Work and Play

Interesting Monday. Took me 30 minutes to catch up on work emails, then I got changed into my uniform.

I called a couple people back (turns out the woman at the play area we rented in December for the Kid's Christmas party is the wife of a bass player friend, who's band played our wedding reception! HA! Small world or what!?), and then gave a quick briefing to some new technicians at the Fleet School.

Then raced into town for a chiro visit. Okay, raced is a slight exaggeration: crawled painfully along in 2nd gear is more like it. There was construction from one end of town (where I started), all the way INTO town. And then four blocks later, there was a police roadblock for the funeral procession for Lt Nuttall, so I had to detour around that (not a big problem though) before arriving 15 minutes late.

After that, I had a splendid lunch with Sailor's 2nd cousin - a lovely girl! Haven't seen her in 8 years, since her mother's wedding. She loves the Island (as well she should), and she and her boyfriend leave tomorrow, driving home to Edmonton. Ick.

I returned to work for an hour or so, then drove around the gym's parking lot 4 times before someone else took the spot I was waiting for, and then went to my mandatory work-out session, where I sweated for my holiday sins. I left, got my friend V, showed her where Greta goes to preschool (for when Sailor's on duty next week, and she may end up picking up Ray from her school and dropping her at the preschool for our sitter, who, btw, is an ANGEL), and then dropped HER at home, and FINALLY came home.

So... up at 5, out the door around 6:35 (with Greta), home by 5pm. Long. Days.

Photo 1 is the view I have of my office while at my desk:

Yes, it's blue. Walls, ceiling - blue. Not my first choice, but I like blue, so I'm okay with it. The boxes you see are boxes of miniature statues, having to do with the Homecoming Statue Project. We sell the minis to people who want them ($135 a pop), and for this year only, are giving them away to retiring Naval members as a parting gift (as long as they have 20+ years in the "mob"). We've hired a decorator too, but she's starting downstairs first. The speaker in the corner is GREAT... too bad the air vent fan is RIGHT.ABOVE.MY.HEAD where I sit... so I hear pretty much nothing on the radio unless it's up to 11. Which means I can't hear the phone ring. And speaking of the phone... the 3 button is sticky, so dialing out sucks.

Photo 2 is of the girl's Christmas presents from their Godmother:

The mosaic box is for Ray, the Tinkerbell is for Greta. I did the front and one side of the box, with some help from Greta. She really understood the concept of which coloured piece goes on which numbered square. I was so impressed! Ray has done about 1/4 of the top so far. She's doing really well with it.

And yes, those are her slippers on the table. Greta's, not Tink's.

I forgot! Fantastic news! My cousin's wife (who may as well be MY cousin, we just love each other to bits), had signed up about 4 or 5 years ago to sell Mary Kay under another lady. I told her that she should have signed up under me, as I was her consultant. Anyway, this other director led my cousin down a garden path, and she ended up getting into a LOT of debt (and because of other things too) over bad business advice. So, my cousin let her consultant-ship (?) lapse, and just today, resigned under ME! AND her friend is going to do the same thing this week! I'll have TWO consultants!! I need 24 to be a director, but I'm quite happy to have those two! And it doesn't matter they won't put in 'qualifying' orders - the first orders they put in will be activation orders, and that's just fine and dandy. It's so great to see my cousin start to earn money the proper Mary Kay way - this time around I'll be able to give her much better advice than this other lady did.

I also forgot to add this week's Flex (for those who are interested):

Mon: Work.

Tues: Greta to Daycare, work, tap class

Wed: Greta to Daycare, work, Mary Kay Glamour Class!

Thurs: Greta to Daycare, work.

Fri: Greta to Daycare, work.

Sat: Ray's dance class, groceries.

Sun: Church. laundry. finish packing.

Mon: Drop Greta to daycare, Ray onto bus, me to airport, Sailor back to the ship!

Last Day Before RTW

n the military, most things can be shortened to an acronym. For example, RTW - Return to Work. FIGMO - F&ck it, Got My Orders (I'm outta here!). It makes for interesting reading, especially when you read something NOT from the military and put in their meanings.

So I'm back to work tomorrow, after 3 weeks off. The time has gone quickly. Greta goes back to her preschool, but Ray has one more week off, with her Dad, as he doesn't go back til the 11th. I have to iron a set of uniform clothes today. I wonder how long I'll be putting THAT off.

My suitcase is already open and receiving clothes. Sailor commented on it. I don't like to pack last minute - I ALWAYS forget something.

Never fails. To avoid that, I put in stuff early. The weather's pretty mild here, so I'll pack all my heavy sweaters for the trip. And the winter uniform stuff like snow boots, heavy coat, toque.

Today I have two pictures for my Photo365:

Photo 1 is of the church I attend on a pretty regular basis. It's a little Anglican church, St John The Baptist. They have a new website if you're interested in checking

it out: http://www.stjohnscobblehill.ca/

It's a sweet church, very loving people. The rector is a huge U2 fan, and his wife is an amazing teacher who runs a very successful grief course. I took it and it really helped me deal with my father's passing.

Photo 2 is of the poinsettias that were purchased over the Christmas/ Advent season. The church does this each year, where parishioners can purchase a plant (or two, or four) and have it decorate the altar area over the season. These are just a few of the beautiful plants, more were in the back. We purchase d two this year: one in memory of Sailor's father and my father, and one in memory of my Aunt who passed away this year and her husband who passed away about 4 years ago. We purchase Easter lilies at Easter. The tapestry in the back was done by a lady in Alberta who had done one to celebrate the marriage of our Rector and his wife. His wife thought it'd be nice if parishioners got together to purchase more tapestries celebrating the church year. Together with another couple or two, we bought part of the Easter tapestry and the baptismal tapestry. Looking at the photo now... it looked better composed in my head.

It's great to see so many Project 365 blogs! It's a great way to peek into people's lives unobtrusively I think.

Days 1 and 2

I love taking photos. I'm not all that great at it (yet), but I love it. I still have to send off my broken 12mp Kodak for repair (procrastinate much? I was supposed to do that last month!), but in the meantime I'm using a 9mp Kodak. My goal is to purchase a Nikon DXXXX once I've finished my diploma as a graduation gift. At this rate... it'll be a D7000 or something because it's taking me ages to finish the damed courses!

ANYway... here's day 1 of the 365 photo project. Picture 1: Ray asleep on the sofa.

She was rather grumpy once we returned to the house after visiting some of Sailor's friends. She doesn't do well with interrupted naps.

And picture 2: Our neighbourhood on January 1st, 2010.

We had a wet, green Christmas this year. A pleasant change from the usual winter wonderland it's been in the past. That's our new car in the drive: a 2010 Indigo Blue Elantra vice the 2009 Grey Elantra. 5 speed. Needs a 6th, as the revs are really high when going 110+kph. Other than that, great car. We quite like it.

Day 2 Photo 1: Christmas Decorations in the bin:

This is the tree decoration bin. All the ornaments, lights, garland - all goes in here. The one behind is the house bin, and the third one, waaaay in the back, is for all the dining room decorations. The girls were a big help putting everything away. Until they lost interest and started racing around the house.

Day 2 Photo 2: Greta's Extreme Tv Watching:

She was asked to go outside so many times, but refuses to wear her warm boots. So no outside. Instead, she'll wear the helmet as she runs the trike inside, and then when she takes a break,

she'll stop, watch the tv, and just leave the helmet on.

She's always in dresses and tights. Such a little fashionista.

And there's the first two days done. Check out my friend's blogs for their projects this year.

New Year, New Things to Try

Many people make resolutions for the New Year - better health, diet, running, being nicer, etc. Me... I've tried all those, and what works for me is NOT making a resolution, but just deciding, on the spur of the moment to do it. That's how I quit smoking - well... I was double-dog-dared and did it, but I still quit smoking. That was April 24th, 2000, and I'm still smoke free.

Well, this year, I'm going to try something a little different. A photo a day: http://photojojo.com/content/tutorials/project-365-take-a-photo-a-day/

I'm going to take a picture a day and post it at least once a week, with an accompanying story. Then I'll have a record of what my year was like. Should be interesting. To me at least - HA!

I'll post again this week, with pictures I've taken.

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.