My Catie has made a video at Hamilton Comicon. This is her second movie.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, October 03, 2011
Learning to say goodbye
There is one thing I will never learn right. To learn how to say goodbye. In this week, we lost Aunt Veronica who was a dear woman. In later years she had Alzheimers so we slowed down visiting her because we would scare her. We attended her funeral this morning and internment this afternoon. Usually I'm a font of strength for other people at funerals but this one I just couldn't take. I skipped the mass because I'm so ticked at the boss running the universe.
Aunt Veronica died and I have no doubt in my mind that the woman is up in Heaven where she knows she deserves to be. I went to support Mountain Man's mum because Aunt Veronica raised her after their own mum died and she's one of those strong, silent old school type but no matter how much you expect it, no matter that you know that Aunt Veronica is out of pain and happy in her faith, you still hurt because in the end, funerals are for the living. I thought I could be brave and keep my mouth shut about Mandy because this funeral is for Doug's family but seeing the flowers, the open graves and most of all there were teddy bears and firetrucks under one of the trees just broke my heart. I even took an anti-anxiety hoping it would make me too tired to lose it.
Whoever did Aunt Veronica's make-up was a pro. She looked beautiful. She looked at peace. I was not angry at any deity for taking her because she was 92. The woman I remember, (being the only other smoker on the Lorente side) would ride back with us to Ottawa and sing, "bringing up a baby bumblebee" with the kids and tell us how much she loved listening to the kids sing rather than the radio.
She also would tell all who would listen that the reason the ozone layer was in trouble was "because those silly scientist keep shooting up rockets and poking holes in it for goodness sake." Hers was a life of simple joy.
The anger and turmoil comes at the news I received last night. Mandy Anderson, a beautiful woman expecting her first baby, only 27 died. Her son was born stillborn on Saturday, they did an emergency C-section and then sent her home. Only to have a brain clot take her in the night. This is so wrong. She was too young and to take her baby and her at the same time is too tragic. It kills me that her last hours on earth were spent mourning for her son. As most of you know, I lost a child to SIDS. I know what she was feeling. Why couldn't it have been both at the same time? Why couldn't she have died with the hope of a bright future with her and her baby together? I'm so angry and frustrated.
I know that this woman was so filled with love and energy and beauty that she can't possibly be totally gone. Being a geek, I believe the rule that energy doesn't die, it just transforms. I believe she's at peace. What is killing me is Michael, her husband and her parents and family. I don't know them well. But I know the feeling that there is a whole inside you that will never fill up. I know the feeling that you will break into a million pieces and never get back together again. I hurt that anyone would have to go through that and I'm pissed off to no end that it is because of Mandy. It would break her heart to see it.
She had a shower on Saturday for her and her baby. I couldn't make it and I sent her an email apologizing. Her reply was in my email last night, "No worries Dude! Sorry for what your family is going through lately. We will find a day to destress soon." On my facebook, I had posted, "I am at the age of weddings and funerals, had enough of funerals people, somebody get married. I don't care if you sign the papers to make it legal, just get married already." She "liked" it.
She had a costumed wedding. This girl was so unique that it's inefficient for any deity to take her. Mind you, I'm sure she will give them a piece of her mind once she starts flying around up there in Heaven. And for her there is a Heaven no doubt. A plane of existence where she will watch over her family and friends forever. She will be the positive energy you need to draw on when the world looks just like it looks right now, bleak and cold an colourless.
When I see a Hello Kitty or the red-headed girl who's explaining once again that there are rules and you need to follow them but you can do it with flair and style. I will think of her and her son.
I don't think any of her family will read this but I wish I could teach you how to say goodbye, because I don't know how to. I don't want to. I will eventually because she would smack me up the back of the head and say, "Dude, Sort yourself out! Wear purple for me and remember that what made me wonderful was that I always fought for the positive." This is what I will hold onto.
I won't say Goodbye Mandy, I can't. I'm just going to say, Thank you for being part of my life. Fare well. Blessed Be.
Aunt Veronica died and I have no doubt in my mind that the woman is up in Heaven where she knows she deserves to be. I went to support Mountain Man's mum because Aunt Veronica raised her after their own mum died and she's one of those strong, silent old school type but no matter how much you expect it, no matter that you know that Aunt Veronica is out of pain and happy in her faith, you still hurt because in the end, funerals are for the living. I thought I could be brave and keep my mouth shut about Mandy because this funeral is for Doug's family but seeing the flowers, the open graves and most of all there were teddy bears and firetrucks under one of the trees just broke my heart. I even took an anti-anxiety hoping it would make me too tired to lose it.
Whoever did Aunt Veronica's make-up was a pro. She looked beautiful. She looked at peace. I was not angry at any deity for taking her because she was 92. The woman I remember, (being the only other smoker on the Lorente side) would ride back with us to Ottawa and sing, "bringing up a baby bumblebee" with the kids and tell us how much she loved listening to the kids sing rather than the radio.
She also would tell all who would listen that the reason the ozone layer was in trouble was "because those silly scientist keep shooting up rockets and poking holes in it for goodness sake." Hers was a life of simple joy.
The anger and turmoil comes at the news I received last night. Mandy Anderson, a beautiful woman expecting her first baby, only 27 died. Her son was born stillborn on Saturday, they did an emergency C-section and then sent her home. Only to have a brain clot take her in the night. This is so wrong. She was too young and to take her baby and her at the same time is too tragic. It kills me that her last hours on earth were spent mourning for her son. As most of you know, I lost a child to SIDS. I know what she was feeling. Why couldn't it have been both at the same time? Why couldn't she have died with the hope of a bright future with her and her baby together? I'm so angry and frustrated.
I know that this woman was so filled with love and energy and beauty that she can't possibly be totally gone. Being a geek, I believe the rule that energy doesn't die, it just transforms. I believe she's at peace. What is killing me is Michael, her husband and her parents and family. I don't know them well. But I know the feeling that there is a whole inside you that will never fill up. I know the feeling that you will break into a million pieces and never get back together again. I hurt that anyone would have to go through that and I'm pissed off to no end that it is because of Mandy. It would break her heart to see it.
She had a shower on Saturday for her and her baby. I couldn't make it and I sent her an email apologizing. Her reply was in my email last night, "No worries Dude! Sorry for what your family is going through lately. We will find a day to destress soon." On my facebook, I had posted, "I am at the age of weddings and funerals, had enough of funerals people, somebody get married. I don't care if you sign the papers to make it legal, just get married already." She "liked" it.
She had a costumed wedding. This girl was so unique that it's inefficient for any deity to take her. Mind you, I'm sure she will give them a piece of her mind once she starts flying around up there in Heaven. And for her there is a Heaven no doubt. A plane of existence where she will watch over her family and friends forever. She will be the positive energy you need to draw on when the world looks just like it looks right now, bleak and cold an colourless.
When I see a Hello Kitty or the red-headed girl who's explaining once again that there are rules and you need to follow them but you can do it with flair and style. I will think of her and her son.
I don't think any of her family will read this but I wish I could teach you how to say goodbye, because I don't know how to. I don't want to. I will eventually because she would smack me up the back of the head and say, "Dude, Sort yourself out! Wear purple for me and remember that what made me wonderful was that I always fought for the positive." This is what I will hold onto.
I won't say Goodbye Mandy, I can't. I'm just going to say, Thank you for being part of my life. Fare well. Blessed Be.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Catie-ism's
Well I can't write much. My ribs are still keeping me in check. Was thinking how much I love Catie's expressions. Over the years she has come out with some unconscious witticism that have now become part of family vocabulary.
Top favourites.
On describing the food at prom; It tasted like, "2am seemed like a good idea at the time", food.
Frustrated with her brother for not making a decision: "Pick up your mind!"
Responding to her Dad's complaint on her tardiness, "You Smith women. You're always late. You will probably be late for your own funeral."
Catie: You wanted us early?
Another time, "I thought that was the point of living healthy Dad?"
"So Dad, how dark is that cave you've lived in all your life?"
In response to her brother teasing her about being chubby which is a total stretch. "Um Breyan, Look at Dad and Look at Mum. Now see how much you look like Dad? See how much I look like Mum. If I was you, I'd start a strict regime of exercise now."
"Mum, back away from the girl guide cookies. I know you're upset but we can talk about this. Making your heart explode from the slabs o' fat will not help anyone."
When she didn't want to throw out her outgrown clothes at seven, "Well if I keep them til I'm a little old lady like you, I'll shrink back to that size and they'll probably be in style again."
(On my tendency to give fashion advice.) "Don't stand still around my mom. She'll redecorate you."
Top favourites.
On describing the food at prom; It tasted like, "2am seemed like a good idea at the time", food.
Frustrated with her brother for not making a decision: "Pick up your mind!"
Responding to her Dad's complaint on her tardiness, "You Smith women. You're always late. You will probably be late for your own funeral."
Catie: You wanted us early?
Another time, "I thought that was the point of living healthy Dad?"
"So Dad, how dark is that cave you've lived in all your life?"
In response to her brother teasing her about being chubby which is a total stretch. "Um Breyan, Look at Dad and Look at Mum. Now see how much you look like Dad? See how much I look like Mum. If I was you, I'd start a strict regime of exercise now."
"Mum, back away from the girl guide cookies. I know you're upset but we can talk about this. Making your heart explode from the slabs o' fat will not help anyone."
When she didn't want to throw out her outgrown clothes at seven, "Well if I keep them til I'm a little old lady like you, I'll shrink back to that size and they'll probably be in style again."
(On my tendency to give fashion advice.) "Don't stand still around my mom. She'll redecorate you."
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Friday, August 05, 2011
The Women I Admire that May Not Make the History Books but are Well Worth Knowing.
Sorry I haven't written for a while. It's been a hell of a two weeks since I cracked my ribs. I couldn't sit up for long periods of time and I couldn't write for long periods.
In fact I've become a couch potato and for the life of me I do not see how people can do this without becoming insane. The dishes call to me, "Clean Me," so pitifully, the dust bunnies are getting names, the bottom of my walls look like modern art with the mud smears from Mischief's tail.
MM and Catie get very frustrated that I get up and try to do these things but I'm in a catch-22. If I don't try to get up and move, then the Fibromyalgia will freeze me up and make me bedridden and if I get up too much the ribs are yelling at me that they plan on going on strike or mad dwarfs start playing xylophone symphonies on them with hammers. It doesn't help that Catie has Strep.
She was supposed to be moving out August 1 to a house with a group of friends but poor her, the people in the house need more time to move so she has to stay home an extra month. (Yahoo! but don't tell her that. I really wasn't looking forward to a Catie free house.)
One occasion I had to get up for was the Family BBQ to welcome MM's Aunt Joan to Ottawa from BC. I've always loved her visits and I love seeing MM's family because they are amazing people and it's a weird difference from when we first met. (Nothing to do with all those big gorgeous men to hug, honest!) MM hates going to these things alone and he prefers I come as he says he likes showing me off. (I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I'm the one that remembers all the family names of nieces, nephews, hobbies, taste preferences, jobs etc...)
I understand that because I love bringing Catie, Breyan and the girls out because I'm so proud of them. Yeah I know, other people show off their new cars and careers and I show off my kids but they take just as much work without the promotions and none of the health benefits. I get paid in hugs, kisses, and "Love you Nona," but to me that means more than any new truck or nameplate on the door.
Anyway, we got to see Aunt Joan who I think is an amazingly strong woman, and she brought two lovely friends with her. They were adorable. The woman, Ann, has an essential tremor too and it was neat to meet someone who has grown up with it the way I have and has a sense of humour about it. Very much women to admire.
Then I talked to my Aunt Liz about what's going on with Gramma and about Catie moving out and I had an epiphany.
I don't know how many times I've been asked how I keep sane with all the trauma I've had in my life. How could I not with the amazing examples of admirable women in my life?
To name a few;
Gramma; A woman who defined family so much that my friends call her "Gramma" and go to visit her. She taught me to count my blessings, not my bothers. She taught me that love is unconditional.
Mum: Yeah we have our issues but my mother taught me that the business world is not a man's domain. She taught me women can do whatever they convince themselves they can do and look fabulous doing it.
Aunt Liz: A woman who has so much love that she is the rock of our family and has always been there for any of her nieces and nephews. A woman who never passed the physical for "Mother" but has been one for all of us for years. She taught me that the word "Mother" is flexible.
Aunt Lynette: A woman who dealt with her husband's issues with love, patience and downright stubbornness. She taught me that love can conquer all.
My sis-in-law: A woman who faced physical disability with structure and discipline. She taught me that no matter what people say about you, It's what you say about yourself that counts in the end.
My big sis: She taught me that as long as children grow up knowing they are unconditionally loved by at least one person, they can survive any childhood trauma.
Lynne and Deb: They taught me the meaning of true friends. Also that it doesn't matter what happens in the past, you are in charge of your future.
Lisa and Val: Rock chicks never die. They have taught me to hold on to the joy of being young, no matter how old you get.
Katie: Taught me that Life is what you make it and you have to take responsibility for that. Also that women can have an IQ higher than your rent and still be sexy and street smart.
Darla: Taught me that being vulnerable is not a weakness and it's okay to lean on others when you have to. It takes a strong person to know when they need help.
Ivy, Lillian, Natasha, Ingrid, Debra, Tina, (Jean, honorary) Samantha, and the whole crew from the Vergs, taught me that women can do anything when they band together. We are strength in numbers.
Sarah (Derek's): Taught me that women need other women in their lives, you face challenges everyday in your life and with good friends, each and everyone of them can be met.
Lois: There is nothing a woman cannot do if she makes up her mind to do it. A woman who turned her whole life upside down and made it one worth living. She taught me that you don't have to accept limits.
Janie: Taught me that physical limits can't make you have psychological limits. Cancer is a word, an illness, not a frame of mind.
Aunt Elta and Debbie: Taught me social responsibility, and how to be a strength to my family when they are hurting, a support when they are striving.
Yvonne: I'm still learning from. She has taught me that with love, a sense of humour and duty there is nothing I can't survive.
Mary-Ann: Taught me that if you don't live your life honestly then you cannot complain about not being happy. It may not be easy but it's worth it.
MM's mom: There is nothing wrong with discipline in your life and raising your children. You are not setting limits for them, just boundaries to make them feel secure until they learn to stretch them.
Jenny, Catie, Sarah, Samantha, Ashley, Cassie, Christine; These are my daughters friends and the next generation of amazing women. Each of these girls have met some major challenges in the young lives and each have not only overcome but thrived. They are an example of what women can be, should be and will be. I'm so proud to know them all and consider them part of my family.
There are just so many more I can name in my life. Each one of these women and the many more in my life have made me like and accept the chick in the mirror. With heroines like this in my life, not to mention the many men who make my world wonderful, how can I ever say Life is too Hard?
In fact I've become a couch potato and for the life of me I do not see how people can do this without becoming insane. The dishes call to me, "Clean Me," so pitifully, the dust bunnies are getting names, the bottom of my walls look like modern art with the mud smears from Mischief's tail.
MM and Catie get very frustrated that I get up and try to do these things but I'm in a catch-22. If I don't try to get up and move, then the Fibromyalgia will freeze me up and make me bedridden and if I get up too much the ribs are yelling at me that they plan on going on strike or mad dwarfs start playing xylophone symphonies on them with hammers. It doesn't help that Catie has Strep.
She was supposed to be moving out August 1 to a house with a group of friends but poor her, the people in the house need more time to move so she has to stay home an extra month. (Yahoo! but don't tell her that. I really wasn't looking forward to a Catie free house.)
One occasion I had to get up for was the Family BBQ to welcome MM's Aunt Joan to Ottawa from BC. I've always loved her visits and I love seeing MM's family because they are amazing people and it's a weird difference from when we first met. (Nothing to do with all those big gorgeous men to hug, honest!) MM hates going to these things alone and he prefers I come as he says he likes showing me off. (I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I'm the one that remembers all the family names of nieces, nephews, hobbies, taste preferences, jobs etc...)
I understand that because I love bringing Catie, Breyan and the girls out because I'm so proud of them. Yeah I know, other people show off their new cars and careers and I show off my kids but they take just as much work without the promotions and none of the health benefits. I get paid in hugs, kisses, and "Love you Nona," but to me that means more than any new truck or nameplate on the door.
Anyway, we got to see Aunt Joan who I think is an amazingly strong woman, and she brought two lovely friends with her. They were adorable. The woman, Ann, has an essential tremor too and it was neat to meet someone who has grown up with it the way I have and has a sense of humour about it. Very much women to admire.
Then I talked to my Aunt Liz about what's going on with Gramma and about Catie moving out and I had an epiphany.
I don't know how many times I've been asked how I keep sane with all the trauma I've had in my life. How could I not with the amazing examples of admirable women in my life?
To name a few;
Gramma; A woman who defined family so much that my friends call her "Gramma" and go to visit her. She taught me to count my blessings, not my bothers. She taught me that love is unconditional.
Mum: Yeah we have our issues but my mother taught me that the business world is not a man's domain. She taught me women can do whatever they convince themselves they can do and look fabulous doing it.
Aunt Liz: A woman who has so much love that she is the rock of our family and has always been there for any of her nieces and nephews. A woman who never passed the physical for "Mother" but has been one for all of us for years. She taught me that the word "Mother" is flexible.
Aunt Lynette: A woman who dealt with her husband's issues with love, patience and downright stubbornness. She taught me that love can conquer all.
My sis-in-law: A woman who faced physical disability with structure and discipline. She taught me that no matter what people say about you, It's what you say about yourself that counts in the end.
My big sis: She taught me that as long as children grow up knowing they are unconditionally loved by at least one person, they can survive any childhood trauma.
Lynne and Deb: They taught me the meaning of true friends. Also that it doesn't matter what happens in the past, you are in charge of your future.
Lisa and Val: Rock chicks never die. They have taught me to hold on to the joy of being young, no matter how old you get.
Katie: Taught me that Life is what you make it and you have to take responsibility for that. Also that women can have an IQ higher than your rent and still be sexy and street smart.
Darla: Taught me that being vulnerable is not a weakness and it's okay to lean on others when you have to. It takes a strong person to know when they need help.
Ivy, Lillian, Natasha, Ingrid, Debra, Tina, (Jean, honorary) Samantha, and the whole crew from the Vergs, taught me that women can do anything when they band together. We are strength in numbers.
Sarah (Derek's): Taught me that women need other women in their lives, you face challenges everyday in your life and with good friends, each and everyone of them can be met.
Lois: There is nothing a woman cannot do if she makes up her mind to do it. A woman who turned her whole life upside down and made it one worth living. She taught me that you don't have to accept limits.
Janie: Taught me that physical limits can't make you have psychological limits. Cancer is a word, an illness, not a frame of mind.
Aunt Elta and Debbie: Taught me social responsibility, and how to be a strength to my family when they are hurting, a support when they are striving.
Yvonne: I'm still learning from. She has taught me that with love, a sense of humour and duty there is nothing I can't survive.
Mary-Ann: Taught me that if you don't live your life honestly then you cannot complain about not being happy. It may not be easy but it's worth it.
MM's mom: There is nothing wrong with discipline in your life and raising your children. You are not setting limits for them, just boundaries to make them feel secure until they learn to stretch them.
Jenny, Catie, Sarah, Samantha, Ashley, Cassie, Christine; These are my daughters friends and the next generation of amazing women. Each of these girls have met some major challenges in the young lives and each have not only overcome but thrived. They are an example of what women can be, should be and will be. I'm so proud to know them all and consider them part of my family.
There are just so many more I can name in my life. Each one of these women and the many more in my life have made me like and accept the chick in the mirror. With heroines like this in my life, not to mention the many men who make my world wonderful, how can I ever say Life is too Hard?
Thursday, July 28, 2011
If You Have to Go to Hospital, Take Catie With You
On Wednesday, the new kitty decided to play ',attack Mum on the
stairs.' I fell and tried to roll into it and landed on the edge of the
stair with my ribs. I tried to call for Catie but I couldn't get
enough air in my lungs so I crawled up the stairs to her room and woke
her up. I tried to get Mischief to get her but she just laid beside me
and licked my face.
Catie woke up and called 911. First she told them I was 42 which is inaccurate but nice. They told her not to let me move and don't touch me. To hell with that, I didn't have any pants on. She helped me get shorts on and a bag of frozen peas. She then got me some scope because for some reason I was upset that I had morning breath. She then locked all the doors and put the cat in the bathroom and Mischief outside.
I couldn't cry, not only because it hurts like hell but she would cry so we both bucked up and didn't cry.
The ambulance came and I couldn't argue about going because I was in hell. The two ambulance attendants were, according to Catie, very cute. One was a Sheldon with a sense of humour and one had rock god hair in a ponytail. They drove at 40 km/hr because every time we hit a bump I screamed. So Catie decided to distract me by one; asking the attendant could we stop and pick up a tattoo artist because she wants us to get matching tattoos but I'm afraid of the pain. She figured I wouldn't notice the pain with the condition I was in.
Two' she decided to list all the furniture and dishes she is taking when she moves out with friends on August 1st. (Cause that wouldn't add to my distress!)
People started cutting off the ambulance so she spent the trip giving drivers the finger, to delight of the ambulance attendant.
She told the ambulance attendants my allergies, had been smart enough to bring my daily medications. She was furious when she was asked to repeat the information to the nurse and then the doctor and they still tried to give me Ansaids, which make my stomach bleed. I was shaking so bad in pain that she offered to get me a carton of milk, to see if I could make butter.
She asked for a blanket for me twice and when they didn't get it, walked right past the nurse and took one. She then went back and stood at the nurse's elbow until they got an icepack.
They stuck an oxygen tube in my nose as I could not breathe deep and she named it the Chinese nose torture.
She tried to cheer me up by promising me Tim Horton's if I was a good girl during the exam and x-rays. She then decided we didn't want to be "cockroaches, who can survive anything," anymore. We are now those lizards that drop their tails when caught by a predator but we couldn't remember the name so she got the whole ER in on it and we came up with geckos.
Being my daughter, she was very pleased that the slippers she brought, perfectly matched the hospital gown. She was in her jammies with her rock chick boots not even done up.
She is an excellent wheelchair driver and the nurse asked if they could keep her because she politely explained to the man who was blocking the door with his wheelchair that she was going to park him off to the side.
She took me to x-ray and told a woman off for wearing too much perfume, sending me into an asthma attack.
When the doctor told her I'd cracked my ribs, the first thing she asked if I could drive. He said no and she was pleased that she would have to take my truck to drive me to appointments. She then got all the instructions for ice, heat, medication and food. She then took me to the Timmy's in the hospital and got me English toffee,
When Dad picked us up, the first thing she said was, "Dad you're going to have to get me a key to the trucks because I have to drive Mom around. I'll probably have to take the grasshopper when I move out so I can be on call for her."
When we got home, she got me to bed with pillows, books and my netbook and went to work. Her first two customers were the ambulance attendants.
I can't write much more as it took two days to get this written. Moving my arm hurts. I am bored out of my skull. The grandgirlz came to see me and they were delightful. I was upset I couldn't hold the baby but Rory offered to stay at our house and play Go Fish all day and Ivy patted me very gently and said, Poor Nona, Kisses to fix you?
Catie woke up and called 911. First she told them I was 42 which is inaccurate but nice. They told her not to let me move and don't touch me. To hell with that, I didn't have any pants on. She helped me get shorts on and a bag of frozen peas. She then got me some scope because for some reason I was upset that I had morning breath. She then locked all the doors and put the cat in the bathroom and Mischief outside.
I couldn't cry, not only because it hurts like hell but she would cry so we both bucked up and didn't cry.
The ambulance came and I couldn't argue about going because I was in hell. The two ambulance attendants were, according to Catie, very cute. One was a Sheldon with a sense of humour and one had rock god hair in a ponytail. They drove at 40 km/hr because every time we hit a bump I screamed. So Catie decided to distract me by one; asking the attendant could we stop and pick up a tattoo artist because she wants us to get matching tattoos but I'm afraid of the pain. She figured I wouldn't notice the pain with the condition I was in.
Two' she decided to list all the furniture and dishes she is taking when she moves out with friends on August 1st. (Cause that wouldn't add to my distress!)
People started cutting off the ambulance so she spent the trip giving drivers the finger, to delight of the ambulance attendant.
She told the ambulance attendants my allergies, had been smart enough to bring my daily medications. She was furious when she was asked to repeat the information to the nurse and then the doctor and they still tried to give me Ansaids, which make my stomach bleed. I was shaking so bad in pain that she offered to get me a carton of milk, to see if I could make butter.
She asked for a blanket for me twice and when they didn't get it, walked right past the nurse and took one. She then went back and stood at the nurse's elbow until they got an icepack.
They stuck an oxygen tube in my nose as I could not breathe deep and she named it the Chinese nose torture.
She tried to cheer me up by promising me Tim Horton's if I was a good girl during the exam and x-rays. She then decided we didn't want to be "cockroaches, who can survive anything," anymore. We are now those lizards that drop their tails when caught by a predator but we couldn't remember the name so she got the whole ER in on it and we came up with geckos.
Being my daughter, she was very pleased that the slippers she brought, perfectly matched the hospital gown. She was in her jammies with her rock chick boots not even done up.
She is an excellent wheelchair driver and the nurse asked if they could keep her because she politely explained to the man who was blocking the door with his wheelchair that she was going to park him off to the side.
She took me to x-ray and told a woman off for wearing too much perfume, sending me into an asthma attack.
When the doctor told her I'd cracked my ribs, the first thing she asked if I could drive. He said no and she was pleased that she would have to take my truck to drive me to appointments. She then got all the instructions for ice, heat, medication and food. She then took me to the Timmy's in the hospital and got me English toffee,
When Dad picked us up, the first thing she said was, "Dad you're going to have to get me a key to the trucks because I have to drive Mom around. I'll probably have to take the grasshopper when I move out so I can be on call for her."
When we got home, she got me to bed with pillows, books and my netbook and went to work. Her first two customers were the ambulance attendants.
I can't write much more as it took two days to get this written. Moving my arm hurts. I am bored out of my skull. The grandgirlz came to see me and they were delightful. I was upset I couldn't hold the baby but Rory offered to stay at our house and play Go Fish all day and Ivy patted me very gently and said, Poor Nona, Kisses to fix you?
Monday, May 30, 2011
Anime North and how I can embarass myself without even leavingt the house.
Dated May 30 to family and friends
Hi all;
I hope everyone is doing well? Now that Anime North Season is over I might have time to breathe. Still have three orders to go but not bad. There are construction guys outside my back window. They are tearing down our back steps and replacing them finally. It's hard not to be polite and I don't know whether to smile or pull the blind as they are working right in front of the picture window looking into my living room. Being me I just give them a good morning wave and go about my day, making sure I'm covered.
It turns out I don't have to leave my house to embarrass the crap out of myself. Last week I was making a turtle shell backpack for Catie's costume. She had taken my IKEA tray and used papermache on it to create the shell. But she didn't let it dry properly and for three days she and I had blinding migraines. We discovered that the mache had molded on the inside. So Gross! You should have seen the "yuck" dance she did when she stuck her hand in it to turn it over--beats my "earwiggy" dance any day.
So I decided to redo the whole thing and I made a quilted cover. My only pain was the tube of white that went around the edge. I basically made a 36" tube and had to stuff it. I couldn't find a long enough handle to push the stuffing up with so I decided to use the broom.
The easiest way is to brace it against the floor, hold it with my feet and just keep pushing it up and down to get the stuffing to the end. I didn't realise how "improper" it looked until I heard a crash outside and found out the guy fixing the window had laughed himself off the ladder.
On Thursday night I was making armoured gloves, Catie was running around in her "Squirtle" costume with a blue wig, turtle shell and tail, Keagan, her boyfriend was wearing his pink gi, a street fighter costume and their friend Curtis was dressed as a D & D wizard. Then the pizza guy came. None of us thought it odd for them to answer the door. I love these moments of my life.
My health seems to be getting stronger. I organised a Community Spring Cleaning and BBQ for our neighbourhood. We picked up garbage and leaves etc... It was funny because I went out of my way to make sure I got halal meat for the Muslims in the neighbourhood and none showed up. Really good burgers though. It was great to see all the kids out and making an effort. I was really impressed with them. I was supposed to just organize the teams and food but as the one of the co ordinators I had to try to help by sweeping and picking up the glass. That's why I'm so sore today. My big old Mountain Man did twice the work picking up branches and old furniture and heavy stuff but won't admit he's worn out. Thank goodness he's on holidays. We also got our approval for a grant for the squirrel proof garbage cans I wanted. Poor Mr. Squirrel's children will have to count on the kindness of strangers from now on.
We have all of our plants in. Lavender, tomato, basil, oregano, moon flowers, parsley and chives. Once they finish the back steps Hubby says he will make me a small garden but I worry that the kids will take any fruit, flowers or vegys grown. I am thinking I might put in some chocolate mint if it's not too late. The problem is that it has to be isolated or it will take over all your garden but it makes an amazing sauce.
We seem to have started a trend in our neighbourhood since we put up the greenhouse on the balcony five neighbours on each side have made little gardens of their own. It's nice but I wish they'd stop asking me questions about their plants. I get all my answers from Gene Lake (He's a friend from Convergys who used to farm and is brilliant for gardening questions.) or the internet.
Catie won tickets to the premiere of Pirates of the Carrabien movie and couldn't go but Sarah had been desperate to go and Breyan couldn't find tickets. They sold out in fifteen minutes. Since Catie had to work she let Sarah have the tickets. The next issue was babysitting. Hubby and I know how hard it is to get out together when you have small children. They couldn't find a sitter so my guy and I volunteered. It was physically hard but rewarding. Except I forgot how much babies puke on everything, Aurora decided to inform me, "she can do whatever she wants." I proved her wrong. Ivy is adorable but very clumsy. I've decided I really don't want more babies, I'll let my kids have them.
But I do miss telling bedtime stories, having Rory inform me, "Nona, I have new make-up. I'm going to give you a do-over." She's so my granddaughter. Unfortunately, or not, she couldn't find it. She says she will do it next time. She very proudly showed me how she cleaned the bathroom for me. Am I that bad at complaining about people's bathroom?
There is a funny picture on Breyan's Facebook that has him and Rory sitting back on the couch with their arms behind their heads watching TV. I turned around at one point and there was Oompah and Rory doing the same thing. Wish I had my camera.
We had a funny moment with Aurora. We were talking about family history and I guess Breyan had explained her Great- Grampa Lorente does genealogy for the Home Children. She told me, "My Great Big Grandpa finds little boys and girls that got lost when the government put them in ships and pushed off." I roared.
Well this is all for now. It's been a very hard week so I think I will have a nap today.
Missing you all.
Kimberley
Hi all;
I hope everyone is doing well? Now that Anime North Season is over I might have time to breathe. Still have three orders to go but not bad. There are construction guys outside my back window. They are tearing down our back steps and replacing them finally. It's hard not to be polite and I don't know whether to smile or pull the blind as they are working right in front of the picture window looking into my living room. Being me I just give them a good morning wave and go about my day, making sure I'm covered.
It turns out I don't have to leave my house to embarrass the crap out of myself. Last week I was making a turtle shell backpack for Catie's costume. She had taken my IKEA tray and used papermache on it to create the shell. But she didn't let it dry properly and for three days she and I had blinding migraines. We discovered that the mache had molded on the inside. So Gross! You should have seen the "yuck" dance she did when she stuck her hand in it to turn it over--beats my "earwiggy" dance any day.
So I decided to redo the whole thing and I made a quilted cover. My only pain was the tube of white that went around the edge. I basically made a 36" tube and had to stuff it. I couldn't find a long enough handle to push the stuffing up with so I decided to use the broom.
The easiest way is to brace it against the floor, hold it with my feet and just keep pushing it up and down to get the stuffing to the end. I didn't realise how "improper" it looked until I heard a crash outside and found out the guy fixing the window had laughed himself off the ladder.
On Thursday night I was making armoured gloves, Catie was running around in her "Squirtle" costume with a blue wig, turtle shell and tail, Keagan, her boyfriend was wearing his pink gi, a street fighter costume and their friend Curtis was dressed as a D & D wizard. Then the pizza guy came. None of us thought it odd for them to answer the door. I love these moments of my life.
My health seems to be getting stronger. I organised a Community Spring Cleaning and BBQ for our neighbourhood. We picked up garbage and leaves etc... It was funny because I went out of my way to make sure I got halal meat for the Muslims in the neighbourhood and none showed up. Really good burgers though. It was great to see all the kids out and making an effort. I was really impressed with them. I was supposed to just organize the teams and food but as the one of the co ordinators I had to try to help by sweeping and picking up the glass. That's why I'm so sore today. My big old Mountain Man did twice the work picking up branches and old furniture and heavy stuff but won't admit he's worn out. Thank goodness he's on holidays. We also got our approval for a grant for the squirrel proof garbage cans I wanted. Poor Mr. Squirrel's children will have to count on the kindness of strangers from now on.
We have all of our plants in. Lavender, tomato, basil, oregano, moon flowers, parsley and chives. Once they finish the back steps Hubby says he will make me a small garden but I worry that the kids will take any fruit, flowers or vegys grown. I am thinking I might put in some chocolate mint if it's not too late. The problem is that it has to be isolated or it will take over all your garden but it makes an amazing sauce.
We seem to have started a trend in our neighbourhood since we put up the greenhouse on the balcony five neighbours on each side have made little gardens of their own. It's nice but I wish they'd stop asking me questions about their plants. I get all my answers from Gene Lake (He's a friend from Convergys who used to farm and is brilliant for gardening questions.) or the internet.
Catie won tickets to the premiere of Pirates of the Carrabien movie and couldn't go but Sarah had been desperate to go and Breyan couldn't find tickets. They sold out in fifteen minutes. Since Catie had to work she let Sarah have the tickets. The next issue was babysitting. Hubby and I know how hard it is to get out together when you have small children. They couldn't find a sitter so my guy and I volunteered. It was physically hard but rewarding. Except I forgot how much babies puke on everything, Aurora decided to inform me, "she can do whatever she wants." I proved her wrong. Ivy is adorable but very clumsy. I've decided I really don't want more babies, I'll let my kids have them.
But I do miss telling bedtime stories, having Rory inform me, "Nona, I have new make-up. I'm going to give you a do-over." She's so my granddaughter. Unfortunately, or not, she couldn't find it. She says she will do it next time. She very proudly showed me how she cleaned the bathroom for me. Am I that bad at complaining about people's bathroom?
There is a funny picture on Breyan's Facebook that has him and Rory sitting back on the couch with their arms behind their heads watching TV. I turned around at one point and there was Oompah and Rory doing the same thing. Wish I had my camera.
We had a funny moment with Aurora. We were talking about family history and I guess Breyan had explained her Great- Grampa Lorente does genealogy for the Home Children. She told me, "My Great Big Grandpa finds little boys and girls that got lost when the government put them in ships and pushed off." I roared.
Well this is all for now. It's been a very hard week so I think I will have a nap today.
Missing you all.
Kimberley
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