So, it's noon and I'm about ready to poke my own eyes out with a fork.
It's a "snow day" here today and the girls are home. Normally, this isn't such a bad thing. We craft, we bake, we generally partake in merrymaking.
But today, by 9am, the fights were on. The teeth were bared, the gloves laid down, the warrior cries a flyin'. And that was just me!
I don't know what happens some days. It's like they wake up and the moon is full in the sky or their female hormones are running rampant. Maybe they just have their Dad's "evil" genes as opposed to my inherent goodness. THAT must be it.
So, it's midday. We've made it through some crafts which resulted in tears and stomping up to bedrooms. We've played a few rounds of gameboy which led to tears and stomping up to bedrooms. We've had a delicious lunch which........let's say it all together now......led to tears and stomping up to bedrooms.
The doors in my home must be stripped of their hinges by this point.
I don't know how I'll get through another five hours of this, if it continues in this vein. At least then, that glorious time will come when I can hand them off to their father and run for my life!!! Or at least a hot bath, a glass of wine, and a good book. Alternately, maybe just the wine and a Prozac will do.
I'm now going to attempt to pick out a movie, make some popcorn and propose a fun, girly chick flick afternoon. There will be a debate over which movie, over who ate more popcorn, over who has the comfortable spot on the couch. Seriously.
Pray for me.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Winter Blahs
When the heck is spring coming???
Seriously, I can't take much more. Today is a balmy +2C, but they are issuing a winter storm warning for tonight into tomorrow. Tomorrow's temp? A nice and cozy -22C. UUUUGH.
My girls have winter electives tomorrow, which has been every Friday of this month. My eldest alternates weeks between cross-country skiing or outdoor education which features Inuit games and quinzhee building. My youngest does outdoor games and fort building at the school. THAT should be a lot of fun in the proposed winter wonderland.
I read a startling statistic a few years back that the largest number of suicides take place in February. The theory was that depression worsened with the long winter months and the lack of Vitamin D derived from sunshine. I can totally see that.
I think when it first snows, it's a bit fun. Exciting. Maybe even beautiful. And then Christmas comes with all of it's flurry and joy and carousing to sustain us another month. Once January hits we are all starting to feel a little over the magic of Jack Frost. By mid February we are praying and hoping that spring is around the corner-no matter WHAT that little rodent groundhog told us was going to happen.
A lot of my friends have mentioned that they just feel "blah" right now. And I concur. I keep telling myself that there is really only a month and a bit left. What's a month after we've gone through so many months?? But the wait seems interminable and the next occasion seems out of reach.
Even doing all of the right things doesn't seem to help. I exercise, eat foods with Vitamin D and plenty of Vitamin C. Okay, I don't sleep much. I get outside every day for a little bit at least. Still, blah.
So for now, I'll be counting down the days until the sun once again warms my face and heart. I'll read magazines and books about spring gardens and planting and dream about Easter and the Bunny. At least in my head, I can envision a day so full of the sun's glory it can't help but erase the doldrums that I see outside my window.
Seriously, I can't take much more. Today is a balmy +2C, but they are issuing a winter storm warning for tonight into tomorrow. Tomorrow's temp? A nice and cozy -22C. UUUUGH.
My girls have winter electives tomorrow, which has been every Friday of this month. My eldest alternates weeks between cross-country skiing or outdoor education which features Inuit games and quinzhee building. My youngest does outdoor games and fort building at the school. THAT should be a lot of fun in the proposed winter wonderland.
I read a startling statistic a few years back that the largest number of suicides take place in February. The theory was that depression worsened with the long winter months and the lack of Vitamin D derived from sunshine. I can totally see that.
I think when it first snows, it's a bit fun. Exciting. Maybe even beautiful. And then Christmas comes with all of it's flurry and joy and carousing to sustain us another month. Once January hits we are all starting to feel a little over the magic of Jack Frost. By mid February we are praying and hoping that spring is around the corner-no matter WHAT that little rodent groundhog told us was going to happen.
A lot of my friends have mentioned that they just feel "blah" right now. And I concur. I keep telling myself that there is really only a month and a bit left. What's a month after we've gone through so many months?? But the wait seems interminable and the next occasion seems out of reach.
Even doing all of the right things doesn't seem to help. I exercise, eat foods with Vitamin D and plenty of Vitamin C. Okay, I don't sleep much. I get outside every day for a little bit at least. Still, blah.
So for now, I'll be counting down the days until the sun once again warms my face and heart. I'll read magazines and books about spring gardens and planting and dream about Easter and the Bunny. At least in my head, I can envision a day so full of the sun's glory it can't help but erase the doldrums that I see outside my window.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Chronic Fatigue
As I've expressed before, I'm not a very good sleeper. In fact, I'd go as far as to say, I've NEVER been a very good sleeper. In general, I'm a "go to bed late" kind of gal. I don't need many hours of sleep. I think napping during the day is a waste of time. If there is the slightest noise, I'm awake.
Add on top of that, again as I've mentioned, that my daughters are light sleepers as well. Many of our nights are spent with various people wandering around. So, because I tend to go to bed late, and then am up several times, I'd say my actual hours of sleep are pretty slim.
Lately however, it all seems to be catching up with me. I've been exhausted the last week or so. I find myself falling asleep around nine every night. Of course then I wake up around an hour later and stay up till midnight. But still, I'm finding I'm struggling to stay awake. Last night, I decided that I would just "go with it." I was falling asleep reading my book and decided to just turn the lights off, put the book down and go to sleep. I was asleep by 10pm. Of course, I was still up twice in the night, and pretty much up for good by 530am. (How DO you people sleep more then 7 hours at night? I can't even imagine being in bed that long!) I typically sleep around six hours a night, so seven was a pure luxury.
Now, you'd think I would have sprung out of bed with a renewed sense of energy after such a sleep. But, no. I am sitting here, a few hours into my day, with such fatigue it's incomprehensible. I do think I'm fighting off a cold, which could explain some of it. My throat is a bit scratchy and my body a bit achy. It could be that I'm battling years upon years of lack of sleep and it's just all catching up with me now, in my advanced (ahem) years. I don't know. But I'm STILL exhausted.
I can see it now. I'm starting a new life of going to bed at 930 at night and napping during the day. Ya, I know. It's called turning into an old lady. Middle aged. Gross. Not for me. My late nights and wild days are not yet behind me. I'll fight it tooth and nail!!!!
After my afternoon nap.
Add on top of that, again as I've mentioned, that my daughters are light sleepers as well. Many of our nights are spent with various people wandering around. So, because I tend to go to bed late, and then am up several times, I'd say my actual hours of sleep are pretty slim.
Lately however, it all seems to be catching up with me. I've been exhausted the last week or so. I find myself falling asleep around nine every night. Of course then I wake up around an hour later and stay up till midnight. But still, I'm finding I'm struggling to stay awake. Last night, I decided that I would just "go with it." I was falling asleep reading my book and decided to just turn the lights off, put the book down and go to sleep. I was asleep by 10pm. Of course, I was still up twice in the night, and pretty much up for good by 530am. (How DO you people sleep more then 7 hours at night? I can't even imagine being in bed that long!) I typically sleep around six hours a night, so seven was a pure luxury.
Now, you'd think I would have sprung out of bed with a renewed sense of energy after such a sleep. But, no. I am sitting here, a few hours into my day, with such fatigue it's incomprehensible. I do think I'm fighting off a cold, which could explain some of it. My throat is a bit scratchy and my body a bit achy. It could be that I'm battling years upon years of lack of sleep and it's just all catching up with me now, in my advanced (ahem) years. I don't know. But I'm STILL exhausted.
I can see it now. I'm starting a new life of going to bed at 930 at night and napping during the day. Ya, I know. It's called turning into an old lady. Middle aged. Gross. Not for me. My late nights and wild days are not yet behind me. I'll fight it tooth and nail!!!!
After my afternoon nap.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
About Last Night
I went to see "He's Just Not That Into You" last night with some girlfriends. We went for a quick drink first and then headed to the movie theatre. There was literally NOBODY in there. It was kind of spooky. The movie was pretty good. A nice chick flick with lots of laughs and lots of poignant moments as well. I wouldn't say it was fantastic, but not bad either. It was nice to get out though and have some girl time.
While I was there, my husband pinned me to say we had a little "tooth pulling" competition going on at home. My eldest was working on a molar, and my youngest her front tooth. Both of them are extremely loose but I guess my eldest's was more loose. She managed to get it out and was ecstatic. My youngest on the other hand was not so thrilled by this development. She's now been bending her front tooth back and forth to try and get it to fall out as well. I suspect it'll be a few days yet, but you never know. She certainly has determination and stubbornness on her side!
I had trouble falling asleep afterwards-I guess the novelty of getting out of the house was too much for me. I finally fell into a light slumber around midnight. Then, I was woken up by my youngest. I took her to the bathroom and then back to bed. A short while later, she magically appeared again and got into bed with my husband and I. I fell back to sleep, but woke up sandwiched between the two of them and my daughter practically lying on top of me. So went the next little while of me moving her back over to her side, and trying to carve some space out for myself. Finally, at 5am and now in a huff, I left MY bed and went and slept in HER bed. I was asleep for about an hour when who magically appears again??? I'll save you from the expletives here. I was beyond exhausted at this point. She again got in with me. By 630am I couldn't take it any longer and just got up.
As I sit, I'm extremely exhausted. My eyes feel like slits and are doing the twitching that happens with lack of sleep. I should go lie down, I know. I just feel so lazy and useless when I need to nap during the day. Or maybe I feel old. I don't know. I DO know that I'm tired. And that it's only going to get worse.
I have some before/after school kids today so I need to get them at the bus by 3pm. Then, I have to get my kids. After the daycare kids go, it's a quick dinner and we are off to the gym. The girls to a fitness for kids class, and me to work out. My neighbour has lent me the "Twilight" series which I had vowed I wouldn't read (I hate doing what "everybody" is doing) and I was also fairly certain I wouldn't like teen vampire novels. My neighbour said she felt the same way, until she read them. Sooooo, being the open minded gal that I am, and voracious reader, I'll give them a try.
If anything, maybe they'll help me sleep. ZZZZZZZ
While I was there, my husband pinned me to say we had a little "tooth pulling" competition going on at home. My eldest was working on a molar, and my youngest her front tooth. Both of them are extremely loose but I guess my eldest's was more loose. She managed to get it out and was ecstatic. My youngest on the other hand was not so thrilled by this development. She's now been bending her front tooth back and forth to try and get it to fall out as well. I suspect it'll be a few days yet, but you never know. She certainly has determination and stubbornness on her side!
I had trouble falling asleep afterwards-I guess the novelty of getting out of the house was too much for me. I finally fell into a light slumber around midnight. Then, I was woken up by my youngest. I took her to the bathroom and then back to bed. A short while later, she magically appeared again and got into bed with my husband and I. I fell back to sleep, but woke up sandwiched between the two of them and my daughter practically lying on top of me. So went the next little while of me moving her back over to her side, and trying to carve some space out for myself. Finally, at 5am and now in a huff, I left MY bed and went and slept in HER bed. I was asleep for about an hour when who magically appears again??? I'll save you from the expletives here. I was beyond exhausted at this point. She again got in with me. By 630am I couldn't take it any longer and just got up.
As I sit, I'm extremely exhausted. My eyes feel like slits and are doing the twitching that happens with lack of sleep. I should go lie down, I know. I just feel so lazy and useless when I need to nap during the day. Or maybe I feel old. I don't know. I DO know that I'm tired. And that it's only going to get worse.
I have some before/after school kids today so I need to get them at the bus by 3pm. Then, I have to get my kids. After the daycare kids go, it's a quick dinner and we are off to the gym. The girls to a fitness for kids class, and me to work out. My neighbour has lent me the "Twilight" series which I had vowed I wouldn't read (I hate doing what "everybody" is doing) and I was also fairly certain I wouldn't like teen vampire novels. My neighbour said she felt the same way, until she read them. Sooooo, being the open minded gal that I am, and voracious reader, I'll give them a try.
If anything, maybe they'll help me sleep. ZZZZZZZ
Monday, February 23, 2009
And the Oscar goes to......
Yep, I stayed up till oh...midnight-ish watching the Oscars last night. I have to admit, I think it's one of the only years I've stayed up to watch the whole thing. And stayed up enjoying the whole thing.
I liked the way it was set up this year in terms of going from "beginning to end" of how a movie is made. We all know the "boring" awards are going to go out first, so this way it's not like they are trying to pull the wool over our eyes or pretend otherwise.
I thought Hugh Jackman did a good job as well. I think he's supremely talented, for sure, but I still found many of the moments with the song and dance stuff a little....awkward. There seemed to be pauses in there that just didn't seem right. I dunno. Maybe I'm too critical.
Speaking of critical, that outfit Beyonce was wearing in the musical number? YIKES. I usually think Beyonce is quite beautiful but I did NOT think that little one piece bathing suit thing suited her at all. In fact, I wasn't even sure it was her at first.
The other thing I always find weird is when they show the little slide show of the people we've lost the past year. I think it's rude that a videographer is shown to little or no response, and then they show Paul Newman and there are cheers and loud clapping. I mean, well deserved to Paul Newman and all, but I feel badly for the videographer guy. And his family.
All in all, I liked the flow this year. I liked the musical numbers to keep us on our toes, and I LOVED the way they had the five past Oscar winners do the supporting and lead presenting. That was pretty cool. That Sophia Loren is still a huge diva. What was with Cuba Gooding Jr though?? I honestly felt like someone should tell him to see a doctor. He does not look healthy.
The bad news about watching the Oscars is the fact that now I have to go out and watch some of the movies since, this year, I hadn't seen any of them. Obviously SlumDog Millionaire is right up there and I'd love to see The Reader. I was thrilled Kate Winslet won. I think she's the next Meryl Streep-who is my other fav. (and no, not just because I look like her!)
So, today I am keeping the whole movie appreciation thing going. I'm seeing "He's Just Not That Into You" tonight with some girlfriends and going out for a drink beforehand. I'm sure it'll be an Oscar worthy evening.
I liked the way it was set up this year in terms of going from "beginning to end" of how a movie is made. We all know the "boring" awards are going to go out first, so this way it's not like they are trying to pull the wool over our eyes or pretend otherwise.
I thought Hugh Jackman did a good job as well. I think he's supremely talented, for sure, but I still found many of the moments with the song and dance stuff a little....awkward. There seemed to be pauses in there that just didn't seem right. I dunno. Maybe I'm too critical.
Speaking of critical, that outfit Beyonce was wearing in the musical number? YIKES. I usually think Beyonce is quite beautiful but I did NOT think that little one piece bathing suit thing suited her at all. In fact, I wasn't even sure it was her at first.
The other thing I always find weird is when they show the little slide show of the people we've lost the past year. I think it's rude that a videographer is shown to little or no response, and then they show Paul Newman and there are cheers and loud clapping. I mean, well deserved to Paul Newman and all, but I feel badly for the videographer guy. And his family.
All in all, I liked the flow this year. I liked the musical numbers to keep us on our toes, and I LOVED the way they had the five past Oscar winners do the supporting and lead presenting. That was pretty cool. That Sophia Loren is still a huge diva. What was with Cuba Gooding Jr though?? I honestly felt like someone should tell him to see a doctor. He does not look healthy.
The bad news about watching the Oscars is the fact that now I have to go out and watch some of the movies since, this year, I hadn't seen any of them. Obviously SlumDog Millionaire is right up there and I'd love to see The Reader. I was thrilled Kate Winslet won. I think she's the next Meryl Streep-who is my other fav. (and no, not just because I look like her!)
So, today I am keeping the whole movie appreciation thing going. I'm seeing "He's Just Not That Into You" tonight with some girlfriends and going out for a drink beforehand. I'm sure it'll be an Oscar worthy evening.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Recession Recession
The bad news keeps pouring in from friends and neighbours with people being laid off left and right. Everybody seems unsure, stressed and poised to lose everything they have, which obviously isn't conducive to a positive world state.
My friends' company has announced a major "reorganization" which involves much re-alignment of districts and such, as well as many layoffs. It's shocking to get the news that somebody they worked with for many years now is suddenly.......gone. On top of which, one of their good friends and mentor of sorts was also let go. Sigh.
The gloom and darkness settles over us all.
I'm obviously thrilled that my husband's job is still there. I'm happy we are still "okay." But it makes you realize that at any moment, that "poor" family could be you. The rug can be pulled out from underneath you at any time. It's not a great feeling.
On top of which nowadays, where are you supposed to find ANOTHER job? People are scrambling left and right to find something, anything!
We had this happen to us once before, just after my eldest daughter was born. It was truly frightening with a new baby. We scrambled and cashed in RRSP's and my husband took the first job that came up until he found something better. Every day and every night was stress filled. But at least there WAS another job to be found.
The whole thing is so depressing and heart wrenching. I feel for all of those struggling to make it anew. All the while, hoping we don't find ourselves amongst them.
And so, I consider our options and how I can help out to have a little extra to put aside, or to pay something down. In that vein, I'm considering opening the home daycare again. I'm not sure when that would happen because the next two months for me are packed with travel and events. It's also a very weird time of year to open a daycare. It's always better to start in September. I'd like to just do a before and after school situation for those that need that care. That way, I can still have PD days and holidays with my family and not be open with a daycare. So, do I wait until September then? There are so many thoughts and questions.
For today, I am thankful for my husband working hard for our family and providing for us. I'm thankful I get to stay home and keep house and take care of our children. I'm thankful we have good meals and warmth. I'm thankful for good friends and good health.
While the world spins around me in chaos and chagrin, for today, I feel thankful.
My friends' company has announced a major "reorganization" which involves much re-alignment of districts and such, as well as many layoffs. It's shocking to get the news that somebody they worked with for many years now is suddenly.......gone. On top of which, one of their good friends and mentor of sorts was also let go. Sigh.
The gloom and darkness settles over us all.
I'm obviously thrilled that my husband's job is still there. I'm happy we are still "okay." But it makes you realize that at any moment, that "poor" family could be you. The rug can be pulled out from underneath you at any time. It's not a great feeling.
On top of which nowadays, where are you supposed to find ANOTHER job? People are scrambling left and right to find something, anything!
We had this happen to us once before, just after my eldest daughter was born. It was truly frightening with a new baby. We scrambled and cashed in RRSP's and my husband took the first job that came up until he found something better. Every day and every night was stress filled. But at least there WAS another job to be found.
The whole thing is so depressing and heart wrenching. I feel for all of those struggling to make it anew. All the while, hoping we don't find ourselves amongst them.
And so, I consider our options and how I can help out to have a little extra to put aside, or to pay something down. In that vein, I'm considering opening the home daycare again. I'm not sure when that would happen because the next two months for me are packed with travel and events. It's also a very weird time of year to open a daycare. It's always better to start in September. I'd like to just do a before and after school situation for those that need that care. That way, I can still have PD days and holidays with my family and not be open with a daycare. So, do I wait until September then? There are so many thoughts and questions.
For today, I am thankful for my husband working hard for our family and providing for us. I'm thankful I get to stay home and keep house and take care of our children. I'm thankful we have good meals and warmth. I'm thankful for good friends and good health.
While the world spins around me in chaos and chagrin, for today, I feel thankful.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Crazy Chicken
Well, today's blog post is going to be something a liiiitttle different. I'm going to post a recipe. For chicken.
Yep. You read that right. But let me tell you this, as way of explanation. This chicken is crazy good. I mean, crazy!!! My friend Alison made this chicken for my birthday celebration with my girls! I don't know if it was the white wine making us ravenous, or the chicken. But we ate, and we ate, and we ate.
After the gluttonous shovelling of that evening, I asked Alison for the recipe. This chicken recipe is by no means "low fat" (which is probably why it tastes so darn good) and by no means in any way, shape or form "healthy." (again...enough said) But man, it is GOOD.
I'm not sure where the recipe came from, or where Alison got it from. So, I can't give credit to whomever the mastermind genius is behind the chicken.
I made it for Valentine's day dinner. You half chicken breasts, but even still, my husband had five. My nine year old daughter had three. That's a lot of chicken and a very good response to my hard work. At one point, my husband actually begged me to take the chicken off of the table because he couldn't stop eating it.
So, here it is. Be careful. You've been forewarned. It's possibly the most addictive chicken I've ever eaten. The weird thing is, it's a simple recipe with nothing fancy in it. But again, it's soooo good. I can't stress that enough.
Enjoy!
Chicken By Alizen (that's what she calls it. Just deal)
Chicken breasts halved - 6 breasts
Sour cream - 2 cups
Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon
Salt - 1 1/2 tsp
Paprika - 1 tsp
Fine Bread crumbs- 1 3/4 cup
Butter melted- 12 tablespoons
Make sure skin and bones removed from chicken.(I just used boneless/skinless) Wash under cool water and pat dry with paper towel.
Mix next 5 ingredients together in large bowl. Add chicken being sure to coat every piece. Cover and chill overnight.
Remove chicken from sour cream mixture.
Roll in crumbs, covering completely. Place on foil lined or greased pan large enough to hold single layer. Chill at least 2 hours before cooking.
When ready to cook, drizzle 1 tablespoon of butter on each chicken breast. Cook uncovered in 350 oven for about 45 minutes to an hour.
*don't forget to drizzle the butter. It's key! Also, I think these would freeze well.
Yep. You read that right. But let me tell you this, as way of explanation. This chicken is crazy good. I mean, crazy!!! My friend Alison made this chicken for my birthday celebration with my girls! I don't know if it was the white wine making us ravenous, or the chicken. But we ate, and we ate, and we ate.
After the gluttonous shovelling of that evening, I asked Alison for the recipe. This chicken recipe is by no means "low fat" (which is probably why it tastes so darn good) and by no means in any way, shape or form "healthy." (again...enough said) But man, it is GOOD.
I'm not sure where the recipe came from, or where Alison got it from. So, I can't give credit to whomever the mastermind genius is behind the chicken.
I made it for Valentine's day dinner. You half chicken breasts, but even still, my husband had five. My nine year old daughter had three. That's a lot of chicken and a very good response to my hard work. At one point, my husband actually begged me to take the chicken off of the table because he couldn't stop eating it.
So, here it is. Be careful. You've been forewarned. It's possibly the most addictive chicken I've ever eaten. The weird thing is, it's a simple recipe with nothing fancy in it. But again, it's soooo good. I can't stress that enough.
Enjoy!
Chicken By Alizen (that's what she calls it. Just deal)
Chicken breasts halved - 6 breasts
Sour cream - 2 cups
Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon
Salt - 1 1/2 tsp
Paprika - 1 tsp
Fine Bread crumbs- 1 3/4 cup
Butter melted- 12 tablespoons
Make sure skin and bones removed from chicken.(I just used boneless/skinless) Wash under cool water and pat dry with paper towel.
Mix next 5 ingredients together in large bowl. Add chicken being sure to coat every piece. Cover and chill overnight.
Remove chicken from sour cream mixture.
Roll in crumbs, covering completely. Place on foil lined or greased pan large enough to hold single layer. Chill at least 2 hours before cooking.
When ready to cook, drizzle 1 tablespoon of butter on each chicken breast. Cook uncovered in 350 oven for about 45 minutes to an hour.
*don't forget to drizzle the butter. It's key! Also, I think these would freeze well.
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