I start a new position November 18th.
I can walk to work. Will take me 10 minutes at the most.
This is so fantastic!
So many good things to be grateful for.
Friday, October 31, 2008
a previous afternoon
These are all photos my husband took one afternoon. Our young ones had gone to the pumpkin patch and we met them in town and walked our way home through the cemetery.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
horse chestnuts
Every autumn I collect a new batch of chestnuts.
I put them in every corner of my home and on the window sills.
They keep spiders away.
It really does.
I put them in every corner of my home and on the window sills.
They keep spiders away.
It really does.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
complete and utter chaos
Such is the state of my house.
How can it be so?
I spend a good portion of my Monday cleaning and doing laundry.
Now, there is a huge pile of clean laundry sitting on the couch in the laundry annex.
There are school bags and football pads in the sunroom.
There are notes from school and permission slips scattered over the kitchen island.
There are boxes of Halloween candy on my stairs.
I don't get it.
How can it be so?
I spend a good portion of my Monday cleaning and doing laundry.
Now, there is a huge pile of clean laundry sitting on the couch in the laundry annex.
There are school bags and football pads in the sunroom.
There are notes from school and permission slips scattered over the kitchen island.
There are boxes of Halloween candy on my stairs.
I don't get it.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
everybody has an opinion
The last time I felt like this I was on the maternity ward 13 and a half years ago.
Then I was a brand new mum of twins learning to breastfeed and care for two babies. I was told breastfeed skin to skin; someone else felt it was more important to swaddle the babies tightly... every nurse who came into my room gave me what seemed at the time conflicting advice. I was overwhelmed and finally kicked them all out and struggled to find my own way.
Now, one roofer tells me it is not worth trying to repair the roof - it is more cost effective to just reroof the entire thing. The other roofer finds a hole - wait a hole - didn't the roofer from the insurance company say there was no hole and that is why they are not covering the repair...?
OK. So, we can repair the hole for about 1/10th the cost of a new roof. But, what if the hole is not the actual cause of the leak?
So, the plan as it stands now is to contact the insurance company to see if they will re-evaluate their decision. I will also contact more roofers and get some more opinions. Then we will have to make our own decision. The absolute worse case scenario is that we choose to repair the hole at our own cost and it turns out that is not where all the water was coming from.
Then I was a brand new mum of twins learning to breastfeed and care for two babies. I was told breastfeed skin to skin; someone else felt it was more important to swaddle the babies tightly... every nurse who came into my room gave me what seemed at the time conflicting advice. I was overwhelmed and finally kicked them all out and struggled to find my own way.
Now, one roofer tells me it is not worth trying to repair the roof - it is more cost effective to just reroof the entire thing. The other roofer finds a hole - wait a hole - didn't the roofer from the insurance company say there was no hole and that is why they are not covering the repair...?
OK. So, we can repair the hole for about 1/10th the cost of a new roof. But, what if the hole is not the actual cause of the leak?
So, the plan as it stands now is to contact the insurance company to see if they will re-evaluate their decision. I will also contact more roofers and get some more opinions. Then we will have to make our own decision. The absolute worse case scenario is that we choose to repair the hole at our own cost and it turns out that is not where all the water was coming from.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
end of week
It is the end of the week and we are saying goodbye to these lovely two machines:
We spent the afternoon carving pumpkins
and gathering seeds for roasting
and chestnuts to keep the spiders away.
We spent the afternoon carving pumpkins
and gathering seeds for roasting
and chestnuts to keep the spiders away.
the List
- pumpkins to be carved
- application for positon needs to be fine tuned
- bottles to be taken to recycling depot
- new story idea fleshed out and reworked
- sunroom carpet needs to be vacuumed - all I see are tiny bits of artifiical turf
- laundry - you know the neverending pile
- correspondance - I am attempting to write a little note to my God daughter every week who has moved across the country
- church accounting
- halloween candy to be bought
- groceries - sliced bread - we seem to be on a sandwich kick in this house which is very unusual
- homework status to be reviewed
- call a few more roofers for quotes
That should do it for now.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
decisions and trade offs
Let me premise this post by saying I am very grateful for the life I have. I am grateful for the very fact that I have choices and decisions to make.
Anyone who knows me and my particular employment situation knows that it has been my hope and dream to work very close to home. But, the odds were not looking good; there have been a ton of changes at my current company and I had reconciled myself that to move forward I would have to leave eventually. I believe that if you are open to the answer you will receive direction. I have had my eye on another company for a long time.
So, a position at this other company is posted. I apply. It is a long involved application process. I wait. As God wills.
Then yesterday, at 4pm - the position in my company at the location I so desperately wanted is posted. I would be able to walk to work. I would be close to my children. I would be so much for accessible for the family. I would save money on gas. My pay would not go up dramatically but I could live with that considering all the other benefits.
This is a highly coveted position. I would be only one of many qualifed people applying but I would emit the fewest carbon emmissions getting to work! That has got to count for something.
And the funny thing is that at this point I have no decisions to make as neither place has offered me a job - this is just the preamble...
So, I will focus on enjoying today. Game day. 5pm. Go Bears Go! And delight in the time with my family.
Anyone who knows me and my particular employment situation knows that it has been my hope and dream to work very close to home. But, the odds were not looking good; there have been a ton of changes at my current company and I had reconciled myself that to move forward I would have to leave eventually. I believe that if you are open to the answer you will receive direction. I have had my eye on another company for a long time.
So, a position at this other company is posted. I apply. It is a long involved application process. I wait. As God wills.
Then yesterday, at 4pm - the position in my company at the location I so desperately wanted is posted. I would be able to walk to work. I would be close to my children. I would be so much for accessible for the family. I would save money on gas. My pay would not go up dramatically but I could live with that considering all the other benefits.
This is a highly coveted position. I would be only one of many qualifed people applying but I would emit the fewest carbon emmissions getting to work! That has got to count for something.
And the funny thing is that at this point I have no decisions to make as neither place has offered me a job - this is just the preamble...
So, I will focus on enjoying today. Game day. 5pm. Go Bears Go! And delight in the time with my family.
Friday, October 24, 2008
the fine print
So, I spoke to the insurance adjuster yesterday afternoon. That did not start off well. She called to tell me that our policy does not cover us. On Thursday she tells me this. Our roof does not have a hole in it. I ask her to clarify. What is she telling me? She is telling me that they will not cover the tarp nor any of the restoration work based on the fact that there is no defined hole in the roof.
I say wait just a minute. I called you Friday and you called someone to look at the roof on Saturday. You could have told me Saturday or Sunday that our insurance would not cover the the damage based on your assessment of the roof, and we could have made better informed decisions. Blah blah blah...
I talked about customer service and expectation. In the end we agreed on a compromise. We pay our deductible which we would have paid regardless and we don't have to pay for the equipment rental which has been blasting air and sucking up moisture for the past few days...
I have started to call roofers for quotes.
It is the rainy season and they are very busy.
Our next decision will be do we patch it now and reroof in the spring? Do we just reroof it now? Because we are heading into the winter I am proned to put a temporary fix into place until spring and then reroof the entire thing at that point. But, it pains my husband to think that the roof will look "patched" in the interim.
And we have to figure out the best way to pay for it.
This whole experience has me re thinking the insurance industry. And it is an industry.
I say wait just a minute. I called you Friday and you called someone to look at the roof on Saturday. You could have told me Saturday or Sunday that our insurance would not cover the the damage based on your assessment of the roof, and we could have made better informed decisions. Blah blah blah...
I talked about customer service and expectation. In the end we agreed on a compromise. We pay our deductible which we would have paid regardless and we don't have to pay for the equipment rental which has been blasting air and sucking up moisture for the past few days...
I have started to call roofers for quotes.
It is the rainy season and they are very busy.
Our next decision will be do we patch it now and reroof in the spring? Do we just reroof it now? Because we are heading into the winter I am proned to put a temporary fix into place until spring and then reroof the entire thing at that point. But, it pains my husband to think that the roof will look "patched" in the interim.
And we have to figure out the best way to pay for it.
This whole experience has me re thinking the insurance industry. And it is an industry.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
the good news and the bad news
The good news is the hardwood is DRY. Cheers all around. Saved. Done.
The bad news is that the restoration guy double checked the ceiling and it is not dry. There is drywall seam that has popped. He checked it yesterday and didn't get a reading but today it is clearly damp so .... the dehumidifier stays as well as the airblower and they stay until Monday. All weekend. But, it has to be done.
The insurance agent called yesterday and I will speak to her today.
I was at a conference/ workshop yesterday.
The funniest thing happened. It was a tad bit late so when I blazed into the lobby of the golf course/ meeting rooms someone politely directed me to a meeting. I took a seat and listened to an economist from a major FI give an update on Canada during this crisis. Then the BC economist gave a talk. Fascinating, but a little bleak. But, this is where my true geekinest is revealed. I marvelled that my group would have brought in such speakers - maybe to address the turbulent times. I kept scanning the room for familiar faces but didn't see any, and then realized that most of the room was made up of people with a particular company's name tags... I was in the wrong meeting...but, I left well informed and quietly entered my own workshop.
The bad news is that the restoration guy double checked the ceiling and it is not dry. There is drywall seam that has popped. He checked it yesterday and didn't get a reading but today it is clearly damp so .... the dehumidifier stays as well as the airblower and they stay until Monday. All weekend. But, it has to be done.
The insurance agent called yesterday and I will speak to her today.
I was at a conference/ workshop yesterday.
The funniest thing happened. It was a tad bit late so when I blazed into the lobby of the golf course/ meeting rooms someone politely directed me to a meeting. I took a seat and listened to an economist from a major FI give an update on Canada during this crisis. Then the BC economist gave a talk. Fascinating, but a little bleak. But, this is where my true geekinest is revealed. I marvelled that my group would have brought in such speakers - maybe to address the turbulent times. I kept scanning the room for familiar faces but didn't see any, and then realized that most of the room was made up of people with a particular company's name tags... I was in the wrong meeting...but, I left well informed and quietly entered my own workshop.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
almost dry
We are almost dry.
Our home has never been this warm.
No windows are open while the de-humidifier is working. I am hoping the equipment will be removed tomorrow am and the silence will be golden.
Our home has never been this warm.
No windows are open while the de-humidifier is working. I am hoping the equipment will be removed tomorrow am and the silence will be golden.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
nothing new
The de-humidfier is still here, as is the airblower.
It is not removing the moisture as effectively as they would like.
It is so lame to have that noise 24/7.
The tarp is doing its job.
It has been pouring as it is want to do in October on the Wet Coast.
It is not removing the moisture as effectively as they would like.
It is so lame to have that noise 24/7.
The tarp is doing its job.
It has been pouring as it is want to do in October on the Wet Coast.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
never a dull moment
Our home is a work site.
We were not planning on renovating.
But, that is what happens when your roof starts leaking!
Friday was a miserable day. Across the board miserable. It was windy and raining hard. There was a "police incident" at my work and it was very stressful. That truly in an understatement. After we all gave our statements and debriefed we decided to close for the balance of the day. I was looking forward to coming home early and exercising some of my stress away. I got the call from my husband stating our son had discovered water leaking from a door frame. He had the good sense to put down towels and a bucket and the restoration guys think they can save the hardwood floor. That is good news.
Saturday was game day. My son's football team was victorious and now are officially in the playoffs. This is the first time the JB team has made the playoffs so it is particularly sweet for the coaches and support staff. They are almost as enthusiastic as the boys. Their committment to the team is humbling. I did not get to see the game as it was my day to work Saturday. I was a little anxious at the start of the day but ended up being so busy that I there was not much time to think about the what ifs.
Saturday evening the roofing and restoration people showed up. Our roof is now tarped up temporarily. It is a fantastic addition to the neighbourhood. Gah. What the roof guy discovered was that there is no tar paper under our shingles. Apparently when our house was renovated (before we bought the house) the building code allowed no tar paper under shingles beyond 3 feet of the gutters. Which doesn't really make any sense at all in this area of the world where it freakin rains 6 months of the year, but there it is.
We have black interlocking asphalt shingles. They don't manufacture these any more so if we have the roof patched it will look ridiculous, and we are still left with half a roof that potentially could spring another leak. We are looking at putting a brand new roof on the whole house. Gah again. This was not a line item in our 2008 budget.
In the meantime we have a de-humidifyer and and a airblower working 24/7 for the next week. White noise everywhere. My husband is in his glory.
Photos to come.
We were not planning on renovating.
But, that is what happens when your roof starts leaking!
Friday was a miserable day. Across the board miserable. It was windy and raining hard. There was a "police incident" at my work and it was very stressful. That truly in an understatement. After we all gave our statements and debriefed we decided to close for the balance of the day. I was looking forward to coming home early and exercising some of my stress away. I got the call from my husband stating our son had discovered water leaking from a door frame. He had the good sense to put down towels and a bucket and the restoration guys think they can save the hardwood floor. That is good news.
Saturday was game day. My son's football team was victorious and now are officially in the playoffs. This is the first time the JB team has made the playoffs so it is particularly sweet for the coaches and support staff. They are almost as enthusiastic as the boys. Their committment to the team is humbling. I did not get to see the game as it was my day to work Saturday. I was a little anxious at the start of the day but ended up being so busy that I there was not much time to think about the what ifs.
Saturday evening the roofing and restoration people showed up. Our roof is now tarped up temporarily. It is a fantastic addition to the neighbourhood. Gah. What the roof guy discovered was that there is no tar paper under our shingles. Apparently when our house was renovated (before we bought the house) the building code allowed no tar paper under shingles beyond 3 feet of the gutters. Which doesn't really make any sense at all in this area of the world where it freakin rains 6 months of the year, but there it is.
We have black interlocking asphalt shingles. They don't manufacture these any more so if we have the roof patched it will look ridiculous, and we are still left with half a roof that potentially could spring another leak. We are looking at putting a brand new roof on the whole house. Gah again. This was not a line item in our 2008 budget.
In the meantime we have a de-humidifyer and and a airblower working 24/7 for the next week. White noise everywhere. My husband is in his glory.
Photos to come.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
lord have mercy
the scene last night:
After reviewing the math chapter with my daughter:
Me: are you comfortable with everything we covered?
Her: yes - I get it. wake me up in the morning so I can review one more time.
Me: sure - do you have any other homework?
Her: just my french - I have to finish getting some images online
Me: go finish
Her: then, can we watch So, you think you can dance, Canada?
Me: if you are all done your french.
about 15 minutes later
Her: OK I am done.
Me: do you have anything else to do for tomorrow besides study for the text?
Her? no.
We watch the show. We go to bed. I wake her up in the morning so she can review her math. Then I see her busying about around the computer.
Me: what are you doing?
Her: I just gotta finish my french project as I have to give my report today.
This is where I lost it. Oh yeah I did. How many times did I ask her last night are you done? Seriously - I blew a gasket. I thought for sure I was going to explode. So, the calm morning reviewing for the math text turned into a crazy nightmare of frantically cutting and pasting the images onto construction paper and then writing out the names in of the objects en francais.
She gives the French report in second block. She can review her math at lunch. I told her we were going to have a meeting this evening because this is not working.
After reviewing the math chapter with my daughter:
Me: are you comfortable with everything we covered?
Her: yes - I get it. wake me up in the morning so I can review one more time.
Me: sure - do you have any other homework?
Her: just my french - I have to finish getting some images online
Me: go finish
Her: then, can we watch So, you think you can dance, Canada?
Me: if you are all done your french.
about 15 minutes later
Her: OK I am done.
Me: do you have anything else to do for tomorrow besides study for the text?
Her? no.
We watch the show. We go to bed. I wake her up in the morning so she can review her math. Then I see her busying about around the computer.
Me: what are you doing?
Her: I just gotta finish my french project as I have to give my report today.
This is where I lost it. Oh yeah I did. How many times did I ask her last night are you done? Seriously - I blew a gasket. I thought for sure I was going to explode. So, the calm morning reviewing for the math text turned into a crazy nightmare of frantically cutting and pasting the images onto construction paper and then writing out the names in of the objects en francais.
She gives the French report in second block. She can review her math at lunch. I told her we were going to have a meeting this evening because this is not working.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
oh Canada
map courtesy of http://www.map-of-canada.org/
It is voting day.
A 10 lb bag of flour costs $11
A litre of gas costs $1.21
A stamp for within Canada cost $.52
It has been a while since I bought flour. I used to bake much more often but stopped when we decided we needed to eliminate baked goods from our daily diet. I switched to buying granola bars for the children. But, we continue on our quest to eat less processed foods and it definitely would be thriftier if I made sweet snacks than bought them so I ventured out to restock my baking cupboard... I was shocked at the price of flour. When did that happen?
Sunday, October 12, 2008
lesson #2 - not all about the offence
Yesterday was a spectacular day weather wise. Warm and sunny. I picked by my two sisters from the Sky train station to watch my son's football game. We had a great chance to visit on the way to the game.
My son plays Running Back. He is fast. He has never played football before this year. So, he has had to learn much. He was a bit of a surprise to the other teams earlier in the season, but now they have his number! It has become more challenging for him personally. He is being tackled more. It is much harder to break free. He did not have a good game. He missed a pitch. He was tripped up. He fumbled the ball. Yes, he did get some good yardage in between those plays but, after the last fumble they stopped giving him the ball. But, did he quit? No. He played his best defensive game ever and stopped two touchdowns mid field. I was impressed by his dedication to his team. He clearly took delight in his teammate's successes.
But, he was disappointed with his own performance.
We talked this challenges allowed others to step up to the plate. I told him I was proud of his effort and that he showed his coaches he will play hard in whatever position they place him.
It was humbling for my son. But, my son is pretty humble already so I didn't really think he needed that lesson. But, I am not the boss of everything. CLEARLY. And that is a good thing because surely I would make a mess of it.
My son plays Running Back. He is fast. He has never played football before this year. So, he has had to learn much. He was a bit of a surprise to the other teams earlier in the season, but now they have his number! It has become more challenging for him personally. He is being tackled more. It is much harder to break free. He did not have a good game. He missed a pitch. He was tripped up. He fumbled the ball. Yes, he did get some good yardage in between those plays but, after the last fumble they stopped giving him the ball. But, did he quit? No. He played his best defensive game ever and stopped two touchdowns mid field. I was impressed by his dedication to his team. He clearly took delight in his teammate's successes.
But, he was disappointed with his own performance.
We talked this challenges allowed others to step up to the plate. I told him I was proud of his effort and that he showed his coaches he will play hard in whatever position they place him.
It was humbling for my son. But, my son is pretty humble already so I didn't really think he needed that lesson. But, I am not the boss of everything. CLEARLY. And that is a good thing because surely I would make a mess of it.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
lesson
If you met her on the street you would never know the drama in her life. Two months ago her situation was looking bleak. She has four children. Her husband is gone. While that is harsh, it is better for everyone. She has to sell their home. In today's market. Where will she live? She has 4 children. They all go to school in the neighbourhood. Will they have to move? What about her job? There were so many variables. It was the perfection description of BLEAK. But, this remarkable woman does not worry. She trusts in God completely. She puts her head down and works even harder. She networks. She trusts that it will all work out the way it is supposed to.
It was my day off yesterday and I was busy accomplishing errands - focused on what needed to be done. I had this overwhelming feeling to check in with this friend of mine.
I was astonished. And humbled. She sold her house - she got the price she needed - she found a suite to rent in the same neighbourhood - that she could afford - her children would not have to change schools - the daycare could remain the same. She is achieving great success at work and due to all her dilligence and effort had the opportunity to showcase her great talent for networking and effecting positive change in others.
I told her I felt that I needed to see her that day. I could have not chosen to take half hour out of my rushing around, but thank God I didn't. I needed to hear her words. I needed to hear that I do not need to rush around and control everything. I need to trust that - all will be well.
Intellectually I trust that there is a greater plan and I am just a part of a large picture, but in reality I war against giving up control of my life.
I spent the day bruised by her faith and trust. I am thankful for all that I have been given and I am thankful for her presence in my life. I am honoured to call her my friend.
It was my day off yesterday and I was busy accomplishing errands - focused on what needed to be done. I had this overwhelming feeling to check in with this friend of mine.
I was astonished. And humbled. She sold her house - she got the price she needed - she found a suite to rent in the same neighbourhood - that she could afford - her children would not have to change schools - the daycare could remain the same. She is achieving great success at work and due to all her dilligence and effort had the opportunity to showcase her great talent for networking and effecting positive change in others.
I told her I felt that I needed to see her that day. I could have not chosen to take half hour out of my rushing around, but thank God I didn't. I needed to hear her words. I needed to hear that I do not need to rush around and control everything. I need to trust that - all will be well.
Intellectually I trust that there is a greater plan and I am just a part of a large picture, but in reality I war against giving up control of my life.
I spent the day bruised by her faith and trust. I am thankful for all that I have been given and I am thankful for her presence in my life. I am honoured to call her my friend.
Friday, October 10, 2008
long weekend
We are heading into our Thanksgiving long weekend.
I am off today as I am taking my daughter for ultrasound on her hand.
They are pretty sure it is a ganglion but because of the location - not really attached to any joint we are going for this test.
The father and son are going to the football game tonight. GO LIONS GO!
We have two of our own football games this weekend. A home game on Saturday and the weather promises to be fine. Sunny and 15 degrees. The Aunt from the city is coming out to the Valley to check it out.
We are having Thanksgiving dinner with friends on Sunday. Good friends that we haven't socialized with since the end of summer. It will be potluck and I am waiting my instructions as to what I am to bring.
Monday another game in the evening - and rain is promised.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Saturday, October 04, 2008
saturday and I am working
This means I am not a spectator at my son's football game.
It also means that Mr. W has to be the primary chauffeur for the dancer. Saturday has turned into a ridiculous day.
dance 11 -12.30 exam class
football 11.15 to 2.30
dance 3 - 3.30 ballet duo
dance 5-6 pm - Christmas recital practise
Are you tired?
It is a "short" work day.
It is threatening to rain.
Autumn is definitely here.
Tomorrow we are having roast beast to celebrate Mr. W's 43rd birthday. And chocolate cake.
It also means that Mr. W has to be the primary chauffeur for the dancer. Saturday has turned into a ridiculous day.
dance 11 -12.30 exam class
football 11.15 to 2.30
dance 3 - 3.30 ballet duo
dance 5-6 pm - Christmas recital practise
Are you tired?
It is a "short" work day.
It is threatening to rain.
Autumn is definitely here.
Tomorrow we are having roast beast to celebrate Mr. W's 43rd birthday. And chocolate cake.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
wee bit of a rant
In my lunchroom you will find a variety of magazines. Home Decor, the odd New Yorker, Chatelaine and your requisite celebrity drivel People, Us etc.
Yesterday I stumbled upon an advertisement that disturbed me enough that I pulled it out and canvassed my coworkers asking them how old they thought she was? I have searched online for the same image and have yet to find it. It is a photo of a young girl - and there is absolutely no question in my mind that she is Girl. She has long blond hair, a very angular body, not volumptious at all - she has a flower tucked behind her ear. She is advertising a dating site. The caption in little print is "I make a mean casserole". The catch phrase for the company is "it is OK to look".
This advertisement is disturbing on so many levels. I have written People magazine and told them I am appalled. I have also written to the dating company and told them I am appalled.
The subtlety of this advert is creepy.
There is a wierd subtext that it is OK to look at young girls. And the bizarre caption of her ability to make a casserole does not jive with the photo.
I wish I could show you.
Yesterday I stumbled upon an advertisement that disturbed me enough that I pulled it out and canvassed my coworkers asking them how old they thought she was? I have searched online for the same image and have yet to find it. It is a photo of a young girl - and there is absolutely no question in my mind that she is Girl. She has long blond hair, a very angular body, not volumptious at all - she has a flower tucked behind her ear. She is advertising a dating site. The caption in little print is "I make a mean casserole". The catch phrase for the company is "it is OK to look".
This advertisement is disturbing on so many levels. I have written People magazine and told them I am appalled. I have also written to the dating company and told them I am appalled.
The subtlety of this advert is creepy.
There is a wierd subtext that it is OK to look at young girls. And the bizarre caption of her ability to make a casserole does not jive with the photo.
I wish I could show you.
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