Sleeping In

I actually got to sleep in today. In my own bed. With Mikey at home. All the way until 8 am, when Mikey came up to snuggle with me while having a drink and a mini-nap.

This is the first time this has happened in months. It was really nice.

I feel amazingly well rested today. It is incredible what a difference an extra 2 hours can make. I guess those few mornings when I left for work before Mikey got up turned out to have extra benefits to them.

Half way through another month

It's almost half way through August without a single post? Man, I have really lost the hang of balancing work with everything else. I am definitely feeling like I have a complete lack of free time. I don't remember ever feeling it this bad before. Might have something to do with having an active kid.

What is a typical day like for me?
6-7 am - get up whenever Mikey wakes up. On a great day I wake up myself at 6 feeling refreshed and Mikey sleeps until 7. I never thought an hour by myself in the morning would be so amazing.
7:30-8:30 am - get ready for work
8:30 - 5:30 pm - at work
5:30-6:30 pm - supper time. Most days Mike has supper started when I get home. It's the only part of being a stay-at-home parent he does, other than keeping Mikey alive. Cleaning is the main part he doesn't do. My house looks like a disaster zone all the time, and while I hate it, I haven't the energy or time to fix it. It's supposed to be his job. Right?
6:30-9 pm - play with Mikey. All outings and stuff are also done during this time.
9 pm - bedtime for Mikey. We are finally getting a regular routine with 2 stories, and snuggling. If I got him a twin bed and removed the rocking chair, I think bedtime would be even easier.
9:30-10 pm - come back downstairs because Mikey is out. Some nights take longer, and sometimes I fall asleep in the rocking chair. Very bad for your neck.
10-11 pm - read, blog, whatever I feel like in my hour of free time a day.
11 pm - bedtime for me.
11-6 pm - hopefully sleep. Usually have one wake from Mikey that lasts 15-60 min. I love when he just climbs in beside me, drinks and falls asleep without me needing to get up. Then when he is sideways and kicking me, I move him back to bed. Easiest wake ups ever.

That is my usual weekday. Weekends are usually lazy days spent lounging and playing.

End of July

Is it really the end of July already? Wow, time is flying this year.

I have now been at work for 3 weeks already. I am loving going to work. I still am not trained for "my" job yet, but that starts in August. In the meantime, I am making everyone else happy by assisting with anything I can. There are a few ladies that I am really getting to know, and I'm having lots of fun with.

Mikey seems to be adjusting well. There have been a few days where he gave me a kiss and told me good-bye while waving before I was ready to leave. Nothing like being shooed out the door by a two year old.

Soccer is over now. Yesterday was the last day. Mikey did not have fun. He screamed and cried through the whole 2 min award ceremony for his team. But we did get his pictures. Our picture together is cute. He was definitely freaking out in the team photo, which makes it pretty cute.

Our pool has been getting some use. It got a lot of use during the melting hot days. I am glad those are over for now. Now it's just regular hot days. Like summer should be. We did get some rain this week, for the first time all month. It was very nice. Except for the overnight thunderstorms that kept waking Mikey up. Not cool.

Mikey still isn't eating. He is sucking on baby cookies and Cheesies on a regular basis. He also loves sucking on syrup covered waffles. He is starting to talk more. There is a lot more that we understand, even if he is still missing quite a few syllables and sounds. He is super active, and is beginning to sleep better. Some days. We have moved his bedtime to 9pm, and that seems to help him sleep until 7am, with only one wake-up most nights around 4am. Yea for sleep! He is still very resistant to the idea of potty training.

Friday Night Leftovers - July 22

This has been a very quick, very long week full of hot temperatures. I'm not sure my brain works enough to even dump out a leftover post. Let's see.

It is so hot here. The heat wave is finally breaking, but I think my brain melted. I am so glad I got to go work in an air conditioned building all week. Especially Thursday. It was a record breaking day with the temperature hitting 35.7 C (that's 96.3 F) but when you added humidity, it felt like just under 50 C (122 F). The temperature was only 0.5 degrees off the hottest temprature ever.

Needless to say, our pool has been getting lots of use. Mikey is getting very comfortable in it. He nows leans on the side and lifts his feet up to float for a few seconds at a time. He would stay in there all day if you let him. He cries everytime we take him out.

Tomorrow is the second last day of soccer. We get our pictures tomorrow. That will be fun to see how they turned out.

I am glad it's the weekend. I could use some relaxing. Mikey didn't sleep well with the heat so high, so I didn't really get any relaxing time in the evening. It will be nice to just sit for a while. Maybe get caught up reading some of the 750+ blog posts I haven't had time to read this week.

Puddle

I feel like a puddle. It is so hot, I am melting. But I can't bring myself to jump in our pool. That water is just too cold. I'm afraid I'll have a heart attack.

I am super glad we have window fans in the bedrooms. They really help cool things off over night. Provided it does cool off over night, which luckily has been happening.

I wanted to share my story of my horrible night last night. It was brutal. Mikey wasn't feeling good in the evening. He threw up about an hour before bed. Started getting very hot. So I tried to help cool him off. Put him to bed fairly easily. But he woke up at 9 pm, and was burning up. I tried to get him settled back down, but it was taking a long time. At 9:45 he was still up, so I ran downstairs and turned off all the lights figuring I'll just go to bed when he finally falls back asleep.

Fifteen minutes later, I start feeling not well. I was getting hot, with a bad headache. I convinced Mikey to come lay in my bed with me. The little heat pack curled up with me and I tried to doze my headache away. By 11 I was up puking. Mikey was so concerned, rubbing my back for me. It was so sweet it made me bawl. Afterwards I dragged myself back to bed, and Mikey curled up with me again. He still wasn't falling asleep, so I put on the mini DVD player for him, and passed out.

I woke up around 1:30 and moved him to his own bed. He felt cool and stayed asleep. I felt much better myself. We were both up at 6:30 this morning feeling fine, although I was quite tired.

Not sure if it was just the heat or what, but last night was no fun. Here's hoping tonight will be okay.

First Day

My first day at work went pretty good. It was chaos when I first arrived because it was orientation day for a bunch of other employees. Once I got through that mess and my boss came and got me, things went pretty smoothly.

My computer was delivered and set up. This is apparently a big deal.

I learned how to get from the front door to my desk, from my desk to the bathroom, and from my desk to the cafeteria. Excellent progress. I also met a lot of people in my department whose names I instantly forgot.

I am in training for the first few weeks, and am looking forward to learning all the systems and work. It should be fun. It was a very successful first day.

Friday Night Leftovers - July 8

• I start work on Monday. It is ridiculous how excited I am. I feel like a little kid starting grade 1 for the first time. Only without the jumping up and down and running around in circles.
• I have no idea how to get my sleep schedule back on track. Except to die the first week of work. Whatever works, I guess.
• Our pool continues to go unused. Great waste of money there! Either it's not hot enough out, or the water just seems way too cold. It is getting a little gross, so we may have to break down and get some chemicals. Otherwise Mike will totally refuse to use it, instead of just coming up with excuses.

That's about it. There is not a whole lot floating through my head this week. I'm sure I will come up with a bunch more things once I hit post though.

Super strength?

What was I greeted with yesterday afternoon?

Uh-oh. That would be our screen door handle in his hand. Apparently my son is Superman because he ripped the handle right off.

See where it goes?

And do you think we can find a new handle anywhere? Not likely.

Newsprint nails

I mentioned yesterday that I tried a newsprint effect on my fingernails. I like the result, and so does my sister.

Here is the best picture I could get of them. I used a dark grey base colour, but I think it would look neat with almost any colour underneath.

I did learn a few things to remember for next time:
- Press the newsprint very hard and evenly or the writing will be light.
- Make sure your nail is complete damp or the paper will stick and make your nail fuzzy.
- Let the newsprint dry before the top coat or it will smear.
- Find the smallest writing possible, otherwise there will only be a few characters. I used the terms and conditions section from a flyer. Tiny writing there!

I am not very clean at doing my nails. I get nail polish all over my fingers. But I have found if you just leave it for a few hours and then wash your hands well with soap and water a few times, it cleans up fairly easily. By the next day you'd never know I am such a messy applier.

Friday Night Leftovers - July 1

It's already July 1. The year is half over. Where did it go?

I thought of all kinds of things to include last night as I laid in bed trying to fall asleep. But can I remember anything this morning?

Mikey did a strange behaviour Wednesday night. He went to bed like normal while I was out. When I went to go to bed after getting home, I went up stairs and went in our bedroom and flicked on the light to get changed. Then flicked it right off because I saw Mikey in our bed. I went downstairs to question Mike why he was in our room. Mike had no idea he was there. Apparently Mikey got up and went into our bed on his own. Without making any noise or crying for a drink or coming downstairs. First time he ever did that.

Mikey has developed a little comfort move. He doesn't really have a blanket or toy that he carries around all the time. I have noticed that the past month or so that when he drinks his milk, he pinches some of his shirt between his fingers and rubs it. He prefers to use my shirt, but will use his own when he is sitting by himself. I noticed him doing it while he was tired the other day too. Very cute.

I am a horrible daughter this year. I completely forgot my mom's birthday earlier in June. I talked to her a week before it, but only just called her again this week. I was 3 weeks late saying happy birthday. So bad. But I wasn't the worst. My brother, who lives 15 min away from her, also forgot. After I got off the phone I texted him to see if he really did forget. Apparently he is going to go grovel this weekend. Such bad kids we are.

I saw a really neat idea to create newsprint fingernails, and thought I'd give it a try. It was pretty easy, and turned out neat. I will have to take a picture and post to share.

Happy Canada's Day everyone! We are off to the fair and fireworks today. We will see how Mikey does at the fireworks. I am expecting it to not go well.

Toopy and Binoo

Mikey is obsessed with Toopy and Binoo. He calls it "be-butt" and I have no idea why. But they are a great little cartoon. There are a billion episodes on YouTube, so Mikey can watch different episodes all the time on the iPad. Keeps him entertained to say the least.

Why am I mentioning this?

Toopy and Binoo are coming to town! As soon as I saw this, I rushed to the website and bought tickets for the show in town. $111.75 for three tickets, but I know Mikey will love it to the extreme. The show isn't until October, so it's a while yet. But I am super excited because I know he will have a great time. And I probably will too.

Getting back to normal

Things should be getting back to normal soon. I got a full-time job! That starts July 11. I am so exciting. I filled out my new employee paperwork today. Woohoo!

I know there will be an adjustment period for all of us. It's been a full 3 months since I was working. I think the biggest change for me will be getting up and dress and functioning early. I have gotten so bad at napping off and on all morning while Mikey plays around me.

I know Mikey will have to transition back to not having me around 24/7.

But I am so excited!

Soccer picture today

Today was the half-way point through soccer. This meant it was picture day.

Mike and I were taking bets on whether Mikey would make it through the session because he was falling asleep in the car on the way there. He did great while we were waiting. Running, kicking the ball, playing What Time Is It Mr Wolf. Unfortunately, we were the last team to get pictures taken. So Mikey was pretty much done by then.

We did get a decent picture of him. Of course, it's of the two of us because I had to hold him. But it should still be cute.

The team picture was not as easy. The three little girls on his team were all being so good. They sat in a line just as easy as can be. Mikey of course started screaming. So I got him in position standing behind the girls, and when the photographer gave the word, I back away quickly. We may have a decent shot. Or Mikey may have raised his arm and screamed. I guess we will see.

At least all the other parents were really nice about the situation. Not a single one of them made any remark about Mikey's behaviour. Which definitely makes them all very cool.

Zoo day earlier this week

We had a very fun Tuesday when we went to the Toronto Zoo. I love the zoo. So much so that I even had a membership a few years ago. If we were a little closer, I'd definitely get it again.

Mikey had a blast! He especially loved the elephants, penguins and fish. Which totally makes sense since they are his favourite animals.

He only had one freak out. Shortly after we arrived, when we went to leave the big fish. He wanted to stay and watch it. But we moved on, and after a few more animals, he seemed to understand that he would get to see a lot, and that leaving the animal didn't mean we were done.

We were there for about 4 hours, and saw half the zoo. Definitely a very busy and fun visit. All of us were very tired and ready to leave. Hopefully we can go back later this year to see the other half.

Boo-boos, scared me and soccer

So I have three stories to tell, as the title may implied. Either that or soccer didn't go good.

Boo-boo:
Mikey got his hand stuck in the front of a broken filing cabinet. I kept telling Mike to tape up the hole. Well now he did. After Mikey got his hand stuck. And scraped his knuckle and cut the side of his hand getting it out.

He got a cool bandaid covering the whole side of his hand, and spent all yesterday showing it off saying "boo-boo". He also spent the whole day cradling it in his other hand like it was broken.

I took the bandaid off before bed, and I can't believe how healed it already looks. No bandaid was needed today.

Scared me:
Last night when I was getting ready for bed, I walked out of the bathroom and headed to my bedroom, which is just past Mikey's bedroom. I already took my glasses off, so things were a bit fuzzy. I glanced at Mikey's door and jumped. Mikey was standing in the open crack and was basically just a white figure. Scared me pretty badly.

Soccer:
Not so good today. Mikey got sick as soon as I took him out of the car. Better than in the car, but it meant he didn't really want to play. He did kick the ball around for about 5 minutes, but that's about it. He was done, so we left. Next week is picture week, so hopefully it goes good.

Soccer Take 3

I totally forgot to post our soccer take 3 on the weekend.
It was a success!

Mikey was awake and had fun. He joined in the warm-up circle at the beginning. He kicked a soccer ball back and forward across the field. He "scored" a goal or two in the (empty) net.

Overall he had a lot of fun.

And of course, there isn't much interaction between the kids. Mostly stealing each other's ball when parents' heads are turned.

Hopefully this success continues this coming weekend.

New Summer Activity

Guess who has a pool?

 That's right. Daddy!

Oh and Mikey seems to like it too. Maybe I'll try it once it warms up. Hose water is not warm. At all. Brr...

Weekly Money Check-up June 6

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on clothes for Mike. He got a bunch of new shorts and t-shirts which he desperately needed.
2. Today I am thankful for having such a handy brother-in-law who loves to help out. They were over for a visit today and he was busy. He hung a gate to finish fencing in our yard, built a step for our back deck and installed our programmable thermostat. Awesome stuff!
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free thing I did last week that made me happy was read. I love reading, and it rarely costs money.
4. I will consider this week a success if I have a good interview on Friday. That's right, I have another interview lined up. Hopefully something good comes out of it!
5. One of my pet peeves is when Mike walks by the garbage can and puts his garbage on the counter. It was more work to put it there then throw it out! Grr...

Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Visit My Pretty Penny to link up.

Sunday full of fun

I think I mentioned before that Mikey got a sandbox for his birthday. I have to admit that we don't play in it much. When we do, it usually takes quite a bit of convincing to get Mikey in it to start.

Tonight was one of those times. He pointed at it and seemed to want to play in it, so I took the cover off and put him in it. Not good. He freaked out at the dirt touching his feet. So I sat on the edge and held him in my lap to play for the first 5 minutes or so. Then I was able to move him to his own corner.

We played in it for a good half hour. Then we got out. He was done playing. I put the cover back on, and we went and changed into pjs because it was 8 pm. Then he threw a fit because I wouldn't let him back in it to play.

Not fun. This weekend has been full of fits. He hasn't thrown this many in a while. He also seems to be very tired, even though he has been sleeping through the night most nights lately (YEA!). Oh the joys of parenting a two year old.

But we did have a very fun walk around the block. It's not a big block, but it still takes 20 minutes at Mikey speed. He chased birds trying to catch them. Zoomed his choo-choo train car over the grass and tried to squish ants with it. That didn't work so he tried to stomp the ants. He stopped to talk to a lady getting out of her car. He played shy and waved at a guy waiting very patiently for us to cross in front of his driveway. He decided he was exhausted and couldn't walk the final half a block, so he got a piggyback ride. We do those a lot around the house. This time he laid his head on my back, and I thought he was going to fall asleep, but he seemed to perk up a bit when we got home.

All in all, a very good day. Minus the tantrums of course.

Soccer Take 2

Today was soccer again. And it was a bust, again.

Mikey fell asleep less than 2 minutes from the soccer field. He was totally dead asleep, didn't even stir when I shut off the car and was talking to him before I turned around and saw him asleep. He had been awake at the last lights.

So I brought him home and carried him inside without him waking up. But of course he woke up when I tried to take his shoes off.

But at least there was no screaming fit. I guess...

Haircut

I have been trying to convince Mike to cut Mikey's hair for a while. Now that it is getting warm, he always has a sweaty hot head. Mike agreed to cut it after the weekend, so Monday I started asking him about it. Well we cut it yesterday. Mike used the clippers while I held him.

I wanted to have it about an inch long. Short, but still cute, red, and probably curly. That is not quite what happened. Here are the before and after pictures:

Aah! He's bald!
I think he looks like a little monk. Very cute and much cooler. He keeps touching his head since it feels neat.

Soccer and Dance

Today was Mikey's first soccer game. It did not go well. As in we didn't last even 5 minutes. Mikey started freaking out while we were in line to get his shirt. Once we got it and put it on him, total meltdown commenced. There was no distraction going to happen, so I ended up carrying him outside to see if I could calm him down.

Yes, we were that family. The one you look at and think "thank goodness that isn't me today". And then look at your child and praise them for being so good.

Mikey took about 10 minutes of walking around outside to calm down. But there is no way he was going back inside. Oh well, at least we got the soccer shirt. Hopefully next week we can at least last until our session starts. Otherwise, it will be a long 10 weeks.

After we were home and daddy was in charge of Mikey, I left to watch my niece's dance recital. The whole dance school worked together to put on Alice in Wonderland, with each class giving a performance. It was awesome to watch. The little girls are adorable, and some of the more advanced classes are amazing. I loved to see the girls that put everything they had into their dance, they were the best to watch. Laughed so hard at the faces some of the girls had while hip hopping. Attitude shone right through.

Apparently my niece has decided that we doesn't want to take ballet next year, she wants something a little faster. Hip hop is currently her top choice. Which will be adorable to watch. Can't wait.

Weekly Money Check-up May 23

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on regular bills.

2. Today I am thankful for the fun my son finds in small things. Like having me chase him from the kitchen to the living room and back for 3 min. It's one of his favourite games.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free thing I did last week that made me happy was go on many walks with my son. Our walks are just around the block, but he has such fun. One of our walks on Saturday involved walking with a woman and her two grandkids. Mikey was told thrilled with them. We then passed a yard sale, and we spent 15-20 min with their dogs, much to the delight of the elderly gentleman sitting with them.

4. I will consider this week a success if I have a good interview on Tuesday. I would love if I got the job, it's close and with a good company. But even if I just feel like it went well will be a success.

5. I am currently craving crepes. But there is no grocery shopping until Thursday. I will be getting all the stuff to make them then though. Yummy!

Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Visit My Pretty Penny to link up.

Friday Night Leftovers - May 20

So it's the Friday at the start of the long weekend. At least here in Canada. Monday is Victoria Day. And this weekend is known as the May 2-4 weekend, the start of camping, summer, and beer on the patio. Hopefully it stops raining for at least part of the weekend.

Our plans for the weekend are nothing. Mike is off at a wrestling event tomorrow, so I am hoping the weather is nice so Mikey and I can play outside lots. This weekend is low key. Next weekend will be busy with Mike wrestling every day Thurs-Sun at a festival, Mikey's first soccer game, and my niece's ballet recital.

I am still waiting on the start date of the job I supposedly landed. So I have started job searching again because I'm not sure how long I'm supposed to wait. It's getting a little riduculous. I have an interview on Tuesday that I am really excited about. It's for a large company in town. A much shorter commute, and if I get in, there is good job security and lots of growth potential.

I realized today that I hate using nail polish remover. I broke down and took off the uber chipped, sad looking polish from my fingernails. They were looking pretty bad. For some reason I hate nail polish remover though. It stinks, and I hate how my nails are discoloured and rough after polish is taken off.

I think that's about it for this week.

Playing outside

We have turned into outside people. Or Mikey has anyway. That boy loves being outside.

We let him play on the deck outside the patio in his bubble clouds without having to put shoes on, provided it is nice out. Since he wants to come in and out and open and close the door a million times. It's fun for him. And I can just relax on the couch beside the door with a book knowing he is safe.

He stills loves throwing rocks into puddles in the yard. Our yard has not yet been cleaned up by the property management, so I don't care if he throws the rocks everywhere. It's not like we have grass that isn't in ankle deep puddles anyway.

We discovered that you can walk all the way around the outside of the property from our backyard. All around the outside of three townhouse rows. In very wet grass that has fabulous splashing puddles. It's fun for Mikey in his boots. Not so fun in flip flops because I don't have boots. It is cold water.

Mikey has finally learned the joy of swinging. Before he would always scream bloody murder if you put him in a swing, and don't even think about pushing the swing. Now? We spent 20 min just swinging today. When I took him out of the little kid swing, he went up to the adult swings. So I held him in my lap and we did more swinging. I love that our complex has a little swing set. I see us spending a lot of time there this summer.

We have started going for walks around the block. It takes about 15-20 min for Mikey to walk it. He loves it. I'm surprised his head doesn't fall off from swiveling so far and so fast. It is much faster and less dangerous when he is in his wagon during walks.

I have never really been an ourdoor person, but I can see that I will be outdoors a lot more from now on.

Friday Night Leftovers - May 13

Is it Friday already? Looking at the calendar, I guess it is. Fridays just don't have the same appeal when you aren't working.

Apparently it's our carseat that is the cause for puking in the car. I picked up a friend and his son for a playdate, and didn't he puke all over while sitting in it. So I'm blaming the carseat, not Mikey.

I love crepes. For Mother's day I was having a super urge for a crepe. So instead of going to stand in line for a crowded restaurant, we waited until the mall opened and had a crepe in the food court. So yummy. But so not cheap. So we went out on Wednesday and bought the fixin's to make them ourselves. The crepe part didn't turn out so well yesterday. But today I made several good ones and put the leftovers in the fridge. My crepe tomorrow will be super easy to make since I just need to throw in all together.

For the record, I make my crepes with Nutella, strawberries, bananas and whip cream. Yummy! And I'm sure it's healthy with the fruit and all.

This week has been full of gorgeous weather. We have played outside either in our yard or at the park every day this week. We even got a bit in today before it started pouring. It was so nice all week that our yard completely dried up. Now it's a lake again. Boo.

Birthday review

Gee, you get busy for one day, and suddenly it's several days later. Having no regular schedule has really caused my blogging to get off course.

Mikey's birthday was lots of fun. We went to a local zoo. It wasn't very large, but it was perfect for taking little kids for a couple hours. We were able to see everything without getting exhausted. They actually had quite a variety of animals: lions, tigers, bears, camels, lemurs, and a few more.

Mikey's favourite animals were the turtles. I think it was mainly because he could get really close to them. His other favourite part was the pony ride. We weren't sure if he would like it, but he loved it so much we bought a second ride for him.

My mom, my sister and her kids joined us at the zoo. It was a super fun time.

After the zoo, everyone came back to our place for a bbq and cake. The kids played in Mikey's new sandbox, and danced around popping bubbles from his new bubble machine.

Mikey didn't try even a bite of his cake. But it was yummy for the rest of us. Definitely a successful birthday.

Happy birthday baby!

Happy birthday to my son Michael who turns 2 today! I can't believe it's already been two years. They have flown by so quickly.

 

Mikey is a stubborn little ball of energy. He is usually a very happy little boy. Always has a smile. He has perfected the cutest "peas" and "tank oo" that can not be denied. He loves giving kisses and cuddles.

He loves cheesies, Doritoes and milk. He won't chew or eat any solid food. He throws up at least every other day: any time he gets over-upset, over-excited, or over-hot. He nevers sleeps through the night, although some nights he only wakes up once. He loves watching tv and movies, is a pro at using an iPad, and is trying to figure out how to use the mouse on the computer, and gets frustrated the monitor is not a touch screen. All his toys wrestle, whether they are "dudes" or stuffed animals. His stuffed animals are his babies, and are required for snuggling at night.

He loves helping out, whether it is throwing things in the garbage or washing dishes. He will drag a chair across the kitchen to get to the sink. He loves his new step stool in the bathroom so he can reach to brush his teeth.

He loves being outdoors. His wagon is his favourite mode of transportation, unless he can convince Mom to carry him. His new favourite game is throwing rocks into water, whether it is the river or the puddle in the backyard.

He is my little angel. My little devil.

Love you, baby! Although you are definitely not a baby anymore.

Good weather is here

Finally, some good weather is here. Yesterday was gorgeous, and so was today. Both days we spent time playing outside. It is amazing how a little bit of sun and fresh air makes you feel energized at the time and very tired at night. I am ready for bed now, and I have gotten used to staying up quite late.

It may also have something to do with the hot cocoa I made as a snack. I have hot chocolate mix, but I had a craving for cocoa, which is definitely not the same thing. I have a super easy recipe, which I will definitely be using again.

For one cup of hot cocoa:
Place 2 tbsp cocoa, 2 tbsp white sugar and a pinch of salt in a pot with 2/3 cup of water. Over medium-low heat bring to a boil. Continue boiling for 2 minutes while stirring constantly. Add 1-1/3 cup milk and bring back up to desired drinking temperature.

Yummy!

Canadian elections were yesterday

Well the Canadian federal elections were yesterday, and it was full of surprises. This magazine has a great article summarizing the results.

On a personal note, this is the first year I didn't vote in the election since I reached the age of majority. It was a result of a few things: our recent move made showing ID and proof of address very difficult; I'm really not into politics; and my riding always votes for a certain party, and it isn't the one I'd vote for, so it feels like a waste of time and energy.

With all the changes that have happened, and will likely continue to happen over the next few years, I will definitely make more of an effort to keep semi-up-to-date and vote next time.

Weekly Money Check-up May 2

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on food. Our biggest expense every month is always food.
2. Today I am thankful that I was able to find a new job in only a month. I know it seemed like a long time while looking, but it hasn't really been that long.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free thing I did last week that made me happy was visit family. It wasn't entire free since I used a tank of gas, but it was great to visit everyone.
4. I will consider this week a success if I finish my job negotiations. Once everything is finalized I will be uber excited to start.
5. One thing I appreciate about my mom is she is a strong independent woman. She raised three kids on her own, and all of us have turned out great.

Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Visit My Pretty Penny to link up.

Friday Night Leftovers - April 29

It's Friday! Another week has flown by.

I have exciting news! I have a job! It's not completely finalized, still have to agree on a start date and salary, but they offered it to me, and I have accepted. I am so happy! This was the job that I interviewed for before and thought I got, but then never heard back. Apparently I just needed to be patient.

We have to start putting limits of one "baby" per outing. Mikey has three stuffed animals that he has become attached to. Today was the first day he insisted on bringing all three out with us, and it didn't go smoothly. He only has two hands afterall, and he must hold someone's hand when walking around. That leaves quite the juggling act. So after today, there will be a one baby limit on outings.

Mikey's babies are really cute. He has a small beanie baby teddy bear that I had before he was born, a little elephant he got at the carnival last weekend, and a baby penguin that was part of a Mommy and Baby set he got at Christmas. These "abe-ees" have become attached to his hands. He wants all of them, all the time. This evening the elephant and the penguin were "iss-ee, iss-ee" (kissing) each other all over the living room. Very cute. I think he was recreating the kissing game he does with me.

I am going golfing tomorrow morning. I found an online group in my area for golfing. I am excited since I was only out once last year. Hopefully I will be out quite a bit more this year. I have a feeling I am going to be super sore and tired tomorrow night. In a good way though.

We had ant hell in our kitchen earlier this week. I was so grossed out. I think ants are the grossest bug ever. Give me a spider or beetle any day instead of an ant. We had noticed one or two crawling around the floor by the fridge, and then saw one or two on the counter. I called the super who suggested we get a few ant traps and see if they work. That evening after Mike made supper, he put the leftover meat on a cutting board and put it on that counter. When I went into the kitchen a few hours later, my whole counter was covered in ants. After doing a grossed out shriek and shudder, I threw out the meat, Lysolled the counter, wiped everything up, Lysolled again and wiped, did the dishes, then a final Lysol. And texted Mike to bring ant traps home. Which he did, and we have only seen two ants since then.  Not an experience I want to repeat.

New hair cut

Here's a quick little shot of my new haircut. I love getting it straightened at the salon. It's the only time it's that straight.

Treats

Today I had my manicure/pedicure appointment. Fabulous!

No pics, but my fingers and toes are looking great. A nice blood red on my toes and a pale pink on my fingers. You can't really tell I even have polish on my fingernails, except that they are shiny. The pale pink makes them look so healthy.

The best part of the whole thing is the massage chair during the pedicure. I love those chairs! I totally need one for my house.


The worse part is the cuticle work. Ugh. I always find it slightly painful, and very gross. The worse was the baby toe on my right foot. I smashed it the other day, and completely splintered some of my toenail off. That hurt to have it worked on. It looks great now, but not fun.

I am getting my hair cut tomorrow. I am excited about that because it's been quite a while since I had it done last, over a year at least. I don't plan to have too much done, basically just a trim, and get some style cut into it.

Yea for pamper sessions!

Friday Night Leftovers - April 22

It's Friday already. Tims is really flying by while I'm at home.

This has been a very discouraging week. I heard from no one. Neither job interview I had last week. And I thought I got on eof the job's and was going to be contacted for a 4th interview for the other one (this one may still call because the HR person seems to really take their time with every step).

Some good news: Mike got a full-time job! So at least one of us will be working.

Mikey has started to sleep better... again... mostly. He is only waking up once a night again, which makes for some good rest.

Except that my sleep is all messed up. I've been staying up later, and having trouble falling asleep. Last night was the worst. I think I only got less than 5 hours. Ugh. I am so taking a nap today.

I scored an awesome deal on a gift card to a beauty salon, and have appointments next week to get my hair cut, and have a manicure and a pedicure. I am so looking forward to it!

This weekend promises to be fairly relaxing. Mike and Mikey have a playdate today, then Mikey and I are going to visit my grandparents tomorrow, and Mike and Mikey have another playdate on Sunday. I am so excited to have some alone time, and to see family.

And I think that's about it for me for today.

Link up over at Danifred's and share the flotsam rolling around your head.

Easter Giveaway Hop Alert

I am hosting a giveaway as part of the Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop over at Workaday Reads (my book review blog). I have 3 awesome prizes. Click here to go to the giveaway post. It is open internationally, and runs from today April 20 until midnight April 25.

There are over 200 blogs participating in the hop, which means a lot of prizes up for grabs. Good luck!

Weekly Money Check-up April 18

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on regular bills. We are trying to really watch what we spend money on until I get another job.
2. Today I am thankful that we have the money to get through my unemployment, at least for now. It is definitely less stressful knowing we have a little money.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free thing I did last week that made me happy was babysit my niece and nephew while my sister went out. Mikey loves playing with them. Everything went great, and I even got to have a little alone time and a nap before she came home. I'll just leave out how Mikey woke up and threw up all over me and him about 2 minutes before my sister came home.
4. I will consider this week a success if I hear back from the two jobs I interviewed with last week. Hopefully one of them has good news for me.
5. This Easter I am going to visit my grandparents for one day. My Poppa's health is not that good, and my Nanny has suggested everyone come see him soon.

Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Visit My Pretty Penny to link up.

Friday Night Leftovers - April 15

It's Friday already? I need to go back to work for the simple reason that I have no idea what day it is.

Mikey is becoming a very concerned kid. Everything has him scrunching up his face while saying "oh no". The baby crying, the dog barking, the cartoon character falling down. Everything!

Mikey has figured out how to get Special Agent Oso cartoons on Youtube on the iPad. He showed me and Mike how to do it. Just push the Youtube button, then the history button, then select your episode. My almost 2 year old showed me how to do something on the iPad that no one had showed him how to do! That scares me.

I finally cleaned up the filing cabinet area. It was the last place I still had boxes sitting. I feel so productive!

Mikey got his head stuck between the arm and back of the computer chair this morning. So funny, and yet not because he got very upset. We got him out, but it required one of us pushing the chair back out a bit while the other lifted him straight up. All while he screamed. Good times at 7 am.

It's been a while since I did an update on Mikey's eating. Mainly because there is no progress. He still refuses to chew anything, or swallow anything with chunks. Not cool for a kid who has 3 weeks to go before he is two.

More interviews

I am very excited that I had another interview this morning. It was a follow-up from a phone interview yesterday. And it went great! I should hear back this week either way. The only downside is the 40 min commute. Ugh. I just got away from that. But the job has great potential, and some risk as it's a new company.

Tomorrow I have my third interview for the job I mentioned last week, and the week before. This is such a slow process with this company. And it appears to be mainly the HR person's fault. When I had my second interview last week it was with the hiring manager. Who hadn't been told I was available immediately, or that a whole week had went by since my first interview. He was not overly impressed. My interview tomorrow is with the HR person, so we'll see.

Between the two jobs, I'm not sure which I want more. The first has so much potential. The second is with a large international company who will likely have much better perks and benefits. Besides being a secure job that won't go belly-up.

I guess I will just have to wait and decide if I am offered either one.

Weekly Money Check-up April 12

It's been a month since I did one of these.

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on food. Boring but necessary.
2. Today I am thankful that there are jobs available in our area. I just need to land one.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free thing I did last week that made me happy was all the time I am spending with Mike and Mikey at home. It is quite different being here during the day.
4. I will consider this week a success if I schedule another interview. Hopefully it will be the 3rd round interview for the place I interviewed with last week.
5. My signature accessory is my puzzle ring. I have worn it every day since my step-dad gave it to me when I was a teenager. It is the only jewelry I always wear. It is white gold with 4 bands.

Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Visit My Pretty Penny to link up.

Picture day

I thought I'd post a few pictures for a change.

Quiet moments where everyone is relaxing. It seems that whenever I am sitting on the couch, Mikey is leaning on me.

Close-up because Mikey makes the funniest faces sometimes.

Sparklers. Daddy bought a pack or two for Mikey. I am not a fan. Something about my intense fear of fire prevents me from enjoying them. But obviously Mikey likes them.

Friday Night Leftovers - April 8

Friday already? I have completely lost track of the days, and it's only been a week. Eek. At least I have been getting dressed everyday.

I had an interview this morning. My second interview at this place. It went great! I think I'll be invited back for a third interview. Although I was a bit concerned that the hiring manager looked to be a few years younger than me. I'm not that old. But good for him.

Mikey and I went to my sister's for lunch for a belated birthday party. It was fun, minus the meltdowns that every kid had. We made personal pizzas from pitas, pizza sauce (in a squeeze bottle!), cheese and pepperoni. Followed by ice cream cake (tradition in my family). And a cute card made by my niece. I got a soft, fuzzy new bathrobe. Which apparently is super hard to find in April.

Following this visit, Mikey has been sleeping for 3 hours. This seems to be becoming a trend.

This weekend should be full of fun. I have a woman's get-together lunch tomorrow. On Sunday Mikey's best friend (our old babysitter's son) is having a birthday party. He turned 3 earlier this week.

This reminds me that Mikey will be 2 in a month! It seems so soon, and yet so far away. I can't believe my baby will be 2.

Where is the time going?

I can't believe it is already Thursday. This week has both flown by, and seemed to take forever. This being at home thing is driving me crazy. I totally need to go back to work, like yesterday.

Luckily, I do have an interview tomorrow morning. This will actually be my second interview with them as I did a phone interview with them last Thursday. Hopefully it goes well.

Mikey is enjoying me being home. He won't leave me alone for even 5 minutes. Even as I type, he is sitting on my lap with the iPad. I am not used to this constant companionship. I love being with him, but I am definitely working-mom material.

But I'm not complaining. I just forgot how hard and stressful job hunting is. And how easy it is to fall into a lazy routine. My weight loss goals are totally being blown. It is just too easy to snack when I am at home. But at least I can nap some days.

Electronic family

We are such an electronic gadget family. We have way too many, and the list keeps growing.

We have the essential computer.
We have multiple video games systems with a PS3 and a Wii.
We have smartphones that can do almost everything except housework.
We have an iPad that Mikey seems to claim as his own.
And the newest addition: I have a Sony eReader.

I got it for my birthday from my husband. Mostly because Mikey won't let me read books on the iPad. He tends to wander by and hit the Home button while I'm reading. Then climbs up and picks a game for us (him) to play.

Apparently Mike contemplated just getting another iPad, but they are so expensive. My little eReader is portable, and an adorable pink. And of course I needed a cover with a light in a matching pink. Overload of pink to keep the boys away.

Happy birthday to me!

Happy birthday to me! Today I turn 29.

My day has been pretty quiet and uneventful. Up at 6:30 with Mikey like usual. We cuddled and played like usual. Mike got up much later and gave me a card that he got Mikey to sign, and a word puzzle book, and a pack of 3 Cadbury eggs. They are my favourite!

Mike went out just after lunch, and Mikey and I planted some flower seeds in an indoor pot. We made brownies with chocolate chips sprinkled on top. Then we played play dough. He didn't want to nap until 2. And unfortunately, it is now 5:30, and he still hasn't woken up. This does not look good for his usual 8 pm bedtime. It might be a late night.

During his extended nap, Mike came home, and has since gone out for the evening. How did he get the night out on my birthday?! I finished my book (One Day), and started the next one (Smuggled). I have read a bunch of blog posts, almost caught up, only about 100 left to go. It is amazing how many there are if you take a day or two off.

I should find something to make for supper. It is hard to be motivated though when it's just me and Mikey.

My mom didn't even call. Maybe she will later tonight. My sister did text, and we are going over for birthday supper later this week. A very uneventful and quiet day indeed. 

Friday Night Leftovers - April 1

Today was my first official day of unemployment. And it was busy. Things we did:

- went to the library.

- picked up the contacts I had ordered. I am excited to get them now that sunglasses weather is coming. I find the sun to bright too drive in without sunglasses in the summer. Instead of my usual Night & Days, I got daily disposables. So I can wear my glasses easily, now that I have 2 pairs that I like.

- checked out EI. Was told I need to apply online, so it was basically a wasted trip.

- went to the mall to buy "interview" clothes. My list of things to get were a pair of black pants, a blazer to match the multiple pairs of brown pants I own, and a new pair of girly shoes. I came home with a pair of grey pants, 3 shirts and 2 pairs of shoes (ballet flats and wedge heels). Not quite matched the list, but I'm still happy with my choices.

- had a relaxing nap for an hour while Mikey slept. He woke up too early and was uber cranky, so...

- went for a walk to the huge Canadian Tire a block away. Found the perfect shelf for our kitchen so we have a place to put keys, wallets, and assorted just-in-the-door stuff.

- played and cuddled with Mikey

All in all, a very good day.

March review

Today is my last day at work. Sad in that I'll miss most of the people I work with. Not so sad in that I get to move on to something new and exciting.

Looking back over March, it has been a month with lots of changes. The biggest change was moving. We still need to do a final clean-up at the old place today, and then hand over our keys. We are settling into our new place quite nicely. There are just a few odds and ends that haven't found homes yet.

April promises to be full of changes too:
-My birthday is this weekend. My husband's birthday is at the end of the month.
-I will be looking for, and hopefully finding, a new job.
-Spring will hopefully finally arrive. This morning there was a little dusting of snow. I am so sick of snow. I want to see green and sunshine.
-I need to get on track with my weight loss and exercise goals. I don't even want to think about whether I maintained or gained weight this month. We'll just look forward instead of looking back. To help motiviate me, I joined an 8 week Slim Down for Summer Fitness challenge at Fun on a Dime. It starts Monday, April 4.

Cute Tot

It's official. Mikey is a cute tot. And it's not just me saying it, it's another blog. So it must be true.

Check out all the cute tots. Can you figure out which one is Mikey?

If you're visiting from the cute tot post, please let me know.

Blog design finished

Well, it was quick because once I started, I couldn't stop until I was done.

I have the new design up on my book blog. Take a look and let me know what you think. I am super happy with it. The only I don't like is that I can't figure out how to make the whole background show all the time. And why the tab colour disappears when I view it from work.

Now I have am thinking about redoing this blog. I think I'd like to keep the same colour scheme (chocolate brown, pink and hearts). I'll have to think about it. Nothing wrong with switching things up now and then.

Missed Mama Monday

Apparently I missed my Mama Monday post. So here it is on Tuesday:

Yesterday I bought myself a new purse and wallet. I was sick of having to empty out my too-small purse to find my wallet. I would end up with a huge pile of baby related stuff and garbage in my hands, and it was just getting annoying.

It's hard to see the colours properly, but the purse is a gorgeous grey with little pink and purple flowers. The wallet is black with purple and grey stripes, and matches the flower on the purse exactly. It is big enough to hold everything I want, including my current book.

My only concern is that I have neer had a purse without a rigid structure before, or one made of fabric. But I think I will get used to it. And it's just so pretty.

My husband called it my curtain bag. It reminds me a little of Mary Poppins carpet bag. But no matter, I am still excited about it.

New blog design

A new blog design. Again. But not for this one, I really like the look right now. I've decided to redo my book blog. It just doesn't have the feel that I want.

I have spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out what I want. I'm still not there yet. I went back and forward about whether to get a professional design done. But I decided it was too expensive. Then I looked at premade templates because they usually run about $5 or less. But I couldn't find anything.

So I have decided to try it myself. Probably with my husband's help since he knows how to use Photoshop, and the only graphic software I have figured out is Paint. I looked around to find a cool digital scrapbooking kit to use, and stumbled on an awesome deal.


Stella K Studios is having an amazing deal. She's offering 10 kits for $10! Considering most kits cost #2.50-$5 each, this is quite the savings. I looked through her offerings, and she has over 100 kits available, and had such a hard time narrowing it down. There seems to be a bit of everything. She specializes in flowers, and they are goergous! If you're into digital scrapbooking, you should check her out. Her special only runs until March 30.

Now if I can just figure out how to use the graphic software, and choose the elements I want to use, I should be good. I'll let you know as I go.

Friday night leftovers Mar 25

- My mom and sister-in-law will be up this weekend. They are coming to get our old baby stuff for my SIL. They didn't believe me when I said I have more than one car load, but they will when they see the pile. I can't believe how much stuff there is. I guess I will be storing anything they don't take in our basement. Yea for basements!

- I have Monday off for Mikey's follow-up appointment with our pediatrician. I am slightly nervous because this is the doctor who told us to take away milk and yogurt until Mikey chewed foods. Which we didn't do.

- Mikey had a check-up with our family doctor last Friday. He is happy with Mikey's progress, and doesn't care whether Mikey chews or not, since I am able to get lots of nutrients in, and he's gaining weight again. He's up to 26 lb now, having put on 2 lb in the last 3 months. He is now 2' 9" tall. Not huge, not small, he is just about average all around.

- After today I have 3 working days left here (Tues, Wed, Thurs). It still seems a little unreal.

- We found our iPad. Not sure if I had mentioned it, but it went missing during our move. We finally found it last night in the "safe" place where Mike had hid it. It only took him 5 days to remember where that place was.

- I got new glasses yesterday. I am pretty excited, I really like them. They are OGI Classic Grey. I got them on sale, and they only cost me $50 after everything was said and done. Which I think is an awesome price. And now I have 2 pairs of glasses that I like.

- I still need to get contacts though. Mainly because I my eyes get really sensitive to the light in the summer, and I like to wear sunglasses when I drive long distances. And swimming is much nicer with contacts. I think I'm leaning towards daily disposables though, now that I like my glasses.

Totally Toddler Thrusday - Mar 24

Mikey seems to be settling in and really enjoying our new place. He loves going up and down the stairs. He seems to go down in three different ways. One is walking while holding someone's hand (usually Daddy), the second is going down on his bum (usually with me because I will sit and go down with him) and the third is going down on his stomach feet first (by himself). The last way he can fly down really fast. I know he learned this from his cousin, and when they are together, they have races.

Earlier this week we went to the dollar store and picked up a few wall sticker sheets for his room. They are adorable, and he really seems to like them. There were 4 kits:

- race car which is above the head of his bed, and doesn't match anything else, but Daddy insisted on it.

- cartoon-y animals. He LOVES these, and points at each one and makes the noise or says the name (bear, lion, elephant). They come out as grr, grr, elly.

- cartoon-y humanized bunnies with a ball, balloons and dots. He loves to point out the ball (ba-ba) and balloons (ba-ba-ba).

- giraffe scene. There were two tall giraffes with cactuses, and I put the small giraffe from the cartoon set with a few branches all along one wall. I love this little family scene.

I also want to get a glow-in-the dark star kit to put higher up on the wall above the giraffes. I think it would be cute.

Mikey has also decided that when he drinks his milk, he needs to cuddle on my lap in his rocking chair, in his room. Which is a bit inconvenient, but very cute. And I love the cuddle time. He is really big into hugs and kisses still. He also plays with Daddy about it. If Daddy asks for a kiss, Mikey comes and gives me 10-15 kisses, while ignoring Daddy. Who makes a big deal of it, and tries to get Mikey's attention. It's a hugely popular game right now.

Some bad news

Yesterday was not a great day. At 10 am I got called into a meeting and was told that my job was being eliminated, and as of March 31 I'd be unemployed. And then they gave me the rest of the day off to process it.

When I came home, I had a brief cry. Mike was very supportive, and kept telling me it would be okay. I should be able to find a new job fairly easily, and I should take a bit of time off before starting my search.

Really, it wasn't a complete shock. I could kind of see it coming, but it still didn't feel good.

I am starting to feel better today. I just need to remember that this means I can move on to something bigger and better. Now, does anyone know of a job where I can just sit and read all day? Because that would be awesome.

100 Followers!

I reached 100 followers! That is awesome! Thanks so much to everyone for reading my ramblings.

I will definitely need to host a giveaway to celebrate. What I should giveaway, I have no idea. What would you like to win?

Giveaway winner - Children's Bowtie

Winner announcement

Congratulations Angie!
You won the adorable red and orange checkered children's bowtie from Pinch and Pull Neckwear.

The winner has been contacted by email and has 48 hours to respond with their mailing address. Otherwise, a new winner will be selected.

Move complete

Our move is complete! It has been a long 3 days, but it is done. Not only is everything in the new place, we are about 90% unpacked. All that is left are a few office area boxes, and the playroom.

Our new place is very nice. It is a townhouse with 3 bedrooms. The dining room has a bright little nook in the dining area. It is very bright and sunny, perfect for the kitchen. The living room is cozy, smaller than we had in the apartment, but still nice. We gave Mikey the tiny bedroom (only space for this bed, rocking chair, with his dresser in the closet), took the small bedroom for ourselves (only space for our bed and dressers) and made the big bedroom the playroom. This way there is more play space, and the living won't always look like a toy bomb went off. We are using the basement just for laundry and storage for now. It is unfinished, and not really suitable for anything else. But it is nice to have so much storage!

The best part of the new place? My 10 min commute to work. Way better than 20-60 minutes. I will so enjoy that, especially with the price of gas. And there is a big Walmart and big Canadian Tire a block away. Very convenient.

Mikey seems to be liking the house so far. He has gone up and down the stairs a hundred times or more. We did buy a baby gate for the top of the stairs since Mikey still gets up some nights. I don't want him to fall down them while wandering.

The move did have one big dark spot. Today, Mikey was playing quietly while I was doing some unpacking. Very quietly for 20 minutes or so. When I went to check on him, I found why. He drew all over my couch in pen. Not cool. I did not know there was a pen where he could reach. And these were the clean cushions on the couch downstairs. I had already "hidden" the pen covered cushions on the love seat in the playroom. So now all my cushions have pen drawings on them. Oh the price of having kids...

Totally Toddler Thursday - Mar 17

Just one little story today.

Last night, Mikey fell asleep the faster I have ever seen him do before. We went out to browse Rona for some shelving for the new place. We forgot the stroller, and since Mikey hates regular shopping carts (shout out to Home Depot who have awesome carts where kids face forward and have a steering wheel!), he alternated between walking and me carrying him. He is getting way too heavy for me to carry him. He also tends to lean back a bit, which makes it super awkward. This week, I have felt my hip start to lock twice while carrying him. Not good!

Anyway, at one point I was carrying him, and he decided he wanted Daddy instead. So I happily handed him over. He gave Daddy a hug, did a great big yawn, closed his eyes and passed out cold. Completely dead asleep. Didn't stir when I put him in the car, took him out, took his coat and shoes off, or put him in bed. Normally each step has him waking to look around, and then falling back asleep. And all this happened between 7 and 7:30, an hour before his normal bedtime. Tired boy!

Giveaway reminders:

* My giveaway for an adorable children's bowtie is open until Sunday evening, March 20. Enter on the giveaway post. Open to US/Can.
* The Lucky Leprechaun Hop is open until Sunday evening, March 20. I am hosting my giveaway on my book blog, and have several prizes. Open internationally.

Moving in 3 Days

The countdown is on hard core now. And the packing needs to get started.

We picked up our keys Monday evening, and I took Mike for a tour for the first time. That's right, he hadn't seen the place yet. His reaction? "It's small." "It will be hard to move into." (Both comments were moderated by me to remove certain words.)

Needless to say, his reaction was not what I wanted to hear, and left me very guilty since I'm the one who picked the place. I made sure to let me know this, and he assured me that he will probably like it once we are in. It's just getting in will be unpleasant.

The parking lot is small and there isn't really room for a moving truck or trailer. We are an end unit in a wing that is not facing the parking lot. It is accessible via a sidewalk between our wing and the one perpendicular to it. No problem, except there are communication boxes right beside it that have leaned over and partially block the sidewalk. So everything will need to be lifted chest high over them, while climbing the muddy slope on the other side of the boxes. Not ideal. And since our unit is on the back of the wing and is reached through a small hallway, they will be bringing everthing around the building to come in our patio door. Through the mud and snow.

Do I need to mention that it is pouring rain today, so unless it is sunny and clear for the next two days, everything will be a giant mud pit? Lovely.

But it's only one day's work. Then we are in, and can start loving it. I can't wait.

Giveaway reminders:
* My giveaway for an adorable children's bowtie is open until Sunday evening, March 20. Enter on the giveaway post. Open to US/Can.
* The Lucky Leprechaun Hop starts at midnight tonight and goes until Sunday evening. I am hosting my giveaway on my book blog, and have several prizes. Open internationally.

Free books

I am totally about free books.

I am absolutely in LOVE with NetGalley, where you can get review copies of upcoming books in ebook copy. And there is always the Kindle store that always has free copies going on. And Smashwords, where authors self-publish always has someone giving away free books in return for publicity.

The lastest find straight from an author is The End of Marking Time by CJ West. He's offering it free in ebook copy from his website. All you need to do is send him an email. Very great way to get readers! He also has two other books that he is currently running contests on. One involves deciphering a hidden message in the book that has gone unsolved for 6 years so far! How is that for a reader challenge.

I am also a huge fan of book giveaways. I love entering them, and have had pretty good luck the last few months. I have won a few books. Now if all my library requests would stop coming in, I could read them.


Speaking of library requests, there is the best source for free books! I love our local library. I think the best feature is the online catalogue that lets you places holds, and be notified of when they are ready. I actually spend very little time in the library itself, mostly just run in and run out.

Where do you get your books from? Do you still spend all your hard earned dollars, or have you have great ways to feed your book love for free?

Weekly Money Check-up - Mar 14

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on clothes. We got our income tax refund over the weekend. We have a plan for the money, and part of it involves buying new clothes. So we went shopping, and I am very excited to say I bought new underwear, bras, pjs, shirts, and 2 hoodies. I still need to get a few new work pants, and maybe some new work sweaters. Clothes shopping is not something we do often, so it is very exciting when it happens. Provided I don't get too discouraged while doing it.
2. Today I feel excited towards money. I believe the answer above sums up why.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was playing with Mikey on the weekend. We had a great time. We read books, drew pictures, played with stickers, lots of running and hugging and kissing. Lots of couch snuggling, playing on his slide, and eating cheesies.
4. I will consider this week a success if I get everything packed and moved.
5. My ancestors are a mixed bunch. On my mom's side, they are Canadian for several generations, with some English and Irish (my great-grandfather was an Irish potato orphan). On my father's side, he and his father were Danish, and my grandmother was Swedish.
Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Visit My Pretty Penny to link up.

Giveaway: Children's Bowtie

I am pleased to bring you a giveaway for an adorable children's orange and red bowtie from Pinch and Pull Neckwear.

The Prize:

This orange checkered and red bowtie comes pre-tied, and has instructions telling how to tie it, for future reference. This is the first tie from the Joshua collection, and attaches with a hook and slider adjustment.

I had originally won this in a giveaway on another blog, but my son does not seem interested at all. So rather than let it become buried in a drawer and never worn, I'd like to give it to someone else.

How to Enter:

Complete the form below.
Bonus entries available if you follow Workaday Ramblings through Google Friend Connect, subscribe by email, or tell me your favourite bowtie from Pinch and Pull Neckwear.

Eligibility:

This giveaway is open to residents of the US or Canada. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm Mar 20 (EST). There will be one winner chosen using Random.org and will be contacted by email. They will have 48 hr to respond and confirm their mailing address, or a new winner will be selected.

Entry Form:

< Giveaway closed - Form removed - Thanks for entering! >

Mama Monday - Mar 14

No questions this week, just write what you want.
What to write... Usually I am brimming with stuff, but it is Monday morning, and this is supposed to be a post about me, which can be tricky.

I did get some packing done on the weekend. Minimal though. Got the baby stuff packed for my sister-in-law to take. Packed up all my books. And that's about it. We get the keys today, so we'll start taking small stuff over during the week, and all the furniture on Saturday. I finally took home the boxes I got from work, so we have a good amount to start with. Yea moving!

Last week's task - Phone a friend.
I did call my mom and talk to her for a while. I didn't call my sister-in-law, but I did Facebook message here.

This week's task - Plan and have a date night.
That might be a bit tricky since we're moving this coming weekend, so we're pretty busy.
We did do something special on the weekend. We went shopping for clothes for us! We rarely do that. This is a treat that we planned for part of our income tax refund. It might not sound like much excitement, but it was for us. We each spend almost half our money, so we still have half each to spend. I can see a shopping trip or two happening this week.

Friday night leftovers Mar 11

So while stalking reading my favourite mom blog, Unexplained X2, she had a list of 5 things she couldn't live without. For everyone in her family, which is awesome. I figured I'd throw my list, and the one I made for Mike and Mikey in here as part of my leftovers.

My list:
1. Chocolate. No explanation needed.
2. Internet at work. Not that I don't do work, but I do have free time occasionally. And I spend it reading the 136 (!) blogs I subscribe to. And sometimes reading ebooks.
3. Books. Have I mentioned I love reading?
4. Car. I couldn't imagine not driving whenever I felt like it, or when I need to go anywhere. My car has begun showing it's age (it's just over 10 years old), but it still gets me everywhere.
5. Sweaters. I am always cold. Except in our super hot apartment lately. But normally I need a sweater everywhere.

Mikey's list:
1. Milk.
2. Cheesies. This kid is seriously addicted.
3. Portable DVD player. Not only is it a miracle in the car, he has one in the house that he insists be playing all the time lately. Take it away and you get melt down central.
4. Scout. The signing, talking, music playing teddy bear is his best friend at night. And is required for him to go to sleep.
5. Special Agent Oso. His current best friend a la tv.

Mike's list:
1. Coca cola.
2. Internet.
3. Smartphone.
4. Wrestling.
5. Mikey.

Mike's list was the easiest to write. I had to think hard about my choices, and kind of hard to think of 5 things for Mikey. It would have been super easy to just list the first 3 for him.

Since this is supposed to be a leftover list, I better add at least one other item. My new favourite treat is chocolate covered cranberries. And since there is a fruit involved, that makes them healthy, right?

Toddler Thursday Mar 10

 

This week I thought I'd talk a little bit about television. I am one of the those "horrible" moms who lets their kid watch tv. We often have it on for background noise, however I have been turing it off more often lately. We usually tune to either Treehouse or Playhouse Disney. They are both kid appropriate channels with no commercials.

Mikey usually tunes in for a bit, then goes off to play. There are a few shows that he really likes though.

1. Special Agent Oso - This is Mikey's current favorite show. When he hears the theme music start, he runs to watch. Points at the tv and yells "Oso, oso, oso" until someone agrees with him. He dances to the opening music. And watches transfixed by the whole episode.

2. In the Night Garden - The opening shows a little kid in bed, with circles being drawn in his palm. When the show starts, Mikey wants to snuggle and have this done to him too. And when the show ends, and Iggle-piggle waves goodnight, Mikey waves and says "bye" until the credits stop rolling.

3. Waybaloo - Mikey loves the "yogo" portion. He sometimes copies them a bit. But mostly he watches the little kids and cheers whenever they do.

4. Bobs and Lolo - Mikey loves dancing to their songs. They are more a commercial on Treehouse, but they have great songs. I should probably buy a CD of them.

5. Four Square - Mikey especially loves the movement segment. He has begun copying the movements with them. Although I always question the need for their spandex suits.

Do you let your kids watch tv? Do they prefer any particular shows?

Countdown to moving - 10 days

We are definitely on the countdown until our move date on March 19 - only 10 days to go!

I have begun bring home boxes, but we haven't started packing or organizing yet. I think I will try to get quite a bit done this weekend.

The countdown is definitely needed this morning. When we woke up, there was no hot water. Barely any water drickled out of the tap at all. We have plenty of cold water though. There was no notice given, and nothing was posted in the front hall about emergency repairs. Always nice. I was so looking forward to a hot shower this morning too.

Oh, it will be so nice to move to a better place!

Building a fort

As promised, I have pictures of the fort Mikey and I built on the weekend. Or more correctly, the fort I built that Mikey destroyed. It took me a while to build, and seconds to destroy. But it was still fun.

I originally saw the idea on Royal Baloo, and thought it looked cute. And like something I could actually do.

Our foam blocks did not fit together very well as a cube. They don't quite line up on the top. And as you can see on the left side, are not very rigid. They need a corner to stand upright.

I think if I were to make it again (which I probably will) I'd make it one row wider, and not put a top on, with the door in the middle. I think it would be stronger that way. Not that it would last any longer though.

Weekly Money Check-up - Mar 7

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on gas. Well, maybe not, but it sure felt like it. $1.20/L is not fun. But at least my car is pretty good on gas, and I will soon have a 10 min commute instead of 30-40 min.

2. Today I feel excited towards money. I filed our taxes yesterday, and am excited about our refund.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was making a foam block fort with Mikey. I saw the idea on Royal Baloo, and had to try. Our blocks were a little flimsy, and didn't fit smoothly into a cube, and the house was quickly torn down, but it was fun. I will post pictures later this week.

4. I will consider this week a success if we start getting organized and start packing. I have a bunch of boxes, so there is nothing holding us back.

5. My guilty pleasure TV show is The L Word. It's the reason we still have Netflix now that we have cable back. Such a drama filled soap opera. I watch an episode or two a week.

Weekly Money Check-Up is a fill-in-the blank post once a week. The first four questions are always the same each week and the fifth is always different. Care to participate? Visit My Pretty Pennies to join.