And so it begins...

This past week we registered E for CANSKATE, so that he can learn to skate on his own. I saw when the registration night was and I asked him about whether or not he wanted to do it, and his first response was 'but I gonna fall Mommy'. I explained that this is why he would go to the lessons, so that a teacher would help him, and he can learn to fall down and get back up on his own. He agreed it was a good thing and is now super excited about it... (I'm betting that wears off the minute he has to part ways with us as he gets onto the ice, but we'll see)!

At any rate... when we went to register him for the program, we had pay for the lessons, pay a membership fee to the skating club, and then we got our fundraising kit. Umm... excuse me? Fundraising? He's 2 (almost 3, but for the sake of this post, 2).

I know I know... every organization (and their dog) does fundraising, and I know why they do it, and how important it is to these organizations, but for the LOVE OF GOD, do we need to be smacked in the face with fundraising the first time we sign 'our very first child' up for anything. I had a bit of a shocked look on my face... and the woman who was helping me kind of rolled her eyes too, but did explain what it was for and pushed it in front my take home pile. It's only $40 per kid, and I know we have grandparents and aunts and uncles and friends who will probably buy the tickets, but at the same time... he's 2, and he has to fund raise.

Welcome to the world of extra-circular activities... would you like to buy a ticket?

Hard to please... that's me!

I'm having one of those days weeks months where I go to bed at night feeling like nothing but a bitch. Have you been there?

Maybe? Maybe not.  But I'm there.

Whether its my hormonal balance trying to find its new home post-pregnancy, or its just plain old me - whatever the case, I'm feeling extra bitchy lately.  I'm not talking nastiness, I'm just talking about an overall feeling that brings my mood way down.

I go to bed at night thinking... tomorrow's a new day and wishing that the same old annoyances won't irritate me so much, but turns out they do.

I have so many things that I want to accomplish in life (many of them have already happened, but I'm talking about the smaller things in life) ... a laundry list full of small items that remain unchecked, and this frustrates me.  I have a pretty terrific family, great friends, a loving husband, two of best boys in the world, yet I can't seem to just sit back and enjoy them, I am always wanting to do more, have more, know more - and yet when these things happen, its never enough.

Bottom line is, I'm hard to please... really hard to please. I don't think that anyone's best efforts will ever satisfy me... and its kinda a scary thought, because you have to wonder when the people in my life will stop trying to please me.

I'm starting to think I need a new outlook on life... one that is more of a simple approach, and one that I can look back on in a month, a year, a decade later and be proud of. I do love my life, yet I'm not acting like I do... so here's to a fresh take on the simple things... less bitchiness, more happiness.

So ... lookout world, this bitchy - hard to please - self is moving out, and a simpler - less irritated - me is moving in. Hopefully!


P.S. My Keurig machine that I heart so deeply has been descaling for two days now, and I've been without a decent cup of java for what feels like an eternity. #someoneshootmenow

Digital negatives please!

I read a post on photography the other day on Postcards from the Mothership about what some photographers are willing to work for, and while I didn't take the time to comment over there, it got me to thinking a lot about the price of photography and how hard I think it is to find affordable good photography these days that includes some of the digital negatives as part of the package.

I am definitely not out to discount any one photographers talent ... as I think that the art of taking good pictures is definitely a skill that one can benefit financially from. And who am I to say what your skill and talent as a photographer should be worth? No one.  But why can't most photographers include at minimum, low-resolution digital images, and a couple high-resolution retouched images as part of their overall fee?

It seems the more I look around for a photographer, the harder it is to find one that:
A. has an affordable sitting fee,
B. offers a few digital negatives,
C. is in the Ottawa area.

I get that by providing the digital files of the shoot, I have no reason to come back to you if I have the goods in hand, ready to copy and print as many times as I want, in as many sizes as I need, but here's the kicker for me... if you're a good photographer, and the pictures are as good as you advertise, I'll be back... every year, if not two or three times for a family session (and any other big occasion in between).  I have young children and young children change rapidly, and if you are charging $175 or $225 for a session, plus tax, and I'm happy with your services, you are going to get anywhere from $500 to $750 dollars out of me in a year. In addition, I'm going to tweet, and facebook my network of friends and colleagues, and recommend your awesome photography skills to everybody. and. their. dog.

I don't so much mind a steep sitting fee, as much as I mind the $50 charge for an 8 x 10, when you and I both know I can go to Shopper's, or Costco, or Walmart and get it for under $5. I know that its not going to printed uber high-quality paper, or with premium ink, but I could care less about that because I'll have the digital negative to print it again in 15 years when it fades, for probably less than $5 - which will still not be anywhere near $50.

I get that photography can be a competitive and time-consuming business and making a living off my $750 dollars/year is probably not going to pay all the bills (or even some of the bills) but put me together with 30 of my friends and 30 of their friends, and we're starting to make some headway I would think.

As you know, recently we had a friend of ours, Greg Snyder, take family photographs as a favour to us. We paid him minimal for his work, but now I am out recommending his work to my network, and in the future, when we need new family photos, we will be calling him and paying his full session fee because he was great and I was really happy with the results of the shoot. I have the digital negatives in hand, and I'm planning to use his services again!

I have also used the services of Cherie Lynn Buchanan in the past when she too was just starting out.  At the time (2009) she offered the digital negatives of the session, and I loved this about her. She takes amazing photos ... but now she doesn't offer affordable digital negatives and this honestly has deterred me from using her again - because it goes back to me not wanting to pay $50 for two 8 X 10s when I've already paid $225 or more for the photo session. These days she does run specials that includes print credits of $50 or 15% of her a la cart gallery, but no high-res digital images (unless you want to pay $400 in addition to your session fee). Like I said, her photos are AMAZING and she definitely has the talent to charge more money than average for her skills, but I still want digital negatives without breaking the bank.

In looking for local photographers (which I often do), I found this great looking website in the Ottawa area called Baby & Belly Photography, and I think that it is AWESOME - great pricing, great package, and great portfolio. I haven't had the time to try her out yet, but I have to say, she - Daisy, has definitely got the right idea when it comes to capturing the moments of young families and capturing the right price. For $135 you get an hour session, and a CD with 10 retouched images, and all your untouched images from the entire session mailed to your home within 2 weeks. To me, that rocks! I would have been satisfied with 10 retouched images, let alone all of the images from the session. For $135, I don't have to break the bank, I get great affordable photos, and I now have a photographer to call up the next time the family portrait is looking a little outdated or my boys are graduating from kindergarten, etc. (Note: a gift certificate from Baby & Belly would make a GREAT gift for any young family *ahem*).

Don't get me wrong... I really admire photographers who have a knack for shooting families and young children... it really is a skill to be able to get a young child to act themselves in front of a stranger, and to capture those special moments, we as parents see every day, but for the love of pete, please make it affordable to print those special moments and store them for many years to come.

Do any of you have fave family photographer that offers some digital images as part of the fee? From a photographer's perspective, am I being too unreasonable in wanting a couple digital images to keep?

Random decorative piece!

This is probably the most random thing I have in my house...

I've had it in my bathroom for over 5 years, it just sits on the back corner of the bathtub. Its ugly, its not my style, but yet its nowhere near close to death in this house.

The turtle trio was something that we bought at an auction, an auction that was selling the estate of PC's great aunt (Hilda). While there were many nice things at the auction, this was the piece that caught my eye. I think we paid $3.00 for it. I've always kind of liked it in an odd way because it had three turtles and made me think of PC and his brothers, and at the time I thought I wanted 3 kids too, so thought it might be a nice correlation down the road. I thought that because it was PC's great aunt that owned it, he might like to have it, so that's what I chose.

Turns out, he could really care less about the piece, and its me that can't bring myself to get rid of it! It's just one of those things.... an odd thing too, because I am the queen of decluttering, getting rid of any junk and sentimental clutter, but this piece for some reason has firmly found its place in our home, and because its not on display in any main room, I feel like it can stay.

Every time I look at it though, I kinda just shake my head because it is so odd... but yet its something that is part of this house, part of our family.

How's that for a random Tuesday post. Do you have any random pieces in your house that aren't your style but yet you continue to hold onto them?

When is the right time to move?

We've been in our house for six years as of next week... and while I really do love it here, I am always wondering if we will move, and when?

When I first found out I was pregnant with H, I was all in a panic as to what we were going to do in a measly 3 bedroom home.  Of course, PC didn't see the problem, as we had a room for us, one for E, and one for the future baby, but for me it was borderline meltdown when I thought about having to clean out the spare room to move E into it so we would have a room for the baby.

It was right around then I had a real itch to buy and move, but when I actually found a house I was fairly interested in, we went and saw it, and I got cold feet. While it was nice, and had 4 good size bedrooms, its kitchen was less appealing than ours, the basement wasn't finished, and the top floor was all carpet, and the study/office I really want wasn't what I had pictured. Upon discovering these things, it didn't take me long to get quickly reacquainted with why I like our house so much.

When we first bought our house in 2005, I will admit, I didn't know anything about houses and what I wanted in a house. This house looked great on paper, came with a lot of upgrades, and was really well taken care of by its previous owners. But now having lived in a house for six years I can now say exactly what I want and don't want in my next house.

The thing about our house right now is that in six year's time we've done some things that have made me like it more than when we first bought it. You may recall PC's handywork in finishing the basement, and more recently the kitchen backsplash and countertop project. We've painted all of the bedrooms and decorated the entire house to our liking, and while there are still things I would totally change if I had an endless supply of money and a willing contractor, I am actually quite happy with the place... for now.

BUT, how long is 'for now' going to last? That's the real question.

It's just one of those things that is constantly on my mind... and when I think about packing up six years worth of our ever-expanding life, I cringe. Cringe at the thought of packing it up only to move it a few streets down or over, and then unpacking it again. The thing about moving is that, you know you're signing up for more painting and decorating before you consider the house a home - and I don't think I want to be in that hectic (not to mention money draining) business right now with two kids under two and half ... but then again, maybe I do?

Another problem with moving is that the grass isn't always going to be greener on the other side. What if the house we choose is a dud, or the neighbours are crazy... these are the things you can't control, they are just based on luck, and so far (knock on wood) we had fairly good luck here, so I don't want to jinx it.

I have always been one to surf MLS and Grapevine listings in and around the neighbourhood because A. I'm nosey like that and B. I like to see what's out there.  Its kinda of the theory that when I least expect it, something is going to catch my eye. Lately... I haven't found anything worth a real look. The homes in our neighbourhood are going for a good chunk of change and we stand to make some decent cashola on a transaction of this magnitude, but at the same time, purchasing a home on this market is pretty pricey too and when I boil it down, we aren't getting much more than we already have, but we'll be spending a lot more to get those few little extra details I'd like to have.  Slowly I have been compiling a list of must-haves for my next home... and frankly, its going to be hard to find it in this neighbourhood... but the great part about this ever-expanding community, is that new homes are always being built, and somewhere along the line, my affordable dream home is going to become available, I hope!

It's a constant back n' forth in my head... sell and move, or stay and laze?

Do any of you ever get the moving itch? How many times have you bought and sold? Was it worth it? Are you happy with your decision?

A tale about... The Spa Day Retreat on Castlefrank!

I have a bone to pick.

The bone is old and stale, but every time I think about it, I want to pick it just a little more!

The bone became a bone of contention around Easter time, but at that time I was not in blogging mode (because I was pregnant and didn't know it), so many months later I am recounting the story and my dislike for The Spa Day Retreat on Castlefrank.

Up until 'the incident' at Easter time, I really REALLY enjoyed The Spa in Ottawa, both locations - Bell's Corners and Kanata - but since that visit I was totally turned off by their management and the way they handled the entire situation.

What situation you ask?

Well... a friend and I had pedicure and manicure appointments at The Spa Day Retreat back in April on a Friday night. It was a rainy day - and so I had worn my rain jacket. Not just any rain jacket, my brand new Lululemon $150 rain jacket. It was actually my signature purchase from some birthday gift cards I had received back in Janaury - so when I found the jacket, I fell in love with it and thought it was even better because it was a GIFT!

You may already see where this is going, but just so you have the whole story - read along. Every time you go to the Spa (either location) they ask you take off your shoes (in the winter) and hang up your coat. So you do it - and off you go to a different room on a different floor. You get your pedicure, manicure, relax at a drying station afterward, get your coat and shoes back, pay your bill and you're out the door.

My experience back in April didn't quite go like that... my friend and I showed up for our appointments on time, hung up our jackets, took off our shoes, got our pedicures and our manicures, relaxed at a drying station, but when I went to get my coat, it was GONE. Upon consulting the staff, they looked around, but weren't sure - said it must have been mistakenly taken by someone else, so they took my information down, said they would follow up the next day, but were happy to take my payment of over $125 for services received that evening. So I left that night in the drizzle without a coat, and not a happy camper.

Talk about a great experience!

To further my frustration... I had to call them to follow up about the jacket. Upon getting in touch with them, they had called all of their customers from that evening to see if one of them accidentally took my jacket. Apparently there was one Old Navy raincoat left on the coat rack so they were sure someone mistakenly had taken it. However, they said they would keep trying to track it down and a manager would get back to me with an update in a day or two.

Did she get back to me? Nope - I had to call and follow up with them again a few days later. Upon getting a hold of the manager, she basically told me that there was nothing they could do - and that there was a sign in the waiting area that says they are not responsible for lost or stolen items - so that translates to hang your coat and leave your shoes here at your own risk. Did I mention that they make you hang your coat up every time you go in there? Right.

The manager - Marta - that I spoke with said that she was REALLY sorry, but that these things rarely happen (only once before did a customer's Danier leather coat get stolen). She explained that she was the manager of the Bells Corner's location, but that the manager of the Castlefrank location was on vacation but she would let her know about the situation and that maybe that manager would offer me a credit as a sign of - wait for it - goodwill.

A few days later, I did get a call from the manager - Tanya - from the Day Spa Retreat - reiterating that she was really sorry to hear what happened, but that I have to understand that anyone could say they got their jacket taken from the spa - she had to take my word and trust that I was being honest and telling the truth. Wow - talk about believing in your customers!

To some extent I can understand that they may have the odd shady customer - but overall if she looked at my file before calling me it probably was not the best approach to take with a long standing customer. In addition, she rambled on to say that she knows the jacket was probably expensive and so as a peace offering she'd like to offer me a $40 credit on my account as apology.

I was nice and thanked her, but really I sucked it up, because what else could I do? I hung up the phone feeling insulted and overall I now have a very bad taste in my mouth about the whole thing.

First of all, I didn't just walk off the street and get a pedicure and manicure, I have actually been going to the Spa, both locations, for a couple of years now. In addition, a $40 credit at the Spa gets you jackshit. On average I spend $75 a visit, so thanks for your $40 credit, but in the grand scheme of things it just highlights how they feel about loyal customers - they could care less. The other contributing factor is that the jacket cost me $150... so a $40 credit doesn't buy me the zipper off the damn thing, and on top of all that I spent $125 for services that night - the least they could have done is recognized what I was out for having been a customer at their establishment.

I got the memo loud and clear... in the end they really don't care about the customer as long as they get their money.

All this to say... this incident happened over 4 months ago and I am still upset about it. Mostly because we've had some rain in the past week and I would have done anything to have my nice lululemon raincoat to wear - but instead, all I have is an unused $40 credit sitting on my account at The Spa.

Grrrr....!

I am sure many Ottawa peeps have had lovely experiences at The Spa and will continue to - up until this one major incident I really did enjoy going there, but for now on my message to people who continue to go there is don't take anything of value to The Spa - and when they ask you take off your coat and hang it up, hold on to it and insist you keep it with you. You never what types of thieves are crawling around the place.

Wednesday Wrap-Up!

Nothing super fascinating to bitch blog about ... so thought I would go with a little Wednesday Wrap-Up to bring everyone up to speed on my fairly boring life!

• We recently got GOOD NEWS here ... E's test results from the VCUG came back along with his blood work, and everything is CLEAR - as in, his good kidney is functioning A okay... and should be for a long time to come. I was so relieved to get this news, you have no idea how much this was weighing on my mind - especially at night. I wanted to believe that everything was good, but until you actually get the results you can't let your mind rest. E will still have to have his blood pressure monitored and in the fall we will be seeing a neuphrologist to look into the condition of his right kidney, but most likely the right kidney will be left alone as long as it isn't causing any problems in its current multicystic state. Can we all let out a big 'pheeeeeeeeeeeeew' for E - THANK YOU!

• The ongoing saga of Jon and Kate plus 8 came to a head on Monday night's show... where the couple announced in separate interviews that they are divorcing. As much as I could see that coming, I am still saddened that it has come this. I absolutely love this family... watching them in the earlier seasons was a favourite past time of mine - now that they are struggling, I still want to watch because in my opinion, regardless of what happens with Jon and Kate as a couple, their children are still inspiring people.

• I am so freaked out about this coming summer. I am so excited for July to get here, but I also know that once July hits, September will come faster than I expect ... which means I have to start preparing myself for going back to work, the transition from home to daycare for E, his first birthday - all things that will happen way to fast for my liking.

• LCBO workers are still thinking about striking ... just when the nice weather is finally here! The news outlets are all saying its going to be a 'dry' summer for Ontario - but I will be darned if its going to be a dry one for me. I have waited much to long to indulge in some summertime sangria and slushy goodness - there is no way this new Mom is going without a drop after one looooooooooooong alcohol free summer last year! Screw that!

• Father's Day has been here and gone. And I just wanted to officially say 'Happy First Father's Day' to PC. He truly is an amazing Dad to our baby boy - he lights up at the sight of his son, and seeing their bond as father and son is something I will never get sick of witnessing. As well... a happy belated Father's Day to my Dad... who I didn't have a chance to speak with on father's day, but who I love dearly... and am always thinking of him - even when it's not Dad's day!

• I have been going to MomMeFit classes for a couple months now... and although the scale isn't really showing any crazy numbers for, I am just now realizing how much more endurance and strength I have from these classes. Every Wednesday and Friday morning, the instructors run us through the paces, while our babies sit on the sidelines and giggle. The classes are coming to an end for me next week (because I am away most of July), but I am really happy that I found these mom and baby fitness classes - thanks to MJ and Mel and MomMeFit for such a great experience.
  

• HOLY HOT! It's been sooooo hot here the last couple of days, and I am LOVING it. This is the kind of weather I had hoped for when I figured out I would be on maternity leave with an 8 month old during the summer. I hope this weather continues well into September.

• Belated birthday wishes going out to my Mother-in-law who celebrated her special day on Monday! We are getting together later this week for the official celebration, but wanted give her the bloggy shout-out since I didn't get a chance to see her on Monday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mom C!

• This past weekend, PC and I headed to Belleville to attend a 130-O wedding, one my roommates from University got married and we had a nice little reunion (minus one member who we missed dearly - Miss Texas). It was the first time we left E for two nights, and surprisingly it went well for E and for us! His grandparents watched him for the weekend (thank you to them), and although I missed seeing his smiling face, it was nice to get away for the weekend and have little 'us' time.

Well... that's it for Wednesday! I wish I had something insightful to say to wrap this up, but I don't! It's hot and muggy, and E and I are both ready for a nap! I will say to the working crew 'Happy Hump Day'... the weekend is half way here!

Don't rush me Doc!

Earlier in the week, I went to the doctors for my annual check-up... and while I wasn't exactly looking forward to the visit, I was more disappointment with the interaction with my doctor as opposed to the actual physical exam.

First off... why is it that General Practitioners (GPs) are referred to as 'Family Doctors' yet, PC, E, and I all see a different 'family' doc. I mean, isn't the point of a having a family doctor to keep medical histories under the care and supervision of one physician who can draw linkages between parents and children?

I can see how PC and I might not have the same doctor, but surely you would think one of these family doctors would take on our newest family member?

Nope... none of them had room. I guess we were lucky to find an available family doctor for E. PC and I had never met the man before October, but he actually is a fairly nice guy, and a very cut and dry type of doc. He either knows about it or doesn't, and doesn't try to lead you on about a medical issue that he hasn't had much experience with. When he doesn't know... he makes you a referral to someone who does... and I like that very much.

In the case of my family doctor, I saw her on Monday for my annual check-up. My first one post-pregnancy... and let me tell you (WARNING boys... earmuffs), it was such a breeze compared with previous invasive annual check ups! Once you've had the pleasure of a difficult vaginal birth, the upside is that you don't even blink at a little pap test!

Anyways... getting back on track here... its been over a year since I last saw my doc, and while she is a perfectly nice lady, I always leave her office frustrated. For one thing... I sit in her waiting room for close to an hour before I am even seated in her office, and then wait another 20 in the office before she saunters in to say hi (like she remembers me, which I know she doesn't).

As she quickly scans my chart while asking me how I am doing, she says 'oh... you had a baby didn't you?'... and then asks how was the everything, to which I say 'not bad', and she says 'good'.

'Good'... that's it? Perhaps I am the type of patient that needs a bit of prying to open up (which if you know me well, ask and I shall divulge), but she didn't even follow up with a 'not bad? were there any complications?' - she just went with 'good' and was perfectly happy to move onto to the next item on her 'How to get a patient out of my office in under 5 minutes' checklist.

I cut her off into her second question about my weight and blood-pressure to tell her about the delivery and post-natal care, and then she asks in the driest sense of humour 'So.. does this baby have a name?' (ya... we went with 'Triple D' Ding-Dong-Doctor, after you!).

She is already batting a thousand with me... tells me I am at a perfect time to do some blood work, yada yada yada, as she fills out a form for the lab. Then she tells me 'well, that takes care of the paper work, now time for the exam'.

Whoa lady - back up the truck. That does not take care of the paper work. I actually want a prescription for massage therapy... which means get out your pad and write me one, and how bout asking ME if I have any questions for you, seeing how its been a year since I was last here AND I had a baby in that time.

I was furious... she looked annoyed when I asked her to renew the prescription for massage therapy, and then I just start spouting off at the mouth with my other questions while I whip out my 'LIST OF THINGS TO ASK THE DOCTOR' starting with number 1, ending at number 9.

I think to myself, why do you book me for 15 minutes, if you only have 5 to actually see me? She looked very annoyed at me as I asked question after question.

I get that we have a shortage of doctors, and that I am lucky to even have a doctor, but in all seriousness I may as well of called TeleHealth and asked my questions, as I would have gotten a more detailed responded than 'yes, no, not sure, check online'.

I understand that I am not an ill patient, I am probably a pretty run of the mill routine patient. But, if I am actually booking an appointment for my annual appointment (which many people try to avoid), please take the time to give me some easy medical attention, or pond me off on a nurse who could answer the easy questions, and leave the difficult ones to you in your 5 minute race against the appointment clock.

Wow - that's feels good the get that off my chest.

Anyone else have a good/bad experience with a family doctor...? I know there are MANY good doctors out there, and don't get me wrong, mine is good, but I think my point is that she could be A LOT better, with minimal effort.

Random Rants... among other things!

Today's a day for random rants.... and other stuff, so here we go!

• Reusable bags... is it just me or is every store now have their own reusable bags... so much to the point that I have about 30 reusable bags from 30 different stores that are piled high in my closet. I actually have more reusable bags than I do plastic bags. I don't want to throw these bags out, but seriously what do you do with them... ? And let's be honest, as much as I would like to always carry some sort of reusable bag with me, its just not possible... which then leads me to get more of these bags when I go shopping. I know PC's advice would be 'cut down on the shopping', but that's not gonna happen... so I am still left with the dilemma of what to do with so many reusable bags?

• Smokers... okay, I don't have it out for people who smoke, but I just get so disgusted when I see people smoking in cars while others are riding in that car. I know there is a law that prevents people from smoking in cars with children (thank the lord for that), but I think in general it should be illegal to smoke in cars, period. For instances, I saw a women with a king size smoke lit up as she was driving in her mini-van with her husband and what looked to be her elderly parents/grandparents. Yes she had the window open a crack but I wanted to choke in my own car as I know that every person in that car was inhaling this women's second hand smoke. To me this is just rude... if you want to smoke on your own time by yourself and away from others that is fine with me, but why are people so inconsiderate to smoke in a confined space while others are around? Even if people say they don't mind if you smoke, you should rephrase the question 'Do you mind if I give you cancer?' I doubt their reaction would be the same.

• I only decorate my house for Christmas... and maybe now that E is in the picture I will start to decorate for other occasions, but for now, I still am only a Christmas decorator. I was driving past a place the other day, and these people are all decked out for Easter as if it was the new Christmas... blown up lawn ornament, lights, egg garland hung in the trees, a flag, baskets in the yard - the whole works. Apparently, I didn't get the memo that Easter was a big deal... apparently bigger than Christmas as I don't remember this place being all decked out for Christmas. Last time I checked ... Easter (a religious holiday like Christmas) was about mourning the death of Christ, such like a funeral... which if I recall, the last funeral I was at didn't have blown up lawn ornaments. Christmas... is a celebration of the birth of a baby... Easter... well I guess everyone is entitled to their interpretation, but mine clearly doesn't involve lights and lawn ornaments - sorry!
  

• I think I have officially gone through chocolate detox ... for the last few weeks I have really laid off the chocolate... and I find I am not craving it at all lately. I have had a few slip ups with DQ here and there... but overall I seem to not go into a chocolate convulsion around 3 PM every day. Its funny how the body and mind work... the less you have of it, the less you want it - I like this combination.

• I may be off the chocolate but I am in LOVE with Tim Horton's trail mix cookie...seriously, so good. I am always fairly impressed with the creations Timmy's comes up with, and this trail mix cookie is very tasty and gives off a fair bit of energy when you need something on the run. I highly recommend it... if you like trail mix, you'll love the cookie!

• We are getting to set to make our FIRST looooooong road trip with E back home to my parents house. I have mentally been thinking of what we need to pack since last week. Today I am starting to assemble all the items. There is just no 'packing light' when a baby is involved and I have come to accept that... but nonetheless, its still a daunting task trying to decide if I have everything we need for the trip. I guess we'll see Friday when we get there!

• In addition to the car trip, I am also mentally packing for Florida... as we leave in two weeks TODAY! I am so looking forward to this vacation, but again not looking forward to the packing. It a whole different ball game when you are flying... again the term 'packing lightly' doesn't apply, but I still need to pack smart... so I will be trying to do this over the next week or so. Wish me luck (and thanks to K. Broom for the packing for a baby list!)

Well... that's all for today folks! For everyone in the working world, Happy Thursday, since tomorrow is your Friday! For everyone else at home like me... its still Wednesday, but the weather forecast for most areas is looking lovely for the coming weekend, so get outside and enjoy it!

Tid-Bits Thursday #4

Welcome to the fourth installement of Tid-Bits Thursday. This one will probably be a little short given that I am super tired, and just want to watch some Oprah and go to bed.

First and foremost....

1. Happy Valentine's Everyone. I tend to find this holiday very over-rated, but the nonetheless, I can't complain on a day that my husband prepares in advance. Most couples are spending a romantic night together, probably out for a nice dinner, etc. - but me, I am at home in front my computer all. by. myself. Yes, PC has hockey tonight, in Peterborough of all places... I am pretty sure he has had to ref on Valentine's Day for oooooooooh the last 6 years (the game assignor must assume if I haven't left him by now, I must be okay with it). Anyways... not to worry, I am perfectly okay with it... or maybe its that I am use to it, but PC did make last night Valentine's day, we made dinner, watched a funny movie, ate cookies and milk for a treat, and he got me a nice card, and gift certificate to WINNERS (yee-haw). He always seems to do well on this little day... perhaps because he knows when he accepts a hockey game on this day, he has to work extra hard! Oh well... he has avoided disaster for yet another year!

2. SNOW... SNOW... SNOW... GO AWAY. We got 10 cms on Tuesday night, and now it's snowing again... for the love of god, make it stop.

3. I am changing teams at work, in officially two weeks... still working in the same spot, but will be joining a new team, to take on some different communication's challenges within the Agency. I am super excited, and can't wait to start.

4. I can hardly believe it's mid-February already... a month ago PC and I were in sunny Dominican living the high life, it's hard to believe it was that long ago... my tan is definitely wearing off, but the memories of the ocean crashing into the beach are still thoughts that cross my mind every. single. day.

5. I have been lagging on making my lunch since ooooh, I returned from Dominican. I need to get back into a routine for grocery buying, eating at home in the evenings, and preparing my lunch the night before. I hate when things get out whack like this, because it takes no motivation at all to stay off track, but so much effort to get myself back on the wagon. I am hoping this weekend I can do a good grocery shop, plan out some decent meals for the week, and then slot in making my lunch around that -we'll see. Anyone have any good menu items they want to suggest for lunches?

6. Tomorrow, I am going for lunch with Chez Roz, an old friend from University, we haven't chatted or visited in a while, so since we are working in closer proximity than in the past we are meeting for lunch tomorrow at Mexi Cala Rosa's. I love eating out on Fridays, it something to look forward to, and puts a rather nice ending on the work week.

That's it, that's all for this installement of Tid-Bits Thursday. Hope everyone enjoyed their V-Day... what did you do? anything exciting? Please, let me live vicariously through you... share the details!

Tid-Bits Thursday (on Friday)!

Had good intentions of getting this up yesterday, but good side-tracked and didn't get to finish it until today!

But nonetheless, here is the third installment of Tid-Bits Thursday (on Friday this week)!

1. Check out DaniGirl over at Postcards from the Mothership - she is doing some LIVE labour blogging! Her water broke yesterday, she then proceeded to go out and shovel the driveway, etc - it's really entertaining - I think she is going to deliver today, so keep checking back to her place for pics of the 'Player to be named later' as she calls him!

2. We finally got our La-z-boy chair yesterday. As you may recall, the new chair was suppose to be delivered last Friday, but due to a host of mix-ups last week, the chair never came (after PC was confined to the house last Friday, all. day. long. - can you say NOT HAPPY). We fought with La-z-boy a bit, and after some backing and forthing, they did lower the price of the chair, and we got it yesterday. After work yesterday, PC was deep into an audit, so I took full advantage of the new arrival and managed to fall asleep in it while watching General Hospital. Although I wasn't totally for the La-z-boy, I actually don't think I will be doing any complaining about it. We might even have to get another one - his and hers!

3. I have a thing for drivers who don't turn their lights on in the daytime during a snow storm, fog, rain, or anything in the air that decreases visibility. I mean honest to god, how hard is it to turn on your lights when visibility is low? To me it's common sense, but I guess to others they figure they have nine lives and are invincible. The thing that really gets me is white cars - if you drive a white car in a snow storm, you sure as hell better have your lights on or the next thing your likely to see is the bright lights from the gates of heaven! C'mon people get with the program.

4. PC and I have given up booze for lent. Yes, even delinquent Catholics still follow the rules when it comes to lent. I don't think I will have a problem, but knowing PC, he sometimes forgets he has made this committment when I am not there to remind him! I guess we will see how it goes... only 38 days to go!

5. Still off the coffee.... whoooo - hoooo!

6. Last night I celebrated my birthday with my in-laws... it was a bit belated because we were down South, then my brother-in-law and sister-in-law were down South last week, so we've been hard press to find a good night for everyone, but last night was the night - and it was great!Mom C made her famous donairs, and we followed that up with Ice Cream cake, some fruit, and then gift opening. I got some really nice things for the house - so will definitely be putting them to use soon! Thanks for everything Coleman family.

7. Tonight, is the Rascal Flatts concert and I am soooooooooooo pumped. I love love LOVE Rascal Flatts - they have a new CD out, Still Feels Good, and I love so many of the songs on it. I think between these songs, and their old stuff, this concert won't disappoint. I hope to take some pics and video tonight, so stay tuned for the concert review to follow this weekend. Yee-haw!

8. This weekend's plans include THE CONCERT tonight, Baby Shower tomorrow afternoon, and then some time at home the rest of the weekend to clean, and maybe have a snooze or two in the La-z-boy!

What about you ... anything you would like to add to Tid-Bits Thursday (on Friday) - plans for the weekend? annoyances you've had this week? General b.s you'd like to share - please do!

Tid-Bits Thursday

So here I am, Tid-Bits Thursday #2 (I will be really surprised if I can keep this going... but ya never know).

Let's see... I think I should probably start off with the desk update.

1. I have ordered a desk and a new bookshelf, and it should be arriving tomorrow at some point. Thanks to everyone for their lovely suggestions, I did check out all of the sites, and made some in person visits to see a few of them. I contemplated a few new ideas, but ultimately I fell in love with a new desk that was added to the office furniture line at Staples not that long ago. It's a dark espresso colour and I absolutely love it... it has ample storage for all my our stuff, and the measurements, and price were exactly in line with what I was thinking. I will have to post some pictures when we PC assembles it!

2. Still off the coffee.... but ramping up my tea intake rather rapidly these days.

3. Lululemon is having some crazy warehouse sale here in Ottawa that started this morning. I am hoping to get the tonight or tomorrow to check it out. I have no idea what to expect, but I would imagine that this AM there would have been some caddy woman lined up at the entrance ready to tear out some hair in order to get some super cheap merchandise. I was blessed with receiving some Lululemon Gift Certificates for Christmas and my Birthday... so I feel like I don't need to buy too much at the warehouse, but if the price is right, I could be convinced to get a few more items - afterall, you can never have too many comfy clothes.

4. I worked from home yesterday, and boy do I ever love my job on the days when I can stay home and review a news release and a speech in front of Regis & Kelly. Really... I think it made the week for me in terms of work. It was productive, yet enjoyable - and I don't get too many days like that, not to mention, I got eat lunch at home, and start dinner on my break... just made for a great day/evening all together.

5. 27 Dresses... must see movie for chicks. My girlfriends took me out to celebrate my belated birthday and we went to see this flick... what a great movie. I love love loved it - laughed my ass off during the 'Benny and the Jets' scene! I don't think I am a big fan of Katherine Heigl, but in this movie I really enjoy her character! Yes, the movie was predictable, yes, it may have been sappy at times, but this is what woman really enjoy. SUCH A GREAT MOVIE - a definite buyer for me!

6. Ray Emery. I love this guy... people in Ottawa love to hate him, but I like him. Yes he's cocky, but deep down he's just a young guy trying to make it the NHL. The media here in Ottawa are having a field day on his tardy behaviour over the last few months... I happen to think, what's 5 minutes in the grand scheme of things - relax people.

7. Weekend plans include... setting up the desk, and trying out PC's new La-z-boy Recliner (which also arrives tomorrow). Saturday we will be attending a wedding reception in downtown E-ville, and then Sunday is the Superbowl - which means sweet f-all to me, but PC has plans to attend a party, so I will be enjoying the La-Z--boy and catching up on some Oprah on the PVR.

Tid-Bits Thursday

Frankly, my brain is still on vacation mode - and although I would like to come up with a super witty post about something important, I just don't have the brain power to do that .... so in lieu of my sound writing ability, I present to you: TID-BITS THURSDAY!

1. I think I may be off coffee ... I know it sounds ludicrous, but while we were on our vacation, I didn't touch coffee. I tried one cup the first day and found the milk to taste a bit weird, so didn't have another cup since. When I got home, I just have been too lazy to brew coffee in the morning, and have even started drinking tea at work if I am in need of something. However, I am still on Chai Tea Lattes... and in time I know my cravings for Vanilla Lattes will surface soon, but for now - I truly think I could be off coffee, if I want to be (which is probably still up for discussion).

2. No matter how much sleep I got on vacation, I am still tired... I think I was just starting to enjoy the extra sleep on my vacation, and now my body expects it. I am trying to go to bed earlier at night, but this is at the risk of leaving dirty dishes on the counter, not having lunches made for the next day, and not getting any laundry or other daunting chores done through the week. Why does one aspect of my life have to suffer, if I am trying to improve another part of it?

3. There was a tragic accident in Ottawa that happened early Wednesday morning, involving an OC Transpo bus, and an SUV filled with 5 Carleton University students, 3 of which were killed. The bus slammed into the SUV at 2am killing the male driver, and two female passengers. The other two students were injured and taken to hospital. It is not known who was at fault, although it is suspected that alcohol was a factor. No words can really express the tragedy that has occurred, but I do hope that the family and friends of those who were killed some how find a way to cope with such an unexpected and tragic loss.

4. I am peeling... everywhere. My skin apparently isn't liking this Canadian weather, as I have started to peel in various places on my body - places I didn't even know saw the sun while I was on vacation. It's quite disgusting actually, dead skin cells fill my bed each morning, I have to sweep them off in the garbage, it's very gross - no matter how much aloe vera, or body butter I slap on my skin, it continues to have a mind of it's own! I wish I could shed a few pounds, as fast as I am shedding all of this dead skin!

5. I have way too many books on the go right now, and I am not making any headway with any of them. I get about 3 chapters into a book, and then put it aside, start another one. Now I have 5 decent books started, and I am no where near finishing any of them. Do this ever happen to any of you?

6. It's Thursday, which means tomorrow's Friday. I don't have big plans for the weekend, except fully unpacking my suitcase and doing laundry - other than that, perhaps I can make some headway on 1 of the 5 books I have on the go. What about you, any big plans for the weekend?

That wraps the first edition of Tid-Bits Thursday... perhaps I will make this a weekly thing!