and am trying to decide how many clothes I REALLY need for my weekend at the spa.

Turns out it's just going to be me. My two friends won't make it for dinner on Friday, and my best friend can't come on Saturday due to an emergency with her in-laws. So... it'll be me and the laptop this weekend, listening to music, getting a start on my marketing final assignment, and reading and doing logic problems... oh, and surfing too! I have a dinner booked on Friday night, a massage, pedi and tapas for Saturday, and an open house at my cousin's on Sunday before coming home that afternoon. I should find a decent book or two to bring along.

Of course, I'll make sure I'm home AFTER the kids and hubby leave for the picnic - say... around 4ish. They're not expected back til 6, so that'll give me some time to relax at home.

This week's flex:
Tonight - maybe meet with a customer tonight.
Tomorrow - stop into work to sign my monthly chit, dinner with some friends in town.
Thursday - chiro
Friday - swing by the church to get a cd from the priest, go to JJ's where we're having Ray's birthday party to pay the deposit and pick up invites, hit the resort! Dinner in the dining room.
Saturday - massage, pedicure, hang out in the mineral pool, tapas for dinner.
Sunday - hit the mall for clothes for the girls and a gift for the cousin, then the housewarming, and home.
Monday - girls to preschool, day for me and hubby alone!
Tuesday - back to work!

Tell Me Why I Don't Like Tuesdays....

So, Tuesday. I effin' hate Tuesdays. Let me tell you a little of why.

Besides dealing with the usual shit at work, I decided to call the Dr's office to see if they can see Greta today due to her crying every time she pees. When I finally got someone to answer the phones, they said yes, 3:45 this aft. I took off from work at 2:30. There's heavy construction at A and C, so I sat there for 10 minutes then got around it and went to get gas at the Shell. The lineup inside to pay was fucked up - one till open. I finally got through that and gassed up. I had .50 coming to me. I went back inside. Still a line up, so I left. I'm not going to worry about fifty cents.

Got to preschool right at 3:30. Great! Still have time to get to the dr's on time. The girls were ecstatic to see me. We got out of there pretty well within 2 minutes and took off. It's hovering around 25 degrees now. Beautiful day. We follow the slowest car in NATO all the way to the Lake and the van in front of me moved over to let me pass at the cop shop. We made it into the dr's office RIGHT at 1545.

And then we waited.

And waited.

And waited.

People went in.

People came out.

We waited some more.

And waited.

I have to go to the bathroom, but didn't, just in case we were called.

And waited.

FINALLY! Called into the dr's office around 4:20.

And we waited.

And waited.

Greta poo'd.

I couldn't find ANYONE near us, just voices down the hall. I finally called out to someone and the bitchy receptionist came around the corner. I explained that I need to get Greta's diaper bag (I honestly thought we'd be in and out in under 20 minutes) from the car. No problem. The girls stayed in the dr's office and I went across the street and back.

And had no clean diapers in the bag.

So we went to the bathroom and thankfully it was a solid poo. So I wiped her bum (stuck on a little though) and removed the poo. And we went back to the office.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited.

By now, we've been there an hour. A FUCKING HOUR waiting. And we had an appointment! WTF is that all about?

He FINALLY comes in and says to take off her diaper after he asks me a bunch of questions. And then he leaves AGAIN. 5 minutes later he comes back again. And asks me if I'm going to change her diaper. I tell him I can't because we're usually home by this time and I'm out of them. Oh.

So he takes a quick look at her bits (and he can't see anything), checks her ears and says, "Can you get a urine sample?"

Are you fuckin' kidding me? She doesn't pee on the pot yet. HTH can I do that?

So he gives me a script (another 5 minutes later) and two containers to catch her pee. It's now 1715. An hour and a HALF for a 10 minute appointment. I was fucking furious.

We go to the pharmacy across the way and the pharmacist, afte doing some digging, thinks that the medication isn't strong enough, so she calls over. And surprise - NO ONE ANSWERS THE PHONE! AND she doesn't have enough for the whole 10 days, so she gives me what she has and I'm going back again TOMORROW to get the rest.

I'll spare you the walk across to the corner store for milk.

We get the medication and go home. It's now 5:30ish. I make chicken, rice and wax beans. I gobble my food down. Ray actually eats some chicken. Greta - nothing. Mostly ketchup. Oh, and some bunnies.

At 6:30 I take Greta up for her bath (she's had her medication by now). Ray comes up around 7 for her shower. It's now 8:22 and Greta is STILL up fucking around - wants Ray, wants to sit on the toilet, wants to cuddle, blah blah blah - and Ray is feeding into it. I'm losing my effin' mind.

And THAT'S why I hate Tuesdays.

The Five Longest Days

The first week back from vacation is always the toughest. And the longest. Unless, of course, you count the week that you're waiting for the end of. Then THAT'S the longest. And that would be this week.

We went to my cousin's BarrBQ (play on his last name there) yesterday. The 4th one we've been to. The second one without my dad in attendance. Seems my cousin Le is still really upset about his death, and would tear up often when talking about him. The youngest of the four, J, was invited and showed up this year. He's a 45+ year-old mooch who looks like a refugee from a 70's movie, and would be such a great guy if he'd cut his hair, shave his face, get a bridge for his missing teeth, and sober up for more than 10 minutes a day. It's a shame, really. But, he was there, it was nice to see him again (even if he did scare the daylights out of Ray and accidentally give Greta a Bailey's filled cream puff - the asshat).

The host, E, has taken up guitar as his new hobby. He has about 16 of them now, mostly Gretch's and Stienberger's (?). Nice guitars, that's for sure. He's the same as us all - is musical and has played guitar since birth. He's learning scales and notes now.

I was begged by Le to stay a little and sing, so I did, for about half an hour. This put us leaving around 8, and home around 9, so the girls were dead tired. I just changed them and put them into bed.

All was good until about ten after 1. That's the first time Greta threw up. The second time at ten after 4. We all slept in til around 8, skipped church, and just hung out. I think she has a minor fever, and I'm hoping it's just a yeast infection that's causing her to be in pain when she pees. If not, I'll be going to the walk-in clinic on Tuesday instead of work.

It's an hour past her bedtime and she's up still, messing around, Ray's destroying her father's recliner, and I'm going to go upstairs, turn on the laptop and burn some picture CDs for some friends.

Talked to Sailor tonight. They're able to send emails, but not receive them. The tiger cruise is well underway and they're now two hours behind us, not three. Getting closer every minute.

So much has changed since he left, it's hard to keep a list of it all. At least he has the next month to catch up with us and do some changes of his own around here.

Flex for this week:
Mon: work, preschool, cousins J&J supposed to be here for supper
Tue: work, preschool (unless Greta needs the clinic)
Wed: work (meeting), preschool
Thu: preschool, dr appt, work, Sailor's birthday!
Fri: Leave the house at 07, pick up MIL at 08, wander down to see the ship arrive after 09! YAY Sailor's HOME!!!!! Leave starts!
Sat: Pick up friend and have a great time at the Aaron Pritchett/Damian Marshall concert at my club.
Sun: Drop friend off, try for church (ha), birthday party for one of the girls' friends.

Let The Countdown Commence!

Camp was a hoot! We had so much fun. The girls learned a lot about their strengths and weaknesses, and I learned how to lighten the hell up AND did some spiritual junk too. It was great. We made some new friends and ate food we didn't cook (YAY). Ray slept on the top bunk - and didn't fall out or off the whole time. Greta climbed and swung (all the time), and fell and scraped her knees (again). Ray went canoeing!!

We had such a wonderful time - even if timings were suggestions, the non-existent insulation allowed us to hear every murmur of conversation and boom of a bass, and there are still people out there who need a kick in the ass. BUT, on the whole it was a positive experience. Apparently, we're going again next year (says Ray). We met a girl who lives near us who is more than happy to babysit the girls while our regular sitter is overseas for the year! YAY!

This is definitely NOT Sailor's cup o' tea, so we'll go, the three girls, and he'll either be at sea or on a mini holiday himself at the time. There was a wifi drop, so I was able to email Sailor every night! I just sent him a swak of pics from the first day.

The neighbour across the street not only fed the cat, watered the lawn and picked up our mail, BUT, she got her husband to mow our front lawn too! YAY! What a great bunch of people here. We're having a 'thanks for taking care of me while Sailor was gone' BBQ in September for the block.

Since we've been back, I've done about 8 loads of laundry (mostly with Oxyclean), gone grocery shopping, and we've seen the Musical Ride today. It was also the Celebration of Life for our friend's mother. I wrote them an email, but I don't know if it was read out. I did drop off two bouquets of flowers to the house before we went to the Ride.

The girls loved the show. They call them the "dancing black horses", and we were able to see two close up at the end. I wanted to go to the stables afterward, but the girls just wanted to go home.

My cousin was supposed to call me and I was to pick her up from the ferry, but she didn't so we didn't. Tomorrow we're having Mother-In-Law and Sister-In-Law come up for a visit and a bbq dinner. If I can light the bbq without lighting myself on fire too, that is.

Sailor called, but the phone didn't ring. He'll call again tomorrow he said.

Greta is now only in her bed. I dismantled the crib tonight. It didn't go smoothly. There's some repairs that Sailor needs to make to the crib if we hope to pass it on to someone else. At any rate, Greta looks so tiny and small in that wee bed in the middle of her room. And she's happy as a clam about it too. *sigh* another milestone Sailor misses.

This week's flex:
Sun: Church then MIL & SIL visit (maybe the neighbour too). Get read for work on Monday.
Mon: Recycle day! Preschool, work, drop the car off at the body shop. Get a rental for 3 days.
Tue: Preschool, work. Friends from Alberta are dropping in while on their camping vaycay for supper (BBQ again) after work.
Wed: Preschool, work. Maybe the car will be ready. Maybe not.
Thur: Girls and I are home for the day. Seems the preschool overbooked for the day, so instead of trying to explain to Greta why either she's with me and Ray's at school, OR she's at school and Ray's with me... I'll keep them both home for the day and we'll go to a local park in the forenoon.
Fri: Garbage day! Preschool, work. Car goes into the shop for maintenance, and I go to the chirpractor for MY maintenance! Gotta make potato salad for my cousin's bbq the next day too.
Sat: Cousin's annual family BBQ. Gonna be fun (kinda sad without my dad there again though) to see the family again.

Rumour has it my other cousins will make it down from the interior the following week for 3/4 days and they said they'd swing by the house. I'll believe it when I see it. I also have a dr's appointment that week (nothing serious), and then, before you know it, Sailor will be home!! YAY!

Camp Week!

It's our first time away at camp. Me and the girls are going for 5 nights to a 'church' camp, where they have fun and I have 'me' time! I'll try to get a jump start on my next assignment.

I lit the bbq today with a match. Which nearly lit my hair on fire. I think the igniter is n/s.... needless to say I will be MUCH more careful in the future. Reminded me of an immersion heater, but without the loud BOOOOOM!!! that can accompany it.

So the girls are bugging me for food and the meal's cooking. I don't know if there'll be a WiFi drop at the camp, but I hope so. I like to email Sailor.

20 days! WooT!

How Hot? Damn Hot!

There's a heatwave going on. Hot hot hot. I don't mind it, but it would be nice to have central air instead of fans and ceiling fans.

Greta has been sleeping in her bed since Wednesday. Well, kinda. Last night she moved into her crib, and she's in the crib again tonight. But for the most part, she spent the week in her toddler bed and we didn't have a single problem!

She's sitting on the potty too, but no go. It's a start at least.

Sailor called this week. It was great to hear him. He sends me emails every day and it's so nice to read his words. We're under the 30 day mark now! Wheee!

I said the Prayers of the People this week. When I got to the part I wrote about the military I nearly lost it. Three times. What a dork. Everyone said it was heartfelt, but I thought I was dumb.

This week's flex:

Mon: Exec meeting
Tues: Mammogram (yay. not). going to Hyundai to see if we can change cars.
Wed: work
Thurs: work
Fri: work
Sat: Dave's going to put our fence pickets on the deck! YAY!!!
Sun: Off to Church Camp for the week. HUZZAH!!!

Dog Days of Summer

I took Friday off, but didn't go up to Quadra (his timings were changed). Instead, I ran errands while the girls were at preschool. I managed to get a lot accomplished too! From the north end of one town, to the north end of another, including Costco and Canadian Tire!! An expensive, but productive day.

Sailor called on Friday night too and it was so great to hear his voice again! The girls weren't too chatty with him, but Greta did her best to talk to her dad and Ray was trying to show him a Barbie doll she has.

On Saturday, we got up early and did our grocery shopping. Then we went to a friend's consignment store where, for the price of a new two-wheeler at Canadian Tire, I managed to get:

~ a linen dress with little flowers on the skirt for Ray's birthday pictures
~ a Barbie colouring book for the girls
~ another floor puzzle for Greta
~ white fancy shoes for Ray
~ Cinderella Barbie and two outfits for her and her friends
~ and a two-wheeler with a helmet for Ray!!

Greta wore the helmet home and around the house for the next few hours.

Ray wants to surprise her dad and be riding the bike when he comes home in five weeks. I guess I need to figure out how to put those training wheels on!!

Then I went to Harry Potter's new movie (thanks to the soon-to-be-richest babysitter in the village). It was great! Another good one for the collection when it comes out on DVD.

Today we took the splash mat and some potato salad to my step-sister's place for a family bbq. We haven't seen the family in about a year or so. One step-sister is traveling to England to see their brother with my step-mum on Tuesday, so we took a family photo to send to him.

One of our assistant priests has asked me to lead the prayers of the people next week. I'm very excited. I get to write the prayers and he wants it to sound intimate, like I'm talking to friends around the kitchen table. I don't usually pray with friends around my kitchen table, but I guess I can fake it. Mostly. I'll be putting in more than just "bless the members of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan and the crew of HMCS Winnipeg" too. I do need to follow a set route, but he doesn't want to take too long. I think no more than 10 minutes should do it. Ack! I'm excited and nervous... but also really honoured and happy. I just want to do well at this.

I've been carrying around a packet of salt lately. My feet seem to taste better with it. It seems that no matter who I talk to, my words come across condescending or rude, and that's not my intent. I think I need to zip it for a while until my synapses re-sychronize or something.

This week's flex:
Mon: work.
Tues: work.
Wed: work. I sense a trend.
Thurs: work.
Fri: work.
Sat: Ray's friend's birthday party at the local pool.
Sun: maybe a playdate with some of Greta's friends in the afternoon.

It's been beautiful weather. Too bad sailor's not here to enjoy it. Soon. Soon.

Back to Reality

What a week it's been! I've seen some amazing musical acts, met Jo Dee Messina, and met some amazing people. I've also worked alongside some great, not so great, and idiotic people, but that's the luck of the draw. I'm glad it's over and I think I'm good for another 8 years or so. Mind you, I'd come back to see the lovely people from the Walk of Stars again, as well as their friends.

The girls were run off their feet this week by their Aunty A. They went to beaches and parks, pony rides, Jumpin' Jiminies and played at home too.

I'm so happy for them. I'm happy for me too - CRA has seen fit to honour me with my money, finally!

I'm just on my way out to the highway and soon will be home with my babies once again. And then normal programming will resume.

Sailor is counting down the days - 39 give or take.

This week's flex:
Mon - home
Tues - work
Wed - work
Thurs - work
Fri - hopefully going to Quadra to see my friend's son graduate from his Two Weeky course

Shout it, shout it, Shout it out LOUD!!!

It's Saturday night. It's 23 degrees in my bedroom, and that's with the shade drawn all day to keep the sun out. So I have the AC in the window to keep me cool. But, it's late, so I've turned off the turbo fan and am listening to the hum of my new laptop (which is what I'm writing this on tonight! WooT!), and the giggles, laughter, and WHOOOP from our neighbours.

So my choices are: take out the AC vent thingys and close the window. PRO: no more (or muffled) Whoop-De-Doos. CON: Hot. Hot. Hot. Hot.

OR
Leave the AC vent thingys in the windows and run the fan again. PRO: the noise will cancel out the yahoos in the back 40 and it'll be cold in here. CON: I'd have to run it all night, I wouldn't hear if the kids are in trouble, and it takes up a lot of energy.

What to do... what to DO!?

I'll give it 10 minutes. If it's still going on at 11:30, then I'm turning the fan on. I have thick blankets and can sleep through the noise of the fan if I need to.

So tomorrow is A&H's annual country party at their place. REALLY looking forward to going and seeing everyone I haven't seen in a year. The girls are going to keep me busy though - no sitting on my laurels this year. Sailor won't be there watching them and making sure they don't klonk themselves on the head. SIL can't come - maybe. Friends I invited aren't coming either, bummer. Still gotta make some potato salad and think of something for the 'table'.

Today we went to see the Lippizzaners in town. I thought it started at 2:30. Nope. 2:00. We were 30 minutes late (I suck). Greta started crying when she saw the horses, but soon settled in enough to wander towards the ring between acts. Ray sat there with her fingers in her ears nearly the whole time. So classy.

This week's flex:
Sun: Church, laundry, party
Mon: BUSY day at work plus mess meeting.
Tue: prep for Merritt - dry cleaning, tidy, hair appt, meetings maybe, try to make some spaghetti sauce and jar it too. Hopefully my friend A will be over that night to get a head start on things. I have to arrange pick-up with my partner in crime for the drive. I have tons of packing to do too.
Wed: drive to Merritt
Thurs: Meeting at 0900 to find out the schedule. According to a rumour, the promoter might get me a backstage pass because he found out I'm a country musician!! WHEEEEEEEE!
Fri: do navy things. sing.
Sat: more of that.
Sun: still more of that (what a hard life).
Mon: come home.

Sailor called on Friday night while I was at my Mary Kay awards night dinner. He's going to try again. He's hanging out with my mum on Sunday. I'd be interested to hear how that goes.

The guy who was supposed to pick up my slide on Friday didn't. Piss me off. I did get the glass panels though, finally. Made me late to get the girls on Thursday, but at least we have them now.

Well, I have to shut this thing down and go to bed. The girls still get up early on weekends.

And... it's quiet outside! YAY!

Waiting For The Other Shoe

On Thursday, at work, an email awaited me. Asking if I'd like to go to Merritt to wave the flag for the Navy. The exact-ish wording was, "for the Merritt Mountain Music Festival scheduled for 9-12 Jul. Minimum of two Navy personnel are required. Optimally it would be two personnel with a country music interest and who are comfortable in public. Individuals should be confident and well spoken. They will be required to interact with the public throughout the day and will be on stage periodically during the national anthem, raising of the flag and during airing of the CF "Fight with Us" videos."

It took me but minutes to cry that I couldn't go because of a lack of sitter for the girls. At the end of the day I was driving home and decided to call my friend A, who lives on the mainland and is also a big Merritt person and have her commiserate with me. She then volunteered to come over and stay with the girls while I go!!

I called my friend back (who had sent me the original email) and said, "Sign me up!!" I then tried to get a hold of my VPMC because he'd be PERFECT for it too! Couldn't find his home number... did later, but that has no bearing really.

At any rate, Sailor kinda gave me the hinky eye when I told him that A would come over (either with or without her daughter who is Greta's age!) and watch the girls while I go to the Fest, but he agrees it's a great opportunity for me, both professionally and musically.

Upon talking to the girl sending out the email on Friday (at a super successful Boss's Afternoon! YAY), I told her that the VPMC was cleared to go too. Then she told me of another girl has put her name forward. I know T, and she's a great person, so I said that either person would do great. With my luck, those two will go (VPMC and T) and I'd end up staying behind.

Anyway, until I'm actually on the road to Merritt, with TD $$ in hand and an RV (we hope) to stay in... I'm not counting on anything. But once I'm there... hooo BOY I'm gonna have fun! I love my job, so that'll be the fun and easy part. Then I'm bringing my guitar and a song book and gonna hit a few sing-alongs I hope!

The rest of the week went pretty much as planned - Sailor put up the swing set/play thingy, and did a great job. He's fixed the front hose and planned the front patio/garden area. He is gone, and has told me of his craptastic flight back to Oz (two delays, one hard port/hard starboard landing, and one bouncy landing). They're now at sea, on their way easterly.

This week's flex is:
Mon: pick up stuff from Canadian Rona Depot Mart for us (my money), the mess and a mess member (club money). Mary Kay product launch night so the babysitter will be called in for a while.
Tues: taking the truck into town to pick up some second hand glass panels for the deck after the chiro. Then coming home, switching the car seats into the car and getting the girls.
Wed: HAPPY CANADA DAY!! It's going to be a busy one - I have to make some more spaghetti sauce and jar it.
Thurs: Normal work day.
Fri: Working, then Mary Kay awards night at the Club. Again, the future richest 12 year-old in the area will be watching the girls and having supper here with them.
Sat: Groceries, then we see the Lippizzanner horses right on the floor!
Sun: Church and then our friend's annual country party for the afternoon.

And Now , The Seven SHORTEST Days Ever

Sailor is home on Home Leave Travel Assistance... HLT-YAY! However, he arrived at 9am on Thursday and is leaving at 9pm this Thursday. 7 days, 12 hours. Yuck-o.

We've been hanging out, having dinner in nice places, getting stuff for the girls, hanging with the girls together... it's lovely. Absence really DOES make the heart grow fonder. It's nice to reconnect again too. It was getting to the point where one of us HAD to go back to sea.

The money has come in handy, I must say. The girls are getting a new play set (I'll be putting up the old slide/climber thingy for sale) and the old rickety swing set is going to be a thing of the past. As is their play house. It's served its purpose, but it's time to put something safer in its place.

The bills that needed paying off are paid off, and there'll be enough left over to finish the deck (which is tax credit-able!) with a coating of something and some rails.

He's doing all that today, and his mum, sister and mum's boyfriend are up visiting and staying for supper. I'm at work, then gonna get the girls. BBQ for supper tonight!

This week's flex is:
Mon: work - Sailor picks up swing set and gets back yard ready for construction
Tue: work: luncheon then Greta has an ENT appointment at 4:30. Sailor starts on swing set construction.
Wed: work - Sailor finishes his 'honey do' list with special emphasis on the front hose *sigh*
Thurs: work: off early to take girls to the dentist. Sailor puts Greta to bed, then we leave for airport while babysitter watches the girls.
Fri: work: Boss's Afternoon at the club.
Sat: pay house insurance off, groceries, and Formation Family Fun Day in town (pony rides!!!!)
Sun: Church and then church picnic.

Our summer is heating up (har har) with things to do. I'm hoping that if we keep busy enough, the next 8 weeks will FLY by and we won't notice the time. At least it's 2 months, not 4 1/2 this time around.

The Four Longest Days EVER

I hate it when payday's on a Monday. Being broke bites. Mind you, it means we need to be more creative when it comes to doing stuff. So yesterday after groceries, I packed our pic-i-nic basket up and a diaper bag, and we took off around the lake to the provincial park. I'd never been there, but we'll go again for sure.

The path down to the water is nice and wide (next time, stroller) and there's a large grassy meadow once you come out of the woods. We chose a shaded spot under a huge maple tree and set up our blanket and stuff. We stripped down to our suits, Greta got into her swim suit and top, and off we went. Ray wore her sandals, I wore mine, and because I forgot Greta's, she was carried. The lake was cold, but eventually it got warm and it was really nice. It's quite rocky where we were, so Ray held my hand. She nearly toppled over, but had a great time splashing. I was swinging Greta through the water.

Ray took a step back from me (so she was in water about waist high on her) and lost her balance. Then she couldn't stand up. Her eyes were wide, she went under three times, and then grasped my hand. She quickly regained her balance... and took off for the towels. She's now scarred apparently. Refuses to go into the lake any more. Pools - yes. Ocean even (?), but not the lake. Next time, I'll take Sailor and we can deal with this properly - one child per parent.

Greta, on the other hand, didn't want to leave the water, but we did. And warmed up in a towel, we ate our chicken cheese buns and water wa-wa-men (melon). With Bear Paws for dessert... it was splendid. We watched the motor boats, water skiiers and the sea-do go back and forth to.

Less than an hour after arriving, we left and got home in time for Greta to get changed and a decent nap! There were two other groups of two/three just arriving as we left. Perfect timing.

We had church today, and one of our friends and her son from the preschool came for a visit and supper, along with Gramma and SIL. We had a feast of baked spaghetti, corn on the cob, and ciabbatta buns. With carrot cake for dessert. It was nice to have a full table again.

Greta has come down with a cold - hoarse voice, bit of a sniffle, feeling warm. Still happy and all, but more clingy than usual. At least her appetite hasn't diminished at all. Ray's sniffly, but I think she wants the Motrin just like her sister so she's playing it up a little.

This is the exciting week! The flex reads:

Mon: payday - bills, etc. Mary Kay product night - babysitter gets rich.
Tues: insure the truck for tomorrow.
Wed: OFF - car goes to detailer, hand in recycling, clean out the truck (and put gas in it), wash all the linens and sofa cover, along with emptying compost bucket, and maybe getting brows waxed. Bachman/Cummings concert - babysitter gets richer.
Thurs: OFF - Pick up Sailor at the airport. He lands at about 9:30, so we're going to have breakfast at the airport as a treat before he arrives.
Fri: Back to work.
Sat: MFRC thing at a local Park/Campground in the afternoon. We'll see how Sailor feels about going to it.
Sun: Church then my club's St-Jean-Baptiste party for families. We're going. There'll be poutine.

Four more sleeps, then Sailor's home for a visit. We can do the 8 weeks after that easily.

I'm going to call it HLT-YAY!

Wild, Wild Life

Well, Sailor's out of the 'box' today. Which, on the plus side, means that they're not officially chasing pirates anymore. On the minus side, that's the end to the extra pay incentives (over $2K a month). Oh well, the money we do get will help us finish the deck in style (glass panels!), get a new swingset for the girls, and pay our house taxes off easily.

All week we had a mini heat wave - temps hovering around 30+ from Monday til Thursday. The house was sweltering in the bedrooms - even with the fans going, the girls' rooms were 30 degrees at their coolest. I finally managed to get our air conditioner working in our bedroom and it was heaven... while it was going. Made for LOUD tv at night, so I'd turn it off. And then the heat would creep up again. Even with the shades drawn to avoid the afternoon sun, it was so very hot in our rooms.

Of course, now that the weekend is here, it's overcast ,windy and down to 18. So much for a picnic on the beach.

I managed, finally, to pick up three floor tickets "Golden Circle" to the Lipizzaner Stallions coming to the big city in July. It's coming to the small city the week prior, but it's a 7:30 show on a Tuesday night, so instead, we'll catch the weekend matinee. I can hardly wait! Last time, Ray was enthralled and spent the whole show with big eyes and a big grin.

On Sunday night, our cat showed his devotion to his new family by bringing home dinner - a mouse he caught and killed outside. It was about 10pm and just as I was dozing off, I heard him yowling a little and thumping on the floor. Turns out he was playing with his food. I grabbed tongs and a paper towel and put it out on the deck and then washed the blood spots off the floor. 15 minutes later, he was at it again. This time, I took it outside and closed the cat door after him. He was very happy to come in the house the next morning.

Monday afternoon, as I was taking the diapers off the drying rack on the deck, our neighbour from across the way came over asking if I'd seen the bear! I had heard quite a rustling in the back 40 but it never dawned on me that it was a bear back there!! Apparently an adolescent (no mama following, thankfully) had traveled from one side of the subdivision to our side, heading for more bush (towards the private school on the other side of the complex). Neighbour was worried that we were outside in the back yard with the girls.

Now, I don't usually let them hang out without me in eye-shot - we have tons of stinging nettles and rocks, and now...bears too.

This week's flex:
Today: groceries and playdate in afternoon
Sun: church, laundry
Mon - Fri: work. nothing exciting on the agenda

Just killin' time til Sailor comes home for his visit. I've arranged it with the cleaners to come clean again the day he arrives so he'll have a nice clean house to come home to. I just need to remember to write the cheque this time!

In The Good Old Summer Time

Another week down, thank goodness. Sailor's been sick - shakes, fever, chest cold. It's settled into his chest apparently. I hope it's not bronchitis. I'm coming down with a stuffy nose thing myself now. Sympathy sick?

The girls are fine. Ray had her last dance class of the year yesterday. She's determined to go into Primary Modern next year. No shoes, just body suit and bike shorts. Sweet. I'm waiting for my tax return to come in so I can pay for the whole thing in one shot and save 10% (whoop-de-do).

Greta's good, despite falling off her sister's bed (which is on the floor) and clonking her head. I'm seriously thinking of taking her to get an MRI just in case there's a bruise inside there somewhere. She had her hearing test the other day - passed it with flying colours. I'm so glad. She sees the ENT at the end of the month, and then both girls see the dentist two days after that.

Sailor's trying to come home again, this time for around Father's Day. I sure hope it works this time. Until he's actually landed though, I'm not going to hold my breath.

Ray and I were weeding under our cherry tree last week and the front of the house hose popped off its connector. It was a jerry-rigged kind of thing, where the hose is clamped onto a copper tube, which is again clamped onto the hose that goes into the tap. This is not working now, so I can't use one of the hoses. The other hose is attached to a sprinkler, and beginning tomorrow, we're on water restrictions - odd days between 07 and 0900, and 19-2100. Good thing we're an odd # house, as we get two days in a row for those months ending in 31.

At any rate, it just adds one more thing to Sailor's "Honey-Do" list when he gets home for a visit. Poor guy - he's going to need to go back to sea for a rest.

I took the tarps off the deck today. They're disgusting (another thing for Sailor to work on when he's home), and are drying out on the back lawn. I swept the deck off, watered some plants, hung some laundry to dry, swept the driveway and front steps, and broke down the boxes for recycling all before I had breakfast. No wonder I was grumpy!

Then we went to the MFRC for the ship's family network meeting. I got a delicious 15 minute massage in a chair while the girls ate their body weight in chocolate covered fruit. I knew I had given them enough when Greta took a bite of her third strawberry, then refused the rest of it. Then they blew off steam in the childcare area while we listened to the CO's briefing. Very informative, as usual, and this time Sailor's picture was up on the slideshow (along the the rest of the guys in his section). Cool to see, for sure.

A little thing that bothered me was that when I got the girls afterward, they were outside in the play yard, but neither had been sunscreened (after I had pointed it out to the care givers), and Greta didn't have her ball cap on. It was cloudy, but nonetheless, I was a little peeved (not quite pissed off, but not lackadaisical about it either) that something so basic was not done. Especially as I had specifically told both rooms' adults where the sunscreen was, and Greta's hat was right on top of her bag, which they were nice enough to keep in the room with them.

In the grand scheme of things, probably not a HUGE thing to get cranky about, but the perfectionist in me, especially the 'mamma bear' perfectionist, just wonders, what else would they have not done? I know that Ray made a sailboat picture for her dad, but is it going to get to him? They didn't ask me for his name when I picked Ray up, and she just calls him Daddy, so how would they know who to send it to on the boat?

Aaaaaanyway, not a big deal I guess. I do have other things to concentrate on:

Mon: Mary Kay trg night, so the girls get a sitter!
Tue: Getting tickets to the Lipizzaner's show in July - floor seats!
Wed: the girls go to the beach for the forenoon, and I have a meeting about the Homecoming statue project.
Thur: hmmm... homework I bet. Darned marketing course!
Fri: nothing so far, but it could change
Sat: thinking of going to see the Pacific Northwest Raptors.

We have a couple things planned for the months ahead too:
June: Goldstream Park, St Jean Baptiste party, Church picnic, Formation Fun Day, I'm going to the Bachman/Cummings concert!, the pre-school's year-end picnic.

July: Lipizzaner horses, afternoon party at friend's place full of music and fun, a viist to Saltspring Island, maybe a ride on the Dayliner (if I can convince Ray it'll be fun).

August: Church camp for a week!!!!, the RCMP Musical Ride, my cousin's bbq, and of course, the arrival of Sailor! Not to mention a kick-ass concert my club is putting on the day after he gets home... and then, of course, my weekend at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort & Spa with some friends.

I still have to find a way to get the car detailed (an 8 hour job) without a second vehicle - or a second driver to get the second vehicle to meet me!

Dancing Queen

The dance madness is over for another year. I hate to admit it, but Ray handled the late night well, just as they said she would. She danced, and did very well, and actually was comfortable enough to have me in the audience as opposed to in the wings and out back.

Her Auntie B and grandma were so happy she danced - they loved the show. I was happy she danced too - the threat of "if she doesn't do what the other kids do, we can't have her on stage" was moot - especially since different kids all raised their heads when they were supposed to be sleeping. HA!

I found that she's a visual learner, and though she practices elsewhere, until there's no more new things to learn, she'll just watch. And then she'll get it perfect!

Sailor called Friday and it was great talking to him. He actually chatted with Greta, but the satellite delay hampers a fast conversation. Ray tried, but she spoke very softly and he didn't hear her.

He has another request to come home in through the chain. We'll see if he gets approved, gets a ticket, and gets on a plane. Maybe for Father's Day.

I tackled the weeds under the cherry tree today. Took me about 3 hours. The first hour was spent mostly trying to keep Greta and Ray from racing around the street. They stayed mostly close. We had some friends over for a play date, and after about an hour we went in for lunch. Greta went down for her nap after they left, and Ray and I went back outside to finish the weeding. She was sometimes a help, but spent her time running around and filling a bucket with water then dipping her feet.

She planted her marigolds that she had planted as seeds. Actually, she dug a hole, ripped the poor plants out of their container and placed them on the dirt. I think I managed to save them. We have to weed out that flower bed next weekend.

The hose came apart between the tap and the hose extension. Yet one more thing for Sailor to do once he's home. There's quite a list growing.

This week's flex:
Mon: Greta has a hearing test in the morning, so I drop Ray off at preschool, take Greta an hour away to the test, do the test, come back and drop her off, and maybe get to work for a couple hours.
Tues: Staff meeting of the bar tenders and custodians.
Wed: Normal working day!
Thurs: Normal working day!
Fri: Meet The Exec party til 3.
Sat: last dance class of the year. Ray wants to take Primary Modern next year, so I'll be registering her for that. The church has their open house tea which we'll attend directly afterward, then nap time, THEN groceries.
Sun: no church (later service), so we'll do some laundry then go to the MFRC for the Family Network day where I can get a 15 minute massage while the girls play and then we hear from the CO. And I owe an appology to the gang for standing them up last weekend too.

Work's going great so far. Little things aren't getting done, but with any luck I can work on those this week. As well as getting some homework done for this marketing course!

I'm sore from gardening and going to the Apple Pie Fair yesterday. I'm going to take my text book into a warm bath with me directly.

I just can't get over how WELL Ray danced! And how un-afraid of the stage she ended up being. So cool.

Long Weekend Too Long

It's strange. I love my kids, love the idea of my kids, and love spending time with my kids. But I don't love spending every second of our waking moments together. This is why I would suck as a SAHM (stay at home mum). I was ready to drink a case of beer by 3pm yesterday, and I had no beer.

I also had no babysitter, thanks to her forgetting that I was to go to the 1/2 Way Through the Deployment Party last night. She called at 9:25pm apologizing and saying how she totally forgot. Bah. I ate chocolate cake and caught up on my shows I'd taped through the week. I was pretty choked for an hour though.

I hope everyone had fun. I'm sure they did.

I managed to get some homework done today while Greta was napping. That's always a plus.

Church was great and one of the boys from Preschool showed up with his Mum, so they're coming over tomorrow for a play date with the girls. Maybe we can get Ray's best friend over here too for a while.

I found out the Musical Ride is coming into town in August, so I'm going to pick up a ticket. The girls will get in free and I think they'll love it!

Heard from Sailor today via phone. He called right when I was muckin' out Greta's diaper and putting her down for a nap. Ray, of course, didn't say a word to her Dad, but then proceeded to cry off and on for an hour that she misses her Dad.

He's doing well and they're pulling into a port for two or three days tomorrow. He's duty, then going on a half day tour, then duty again. That's okay though - at least they're not STILL at sea.

There's one snowflake left in hell, but nothing's written in mud yet. Father's Day might be a good holiday for the girls after all. Then again, it might not be. Either way, we're going to the St Jean Baptiste party the mess is throwing that afternoon. The day before is a visit to a local park.

This week's flex:
Mon: holiday! Play date with a friend or two. Laundry.
Tue: I sign my PER (assessment), and off at noon. I'm going to go to town to get the Musical Ride ticket and if I have time, pick something up from the consignment store for the girls, then Greta goes to N's house while Ray goes to rehearsal at 3pm. Late night.
Wed: I meet the Admiral, then an executive committee meeting. Normal night for the girls. I'll try to run some laundry through just in case I don't have time on the weekend.
Thurs: Lunch date with the Base Commander and others on the Centennial Statue Committee. Then I'm bookin' it back here to get Ray for her dress rehearsal. Greta has dinner with N again. Another late night.
Fri: FINALLY a normal work day. Ray's first performance tonight. Neighbour is to sit Greta while we're at the theatre. VERY late night for Ray.
Sat: Step-Mum is coming, along with one of Greta's Godmothers and my best friend to watch Ray dance. First though, Step-Mum, me and the girls are going to the Apple Pie Fair. Then the 2:30 performance. Then a 7:30 performance where neighbour is going to watch Greta again.
Sun: Church. Then laundry. I'll try to get some done throughout the week to keep the need down.

Busy busy busy days ahead.

Is it bad...

...that I long for 8pm so that I can have a bowl of ice cream and a Tim Tam in private?

It's ice cream because all the tequila coolers are long gone. And it's two days before payday.

*sigh*

Sh*tty Sh*tty, Bang Bang

So, my day off Thursday.... where do I start? Let's see... we all had a bit of a sleep-in, til 6:30 (me and Ray), then Greta was up by 7:30. Breakfasted, off we go to Preschool. Ray and I head off to Kindy and she, of course, puts up a big freak when I leave (but I have awesome video of her on the trampoline for Sailor). I drove off to the recycle place and got $7, then hit Canadian Tire where I got the last Griddler (display model!) for $5 off the sale price. I stopped in to see my priest and we chatted for 10 minutes or so.

Then I went to Pharmasave to mail some stuff off, then to Thrifty's for some top-up. On the way out of the parking lot, a pothole, in the place that ALWAYS has potholes, has opened up - to the size of an anti-tank ditch. I didn't see it til I was in it. BAM! I thought something had happened, but the car was driving fine. I got home, unloaded the car and did stuff inside til it was time to leave to get Ray.

By the time I got down the road to the first intersection, I knew something wasn't right. Sure enough, the right front tire was flat. I called Hyundai Roadside assistance and she said someone would be there within an hour! No way! So I turned around, drove home, got the truck (which had insurance up until the 1st of May... and this was the 7th), and put Ray's carseat in it. I made it to the school in time to see the Preschool van there. I asked the teacher if she could take Ray. Sure! No problem, she said. So I ran and got Ray, and told her she'd go back with the van. She got into a booster seat for the first time (took a picture), and I drove home. All the while, hoping the person behind me didn't notice the date on the tags.

I called Roadside assistance again, and buddy showed up within 20 minutes. He used one of those air bladder jacks - way cool - and put the spare on for me. I had called Ok Tire, Kal Tire, J&D Tire (mobile service), and finally Hyundai in town. Which, btw, doesn't sell tires for their cars. *sigh* BUT, maybe Joe's Tire Hospital does. No, they didn't have any, but they had a great price for a new 195/65R15, so I took the car there at 1. I was out of there by 2, and $117.60 lighter. I was finally able to get home and clean a little bit (shouldn't have bothered - cleaners were coming Friday) and start supper before going to get the girls.

Ray said she had a lot of fun at Kindy, however Ms Paula, the teacher, was quite surprised at how stubborn Ray could be. I told her about Ray taking 2 weeks with no tv to apologize to her sister. She was amazed. Ray was falling asleep during lunch. Greta didn't nap.

On Friday, I had a nice lunch with the gang from my old job. Well, technically just the civies from the old job - no one on the military side made it *sigh*. It was good though. And they gave me a pretty pen and journal.

Then we held the vote for the secretary via email, and the MPs got snippy with me because they're not members of the mess. Well, let me know then, don't send me snarky emails! Asshats.

I slid early and the house had been cleaned by the cleaners. Deelightful! I needed to get air let out of the new tire before I left though - every other tire was at 32lbs, that one was at 40!! No wonder it was pulling. Anyway, I'm going to take it to the garage on payday to get an alignment with the maintenance. I'm also putting in a claim with the maintenance company for the tire. I'll see how far that gets me.

Anyway, I put things back and made dinner, popped it into the oven and hit the nearby CB&W for some Damasco and Elquilas. Then I got the girls. We came home and our neighbours were mowing and weed-eating the lawn! They came over around 8:30 for some wine. We had a really nice visit. They're wonderful people.

The weather's turned nice finally! The blossoms are mostly off the cherry tree now - we had a high wind the other day (power went out at 5:35am!) and Greta said, "cherry choppums!" so cute.

Tomorrow's Mother's Day. Sailor was supposed to be home, but he's not. I still have some Elquilas left.

How Did I Get So Busy?

This week went by so fast! Turns out, that before I got the job as PMC, I was put on prade for Battle of the Atlantic (BOTA) Sunday. When I got the job, I was told I was off. I was told incorrectly. Thursday I got an email informing me that I was the Vigil Commander for the BOTA in Sooke! That's over an hour away from where I live. Of course, the Godparents who are to look after the girls for me on Sunday were on holiday when I found out. I left them a message, and when they came home, they said it was fine to leave the girls longer.

Thursday was Greta's last day at her daycare. I got her and her husband tickets to the local ECHL team's playoff game, and a potted plant. I cried as we left. I was teary all day. Still am when I think of it, actually. Got the girls' photos back from Sears that day too. They turned out well.

Friday I had parade practice. I told them I could only stay for 20 minutes. It took 4 to give me my words of command for the parade. Then I popped into the Band office to meet the CO and my liaison. They were a little taken aback at my confidence with regards to singing, but as I said to the piano player, I have to be confident if I'm the front man! I think they're planning on having me sing at other public occasions besides just a summer concert in the park! They asked me to choose three country songs that they'll orchestrate for me to sing. How exciting! Lots to choose from!

Then I had my meeting with the Base Commander. The Base Chief and my Chief were there too. It was nice and went very well I believe. The BComd seemed quite surprised at my military history (I left out a few things that would have REALLY amazed him), and that I'm single-mumming it, selling Mary Kay and doing my diploma too! He is really happy that I'm getting so uch accomplished at the mess and said he'd light a fire under the construction guys to see what we can do for the building quickly.

When I had bought the hockey tickets, the guy I met there when I enquired about season tickets for the mess offered me tickets for the Friday night game. I asked him if I could offer them to mess members instead. So, I put out a call to all members that the first two people to show up would get a set (2) of tickets for the Friday game. They were gone within 45 minutes!

Our plan is to give a set away for the regular season at each Canucks game and UFC that we show. And I'm going to enquire about the Jr team in town too, to see what they have available.

The BComd seemed impressed with that. Then we had the photo op and he said he was really glad to see me in the job and that the leadership to lead the mess is in good hands!

Five minutes later, as I was entering a different building, my Chief was exiting. He's a tough audience, but I said, "We have to stop meeting like this," He smiled and said, "You did a great job in the meeting," as he went out the door. Well knock me down or what?!

Friday night I went to a vocal choir workshop in Duncan. Two hours of learning better breath control and singing. It was lovely. I didn't even cough too much. I forgot to pay the babysitter. I'll catch her next time, but what a dope I am! Then I proceeded to get myself a Bachman Cummings ticket for their show next month.

I had promised Ray that if she danced today, I would take her for lunch tomorrow at her favourite restaurant. She danced! We're going for a late lunch/early supper.

Greta took a tumble at the studio location! Down four concrete steps - it could have been more than 20 - and I aged quickly in 6 seconds. I flew the 10 feet to the steps and stopped her from going any further. She didn't injure herself at all, except for a bruise on her nose and some on her legs. Thank God.

I might be going to see U2 in October!! I have a line on tickets, and with any luck, they're not as expensive as the $250 ones left online. Aw... I'll go anyway. It's U2!

This week's flex:
Sun: Drop off the girls, BOTA, get the girls, meal at the restaurant.
Mon: Downtown to kick off the Centennial Statue project.
Tues: Executive meeting (now that I have a full compliment, finally!)
Wed: Work.
Thurs: OFF! Ray has her 'practice' day at Kindy, so I'm going to drop her off and pick her up, but I'll get some running around done too and catch up on other things.
Fri: Work.
Sat: Dance. Groceries.

Now... for the REALLY good news:FW: Message for your friends and families

Friends and Family of WINNIPEG. We have received some clarification regarding the length of time we will be conducting counter piracy operations as a part of NATO's Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) that I would like to pass on to you.

The Minister of National Defence has authorized HMCS WINNIPEG to conduct counter-piracy operations with SNMG1 until the end of May timeframe, at which point the ship will depart the Gulf of Aden and commence a transit to Australia to resume our previously scheduled program. While WINNIPEG will complete its time with SNMG1 at the end of May, the remainder of the group will carry-on until 28 June. We anticipate that we will arrive in Brisbane, Australia for a port visit in early July on the same dates that I briefed to you at the MFRC Family Briefing prior to our departure from Esquimalt. Our port visits during the transit from the Gulf of Aden to Brisbane have not yet been confirmed, but will be passed on to you once known. While we hope to get this information as soon as possible, it may take up to a couple of weeks before this information is known for certain. Once we have arrived in Brisbane I anticipate the ship's program will remain as originally scheduled, and that WINNIPEG will arrive back in Esquimalt for 21 August.

Once again, I ask that if you have any questions at all regarding our deployment, please contact the MFRC who will then forward the questions onto WINNIPEG.

Thank you,

Craig Baines
Commander
Commanding Officer

This means Sailor MIGHT be able to come home in June! I sure hope so.

I have to send some receipts to CRA in order to get my tax return completed and then I can pay off some stuff.

We're going to hire a gardener to mow the lawn and weed the flower beds. I don't have the time or the desire to do it myself. All I want to do is read, sleep, or drink. And I can't drink til the antibiotics are done.

Monday Monday... doo doo... doo doo doo doo...

Well, what a weekend it's been, and what a Monday.

My hair was cut and coloured on Friday and I bought a cute headband. The dress store next door to the hairdressers let me take home a cute dress - without paying for it!!! (gotta love small towns) - and Ray declared it THE dress to wear on Saturday night. So I did.

We went to dance class on Saturday, and as it was picture day, we ended up on the stage in the theatre for practice. This did not go over well for Ray. During the first run-through, I held her and she watched from the wings. The second run-through, I sat in the audience and she stood on the stage. If there had been time for a third run-through, she may have actually danced. One of the other mothers kept Greta busy and happy. Then, at picture time, Ray joined in the group no problem, but wouldn't do the individual. I ended up joking around with her, and they put me in the photo too.

I tried talking to the owner's mother about how a little warning about the theatre would have been nice, and she walked away from me!! AS I was talking. RUDE!! Anyway, it's probably a good thing Ray doesn't want to dance again next season. It'll be interesting if Greta wants to in a couple years.

So Saturday night I went to the club with my friend and there was about 50 people or so by the height of things. Not bad I suppose. There were 4 entries into the contest: T, B, a duet, and me. We ended up starting late because one of the judges arrived late. When I said the rules (only military who pay mess dues at our mess could enter), it pissed a few people off, but hey - them's the rules. And the girl who arrived nearly half-way through the first round who wanted to join in got told NO! She wasn't too impressed, but we DID start an hour late, so she had plenty of time to arrive on time if she really wanted to. I'm sure a 'real' club would not have allowed it either.

At any rate, I sang first, and opened with Long Train Runnin'. Then T went up and did something (can't remember) that wasn't as good as what he'd done previously during the fun sing. Then the duet ruined Hotel California. Then B went up and kicked serious butt singing Love Somebody Like You by Keith Urban. I was scared!! I wanted to change my next song!!

Then there was a 30-45 minute break in between while one of the judges went to the can and we had other people sing.

We started up again, and I sang Some Kind of Wonderful. T ended up singing with some other guys, because by this time, he was hammered. The duet, also hammered, had three more people joining them. B went up and did Take Your Sweater, but it was in the wrong key for him and it just didn't sound as good as his first one.

I won. Very cool. I'll be talking to the band this week about singing with them. I'm kind of excited. It was a bit of a hollow victory though, because the evening degenirated into a drunk-fest, and it wasn't taken seriously. With such an important prize, I was hoping there'd be some realistic competition, and people who were serious about competing.

At any rate, I bought a round, handed out some swag, and generally had a good time. Got home late late late, and may or may not have a sitter for Friday night for a vocal workshop in town. Hopefully I will.

This morning I went to the base hospital for the hacking cough I've been keeping alive for three weeks or so. Turns out it is bronchitis. The doc gave me some antibiotics for it and said the earache I've had since Saturday night was probably related to the infection.

I've made an agreement with Ray about her dance. If she dances on Saturday, no matter if it's in the theatre or the studio, then I'll take her and Greta for lunch on Sunday to her favourite Lunch Trunk (Ray-speak for restaurant). Her Aunt L and Gramma will join us there. If she doesn't dance, then no Lunch Trunk.

Greta is singing "Happy Birthday" on a regular basis now, especially when she sees a candle. Sailor isn't going to recognize her when he comes home - she's talking up a storm! She starts preschool with Ray on Friday. SO exciting. Sad leaving her daycare though.

I start my Intro Marketing course this week. I'm hoping to finish it within 10-12 weeks. So far it doesn't look too interesting, but with any luck I'll find the spark for the course and do well to keep my GPA up.

Sailor was going to call last night, but he was tired after watch and went to bed. I have a feeling they're in River City again (no communications) because I haven't received an email from him today, and we usually get at least one a day.

He liked my hair cut pictures. I'm sure by the time he comes home, it'll be a bit longer.

This week's flex:
Tues - work. LOTS to do. Preschool and daycare.
Wed - work. Still lots to do. Preschool and daycare. Grab some extras from the grocery store after work.
Thurs - more of the same. Greta's last day at daycare!! If we have the money (and time to pick them up), we'll pick up some hockey playoff tickets for a thankyou gift, otherwise, we'll have to mail them or drop them off once we get some money.
Fri - Preschool for the girls. Work til noon, then chiro, dance shop, and Sears photo to pick up the portraits from the start of the month. Hopefully will have a sitter so I can attend the vocal workshop, and my bronchitis will be under control enough that I can sing without hacking up a lung.

Hope we hear from Sailor soon.

Effin' Pirates

I was warned yesterday that Sailor might not be coming home in May. And here it is, officially official:

FW: ! HMCS WINNIPEG Mission change !

Families and friends of WINNIPEG,

1. As I mentioned to some of you during the last Sunday Session, due to the critical role NATO is playing in combating piracy of the coast of Somalia, there was a chance that WINNIPEG's mission could change to have our counter-piracy operation extended. This has indeed occurred. Today, NATO has announced that SNMG1, of which WINNIPEG is a part, will cancel planned port visits in Singapore and Australia and instead return to the Gulf of Aden to continue the counter-piracy operation.

2. What does this mean for WINNIPEG? Well, it will impact the ship's company and the families and friends in a number of ways. Specifically:

-Short-term schedule: WINNIPEG will no longer proceed to Singapore or Perth for the planned port visits. Instead the ship will return to the Gulf of Aden to work alongside the other ships of the NATO squadron and the other coalition forces in the area to continue to combat piracy.

-Long-term schedule: NATO has announced that the counter-piracy operation will be extended until 28 June 09. At this moment, we do not know if WINNIPEG will participate in the counter-piracy operation for this entire time, or whether we will depart at an earlier date. We will let you know as soon as we do. When this decision is made, we will also be able to tell you our future anticipated ports and dates. For instance, we may still visit Perth, but it would be at a later date.

3. Some questions you may have:

Return Date: While our mission has changed, there is no indication that this change will effect our return date to Esquimalt, which is still planned for 21 August.

HLTA: Unfortunately, due to the cancellation of our port visits to Singapore and Perth, all HLTA that had been previously arranged for those ports will have to be cancelled. While this will be a dis-satisfier for some, please understand that this is an operational requirement. HLTA will be refunded for those individuals that have made plans. Depending upon the length of our operation, there will still be some opportunity for members of the ship's company to take HLTA.

Benefits: WINNIPEG will continue to receive high levels of Hardship and Risk allowances, and will remain on tax free status, for the duration of our participation in the counter-piracy operation.

As always, I know that I can count on all of you to support your loved ones as we embark upon this next phase of our mission. Rest assured that I will keep you informed of any further developments in our mission, and will advise as soon as possible when we know more about the length of the counter-piracy operation, new port visit dates, etc.

Once again, I ask that if you have any questions at all regarding our deployment, please contact the MFRC who will then forward the questions onto WINNIPEG.

Thank you,

Craig Baines
Commander
Commanding Officer

Yeah, thanks for that. How the hell do I explain to a 4 year-old that Daddy's not coming home now, but we get extra money for it?

We're all bummed out, but should snap out of it soon.

On a happier note, I got my hair coloured (redish!), trimmed, and bought a snazzy head band. I LOVE it.

Tomorrow night is the Fleet Idol karaoke contest. I'm entering. So's the Vice. I haven't met him yet. I'm hoping there'll be a HUGE crowd, because I'm sick and tired of listening to the day staff moan and drip and say, "It'll never work" when I know it will. After all, I've been there for a week (technically three days) and I already have more people on the committee, and guys from the Shop (can't say where) have come to measure stuff so they can make covers for us. Bah... when there's a big crowd, that'll learn 'em. I hope.

I invited a friend of mine to come with me. She's a new friend, and I'm really looking forward to spending more time with her. She's fun. And she sings too!

So, well, I guess I have to re-arrange some things and find a sitter for Greta during Ray's rehearsals. I think their Godparents will do it, but I should have a back-up just in case.

*sigh* Miss ya, Sailor. We all do.