It's so good to be home again. There's nothing like driving into your yard after being gone a few days. It's like, letting your hair down! Or, putting on a comfy pair of pj's. Or, stretching out on your own bed, with your own pillow. I love it!
What a week it has been! I had Blayze and Kyle with me this last weekend, and we were in Brandon, as the boys had hockey in Hartney all weekend. The boys had four games; their team lost 3 and won one. Hartney is 45 min. SW of Brandon, so we spent a bit of time on the road. They played 2 games on Friday, 1 on Saturday, and 1 on Sunday. That meant alot of driving! Road conditions were interesting! Apparently Brandon had the greatest snowfall on the weekend, and that meant for buildup of SLUSH and ICE on the roads. I had a good laugh about the roads. There's something to be said for having to drive regularily on crappy roads where we live; it makes for more confident driving. There I am, the only one in the bunch with no 'man' in the vehicle, leading a caravan of vehicles. And being concerned that others aren't in the ditch! Oh, well! City drivers!! :) We had a great time getting to know new people! I'm always impressed with Kyle and Blayze. They seem to get along so well. They are wonderful for driving. They are quiet, usually, in the vehicle. I did laugh and then I set them straight, on the ride to Brandon. They're laughing uncontrollably in the back seat, and when i look in the rearview mirror, there they are with their t-shirts up to their armpits, and they're tickling each other with an arm of off sunglasses. Yes, they were still buckled! It was quite funny! But, it was getting a little rowdy, so I did tell them to settle down. I don't have to do that very often with them.
What else has gone on in the last week? I did work on Thursday night. And came home at 8 am, showered, packed, made sandwiches, and left for Brandon, by 9 am on Friday morning. It went better than I thought it would. I ate celery, and texted friends on the ride. A couple good friends phoned me a couple times, to make sure I was staying awake. So, when we checked into the hotel, I had a 15 min. nap, and then we hit the road again. I managed to stay awake and alert until 1 am. I was quite proud of myself. I'm not sure I could recall all the conversations I had tho, that evening!
Our PAC served lunch at the school last Tuesday. We cooked chili and prepared veggies at my house on Monday, and then we served it all at school at noon on Tuesday. That was alot of fun. The kids and staff were so appreciative! I stayed at school for the Metis group that was there after lunch. They were amazing! They danced traditional Metis steps. The members that they had there that day were from 6 years old to 57. It was amazing to see the 4 young kids dancing! They were really good.
We had our first spring calf last week. I haven't gone out to see it yet, as I've been 'gone' since Thursday. I'll go out and see it today. Now, its only 19 more to go! Yay!
My serious thought for today is regarding 'self-control/discipline'. As parents, we need to look out for our kids, and guide them responsibly. So, where is the line of letting our kids learn on their own? And, when is it out of line to defend our kids? This weekend was interesting to see how parents cope with and handle situations with their kids regarding hockey. Ok, this was a hockey situation, but, doesn't this pertain to more than just hockey? Aren't kids supposed to learn to deal with the good and the bad? Or, aren't they supposed to learn to play their sport and their positions as they're meant to be played? And, is it appropriate for parents to 'vent' when children are present? Yes, I'm a parent who says 'suck it up', to my kids. Am I being too harsh? Do I need my kids to be coddled more? Ooops, maybe coddled is not the right word! Is protected better?? My kids are not perfect, by a long shot. But, they have to learn that it's not always going to be the way they want it to be. They have to learn to cope in the situations they're placed in. Yeah, we need to guide them, but I'm a little leary when parents 'control' every situation, so their child is supposed to 'come out on top.' Applying this to hockey-not every kid has a stellar game, every game. That's why its a team sport. Everyone has a role to fulfill. Some kids shine more than others. But to me that doesn't mean that 'shining', is the the most important, or the most successful player. And when someone has a 'not so good game', maybe its time for someone else to step it up for that game. It's called helping each other out! Oh, well, what do I know. Just my opinion. I was so impressed this weekend, with the way the coaches handled their situations. It's a tough job to coach.
Enough ranting, and time to get on with my day. I need to get a tire fixed, pay month end bills, do laundry, unpack, cook, clean, ..........the list goes on! I think I'm going to be home tonight! That'll be the only night this week. Jayde has practise Tues and Thurs night. Kyle has practise Wed night. I work Wed, Thurs, and Fri. The accountant is coming to our house on Wed evening to do our income tax return. The boys are in tournaments this weekend, starting Fri morning. So, spring break will go by too quickly!
Have a wonderful spring break. Enjoy the sunshine and 'warm temperatures!'
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Things are heating up...
No, I'm not referring to the temperature! But, just so you don't get to down about the temperature, it will warm up eventually! someday, i think! The sunshine sure is beautiful! And that helps!
Really, tho', things are heating up! The season is changing. Spring activities are starting. Such as-
-Jayde's winter hockey team played game 2 of their playoff series, on Wed. night, and they lost in overtime. so that means they're done for the year. And it also means... Jayde went out with an injury in the third period, much to his disappointment. He takes that very personally! So, I took him to the chiropractor on Thursday morning, to have a 'professional' opinion. Lucky child, he got the TENS applied, massaged, iced, re-aligned, etc..... And off the ice for a week.
His regional extendeded season development team is starting to practise on Wed, but, I think he'll wait to skate till next week, just to make sure. He's been busy icing, massaging, and taking Ibuprofen. And he is doing much better already. He'll be back in no time!
-Kyle's Mustang team is not practising till spring break. But, his regional extended season roster team, started practise on Thurs. evening. Kyle had a great time with this group. They have a couple more practises lined up before they play their two tournaments over spring break.
-Kyle did a great job at his role in the school's drama production! I was so proud of him. He doesn't always feel that he can do 'what his brother can', and doesn't push himself with things hes not really comfortable with. He dressed up for his part, knew his lines, danced his dance, sang, and smiled beautifully! Yes, I'm very proud of him. The school asked a bunch of moms to help with make up application for the production, and I was asked to help out. We had a great time putting makeup on the kids. Tues & Wed morning, and WEd evening. All that work for the teachers and kids, and then its over. The whole group did an amazing job. I think we have the best group of teachers!
-We finally brought the rest of the cows home on Friday. We had to move a bunch of cattle around to make room for another group at home. Now, we're ready for the 20 cows to calve! Well, almost! We just need it to warm up a little!
-So, we had an auctioneer come over on Saturday morning, and we finally booked a sale date. The big day is Saturday, May 31 @ 11 am. What a relief to have a date in mind to plan for. Now its just getting ready with the stuff. But that will have to wait till we're closer. Need the snow to melt and the yard to dry up. Anyone wanting to check out the sale details, they're posted at www.lamportanddowler.tripod.com. Just follow the sale listing tab at the top of the page.
My niece, Michelle, who is doing her practicum at my workplace, is apparently doing a great job. I'm so proud of her. I haven't got to work with her yet. She was conveniently put on a rotation where she was not to be scheduled with me. But, I switched some shifts, so I will end up working some days with her during spring break. Should be interesting! :)
My family got together on Saturday, to celebrate Easter. An uncle of mine, along with his wife, were out from BC, and joined us. It was so nice to see them again. And my sister was even at the function. My parents and my uncle and aunt were down at our house for lunch, and then we all met at my brothers house for supper. A potluck supper. It was excellent. Excellent company and food!
Today, Easter Sunday. What a beautiful day! Even got to go to church this morning. Then, home for lunch, and have had a very relaxing day! The boys and I went for a walk this afternoon to enjoy the sunshine! Did some reading, watched TV.....
This next week, will go by in a flash! Tomorrow, some of the PAC members are coming to my house to prepare food, for the meal we're providing for the kids at school on Tues. Kyle has practise tomorrow night. Tues, yes, to school to serve lunch. I think I'm home Tues evening! Wed, hmmm, maybe I'm home, oops, not! Can't keep it straight! I have a massage scheduled, and then some friends are coming over in the evening for a visit. Del and the boys are going to the city to attend the Old Timers hockey game. They're hoping to run in to Dale Hawerchuk. Thursday, chiro for Jayde and I in the morning, and then I go back to work for night shift. Then, Friday morning I'll come home and then Kyle needs to leave for his weekend tournament. We're taking his buddy, Blayze, with us. I think Del and Jayde are coming, but I'm not sure. Del has a busy week at work, and not sure if he can get away. I guess time will tell!
Time to kick the boys off the sofa, turn off the TV, and motivate them to bed, for the one night they can get in a good nights rest! Happy Easter!
Really, tho', things are heating up! The season is changing. Spring activities are starting. Such as-
-Jayde's winter hockey team played game 2 of their playoff series, on Wed. night, and they lost in overtime. so that means they're done for the year. And it also means... Jayde went out with an injury in the third period, much to his disappointment. He takes that very personally! So, I took him to the chiropractor on Thursday morning, to have a 'professional' opinion. Lucky child, he got the TENS applied, massaged, iced, re-aligned, etc..... And off the ice for a week.
His regional extendeded season development team is starting to practise on Wed, but, I think he'll wait to skate till next week, just to make sure. He's been busy icing, massaging, and taking Ibuprofen. And he is doing much better already. He'll be back in no time!
-Kyle's Mustang team is not practising till spring break. But, his regional extended season roster team, started practise on Thurs. evening. Kyle had a great time with this group. They have a couple more practises lined up before they play their two tournaments over spring break.
-Kyle did a great job at his role in the school's drama production! I was so proud of him. He doesn't always feel that he can do 'what his brother can', and doesn't push himself with things hes not really comfortable with. He dressed up for his part, knew his lines, danced his dance, sang, and smiled beautifully! Yes, I'm very proud of him. The school asked a bunch of moms to help with make up application for the production, and I was asked to help out. We had a great time putting makeup on the kids. Tues & Wed morning, and WEd evening. All that work for the teachers and kids, and then its over. The whole group did an amazing job. I think we have the best group of teachers!
-We finally brought the rest of the cows home on Friday. We had to move a bunch of cattle around to make room for another group at home. Now, we're ready for the 20 cows to calve! Well, almost! We just need it to warm up a little!
-So, we had an auctioneer come over on Saturday morning, and we finally booked a sale date. The big day is Saturday, May 31 @ 11 am. What a relief to have a date in mind to plan for. Now its just getting ready with the stuff. But that will have to wait till we're closer. Need the snow to melt and the yard to dry up. Anyone wanting to check out the sale details, they're posted at www.lamportanddowler.tripod.com. Just follow the sale listing tab at the top of the page.
My niece, Michelle, who is doing her practicum at my workplace, is apparently doing a great job. I'm so proud of her. I haven't got to work with her yet. She was conveniently put on a rotation where she was not to be scheduled with me. But, I switched some shifts, so I will end up working some days with her during spring break. Should be interesting! :)
My family got together on Saturday, to celebrate Easter. An uncle of mine, along with his wife, were out from BC, and joined us. It was so nice to see them again. And my sister was even at the function. My parents and my uncle and aunt were down at our house for lunch, and then we all met at my brothers house for supper. A potluck supper. It was excellent. Excellent company and food!
Today, Easter Sunday. What a beautiful day! Even got to go to church this morning. Then, home for lunch, and have had a very relaxing day! The boys and I went for a walk this afternoon to enjoy the sunshine! Did some reading, watched TV.....
This next week, will go by in a flash! Tomorrow, some of the PAC members are coming to my house to prepare food, for the meal we're providing for the kids at school on Tues. Kyle has practise tomorrow night. Tues, yes, to school to serve lunch. I think I'm home Tues evening! Wed, hmmm, maybe I'm home, oops, not! Can't keep it straight! I have a massage scheduled, and then some friends are coming over in the evening for a visit. Del and the boys are going to the city to attend the Old Timers hockey game. They're hoping to run in to Dale Hawerchuk. Thursday, chiro for Jayde and I in the morning, and then I go back to work for night shift. Then, Friday morning I'll come home and then Kyle needs to leave for his weekend tournament. We're taking his buddy, Blayze, with us. I think Del and Jayde are coming, but I'm not sure. Del has a busy week at work, and not sure if he can get away. I guess time will tell!
Time to kick the boys off the sofa, turn off the TV, and motivate them to bed, for the one night they can get in a good nights rest! Happy Easter!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Monday, Monday...
Monday, monday... doesn't that bring a good 'ol oldie to mind? Monday seems to bring about interesting thoughts. Have to bring out last weeks lunch bags. Have to wake up in time for the kids to catch the bus. Back to work for some. And the list goes on..... I guess that's a good thing in my career. There are no 'Mondays'.
Got the kids off this morning, once again. just barely. actually, they were up just fine, but their mother just doesn't seem to hear the alarm when everyone else has to get up. It's kind of crazy that way. I usually hear the alarm when I set it to go to work-cuz its right beside my head- but on a school day, the kids are always up before me. They're great. They set their own alarms, get up, have breakfast and get themselves organized for school. Mom just has to try to throw together a lunch of sorts for them. And even that is changing. When I work, they make their own, and when I'm home, they pitch in. Oh, the joys of kids growing up!
I'm reflecting back on the week that just went by....oh, there's so much and so little to say. What did we do that constitutes talking about?
Here's a brief rundown-
Jayde's team won their series and will go play the last round in the region
Kyle participated in the all star game at his level, and his team won. Del helped coach again.
Del worked every weekday last week, and then did the required stuff on the farm/home.
The day it was windy like crazy, Del had to get silage from the field, and by the time he had loaded the trailer, the trail he's opened to come, had closed up, and he got stuck!! what a mess and long evening to get it out. Had to push a new trail, i had to go bring him a jack and help him move the trailer and the likes!
Went for coffee to my brother's house-had a wonderful relaxing evening chatting with Rol/Reen
Spent an afternoon at school participating in some meetings.
Got THE FLU! Ugh! Fever, aches, headache, and major stomach cramps! Had to call in sick for work on Saturday. can't have the nurse in charge doubled over every 5 minutes!
2 Ice Dawgs games-they lost, and are behind in the series 0-2, best of seven series, they go north next weekend for 3 games, and no, I'm not going!
Did not get the cows home yet! they're too smart. Everytime the tractor comes to the pasture, they realize they should run to the farthest corner of the pasture, just in case we might corral them in the fenced in area! Trying to bribe them with feed.
Did go to work on Sunday.
Should I write about the laundry, house cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, etc......? Nah, that's just regular stuff that has to get done!
This next week, I'm on my 10 days off of work. And it's gearing up to be a busy one. Tonight is another PAC mtg, and Jayde has hockey practise. Kyle has practise in the city tonight, so lucky Del gets to go south after work! Kyle's school is putting on a drama production on Tues & Wed, and they've asked if I would help with makeup application, and i'm actually off, so I agreed. Thursday, I'm supposed to meet with my boss to set up my next years vacation. And then we're at EAster weekend. It seems so early this year! Sounds like my family, like my parents and siblings, will be meeting on Saturday. Should be good.
Vacation! According to my union contract, all nurses need to decide by mid to end march, what vacation requests they have for the next year. Like, from May to end of April of next year. I find that so difficult- to know what you need off for the next 14 months! And then we meet with management on a 1 on 1 basis, in order of senority, and get to 'pick' what we want. Just imagine the list of nurses. I feel sorry for the one on the bottom. Actually I was on the bottom so many years, I've moved up to the 2nd from the bottom now! Part of working in my business, I guess. And, some nurses don't want to communicate ahead of time with their peers, because they're afraid someone will take their desired time if they let it out of the bag! So, we have 1/2 hr time slots scheduled with the boss, and too bad if you wanted a week that someone else has chosen, quickly find another week, cuz the next appt is coming on! Can you see how challenging this is? I dread it every year! Oh, and can't pick a week with too many hrs cuz you might have to come and work a couple of hrs in the middle of your vacation, to make up for it. Never mind that you could even it out another week! I actually have a nursing friend in the city who has never had a day of vacation in the summer with her kids, because on their unit, some nurses take their whole 4 or 5 weeks at once, so no one else can get summer vacation. That's a really nice thing at my work, everyone is considerate during summer vacation, and usually no one asks for more than 2 weeks at once then. So yeah, Thursday is my day to decide what I'm doing in the next year!
Alright, I need to motivate myself to get going and clean my house, cook something wonderful for supper, and organize my thoughts for tonights meeting. And I'm going to check up on my niece at my work place! I'm kind of nervous for her. She is doing her nursing practicum at my hospital! how exciting! She's like 8 weeks away from taking home a paycheck. Good for her. I'm nervous, tho. Cuz I know how different it is to work during a practicum verses being a student doing a shift here and there in a city hospital. I'm sure she'll be fine!! (I hope) So, go Michelle, go. And Alyssa, remember, you're turn is coming-6 months will go very quickly!
Have a good week everyone!
Got the kids off this morning, once again. just barely. actually, they were up just fine, but their mother just doesn't seem to hear the alarm when everyone else has to get up. It's kind of crazy that way. I usually hear the alarm when I set it to go to work-cuz its right beside my head- but on a school day, the kids are always up before me. They're great. They set their own alarms, get up, have breakfast and get themselves organized for school. Mom just has to try to throw together a lunch of sorts for them. And even that is changing. When I work, they make their own, and when I'm home, they pitch in. Oh, the joys of kids growing up!
I'm reflecting back on the week that just went by....oh, there's so much and so little to say. What did we do that constitutes talking about?
Here's a brief rundown-
Jayde's team won their series and will go play the last round in the region
Kyle participated in the all star game at his level, and his team won. Del helped coach again.
Del worked every weekday last week, and then did the required stuff on the farm/home.
The day it was windy like crazy, Del had to get silage from the field, and by the time he had loaded the trailer, the trail he's opened to come, had closed up, and he got stuck!! what a mess and long evening to get it out. Had to push a new trail, i had to go bring him a jack and help him move the trailer and the likes!
Went for coffee to my brother's house-had a wonderful relaxing evening chatting with Rol/Reen
Spent an afternoon at school participating in some meetings.
Got THE FLU! Ugh! Fever, aches, headache, and major stomach cramps! Had to call in sick for work on Saturday. can't have the nurse in charge doubled over every 5 minutes!
2 Ice Dawgs games-they lost, and are behind in the series 0-2, best of seven series, they go north next weekend for 3 games, and no, I'm not going!
Did not get the cows home yet! they're too smart. Everytime the tractor comes to the pasture, they realize they should run to the farthest corner of the pasture, just in case we might corral them in the fenced in area! Trying to bribe them with feed.
Did go to work on Sunday.
Should I write about the laundry, house cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, etc......? Nah, that's just regular stuff that has to get done!
This next week, I'm on my 10 days off of work. And it's gearing up to be a busy one. Tonight is another PAC mtg, and Jayde has hockey practise. Kyle has practise in the city tonight, so lucky Del gets to go south after work! Kyle's school is putting on a drama production on Tues & Wed, and they've asked if I would help with makeup application, and i'm actually off, so I agreed. Thursday, I'm supposed to meet with my boss to set up my next years vacation. And then we're at EAster weekend. It seems so early this year! Sounds like my family, like my parents and siblings, will be meeting on Saturday. Should be good.
Vacation! According to my union contract, all nurses need to decide by mid to end march, what vacation requests they have for the next year. Like, from May to end of April of next year. I find that so difficult- to know what you need off for the next 14 months! And then we meet with management on a 1 on 1 basis, in order of senority, and get to 'pick' what we want. Just imagine the list of nurses. I feel sorry for the one on the bottom. Actually I was on the bottom so many years, I've moved up to the 2nd from the bottom now! Part of working in my business, I guess. And, some nurses don't want to communicate ahead of time with their peers, because they're afraid someone will take their desired time if they let it out of the bag! So, we have 1/2 hr time slots scheduled with the boss, and too bad if you wanted a week that someone else has chosen, quickly find another week, cuz the next appt is coming on! Can you see how challenging this is? I dread it every year! Oh, and can't pick a week with too many hrs cuz you might have to come and work a couple of hrs in the middle of your vacation, to make up for it. Never mind that you could even it out another week! I actually have a nursing friend in the city who has never had a day of vacation in the summer with her kids, because on their unit, some nurses take their whole 4 or 5 weeks at once, so no one else can get summer vacation. That's a really nice thing at my work, everyone is considerate during summer vacation, and usually no one asks for more than 2 weeks at once then. So yeah, Thursday is my day to decide what I'm doing in the next year!
Alright, I need to motivate myself to get going and clean my house, cook something wonderful for supper, and organize my thoughts for tonights meeting. And I'm going to check up on my niece at my work place! I'm kind of nervous for her. She is doing her nursing practicum at my hospital! how exciting! She's like 8 weeks away from taking home a paycheck. Good for her. I'm nervous, tho. Cuz I know how different it is to work during a practicum verses being a student doing a shift here and there in a city hospital. I'm sure she'll be fine!! (I hope) So, go Michelle, go. And Alyssa, remember, you're turn is coming-6 months will go very quickly!
Have a good week everyone!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Here I am...... halfway thru a night shift. Time to catch up on my lifes particulars!
Last Thursday, I worked, and Del made it home from his work conference. I actually only worked an 8 hr day, and got a couple hours at home with Del and the boys, before Del & i went to the Ice Dawgs game. And fortunately for us, the Dawgs won, taking care of the series, 3-0. Friday was a 12 hr day at work. After work..... straight to the rink, for Jaydes hockey game. Jayde played in a tournament all weekend. 2 games on Saturday, and one on Sunday.
Saturday, the big day! Del had shipped 66 cows to auction on Friday, for the sale onSaturday. We got up early, dropped off Jayde at a friends house, so he could go to hockey, and we went to the livestock auction for 10 am. My mom and dad met us there, to 'enjoy' the event. Needless to say, it was a little discouraging. We did sell the animals at an average of $600/c0w. The saddest part for me was when I found out that most of the animals were going to market on Monday morning. Seems kind of like a waste of good cattle/baby calves to be! But, apparently thats what happening now. It had its funny moments. My dad leaned over to me at one point, and seemed quite concerned that Kyle would be finding this difficult. I asked him why. He said, well maybe he was attached to the cows. I laughed and had no problem telling them that the boys had no attachment at all. He then said, well, maybe we had named them, or maybe Del had names for them. I informed him that Del might have names for them, but not affectionate ones! :) Or the moment when the ladies were printing out the cheque, they felt a little badly about the poor price, and they came up with a cap and 3 pens for Del. I think they felt a little sheepish, deducting $1800 for 20hrs of yardage costs, as if we were getting anything for our cows. But its certainly not their problem the cattle industry is in the tank!! Oh, well. We went for lunch with mom and dad, stopped at their house for 45 min, and then went to the 'big lights'. Kyle had a Mustang practise. It was so nice to see him come off the ice with a huge smile, even after a 1 3/4 hr practise. Then it was off to Wendy's drive thru, and picked up Alyssa & Michelle for the ride home. Home at 830.
As we get home, Andrea & Garvis, and the kids, pull in. Yay!!! Andrea goes to work in my kitchen. She's an angel!!! I haven't been 'home' for days, and it looks like a tornado, and she just tackles it head on!!! What a fun evening of visiting and many good laughs!!! They are such a blessing!
Sunday, I have to admit I slept in. Between time change, the crazy hours of the last week, and Del having to feed cattle. I just had to sleep. We left for the rink at noon, as Jayde's last game was at 130. Got his game over with, and we went home, and what did I do??? Back to bed for a 2 hr nap! Up to make an amazing supper of nachos! We actually spent a quiet evening at home-reading, visiting, watching TV. And I made the boys go to be early!
Monday- chiro appt, and laundry. lots of laundry! and I even got a nap in before heading to work for nights. And Del worked his first in office day. How exciting. You know, people have asked me, where is he working? I guess I've never mentioned it-Floyd Seeds. He will be selling seed and chemical, along with whatever else Stewart gets him to do.
I don't know if any of you kept up with the issues with the nurses potentially striking, but the government and the union did come to a tentative agreement yesterday, offsetting a strike vote today. Mixed thoughts about this topic. Something needs to be done about our system, but what is the answer, I don't know. How do we keep our young nurses from leaving this province to work elsewhere??? It's interesting when you compare wages with some other professions. Some people who have not gone for post secondary education, make a fair bit more. some don't. I don't think i'll get everyone on the same page for this one!
The rest of this week-well, I still have not completed everything for the income tax return. So i have to do that! We're moving the last 19 black angus cows home tomorrow after Del comes home from work. Yes, I think we'll keep them for now. Have to participate in a school mtg on Thursday. The Ice Dawgs play at home on Thursday & Friday night. And, I get to work the weekend! Somedays, its for the paycheck!!
By the way, I was helping EMS wrap Daffodils tonight. They are selling them in support of Cancer Research. Go out and buy a bunch or two! They're beautiful!
Last Thursday, I worked, and Del made it home from his work conference. I actually only worked an 8 hr day, and got a couple hours at home with Del and the boys, before Del & i went to the Ice Dawgs game. And fortunately for us, the Dawgs won, taking care of the series, 3-0. Friday was a 12 hr day at work. After work..... straight to the rink, for Jaydes hockey game. Jayde played in a tournament all weekend. 2 games on Saturday, and one on Sunday.
Saturday, the big day! Del had shipped 66 cows to auction on Friday, for the sale onSaturday. We got up early, dropped off Jayde at a friends house, so he could go to hockey, and we went to the livestock auction for 10 am. My mom and dad met us there, to 'enjoy' the event. Needless to say, it was a little discouraging. We did sell the animals at an average of $600/c0w. The saddest part for me was when I found out that most of the animals were going to market on Monday morning. Seems kind of like a waste of good cattle/baby calves to be! But, apparently thats what happening now. It had its funny moments. My dad leaned over to me at one point, and seemed quite concerned that Kyle would be finding this difficult. I asked him why. He said, well maybe he was attached to the cows. I laughed and had no problem telling them that the boys had no attachment at all. He then said, well, maybe we had named them, or maybe Del had names for them. I informed him that Del might have names for them, but not affectionate ones! :) Or the moment when the ladies were printing out the cheque, they felt a little badly about the poor price, and they came up with a cap and 3 pens for Del. I think they felt a little sheepish, deducting $1800 for 20hrs of yardage costs, as if we were getting anything for our cows. But its certainly not their problem the cattle industry is in the tank!! Oh, well. We went for lunch with mom and dad, stopped at their house for 45 min, and then went to the 'big lights'. Kyle had a Mustang practise. It was so nice to see him come off the ice with a huge smile, even after a 1 3/4 hr practise. Then it was off to Wendy's drive thru, and picked up Alyssa & Michelle for the ride home. Home at 830.
As we get home, Andrea & Garvis, and the kids, pull in. Yay!!! Andrea goes to work in my kitchen. She's an angel!!! I haven't been 'home' for days, and it looks like a tornado, and she just tackles it head on!!! What a fun evening of visiting and many good laughs!!! They are such a blessing!
Sunday, I have to admit I slept in. Between time change, the crazy hours of the last week, and Del having to feed cattle. I just had to sleep. We left for the rink at noon, as Jayde's last game was at 130. Got his game over with, and we went home, and what did I do??? Back to bed for a 2 hr nap! Up to make an amazing supper of nachos! We actually spent a quiet evening at home-reading, visiting, watching TV. And I made the boys go to be early!
Monday- chiro appt, and laundry. lots of laundry! and I even got a nap in before heading to work for nights. And Del worked his first in office day. How exciting. You know, people have asked me, where is he working? I guess I've never mentioned it-Floyd Seeds. He will be selling seed and chemical, along with whatever else Stewart gets him to do.
I don't know if any of you kept up with the issues with the nurses potentially striking, but the government and the union did come to a tentative agreement yesterday, offsetting a strike vote today. Mixed thoughts about this topic. Something needs to be done about our system, but what is the answer, I don't know. How do we keep our young nurses from leaving this province to work elsewhere??? It's interesting when you compare wages with some other professions. Some people who have not gone for post secondary education, make a fair bit more. some don't. I don't think i'll get everyone on the same page for this one!
The rest of this week-well, I still have not completed everything for the income tax return. So i have to do that! We're moving the last 19 black angus cows home tomorrow after Del comes home from work. Yes, I think we'll keep them for now. Have to participate in a school mtg on Thursday. The Ice Dawgs play at home on Thursday & Friday night. And, I get to work the weekend! Somedays, its for the paycheck!!
By the way, I was helping EMS wrap Daffodils tonight. They are selling them in support of Cancer Research. Go out and buy a bunch or two! They're beautiful!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
it comes down to game 3!
Here I am, hitting mid-week.....and yes, I'm coping. It's been a busy couple of days. When did I post last? I'm loosing track of where i am, but, oh, well... Del flew to his conference on Monday afternoon. Good thing he drove himself to the city for his flight, as Jayde had a ton of home ec homework to do. Actually, it became my homework. Oh, man! he's taking sewing now, and it was a bunch of questions on sewing basics, including stitches, fabrics, sewing machines, and sergers. I don't remember my home ec class being that in depth! So, we muddled through it! Tuesday-I took the boys to school, went to the credit union to set up our PAC account, yeah!!!, and then went to buy some salt and minerals for the cows. Yes, its very important for the cows to have salt and mineral to help baby to grow, and to drink lots of water. Probably there are other good reasons, but who cares, eh? Home just before lunch, so Onyx could come visit me while Andrea went to town. That little boy is such a doll. I love that child!! His beautiful blue eyes, and his great smile, are amazing! His vocabulary is changing daily. It was so funny-he would say thank you, and i'd say you're welcome. He'd then reply with thank you, me with you're welcome, or vice versa. Or when you say I love you, he says thank you. He makes me look forward to when my boys will have kids. (much further down the road!) Tuesday evening-Jayde reffed an Atom game @ 6, then Kyle practised right after. Home again. Wednesday morning, I had 4 cakes and 5 dz cookies baked by 830! Yes, I was quite proud of myself for not crawling back into bed. One of the girls that is running for carnival queen is having a bake sale this friday, and needs baking, so I thought I better contribute something. So, I baked today, did laundry, cleaned, and got ready to head to the rink. Jayde went to Trents after school today so he could go with him to hockey practice. I picked up Kyle and a couple of his teammates, to head out to his game three tonight. And.......... they lost, 3-2. So, finally, this roller coaster season has come to a close. This is the earliest ever, that Kyle's winter team is done for the season. What a relief in a sense. Yes, its disappointing for the kids, but they just seemed to lack energy tonight. So, now Kyle can freely go play for his spring hockey team. So off he goes on Saturday to the big city for practise!! Saturday is also the big day for selling our cows. Oh, oh! Jayde needs the computer for some research, so I'm logging off for tonight. Off to work tomorrow............
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Another eventful day at the rink
Another day....another interesting episode of rink 'crap'! You know, I love to watch my kids, and their friends play hockey. There's just no better way to spend time than watching kids play a sport they love, and I get to watch that while visiting with some pretty cool parents. Usually! I have to say I'm so disappointed. Politics in hockey is ruining the fun of the game. Where is the sportsmanship, the fair play, the part of the game that develops the kids off the ice??? I (and Del, of course) have signed our boys on to play hockey, not only to play the game they love, to develop their skills and such, but even more so, to develop confidence, self-esteem, trust, work with others, and make new friends and contacts wherever they play. Is that asking too much? Maybe we're expecting too much! I'm looking forward for this winter season to be over. I'm tired of the theatrics of parents taking away the 'fun' of the game. I'm looking forward to chauffeuring my kids to play summer hockey in the city. Is that crazy to look forward to drive crazy miles, gallons of gas, and huge amounts of time to do this? It's a break from what we're doing now. Is that hockey politics free?? No, of course not. But, the expectations of people involved are different. So, YES, I'm looking forward to driving south for the love of the game. I greatly appreciate some of the parents on my kids winter teams. Don't get me wrong. You all know who you are. We love spending time together. But, again, I'm disappointed in the whole circus this has become...................Gong show, anyone?????
Yes, Kyle's team played Sunday afternoon, and they won, 7-5. Great effort, kids! So that means there will be a game 3, with winner moving on to the next round of playoffs, and loser gets to move on to another season of golf. Yay!!!
Jayde spent the day reffing. I hope it went well for him. See, I haven't spoke to him since I dropped him at the rink at noon today. Yeah, I went home from work this morning, and fell into bed at 815, only to get up at 1130. Got ready, took Jayde to ref, went to town and left my vehicle at work, hitched a ride with Del & Kyle to Kyle's game, watched his game, came back to town @ 6, visited some friends till just before 7, and then back to work for another 12 hr night. Here I am, trying to keep my eyes open. So far, all is calm. Hopefully it continues...
Del is planning to load a couple of loads of grain in the morning, before he starts his new job. I'm going to prepare myself mentally to take Del to the airport and be the sole parent at home for the next few days. I'm such a suck!! Anyone who knows me, knows that I may come across as a tough cookie, I'm the softest, suckiest person on the inside! =) I admit it! Yes, I find it difficult to not have Del around; there's a reason he doesn't drive long distance. He couldn't stand to put up with his emotional wife by phone!! But, I will be tough this week, cuz its time to grow up! It has to be done. I'm hoping to catch up on a few things at home, like the farm accounting. Ugh! that should be fun! Hopefully a day of catch up will do it, and then I'm good for a while.
Live life to the fullest; enjoy the moments you're given; smile to the people you meet; be thankful for the things you have; appreciate and love the people God's blessed you with; kiss, hug, and say I love you to the kids; -all these are things I'm going to focus on more!
Yes, Kyle's team played Sunday afternoon, and they won, 7-5. Great effort, kids! So that means there will be a game 3, with winner moving on to the next round of playoffs, and loser gets to move on to another season of golf. Yay!!!
Jayde spent the day reffing. I hope it went well for him. See, I haven't spoke to him since I dropped him at the rink at noon today. Yeah, I went home from work this morning, and fell into bed at 815, only to get up at 1130. Got ready, took Jayde to ref, went to town and left my vehicle at work, hitched a ride with Del & Kyle to Kyle's game, watched his game, came back to town @ 6, visited some friends till just before 7, and then back to work for another 12 hr night. Here I am, trying to keep my eyes open. So far, all is calm. Hopefully it continues...
Del is planning to load a couple of loads of grain in the morning, before he starts his new job. I'm going to prepare myself mentally to take Del to the airport and be the sole parent at home for the next few days. I'm such a suck!! Anyone who knows me, knows that I may come across as a tough cookie, I'm the softest, suckiest person on the inside! =) I admit it! Yes, I find it difficult to not have Del around; there's a reason he doesn't drive long distance. He couldn't stand to put up with his emotional wife by phone!! But, I will be tough this week, cuz its time to grow up! It has to be done. I'm hoping to catch up on a few things at home, like the farm accounting. Ugh! that should be fun! Hopefully a day of catch up will do it, and then I'm good for a while.
Live life to the fullest; enjoy the moments you're given; smile to the people you meet; be thankful for the things you have; appreciate and love the people God's blessed you with; kiss, hug, and say I love you to the kids; -all these are things I'm going to focus on more!
Yeah, I know, I've put off posting for over a week! It's too long, but sometimes its better to be quiet than say too much, isn't it??? I'm trying to think back to what I've accomplished in the last week. So much has been going on, but not much of anything?!?!
Another meeting with hockey parents-wow! I do not enjoy these. Too many people who don't agree. Why is it that people can't agree on what's best for the kids involved? I'm looking forward for this season to be over. What a great bunch of kids, but as parents we kind of ruin it for them, it seems.
Jayde's team won in 2nd OT tonight. That means their playoff series is tied at 1 game apiece. The next game is winner moves on, and loser is done. Could be an interesting battle! Kyle's team lost game one of their best of 3 series, today. Game 2 is tomorrow. Jayde is reffing a novice playoff tournament tomorrow. Yes, I'm the proud mother of a young man who is growing up so fast, and taking on 'adult' responsibilities.
Work-I could post so much! There's some songs that run through my mind when I think of work.....you know them. Everyone has a song to match their job. Yes, I'm part of the nurses union, who is taking a stand against overtime and extra shifts. That has just complicated an already frustrating situation. The next month should be quite interesting at work. Maybe we'll just rent the whole wing at a mental institution for all of us at work!
Farming-the cows have been preg-checked and are booked for auction on Saturday. That was an interesting experience. Do you want to know how its done? No, the vet didn't teach me, but I did watch and ask all kinds of questions. I had the job of vaccinating the animals. So, ignore this if you don't want to know- yes, she checks for baby by palpating through the mamas colon. Yes, the back end. Not the birth canal, mind you. She ends up disempacting the cow, to feel how large baby is. (yes, Lyss, you read that right!) So she can tell whether a cow is pregnant, how far along the baby is, or if the cow is open, or a cull cow. Very interesting! I also learnt that she can tell the age of a cow by their teeth. Or lack of teeth apparently. She told this funny story of how an old farmer had asked her to date her cows, she obliged. As she comes to the farm, the farmer comes to her and she notices he doesn't have teeth, and seems quite elderly. So, she goes to check his cows, and they have no teeth either. Apparently, thats a sign that the cow is elderly as well! She tells this story along with a demonstration of how the farmer and his cows chewed. hilarious!!! She must see everything! I would love to have her job for at least a day!
Del's work-Del is starting work on Monday. And he's starting work by flying away for four days for some seminar thingy. That leaves me home to manage the farm and boys, and work. Del is looking forward to this experience, and I'm excited for him.
Gong show-this term has been used alot lately in the circles I keep. I'm a little naive here, but where did this term start? I saw a shirt the other day that said, 'hockey-gong show'. Love it! We should make more shirts with this, hey?????
Back to what else I've done in the last while, our school PAC did a bake sale/raffle/book swap event. It went so well! I love seeing kids together, being excited about the basic good things in life. To see a kids eyes light up when they find a good book. Or the kids who pooled their money to buy a cake together and then eat/share it with each other. Or the kid who couldn't afford to buy a book, but we gave her one, and she beamed! Literally, BEAMED! That's what the good things in life are about-making a difference!
Hey, I had a birthday last week! That was a fun day. Had company throughout the day. That's my kind of fun. Family and friends, the best kind of people to spend time with! Good conversation, all day long! Perfect! And yes, i'm all of 21, again!
So, that's my last 10 days in a nutshell, I think. I've blocked out parts in my mind, cuz somedays the Alzheimers takes over. On purpose. Some things aren't worth remembering. This next week will be busy keeping up with the same-work, farm, family.......... Yeah, i'm getting repetitive.
My lesson for the day is-appreciate what you've got-don't wait until its too late. Be it big or little, significant or not, make each experience/opportunity count.
Have a good night!
Another meeting with hockey parents-wow! I do not enjoy these. Too many people who don't agree. Why is it that people can't agree on what's best for the kids involved? I'm looking forward for this season to be over. What a great bunch of kids, but as parents we kind of ruin it for them, it seems.
Jayde's team won in 2nd OT tonight. That means their playoff series is tied at 1 game apiece. The next game is winner moves on, and loser is done. Could be an interesting battle! Kyle's team lost game one of their best of 3 series, today. Game 2 is tomorrow. Jayde is reffing a novice playoff tournament tomorrow. Yes, I'm the proud mother of a young man who is growing up so fast, and taking on 'adult' responsibilities.
Work-I could post so much! There's some songs that run through my mind when I think of work.....you know them. Everyone has a song to match their job. Yes, I'm part of the nurses union, who is taking a stand against overtime and extra shifts. That has just complicated an already frustrating situation. The next month should be quite interesting at work. Maybe we'll just rent the whole wing at a mental institution for all of us at work!
Farming-the cows have been preg-checked and are booked for auction on Saturday. That was an interesting experience. Do you want to know how its done? No, the vet didn't teach me, but I did watch and ask all kinds of questions. I had the job of vaccinating the animals. So, ignore this if you don't want to know- yes, she checks for baby by palpating through the mamas colon. Yes, the back end. Not the birth canal, mind you. She ends up disempacting the cow, to feel how large baby is. (yes, Lyss, you read that right!) So she can tell whether a cow is pregnant, how far along the baby is, or if the cow is open, or a cull cow. Very interesting! I also learnt that she can tell the age of a cow by their teeth. Or lack of teeth apparently. She told this funny story of how an old farmer had asked her to date her cows, she obliged. As she comes to the farm, the farmer comes to her and she notices he doesn't have teeth, and seems quite elderly. So, she goes to check his cows, and they have no teeth either. Apparently, thats a sign that the cow is elderly as well! She tells this story along with a demonstration of how the farmer and his cows chewed. hilarious!!! She must see everything! I would love to have her job for at least a day!
Del's work-Del is starting work on Monday. And he's starting work by flying away for four days for some seminar thingy. That leaves me home to manage the farm and boys, and work. Del is looking forward to this experience, and I'm excited for him.
Gong show-this term has been used alot lately in the circles I keep. I'm a little naive here, but where did this term start? I saw a shirt the other day that said, 'hockey-gong show'. Love it! We should make more shirts with this, hey?????
Back to what else I've done in the last while, our school PAC did a bake sale/raffle/book swap event. It went so well! I love seeing kids together, being excited about the basic good things in life. To see a kids eyes light up when they find a good book. Or the kids who pooled their money to buy a cake together and then eat/share it with each other. Or the kid who couldn't afford to buy a book, but we gave her one, and she beamed! Literally, BEAMED! That's what the good things in life are about-making a difference!
Hey, I had a birthday last week! That was a fun day. Had company throughout the day. That's my kind of fun. Family and friends, the best kind of people to spend time with! Good conversation, all day long! Perfect! And yes, i'm all of 21, again!
So, that's my last 10 days in a nutshell, I think. I've blocked out parts in my mind, cuz somedays the Alzheimers takes over. On purpose. Some things aren't worth remembering. This next week will be busy keeping up with the same-work, farm, family.......... Yeah, i'm getting repetitive.
My lesson for the day is-appreciate what you've got-don't wait until its too late. Be it big or little, significant or not, make each experience/opportunity count.
Have a good night!
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