Now, I don't really worry about the sun per se. I love the sun! I like being hot! I do believe I mentioned in a previous post about how the sun and warmth are important for Manitobans because of our vicious winters, so I won't go into it again.
Today, I woke up to the rain pelting my roof, and a lingering thunderstorm heading away towards the east. The weather reports were not good. More rain, more thunderstorms, no sun. So I canceled my beach plans and went for a walk instead. It was drizzling when we started our walk, at some points raining a little harder than a drizzle. But as we were on our way home, the sky got brighter and brighter, and by the time we were having breakfast, it was actually almost sunny, and THEN by the time we were leaving the restaurant the sun was peaking through clouds and I saw some blue sky!
What to do with a cloudy, rainy day that turns sunny??!! How can I get outside?? Is it too late to go to the beach?? Can I find someone to go with me?? I don't have the car, will someone be able to drive?? What if I just stay in the city, is it too wet to bike around?? Will there be a lot of puddles?? It will surely be humid, maybe I should stay inside instead?? Maybe I should go and find some air conditioning??
It's frustrating because you don't want to waste the day, especially with the summer we have had, but it's also exhilarating because a sunny, warm summer day is so magical...
So...what to do??
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Nothing to worry about??
I had nothing to worry about yesterday because I went to the beach with a dear friend of mine who always takes care of the planning so I have nothing to do there but read magazines and books and go swimming....
Well, at least that's what I wish would happen...
The beach part did not involve any worry at all. It was glorious. Warm sun, perfect water temperature, a good book and lots of people (as people watching is essential at the beach!) made for the most wonderful beach day of the summer so far.
And the worrying didn't really start until we were making plans to go home. I was meeting up with my family in the evening and I thought we had made plans....but apparently I was the only one who knew the plans even though they had been discussed two days before.
What time are we meeting? Where are we going? Is B. coming? Did anyone call him?? Is H. coming?? He may have other plans?? Doesn't he think this is important?? What if we don't get in?? How long do we have to stand in line?? Do they have air-conditioning?? Why are there so many mosquitoes?? What if there is a thunderstorm while we are out here waiting?? Do they take debit??
It turns out that I shouldn't have worried and me biting H's head off before we left, was unnecessary and mean....Everything worked out fine and he deserves an apology...as usual:)
Well, at least that's what I wish would happen...
The beach part did not involve any worry at all. It was glorious. Warm sun, perfect water temperature, a good book and lots of people (as people watching is essential at the beach!) made for the most wonderful beach day of the summer so far.
And the worrying didn't really start until we were making plans to go home. I was meeting up with my family in the evening and I thought we had made plans....but apparently I was the only one who knew the plans even though they had been discussed two days before.
What time are we meeting? Where are we going? Is B. coming? Did anyone call him?? Is H. coming?? He may have other plans?? Doesn't he think this is important?? What if we don't get in?? How long do we have to stand in line?? Do they have air-conditioning?? Why are there so many mosquitoes?? What if there is a thunderstorm while we are out here waiting?? Do they take debit??
It turns out that I shouldn't have worried and me biting H's head off before we left, was unnecessary and mean....Everything worked out fine and he deserves an apology...as usual:)
Monday, August 10, 2009
Heat Stroke
Summer has not been kind to this part of the country....Cool weather, lots of rain and very little sun does not for happy Manitobans make. We need our hot, humid summers to make our cold and fierce winters bearable. The thought of sitting on a patio on a hot summer night in late July is the only real memory that sustains us during a brilliantly cold week in early February....but I digress.
We crave the heat and I am a sun-seeker. I like to sit at the beach from morning until late afternoon, reading magazines and a book, eating snacks and people watching. I like the warmth on my skin and the feel of the gritty sand between my toes. However, spending the day at the beach also brings a few concerns....
I once had sun stroke after a friend's birthday party. I had been outside since early in the morning, playing outside with my brother. Then, I spent the hot afternoon playing outside at the birthday party. I was six years old. I came home from the party feeling very strange. I don't remember much except lying on the couch feeling sick and my mom saying that she should have paid a little more attention to how much water I was drinking, etc etc.
So now I have to be careful. Have I put on enough sunscreen? Should I go into the shade? Will my hat be sufficient?? Am I drinking enough water?? Is this feeling of tiredness accompanied by nausea?? Am I feeling sick?? Did I eat enough today?? Is this granola bar going to sustain me?? Should I have brough more food?? Should I go home?? Will I be okay to drive?? Do I have a sunburn?? Will it blister?? I haven't had a bad sunburn since I was 15, will this bring on sunsickness??
Of course, it doesn't prevent me from actually going to the beach! Only clouds and rain can do that:)
We crave the heat and I am a sun-seeker. I like to sit at the beach from morning until late afternoon, reading magazines and a book, eating snacks and people watching. I like the warmth on my skin and the feel of the gritty sand between my toes. However, spending the day at the beach also brings a few concerns....
I once had sun stroke after a friend's birthday party. I had been outside since early in the morning, playing outside with my brother. Then, I spent the hot afternoon playing outside at the birthday party. I was six years old. I came home from the party feeling very strange. I don't remember much except lying on the couch feeling sick and my mom saying that she should have paid a little more attention to how much water I was drinking, etc etc.
So now I have to be careful. Have I put on enough sunscreen? Should I go into the shade? Will my hat be sufficient?? Am I drinking enough water?? Is this feeling of tiredness accompanied by nausea?? Am I feeling sick?? Did I eat enough today?? Is this granola bar going to sustain me?? Should I have brough more food?? Should I go home?? Will I be okay to drive?? Do I have a sunburn?? Will it blister?? I haven't had a bad sunburn since I was 15, will this bring on sunsickness??
Of course, it doesn't prevent me from actually going to the beach! Only clouds and rain can do that:)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Crossing the Border
I spent last weekend in Chicago...What a fantastic city! Many friendly people, easy to get around, great shopping...it has everything I want in a big city. The only problem when a girl from Manitoba crosses into the United States of America is that she somehow must get back into her own country. The border guards from Canada into the United States are usually friendly, courteous, and eager to let you into their country so that you will eat their food, drink their liquor and buy tons of things that you don't need in the hopes of kick-starting their economy again.....They basically welcome you with open arms and give you treats like cheap booze and sales every time you turn around.
Getting back into the country of your birth however, continually proves difficult and even, at times, scary. The reason for this is that anything can happen. The stories of friends, friends of friends and even people who "knows someone who once..." are varied and developed to create such a sense of impending doom as you approach the border crossing, grown men and women have been known to freak out about such little things as what time they crossed into the states or how much money they spent in the states.
Here is what you need to worry about, should you ever be in this situation (and what I worry about every time I try to get back into my own country):
Do I have all of my receipts? Are there tags on all of the things that I purchased?? Will they believe me that this is the item I purchased even if it doesn't have the tags?? Will I get hauled into the garage??? Will I have to repack all of my things?? How will I ever get everything back in the suitcase if they do decide to rip it open?? Why can't this border guard just smile for once?? Why are they asking me over and over again what time I crossed into the states?? Is the limit $400 USD or $400 CAD?? What if I get hauled into one of those dungeon-like interogation rooms and they take control of my identity?? What if they slash the seats of the van?? Who has to pay for that?? Do I have my passport with me?? Do they take debit cards if I have to pay duty?? How much alcohol can I bring into Canada?? Why do I go to the states again?? Are the deals really better?? Is it worth it to drive 8 hours, stay in a hotel for a weekend so that I can get $10 off of a T-shirt that I really don't need?? Hmm.....
Anyway, consider yourself warned....
Getting back into the country of your birth however, continually proves difficult and even, at times, scary. The reason for this is that anything can happen. The stories of friends, friends of friends and even people who "knows someone who once..." are varied and developed to create such a sense of impending doom as you approach the border crossing, grown men and women have been known to freak out about such little things as what time they crossed into the states or how much money they spent in the states.
Here is what you need to worry about, should you ever be in this situation (and what I worry about every time I try to get back into my own country):
Do I have all of my receipts? Are there tags on all of the things that I purchased?? Will they believe me that this is the item I purchased even if it doesn't have the tags?? Will I get hauled into the garage??? Will I have to repack all of my things?? How will I ever get everything back in the suitcase if they do decide to rip it open?? Why can't this border guard just smile for once?? Why are they asking me over and over again what time I crossed into the states?? Is the limit $400 USD or $400 CAD?? What if I get hauled into one of those dungeon-like interogation rooms and they take control of my identity?? What if they slash the seats of the van?? Who has to pay for that?? Do I have my passport with me?? Do they take debit cards if I have to pay duty?? How much alcohol can I bring into Canada?? Why do I go to the states again?? Are the deals really better?? Is it worth it to drive 8 hours, stay in a hotel for a weekend so that I can get $10 off of a T-shirt that I really don't need?? Hmm.....
Anyway, consider yourself warned....
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Too Much Alone Time
By nature, I am a social creature. I like to have people around. I like to chat. I like companionship.
But I am also a homebody. Usually, I am quite content to sit at home on my holidays and read or watch TV. I like alone time, just not too much.
I have been alone with my thoughts for a few days in a row now, and I am done with it.
I start to wonder if I am going crazy. Am I depressed? Am I getting fat? Is there something else I should be doing?? Am I lazy?? Why is there nothing on TV? Why do I insist on watching crap?? Why haven't my emails been answered?? Why is no one commenting on facebook?? Where is everyone??
So thankfully, I am leaving on a road trip. I will have PLENTY of socializing, stuck in a van for 14 hours with a variety of people.
Will anyone be offended if I throw on the headphones and listen to the ipod??
But I am also a homebody. Usually, I am quite content to sit at home on my holidays and read or watch TV. I like alone time, just not too much.
I have been alone with my thoughts for a few days in a row now, and I am done with it.
I start to wonder if I am going crazy. Am I depressed? Am I getting fat? Is there something else I should be doing?? Am I lazy?? Why is there nothing on TV? Why do I insist on watching crap?? Why haven't my emails been answered?? Why is no one commenting on facebook?? Where is everyone??
So thankfully, I am leaving on a road trip. I will have PLENTY of socializing, stuck in a van for 14 hours with a variety of people.
Will anyone be offended if I throw on the headphones and listen to the ipod??
Friday, July 24, 2009
Finding Parking
Before I set out on any trip, whether driving, taking the bus, cycling or walking, I have to plan my route. I will know exactly when I will leave, which streets I will take to get there, what I will do once I get there and when I will leave. If you can believe it, it helps me relax about the trip:) From here on in, I will refer to it as "the plan".
If I am driving, parking is the hardest part of the planning process. Travelling to the mall or to get groceries does not pose a problem to "the plan". Malls and grocery stores provide ample parking because they assume that you will buy A LOT of stuff, thus making sure there is sufficient amount of room for you to park your Escalade or Hummer. However, if I am going downtown, parking is a little harder to come by. Sure there are lots where you can park all day for $6.50 or, but usually "the plan" does not involve staying all day, so street parking is much more desirable. Plus, I am cheap and would much rather try to find a spot on the street for $1-2 instead of waste precious change on a lot machine.
So, I usually plan the street where I will park, but the whole way there, I am worrying:
Will there be a spot? What if I accidentally park by a fire hydrant? What if my windows get smashed in? What if my car is stolen? What if my errands take longer than 1 or 2 hours? What if there are NO spots? What if I get caught up in traffic snarls due to construction or rush hour traffic?? That will TOTALLY throw "the plan" out of whack!
And if I don't find a spot where I was hoping to find a spot, I seriously consider giving up and going home. I know, I know, it's ridiculous, but the thought usually does cross my mind:) Usually, however, my stronger, stubborn personality traits kick in and I drive around the block and find a different place to park.
And in case you are wondering, parallel parking doesn't really freak me out at all. As long as the spot is big enough:)
If I am driving, parking is the hardest part of the planning process. Travelling to the mall or to get groceries does not pose a problem to "the plan". Malls and grocery stores provide ample parking because they assume that you will buy A LOT of stuff, thus making sure there is sufficient amount of room for you to park your Escalade or Hummer. However, if I am going downtown, parking is a little harder to come by. Sure there are lots where you can park all day for $6.50 or, but usually "the plan" does not involve staying all day, so street parking is much more desirable. Plus, I am cheap and would much rather try to find a spot on the street for $1-2 instead of waste precious change on a lot machine.
So, I usually plan the street where I will park, but the whole way there, I am worrying:
Will there be a spot? What if I accidentally park by a fire hydrant? What if my windows get smashed in? What if my car is stolen? What if my errands take longer than 1 or 2 hours? What if there are NO spots? What if I get caught up in traffic snarls due to construction or rush hour traffic?? That will TOTALLY throw "the plan" out of whack!
And if I don't find a spot where I was hoping to find a spot, I seriously consider giving up and going home. I know, I know, it's ridiculous, but the thought usually does cross my mind:) Usually, however, my stronger, stubborn personality traits kick in and I drive around the block and find a different place to park.
And in case you are wondering, parallel parking doesn't really freak me out at all. As long as the spot is big enough:)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Environment
Really it was only a matter of time before this showed up here. I mean, the environment is one of the things that LOTS of people worry about. I defy death every day when I take my bike to work in this fair city in an effort to cut down on my own greenhouse emissions (and save money, of course, but that's another post!).
I don't know if climate change is real. I have heard compelling arguments for both sides of that debate although, it's not very sexy to be on the "wrong" side (of that debate) these days. But I do know that human-kind is definitely treating the earth like there will be lots to go around when our grandbabies have grandbabies, and I tend to agree with certain environmentalists who say that will NOT be the case.
And I worry about it:
Can I, just one person really make a difference?? I've cut down on my garbage. I recycle and I compost, but will that really change the amount of waste that ends up at the land fill?? If I ride my bike will I die?? Will it help if I get a basket?? Will bringing my own fabric bags really cut down on my plastic bag usage when the cashier insists on putting the chicken in a separate bag anyway?? If I ride my bike to the store, but forget my cloth bags have I helped in anyway?? Is my asthma getting worse because of the pollution?? Can one person really make a difference?? Can I use less paper products when I am going through a major renovation?? Can you actually reuse paper towel?? Will these cloths that say I don't need cleaning products actually clean my bathroom sufficiently to get rid of germs?? Does feeding my cat organic food really help the environment in any way or just make the cat spoiled rotten??
And that's just the tip of the ice berg....
And I guess, most of us won't live long enough to see if our environmental choices really have made a difference. How's that for ending on a positive note;)
I don't know if climate change is real. I have heard compelling arguments for both sides of that debate although, it's not very sexy to be on the "wrong" side (of that debate) these days. But I do know that human-kind is definitely treating the earth like there will be lots to go around when our grandbabies have grandbabies, and I tend to agree with certain environmentalists who say that will NOT be the case.
And I worry about it:
Can I, just one person really make a difference?? I've cut down on my garbage. I recycle and I compost, but will that really change the amount of waste that ends up at the land fill?? If I ride my bike will I die?? Will it help if I get a basket?? Will bringing my own fabric bags really cut down on my plastic bag usage when the cashier insists on putting the chicken in a separate bag anyway?? If I ride my bike to the store, but forget my cloth bags have I helped in anyway?? Is my asthma getting worse because of the pollution?? Can one person really make a difference?? Can I use less paper products when I am going through a major renovation?? Can you actually reuse paper towel?? Will these cloths that say I don't need cleaning products actually clean my bathroom sufficiently to get rid of germs?? Does feeding my cat organic food really help the environment in any way or just make the cat spoiled rotten??
And that's just the tip of the ice berg....
And I guess, most of us won't live long enough to see if our environmental choices really have made a difference. How's that for ending on a positive note;)
Monday, July 20, 2009
Family Gatherings
This weekend was completely full of family. Relatives in from Ontario and Washington State from my husbands side of the family and a family reunion with my side of the family. Normally, I love meeting up with people that I haven't seen in a long time. There is always so much to talk about, to catch up on. However, the problem that existed this weekend was the sheer amount of family and the time required to make connections with each group.
Are these people feeling cheated because I am spending more time with cousin Jimmy?? Did I remember to hug Grandma?? Who is this woman that keeps staring at me?? Am I supposed to know her?? Why does this person assume that I know who they are?? The last time I saw you I was 8!
And the conversations that ensue:
"Come visit us! We would love to have you!"
"I remember when you were only this big!"
"You look just like your mom."
"You don't have any kids yet? How long have you been married?"
Navigating family time is tricky. In the end, I always go away feeling guilty because I haven't really talked to this person, or met up with that person. In the end, there is never enough time in a day/weekend/month to catch up with everyone at a reunion and say all that you wish you could say. You just have to do the best you can and hope that everyone understands.
Are these people feeling cheated because I am spending more time with cousin Jimmy?? Did I remember to hug Grandma?? Who is this woman that keeps staring at me?? Am I supposed to know her?? Why does this person assume that I know who they are?? The last time I saw you I was 8!
And the conversations that ensue:
"Come visit us! We would love to have you!"
"I remember when you were only this big!"
"You look just like your mom."
"You don't have any kids yet? How long have you been married?"
Navigating family time is tricky. In the end, I always go away feeling guilty because I haven't really talked to this person, or met up with that person. In the end, there is never enough time in a day/weekend/month to catch up with everyone at a reunion and say all that you wish you could say. You just have to do the best you can and hope that everyone understands.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Interviews
I think that this is something most people can relate to....interviews are scary! I haven't had that many real interviews in my life, but I am always so nervous before hand.
What should I wear?? Will I be too dressy?? Too casual?? Will I remember all of the research that I have done for this?? Will they ask me questions that I can't think of any answers to?? Will I be able to represent myself honestly, fairly, but also perfectly for the job?? How will I feel if I get turned down?? How will I deal with the disappointment??
After the interview, though is the hard part. Waiting until they call you back to let you know if you've got the job or not....Waiting by the phone, heart racing every time it does ring, constantly checking messages to see if you've missed a call, feeling your heart sink with every day that passes....ahhh, yes....making your life a little shorter in the process with all of the anxiety and worry....
Good luck H. I know you will knock 'em off their rockers!
What should I wear?? Will I be too dressy?? Too casual?? Will I remember all of the research that I have done for this?? Will they ask me questions that I can't think of any answers to?? Will I be able to represent myself honestly, fairly, but also perfectly for the job?? How will I feel if I get turned down?? How will I deal with the disappointment??
After the interview, though is the hard part. Waiting until they call you back to let you know if you've got the job or not....Waiting by the phone, heart racing every time it does ring, constantly checking messages to see if you've missed a call, feeling your heart sink with every day that passes....ahhh, yes....making your life a little shorter in the process with all of the anxiety and worry....
Good luck H. I know you will knock 'em off their rockers!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Transportation
Lately, in an effort to be green, and save on gas, I have been relying on public transportation. This is not a problem in the area where I live. I walk five minutes to the nearest bus, or ten minutes to the local bus hub where I can catch any number of buses going any number of directions. I like taking the bus. I find it interesting to people watch on the bus. So many different people take the bus. Business people, homeless people, kids without cars, elderly people with walkers, moms with strollers, people in wheelchairs....every walk of life is represented on the bus on any given day.
The only thing that I get anxiety about is catching the bus. I watch the street constantly, knowing that the bus is going to go right by, before I get there, and then I will have to wait an extra ten minutes for the next one. In my head, I know that this is not a big deal, but somehow, I think that I will look stupid if I just miss the bus. I know, I know...that's crazy and especially these days, I have lots of time to wait. Further to that, I usually have a book or magazine and an ipod to keep me occupied....but still I literally RUN down the street (even when I know I have at least 10 minutes until the bus comes) in order to not miss the bus!
Sometimes, I feel crazy. The thoughts and worry in my head can drag me down. It gets worse at this time of the year because I don't have any scheduled tasks to complete. I like schedules and routines and in the summer, I don't have specific tasks. I have to make myself busy to get out of the house and to get out of my mind.
I like structure. No worries about that:)
The only thing that I get anxiety about is catching the bus. I watch the street constantly, knowing that the bus is going to go right by, before I get there, and then I will have to wait an extra ten minutes for the next one. In my head, I know that this is not a big deal, but somehow, I think that I will look stupid if I just miss the bus. I know, I know...that's crazy and especially these days, I have lots of time to wait. Further to that, I usually have a book or magazine and an ipod to keep me occupied....but still I literally RUN down the street (even when I know I have at least 10 minutes until the bus comes) in order to not miss the bus!
Sometimes, I feel crazy. The thoughts and worry in my head can drag me down. It gets worse at this time of the year because I don't have any scheduled tasks to complete. I like schedules and routines and in the summer, I don't have specific tasks. I have to make myself busy to get out of the house and to get out of my mind.
I like structure. No worries about that:)
Monday, July 6, 2009
Punctuality
I HATE lateness. And if that sounds like an exaggeration to you, ask anyone who has known me for awhile to tell you about it. When I have to be somewhere, be it for an interview, meeting or drinks with a friend, I am ALWAYS on time, usually early. In fact, I am usually 10 to 30 minutes early, just so I won't be late. I get this trait from my father. There was many a Sunday that we would all be in the car to go to church with about half an hour to get there despite the fact that we lived 5 minutes away, waiting for my mom, who is also never late, but does not really see the value in being anywhere too early. How their marriage has survived 30 years with this difference of opinion is a testament to their true love for each other, I am sure.......but I digress.
Punctuality. The art (or science?) of being on time (and prepared) for the appointments/dates/meetings/etc that we participate in throughout the course of a day/week/month/year. Some people can always be counted on to show up when they say they will show up. Other people need to write it down. Still others need to be reminded beforehand. Some people make it a habit of making people wait.
These are the people that cause me and others like me to be sent into waves of panic at 7:02 when dinner was scheduled to start at 7:00. Why are they late? Has there been an accident?? Is everyone okay? What will I do with all of this food/these handouts/this coffee if they don't show up?? Do they still want to be friends with me?? Will I be fired? Did I get the date/time/place wrong? Did they forget?? Are they hanging out with someone else?? Are we still friends?? Should I call?? Will that make them mad??
Sometimes the anxiety turns into anger. How can they be so selfish?? Don't they know that I have been waiting here for half an hour?? Don't they know I could have been doing something else??
But usually, the worry turns into more worry: I hope everything is okay.....Should I turn on the news to find out if there has been an accident?? Should I call the police?? Should I cancel the reservation??
All is forgiven of course when the person/people that I am waiting for show up. The anxiety disappears and everything can carry on as if I never had a panic attack in my mind prior to said party showing up...you know....no big deal:)
Punctuality. The art (or science?) of being on time (and prepared) for the appointments/dates/meetings/etc that we participate in throughout the course of a day/week/month/year. Some people can always be counted on to show up when they say they will show up. Other people need to write it down. Still others need to be reminded beforehand. Some people make it a habit of making people wait.
These are the people that cause me and others like me to be sent into waves of panic at 7:02 when dinner was scheduled to start at 7:00. Why are they late? Has there been an accident?? Is everyone okay? What will I do with all of this food/these handouts/this coffee if they don't show up?? Do they still want to be friends with me?? Will I be fired? Did I get the date/time/place wrong? Did they forget?? Are they hanging out with someone else?? Are we still friends?? Should I call?? Will that make them mad??
Sometimes the anxiety turns into anger. How can they be so selfish?? Don't they know that I have been waiting here for half an hour?? Don't they know I could have been doing something else??
But usually, the worry turns into more worry: I hope everything is okay.....Should I turn on the news to find out if there has been an accident?? Should I call the police?? Should I cancel the reservation??
All is forgiven of course when the person/people that I am waiting for show up. The anxiety disappears and everything can carry on as if I never had a panic attack in my mind prior to said party showing up...you know....no big deal:)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Fire
We have a fire pit in out back yard. People who live in other cities can't really believe this. "YOU can have FIRES in your back yard???!!" they will often say when we talk about our (almost nightly) burnings back there. And while I am not entirely clear about the fire policies and by-laws in our city, I do believe that it is still legal to have a fire pit in your back yard and actually use it to burn things, as long as it is enclosed with a screen and at least ten feet away from any flammable object such as your house or garage.
Having fires always makes me a little nervous. I really like fires. I am mesmerized by them. I like to poke them with sticks. I like to start them (in appropriate places of course) and I really like how they warm you up on cool spring/summer/fall/winter evenings.
But I also worry about fires.
Will the fire become to large and uncontrollable?
Will we accidentally burn a piece of wood that has paint on it and make a hole in the ozone layer?
Will our neighbours accidentally think our house is on fire and call the fire department??
Will the fire department accidentally think our house is on fire and take it upon themselves to come over and put it out??
Will the smoke bother our nieghbours??
Will we have enough beer to feed the guests who are bound to show up??
Will our fire pit be able to sustain the use it gets??
Will we have enough wood??
Do I have to go and buy more wood and 7-11? That wood sucks and is really expensive.
Of course, the weight of the worry is always outwieghed by the satisfaction of hanging out with friends around the fire. Dee if you are reading this, I wish you could share this with us tonight.
Having fires always makes me a little nervous. I really like fires. I am mesmerized by them. I like to poke them with sticks. I like to start them (in appropriate places of course) and I really like how they warm you up on cool spring/summer/fall/winter evenings.
But I also worry about fires.
Will the fire become to large and uncontrollable?
Will we accidentally burn a piece of wood that has paint on it and make a hole in the ozone layer?
Will our neighbours accidentally think our house is on fire and call the fire department??
Will the fire department accidentally think our house is on fire and take it upon themselves to come over and put it out??
Will the smoke bother our nieghbours??
Will we have enough beer to feed the guests who are bound to show up??
Will our fire pit be able to sustain the use it gets??
Will we have enough wood??
Do I have to go and buy more wood and 7-11? That wood sucks and is really expensive.
Of course, the weight of the worry is always outwieghed by the satisfaction of hanging out with friends around the fire. Dee if you are reading this, I wish you could share this with us tonight.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Renovations
It all started because we wanted a different kitchen. The bathroom in the middle of the kitchen space did not lend itself to an efficient work space and we knew from the moment we moved in it would have to be changed. Now I am the sort of person that can easily make do with what I've got. And I honestly thought it wouldn't be that much of a disruption in my life.......(can you hear the hysterical laughter? that's me going crazy thinking back to the pivotal moment when we decided to go ahead and destroy the main floor of our house!) Because that is what happened!
Our house is about 100 years old, which we love! However, it has been reincarnated several times, as a single family dwelling, then as a duplex, then back to a single family dwelling (with lovely 70's accents). None of the renos were done well and as soon as we started our renovation I knew why. The disruption to our life has been vast and far-reaching.
And as soon as the demolition started, I began to worry. How will I ever clean up all of this dust? Will I be living in an constant state of "asthma attack"? How much will this all cost? Will we run out of money?? Will all of my clothes be covered in dust?? Will all of my food be covered in dust? How will I make my coffee/breakfast/lunch/supper without a kitchen?? Where will I read/watch TV/hang out?? Will all of the power tools start a fire and burn down the house before the reno is finished?? Will it suddenly snow in June?? Will the new windows let in enough light?? Will we run out of money and have to leave everything half done??? What about the back yard?? What are we supposed to do with all of the saw dust?? What about all of this garbage??? How long can this stack of garbage sit in the back yard before the neighbours call the city?? What if I step on a nail and die of tetanus??? Have I had a tetanus shot recently?? Should I get a flu shot?? How will the reno affect the cat?? Will we run out of money??
H. went to pick up electrical supplies this evening. Things are moving forward. At least for now.
Our house is about 100 years old, which we love! However, it has been reincarnated several times, as a single family dwelling, then as a duplex, then back to a single family dwelling (with lovely 70's accents). None of the renos were done well and as soon as we started our renovation I knew why. The disruption to our life has been vast and far-reaching.
And as soon as the demolition started, I began to worry. How will I ever clean up all of this dust? Will I be living in an constant state of "asthma attack"? How much will this all cost? Will we run out of money?? Will all of my clothes be covered in dust?? Will all of my food be covered in dust? How will I make my coffee/breakfast/lunch/supper without a kitchen?? Where will I read/watch TV/hang out?? Will all of the power tools start a fire and burn down the house before the reno is finished?? Will it suddenly snow in June?? Will the new windows let in enough light?? Will we run out of money and have to leave everything half done??? What about the back yard?? What are we supposed to do with all of the saw dust?? What about all of this garbage??? How long can this stack of garbage sit in the back yard before the neighbours call the city?? What if I step on a nail and die of tetanus??? Have I had a tetanus shot recently?? Should I get a flu shot?? How will the reno affect the cat?? Will we run out of money??
H. went to pick up electrical supplies this evening. Things are moving forward. At least for now.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Rain
It rained all day yesterday. Normally, I love rainy days, but lately, I start to worry....You see, about a month and a half ago, we put a laundry sink in our basement and for some reason, now we have to be careful if we get a lot of rain, because the drain is funny and can cause the basement to flood....Does this make sense to anyone else?? I've been trying to wrap my brain around it for the past few weeks and I can't so if anyone can help me out here....I'm willing to listen.
Anyway, the first time our basement flooded, it came as a complete surprise. I woke up one morning, and headed to downstairs to make a cup of coffee. I turned on the light at the top of the stairs and looked down....."Strange," I thought to myself, "I don't remember the floor looking so shiny before?!" and when I got closer, I realized there was about 2 inches of water on the floor in the basement....yeah, nice, I know.
So now, as you can imagine, every time it rains, I begin to worry. What if the dry wall gets mouldy? Will we all get sick and die? Will the freezer keep working if it continues to get wet from the bottom? What about the fridge? Can I electrocute myself by stepping into the water? What if I can't find the plunger to plunge the floor drain? Why doesn't H. wake up so I don't have to deal with this myself? What if I hurt myself down here and no one notices and then I get electrocuted while trying to save myself?? Will the house start on fire?? Will the dehumidifier continue to work at turbo speed until the whole place is dry???
This flood only took H. and I about two hours to clean up...Luckily (?) we had a flood about a month ago so we knew how to clean up quickly. Trying to look on the bright side of life is one of the things I am good at:)
Anyway, the first time our basement flooded, it came as a complete surprise. I woke up one morning, and headed to downstairs to make a cup of coffee. I turned on the light at the top of the stairs and looked down....."Strange," I thought to myself, "I don't remember the floor looking so shiny before?!" and when I got closer, I realized there was about 2 inches of water on the floor in the basement....yeah, nice, I know.
So now, as you can imagine, every time it rains, I begin to worry. What if the dry wall gets mouldy? Will we all get sick and die? Will the freezer keep working if it continues to get wet from the bottom? What about the fridge? Can I electrocute myself by stepping into the water? What if I can't find the plunger to plunge the floor drain? Why doesn't H. wake up so I don't have to deal with this myself? What if I hurt myself down here and no one notices and then I get electrocuted while trying to save myself?? Will the house start on fire?? Will the dehumidifier continue to work at turbo speed until the whole place is dry???
This flood only took H. and I about two hours to clean up...Luckily (?) we had a flood about a month ago so we knew how to clean up quickly. Trying to look on the bright side of life is one of the things I am good at:)
Friday, June 26, 2009
Illness
We had a little issue with H1N1 at my place of work a few weeks ago. It was a little frightening when my boss came to me with disinfectant wipes and told me to wipe down my keyboard. Of course I did it......but in my head I was thinking "What's with the hysteria?". And then I began to worry.
What if I get H1N1 and don't even know it? What if I pass it on to my housemates and friends?? What if I die from this stupid flu only having lived these 27.8 years??? I decided that I did not need to worry about this, choosing instead to wash my hands about a thousand times a day and stay 30 feet away from anyone who looked sick, sneezed, or coughed:)
But then yesterday, I woke up feeling a little under the weather. My alarm went off, I opened my eyes and immediately I noticed that my throat felt weird...kind of sore and scratchy....Then before I even stepped out of bed, I sneezed a couple of hundred times, which really made me inclined to believe that I was sick:( Boo.
I hate being sick...I never really know whether I am sick enough to stay home from work. And the thought of planning for the sub that would come in for me, makes me feel worse. Here is glimpse of what goes on in my brain when contemplating taking a sick day: If I stay home will people think that I am faking it? Am I really sick enough to NOT do my job?? Who will come in for me and will the plan be sufficient??? If I go to work, will I contaminate my co-workers???? Will they be angry at me for coming in sick????? Will I get fired from my job for taking this fourth sick day of the year?????
In the end, I struggled through the day, survived and promptly went to bed when I got home at about 4:15 and didn't surface again until 6:45 this morning, feeling much better and not nearly so worried....maybe the blog is working already!!
What if I get H1N1 and don't even know it? What if I pass it on to my housemates and friends?? What if I die from this stupid flu only having lived these 27.8 years??? I decided that I did not need to worry about this, choosing instead to wash my hands about a thousand times a day and stay 30 feet away from anyone who looked sick, sneezed, or coughed:)
But then yesterday, I woke up feeling a little under the weather. My alarm went off, I opened my eyes and immediately I noticed that my throat felt weird...kind of sore and scratchy....Then before I even stepped out of bed, I sneezed a couple of hundred times, which really made me inclined to believe that I was sick:( Boo.
I hate being sick...I never really know whether I am sick enough to stay home from work. And the thought of planning for the sub that would come in for me, makes me feel worse. Here is glimpse of what goes on in my brain when contemplating taking a sick day: If I stay home will people think that I am faking it? Am I really sick enough to NOT do my job?? Who will come in for me and will the plan be sufficient??? If I go to work, will I contaminate my co-workers???? Will they be angry at me for coming in sick????? Will I get fired from my job for taking this fourth sick day of the year?????
In the end, I struggled through the day, survived and promptly went to bed when I got home at about 4:15 and didn't surface again until 6:45 this morning, feeling much better and not nearly so worried....maybe the blog is working already!!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Smoking
Now, let's be clear about one thing...I do not smoke, nor have I ever smoked anything except for apple-flavoured tobacco out of a hooka (sp.?) about a month ago. I did not inhale.
But still I worry about smoking....I worry about my friends and loved ones dying of lung cancer or mouth cancer or tongue cancer or emphysema or some other horrible smoking-related illness. And then, I also worry about me. What if I die of second-hand smoke related illnesses (because it would never be just one, oh no, it would be all of the worst ones combined into one horrible way to die.....but i digress)
What caused today's worry?? Well, I had just biked home from work and was pouring sweat as it was almost 30 degrees today, and there are guys working on the house. This is a good thing....but the "kitchen" reno is a whole other blog entry.....I said hi to the guys and went upstairs to cool off and get ready for the evening. Then I smelled something. Could it be cigarette smoke???? Yep. Is it coming from outside??? Nope. Could these guys actually be SMOKING IN MY HOUSE?????? NO, it can't be......but then I went downstairs....and sure enough, just lighting up in my "dining room"....I kindly asked them to stop smoking in the house and they promptly went outside (and they apologised) and I went upstairs...kinda pissed and kinda shocked.....I couldn't believe it. I was speechless and then I texted H. (my husband) about it. He said it was no big deal.....I disagreed and I voiced my displeasure. He maintained his stand, and I maintained mine.....but what to do. I asked them to stop, they did. End of story......but another worry sets in...
Will my clothes stink like smoke? Will the lingering residue cause cancer in me, my housemates or my unborn children?? Will I be struck by an astma attack in the middle of the night and die because I won't be conscious??? So far none of this has happened, but i have all of the windows open.....I'm not taking any chances, even in the pouring rain!
But still I worry about smoking....I worry about my friends and loved ones dying of lung cancer or mouth cancer or tongue cancer or emphysema or some other horrible smoking-related illness. And then, I also worry about me. What if I die of second-hand smoke related illnesses (because it would never be just one, oh no, it would be all of the worst ones combined into one horrible way to die.....but i digress)
What caused today's worry?? Well, I had just biked home from work and was pouring sweat as it was almost 30 degrees today, and there are guys working on the house. This is a good thing....but the "kitchen" reno is a whole other blog entry.....I said hi to the guys and went upstairs to cool off and get ready for the evening. Then I smelled something. Could it be cigarette smoke???? Yep. Is it coming from outside??? Nope. Could these guys actually be SMOKING IN MY HOUSE?????? NO, it can't be......but then I went downstairs....and sure enough, just lighting up in my "dining room"....I kindly asked them to stop smoking in the house and they promptly went outside (and they apologised) and I went upstairs...kinda pissed and kinda shocked.....I couldn't believe it. I was speechless and then I texted H. (my husband) about it. He said it was no big deal.....I disagreed and I voiced my displeasure. He maintained his stand, and I maintained mine.....but what to do. I asked them to stop, they did. End of story......but another worry sets in...
Will my clothes stink like smoke? Will the lingering residue cause cancer in me, my housemates or my unborn children?? Will I be struck by an astma attack in the middle of the night and die because I won't be conscious??? So far none of this has happened, but i have all of the windows open.....I'm not taking any chances, even in the pouring rain!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Beginning - Money
I think that most people worry about money in some way, shape or form. I do, too. However, today's worry was peculiar, especially looking back on it now. It had nothing to do with money in the bank, or spending too much on a pair of shoes or a dinner out with friends....no, this money wasn't even mine, not really anyway. Like most teachers, I am given a budget with which to buy things I need for my classroom. This particular money was to be spent on this year's children only. That means no textbooks, no markers for the room, no teacher books, no instruments, or library books......something that the kids could take home. No problem, right?? WRONG!
SERIOUSLY!!!!! I've been shopping about 6 times and I can't manage to spend the money! What's wrong with me....I really like shopping, but it seems as though no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't spend the required amount. So not only did I feel like a loser, but here's where the worry sets in. If I don't spend the money, will I get the same amount next year? Will someone else use it if I don't? Should I have bought more for the students? Should I be doing more as a teacher? Am I failing my students? Am I good at my job? Will I be fired for not spending my budget? Am I going crazy? What will people think of me? And the list goes on......
This blog is about all of the things I worry about. I worry a lot. People could hire me to worry for them. Sometimes, I think that worry is good. It helps me stay organized and on top of things. BUT and it's a huge BUT, I think it may be shortening my life:( Some days my brain is in constant overdrive with all of things I am thinking and worrying about. Scratch that.....if it's on my mind for more than two minutes, it's long graduated from thinking into worry.
SO.....
I thought a blog might be helpful. Maybe if I get it out there, then I can let it go.....Will it work? Now I'm worried about that.....We shall see.
SERIOUSLY!!!!! I've been shopping about 6 times and I can't manage to spend the money! What's wrong with me....I really like shopping, but it seems as though no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't spend the required amount. So not only did I feel like a loser, but here's where the worry sets in. If I don't spend the money, will I get the same amount next year? Will someone else use it if I don't? Should I have bought more for the students? Should I be doing more as a teacher? Am I failing my students? Am I good at my job? Will I be fired for not spending my budget? Am I going crazy? What will people think of me? And the list goes on......
This blog is about all of the things I worry about. I worry a lot. People could hire me to worry for them. Sometimes, I think that worry is good. It helps me stay organized and on top of things. BUT and it's a huge BUT, I think it may be shortening my life:( Some days my brain is in constant overdrive with all of things I am thinking and worrying about. Scratch that.....if it's on my mind for more than two minutes, it's long graduated from thinking into worry.
SO.....
I thought a blog might be helpful. Maybe if I get it out there, then I can let it go.....Will it work? Now I'm worried about that.....We shall see.
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