And things in my blog world take a turn towards the realm of 'to much information'.... enjoy!
I got my first period! It was a wintery day, a Friday. I had spent my afternoon after school sledding down the neighbours huge hill. For some reason, I wasn't wearing underwear, but I did have on my favourite pair of jeans. When I went to the bathroom I thought I'd hurt myself, but quickly realized what it was. My mom had told me all about periods when I was 8, since on my dad's side of the family, many of the girls got theirs around 9 years old. She had also told me she hoped I was at least 12 when it happened for me. As it turned out, I was 1 month shy of 12. I got changed and told my mom, expecting it to be like an after-school special with giggling and celebration. I was a woman!
I remember being in the kitchen that night after supper and felt a bit crampy. It felt better when I placed my hand on my low belly and rubbed a bit. Mom saw and said I shouldn't do that around people, because others would know what it meant and that my period was a private thing.
A girl from my (grade 6) class called me that night, she wanted to ask about homework or something. I was so excited that I told her. Afterwards, I felt incredibly stupid - she wasn't even one of my friends, I didn't really like her, either. On Monday, I told her I was mistaken and she said "Well, I guess that means it will happen soon!" She was jealous, all the same, as she hadn't started hers yet.
I didn't get another period for a couple of months, but when the next one came, it hit with a vengeance. They got steadily worse. My first day of grade 7, I leaked through my clothes and had to wait in the nurses office for mom to bring me more clothes. This was a regular occurrence for me all through junior high. I would get cramping so badly that I would throw up. Mom always told me to stop being so dramatic. I remember once wiping away a clot so thick and long and ropey - like the thick green slime that forms on stagnant ponds - that I started to whimper, sure I could feel it pulling out of me, sure I was going to go into shock, sure I was about to die.
Things finally settled down when I went on the pill in high school. I think I was in grade 11? (Went on it because of my horrendous periods, not for birth control!) I came off them after a few months, hoping that things would be better. But no, my first period hit HARD and I was on an overnight field trip to the city (where I now live, but 3 hours from my home then) with my drama class. I sent my friend's mom, who was a chaperon, out to fill a new prescription for a special painkiller while I whimpered in a bed in the dorm room where our group was staying. The prescription came with the warning that if I started vomiting anything that looked like coffee grounds, to get myself to the ER asap. Lovely. I was 17. I went back on the pill soon afterwards. Only coming off after getting married in 2005 at the ripe old age of 26.
...Oh 'aunt flo', what a long and tumultuous relationship we have.Every month, I swear you're not going to make an appearance, and every month you pop out and wallop me. Fun times!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Spa Day!
Went for a massage today. Holy frack, why has it taken me so long to go?
When I first booked the appointment they said there was an 11am opening... or 4:30 if I preferred a female practitioner. I didn't care, plus I couldn't make 4:30 work, so I booked with the guy. It was at a spa, not an actual massage therapy clinic, so I settled myself into thinking it was all about atmosphere. A massage and a pedicure after 2 weeks home with the boys sounded wonderful.
He seemed a bit nervous at first and I thought "Oh noes! A newbie!" He made cheesy jokes (a slight bow and very gracious "Oh no, you shouldn't have!" When I presented him with my empty water glass) and there was a slight dance as I entered the room and we both stepped in the same direction. More cheesy jokes about the electric bed warmer.
I had an unexpected flash of "Shit - another man is touching me!" As he pulled down the sheet and put his hands on my skin. I thought back about the last few massages I've had with a male practitioner and realized they've all been therapeutic massages, more osteopathic in technique, and I stay fully dressed. I felt exposed and even a bit like I was doing something naughty.
But as the massage continued, as he found the sore spots between my shoulder blades and worked them with his elbow, I saw my mistake. He wasn't a novice. He knew his stuff. This wouldn't be relaxing. He followed a ropey muscle towards my arm pit and discovered an incredibly tight rotator cuff. From this, he deduced that I sleep mostly on my left side and that my hands probably go numb. And that I was in a car accident at some point. All true! He worked that muscle until I nearly cried but then it suddenly released, the knot melted away and the pain was minimized, even though he was up to his wrist in it.
Moving down to my hips, he asked if I was having low back problems - hellz yes! He said my sacrum was tight and out of place, causing my hips to rotate and pull. I knew that, but figured since my chiropractor couldn't get it to release that it was a lost cause. Well, this guys had a few tricks up his sleeve. Grabbing onto my foot, he tugged gently on my leg, once, twice, three times. On tug number four, he told me to cough. (At this point in my retelling, Jay asked if the guy was wearing gloves and did I have to bend over?) When I coughed, I felt a click. The pain I've been having off and on for the last 13 years and nearly constantly for the last 2 eased.
I complained about my posture. He checked the muscles in my neck and chest. He fretted over how tight and knotted they were and that we didn't have enough time in today's session to get to everything. So I go back in 10 days. Until then, I'm to have Epsom salts baths. Work on my core strength. Try some stretches. Maybe get some exercise. Stop carrying the boys down the stairs. You know, take care of myself.
I went in expecting 45 minutes of ho-hum relaxation in a quite, dim room with sleepy music playing. But I got some fixes to some pretty big deals. And a shade called "Hearts & Tarts" on my toes. Sweeeeet!
And just so this post isn't all about me... look what happened to Elliot yesterday!
Looks all grown up, doesn't he?!
When I first booked the appointment they said there was an 11am opening... or 4:30 if I preferred a female practitioner. I didn't care, plus I couldn't make 4:30 work, so I booked with the guy. It was at a spa, not an actual massage therapy clinic, so I settled myself into thinking it was all about atmosphere. A massage and a pedicure after 2 weeks home with the boys sounded wonderful.
He seemed a bit nervous at first and I thought "Oh noes! A newbie!" He made cheesy jokes (a slight bow and very gracious "Oh no, you shouldn't have!" When I presented him with my empty water glass) and there was a slight dance as I entered the room and we both stepped in the same direction. More cheesy jokes about the electric bed warmer.
I had an unexpected flash of "Shit - another man is touching me!" As he pulled down the sheet and put his hands on my skin. I thought back about the last few massages I've had with a male practitioner and realized they've all been therapeutic massages, more osteopathic in technique, and I stay fully dressed. I felt exposed and even a bit like I was doing something naughty.
But as the massage continued, as he found the sore spots between my shoulder blades and worked them with his elbow, I saw my mistake. He wasn't a novice. He knew his stuff. This wouldn't be relaxing. He followed a ropey muscle towards my arm pit and discovered an incredibly tight rotator cuff. From this, he deduced that I sleep mostly on my left side and that my hands probably go numb. And that I was in a car accident at some point. All true! He worked that muscle until I nearly cried but then it suddenly released, the knot melted away and the pain was minimized, even though he was up to his wrist in it.
Moving down to my hips, he asked if I was having low back problems - hellz yes! He said my sacrum was tight and out of place, causing my hips to rotate and pull. I knew that, but figured since my chiropractor couldn't get it to release that it was a lost cause. Well, this guys had a few tricks up his sleeve. Grabbing onto my foot, he tugged gently on my leg, once, twice, three times. On tug number four, he told me to cough. (At this point in my retelling, Jay asked if the guy was wearing gloves and did I have to bend over?) When I coughed, I felt a click. The pain I've been having off and on for the last 13 years and nearly constantly for the last 2 eased.
 |
| Can we say "Quasimodo"? |
I went in expecting 45 minutes of ho-hum relaxation in a quite, dim room with sleepy music playing. But I got some fixes to some pretty big deals. And a shade called "Hearts & Tarts" on my toes. Sweeeeet!
And just so this post isn't all about me... look what happened to Elliot yesterday!
Looks all grown up, doesn't he?!
Monday, January 3, 2011
The girls hurt
Yep. Gonna talk about my boobs again. It's been a while. I've weaned since my last boob saga. I've started wearing bras that supposedly fit - even went in for a fitting in a posh lingerie store and bought a fancy and pricey bra. But they hurt. They feel heavy and bruised. Pretty much constantly, but yes, more so for about a week once a month.
Is my bra the wrong size? Have I put on so much weight that they can no longer support themselves? Is this the start of that middle-aged boobs-slide-to-your-belly-button thing? (And if so, hellllls no! I can't be middle aged at almost 32, can I?)
I'm not pregnant. I am having hormonal weirdness and have switched temporarily to a new birth control pill, so maybe that's the culprit? Or maybe Jay - or better yet, one of the boys - is boob-punching me while I sleep. Probably Felix, He's obsessed. I got in the tub with him the other night and the second he saw me he reached out and said "Touch your nipples?" I said no and then he cried, saying "Me like your nipples!" He's very tactile, into sensations. Yes, he's a boy, but he seems to be unusually fond of his penis.
Even better than sore boobs is the sharp poke I'm getting into the side of ol' righty as the stitching gave up it's hold over the underwire. Luckily, this isn't on my pricey bra (which actually hurts, even though it's supposedly my size. Shhhh. Must convince myself it was money well spent.) But it is a pretty Victoria's secret one. I guess it's time to get more. I suppose there are worse ways to spend my time.
How are your girls or the girls in your life? Do they hurt? Are they as perky as you always wanted them to be? Let's ring in 2011 talking about unmentionables.
Is my bra the wrong size? Have I put on so much weight that they can no longer support themselves? Is this the start of that middle-aged boobs-slide-to-your-belly-button thing? (And if so, hellllls no! I can't be middle aged at almost 32, can I?)
I'm not pregnant. I am having hormonal weirdness and have switched temporarily to a new birth control pill, so maybe that's the culprit? Or maybe Jay - or better yet, one of the boys - is boob-punching me while I sleep. Probably Felix, He's obsessed. I got in the tub with him the other night and the second he saw me he reached out and said "Touch your nipples?" I said no and then he cried, saying "Me like your nipples!" He's very tactile, into sensations. Yes, he's a boy, but he seems to be unusually fond of his penis.
Even better than sore boobs is the sharp poke I'm getting into the side of ol' righty as the stitching gave up it's hold over the underwire. Luckily, this isn't on my pricey bra (which actually hurts, even though it's supposedly my size. Shhhh. Must convince myself it was money well spent.) But it is a pretty Victoria's secret one. I guess it's time to get more. I suppose there are worse ways to spend my time.
How are your girls or the girls in your life? Do they hurt? Are they as perky as you always wanted them to be? Let's ring in 2011 talking about unmentionables.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2010 Memories
Ahhhh January 2010
Felix started daycare and the oven caught fire. I went back to work. And opened my own business.
February 2010
We all got sick. I had a sinus infection and mastitis and a birthday.
March 2010
I worked a lot, got a bladder infection and we all went a bit stir crazy.
April 2010
Road trip! Rented a car and headed down to my mom's for Easter weekend. Then I got a new computer.
May 2010
I donated blood for the first time. Took a road trip to the wildlife park. Jay's step-mother took a swan dive down our stairs, breaking her arm and injuring her leg. Jay had a birthday. There was lots of poo. We explored the ruins at a historic site.
June 2010
Elliot got creative with scissors. Felix moved into a big boy bed. We took a long walk over a big bridge and watched the war canoe races. We climbed a tall tower.
July 2010
Jay cut Elliot's hair. Felix turned 2. We made lots of sidewalk chalk cities. We ate many, many raspberries. I started weaning off my antidepressants. We went to all the walking trails and parks we could find. The boys got jiggy with it.
August 2010
The panic attacks started and Felix weaned from breastfeeding while on another road trip. We spent lots of time exploring different playgrounds and the water park. We rode on the Harbour Hopper - a car/boat hybrid painted like a frog.
September 2010
I went to university! Elliot started preschool! Hurricane Earl blew through! We celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary! Elliot turned 4! I dislocated Felix's elbow! Big month.
October 2010
I gave up caffeine. And bashed my finger on Halloween - the boys had fun, though! We went on a miniature train ride. And on another road trip. And made a big Thanksgiving dinner. And had a blast at the Fall Fair.
November 2010
I gave up sugar and all things good. There was monumental flooding through out the region after a record breaking 7 days of rain. First snow fall! Elliot went to the dentist to have a one of his front teeth smoothed. More outings to the park.
December 2010
The sickies descended again, with multiple bouts of strep throats, ear infections and barking coughs for everyone, plus an ER visit for Elliot. We saw Santa (and may have infected him.) We took a whirlwind road trip, driving 3.5 hours in each direction to go to a 4 hour family party - all in one day. Visited a ball pit, built a snowman, went sledding, made a gingerbread house, buried the tree in presents, played with lots of trains. Saw fireworks.... said goodbye to 2010.
2011, we welcome you and wonder what you have in store?!
Felix started daycare and the oven caught fire. I went back to work. And opened my own business.
February 2010
We all got sick. I had a sinus infection and mastitis and a birthday.
I worked a lot, got a bladder infection and we all went a bit stir crazy.
Road trip! Rented a car and headed down to my mom's for Easter weekend. Then I got a new computer.
May 2010
I donated blood for the first time. Took a road trip to the wildlife park. Jay's step-mother took a swan dive down our stairs, breaking her arm and injuring her leg. Jay had a birthday. There was lots of poo. We explored the ruins at a historic site.
June 2010
Elliot got creative with scissors. Felix moved into a big boy bed. We took a long walk over a big bridge and watched the war canoe races. We climbed a tall tower.
July 2010
Jay cut Elliot's hair. Felix turned 2. We made lots of sidewalk chalk cities. We ate many, many raspberries. I started weaning off my antidepressants. We went to all the walking trails and parks we could find. The boys got jiggy with it.
August 2010
The panic attacks started and Felix weaned from breastfeeding while on another road trip. We spent lots of time exploring different playgrounds and the water park. We rode on the Harbour Hopper - a car/boat hybrid painted like a frog.
I went to university! Elliot started preschool! Hurricane Earl blew through! We celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary! Elliot turned 4! I dislocated Felix's elbow! Big month.
October 2010
I gave up caffeine. And bashed my finger on Halloween - the boys had fun, though! We went on a miniature train ride. And on another road trip. And made a big Thanksgiving dinner. And had a blast at the Fall Fair.
November 2010
I gave up sugar and all things good. There was monumental flooding through out the region after a record breaking 7 days of rain. First snow fall! Elliot went to the dentist to have a one of his front teeth smoothed. More outings to the park.
December 2010
The sickies descended again, with multiple bouts of strep throats, ear infections and barking coughs for everyone, plus an ER visit for Elliot. We saw Santa (and may have infected him.) We took a whirlwind road trip, driving 3.5 hours in each direction to go to a 4 hour family party - all in one day. Visited a ball pit, built a snowman, went sledding, made a gingerbread house, buried the tree in presents, played with lots of trains. Saw fireworks.... said goodbye to 2010.
2011, we welcome you and wonder what you have in store?!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Out with a Bang!
As soon as I can get some time, there will be a 2010 - Year in Photos post. Someday. Hopefully before 2011 comes to a close!
The city put on an awesome celebration for families last night. There were children's entertainers, then a mock countdown to fireworks at 7:30, followed by Auld Lang Syne. The boys were mesmerized. I've been wanting to get them out to see fireworks for the last 4 years. But they're always at 10pm and it's a half hour walk each way to view.
The look of awe on their little faces was priceless. I cried. It's not everyday you get to achieve one of your parenting dreams!
The city put on an awesome celebration for families last night. There were children's entertainers, then a mock countdown to fireworks at 7:30, followed by Auld Lang Syne. The boys were mesmerized. I've been wanting to get them out to see fireworks for the last 4 years. But they're always at 10pm and it's a half hour walk each way to view.
The look of awe on their little faces was priceless. I cried. It's not everyday you get to achieve one of your parenting dreams!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
View from the bottom
We had a wonderful Christmas. The boys shocked us and slept in. Then they played with their new toys all.day.long... I knew they'd love their new train set but I didn't expect it to completely engross them until bedtime.
Merry Christmas, happy holidays and all that jazz to everyone, and to all a good night!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Love Shack
My mom came for a visit this week. On Wednesday, we cleaned. The floors. The dishes. It took all day. Yesterday, we baked. Starting at 10am, cosmopolitans in hand, we made fudge, skor squares, almond bark, candy cane bark, sugar cookies, orange-almond biscotti, truffles (which I finished today because holy crap! What a long and messy process!) and gingerbread. There was just enough gingerbread left after rolling out slabs for a house to make 4 little people and some trees.
Today, I found an icing recipe that was suitable for sticking the gingerbread house together and we got creative. I honestly didn't think it was going to work. But voila!
 | ||
| Poor melted snowman. |
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| Elliot decorated this person. That's a belly button, I'm told. |
We also spent some time out in the SNOW! Yay, we finally got some white stuff. And it was perfect snow, too. Played in the backyard. Trekked over to the high school and used their hill for sledding. Good times!
Soooooo, we're thinking of spending 7-8 hours in the (borrowed) car tomorrow to go to a family Christmas party for about 3 hours. Not sure if we will. What say you - should we do it?
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