Hump Day Observations

It's Wednesday, in case you didn't know, which (thankfully) means that the week is half over. There isn't a whole lot going on here at work...or at home, really. The hubby is away until Friday so it's just me and the little guy. We tend to keep to the same routine when it's just the two of us. I pick him up just after work, we go home, have our baths, have supper, play/read/watch a bit of television and go to bed. Nothing out of the ordinary, right? Well some of you may beg to differ since 'bedtime' for both of us is 8 o'clock. Yes, I go to bed at 8:00 pm. Keep in mind that I have to get up every morning at 5:40 am and never with a full nights sleep. Besides, once the little guy heads off to dreamland, my day has pretty well wrapped itself up and I really don't see a point in staying up, aimlessly watching television. The way I figure it, it doesn't matter what time you go to bed as long as you're sleepy. Then again, Nan always told me I was born tired. It wasn't until after I had a baby that I ever thought it could be true.

I have no idea what the little guy and I will have for supper tonight. It's been a few weeks since I made the trek for groceries so there's not a variety of choices at the house. Oh, we have lots of meats and stuff that require effort and planning but we're definitely low on convenience foods. I'm terrible at meal planning anyway. Though I'm a pretty good cook, I just don't have the patience it takes to sit down and plan what we're going to eat for the next week or two. Too bad Sandi Richard from Fixing Dinner wasn't in the area because I could really use her help.

I've still got to go and buy Halloween treats before Friday. I know, I know...talk about putting things off. Actually I had hoped to make a trip to the bigger centre last weekend and pick stuff up then but that didn't happen. So now I'm stuck having to buy things around here and not only will I have to pay a bit more for it, there won't be as good of selection either. The consolation is that I probably won't see many kids. There aren't any kids close to where I live and after mentioning it to my neighbour, found out that they only get about 8 or 9 trick-or-treaters. So at least I won't have to spend a fortune on treats. I had the cutest little lion costume come up from the States for the little guy to wear. He doesn't actually do too much trick-or-treating because he's just too young for it but I do take him to a few family members houses just to humor the grandparents and such.

Anyway, that's about it for me so I'll just leave you with the quote of the day:
"I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: no good in a bed but fine up against a wall." Eleanor Roosevelt

Sleep Deprived, Stressed, and it's a Miserable Monday

I hate Mondays! It's just never a good day for me. I woke up this morning feeling like crap and still very tired from a night with barely any sleep. The little guy didn't sleep well at all last night and I can certainly feel it this morning. To add to my problems, the other office assistant here is off today, leaving me to deal with all the work that's rolling through this place. My mind is so foggy this morning that I've already cut someone off on the phone - the boss' daughter of all people! All smart-like, I went to put her on hold and hit the release button instead. A wonderful start to the morning, don't you think?

To add to my despair, for the first time in ages, the little guy cried for me this morning when I dropped him off. I sort of thought something was off when he wouldn't wave bye to me, and then before I knew it, he was coming after me with his ball cap to go, and all the while his little bottom lip was quivering....then came the hugs and tears. Nothing like completely breaking my heart before work. It's days like this that I feel totally guilty about having to work. I wish there was some way for me to stay at home or at least work from home but, alas I am not that fortunate.

Oh well, here's hoping that the week can only get better from here.

Quote of the Day:
"A woman is like a teabag - only in hot water do you realize how strong she is." Nancy Reagan

Weekend Anticipation

My favorite part of the week is fast approaching; that part being 4 pm Friday when I can walk out the door of this forsaken place that I call my job and not look back until 8 am Monday. Unfortunately the weekend passes entirely too quickly and Monday morning will be here again before I know it. In conclusion, I hate my job and am desperately seeking a new one.

Our weekends are pretty uneventful. We never really do anything exciting or go anywhere. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot to do in this small town. We'll settle in front of the television after supper, read the little one his favourite books for the thousandth time, send him off to dreamland and then veg out ourselves. Oh, the hubby will probably enjoy a cold beer or two because it is Friday and all but that's about it. Not very exciting at all. Saturdays are usually passed running a few errands and tidying up the house. We'll probably end up spending a few hours visiting the hubby's parents who live in a little outport about 30 minutes away and I won't get into how much fun that will be. Let's just say that I don't overly enjoy visiting my in-laws; they are not my favourite people and I am not one of theirs. We simply put up with one another for the sake of peace and harmony. Sundays are usually spent doing nothing at all. Oh we'll go to my parents house for jigg's dinner and that's about it. The rest of the afternoon will be spent at home, playing with the little one and playfully tormenting each other, relaxing and you just can't beat that.

Quote of the Day:
"Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans." John Lennon (1940-1980)

Wanted: Personal Chef/Housekeeper

Must have experience dealing with picky eaters and must be creative in the kitchen. Must be willing to constantly clean up after busy toddler and messy husband. Must be willing to work for free.....

Note: This is not a live-in position.

Yeah, like that's ever going to happen. I hate housework! I hate planning meals! But, until I actually win the lottery I guess I'm stuck with it.

Quote of the Day:
"My second favourite household chore is ironing. My first being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint." Erma Bombeck

All About Me

I can be extremely sarcastic.

I am too logical. I over think things and worry way too much.

I don't smoke - ANYTHING! I don't drink, though there are times when I really think that I should start.

I'm anti-social, apparently.

I have patience but am impatient.

I am addicted to shopping and spend way too much money.

I drive way too fast - hey, what's the point of having a fast vehicle if you're not going to use it?

I love to cook but hate trying to figure out what to cook.

I love my husband more than I ever thought I could. I love being a mother more than I thought I would. My son is my greatest accomplishment. He is the light of our lives.

I am grateful for what I have.

Wanted: Time Machine

Purpose: To go back in time and kick oneself in the ass for all stupid decisions ever made.

Obviously this is not a good day...or week for that matter. Enough said!

Quote of the Day:
"Parties who want milk should not seat themselves on a stool in the middle of the field in hope that the cow will back up to them." Elbert Hubbard.

Mad Money

So, I'm looking for a way to make a bit of extra mad money. I need something that's home-based because there's no point in putting the effort into making extra money if I have to dish it out on a babysitter for the little one. It also needs to be something that will work in a small community. I am already a Mary Kay representative but I really don't see that actually doing all that well around here. There are already two MK reps here that I know of and most of the people I know feel that the products are just too expensive. I've thought about PartyLite, Princess House Crystal, Home Interiors & Gift, and Pampered Chef but again, I'm not quite sure how well it would go over in a place like this. Anyway, I'm short on really good ideas so let me know if you guys have any suggestions.

Iqaluit, Nunavut VS. Small Town, Newfoundland

1. WEATHER

Iqaluit - There really are only 3 types of weather in Iqaluit; DAMN Cold, Not so Cold and Getting Cold...seriously though it's safe to say that you really don't get to enjoy all four seasons. Winter is too long and (for the most part) too cold. Spring/summer is way too brief to even be considered two separate seasons. Autumn arrives much too early and gracefully reminds you (like a slap in the face) that winter is fast approaching....again. That said, I really feel that I have to point out how beautiful everything looks in winter. There's just something about the way the sun shines in late afternoon on the frozen tundra....made even more prettier if it's so cold that there are ice crystals in the air.

Small Town, NL - Here we do have four seasons of reasonable length keeping in mind that you may experience weather from all four seasons in one day. Winter is bearable. Spring is wet and unpredictable. Summer is warm and sunny (well this summer was anyway), and autumn is long enough to enjoy all the colours and gently eases you back into the snowy season.

2. COST OF GROCERIES/HOUSEHOLD GOODS

Iqaluit - One word sums it up - EXPENSIVE. For example, 1 package of Charmin bathroom tissue (8 double rolls per package) costs ....wait for it....$12.99. Trust me, after paying this price for 7 years you end up with a whole new appreciation for toilet paper. However, after the initial shock wears off you pretty well tend not to even look at the prices. Hey, if you want it or need it, you buy it so there's no sense in stressing out over something you can't control. On the plus side though (and this always seems to surprise people) we did have fairly good selections at both groceries stores which were both only a 5 minute drive from our house.

Small Town, NL - Though the cost of everything is somewhat cheaper, the whole price value seems to even out with Iqaluit's once you factor in your gas cost. Why? Because, unfortunately, the nearest place to get a decent selection of groceries is a one hour drive away....which is totally inconvenient and completely sucks! To add insult to injury, the selection at the grocery stores in that bigger centre is not as good as the store in Iqaluit. So if I want to shop from a really good selection of groceries, I have to drive another 20 minutes on top of the hour to get a Superstore. Which suddenly throws any chance I had of saving money out the window because the Superstore has such a good selection that I buy much more than I actually need.

3. SOCIAL LIFE

Iqaluit - After seven years, we were pretty well known and had lots of friends. We were members of the Elk's Lodge which was at the centre of our social life - all of our friends hung out there. It was definitely a good place to go, quietly have a drink (or two...or three, you get the point), shoot a game of pool, play darts, chat, whatever. Everyone knows everyone, they all socialize together - great times. Even after our little guy was born, I still looked forward to my Saturday afternoons at the Elk's. As a members only establishment, children are permitted inside on Saturday afternoons from 12 to 5 giving me the opportunity to catch up with friends, and giving the little guy the opportunity to be fussed over by everyone there. Some may feel that there was something wrong with bringing my child to a drinking establishment but I don't drink so no problem.

Small Town, NL - Here, my social life is very simple - I don't have one! There are very few couples here our age and the ones that are here are very hesitant to have new acquaintances enter their little circles. Neither my husband or I are major party people and I don't drink so we don't really fit in with the crowd around here. So our socializing here mainly consists of visiting my parents or his parents, but mostly the three of us just staying home. I MISS THE ELK'S!

4. FAMILY

Iqaluit - It's hard to be so far away from your family but you get used to it. If you're like me, you may even start to enjoy it. I didn't realize it at the time but being off all on your own can actually be a positive thing. You don't ever have family dropping by unexpectedly, your mother doesn't always have her nose in your business because she's so far away, she doesn't even know what your doing. There are days when I really miss those times. However, it gets hard to be away from family when you have children because suddenly you realize that it is just you and it's kind of lonely.

Small Town, NL - Here, my family is too close to me sometimes. My mother can look out her window and see if we're home. When we're not, she questions where we were, how long were we gone, who'd we see....and so on. Not to mention that she may call four or five times a day and it's starting to drive me crazy. On the plus side though, they are there to look after our little fellow whenever we need them and he loves having his Nan and Pop around him so much.

5. WORK

Iqaluit - Even though the cost of living is higher, employment opportunities are pretty good and salaries are much better which means more money to save, to spend, to do whatever with.

Small Town, NL - crappy employment opportunities, crappy salaries but a slight lower cost of living. Even still though, we are still learning to be much more frugal with our money.

6. RESTAURANTS

Iqaluit - Yes there are a few restaurants though most are so expensive you tend to only go there on special occasions (or when someone else is paying). As for take-outs, there is The Snack which is open 24/7 and delivers. For the most part, the food isn't bad and the prices were fairly reasonable. My usual was the clubhouse platter which I thoroughly enjoyed. Some would say it's not as good as you can get around here but to be honest, I haven't found one here that I like as much and there are many nights when I crave The Snack's.

Small Town, NL - Local chicken & chips take-out. Not available 24/7, late at night (or right now, not available at all!) But serves fresh, slightly breaded, pressure cooked, deep fried chicken and home cut french fries. Add dressing and gravy (or hamburger meat and gravy, if that's you pleasure) for a real artery clogging treat. Enough said!

So I can't be quite sure who won this round. In some ways, Iqaluit is kind of leading which leave me to only one conclusion - I'm having one of those days when I miss it so I think I'll quietly leave you all to go bang my head against the wall.

Quote of the Day:
"Always do sober what you said you would do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." - Ernest Hemingway

Just like Nan used to make

You know what I really want right now? Some cinnamon buns just the way Nan used to make them. There was nothing really special about the way she made them; bread dough, margarine, sugar and cinnamon but they were always better than any others. It was the same with her bread - no one made bread as good as Nan. I can remember times when we would get yelled at for sneaking a fresh bun of warm bread, how she would get mad and take the homemade jam away from us, so just for spite we would eat the warm bun without it. Come to think of it, there are a lot of things that no one can make like Nan did. Like baked fish, I'm not a lover of cod fish but I tell you, no one can stuff and bake a cod like Nan could. It was delicious! Or turkey neck soup, Mom's soup has never compared.

It wasn't only her cooking, Nan always seemed to do things for my brother and I in a way that Mom and Dad never could. She always gave us a drink of juice to wash down any horrible tasting medicine or mashed up a pill (Tylenol or whatever) with sugar and milk to make it go down easier. To this day, I still can't swallow a pill whole without gagging. Yes, Nan babied us like you wouldn't believe but we loved it and I wish she was around to do the same with my little one.

I try my best to keep some of her traditions alive; there was so much that she taught me. I bottle down mustard pickles and beets every fall - not only because I simply like them, but because the smell of making mustard pickles and pickled beets reminds me of her. I try and make bread when I have the time except it's not like hers. There are so many things that I wished I had taken the time to learn from her....like how to knit vamps and double/finger mitts, how to make black current jam just way she did....the little things she did that we took for granted.

It will be six years since she passed away on October 18 and it's hard to believe that so much time has passed. Often times I don't let myself think about it, mostly because it hurts too much I guess. She was my other mother after all. When all is said and done though, I know that she lived a hard yet satisfactory life, she was greatly loved, and that she is at peace somewhere in the heaven above.

However, if there is truly a life after death....Nan, can you give me that recipe for baked cod?

Quote of the day:
"Many people will walk in and out of your life but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart." - Unknown

Little Angel

A former co-worker of my husband had a son pass away over the weekend. The little guy was diagnosed last December with a very rare and aggressive brain tumor; he was 15 months old at the time. He underwent surgery and a month of chemotherapy only to find out that the tumor had returned. He underwent surgery once again. Unfortunately the tumor affected every aspect of his young life and he lost his sight shortly after the first surgery. In May of this year, the family once again received the terrible news that David's tumor had returned but this time had attached itself to his spine leaving them with very few options. An MRI at the end July showed that David's tumor had only grown 1 cm in three months giving them hope that David would benefit from more chemotherapy; they agreed. However just before starting chemo in August, David suddenly started sleeping much more than normal and stopped talking and responding to others. A trip back to the hospital and another MRI showed that the tumor had exploded into different directions and there wasn't anymore that could be done for the little one. His body would continue to shut down bit by bit until he eventually left this world and it wouldn't be long.

Sadly, David left this world on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 1:50 pm, at the tender age of 2, lying peacefully in his mommy's arms. It breaks my heart to no end to know what pain and suffering this little child went through in the last ten months, and the pain and suffering of what his family has gone through. I can only imagine the helplessness they have felt, watching their son go through this and not being able to prevent it. As a parent, I can feel the pain they are in at this time. They brought this precious being into this world and they were there when he left it.

I pray that this young family will have the strength to move on in life with the spirit of their little one watching over his mommy, daddy and older brother, for I really don't think that I would have the strength to face this sorrow. I hope that they can hold strong to their faith in God because again, I really don't believe that I would be able to hold strong to mine in this situation. I believe that children are precious blessings from God but I cannot help but question why God would put that precious child on this earth only to painfully rip him away. I cannot understand why there is supposed to be some comfort in the saying that "He is in God's arms now" because I am sure that she would rather he be in hers.

I know that there are no words that can offer any comfort to Chris, Sandra and Philip Freda at this time but they are in our thoughts and prayers. May David rest in peace in his beloved Zia Rosie's arms.

Quote of the Day:
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." - From a Tombstone in Ireland

Reality Bites

Can you remember when you were a teenager? You know, those years when you couldn't wait until you finished school and set off into the sunset all on your own. The dreams you had, the freedom you craved......the bills you didn't need to pay....wait, hold on a minute here...bills, what?! Where did it all go wrong? Life wasn't supposed to be like this. I'm supposed to be carefree, loving life, living on the edge - I mean, come off it, this is the stuff that Aerosmith hits where made of. I'm not that old that I can't remember what it was like to be a teenager, right? Sure, in 8 days, I'll be thirty (God, it even pains me to type that) but that doesn't mean I still can't be cool and carefree, does it?

Okay, so I'll admit that all of my older cousins were right when they told me to enjoy my high school years because it would be among the best years of my life and they were, but does that mean there aren't any good times to come? There are days it certainly seems that way. The woes that I had as a teenage don't compare to the ones I have now. Sometimes I wish I could have stayed that carefree teenage; no mortgage to pay, no car payment to make, no household bills to worry about. This is when reality really bites me in the ass.

As I sit here writing this though, a picture of my adorable son stares back at me on my desk and you know what? His cute little smile and that mischievous glint in his eye make me realize that being an adult does have its perks after all. So even though reality does bite sometimes, I don't think it will leave a scar (or perhaps I am just too thick skinned to notice.)

Quote of the Day:
"If you spend all of your time looking back at yesterday, you are destined to trip over tomorrow." - Thomas Maher

This and That

I am completely uninspired today. It seems as though I have come down with writer's block which is completely shameful since this blog is so new. I'm going to blame it on lack of sleep because, Lord knows, I haven't been getting very much in the last week. Why? Well, it could be a combination of things; for one, my husband is away at a mine for most of the week, add a 21 month old who likes to hog the bed and still doesn't sleep through the night to the mix, and we have a good recipe for involuntary insomnia. Yes, I know that my little one should be sleeping in his own bed now and I will truly be ecstatic when he manages to sleep the whole night through but...well, I'm selfish. I find that when he is in his own room, I am still alert to his every movement or need thus making it impossible for me to relax enough to sleep. At least with him beside me I get some sleep.

I'm amazed how warm it has been the last few days - wet and rainy but warm. We did have a cold spurt about two weeks ago but it certainly didn't last. I know I should be enjoying it but I'm not. I didn't enjoy all the hot weather we had over the summer either. I'm so used to Nunavut temperatures that I find I'm longing for cool and crisp instead of warm and humid. I do love the sights of the those leaves changing colour though. Autumn colours are always so pretty.

In other (and more) important news, I am happy to announce that I am now a proud auntie to a beautiful baby girl named Madison. My brother and his girlfriend welcomed their little bundle of joy into the world on Sunday, September 28. It's hard to believe that my baby brother now has a baby of his own. I wish them all the best and I'm positive that they will be wonderful parents. Since they are in Fort MacMoney, Alberta it will be awhile before I get my hands on the little squirt but I anxiously await until January when they make the trek home for a visit.

Quote of the Day:
"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." - Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)