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| Before |
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| Picnic gawkers |
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| Yesterday |
Oh... and...
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| Rrrraaarrrrrr! |
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Beachin'
Our city holds a yearly Curbside Giveaway, where you can drag all your unwanted crap treasures out to the curb for anyone to find and claim. We participated last year, cleaned out a bunch of crap treasures and yes, brought some new crap treasures into the house - Felix's big boy bed, for example, was being given away by one of his daycare teachers.
This year, the day was bright and sunny. We piled the curb high withcrap treasure - old monitors, printers, piles and piles of books, toys the boys no longer wanted played with (and that I didn't think the daycare wanted, either - they received a large bag from us last week!), Christmas decorations, old picture frames, candles, a legacy toy box that just took up too much space...
Then we hopped in the car and went down to the Farmer's Market. (Where I stocked up on soap for the boys' latest obsession with lathering themselves in the tub, and Rawthentic chocolates... o.m.g. I need willpower. Too tasty.) Each time we bring the boys we swear we'll never do it again without short pieces of rope to tie them to us. And muzzles. Maybe straitjackets. They go everywhere, touching everything, and smashing into everyone. All at once and usually in different directions. We have talks with them in advance, reminding them of rules and personal space and putting their listening ears on. But it's always a madhouse. I grew up in Farmer's Markets... I don't remember mom tearing out her hair or threatening to thrash us. But those were different times. It wasn't as crowded in our little town. And we were a bit older. Or I have a selective memory. (Note to self: call mom.)
We made it out of the Market alive but not quite sane and herded theferal cats boys to a nearby park with a play structure and some shade for a picnic. When we could finally peel them off the slides, we went for a looooong drive so they would just nap already.
We drove fairly aimlessly... 30 minutes in one direction, then back and veering off and circling around. We went down roads we hadn't been on in years. Followed one until it ended at a golf course on the ocean. When I started muttering, Elliot piped up from the back seat, "All roads have to end somewhere, mama!". Sage little creature. We meandered around until we ended up at a beach. And then thechaos fun really began! We were unprepared, so made due with rolled up pants... until those got soaked. You know you've had a wild time when you have salt lines on your thighs!
Felix was challenged by the tides. He would splash out to meet them and run shrieking and laughing in with them. Then the water would rush out, sucking sand and rocks out from under our feet, knocking us off balance... I had to run interference so Felix didn't get swept away. Every time.
The tides were coming in, quickly. My boys made a wall to buy themselves some time. It was a valiant effort. But, predictably, an epic fail. There might have also been some burying of a small child in the sand, necessitating a speedy save when the area was flooded.
Had a gourmet supper of hotdogs and fries on a boardwalk and then came home, wiped. And saw that most of ourcrap treasures had been re-homed! Hooray for cleaning out the corners of our dangerously full basement and closets. And by that I mean barely denting the heap. Honestly, we may be about 3 piles and a candlestick away from falling under the hoarder classification.
We sure soaked up the sun, and I'll sleep good tonight. (You hear that boys - stay in your own freaking rooms, ok!) And hopefully we can do it all again real soon.
This year, the day was bright and sunny. We piled the curb high with
Then we hopped in the car and went down to the Farmer's Market. (Where I stocked up on soap for the boys' latest obsession with lathering themselves in the tub, and Rawthentic chocolates... o.m.g. I need willpower. Too tasty.) Each time we bring the boys we swear we'll never do it again without short pieces of rope to tie them to us. And muzzles. Maybe straitjackets. They go everywhere, touching everything, and smashing into everyone. All at once and usually in different directions. We have talks with them in advance, reminding them of rules and personal space and putting their listening ears on. But it's always a madhouse. I grew up in Farmer's Markets... I don't remember mom tearing out her hair or threatening to thrash us. But those were different times. It wasn't as crowded in our little town. And we were a bit older. Or I have a selective memory. (Note to self: call mom.)
We made it out of the Market alive but not quite sane and herded the
We drove fairly aimlessly... 30 minutes in one direction, then back and veering off and circling around. We went down roads we hadn't been on in years. Followed one until it ended at a golf course on the ocean. When I started muttering, Elliot piped up from the back seat, "All roads have to end somewhere, mama!". Sage little creature. We meandered around until we ended up at a beach. And then the
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| He promises me he was saving Felix, not getting ready to toss him! |
The tides were coming in, quickly. My boys made a wall to buy themselves some time. It was a valiant effort. But, predictably, an epic fail. There might have also been some burying of a small child in the sand, necessitating a speedy save when the area was flooded.
Had a gourmet supper of hotdogs and fries on a boardwalk and then came home, wiped. And saw that most of our
We sure soaked up the sun, and I'll sleep good tonight. (You hear that boys - stay in your own freaking rooms, ok!) And hopefully we can do it all again real soon.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Primary Relativity
Took Elliot for his primary orientation this morning. He alternated between being excitedly curious and being a clingy, refusing mess. We arrived a few minutes early, getting the lay of the land. This school reminds me of a rabbit warren or an ant farm There are staircases and hallways that go everywhere! Walking through the main door, you are on a landing with 2 staircases directly in front of you - one up, one down - and yet another flight of stairs going down to the right, into the gym.
We went down to the gym to look for Elliot's name on a wall for his group for the morning. He was in the blue section and I sucked in my breath, sure he was going to freak out and demand to be in the red group. But he kept his cool. Mostly. He started climbing me, pulling on my coat, standing on my coffee cup. Student volunteers located his name tag and gave him a bag of books and information supplied by the school board. Then we waited. He sat on my lap.
Then we went to the music room for his first mini-class of the morning. And the parents were told to say goodbye. We could leave the school if we provided them with a contact number, or we could go up to the library for coffee and snacks. I found a staircase and followed it up, knowing I would come out on the main level but not knowing where. I followed the main hall until something looked familiar, walked up a half flight of stairs to a level with a few classrooms, then up another half to the top floor.
I met some other parents, we talked about our kids and parenting and plans for the summer. Many of the children in this district have doctors and lawyers and government officials for parents. And cottages and summer homes scattered about the province. Yes, it's intimidating. But whatever. That's my own deal.
After 3 calorie-filled hours (And I only had 3 of the mini treats, which added up to 340 calories! Eep! But I'm kinda proud of myself for remaining on the other side of the room and not scarfing them down two at a time like I really wanted to.) I went down to collect Elliot from a basement classroom since it was too cool and misty outside for them to have their playground session. As soon as I walked in, the instructor piped up with an amazed, "He's smart!" I nodded and said, "Yep." So blasé. But they were evaluating the kids, informally, to help slot them in to the appropriate class in the fall. There's a full primary class (with the awesome teacher we already know) and a primary/one split with a new, male teacher. We're cautiously hoping for the split.
Apparently he had a wonderful time and he did tell me about some of the sessions (Music, gym, an eye exam, class time and free play.) But as we packed up and headed outside, he started crying, saying he didn't want to go back to school - neither the big school we'd just left, nor the preschool we were headed to so he could have lunch and a rest since I needed toblog and mess around on the internetz work. I promised to pick him up early. And I will. Maybe. After some hugging and clinging and crow-barring off the front porch of the preschool, and the reading of a book, and more hugging and some hand holding whilst hand washing, he settled for lunch with his friends and I was free.
I really should do some work. Deadlines and all that. Clients counting on me. I just want a nap. Silly to have gone to bed so late. And then the kids got up so freaking early. Felix was singing Isty Bitsy Spider just before 6am. Oh, and have you discovered Amber Dusick yet? No? GO NOW!!!!
See - the internetz, they entice me and go on forever in all directions. Not safe for Rainy!
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| Escher's Relativity - or Elliot's new school?? |
Then we went to the music room for his first mini-class of the morning. And the parents were told to say goodbye. We could leave the school if we provided them with a contact number, or we could go up to the library for coffee and snacks. I found a staircase and followed it up, knowing I would come out on the main level but not knowing where. I followed the main hall until something looked familiar, walked up a half flight of stairs to a level with a few classrooms, then up another half to the top floor.
I met some other parents, we talked about our kids and parenting and plans for the summer. Many of the children in this district have doctors and lawyers and government officials for parents. And cottages and summer homes scattered about the province. Yes, it's intimidating. But whatever. That's my own deal.
After 3 calorie-filled hours (And I only had 3 of the mini treats, which added up to 340 calories! Eep! But I'm kinda proud of myself for remaining on the other side of the room and not scarfing them down two at a time like I really wanted to.) I went down to collect Elliot from a basement classroom since it was too cool and misty outside for them to have their playground session. As soon as I walked in, the instructor piped up with an amazed, "He's smart!" I nodded and said, "Yep." So blasé. But they were evaluating the kids, informally, to help slot them in to the appropriate class in the fall. There's a full primary class (with the awesome teacher we already know) and a primary/one split with a new, male teacher. We're cautiously hoping for the split.
Apparently he had a wonderful time and he did tell me about some of the sessions (Music, gym, an eye exam, class time and free play.) But as we packed up and headed outside, he started crying, saying he didn't want to go back to school - neither the big school we'd just left, nor the preschool we were headed to so he could have lunch and a rest since I needed to
I really should do some work. Deadlines and all that. Clients counting on me. I just want a nap. Silly to have gone to bed so late. And then the kids got up so freaking early. Felix was singing Isty Bitsy Spider just before 6am. Oh, and have you discovered Amber Dusick yet? No? GO NOW!!!!
See - the internetz, they entice me and go on forever in all directions. Not safe for Rainy!
I will always remember...
I kept a diary as a girl, like many. I suppose this blog is my grown up version, also like many. I came across one of my old diaries while cleaning the other day and thought I'd share a few pieces with you, Cringe-style! As I flipped through it, I was saddened by the angst I was expressing, the cursing, the hating, the self-depreciating and self-harming, the need to be loved, to have a boyfriend, to fit in. But I'm glad I had an outlet, the presence of mind to write it all out. Of course, reading it now that nearly 20 years have passed, I am cringing at my words and want to grab hold of that 14 year old and give her a big hug and protect her from the world, and herself. She obviously needed it. I remember I destroyed a couple of my early diaries, from when I was even younger. Those are the ones I wish I had... this teen drama is still all too fresh in my mind. I'm implementing FlashBack Fridays. Come cringe with me!
Saturday January 1st, 1994
DD
Well. Happy New Year. It is 12:28 am. I will always remember 1993 as my 14th year. (Duh!) A year of many crushes. First J, then K, then (sorta) E (NOT!), then J, then J, then J, then A, then N, then finally M.
1993 was the year C bounced off the rings in gym, the year of my first kiss, my first prom date. It was the year I found K passed out on the floor and the year I quit my first job. I will always remember it as the year I got my second and 3rd earring holes done, dyed my hair blue (for Halloween) and then purple (yesterday, for fun) and also the year I pierced my hand. (Edit: The webbing between my thumb and index finger. Particularly dumb since there's a major vein there...) I did it myself Thursday night with a safety pin & ice. Now there's a diamond stud in it. But most of all, 1993 was my year for first love. I love M so much. I know it won't change. Not for a long time.
My new years resolution is:
1. Stay with M forever & ever
2. Get another job
3. Get in shape; exercise; lose weight, as much as possible
1993 was also the year my 2 best friends moved away.
Love,
Rainy
Saturday, January 22, 1994
DD,
Exams have started. I wrote English yesterday and I got Social Studies on Monday.
M has come over for the past 2 Saturdays.
R came up this Saturday. Last night, we dyed my hair. The dye was called burgundy but it came out more magenta. I love it!
The earring fell out of my hand. It was in for 3 weeks & then the skin around it died. Oh well.
Anyway, gotta study!
~Rainy
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
25 lbs
My cardiovascular health is greatly improved. I can run - at 5.2 to 5.6, even punching it up to 6 mph - for a full 30 minutes now, and then I really only stop due to time constraints. I've even been running outside. We were late for gymnastics class on Sunday and instead of taking the car, (The. Car. We finally own a car!!) I tossed the boys in the double jogger and ran the whole way there - typically a 30 minute/2 km walk - arriving 10 minutes early for class. And today, the plan was to go to the library. I knew I wasn't going to get a work out in and time was tight - had to get back home, make supper and feed the boys before the sitter arrived so we could go to the parent-teacher meeting at Felix's daycare. (They had glowing things to say, he's a very happy, patient, well loved child. They've apparently never met the Screaming Pterodactyl of Doom.) So I again tossed them in the stroller and ran 3.3 km in the other direction.
Taking the car downtown at that time of day wasn't even an option. Parking would have been a nightmare and then we'd have been stuck in rush hour traffic coming home which gives me road rage and a rash.
But I did it and felt great! Pacing myself is tricky outside. And running while pushing 50+ lbs of kid in a hugeass stroller is no easy feat, either. I much prefer the treadmill. But I do love the fresh air.
(Who am I trying to kid? I live in the city. There's no fresh air here!)
I'm seeing more shades of our summer. Me running with both kids confined. Sounds like a great contingency plan. Toss in some munchies for them and an iPod for me and we're in business all day, baby! I've given myself a new mini goal... need to drop 4.5 more pounds before the boys are done daycare and preschool on the 29th. Then I'll only have 1 more pound left to shed. Well, 3, actually, since I'd much rather be under goal, as I know it'll spring back up. I only need to look at chocolate and I've gained a pound. I'm the person who ate a 2 lb bag of chocolate covered raisins and gained 5. True story.
And now I see that I'm already encroaching on the time my schedule tells me is 'hubby time'...What - you don't schedule? ... so I best hightail myself away from this computer before he comes looking for me. If he's awake, that is. It's awfully quiet up there. I think everyone may actually be asleep. Which is awesome.
Maybe tomorrow will be the day I wake up and FEEL 25 pounds lighter. Please?
Friday, June 3, 2011
No "words"
I kept a diary as a girl, like many. I suppose this blog is my grown up version, also like many. I came across one of my old diaries while cleaning the other day and thought I'd share a few pieces with you, Cringe-style! As I flipped through it, I was saddened by the angst I was expressing, the cursing, the hating, the self-depreciating and self-harming, the need to be loved, to have a boyfriend, to fit in. But I'm glad I had an outlet, the presence of mind to write it all out. Of course, reading it now that nearly 20 years have passed, I am cringing at my words and want to grab hold of that 14 year old and give her a big hug and protect her from the world, and herself. She obviously needed it. I remember I destroyed a couple of my early diaries, from when I was even younger. Those are the ones I wish I had... this teen drama is still all too fresh in my mind. I'm implementing FlashBack Fridays. Come cringe with me!
October 18, 1993
DD,
I wrecked it again. Yep... the eternal idiot strikes again. I wrote M a note. (Will I ever learn?) I asked him out in it. I knew he didn't want a relationship now. Damn. I wrecked it.
His sister called me and said he doesn't want a relationship (duh) & he just wants to be friends. Shit. I've gotta face him on Friday (K&Cs party... he's definitely coming) and also on Saturday (his sister's party). I really embarrassed myself.
When will I learn?
Later,
Rainy
October 25, 1993
Me & M are going out!! (Not officially... no "words" have been said). He called me tonight & we talked for an hour. At his sister's party, right before I left, I kissed him. It was nice. On the phone, he said I took him off guard.
Well, I gotta go. Mom's comin' & she's mad at me already for talking to M instead of cleaning my room.
See ya!
Rainy
October 18, 1993
DD,
I wrecked it again. Yep... the eternal idiot strikes again. I wrote M a note. (Will I ever learn?) I asked him out in it. I knew he didn't want a relationship now. Damn. I wrecked it.
His sister called me and said he doesn't want a relationship (duh) & he just wants to be friends. Shit. I've gotta face him on Friday (K&Cs party... he's definitely coming) and also on Saturday (his sister's party). I really embarrassed myself.
When will I learn?
Later,
Rainy
October 25, 1993
Me & M are going out!! (Not officially... no "words" have been said). He called me tonight & we talked for an hour. At his sister's party, right before I left, I kissed him. It was nice. On the phone, he said I took him off guard.
Well, I gotta go. Mom's comin' & she's mad at me already for talking to M instead of cleaning my room.
See ya!
Rainy
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