Some Good News then Some Bad News then Some Good News

Oh boy, where to begin.

On the 9th, we packed up the truck and drove to Yorkton. It was hunting week and Mark decided that he wanted to hunt with his brother-in-law so we all went and I could spend time with my sister-in-law and her baby. So while the boys were out trying to kill something, we made cards or hung around and talked. He sister-in-law, with her baby came over. All of the kids are within 6 months of each. I hope they can be good friends when they grow up. This week however, they were scared of each other and cried if they made eye contacts. Oh well, next year. They finally did get a deer - a buck and a doe (Mark got the doe). We even went into Regina for a day of shopping and met up with Mark's parents. We had a nice visit with them and then it was back to home and back to work. I had a really busy week. Court, four days out of the five. And long days with lots to do.

On Monday, we found out that our babysitter got a job. A full time job. So began the mad search for a new sitter. It was such a problem finding her to begin with. No one wanted to look after a child with a mother who had such a varied schedule like mine. And Abby really liked her and her kids. So that was a horrible way to start the week. So I made inquiries and so did Mark. I asked all the members at the RCMP and Mark asked all the teachers. I must have phoned nearly 10 people and heard that everyone is full. On Wednesday, I got home for a late lunch break (court was on) and found an email from Mark that he forwarded from a colleague. I decided what the heck, and gave her a call. She's got a spot and doesn't mind my schedule. We're going to meet her tomorrow.

And that brings us to today. It started with a friend at work wondering if I had heard about what was going on across town. At that point SWAT wasn't there yet so we were very concerned about our guys. The worst part is that I was there, in court, two weeks ago when this same man was sentenced to a CSO (house arrest) for threatening another woman. And that's all I feel comfortable saying about that.

Then it was time for court. I was a short day much a really difficult one. There was a sexual assault sentencing today. All I feel comfortable saying that he was sentenced. Then, back in the office, I had him signing some paperwork when he made some comments. I had to stand their politely and pretend that I didn't want to punch him in the face. After he left, I wen t into one of the meeting rooms and cried for a few minutes. Then I got back up, washed my face and went back to work. After some time, word came that the standoff was over. My boss and I went for a coffee. I would have preferred a big glass of wine but beggars can't be choosers.

And that leaves me with my last news. See, good then bad but always end with the good...
I am going to Winnipeg for training!! That means hotel room and free food, but best of all...SHOPPING!!!! I'm gonna get shoes, and sunglasses (Abby got a hold of mine) and cloths and who knows!!! I don't to buy the new Arrogant Worms CD (bought it in Regina) but I'm sure I can find something I need. However, my hours are getting cut back so I can only work court days now which means whatever I learn, I probably won't be able to put to any use. Oh well, you know what can cheer me up? Room service!!!!


P.S. There is a comment on the CBC article about the cops not barging in. I, for one, am glad they didn't. They didn't know what weapons he may have and because of his job, this man has access to explosives. You really want to rush that?

Notice Anything Different?

I am typing this blog entry on my new laptop! It's pretty sweet. Any questions on said laptop should be directed to Mark. aLL i KNOW IS THAT IS CALLED aSUS AND THE CAPS BUTTON COMES ON WAY TOO EASY. That's better. And it's wireless so I can now go on the Internet upstairs while Abby is playing around. It is going to be so much easier to update my blog. I hope now that my entries will be even more exciting and relevant. I am in the middle of making supper so I'll be right back...There, now the meat is on.
So today, Abby and I got up and went to the Craft show. We went right away when it first opened and there were lots of people there. We walked around, talked to my sister's father-in-law and checked out some of the artwork. There wasn't anything there that I really liked so we went home. Abby fell asleep on the way and I thought that it was a good idea so I took a nap too. After we woke up, we had lunch and then I went to practise at the church for tomorrow. Then I went to the other craft show in Creighton

Mark has been really busy today. Last night we marinated the meat (trout, deer and other bits) so he could smoke them today. So bright and early, he was up and started. Then he went for breakfast with the guys and then sighted in his rifle for hunting season coming up. Then it was back to smoking. Then packing for hunting, then smoking. Then he set up the laptop for wireless Internet. Now I am having fun.

It's been a busy day. And a good day.

I wore the Babytrekker while we were at the craft show. There were lots of strollers and I w as glad I didn't have to use one. She got a little heavy but it was okay. My legs are tired now!!

A Good Day

Abby and I got up this morning, saw Mark off to work and then set out ourselves. Today was the H1N1 vaccination day. So we got there early and there was already a lot of people there. But we were in the first group and I got to go with the other children getting the shot. There was a short information session. Then Abby got a quick poke in the arm. She cried bit was over it before we were out the room. It had snowed over night and it was really pretty outside so we stopped at hoe to grab the camera and I drove around town and took some pictures. Abby fell asleep almost right away so I drove around for almost an hour. Then we went home and Mark phoned to see if we wanted to go our for lunch with some friends. Of course I did. Abby had a hot dog. I hope we can do that more. I know some of y best memories and when my mom took me and my sister out for lunch with my dad. We'd drive to the mall (his offices were in in the mall) and we'd have a sandwich at Grandma Lee's. Yumm.

Abby has learned how to climb stairs. This makes me nervous. We need more baby gates!!!!

Facebook doesn't seem to want me to post any pictures so here are a few...

and a few of Abby....

Those Pigs'll Getcha!!

I decided I wasn't going to joint the debate whether or not vaccinating is safe. And yet I find myself pulled in once more with the H1N1 vaccination coming out. So far I have been vaccinating Abby every time she needs one without question and without side effects. I see no reason to change my thinking. I have heard report about the H1N1 vaccine not being safe (mainly from Fox News). I'm sure there is evidence to support their claims. I mean, it came out awfully quickly and there didn't seem to be a lot of testing. Yet, I am reminded of the fact that I am not an expert. And yet* there seems to be an endless stream of expert being paraded all over the news by both sides. So I am going to make my own decision and frankly I'm comfortable with it.

I promise mot to call you a paranoid hippie if you promise not to call me a spineless zombie controlled by the pharmaceutical companies.

There. I almost didn't consider this worthy of a blog posting but it's 9:34 and Abby's been asleep for half an hour and there is nothing on TV and I'm not tired. The Rider game is over. Plus I just ate two big pieces of chocolate cake so my judgment may be a bit impaired. I don't feel like scrap booking, I don't feel like playing piano, I can't play the other instruments because I don't want to wake up Abby. I've already gone to every website I usually go too. I've even gone on the Doll site (you dress up dolls on the computer - yes, I'm 27 and still play with dolls). So frankly, I'm bored. So bored I debate topics that really, I don't care about. And I go on and on about it because it is something to do. I suppose I could watch a hockey game and play solitaire. We just bought a new deck of cards. They need to be broken in.

Mark is sick. He has a bad cold. This morning, I went to Pharmasave and bought him some drugs. I think they are working. I asked the pharmacist which ones he thought would work. I like talking to the Pharmacists. They are really nice and helpful. Plus, then I know what I'm get is what I need. He gave me the store brand of cold medicine instead of Tylenol's. I guess you could say I trust my health care providers. Does that make me too trusting? I don't think so. I gave the pharmacist's options more weight than a TV commercial.

I'm listening to Snowbird and I like it!!
I heard a Hip song today and enjoyed it too. What is happening to me!!!!!



* English majors are notorious for taking as many sides as humanly possible and constantly checking every angle of an argument. Nothing is ever black or white. Ever. Not even in the paint store. I had a professor once that if you counted how many times she said "on the other hand" she would turn into an octopus. We tried. It got funny.

WARNING!! You must read the entire entry before coming to any conclusions

I went to a bridal shower yesterday for a friend of mine. It was really nice. There were around 25 women there. She opened gifts, we talked and laughed. Then we ate some yummy food. At the end, people slowly started to leave. Nearly everyone knew it was my birthday because of Facebook. As my one friend was leaving, she came over to say goodbye. She wished me a happy birthday then kissed me. Right on the lips. Then her friend did the same. I was a little taken aback. But you know what? It was kinda nice. Like when your mom kisses you and you feel that wash of love. So anyway, it kinda threw me but I feel better now.

Oh, and you'll never guess who the mother of the groom is!! All evening I was looking at her because I knew I recognized her. But I didn't want to stare because usually when this happens it's because I recognized them from work. Just as I was going to get my coat, she mentioned that she had to work the night shift. Then it all clicked into place. She was one of the maternity nurses when I had Abby. (She was the one who stayed late so Mark could come into the OR with me and was able to see Abby being born. It was good to see her again. When I got home, Abby was already asleep . Talk about a good evening!!

Today is my birthday. A fact I have repeated quite few times to Mark this last week. So this afternoon, Mark came home with a cake and after work, we went to the Vic Inn for supper. I had the ravioli and a glass of Merlot and Mark had a steak and ice tea. Abby ate ate supper before me left but still managed to scarf down three pieces of bred at the restaurant. When we got home, we watched Dragon's Den and ate cake. Another great day.

I'm planning to wash the floors tomorrow. Abby enjoys throwing food on the floor and the dog can only do so much.

I Made It!

I love this age! I think I may have said this before, but it’s true.That’s the problem with not having a laptop. Sometimes I have a great idea for a blog, but nowhere to write it. There are even times I am driving and I think of something I want to write about but I have no computer. So I think in the way I’m going to write it. It makes for an interesting thought but that’s usually where it ends. Because once I do get to the computer I either don’t care anymore or I’m too tired to retype my thoughts or I’ve entirely forgotten about it.Back to my story…I love this age. She is going to bed so much better…and staying there! She usually wakes up around 6am but if we don’t do anything, she fall back asleep. Then when I get up to get ready for the day, she sleeps through everything. I actually have to wake her up for her breakfast. She is so cute when I go into her room to wake her up. Most mornings she does not wan to wake up. Yesterday,I had to shake her for over a minute to wake her up. When she finally did open her eyes, she still didn’t want to move. She gave me a dirty look when I lifted her out of the crib. Last night, she was really tired so Mark took her to bed, and read her a story. Then he put her in the crib, she crawled to her pillow, looked up at Mark and laid her head down and fell asleep. No crying or anything. I wish all nights could be like this!

There are a couple things about this phase I’m not crazy about. She likes to bash her head when she gets frustrated. If I take something away from her (like a pen) she yells and then smacks her head on the floor. It is doesn’t hurt the first time, she’ll do it again. She even has a small bruise of her forehead. I’ve started putting her on the mat if I think she’s going to have a tantrum. I hope she outgrow this one quickly. I have to laugh a little because sometimes she hesitates right before she smacks her head so it won’t hurt as much. So I’m torn between letting her hurt herself and learning that she’s not going to get everything she wants (like a pen) and picking her up and reassuring her that it’s okay and kissing her boo-boo better. But on the bright side, I’ve learned the difference between an I-want-attention-cry and an I-actually-hurt-myself-and-legitimately-need-a-hug cry.

The other thing I’m not thrilled about is that she’s started to rollover on her change table. There’s not much room up there as it is and when she roll over, sometimes she hooks her leg on the side and I’m worried that she’s going to roll right over one of these times. And it makes changing her a real challenge. It’s not a huge deal…sometimes it makes me laugh. But when she has a poopy diaper then I’m not laughing.Last time that happened, I had to hold on to her ankles for dear life as she squirmed and rolled. I’ve learned that if I just have to change her clothes, I do it on the floor. I can often be seen chasing her out of her room just trying to get that last sock on. I can only wonder what life is going to be like when she learns how to walk.

P.S. Mom, that sweater and pants that you made – the purple ones…have been a lifesaver. Up until yesterday, that’s what Abby has been wearing over her clothes as Fall/Winter clothes. They’re great. They fit right over anything and the hood keeps her little head warm.Yesterday we broke down and went to Wal-Mart and bought a snowsuit(purple to match mine) and a toque and little boots. She didn’t like trying on the boots but she’ll get used to that fast. Yeesh, having a baby in winter stinks! Last year was easy, just throw her in the car seat and throw a blanket over her and away ya go! Now she needs to be properly dressed. It’s going to take 10 minutes to get her dressed and buckled in her car seat. Ug.

P. P.S. I made the most wonderful find yesterday at Extra Foods. I was walking down the coffee aisle when what did I spy? Tim Horton's Coffee! At first all I saw were the small tins but I was happy about that. Then I saw the large ones there too! I had to show Mark before he would believe me. isn't great!

P.P.P.S. I am writing all of this at work so I don't forget it all. Don't tell my boss. She's out of town.

Long Awaited

I realized that since I've gone back to work, I haven't been taking as many pictures, which means I haven't been posting as many pictures. Well, here ya go.

Mark and I did some yard work yesterday and we're all ready for winter now. Abby helped. Well, not really. But she was cute...