8 posts tagged “friends”
We've been having those days - the ones where it starts out all sunshiney, then gets hot, then windy and when you go to the park, you feel like you're just walking in a hair dryer.
It's looking like rain. Or lightning. This means more fires in our parched forests. Well, that, along with the asinine behaviour of campers who don't put out their campfires, will likely mean Chris being at the office during the weekend again.
All this is a meaningless preamble to my thirteen things, because that is what I do if I feel like it on Fridays.
1. I made a matchbox.
2. I have fulfilled a wish for my sister.
3. I've enjoyed watching my daughter crawl in and out of her fort repeatedly.
4. I hosted friends for an overnight visit.
5. I've wished we made more time to visit people ourselves.
6. I've returned books.
7. I ate ice cream.
8. I've done laundry.
9. I took a tour of a fire hall.
10. I've cuddled a two year old. In this case, it was my own.
11. I've discovered that my patience of my political representatives is running very, very low.
12. I was a confidante.
13. I missing someone who hasn't even left yet.
Remember - only YOU can prevent forest fires.
Last Friday we left home and this Friday we're still away from home. Here's a list of thirteen things about my last week, in no particular order.
1. I became an AUNTIE! James was born last Friday. We were passing through town and planned on stopping in to see my sister who was being induced. Turns out he was born while we were sitting in the parking lot while I nursed Peaches. All is well with everyone. We'll be staying with them in a couple of days!
2. I took 2 ferry rides.
3. I ate lavender shortbread and drank red wine (not necessarily together).
4. I spent very little time on the computer. We had limited dial-up so I all I really did was check email. As a result, I found I missed inter-web-land.
5. I enjoyed visits with old friends that were entirely too short and didn't manage to connect with some others.
6. I watched several float plans land and take off - the joys of staying right on the Harbour. Gus learned to say 'plane float on water' and watching them was his favourite thing to do, after playing cars with Grandpa. Here's a shout-out to my f.i.l. for hours of car-playing, goldbug-searching, plane-watching, dinner-making, grocery-getting, wine-pouring, and baby-carrying. My thanks. (And for those of you who know me in rl, my m.i.l. was in India at the time - now en route home- and, sadly, missed all that car-playing.)
7. I also watched a passenger train pass us by twice a day.
8. I wandered Chinatown and other cool shops sans Gus while Peaches slept in her wrap. In particular I perused cool baby/kid stores with beautiful things like handmade organic cotton sleepers for $70. I found myself wishing I could do the wandering thing more, but things like feedings and naps and life got in the way.
9.Since we've been gone, we know of three babies who have been born.
Since Thanksgiving the total is up to 6, mostly boys: Daniel, Liza,
Matthew, James, Lucas, & Maerk.
10. We took a little ride just out of town to see the salmon run. The air
was cool, the ground wet, the smell of rotting fish was strong, the
gulls were gorging. I am amazed at the strength of those fish as they
swim up stream, or flop about finding more water if they find
themselves in shallows. Gus spent much of his time there saying "[Gus]
see planes." Guess what he and Grandpa did when they got home?
11. Peaches continues to have periods of 5-6 hours of sleep. One night, she even did 7 hours, though that was preceded by a day of about 3 hours of cumulative sleep. She's a terrible day sleeper.
12. Both Chris and Gus had sore throats and strained voices. This was especially unfortunate for Chris since the whole purpose of our trip was work-related for him - he had to spend his days teaching his course! Surprisingly, I haven't succumbed to this round of colds. Yet.
13. There's still more trip to enjoy and since the work portion is finished, it's just all friends and all family all the time!
I'm using the Friday the Thirteen model to play catch up. Here goes.
1. Vox has been doing funny things when I compose. When I try to delete a picture, it instead begins deleting the most recently written characters, among other things. Vox help was, in fact, helpful (Thank you, Lauren) and it turns out Vox doesn't officially support the version of Firefox I'd been using, so I'm using Explorer today. It was just too depressing to make 2-3 posts just to eventually lose them. Anyway, now I know.
2. Peaches is growing: she's getting all chubby with multiple chins. Go breast-milk go! Though my husband says he won't consider her really chubby until she has a roll somewhere between her
wrist and elbow like Gus did when he was little!
3. Chris went back to work last week giving me my first taste of life for the next several months with Gus and Peaches. Tricky is a word to describe it. Difficult is another. But I think we'll make it.
4. Last week I got sick - achy, sore throat, general malaise. It didn't help my confidence in my ability to cope. But then...
5. ... My friend Breezy came to visit! How wonderful it was to spend time with her, to have a friend always on hand to talk. We crammed a lot into her 4 day visit. She is also a great baby-rocker.
6. Besides being a great converstaionalist, Breezy also cooked for us: Spinach and Apple Tart with Onion Confit, Greek Red Lentil Soup, Chicken Soup with Spinach and Lemon. Some of it is gone, but the soup is ready and waiting in the freezer.
7. Speaking of freezer food, we're only just know finishing up the week's worth of frozen entrees (not to mention the fresh dinners) that friends have blessed us with. Seriously folks, if you're wondering how to help out a family with a newborn, food is a fantastic way to go. I've loved that the only thing I've had to think about is how early to put the casserole in the oven!
8. I made cultured salsa with tomatoes from our garden, courtesy of a recipe posted here. Yummy.
9. I read a book about de-cluttering. Now I'm really motivated to work on our house, especially as I'll be spending more time here. It's not like it's a too-much-stuff zone, actually, I think we're pretty good about paring back now and again, but I feel like I'd like to do better. The thing is, this is the worst time for me to do it - when I'm trying to nap and juggle regular chores and the kidlets - and I really, really need to let go of any expectations. Who takes on major re-organization projects when they're babe is only 5 weeks old?!
10. Peaches loves to be held. In fact, I think she needs to be if we're going to maintain some sanity around here. And funnily enough, it's hard to get other things done around the house when you've got a mini-me in your arms. Therefore, I'm getting a new baby carrier. We have an ergo which is fine, but I don't find it great for my littl'un (even with the infant insert) and while I'm sure I'll use it more as Peaches gets bigger, I want something else for now. I'm looking at both a sling or a wrap, and right now I'll leaning towards the wrap. I tried one on at a friend's place this evening and it's worked great for her. Later this week I'll try on a sling and see how I feel. Any good babywearing advice out there?
11. I've decided to make some lists of things to do everyday, or at least attempt to do. Some things will be must-dos: read my bible (even just a little), meditate/pray, exercise (even if it's just a few sit-ups), and get in touch with someone. The other lists will be chores - daily, weekly and monthly. This is courtesy of that de-cluttering book I mentioned. It'll be good to have things written down, and I can always adjust things as my routine becomes, well, just that - a routine!
12. I've been finally feeling like I can get out again and see folks, or have them over. It's a good thing for me. I need that in my life.
13. I've been learning that people are valuable. God has granted us infinte value and worth, as demonstrated through the death of his son, Jesus - God made flesh - God who is eternal. Therefore I need to show the grace I've been given, value people more: my family and friends, sure, but also the casheir at the checkout, the person who asks for spare change, the librarian, my neighbour with the motorbike. For each person is, as a friend reminded me this week, a beautiful creation, worth more than the ocean view or a sunset. What does demonstrating a recognition of that worth look like? Thoughts?
A Few of My Favourite Things:
(right now, anyway.)
- Friends coming to town to visit.
- Blueberries and strawberries with cream.
- A good sleep through the night.
- Dinner ideas for the next few nights.
- Cooler weather.
- Nap time.
That said, I'm also tired and feeling emotional. I'm totally blaming those last stage pregnancy hormones on this one, mostly.
I've also got a "trying-to-discern-God's-will" thing going on. It's been going on for months; at times it can be emotionally and mentally draining and, just recently, it's started to show in relationships. I am so very, very glad that C. and I are on the same page with this one... we just don't know exactly what page that is! And as to the next step, I think it's be a tough haul no matter what happens. I think it may just come down to one of those things where God says, "Hey, I love you and I'm with you wherever you go. Now make a decision." You know what I mean?
[sighs]
To finish on an upper: In order to allow him some stall-time before nap-time, Gus and I have taken to having 'cuddle time' on the couch. Usually this means he lies on his end of the couch and me on mine, but it can be fun. And here's some shots to prove it.
This weekend was wet, windy and full of love!
Yesterday was my birthday, see. I was woken up by my husband and son - after sleeping in, of course - and was presented with some cool gifts. First, while it took some prompting, Gus managed to tell me 'happy birthday' (C. had to translate, because it wasn't at all obvious at first) Then there was a bird feeder: I've been talking about getting a feeder for our backyard since we moved in; there is a perfect spot for one off a spruce tree, viewable from the kitchen window. It's a decent size, made of wood and glass. I figure if I had gone out to get one, I would have gone as cheaply as possible, and it wouldn't have been nearly as nice! C. also got me a big bag of seed (which, thankfully, he didn't drag into our bedroom!) and we got everything filled up that afternoon. Now we just have to wait for the birds to find it...
I have some lovely Birkenstock sandals that C. bought for me when he was living in Germany the year before we got married. They've seen a lot of wear and have begun cracking a lot. (In Germany, they're generally used as house shoes and the dirt, sweat and grit of outdoor wear isn't so great for them.) For the second part of my gift, C. took them in to a nearby place to get repaired and I'm loving having them back for the summer.
In the afternoon, we had some folks over for the afternoon/evening for appys and hang out time. Mostly it was just a great excuse to see people we haven't been able to in a long time. For example, one of my friends has a daughter who is over two months old and I hadn't seen her since she was only days old! Friends brought food and flowers and cards, family phoned, and I felt quite loved.
The night before we were invited to a barbecue with some families from church and they used that time to surprise me with a cake - yummy! And again, I had the chance to spend time with people I haven't really seen in a long while. About 2 months ago I quit trying really hard to see folks and then abandoned feeling bad when I didn't. I just realized there were not enough hours in my week and my schedule isn't that flexible. My mantra has become 'just wait until July.' So, I guess this weekend was a little slice of July - minus those 3 hours I spent planning and marking for school on Saturday!
C. is gone all week - all 5 days! His flight left early this morning and he won't be home until Friday evening. He's gone for work and while I'm working hard at not feeling overwhelmed by his absence, I am really glad for this opportunity. The ministry he works for (he works for the provincial government) is hiring for about 6 new positions across the province and he was asked to be a part of the interview team. He's been enjoying the process (except maybe having to stay up late and mark the technical test the applicants had to write. For the teacher in me that some sweet role reversal: I go to bed while he's up late grading!) and it is a good experience, too. Though he officially has a permanent position with government, nothing is certain as each election comes and goes, and I don't take it for granted that he won't end up on the interviewee end of things one day.
Must quit procrastinating: I have a media literacy test to write for a class tomorrow and, most unfortunately, it won't write itself.
Hi there.
I know I would never win a consistent-voxer award, but I was still a bit aghast to see how long it has been since I posted; it's been a bit since I've checked in on my neighbours and I'm usually pretty good about it, even if I don't always comment.
Work has been humming along. It's had its hiccups, but I'm mostly quite please with things. I've finally hammered out a clearer path for the next few weeks for the class that I am the least experienced with. Ironically enough, that's the one going well. I must say though, the kids are great, and most have already gone through enough labels. They may roll their eyes a bit but know what they're there for and get down to work. For now, that's enough for me!
I've had some fantastic highs, good times with family and friends.
I've had some low times, with family and friends.
Right now I'm in a low. It's hard when friends leave.
We cut my Gus's hair. Gone are his curly wisps, but I kept a lock like a dutiful and sentimental mother.
I had my hair cut. It's back hanging just to my shoulders. The big step was bangs. I haven't had bangs since I was 12 and at first, I felt like I looked 12 again. But they're working out. It does mean actually using a blow-drying for styling purposes which, again, I haven't done since I was 12. But I think I'm getting the hang of it. Usually the blow dryer was used only so it didn't actually look like I had just showered and taken off. Growing up, my walk to high school was less than 10 minutes but in the winter I usually arrived with frozen hair. Man, I guess I really didn't care.
Off to do exercise for my back. It's weak. Or at least that's my explanation for why it gets sore within 3 minutes at the sink doing dishes. Any suggestions?
To close:
Though un-related to this post, it's been on my mind these days. These words are from Madeleine L'Engle.
Wherever there is unity in diversity,
then we are free to be ourselves;
it cannot be done in isolation;
we need each other.
Last week was a busy one: work, parent-teacher interviews (4 hours of them!), and then a trip to the big city for a conference where I also squished in lots of visiting.
The plan was for me to head straight from school out of town. Before the end of the day though, I was getting reports that the main highway, which goes over 2 mountain passes to the coast, was closed due to a multi-vehicle accident. I checked the BC roads site and learned it was only closed northbound and since I was heading south, decided to go the main highway. Everyone else thinking the roads were closed meant that there wasn't much traffic which was nice, but it also meant that snow accumulated more quickly than with more tires on it. The first 45 mins was through snow, and then the rest of the trip was in rain, but I made decent time all the same.
I had to focus on the road a lot, but I did manage to take in some of my surroundings. While snow this early in the year is unusual in most places, it's not for the higher elevations. What did seem unusual to my eyes was the white snow on leafed trees. Most of my images of snow come with bare branches or evergreens, not snow on poplars that are golden, their leaves not having taken to the ground yet. It was an interesting contrast for me. And quite a lovely one.
I arrived at the conference only a little late and my mom, who was also attending, bought me a glass of wine so that made it all better ;) The speaker for the evening was encouraging and enlightening and got me thinking about the cool things of teaching that can get lost in the day-to-day grind. It also was affirming - encouraging me to keep on with the good things that I am doing in the classroom.
The next morning was the rest of the conference proper and I attended a few different sessions - non-fiction reading and writing, assessment and public speaking - and found all to be useful and worthwhile. I got from them what I had hoped for. The earlier keynote session featured a local author who is also internationally published. She spoke primarily on the importance of writing from your own landscape and in holding on to the stories of your life and past - otherwise it's gone. Of course, this is important to say about our landscapes, as it was mentioned that the next greatest 'war' in our century could very likely be with our environment. How will our children/students fight a war over something they either know nothing or little about and so will not care for it?
Much to think on.
The reminder of the weekend allowed me time to visit. I spent the evening with my mom and sister and we had dinner at the Banana Leaf. Breakfast was with my brother-in-law and his finace who was back from school in the Philippines for a couple of weeks, and then lunch was sandwiches with homemade bread with 2 friends from university - one of whom has a 10 month old I hadn't met yet. That was the only time I was really, really wishing I had Gus with me; it would have been fun watching him and Bella play together. I even got in a one hour visit with another set of friends on my way home, making it into town just after dark, which was the goal. I managed to see Gus just before he went to bed and he seemed happy to see me. He and dad had a grand time together and C. thinks that it doesn't matter who is with him - as long as he's fed and has his blankie, he's happy!
And that's all she wrote.
(This Friday5 was from last week - better late than...)
1. Have you ever been out of your country?
Sure have - been down to the a few times. First, when I was 5 when we stayed for a summer while my dad took more classes at his alma mater. The next time was when I was 12 and my dad had to defend his thesis at another university. Since then, there have been a very small handful of trips - some down as far south as to visit relatives and others just short jaunts across the border to to visit friends.
The most exciting one was taking my first overseas flight to visit my then boyfriend (now husband) who was working in . I flew standby. In order to make the trip, I had to miss some classes which meant getting permission to rearrange a test with an English prof. He obliged and then asked me to pick up a guide book he had once purchased in the region and had then lost. He gave me a horrible sketch of the cover, since he couldn't recall the title - it could have been virtually any book! Fortunately, I did find the right one.
I flew into , spent time in just across the () and my boyfriend surprised me with a day trip to , a place I've always wanted to visit. We spent 6 hours in Strausbourg, a city that has street signs in both French and German. I'd love to go back.
2. What is your mode of transportation?
· My feet, pushing a chariot or regular stroller
- Our Mitsubishi Lancer.
- My mountain bike, on occassion.
3. Have you ever eaten anything straight from nature?
Yep: trout when camping with my family, saskatoons and field strawberries from the side of streets in my hometown, a vareity of veggies from my garden (does that count?) and the white pith of fireweed stalks.
4. Tell us about some of the places you have lived.
Place #1. I lived in a 900 sq. foot house with 6 other people. We had a big yard where I could climb trees and go sledding in our ditch out front. I the 8 houses in my 'corner' there were 20 kids 12 and under. I could bike around my neighbourhood until it got dark. We were 3 blocks from the lake - an excellent swimming lake and we even found a place we could dive for clay when the water was far enough out. Just towel off when you get out or you'll get mite bites. I lived within shouting distance of my elementary school. Besides the first couple of days of kindergarten, I don't think my mom ever had to walk me to and from school. We played in bushes and biked trails. We were off the main highway, and I always thought that there was nothing else north, east, or west of where we lived - just bush; the rest of the world was 'down there' - south. And up above: the northern lights were wonderful.
Place #2. I slept within 50 metres of the ocean, and could hear the waves lapping as I fell asleep, and woke up to the ferry warming up for the day. Though on the west coast, I lived in a rain shadow. I had to avoid banana slugs on the paths that wound through cedar and arbutus forests and learned to dress in layers. The sunsets were almost as beautiful as Place #1. I kayaked to collect sand dollars and boulder jumped to get a good look at vivdly purple starfish. I met and made friends with some amazing and wonderful people. I learned how to serve and be served. God taught me there.
5. Show us a photo of a place - any place!
Um, my computer won't let me show any right now... I'll fix it soon.
