tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49140920177096970592024-03-05T22:55:19.282-08:00Just another wonderful dayRandom topics about nothing, yet mean everythingFunky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-44391273265010468412010-08-30T12:11:00.000-07:002011-04-19T16:02:30.668-07:00Ansy for adult conversation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUkb00XNVwwC6yATB9c-IQUfIfsBs7I52C4W_alRvnLpe8nMyQUzrmkQtnqbPaNPfXJgZbtS4OER_earmcRXSfCGyJK5vHMTqWdhCAgcYKrBpjJsAN5nCZqCvUzlaw03vRv00u8XVN-8_/s1600/IMG_5762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUkb00XNVwwC6yATB9c-IQUfIfsBs7I52C4W_alRvnLpe8nMyQUzrmkQtnqbPaNPfXJgZbtS4OER_earmcRXSfCGyJK5vHMTqWdhCAgcYKrBpjJsAN5nCZqCvUzlaw03vRv00u8XVN-8_/s576/IMG_5762.JPG" /></a></div><br />
So, it's still summer holidays here. And although the days are fun and somewhat relaxing, some days are abit more challenging than others. Because son is getting bored.<br />
<br />
We went out to eat at the local diner and our conversation had been reduced to this;<br />
<br />
We're sitting staring at each other. I'm quietly enjoying my coffee and have no need for conversation. However, my 'lil dude in crime did.<br />
<br />
He - "I need cheese."<br />
<br />
<i>sip.... </i><br />
<br />
He - "When I'm 13, I can watch the Simpsons."<br />
<br />
<i>sigh... desiring some REAL conversation...</i><br />
<br />
Me - "Tell me something really interesting! Something I haven't heard before."<br />
<br />
He - "Your roots are showing."<br />
<br />
<i>silence</i><br />
<br />
He - "I want a driver's license."<br />
<br />
He - "I want chicken."<br />
<br />
<i>my eyes glaze over about now...</i><br />
<br />
He breaks out singing, "Peanut butter jelly time, peanut butter jelly time, way---YA! way---YA! Peanut butter jelly and a baseball bat! (sound effect of POW)"<br />
<br />
Oh gosh, I need adult conversation. I'm dyin.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://funkyjunktestblog.blogspot.com/"><br />
</a>Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-43977983898519191002010-06-01T10:12:00.000-07:002010-06-01T10:19:10.001-07:00Cheezies, I have to break up with you.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cheezies.com/index3.htm" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cheezies.com/images/cheezpic4.jpg" /> </a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: black;">Progress report - week one </b></div><br />
Dear Cheezies, I've loved you for such a very long time. But I'm afraid we must part ways.<br />
<br />
While your crazy colour lures me in something fierce, and your salty/crunchy texture perfection for a computer side snack, I have to let you go. For now.<br />
<br />
You see, I started to put down the junk food for the time being and focus on better healthy eating habits. I fail daily, but in much smaller increments than I allowed before. I enjoy a taste here and there, but no longer will sit with a full bag by my side and mindlessly crunch.<br />
<br />
I bought you 2 days ago. And went crazy. And nearly doubled over the next day. Oh. My. CHEESE! <br />
<br />
It's not the Cheezie's fault. Not one bit. I'm certain a mild snack attack on occasion will not hurt the masses. But my indulging was nightly. It didn't have to be alot, but the problem was, it was consistent.<br />
<br />
This new diet thang I'm attempting (not following a plan persay, but just grabs of ideas from various sources) states I really shouldn't snack. But I'm not good with that. I don't like stuffing myself stupid with big dinners to hopefully tide me over till the early AM. I don't like to 'feel' hungry. So I just eat regular portions, then allow for a small handful of nuts or ? for a snack. I don't want to run on empty only leaving me to further indulge and crave.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: black;">In are:</b><br />
<b style="color: black;"> </b> <br />
<i>vitamins</i><br />
<i>LOTS of raw fresh veggies (low to no frozen, canned, cooked)</i><br />
<i>lean healthy proteins (raw nuts, chicken, lean beef on occasion)</i><br />
<i>extremely low bread type good carbs</i><br />
<i>easy on the fruit to start (high in sugar)</i><br />
<i>water as first beverage of choice (I lied. It's still coffee.)</i><br />
<i>coffee on occasion (I lied. It's still coffee.)</i><br />
<i>walks (we walk everywhere every chance we get)</i><br />
<i>upping the sleep (ie: off the computer earlier!)</i><br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;"><b>Gone are:</b></div><br />
<i>white carbs</i><br />
<i>junk food</i><br />
<i>bloating</i><br />
<i>stomach acid fixes (pills, liquids and such)</i><br />
<br />
I'm young into this healthier lifestyle so I have a long way to go. But after approx a week, I'm inspired because I FEEL better. I really really do.<br />
<br />
What took me so long? I ask myself. I already know the answer.<br />
<br />
You have to WANT this. You have to really really feel and want this bad. Because turning down amazingly fun food is so difficult when it's a habit.<br />
<br />
I've done this all before and lost 25 lb. And I remember it well. I vividly remember gagging on a donut after a looong realm of not touching one. I remember a Tim Horton's ice cap being too sweet and wishing I had stuck to my fresh cold water instead. And that's all starting to come back to me again.<br />
<br />
The trick? Get through the withdrawal of the bad, and you're on your way. Give it at least a week of a really focused "get it outa my sight!" kinda thinking. After 1 week, you'll start feeling better and be encouraged.<br />
<br />
I'm starting a new label. I'm calling it diet talk. I'm going to keep reporting back in here to share what's working/not working. Maybe, just maybe, it may help another who's not feeling up to par for whatever reason.<br />
<br />
At the very least, it can't be a bad thing to<b> feel</b> good! Right?<br />
<br />
<b style="color: black;">What's worked for you, diet wise? </b>Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-29645282911087371712010-05-09T23:43:00.000-07:002010-05-17T10:45:27.955-07:00We had a good Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think I must have the best blog friends ever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few of you have been emailing privately, messaging on Facebook, and commenting on my blog, letting me know you're thinking of me. I truly appreciate your kindness!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My son and I in fact did have a lovely day, all things considering.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First, I slept in. After all that moving yesterday, the extra rest was totally needed. Upon waking, my son dashed to his room where he had hidden my present. He revealed a sweet little button bracelet he made in school! And I haven't taken it off since. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2pCMvcDCjf2DFRCXtiFcARYPvB16n7szc2mSdP8ZJL-gx4SAA7XZFlyAN28P3dbDfL7_JZvUSoFSzx0RRs4xiM2XeWeeNvIZGG4LRJXNJn0Na-_cjPaToHYY0UAnQtIVxiehmkA7DX_Z/s1600/IMG_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2pCMvcDCjf2DFRCXtiFcARYPvB16n7szc2mSdP8ZJL-gx4SAA7XZFlyAN28P3dbDfL7_JZvUSoFSzx0RRs4xiM2XeWeeNvIZGG4LRJXNJn0Na-_cjPaToHYY0UAnQtIVxiehmkA7DX_Z/s576/IMG_0837.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once up and around, we head out for the vanilla coffee/slushie thing. And head down this trail to...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWZ199GnkYCsDFuUsnPiYkJXUASIw_rxOGoQWrKtOpDBcj0xCMDiBGmvxLbGAcrbwqqHjV_IkPc3gE_F_Jjxc4sD1G3mVIPPRmNtKs8mmj35uYGUW8XYZiXpcvGNXvusGCoqLfGOhRXl9/s1600/IMG_0838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWZ199GnkYCsDFuUsnPiYkJXUASIw_rxOGoQWrKtOpDBcj0xCMDiBGmvxLbGAcrbwqqHjV_IkPc3gE_F_Jjxc4sD1G3mVIPPRmNtKs8mmj35uYGUW8XYZiXpcvGNXvusGCoqLfGOhRXl9/s576/IMG_0838.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">... my favorite little hideaway beside the river. It was sooo pretty! The sun was shining, the coffee hot, and my son and I laughed at the dog while she did her usual dog things. It felt good to laugh. And my son's giggle... it's infectious and makes you giggle as well even if you don't think something is funny. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once getting home, I sauntered into the bedroom and flopped down yet again. But only for a moment. My mind was racing on all the things I'd rather be doing than nurse a tired body. So, I went for my paintbrush and started painting. :) (project to come on <strong><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;">Funky Junk</span></a></strong>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My son whipped us up some spaghetti while I continued my painting. Such a treat to have him helping in the kitchen! We took our dinner outside to enjoy the beautiful mountain view behind the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU32Zh1QTBk00hRXtQ_1u5RFYKQlYkVEJ7bnvRlkUcLuKkkDFnspJ_Ic3U6y7JkVJE9NeEBpwiCe4g7zAKCI2m_MmAsH2mjvKeUyBysm_GvcZwNQddCEsEXHblQlqCCUx0wxFQpVCd6z9/s1600/IMG_0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU32Zh1QTBk00hRXtQ_1u5RFYKQlYkVEJ7bnvRlkUcLuKkkDFnspJ_Ic3U6y7JkVJE9NeEBpwiCe4g7zAKCI2m_MmAsH2mjvKeUyBysm_GvcZwNQddCEsEXHblQlqCCUx0wxFQpVCd6z9/s576/IMG_0865.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then went for a swim. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kidding! This pic was taken last summer but it shows the view. The good 'ol smurf pool will be put up again all in due time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aside from a few I-miss-her moments, it was evident that we were being thought of in more ways than one. Neighbors stopped by to say hello, one giving me some sweet flower plants and another a card and chocolates. And then there's always the good natured razzing I throw back at my fun neighbour across the road. He teases me about my free <strike>junk</strike> invaluable finds and I tease him about being jealous. :) I guess I should have mentioned, my apparatus I was painting on nearly took the entire width of my driveway...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We don't need alot of rah rah to make our days a success. The company of my son, lifting up a paintbrush, and simple things like coffee and river views are quite enough to fill my soul with all the right stuff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers. I know they helped to make our day a pretty good one. :)</div>Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-54106844493503225222010-05-09T01:37:00.000-07:002010-05-09T01:43:45.542-07:00New traditions start now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEititNlGEc9Kgb6hI-0CuB_K1nEQF4RWJiXtvVH-cp0vlso1bS8UvayU6UK6ibXq74mTGj8xXoJ6vv7Wc8oPpGL-g71PXeIfFSBfOIhEz1cTwUw5l4di7TtZ3_ud5mY1QJJEFm5uQswhl7M/s1600/IMG_3896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEititNlGEc9Kgb6hI-0CuB_K1nEQF4RWJiXtvVH-cp0vlso1bS8UvayU6UK6ibXq74mTGj8xXoJ6vv7Wc8oPpGL-g71PXeIfFSBfOIhEz1cTwUw5l4di7TtZ3_ud5mY1QJJEFm5uQswhl7M/s400/IMG_3896.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We cleaned out my mom's house today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Up until now, I still had a reason to go to my mom's. We were busy packing and sorting and I took my son for an occasional swim in her beautiful clubhouse pool. There was still the attachment of mom because of her home and her stuff when we went there, even though she wasn't there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But as of today..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's. All. Gone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rooms are bare and empty, the carpet wearing sad impressions of what was just in place moments ago. The walls have no love to them. The friendly clutter that was normally everywhere you looked now sit in boxes upon boxes. The life and the spirit and belongings of the one we loved has officially vacated the premises.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, you see, I've been given strict instruction for Mother's Day. My son says it makes him feel sad when he sees me sad and the day is special to him because of who I am. While feeling sad is quite natural in our given circumstances, I also need to flip the day into an ok one. My son is counting on it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, we took in the graveyard the day BEFORE Mother's Day. I don't think I could hold it together visiting a headstone while everyone else went to their mom's for lunch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just, no. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I couldn't grasp my mom's name beside my dad's on the headstone. A name as familiar as my own... 'there.' Her signature, 'there.' Man...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's quite an amazing headstone. It's a dark granite with a silhouette of my parent's farm done in an etch. Beautiful really. Bright side.. see the bright side I coach myself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, taking my own advice, I'm going to start by flipping this post into something abit more inspiring. It's Mother's Day after all. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My son loves baking so I think baking a cake together is in order. And I can also see going for a walk for my vanilla coffee and his slushie. We then like to take our treats to the park and sit on top of the picnic table and watch the town hurry on by while we laze away some time to chat. Yes, I can see doing this quite nicely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ohhhh I've got it! I'd like to walk by the river with our chosen treats. Being near water always does it for me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">There, see? I feel better already. I can do this! I can do it, mom.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsoVuHtwGUg4hbrlXMEGyniAMcRl5WVMWsiIz-uUbT2rVuv3vQnez77rezp84UJBblnQcoQea0BuKNalitR1nFJz0r99CxdRydsFY1OUyHUEgaeaoMnbQ_yViaK_hde2g5-gG6Lr6bexn/s1600/IMG_3988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsoVuHtwGUg4hbrlXMEGyniAMcRl5WVMWsiIz-uUbT2rVuv3vQnez77rezp84UJBblnQcoQea0BuKNalitR1nFJz0r99CxdRydsFY1OUyHUEgaeaoMnbQ_yViaK_hde2g5-gG6Lr6bexn/s400/IMG_3988.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Although no one can fill my mom's boots quite like she can, I'm certainly going to give it my best shot. This year our focus will be abit different. We're officially starting a new tradition. I'm going to celebrate BEING a Mom alongside my fav lil dude.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW31X53b3CLIzqS6M9m_1WDMnlbQr1-xJSfP-AC6ynvUrw_SHO6nclH17mlo0iBujpY9vBkp3OuqAMrsYixY9E4FiR4F8VVUa-2xnh6f96-q-m15VFu5RyL0TcwgK9HsIFfLyKHFlxhwXM/s1600/IMG_4532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW31X53b3CLIzqS6M9m_1WDMnlbQr1-xJSfP-AC6ynvUrw_SHO6nclH17mlo0iBujpY9vBkp3OuqAMrsYixY9E4FiR4F8VVUa-2xnh6f96-q-m15VFu5RyL0TcwgK9HsIFfLyKHFlxhwXM/s400/IMG_4532.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">For those of you that are fortunate to still have your mom, enjoy her today. Listen to the stories, join in her laughter, and indulge her in yet another bear hug. Because, you can. :)<br />
<br />
As for those that can't and are at a loss? Look into your kiddo's eyes and I have a feeling you'll know what to do next. I'm bankin' on it myself!</div>Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-64998700572777189752010-04-11T00:59:00.000-07:002010-04-11T00:59:48.558-07:00We made it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldmAUObJuXAyPtwCKjrICVsHtdDYow2-B5bPk7022RAq3L8rtCG2GS0w74gx4-Yq9V19A3Uo5aprI4E9bWmt9gGnl74ODwzNrWs8SIHDts_PBm5hw8d4KcmoPv4vFnlDXVgOtUMZamqWS/s1600/IMG_3941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldmAUObJuXAyPtwCKjrICVsHtdDYow2-B5bPk7022RAq3L8rtCG2GS0w74gx4-Yq9V19A3Uo5aprI4E9bWmt9gGnl74ODwzNrWs8SIHDts_PBm5hw8d4KcmoPv4vFnlDXVgOtUMZamqWS/s320/IMG_3941.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
Yesterday was my mom's funeral. <br />
<br />
I've totally come to the conclusion that funerals are done so quickly after death so you can't even really fully comprehend what just transpired. Your mind just won't let you believe what your seeing or feeling. It's the weirdest experience ever. <br />
<br />
The service was incredible. We showed my mom's 80th birthday slideshow showcasing her entire life in segments to certain songs. So beautiful and we laughed out loud through the service too. My dad in his short shorts, dark dress socks and black shoes on the beach. I remember those days. :) xo Dad!!<br />
<br />
It was so cool to witness how many people admired my mom. By the numbers that attended, she was near hero status in my eyes.<br />
<br />
And to see some of my neighbors and friends there that didn't really know my mom but were there for me?!? I think that made me cry more! :)<br />
<br />
I even made a speech during the tea service thing. I told abit about my life with my mom. I'm so glad I did it. I wrote it the night before until 3am. She was worth it.<br />
<br />
I was equally proud of the other family members that got up to the mike to honor my mom. It's not easy to do when you feel like that. Some speeches were quite humorous which mom would have loved. It felt good to laugh too.<br />
<br />
I was so proud of my son. He was such a trooper as this was his first official funeral where he actually new the person that passed away.<br />
<br />
We went to my sister's after the funeral. I'm glad I did. It felt good to mingle. I wasn't quite prepared to go home to a quiet house yet at the time. Once exhaustion took over, yup, then I knew I'd be ok.<br />
<br />
I stayed stupid busy today. Couldn't sleep in, got up at 7, and worked on a project at home. Projects keep me creative and creative keeps me in my happy place. So for those of you that wonder how in heck I'm able to produce projects for a decorating contest at a time like this? Now you know. Day by day. I'll see how that all goes.<br />
<br />
I need to start up my walks again. I think I'll start Monday. I need to walk some of this anxiety off. It comes through as impatience and anger at odd moments and while I know that's part of the normal mourning process, I need to keep it in check. Walking helps. Monday it is. River dyke and dog Jenna, we have a date!<br />
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Thanks to all for your incredible prayers. I know they are working. I know it. I'm surprised I'm doing as well as I am and I have you to thank for that.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogdwWibPmIOsrNh6VaECDAy6DdOp63Deawov_s32ELVjX3-4KbsIFu06Ky4efI0kI0bTN-k3SYJxzhyffoE-ZUAkcjpPLFvO1MfUDnocQD8J-B4SZkCaYd5zAER53T802dHhtUVKOvP5C/s1600/IMG_3939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogdwWibPmIOsrNh6VaECDAy6DdOp63Deawov_s32ELVjX3-4KbsIFu06Ky4efI0kI0bTN-k3SYJxzhyffoE-ZUAkcjpPLFvO1MfUDnocQD8J-B4SZkCaYd5zAER53T802dHhtUVKOvP5C/s576/IMG_3939.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These beautiful dried hydrangeas are on my mom's fireplace mantel. Aren't they the most beautiful hue? Gorgeous. Just like she was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I miss you mom. Our regular visit is now officially overdue. But because I know you're safe and well, we will be ok.</div>Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-86153170642800720792010-04-04T15:25:00.000-07:002010-04-04T15:25:12.622-07:00Loving gestures from others<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although my heart and eyes hurt today, we are receiving some unexpected love that is kindly reminding us that we are being thought of. And yes, it's lessoning that hurt just a little.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvqgaisnJfihe5Afx9hLBvTjTCMtbrVd1d3qC0x-ckhWdEmF1cbCdMLsQQvpW_uQru59QUMpq_4BGJVW6Uqh9WpQt9sZ1MnCUYiIFbEKL9B0_n1901K1za5L3gpQ9OMGfIBhcJpfasfas/s1600/IMG_4011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvqgaisnJfihe5Afx9hLBvTjTCMtbrVd1d3qC0x-ckhWdEmF1cbCdMLsQQvpW_uQru59QUMpq_4BGJVW6Uqh9WpQt9sZ1MnCUYiIFbEKL9B0_n1901K1za5L3gpQ9OMGfIBhcJpfasfas/s320/IMG_4011.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Some sweet offerings of 'let us help' have been coming our way. For now, we are being kind to ourselves, doing only what's absolutely necessary and moving at a slow and relaxed pace, spending some time on doing things we enjoy. Should the time come when some help is needed, I will call upon those that offered. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFAL5FCJW9dyig_Ia2jbAy4miRcLuq76-7mNyaXsMYHIu4DOo53IHGZU2IkNWuabtKKUk6oHVqpSiZwj8GEOz4m7VeViVAUZ33iyuyHTnlmsTSPxY0bTO2YZN1C1EHhLu53C5kl6IowPz/s1600/IMG_4007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFAL5FCJW9dyig_Ia2jbAy4miRcLuq76-7mNyaXsMYHIu4DOo53IHGZU2IkNWuabtKKUk6oHVqpSiZwj8GEOz4m7VeViVAUZ33iyuyHTnlmsTSPxY0bTO2YZN1C1EHhLu53C5kl6IowPz/s576/IMG_4007.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Other wonderful things have been transpiring to brighten up our otherwise somewhat confused days.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Tiz8bP-6YMGOZO8NapvqMzqyhiaZ4R6XivHvEWg45CiLKC6iMUZ5XxhjAFun2wr6J-KwUFGYQlE1AoBtTncB_r5xitsBGhjJiIOg2wxN5iQgWpLQIXB42oAVjyg2OmqcyiCF6P_T85t/s1600/IMG_4008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Tiz8bP-6YMGOZO8NapvqMzqyhiaZ4R6XivHvEWg45CiLKC6iMUZ5XxhjAFun2wr6J-KwUFGYQlE1AoBtTncB_r5xitsBGhjJiIOg2wxN5iQgWpLQIXB42oAVjyg2OmqcyiCF6P_T85t/s576/IMG_4008.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some are selecting special goodness fresh from their garden and leaving it on our doorstep. I couldn't bring myself to move these. They were perfect as is. I love that they were simply placed in a casual water jug. Simplistic perfection in my eyes. Thank-you mystery neighbor. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7d8pB8WcVIpM3Xk9N3UFuMwvXTzl-uzi30Uys6tEW1kz-3tDqjtZy8yU02QQIgTz3mZTtZRoXslhtEaK4vxvlIy2-sehC-8doe8Erb4Opb7b8CXJpPavIMy5RaTTWjMQdeV1Y28Fu8uP/s1600/IMG_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7d8pB8WcVIpM3Xk9N3UFuMwvXTzl-uzi30Uys6tEW1kz-3tDqjtZy8yU02QQIgTz3mZTtZRoXslhtEaK4vxvlIy2-sehC-8doe8Erb4Opb7b8CXJpPavIMy5RaTTWjMQdeV1Y28Fu8uP/s576/IMG_4009.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And some treasures are traveling from thoughts far far away from us. These gorgeous pink roses are from my friends Miss Mustard Seed and her mother, located in Pennsylvania and Florida! Aren't they exquisite? These to me represent my mom so very much. Mom loved all flowers and she was feminine, delicate and her personality kind and soft. Soft pink roses represent her perfectly. Thank-you so much, ladies! Notice I funked them up some? :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmbqeLUScpJFGtnT0x5CC1oy7cz-K0mmakJfZsJ8PsNOD_AmrozGXZSKEKUTRgah-MfS5jD9E_VjAk7kRYuAIF2rtxzOuXntqU62sXgKwZcSD8oy4cr5VK1PxAeLrJs_N6-Hlu-2dBcfK/s1600/IMG_4021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmbqeLUScpJFGtnT0x5CC1oy7cz-K0mmakJfZsJ8PsNOD_AmrozGXZSKEKUTRgah-MfS5jD9E_VjAk7kRYuAIF2rtxzOuXntqU62sXgKwZcSD8oy4cr5VK1PxAeLrJs_N6-Hlu-2dBcfK/s576/IMG_4021.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1sZPzVT3I0R_nILxXnt35KzWckM15C-YT-8kN0s_O3OmmmgeQey6SwOc_QNcfHi0oeHcNkR-VotYGkPscnm4Mo4lY8kasgd_0XmFIOG-K2tFnkM1jTwHY5Y5Z4OXyu4pnnKXzMoUoZdr/s1600/IMG_4014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1sZPzVT3I0R_nILxXnt35KzWckM15C-YT-8kN0s_O3OmmmgeQey6SwOc_QNcfHi0oeHcNkR-VotYGkPscnm4Mo4lY8kasgd_0XmFIOG-K2tFnkM1jTwHY5Y5Z4OXyu4pnnKXzMoUoZdr/s576/IMG_4014.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A really large and lovely fruit basket came from two neighbors, Janette, Corinne and families. The cellophane came off before we could even comprehend this one. Cody called it a BANQUET and it was also full of chocolates, cookies, crackers, cheese and sparkling apple juice. Every bite is delicious as we continue to enjoy this daily. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Corinne also sent over a fresh loaf of paska which reminded me enormously of my mom's own Easter bread. I savored every bite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Joanne also treated the entire family to platters upon platters of sandwiches, fruit and veggie trays. Such a generous offering which we delightfully took part in and brought a good portion home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMR1d6KUHoguU6vv2ua1wk2MOHgnk_C7pGw2r84fLqoS8D2eloCIHMQIzL8mlNqCbqzu8AfDtNE9BEp6ASulT1sYR-fpeKtDFp-4LF5Bo3bOIKfvUMJ1bzcM3Lh3-fFVRg5fn4S1jyPf0/s1600/IMG_4018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMR1d6KUHoguU6vv2ua1wk2MOHgnk_C7pGw2r84fLqoS8D2eloCIHMQIzL8mlNqCbqzu8AfDtNE9BEp6ASulT1sYR-fpeKtDFp-4LF5Bo3bOIKfvUMJ1bzcM3Lh3-fFVRg5fn4S1jyPf0/s576/IMG_4018.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of food, Vic and Bonnie delivered some homemade sausage and potato soup. The aroma had you devouring the soup in moments! The warmth was so comforting. Thanks so very much! And for joining me in a coffee, and not taking a moment's notice in how untidy the house was. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yesterday we were all at my mom's cleaning out the pantry and fridge so things wouldn't spoil. I have a tub of food that still needs to find a home. It's hard to put that one away so I'll work on it in due time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also did the photo shoot of my mom's place . It will largely be private for family viewing only, however here are a couple shots that touched me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6k1lTKKHeCy4oYnEhOwnSo3-i6JOLHI-kTGpZRLm8U-vae2Y8UyNYieI1vCoClxV5yqrlE4HvvKWp1jOCNlfZjayyC9gZ_4cDGRkrI-wmU-SbT3S45d7M8Wpa9ySC5ecgigKSvpPjBBR/s1600/IMG_3801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6k1lTKKHeCy4oYnEhOwnSo3-i6JOLHI-kTGpZRLm8U-vae2Y8UyNYieI1vCoClxV5yqrlE4HvvKWp1jOCNlfZjayyC9gZ_4cDGRkrI-wmU-SbT3S45d7M8Wpa9ySC5ecgigKSvpPjBBR/s576/IMG_3801.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mom's soft and pretty bed was still unmade and it was perfectly her in every way. We are two peas in a pod on this front. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXE-gnbgTC4OoDrPVN7WoMreg9_B-aOOQHhOhWSoSRBK3Jq13y2vRACrhyzUo1-aHg_Fa4obrKc9oTDgOZBQrz1f6MJDvMrnVUxPBW9M5p-vU72AeqTMnkfuLIZlTpA37HXKkTfnffEE6A/s1600/IMG_3818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXE-gnbgTC4OoDrPVN7WoMreg9_B-aOOQHhOhWSoSRBK3Jq13y2vRACrhyzUo1-aHg_Fa4obrKc9oTDgOZBQrz1f6MJDvMrnVUxPBW9M5p-vU72AeqTMnkfuLIZlTpA37HXKkTfnffEE6A/s576/IMG_3818.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's a massive old Bible on top of her antique sewing machine in her bedroom. Both are beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have a very busy week ahead of us so it's nice to have this day to reflect. Reality has started to set in so I'm glad we took the day to just... remember.</div>Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-51692469528537789082010-04-03T10:25:00.000-07:002010-04-03T12:39:35.844-07:00Mom type memory makers<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I've been receiving alot of incredible support type comments on FJI, alongside awesome suggestions on how to hang on to those special memories of my mom. So while bustling around home, my mind has wandered around ALOT, wanting to think of creative ways to hold on to something special.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One of the best bits of advice ever was to not rush the 'cleaning up' process. Take your time, then select something that was all about mom or held her fragrance. I will be thinking of that when I return to her place to find things for the funeral memory table.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AmESu5c0D9fMG-tSJ3SlKGyM3m7ktmNlXOTwDdPx-FvDUMj7VldpkQGF1WSuqAA3BwktPvmkx5OnCm3MhSZE3dtgVu0XsGbzlPx3-zuMFG13fKNyUp5D2Vwj6XQ8LYYbSS7hM0ol0YzJ/s1600/IMG_0722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AmESu5c0D9fMG-tSJ3SlKGyM3m7ktmNlXOTwDdPx-FvDUMj7VldpkQGF1WSuqAA3BwktPvmkx5OnCm3MhSZE3dtgVu0XsGbzlPx3-zuMFG13fKNyUp5D2Vwj6XQ8LYYbSS7hM0ol0YzJ/s400/IMG_0722.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>farm inspired vignette I created at mom's</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>I also had another brainstorm. I'm going to bring the camera and tripod and start clicking. Her place hasn't been touched yet and it's as if mom is in her bedroom looking for something. Bed unmade, things strewn here and there because we're pinched for time while on our way out. I love that. So I'm going to take some shots of her home the way we remember it, for a cherished family memory.<br />
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A part of me wishes we didn't have to do a ding dang thing to her place. EVER. It would be cool to leave it as a meeting place for family functions in memory of her. I can't bear the thought right now of not having her place to gravitate towards. How empty that makes me feel! To stay home all Christmas?!? That's crazy. Can't even go there yet. I really hate this part.<br />
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Ok, back on topic. Another awesome suggestion was to collect her clothes and create something out of them. Throw pillow covers? Quilt? The sky's the limit here. I like this idea VERY much. No idea where I'd find the time for such a venture but perhaps if I hung onto some boxed favorites for another time, that would be a great start.<br />
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Oh and then there was the one about the purse! Cherish her purse and all the contents just as is. What a neat way to see where she was and what she was doing at the time. Perhaps it holds lists for shopping? Her wallet would be facinating to look back on. So many things. I can't wait to check that one out.<br />
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Easter meant alot to my mom. She always hid Easter baskets for us filled to the brim with chocolates. We found the chocolate on the counter, and her new church pictures on the dining room table, all ready to give out to the family. What a lovely memento! A current picture. Couldn't have happened at a better time.<br />
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Ok, this is starting to hurt. I'll be back. :) Thanks for the ear. If you have any other ideas on how to hold onto special memories and mementos from those we have to say goodbye to, I'd love your suggestions!Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-30715288215016436952010-03-31T09:19:00.000-07:002010-04-03T12:42:12.143-07:00My mom.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnSSBjMWLvEeRRxd4S4p-rkIwyoSoQAJPbpbdrHxOxda6Pr76mNtCszIzGaa1bl7uMPuGHOkGKf9v1QrIQECCNATBtbC8BDExRfPSqLHymGhwTYP4yjeO6G3x6LPxtENN3DRDexNIukzA/s1600/IMG_1118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnSSBjMWLvEeRRxd4S4p-rkIwyoSoQAJPbpbdrHxOxda6Pr76mNtCszIzGaa1bl7uMPuGHOkGKf9v1QrIQECCNATBtbC8BDExRfPSqLHymGhwTYP4yjeO6G3x6LPxtENN3DRDexNIukzA/s400/IMG_1118.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today, on my poor little neglected off topic blog, I'm honoring my best friend and biggest fan, my mom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last nite, Tuesday, March 30th at 9pm, my mom collapsed while grocery shopping. And she never woke up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">God took her very suddenly, just like she did with my Dad years ago. So I go into this new phase knowing, this was indeed planned. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mom was one sweet gal. She showed the masses what true optimism was. She was artistic, loved life, loved her family beyond measure, and her faith her highest ranking hobby. Her hugs were long, and it pained her when you left her sight. When you left her place, she always went outside and stood by the road waving until you were completely out of her line of vision. Without fail. It was always hard to leave her and her place. She just never seemed to get her fill of you. She loved her family and was the finest example of what a parent could be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last night at the hospital, I actually smiled through my tears as I held onto her for the last time. I was holding her leg through the soft flannel sheets because I wanted to remember her warmth. My playful thoughts were, "Mom, you stinker! What have you gone and done now?!?" My most inner thoughts were, she was finally reunited with my Dad, whom she desperately missed every single minute he was gone. They simply were a pair that belonged together. And now they are.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yesterday had me feeling like it was a day to celebrate. Most certainly shock has taken over, but more than that, I was able to see over and beyond the fog, that THIS is where she needs to be. It was time. Even without warning for those that loved her. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How I feel today? Hour by hour. It's all one can do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's ok. It will be ok once we figure out the new norm. For now, I'm simply clinging to the thought that she's no longer in pain from that back of hers, she doesn't have to remember those silly meds nor does she have to wear hearing aids that never worked to her liking anyway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And she's in the most ultimate place ever. WHAT A DAY that must be! I can't even imagine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Between the tears that will no doubt spill, I wear a celebration hat for my Mom. Missing her desperately will come easy. So I'll continue to attempt to turn my thoughts to what SHE must be living in right now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How I wish I could pick up that phone and ask her what her new pad is like. :) For now, I'll just have to wing it hour by hour and know she's being cared for by The Ultimate. Lucky gal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See you soon, Mom. And Dad. My thoughts are with both of you today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">:) xoxo</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cd_Fdly3rX8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cd_Fdly3rX8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-33728944632857061032009-09-29T09:55:00.000-07:002009-09-29T09:59:07.611-07:00Living in the 'now.'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCd7-TakhBTDqNup7ARSElRiEs9gW8bYJHo-HWUr_FW8aTEgbqNtAmgPw9sPcPUxvy-YNpBTSuVsKAEvGDqooW8TogrRGHtRjnObj4STi4bL5YhXk5dLLEbpUhhtzySZKsroNcsC5bQXY/s1600-h/IMG_1269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCd7-TakhBTDqNup7ARSElRiEs9gW8bYJHo-HWUr_FW8aTEgbqNtAmgPw9sPcPUxvy-YNpBTSuVsKAEvGDqooW8TogrRGHtRjnObj4STi4bL5YhXk5dLLEbpUhhtzySZKsroNcsC5bQXY/s320/IMG_1269.JPG" /></a><br />
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I have this 'friend' that sneaks in from time to time. It doesn't come invited. In fact, I groan when the visit transpires.<br />
<br />
Being relatively healthy my entire life, when this vertigo thing hit about 9 months ago out of the blue, it caught me completely off guard. It shut me down to the point of not driving, not visiting, struggling to work many days. It's not steady. It comes and goes as it pleases. It's a lifeform all on it's own it seems.<br />
<br />
At the time when it hit, I was going through a somewhat stressful time in my life. Heavy with reno deadlines, work related issues, plus. I don't know that this issue is even related to stress to this day. But being hit with this so suddenly stunned me into action. <br />
<br />
So I did all the moves and tests necessary because something was wrong. But do you know how frustrating it is when you have an issue that no one can find the cause to? Crazy. However I got on with life as best as I could. And one promise I made to myself was, when this fog finally moved upward, I was going to make some big changes in my life. Obviously something was not working as is before, so I made some goals.<br />
<br />
And then one day it lifted. Little by little, my head cleared. I was estatic! And started implementing new changes.<br />
<br />
I kicked open the door to my adult spirituality and started going to church. I started self teaching myself a few things on the net about blogging and design. I started a new physiotherapist for a new kind of treatment. I've started down a passionate road leading to a 'work' I will adore. I started volunteering. I started some evening spiritual classes. There simply was no stopping me this time!<br />
<br />
And then BAM, the big V strikes again. Not cool.<br />
<br />
Looking back, I was very busy before this hit. When I chilled and slowed down, things got better. Now that I'm at full speed again, although in new exciting directions, it hits again I have a funny feeling that my body is saying, "Too much. Again, too much."<br />
<br />
Perhaps I'm 'lucky.' My body actually speaks to me and tells me when enough is enough. Now... will I learn to listen?<br />
<br />
Ok ok. So what to give up I don't know yet. But for today, it's time to chill and be in the moment that Emily speaks of. The moment of now. Just stop all this preplanning and enjoy the NOW. I'm going to stop my spinning world single handedly and be still for today. Even if my head isn't cooperating. Yet.<br />
<br />
Thanks Dr. Emily. This is something the docs did not prescribe, but something I will try regardless.<br />
<br />
<em>If you are curious about the NOW topic I refer to, visit Chatting at the Sky's <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2009/09/29/green-tuesday/"><strong>Tuesdays Unwrapped</strong></a> where I am sharing this post.</em>Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-54526291724314545772009-09-28T08:49:00.000-07:002009-09-28T08:49:28.121-07:00Are YOU mature enough for a crosswalk?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I happen to have proof my 10 yr old is still young.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoFf_NxBKtUrSwI23X0JOlm9x69UijPtCg2kvY4ktUOE5ZxiqrfvGR_OoXNLApfuh-kjXey_u3Y7-luNAgfchPqeiK_SMOY3zsWYEBpOSoYixaTPVzm6ZRRxJ76imlJilDTwQo3EUOgTy/s1600-h/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoFf_NxBKtUrSwI23X0JOlm9x69UijPtCg2kvY4ktUOE5ZxiqrfvGR_OoXNLApfuh-kjXey_u3Y7-luNAgfchPqeiK_SMOY3zsWYEBpOSoYixaTPVzm6ZRRxJ76imlJilDTwQo3EUOgTy/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a pic from our camping adventures from this summer. He's playing with plastic apes! (wait... I play with them to so what does that make me? Nevermind, that theory may not wash after all.)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's dilemma is, my son wanted to walk to school all on his own. We live in a very small town, so it's not that it's a terrible thing to do. It's just that there's an extremely busy road he must CROSS on the way to school that had my stomache aching.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, there is a crosswalk guard manning the road. But you know.. if a mom's eyes are not on their child, it's like throwing him into the deep end of a pool! (yeah, I have issues when I watch him swim too)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, this fine AM Cody insisted he wanted to walk ALL BY HIMSELF. whimper...<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"I'll just make sure you cross ok, then you can go, alright?"<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"No mom!"<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Ok, I'll just..."<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"NO MOM! I'm grown up now!"<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Phooey.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I prepped him well about waiting for the traffic to STOP before proceeding across the road, regardless of when the crosswalk sign was behing held up. Make sure you have eye contact, wave and make sure they wave back, blah blah blah. I got alot of eye rolling and the like, but I had to have my say by golly!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know abit too much. I volunteer at that crosswalk and not ALL traffic stops right when you want it to. Being a crosswalk guard is an artform. You wait for a lull in traffic, THEN you risk life and limb and throw yourself out there with your teeny weeny little stop sign and flashy glow in the dark vest, two features that do NOT stop traffic alone. You don't rely on your gear. You rely on your wit and good judgement calls. And pray on occasion too.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm happy to report, I convinced him to let me go to the end of our road so I could at least see for myself that there was a guard there. Sometimes they aren't, it happens. When I saw the crosswalk was well taken care of, Cody IMMEDIATELY set me on my way back home.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I do know he'll be ok. There's lots of kid activity on that sidewalk. And I also know the crosswalk guard can see the kids pretty much until they walk into the school yard. So, I really DO know he'll be ok.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But just for today, I feel very immature. I think my 10 yr old has finally surpassed my own age, as I may never grow up after all.<br />
</div>Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-31423551657322836832009-09-21T00:23:00.000-07:002009-09-21T00:23:30.022-07:0010 yr old wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjz1zdFtn-gCGFYzYcretiTJinCqCLjf4tTw5lBfEcXDGMXAzPDSVb5BkbxE4WSpxYBRReqqE7itfnnJJPMXKxqm6ZdM5M4smjnpMAPbTTgKVrAmp9-xxhIWsvksDZvCSSOB9IWpbDuiI2/s1600-h/IMG_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjz1zdFtn-gCGFYzYcretiTJinCqCLjf4tTw5lBfEcXDGMXAzPDSVb5BkbxE4WSpxYBRReqqE7itfnnJJPMXKxqm6ZdM5M4smjnpMAPbTTgKVrAmp9-xxhIWsvksDZvCSSOB9IWpbDuiI2/s320/IMG_0206.JPG" /></a><br />
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So, it's bedtime and I'm laying beside my son while we chat about his first day of Sunday School in quite some time. We started talking about prayer and what it can do for us. Amid the converstation came, <br />
<br />
Son - "I can't sleep."<br />
<br />
Me - "Maybe you should pray to ask God to help you feel tired."<br />
<br />
Son - "Nooooo."<br />
<br />
Me - "Well yadda yadda yadda this is why sis boom bah flin flan and everything but the kitchen sink." (meaning, I was giving a pretty good speal)<br />
<br />
Silence.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, my son says, <br />
"Dear God, please make my mom stop talking so I can go to sleep."<br />
<br />
I have to admit, that did work. LOL!!Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-5826715958751220232009-09-14T09:08:00.000-07:002010-04-03T12:42:40.781-07:00Positive parentingHere's my grade 5er on the first day of school holding Teddy Bear.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQzIb0u3AxxLFVzUbBOiVT-Bf3AefEggW21CtmTz1o_0MVwjfahTbx929yVSEi7BWdqbNnNfGA7ZIbCTnW6q8wPky4Pxvwcz5XuPpyTOfp-LdvVgZ12v_1zWdz-qBkWHZSowKGC_EJ-DG/s1600-h/IMG_0179.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381355991409936978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQzIb0u3AxxLFVzUbBOiVT-Bf3AefEggW21CtmTz1o_0MVwjfahTbx929yVSEi7BWdqbNnNfGA7ZIbCTnW6q8wPky4Pxvwcz5XuPpyTOfp-LdvVgZ12v_1zWdz-qBkWHZSowKGC_EJ-DG/s400/IMG_0179.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 290px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Back to school is here! We've had a great summer with relaxed schedules and simply taking some downtime to enjoy our surroundings. Temporarily stopping the game Beat The Clock has it's merits!<br />
<br />
But we're now back to wearing a watch, making sure the cell phone is charged and there's plenty of gas in the truck. It's time for high productivity again, with work, school and play.<br />
<br />
And something else needs tweaking I've found. With a tight new schedule, comes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">alot</span> of demands on our time in regards to keeping things moving forward in the right direction.<br />
<br />
"I don't want to go ! I'm tired! I can't find it!" x whatever else you'd like to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">conjure</span> up.<br />
<br />
And my response is generally, "Don't don't don't don't..." in order to keep things moving. Battlefield!<br />
<br />
We were at a BBQ yesterday and right away I saw something going wrong. "Don't keep bumping me, I'm holding hot coffee in that hand." When we approached the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">food line</span>, it was, "Don't squish me, I need more room. Stand over there as you can load up your plate just fine and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">yadda</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">yadda</span> sis boom bah blah blah blah!" Went through deaf ears. That's when a dark cloud starts to angrily dance above my head clouding up my sun <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">shiny</span> good mood.<br />
<br />
And that's when the gal in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">food line</span> serving up grub simply said, "Here, hold your plate like this and load up here." End of story. Done. No more needed. And he complied. (crickets chirping and the sunshine came out)<br />
<br />
<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ok</span>, truth be told, when it comes from elsewhere, they're more obedient. But the point is, I forgot about those 'positive' directives.<br />
<br />
When my son was growing up, I read book after book on positive discipline. It seemed like the kinder way and made <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">sense</span>. And it did work! But somewhere along the way, I just forgot. Summer relaxed our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">senses</span> and need for speed and order. So basically put, I was rusty.<br />
<br />
Now armed with my new and improved way of dealing with 10 yr old fumbles, I tried it this AM. Rather than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">no's</span>, I put into practice my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">yes's</span>, simple directions to keep on task, and stepped away from all ensuing and pending arguments.<br />
<br />
The result? Much quieter and our stuff got done on time.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong. There's much retraining to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">conquer</span>. Testing to be incorporated (from both sides). But we will find our way once again.<br />
<br />
It just helped to be reminded from one on the outside looking in. Thanks, lady at the banquet table!<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381356001393434466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTsS5zBWTR3v88W9XUNXRT1zcyIOfJcETe0yokG0jy-UQ7IFCHlmWB8k8WiGUk3PYeiSll5FHlUYQogldF6mIKjXaZC-jb40mO_bQLi3PewHF6EwTLsLydmsPBr0CIDv4NbVvE_rEZAni/s400/IMG_0188.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 388px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
Won't you join me? Let's parent with a loving heart, filled with positives. And watch them grow from it. Because they <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">truly</span> do deserve our personal best. <br />
Sometimes it helps to simply be reminded. Doesn't it?Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-81965443094314836292009-08-31T22:17:00.000-07:002009-09-01T00:31:42.897-07:00Don't let the snore bugs bite!My son and I have just come home from 2 weeks of camping at a local campsite. It was a nice escape for a short while. But let me tell you, I'm so happy to be in my own bed again!<br /><br />Our trailer is a 17 footer variety. Which translates to, there isn't a whole lotta room for much in there except for what you've just gone in to do.<br /><br />There is one bigger bed and one table bed. I generally take the larger one as it has a real mattress for my bad back (thanks previous owner Dan!) and Cody takes the table version. No problem really, we two fit in there perfectly.<br /><br />And then Grandma came for a visit. She's an avid camper of the past, so I felt she'd be thrilled beyond belief to tap into the wonderfully rustic world of camping for a night. So I bit my bottom lip wondering how the sleeping arrangements (tight) would be, but went for it.<br /><br />We settled in. And much to Cody's delight, he got to sleep in the REAL bed for a night! Finally! Honestly, it was like he won the Disney lottery. So, it was a little 'cozy', but we made out, well, ok. I'm use to sleeping in a king sized bed by myself at home, so for one night, I figured I could manage with a wiggly 10 yr old while Grandma took the table top bed and the dog got the floor.<br /><br />And honestly, it was ok! Until the show started.<br /><br />I woke myself up from my own snoring. It happens and I'm honest about it. Ok, no big deal, go back to sleep, self. But that didn't happen.<br /><br />For some reason, Cody kept kicking his metal blind on the window. CLINK. Repeatedly. Not just every so often. CLINK. You could nearly time the hits by counting. CLINK. What is this?!? I was about to jab him just abit, when Grandma started the chainsaw action.<br /><br />Ah. I remember now. Growing up, Mom and Dad would nap in two separate rooms on a sleepy Sunday afternoon in order not to wake each other up. For GOOD reason.<br /><br />Ok, so one one side I have the blind kicker with the odd elbow jab in my face. And he mumbles on occasion too. And on the left is the chainsaw party.<br /><br />And that's when Cody woke up, and things got abit more interesting.<br /><br />"Mom, Grandma's snoring!"<br /><br />Me droning... "Yes, dear."<br /><br />"Mom, I can't sleep!" CLINK (kicks the blinds)<br /><br />I'm groggy beyond belief. And it's pitch black so short answers are all my fuzzy brain can decifer at this rate.<br /><br />"Shhhh!" whew... major effort!<br /><br />snoooorrreeee.....<br /><br />"MOM! I can't sleep!" CLINK CLINK<br /><br />"She'll stop soon. Quit kicking the blinds and go to sleep!"<br /><br />snoooorrreeee <em>plus</em> special effects<br /><br />"Mom, did you hear THAT?!?" (and repeats what she just did)<br /><br />"um huh."<br /><br />"MOM! What's that SMELL?"<br /><br />No, please, no. The dog was passing GAS.<br /><br />I start giggling. Cody didn't see the humor.<br /><br />"Mom, it stinks! Mom, I'm going to wake her!"<br /><br />"No no no, they'll stop soon." (snort!)<br /><br />silence<br /><br />snoooorrrreeeee smellllllllll<br /><br />Ok ok, truce! I woke Grandma and asked her to turn on her side. And all was well. Dunno about the dog. We all fell asleep again. But we survived.<br /><br />Night two approaches. Question of the day was, shall we all enjoy each other for another evening in the trailer or should we go home for the night? We happened to be camping 10 min from our house, so it was a no brainer as far as Cody was concerned.<br /><br />"Mom, I want to sleep at HOME! REMEMBER! Jenna(dog) goes tttthhhppp, you CCCCKKKK (snore sounds), Grandma CCCCCCKKKKKK PLUS (snore sounds with massively impressive special effects), and I mmmblmmmble ( mumble sounds)."<br /><br />"Yeah, ok. We'll go home."<br /><br />And so we did, and had a GREAT night.<br /><br />Would I do this all again? Absolutely! Next year.Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-13782253240829956072009-07-29T08:21:00.000-07:002009-07-29T08:41:27.829-07:00It's hot.I don't even have enough umph to put hot in uppercase. It's too hot.<br /><br />Our region at time plays with heat in a non meaningful way. We reach the odd high temps in summer to the point of thinking, hey, this is neat! I don't need long sleeves in the PM!<br /><br />However we're in the depths of a heatwave and the temps only promise to climb to 39 Celsius for early next week.<br /><br />We aren't accustomed to this grade of heat, so I can feel morale and energy shut down wherever I go. All talk around you has the word hot in it.<br /><br />Yesterday at a workplace I frequent, we were using pressurized bottles filled with water to spray into a big fan offering you a brief rain effect. That workplace decided they were going to start an hour earlier today to beat the afternoon temps beating down into the bays. I was working high up on a ladder. As if it wasn't hot enough down below.<br /><br />I'd have to believe, what's saving the neighbourhood this summer is Cody's pool. We put up a 4 foot high x 15 foot wide above ground, and until yesterday, had a real chilly bite to it. The water simply wouldn't warm up. Yesterday it finally did. And that's when we all decided it should have stayed cold. Are we ever happy?!?<br /><br />The pool has been a Godsend. I dunk in the pool, then switch on the fan in the house and start cooking. Dunk again, and do the dishes. It is what it is. Survival mode has kicked in! Not many other projects are getting done around the homestead. It's about getting home from work and running into the pool before you can even THINK about anything else.<br /><br />I suppose this is why the good folks in those big box stores carry air conditioners. Who knew? I've owned a house variety before and because it was only used about twice a year, I didn't bother in this current house.<br /><br />I'm still not quite sold on getting one because I'd probably need 2 or 3 in the open floor plan we've got happening in this place. And then we'd just stay inside on a nice day. No doubt the tv and/or computer would be blaring away, wasting that amazing day outside. Nah. This heatwave can't last THAT much longer. (can it?)<br /><br />Sleep is proving to be an issue though. I do have plan B in effect if need be. Our cute little travel trailer is sitting in the driveway that has air. We will no doubt be using that by the weekend for a good nights sleep. Goofy beds, here we come!<br /><br />Well, onto another hot day. I only have one wish for today. Please Tim Horton's, do NOT allow those ice cap machines to quit working as they at times do when overused. Not today. I need you.<br /><br />If you have some tips on how to beat the heat, feel free to share. Really.<br /><br />Time to go to work and sweat. See you soon, my little ice cap!Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-89713339179865253722009-07-28T09:11:00.001-07:002009-07-28T09:46:43.446-07:00A neighbouring communityBefore I lived in this home, I was on a dream piece of property. 5 acres, heritage styled newer home, wrap around veranda, and just one big honkin' glorious yard. I tinkered and toyed with house and yard until I got it JUST the way I adored it. And then I moved.<br /><br />Today, I'm in a tightly knit neighbouring community. By that I mean, the houses are side by side, you have 1-2 spaces in your driveway to park, and then there's your typical boxed in backyard. I happened to luck out as my backyard faces a gorgeous mountain view with a city owned park behind it, so I feel very blessed for that, coming from where I did.<br /><br />However, tightly knit neighbourhood means a little more than just how close the houses are situated. For when I chose my home, I chose a neighbourhood community. And I had no idea at the time what a spectacular area I was about to live in.<br /><br />I'm a sole parent, so it's my 10 yr old son and I workin' on our lives. And while I love that aspect so very much, at times you simply need advice or a helping hand from another adult. Most of you may name that other adult spouse.<br /><br />My neighbours are pretty special. They loan out their spouses to me when I'm in need. Just 2 nights ago Rudy finally busted down 2 wasp nests I had delayed doing out of sheer fear. Apparently he does them all the time with his line of work, so it was nothing to just go out there in broad daylight, spritz the nests and done. Just. like. that. wow.... Oh, I also borrowed Rudy to show me how to use my circular saw safely too. Oh and then he held up the ladder against the house so I could safely climb up onto my roof. I could go on and on.<br /><br />And Jake, well, Jake is simply too handy to have right next door here. From tinkering on my troubled at times truck, to helping me lug heavy stuff around, and always smiling while he does it, just amazing.<br /><br />The gals in the neighbourhood help as well. From simply someone to talk to, all the way to Corinne bringing me over a surprise coffee or Janette handing me over something luscious she just whipped up in the kitchen, it's a pleasure to have my girl neighbours close by. Francis and I love to shoot the breeze about most anything, Elizabeth will attempt to tag a walk with me on occasion. As you can see, I'm well surrounded with great folk.<br /><br />And it doesn't stop there. The kids in the neighbourhood are always brightening up Cody's and my day. Just today, Lucas helped guide my travel trailer hitch onto the back of my truck. Zach loves coming over to see what's cookin' or what Cody's up to, and gives me the greatest advice on what I should do with this or that. (I LOVE to ask Zach stuff because he's just good at it!) Georgian helps me with my gardening while we nitter natter girl style, Kenny likes to rough and tough it out with all the things Cody likes to do, and Ross is that little background enhancement that rounds things off perfectly.<br /><br />Aside from my road full of good folks, the small town I live in keeps us in pretty constant contact with others nearby. Vic is always bringing me berries from his garden, helping me with all things reno, and he planted my garden this summer! Dan is always offering some kind of building advice and is a good outlet for creative talks. Gord helps me with my truck and trailer needs, and his wife Rosie and I chat it up about all things decorating as well as her sharing her vast stock of plants. Amazing.<br /><br />Lately with our recent heatwaves, some of these neighbours have been by up to several times a day jumping in our backyard kiddie pool. It's a decent size to cool off in even for an adult.<br /><br />Can I just say how totally grateful I feel for having something to give back to them? Not that I have to, but that I CAN. Gate's always open, cover's always off, whether we're here or not, it's free reign to the pool.<br /><br />I'm just feeling particularly blessed today to be right where we are. I was hesitating hitching up the trailer that I had parked on the road to back into my driveway. But when I spotted the street sweeper closing in on our road, I had to go for it. I had power washed my driveway leaving stuff worthy of sweeping on the road. The sweeper does a much better job than I ever would. So I ran out there, fiddled awhile on my own until I spotted Lucas. And he made all the difference in the world. My confidence is once again now intact.<br /><br />Just another reminder that the good people around here are making our lives much brighter. Thanks all! You have no idea how much we both appreciate you!Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-35918821057766351922009-07-11T12:28:00.000-07:002009-07-11T12:48:22.040-07:00"Home again, home again... reality sets in."<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357287314926663282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 377px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wV15VLhuNknL2VQfYqeqxAaRlJ4GWxjanTJ58JHZd-9wrGToNnr6eAsLoVUUmiW9UBJW8o0lRowVVBH6X6jRH7CyL2aMgp7OJtuZ-yQMz-umIcpGHlHj4Yj7gLSxaICaY-xprQjoSHf5/s400/IMG_2107.JPG" border="0" /><br />My bub is home! He's tanned, happy and loaded with cool stories from his most recent overnight camp for 5 days.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357287301856897458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92TBL-BarFPTEZkgnGimksPjXlyuInHVuJK58HiDFv_jUDTzPJlvzmwj1FyaKNu6rF9WloWCuALjl4T_DbxckXsS2uIpl4sZORqSrv4h64LGg4i7kqYJPUqRyCeqQobiCwzOwtQmxAg9d/s400/IMG_2103.JPG" border="0" /><br />Cody spent his time at Stillwood, a christian camp located in Columbia Valley, BC Canada. This picture shows the elevation! The views are amazing, the mountains close, creating the most scenic and serene setting for a great adventure.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357287524476843538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVExPPZXZ8GMymd2dMbUwrhYL2VfB5V02-ZPE6__FiusUShJH7Adups5lH4-lnfzUXxIsRrCvq23JapQRCKXaYcYGIPS5cQszhDtcKlzRYFbQ5iJ2QLrWMjriKNACBG15QRB6yTWvitAM/s400/IMG_2112.JPG" border="0" /><br />This is the 'pool with a view.' WOW... off to the right is where I took that elevation picture.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357287314603129282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmslwdgKyILur5VJ69PLXGQjG2XisWrJQy12vQHmRBdtNInlVK74f1qfZ7LpfjieKKtM9Edt4hr6W2RhG5bwL-Ri8tdQ7JZyXGZBDMSfgbVb_6iwjrytai6623yPEcUQlBVcMen0xU2fRk/s400/IMG_2109.JPG" border="0" /><br />This is the GYM. From a designer's perspective, what a gorgeous building! And no doubt a great hideaway for activities when it rains like it does in our climate.<br /><br />There were tons of cabins riddled here and there and an amazing massive main hall that resembled a log cabin in the woods.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357287309417264786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjwTswNwHy4OW0I3tYOsjLIdqUYDEwFc_6VyALJ2Vl90295ZH02biJVhx_0qBj9qak6lLtauk7gZCS6QMxKy-1MMPT9EmJP_6Z5gnUmhPHThzoaVcGNV3eHDwj8yLRnVKxXn1ATHe3gAw/s400/IMG_2105.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>Aside from the gorgeous buildings and top notch features the camp holds, this is what truly warms up my heart. The buddy aspect you build when you spend time with good new folks for a week. This is Ace, Cody's cabin councillor that hung with his group the entire time.<br /><br />So as we two unwind from all the excitement, reality sets in. Cody wore ONE pair of shorts the entire time. Morning and night. The last day they dipped in the lake and he threw in his sopping wet towel into his suitcase to come home. And this is what resulted from that. Bear in mind, these were CLEAN clothes. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357287525564790226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoyYj6beVqyJt-P87y56KL2lXXbyU9GAkGqT6e8T5MblH8QNYmZX7GyB8SUitv4nXyc9ckoe9m5s7osuxgShC_InGn_ZDTAtLWaayxxtqZ9Uvb0lv8PZnS_xBJuEfl0TtEK-5B9dPCANu/s400/IMG_2113.JPG" border="0" /><br />Sigh...<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357287528827571426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkLWoGIKz0wTn2guobjsJsqvjuTrlLmYFH0iBFP7zfsh6e1RkdZBjdIXFw6SbYWuR0oFYiiCuZvPwxgWkF-4hkxXMHFLvvRYdYsf49a1530jv1THIgkjB4X2aQ3vrG9uSQKNX2f6X9qQO/s400/IMG_2116.JPG" border="0" /><br />And I couldn't possibly leave out the fact that we're now back on track to mom confiscating stolen chips for breakfast. Double sigh...<br /><br />What the heck. Welcome home Cody! To the life we both know and love so well!Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-88246696686987229492009-07-05T22:31:00.000-07:002009-07-05T22:56:16.835-07:00ANOTHER camp!What a different summer this is transpiring out to be. This will be the first year Cody's ventured off to overnight camps. A growing experience for both of us. And two in one summer!<br /><br />This round is different. The camp is nearby and for only 5 nights this time. I got to drop him off and walk the grounds. We even got to go to his cabin where he chose his bunk. I was kicking myself that I forgot my camera!<br /><br />When we first arrived on site, I was impressed at how organized everything was. Young adults were everywhere you looked, identified in camp t-shirts. The energy was positive and energetic. I was so impressed that they even flag you to the exact location of where you are to park. When we went into Cody's cabin, the cabin <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">counsellors</span> were so awesome, making the boys feel included and loved. Right then I got that typical sting in my eyes and throat, praying I wouldn't cry so I quickly turned around to chill. But the emotion is so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">overwhelming</span> when I see other guys in particular being a buddy to my son. He really deserves it.<br /><br />Cody has been looking forward to this camp as well, so I left him there feeling <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ok</span> with things. Not quite like the last time when he flew so far away. I could be with him in 30 minutes here. The comfort of knowing that has me more at peace.<br /><br />So, another quiet week here at the homestead. It's weird changing gears like that. But I'll dive into my work and projects around the house, knowing he's again among a good group and will discover new things that can only enhance his life.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Incidentally</span>, Cody was sent home early from the Tim Horton's camp due to getting ill. Obtaining a fever and scratchy throat, he was placed in quarantine until healthy enough to be escorted home. I was so concerned he'd be sad, but as it turns out, he still had an incredibly positive experience. And the good news is he's on a waiting list to return! Oh no... that 9 day mom-from-son <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">withdrawal</span> again! But he wants to go so if they call, he'll be on a plane once again. This <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">organization</span> has been top notch in every respect, right down to sending a private escort to get him back home. And inside his backpack, I found a homemade get well card made by his friends in his cabin. Very touching and a nice <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">memento</span>. I still shake my head at their generosity. Please make sure you buy a coffee when they have Camp Day at Tim Horton's. It really does make a difference. ALL the coffee proceeds go towards the camp that day only. It's an amazing donation made by the stores.<br /><br />Because of the return experience, I'm so very grateful he gets this new experience. Funny how things always work out.<br /><br />I'll be thinking of all you moms with bustling households this week. And may even envy a bit of that commotion from time to time. But I'll try real hard to make it this round. :)Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-28235570518271077122009-06-20T20:01:00.000-07:002011-04-19T16:08:06.190-07:00He's in camp at last!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfCV2rxR47D_miyEgZsO_tJuCtKXO9T0LcWW6CIAYPUVRBjMNemuq2DvD1SVsMtljLoy4YCuqRayZD0NN_5JrNVJe1qtPmKa3GnKTZIRdnHMVW27ApTzNVHuQ4TN0WYvAr60XNkfELJrO/s1600-h/IMG_1959.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349611001651285378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfCV2rxR47D_miyEgZsO_tJuCtKXO9T0LcWW6CIAYPUVRBjMNemuq2DvD1SVsMtljLoy4YCuqRayZD0NN_5JrNVJe1qtPmKa3GnKTZIRdnHMVW27ApTzNVHuQ4TN0WYvAr60XNkfELJrO/s400/IMG_1959.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> Is this the sign of a happy camper or what!<br />
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Today I can finally share Part 3 of Cody's camping adventure! He's on his way today to the Tim Horton's Children's camp in Alberta, BC Canada for the time of his life!<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349610988790808626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDJSYcoLIQl7KLoqS4hu__c-HX45Yq57LPswhmWFGNEmOgC4dsXlxFNRiOLRwNHbGSGjvrHPdRFto6fAkJnfCicDqvlD9kFfNXvMe8aMm9PPJmLD3VRCZRcZ8Vn93znukc8PqSuIKPZzp/s400/IMG_1947.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
<div align="center"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Cody packing and saying good-byes on the phone</span></i></div><br />
I kicked off Friday to pack for him while he had his last day of school. 10 socks, 10 underwear, 10 t-shirts... on and on it went. And everything had to be labeled with first AND last name.. whew! It was quite a list to follow but understandable. Our weather is totally unpredictable this time of year, especially where he's going. He had swim shorts all the way to a winter coat with mitts!<br />
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We ventured out very early the next am, woke up at 5, had to leave the house by 6. I was to bring him to a Tim Horton's nearby where the bus would transport the kids to the airport.<br />
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<div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349610991116699810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-MygLD2qGOngupKe2NReTaE7JgSD17iDwl6RjQV9KjiPoRmCFSVFldC6VahGytVoIHF3snfOW1GeZzDR7VcXfCxjT2b2dBraooZqvG2oB1dQhQSs0jCrH3QKTRVL9mnvA7hAYhS-F0do/s400/IMG_1948.JPG" style="display: block; height: 370px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
My heart lurched for a moment when I saw the bus on the lot waiting. Already?!?!? But I got a good 1/2 hour to warm up to what was to come and had a great chance to chat with the councillors. These gals were flown in from Alberta to accompany the kids to the camp so they'd be from start to finish with the same adults. Wow.<br />
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</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349610991914884706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkjIjRnk8LsPfKdA0JZAqx8-4uJ_9biHSjxUEpPbMDl6VQyIUjVvU1OpuKP3Jk25sN0GcQFsoMpPdt20VqRFZTQADJpjCbArNH5rKL5Y8jC1iJ-817wadSVObJbA9MwM-xPs7shSHkhX0/s400/IMG_1950.JPG" style="display: block; height: 336px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></div><div></div><div>And naturally I had to sneak in a (7am yawn) mom picture. LOL<br />
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</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349610994479865858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTd-L923DajRNDJJR38bepcRK_msninjb3cY-jHoMiljct8EPQ1nf7R8Yw6NpiJ6Ubtg6c5fIXVD5kYljU-SmZsH41LFoGf2P95snwmb0PA10pwtxDC6387CUykSbAFKxxHMYBs6pOLvv/s400/IMG_1954.JPG" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 271px;" /><br />
Cody was sooo eager to board the bus right away but we waited outside until it was time. I'm so proud of his eagerness! Last year he just wasn't ready for such an event and this year he couldn't leave the house soon enough! What a difference a year can make at this age.</div><div></div></div><br />
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Yup, with taunting like that, I most certainly didn't have to worry about him pining too too much I'd say. :)<br />
After I got home, I started to clean the house of all our trails from the days of packing and sorting. Then decided it was time for a nice (what turned into a 2 hour) nap. Travelling days are tough in these parts ya know. LOL<br />
And then, I finally got the automated message 10 hours later. The kids had arrived safely and were in their cabins enjoying a pizza dinner. That's when I cried. He had been so eager to see his cabin and just be there for so long and he was finally doing it. And PIZZA? Hello... the ultimate?<br />
Oh. And then the announcer proceeded to remind parents that the kids would be white water rafting, doing archery, horseback riding... only all the things he's been dying to get involved with. That qualified a couple more tears of happiness for him.<br />
The boy is truly in a Canadian Disneyland. I'm ecstatic for him!<br />
Parents can email their kids too! If you email them, they get to read the messages after breakfast each day. How cool is that?!? He packed some writing materials to write back as they have an hour of quiet time a day, but if he chooses not to, that is cool, I just want him to have fun with no obligations!<br />
It'll take me a bit to morph into the land of me me me, but as I start projects around the house with no interruptions, I have a feeling my continued renos will come along quite nicely. I have no excuses now!<br />
If you missed previous installments to this story.. they are:<br />
<i>Part One</i><br />
<a href="http://justanotherwonderfulday.blogspot.com/2009/01/codys-amazing-upcoming-adventure.html">http://justanotherwonderfulday.blogspot.com/2009/01/codys-amazing-upcoming-adventure.html</a><br />
<i>Part Two</i><br />
<a href="http://justanotherwonderfulday.blogspot.com/2009/04/big-answer-arrived-today.html">http://justanotherwonderfulday.blogspot.com/2009/04/big-answer-arrived-today.html</a><br />
For now, it's time to roll up my sleeves and get busy around this place. I can't wait to hear the stories he brings home upon his return. You can bet there will be a final Part 4 to this one!<br />
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<a href="http://funkyjunktestblog.blogspot.com/"><br />
</a>Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-77236742595164507992009-06-16T10:07:00.000-07:002009-06-16T10:19:40.199-07:00Little boy no moreIt all started this AM with Cody and I biking to school. He bolts out onto the road in typical rambunctious 10 yr old fashion with an oncoming car heading in his path.<br /><br />"CODY!" I yell.<br /><br />He swerves to the side and says, "Moooom, you don't have to say that!"<br /><br />Well, yeah, I thought I kinda had to...<br /><br />We get to school. I note he put on a nice black t-shirt, but the problem is, it's full of CAT hair. Nice. He's always picking up those darned cats after putting on black. It's illegal and cannot be done I say.<br /><br />"You have cat hair all over your shirt! You can't go in like that!" as I proceed to lick my hand so I can swipe off the cat nest festering all over him.<br /><br />"GROOOSSS! NO MOM!"<br /><br />Shoot. I shouldn't have licked my hand. Dead gross-mom giveaway. Thinking fast, I head for the water fountain on the school ground. I soak my hand, SHOW him I'm wiping MOST of it off (he detests wet on him) and proceed to swipe swipe swipe in true motherhood fashion. I know, what a pain in the butt I can be. He fussed some and kept turning on me but I nabbed most of it. Whew. I can breathe now.<br /><br />School bell rings. Time to go in! I go to give him that little snuggle of a hug and kiss combo and as I'm doing the forward lean thing, he eyes me weird. Oh, right. Gotta be cool here.<br /><br />"No more kisses and hugs for you huh?" He looks at me in that little eeny weeny corner of his sparkly eye and gives me a small smirk. He wants it. BAD. I go in for the dive and for fun, glue myself on him as we waddle to the door of the school while we both laugh.<br /><br />Ah crap. I have to let go. He's been chained to my hip for 10 years. I have some habits to break.<br /><br />Cody's off to camp this weekend for 9 whoppin' days taking a flight outa town no less. Guess that'll be a GREAT start to me letting go, huh? I'll update on my state of mind as the weekend nears. Right now I feel excitement for him! Let's see what Saturday brings, shall we?<br /><br />Sigh... 10 going on 20. When did this happen?Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-38702204593566772832009-05-31T19:26:00.000-07:002009-05-31T19:38:22.084-07:00Conversation with my 10 yr old - variation #25465So, we had a nice bbq out on the lawn tonite. Lovely summer evening! I get up and saunter around the flowerbeds and approach the little character building with the old windows and barnwood. Suddenly Cody pipes up on conversation. Desperation like.<br /><br />"Mom, when Kenny and I had the slingshot, I was aiming at that window but I did it by accident."<br /><br />"Did what by accident?"<br /><br />"It was by accident."<br /><br />Huh?<br /><br />I look at the old window on the building and sigh. He finked on himself because he saw me walk towards the damage. That cool little window had the perfect hole with hairline cracks straying from it. This old window was a gift from a friend and I loved everything about just the way it was. Now it has mischevious little boy character it seems.<br /><br />"You aimed for the window and hit it on PURPOSE didn't you?"<br /><br />"Yeah."<br /><br />silence...<br /><br />"Mom, I'm eating my carrots."<br /><br />Why oh why did I laugh out loud? Darn it!Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-82995895081551711402009-05-15T09:20:00.000-07:002009-05-15T09:33:55.460-07:00When life hands you lemons... what do YOU do with them?Some of you know that I keep a small travel trailer at a local lake resort year around. It's been a wonderful and affordable getaway for many years for us as we can dash up the moment the sun shines on nice weekends and be camping.<br /><br />This year is going to be different. I've been having vertigo issues since December and I'm still actively trying to figure out the whys of it all and attempting to stay safe and cope and work and all that.<br /><br />So, the decision to pull the trailer home this year and save some funds was recently made. And let me tell you, the decision was worse than 20 root canals all in one day for me!<br /><br />Think of ONE thing you adore. And it's gone the next day for a whole year. That is what I feel like.<br /><br />I've done alot of moping and mourning, but things finally clicked in place the moment someone asked me, "Can you guarantee Cody's safety driving up there?" I couldn't answer which gave me my answer. I knew what I had to do.<br /><br />So, a different mindset has to take place here. I have to LET THAT PLACE GO. For months my mind was flip flopping.. what if I got better? What if I suddenly had more income to support it? What if what if what if? I was driving myself mental. Until I made the decision and decided to make the decision work.<br /><br />A friend helped me set up our fancy dancy bbq in our backyard recently, so tonite, on this beautiful sunny weekend of being at home, we're going to recreate our beloved campsite. Grill up a couple small steaks, and then go for a walk afterwards. We're fortunate to have an incredible mountain view behind us so we don't stare at other buildings. We walk out back along the creek and among the large willows. It's tranquil and beautiful. Why did we keep dashing from this again?!?<br /><br />I'll be bringing my propane fire pit home soon from the campsite so I'm going to create a little windbreak area so we can sit and enjoy our evening s'mores right at home.<br /><br />We have a river at the end of our road that we can take lawn chairs to. I like to sit on a rocky bed and watch Cody and the dog romp and build dams and such. The sounds are absolutely tranquil and provides a neat change of scenery.<br /><br />I KNOW I can make this work. But I have to change my way of thinking. I look outside at the sunshine and my desire for camping kicks in. My beach walks, my campground, my friends, my fancy coffee, my icecream cone... BUT, that is no more, so I have some rethinking to do.<br /><br />My scenario is no different than any life adjustment. We tend to look backwards and think <em>what if I miss I wish I wonder I dread I loathe</em>. I'm here to tell you, you're going to drive yourself insane with that mindset. It's done. It's gone. It's time to make a fresh batch of lemonade!<br /><br />AND, the best part is, you add the amount of sugar you desire to make it perfect. Which means, do all those things that enhance you and your family's lives and you'll end up in a better place than ever before.<br /><br />I have alot of newness ahead of me. And although it hurts and I still go back to some pining now and then, I'm also looking forward to the new experiences we'll have being at home this year. Rather than dashing away from our beloved nest, I'm going to stay home and enhance it even further. It's already beautiful from the new renovations. What's to run away from this year? Nothing! The fun part of setting up is just beginning! Now I have the time.<br /><br />Here's hoping your weekend's lemonade turns out with just the right amount of ice and flavour. You can do it if I can.Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-22771812263256783532009-04-27T09:14:00.001-07:002009-04-27T09:51:06.642-07:00When life throws you a curve ball... you learn a new way to catch.The economy stories I've been avoiding for so long are finally catching up in my quaint little area of the world. I thought if I'd just avoid the news and not allow the hype to get to me, the entire fiasco would simply be a myth. Apparently not so.<br /><br />I see many changes constantly. One of my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">all time</span> favorite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bloggers</span> is moving due to her rental foreclosure. A friend's work has slowed down. I hear of layoffs daily. It's a scary world out there.<br /><br />And then trouble began to knock on my own front door. I didn't want to answer it for the longest time, keeping busy, avoiding the inevitable. But there comes a time when you are forced to listen to reason or you pay the price.<br /><br />Indeed some changes are before me. I'm struggling with a slower economy, which creates a slower <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">work pace</span>, which greatly effects lifestyle choices.<br /><br />For years I have parked my trailer at a favorite campsite during the summer months. It provided a great getaway when my son was out of school. The boy literally grew up on the beach. It was an affordable way to vacation.<br /><br />The campsite has recently revamped to be all full season, which means to park there 12 months out of the year. But it comes with a price. Basically, a bigger one at that.<br /><br />I managed to pay my dues last year, diligently saving up <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">monthly ahead of time</span>, so I could pay cash for my leisure for the rest of the year. And yes, it was fabulous taking off on weekends to run and escape reality for a short while.<br /><br />Things are different this year. I didn't diligently save. I was busy spending on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">renos</span> and life and needing to dip into savings as the troubled economy started brewing. Basically put, I don't have the funds for my leisurely lifestyle this year. And I'm in mourning. Big time. My gut says my camper is going to have to sit in my driveway as opposed to a campsite this year.<br /><br />And I'm not alone. Many are revamping their lives to incorporate change.<br /><br />But does this have to be a bad thing? I've always found in the past, that from troubled times, there always appears to be a silver lining. All the things in my past that have brought me some grief have always become a benefit of sorts. Each and every time.<br /><br />It's with that optimism that I am slowly forcing myself to think differently. Rather than panic, be informed, do what one must do, and keep watching for that silver lining.<br /><br />I can already spot some sparkly corners if I dig deep enough. I'll be home on weekends and can work on my house that so badly is in need of fine tuning and refinishing. I can once again bond with my own surroundings on weekends as opposed to running away from them. I can plant a full garden knowing that I'll actually be home to water and eat from it. I can take the time to go on my thrifty hunts and create new and wonderful economical solutions to my house and yard in need. And I can slowly mould my interests and passions into possibly something that can employ me <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">full time</span> one day.<br /><br />Building a new business?!? Who am I kidding you ask? I'm not kidding. I'm kicking some doors open and looking for opportunities. I'm talking about it. I'm practicing it. I'm researching it. And I'm going to do it. And I've already started. Yup, I'm gonna be a HGTV decorator type with a big 'ol smiley attitude! Alright, that's thinking abit big. I want to stage homes and decorate economically for folks.<br /><br />And it might take weekends to do this too. Therefore, I'd need to be home on weekends. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Hmmm</span>... something tells me the puzzle pieces are starting to fit together. There's still a big chunk missing in the middle, but I imagine as time goes on, I'll find the perfect fit to make this picture one smooth transition. Some pieces just take their time showing up.<br /><br />I'm here to tell you, there is ALWAYS a silver lining somewhere. You just have to be willing to roll with the punches and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">tweak</span> as you go along. Eventually it all makes <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">sense</span>.<br /><br />What will this economy ultimately teach many of us? No doubt to save for a rainy day. That we don't need 'new stuff.' That debt is something to be avoided and it's more important to be debt free than to accumulate stuff that is getting us in debt. To live simply. To reflect on what's really important in life.<br /><br />Lessons will be learned and I believe, if you allow yourself to work through the new transitions without panicking, you will find your silver lining as well.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to see what my final puzzle piece will bring me. For now, it's important to be good to people, build your support system around you, let others in that wish to help, go help them, and get through this like one big happy family.<br /><br />Playing catch can indeed be tricky with those curve balls. But just think. If you learn to catch in a new way, you have built a brand new skill! That in itself, may be the lesson you've needed all along right there.Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-29332210506065131602009-04-17T15:56:00.000-07:002009-04-29T00:57:07.304-07:00The BIG answer arrived today!<a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2009/04/28/tuesdays-unwrapped/"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 98px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/tuesdaysunwrapped1-400x98.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is one of my favorite blogs. And today, Emily is asking that we join her in finding the special moments of your day out of the nothings. And honestly? That's what this blog has been all about. So I'd love to share our special news that makes me smile ever so big!<br />__________________________<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgWsX0l77W2s_1utoQpBp84QzvI9QDaF2zGZydMSGwmM4C9wourmtQ97qhHEG_-5JYONsceZY1hJRugw-PP_A1Hj_SkEUzy_1R96aGd39lsRroIqusjq1jXHCngIRW-LVTzvhyWEOxOrJ/s1600-h/IMG_1517.JPG"></a>I went and picked up the mail today, thinking today would be like any other day. Maybe a few bills, perhaps even a cheque, and your typical handful of junkmail. I was wrong.<br /><br />A <strong>BIG</strong> announcement arrived today.<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><em>Click on the picture below to see Cody's reaction on You Tube!<br /></em></strong><br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aJ92LRBUUo"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325798891495942914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 163px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAHJEvSZ2pXqF9dU-9f_Kip4zXfjitvyHyNXtyKxRme38YTvjR6R6P9a14wm0vWzW8rRECEGx4dJPgPPW4C_3bR9njmCvHkPSgvxxf_sT8NqcOY-LE4WXoiklHK3dvP4N2VA08Myk7b8y/s400/IMG_1517.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />My 9 yr boy is going to be flown into another province (without ME) and spend 9 glorious days at the Tim Horton's Camp!<br /><br />We've been waiting for the approval for awhile since we were invited to register for the camp in Jaunary. (you can read about when we first found out right <a href="http://justanotherwonderfulday.blogspot.com/2009/01/codys-amazing-upcoming-adventure.html"><em><span style="color:#333399;">HERE.</span></em></a><br /><br />I have mixed emotions to work through, but the one that stands out the most is, this is what CODY wants and he gets to go!!!!!!<br /><br />I have lots of reading to do and an orientation to go to soon to find out who what when where why and how.<br /><br />All that matters right now is, I can't wait till Cody gets home to show him the letter!!! My baby is growing up.<br /><br />And looks like mom has to as well this summer... sigh...Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-7523575084094612202009-04-15T08:43:00.000-07:002009-04-15T10:19:26.073-07:00Learning to dealI have been royally spoiled all my life. I (touch wood) have rarely been seriously ill with anything. I've never spent time in a hospital room except when Cody was born. I am one of those 'lucky' people.<br /><br />I remember around Christmas time, I heard alot of others were feeling sick. Some I knew had major health issues. And I was busy renoing my house, thinking, how on earth would I be able to do what I do if I had those kinds of issues?!? I simply don't know how some cope day to day! I distinctly remember feeling so very grateful I didn't have to find out, as well as empathy for those that had troubles day to day.<br /><br />And then it hit. I woke up one morning and couldn't get out of bed. The room spun. I laid down because I didn't know what was wrong. And my neck roared with fire. Huh?!?<br /><br />I was in a rut like this for nearly a week. Luckily my work was blessed with being on the slow side that week so I was able to sidestep alot of stuff. I promptly made an appointment during that time with my physiotherapist AND doctor to attempt to figure out what this was.<br /><br />Between umpteen visits here and there pushing aside work projects on a regular basis, between bursts of impatience at everything just because I felt lousy, between frustrated moments where I didn't understand why no one including myself could actually FIND anything wrong in obvious tests done, I started to learn how to deal with an inflicted REAL illness for the first time in my life.<br /><br />It's now exactly 4 months later and I still have/get it.<br /><br />The sensation I get is, it's like the entire house is unlevel. I remember feeling a modified version of this when my trailer at the lake was unlevel. I felt a need to grab the edges of things just to gain proper composure. And I was relentless about fiddling with the trailer until it was right, because I couldn't function with unlevel. It was unnerving.<br /><br />And now I get to live in an unlevel world. Every day.<br /><br />(I also learned through spellcheck that unlevel isn't a word. Hmm... levelless? Ah forget it. I know you know what I mean)<br /><br />Unlevel is the way to best describe this. Dizzy comes from unlevel. Loss of balance comes from it too. Generally, all three symptoms are at the same time. Like now. I feel like my head is about to bam on my keyboard.<br /><br />I have no other symptoms. Just THIS, whatever it is.<br /><br />Vertigo some call it. But vertigo is a SYMPTOM of something that's gone wrong.<br /><br />It could be attributed to my neck/back issues. Physio says no.<br /><br />It could result from a head injury. Your balance mechanism shakes up and may take months to settle down again where one day, you just wake up and all is well. When I was renoing, I hit my head but good on a lower wall partition. The next day I woke up with this. So maybe. BUT I'm well past the time it takes for this thing to pass if that was the case. A few weeks is typical. A few months is not.<br /><br />All I know is, the more I do, the worse it gets. I've been avidly gardening lately and wake up worse each AM. If I sit still for a day (egads, who can do that?!?), the dizzy diminishes somewhat. I've had about 5 'better' days since Christmas. Most are filled with dizzy because my lifestyle keeps me so active.<br /><br />You can tell when I'm having an off day by looking around my house. I gasp when the fog clears abit some days. Nests everywhere because I've been too dizzy to put things back. Plunk and move on.<br /><br />Cody now pretty much knows the drill. If I come across abit grumpy, he says, "Mom, I know you're not feeling good again. But don't get mad, ok?" Meltmeltmeltmeltmelt.... this boy is way more grown up than I give him credit for.<br /><br />My doctor warned I'd have good and bad days. And she's right. Trouble is, I don't know what tomorrow will bring. But generally, I don't allow this whatever it is to stop me. I have to work. I have to do this and that. I have to feed my boy. I have to keep going.<br /><br />I finally know what it's like to deal with a real issue. And I am learning to deal.<br /><br />Going outside seems to help but can be a curse in disguise. When the walls are pushed well away from me which is what outside offers, I tend to feel better and do more. And guess where that gets me. I need to learn how to go outside, park myself and read or something. That's hard to do when it's gardening season and the sun is out and it's not quite all that warm to stay still.<br /><br />I also believe all things are for a reason. Perhaps I didn't have enough empathy for those that are afflicted with an illness. Perhaps I needed this lesson to become a better person. (there's always certainly room for that one!) Perhaps I'm being tested as to how I reach out for help with this one, in a faithful manner.<br /><br />I read somewhere we are all given this level of happiness. When something afflicts us, our happiness level decreases momentarily, but after we learn how to cope with said illness, our level rises once again. So how am I coping?<br /><br />For the most part, I have sooooo much to be happy for, so most days, even when having a bad one, I have the inner strength to appreciate all the good things in my life. But yeah, on certain days, I wear a little thin, more so from impatience than anything else. I don't really like hitting my shoulder against a wall when I walk by a doorway or grabbing for things to stable myself. Who would?<br /><br />So, I allow some days to be good and some to be not so good. I am allowing myself to learn how to carry on despite a spinning world around me. Nothing has changed. I won't allow it. I WANT to live a full and productive life, and be there for Cody like I always have. But I also have to learn how to modify what I can do on a more so troublesome kind of day.<br /><br />I use to blog alot. My laptop died for 2 weeks. But now that it's up and running, I haven't gotten full throttle into it yet. I'm just having a challenging week is all. This too shall pass and I'll feel better again. I'm just waiting patiently for my 'better' day.<br /><br />I truly believe we are given challenges so we can learn more about life. I use to take good health for granted. I use to get up and feel bright and alert and had the energy to GOGOGO.<br /><br />So I'm here to tell those of you with good health, take care of it. Appreciate it and enjoy it daily. I want you to wake up each and every morning and give thanks to the Big Guy that's offering you ultimate health and do something productive and meaningful with it.<br /><br />Go for those walks, eat right, play with those that matter, work passionately but know when to turn it off, and perhaps say a prayer or 3 for those that don't have it as good as you do right now.<br /><br />And those of you afflicted with a health issue, start doing your homework, people! Don't lie still and will it away hoping meds will cure all. Investigate. Try new things. Don't allow someone to tell you no it can't be done. Persevere! Pray! Continue on with life as best as you can. Learn to live with your limitations, rather than having your limitations rule you.<br /><br />You. Can. Do. This. One moment at a time.<br /><br />You don't have to, but those of you that are reading this, if you have an infliction of something and you leave a comment, (alert me if you'd prefer me to NOT publish your comment and I won't) I'll put in a good word to the Big Guy upstairs for you. Because I want you to have a supreme day despite the odds.<br /><br />So, let's go! Let's enjoy the day despite what we are dealing with. Because, it's time to learn how to deal in order to move on and punch through this thing.<br /><br />Now go have yourself a wonderful day. I'm certainly going to. Hey, walls are all around me to grab for balance. That can't be a bad thing.Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914092017709697059.post-78255368079354591042009-03-30T18:46:00.000-07:002009-03-30T19:10:27.591-07:00People watching at the hospitalI spent a little bit of time at the local hospital today. I happened to be sitting at the coffee shop near the front door for about 15 minutes. Not a magazine or newspaper was to be had, so with coffee in hand, I people watched.<br /><br />It wasn't hard to do. I was facing the main door. And quite the cast of eclectic characters came forth.<br /><br />One young gal came in wiping her eyes. Boy I can relate. I've been there before when worried about someone having gotten hurt. I felt empathy for her and shot some good luck vibes her way.<br /><br />There was the older lady that came in with her daughter. They had a lot to talk about in a pleasant manner, so looks as if their day was going ok.<br /><br />Then there was the really thin fella with some kind of IV bag tied to him. That had to be awkward. But I could tell it was all old hat for his mom and himself as they made it calmly to the outside door.<br /><br />None of this was old hat for me. At all. I feel totally foreign in a hospital setting. I don't fear it, it's just that I haven't frequented one all that often. I've been blessed with exceptional health all my life, so when I do go into one, there's always a lot to take in.<br /><br />And this one guy had me doing a second take. On either side of him were police officers so I inspected a little closer. He was handcuffed. AND his feet were shackled together. He was doing a pretty good pace for shuffling along.<br /><br />When he walked past, we made eye contact. I had to wonder what he was thinking. As for me, I felt this coldness sneak around me and I actually shivered. And then I thought. The image of him wouldn't go away.<br /><br />How on earth could someone mess up so bad in life to warrant earning this kind of loss of life? What did he have to look forward to when he woke up each morning? Where are the hugs and laughter from family members? There's so much life to live! And here he was, chained up like a common criminal from a TV movie. I didn't even want to think about what he had to do to achieve where he was.<br /><br />I felt off. I suddenly morphed into the loss of his life. It felt like I was falling into a bottomless chilly dark well.<br /><br />I took another sip of coffee and decided right then that I need to really enhance upon Cody what kind of awesome life we lead. We have each other, we have for the most part great health with only minor glitches, an awesome home, wonderful things to wake up to, and someone to hug before turning in for the night. Suddenly, I missed my boy very much. It was time to go.<br /><br />Bless all those good folks that work at the hospital and take care of the hurt masses. They are special indeed. And I was sure appreciating them today.<br /><br />It never ceases to amaze me how everyone carries a different strength throughout life. Want to also appreciate a nurse, doctor or volunteer at the hospital? Go sit in front of the main entry. I guarantee you'll know exactly what I mean within 15 minutes.Funky Junk Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14349795167023622107noreply@blogger.com