Catch up Fridays

(Sunshine) Yeah, the weekend is finally here. Its been busy as usual. The weather has been hot, cold and colder. I am finally catching up with my family whom I have not seen since the wedding. I am so looking forward to seeing them this weekend. Last weekend was my niece's first birthday and for the first time ever, I actually missed it all because of work. Weekend work can really stink sometimes. This weekend we have Little Miss Sunshine's birthday and next weekend is Easter and my nephew's birthday. (Carolin)Its a busy time for birthdays. We don't celebrate birthdays with the same enthusiasm in our family. It is much more low key, usually just the four of us.

The little one has a busy few weeks coming up as she has her normal school and massive amounts of homework. We are also having her tested over the next three weeks for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). I talked to her about her willingness to take medication if she was diagnosed with ADD. We talked about what the medication would do and some of the side effects. She said she wants to try it. The last few weeks she has been begging for the pill to help her concentrate. I think she thinks it will be a miracle drug. I bought some multi-vitamins and plan to start giving her on Monday. I am curious if the placebo makes any difference to her. (Cathy) First off, Happy birthday to Little Miss Sunshine! Secondly, Carolin, my nephew also has a bit of "something" disorder. He is ten now and aware of his inability to focus. He asked for the medicine as he was starting to have issues with his confidence. My sister and brother in law put him on the lowest dose over the past Christmas Holidays. He takes one pill in the morning as the effect is about six to eight hours. They did not tell the teacher. After a few weeks they had an interview with his teacher who was amazed at the difference! My nephew can now work independently and is more focused and calm. He is so much happier now and is starting to make and keep friends! When my sister told the teacher about the medication the teacher understood and was happy for my nephew. Hubby and I have also seen a huge change in our nephew. As much as we are "anti" all of the ADD labeling and medicating, in this case it has had a positive outcome. Good Luck. 

How is everyone doing?

Cathy, what's the update on your arm? I started physio last week and I go for a neck x-ray and shoulder ultra sound this coming Wednesday. I am now on Tylenol 2 and one of those at a time does nothing for me, however, I cannot take two as they make me too wonky!!! I cannot move my arm, it's worse and I am in too much pain and grumpy!!! 

Carolin, what's new and how was your vacation? The vacation was nice and relaxing. The pictures looked great!

Is anyone into the new Hunger Games Series? My oldest says that it is her second favourite series ever. My little one has no interest but now that all of her friends are reading the books and gone to see the movies, I think that she may be reading the first book soon. I was thinking that I may even read it myself. It has been all the talk the past few weeks. I have never read the book but the kids at school (girls) say it is "Sooooo Goood". The Teenager who is not a teenager anymore (TWINATA)(perfect!!) saw the movie and loved it. She said she cried (at one point sobbing like a baby) and she never cries at movies. She said she might even read the book now that University is done (except for exams). I bought her the book for Easter and might even read it when she is done. The little one has shown no interest and I am good with that. The TWINATA did not recommend the movie for the little one not because of the effects or that it would  be too scary but because she felt it would be too emotional. She said it was tough watching children fight each other till the death. I think the concept is creepy but I have never read the book so I will hold my judgement for now.


The concept for this book reminds me a bit of a story we had to read in school called, "The Lottery". That story "creeped me out", too! I have yet to decide if I will read the series. 

Have a great weekend!!!!

Catch Up Fridays

(Cathy) What a beautiful week! I hope everyone had a chance to be outside to enjoy it. I know we are in for cooler temperatures next week, but that is OK. I hope we get some rain. The water tables need to be topped up due to lack of snow. Welcome back Carolin! I hope you all had a great time! (Sunshine) I agree Cathy, what gorgeous weather.


Arm update: I can now, at times, lift my arm almost to my shoulder. However, only once, but once is better than before. Doctor update on Monday.Garden update: my daffodils and crocuses are in bloom. My tomato and parsley seedlings are looking good. I was going to go to Canada Blooms today with my mother, but she is sick with the flu or cold or allergies or sinus infection, (they all seem the same). She is starting to feel better, however, walking around for a couple of hours in a stuffy building will probably not feel great. Next year. I hope that your mom feels better really soon.

I still cannot sleep. I found a meditation podcast which is supposed to help. I am trying it and will let you know. It's a relaxation program where you take nice long easy breaths while picturing yourself sinking deeper into the bed. Then, while continuing to breath you picture the colour red. Continuing to breath and relax deeper into the bed you start to picture the colour orange and so forth down through the colour spectrum; ie: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. I have tried it twice and can honestly say that by the time I reach violet I conk out. Power of suggestion? I don't know, but if it helps me to sleep then alright. Alcohol also works wonders. A couple of my chalice size glass' of wine and you will be a sleep in know time Carolin, only one sentence, are you jet lagged? Cathy, that sounds so weird, but right up your alley but if it works then that's great. I am waiting for the day that you tell us that you are back to your old self. Its been too long and I know that you must be frustrated.

Welcome back Carline.

Update on my old job, apparently one of the girls was fired on Thursday. Allegedly the phone rang and the manager told her to go and pick it up because it was for her. The owner was on the line and told her to pack up her stuff and leave immediately as the meanager no longer wants her there. The girl asked if she could give her side of the story and he said no, just leave now and don't come back, I feel really bad for her as she was the same girl who was transferred to this cafeteria because the manager at her last cafeteria was throwing things at her and swearing at her. I am so happy not to be working for this crazy company any more.

Have a great week everyone.

Catch Up Fridays

(Cathy) Hi all! I hope everyone is having a great March Break! Carolin has been busy! Thanks for the posting of your first mammogram. I have yet to have the pleasure. My doctor said it would happen when I turn 50, (gag!). I think it would be a moot point anyway as I have no breasts to speak of. What little I had disappeared with the five pounds I have lost since my skiing accident. Why could I not loose the weight from around my waist instead? As for my arm, I have a bit more mobility, but more pain? I see the doctor again in a week. He must be sick and tired of seeing me. I know that I am tired of the constant doctor visits but they are necessary so I will just shut up know and concentrate on healing. (Sunshine) Cathy, it must be so frustrating and your patience must be wearing thin but you are doing a great job. Carolin, thanks for the mammogram story, it is something that every woman worries about.
Carolin, how did you find your new love??? I went on the site and what a lot of information! What new things have you done from it this week?


Are you ready for your vacation? Tell your Teenager who is no longer a Teenager that she is welcome to come over for dinner any night. She is to call, no matter what time, if she needs something! We got home from our vacation early Sunday morning. It was an amazing trip to Los Cabos in Mexico. The weather was beautiful but not too hot and the scenery was gorgeous. I miss it already. We drove around and saw anything that was within two hours or so from the resort and I have to say that everyone was wonderful.


My sister and brother in law return from Mexico tomorrow. My sister is brown skinned and she sent an email that she burned herself! Ouch!!! It's been many years since she has had to respect the southern sun! Other than that they sound like they are having a great time! I had my niece and nephew stay over one night to give my folks a break. They had a good time eating junk and playing games, after all, what are aunties for???


Enjoy the week everyone! Welcome Spring!

Catchup Fridays

(Sunshine) Hello everyone, I am sorry that I missed you last week but it was a really crazy week. The wedding was beautiful. Everyone had fun and the bride and groom are so happy. (Carolin) I am happy all went well. When can we see pictures!!

I haven't been to a wedding for a long time and I forgot how touching and emotional the day can be. I hope that my sister and her husband have a happy, healthy, safe and long life together. I wish them all the best. It is hard not to tear up at weddings. I think the older and wiser we get the more emotional we get.

Work has been busy and challenging but I do enjoy it. I am glad you are enjoying your job. Challenging can be a good thing as it means you are learning new things. Work, what's that??

Carolin, I hope that you will enjoy your time off for March Break. Yes, I am loving it so far (hasn't even been a day). I have different doctors appointments and tests scheduled for the first few days. Then the husband, little one and I are off to a sunny island for a week. The teenager (who is not a teenager anymore) did not want to go so will be home minding the fort. Tell her to call us for anything!

Cathy, I hope that you have a wonderful March break and that your arm feels better. Perhaps you should start to look at physio to get your arm moving again. I thought so too, however, the docs all say that if it is a torn tendon, physio will only make it worse. It has to heal and once it has physio will help to make the arm strong again.

I have been meaning to call you girls. The days seem to fly by but lets get together soon.

(this should be in green but I can't get the highlight to work)Work this week was dismal as lots of kids were away. As the school I work at has a two week break many families take advantage of the time off. And we all know no new concepts are being taught the last week of school so in reality the kids are not missing much.

The little one has started speech therapy again. We haven't done this since she was a preschooler but there are still many sounds she struggles with and we are fortunate this time to have the therapist come to the school (paid for by some government organization it think) and work with her. I meet with a psychologist on Thursday to discuss many concerns we (parents, teachers have with the little one) I left feeling a little overwhelmed. I feel like the professionals are all pushing us to medicate her. For what??  At this time we have agreed to have another assessment done with her to determine if she has ADD. The husband and I think she may have a mild/moderate version. Her teacher does not see it but he has admitted to thinking in the terms of a ADHD child. She is defiantly not that! But I feel a little frustrated as the definition of ADD (Attention deficit disorder) is children (also adults) who can concentrate on things they enjoy but struggle to stay focused on things they find boring or do not enjoy. Isn't that all of us? What about mild autism?
The doctor also discussed working with the little one to come up with coping skills to deal with her anxiety as we know the pressure and demands made on her will increase as she continues through junior high school and goes to high school. Also, they tell me they will help us flush out her IEP (individual education plan) and then find a high school that will best meet her skills. And just so you all understand none of this comes cheap, (the latest bill was $250.00 for the hour and half consult) Our insurance will pay $50.00 per visit!! I am going to need to sell a lot of cookies and sandwiches to pay for all this.
Oh well enough of that we have two weeks not to think about it!


It never seems to end does it? What happened to all of us kids in days gone by? How did we survive, or did we? Where are the stats on that?! 


On a different note, we have a pipe leaking somewhere in our home. See, it never ends! Hubby finishes the basement and next we know there is a leak coming from the upstairs bathroom! So, now we are once again going into demo mode! Ugh!!!!!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a good March Break, everyone!!!

Catch Up Fridays

(Cathy) Hi all, how did the week go? I do not think we will hear from Sunshine this week as her sister's wedding is tomorrow. With all of the planning they have done I am sure all will be perfect, after all, it's all about the love of two people for each other and the promise that they make together. We wish them all our best!


Sunshine, also celebrated her birthday this past week. Happy Birthday Sunshine! Hope you enjoyed your day! (Carolin) Hope you had a happy Bday Sunshine.


Carolin's, Little One also celebrated a birthday. Best wishes to her and I hope all of her wishes will come true!!! Yes, my baby is 12. We had a small family do on Thursday (her actual bd). My brother and sister in law (just back from their 4 month honeymoon backpacking through Thailand, Singapore and surrounding countries) came for the KFC feast. We then hosted 9 girls for a sleepover party Friday night/Saturday morning. It is 11:30 am Sat. and three girls are still here. Everyone is tired but I think it went well.

I am off in a few minutes to cook. I am cooking a buffet dinner for 140 people for tonight. I am just doing the cooking and they are picking up and reheating and serving. Then I am helping out a little for the Dessert/Drama night that Cathy mentioned.

Strange week weather wise. One day it's seven degrees above Celsius and warm and sunny. The next day it's below freezing and snowing and freezing rain! I hope spring happens soon, with lots of rain to fill up the water tables otherwise I can see water bans happening this summer.

Arm update: I am off work for another month. I am now on an anti-inflammatory and let's hope they make a difference. I am sick of reading and the television is boring.

Hubby and I are joining Carolin and family at the Little One's school tomorrow night for a night of "Desserts and Drama". It's a mission fund raiser. One guess as to who is making all of the desserts?? It promises to be a fun night!
One more week of school then off for TWO weeks of March Break. I have booked doctor appointments the first week of break. Yes, I will be going for my first mammogram on the 12th and I am a little nervous. I didn't think they did that until you turned 50? My doctor has yet to mention it to me. But the best part is a week from Thursday we leave for a relaxing week in the Dominican. Enjoy!  The little one and I (and I am sure the husband) are looking forward to laying on the beach. The teenager who is not a teenager anymore does not want to come. So benchers if you could do some random drive bys of my house to make sure the parties are not too crazy and it is still standing that would be grand. My brother and sister in law may stay at the house for the week which would make me feel better. I will check on the Teenager who is not a Teenager for you. Tell her she can call us if there are any weird sounds in the house and Hubby can come by to check it out. Will your phone work in the Dominican? 

Have a great week everyone!

Catch Up Fridays

(Cathy) Hi all, let's hope we can get this post out before Sunday! We did receive a bit of snow today. I had to laugh when I heard all of the school bus cancellations. It was just raining this morning and I wonder if the buses where cancelled to save on gas. I don't think there has been any reason to cancel buses this school year. Let me know if I am wrong. (Carolin) You are not wrong Cathy. Absolutely ridicules that they (whom ever they are) would cancel school bus' which of course means for my school is canceled. I was expecting a banner day as the school was hosting a basketball tournament. GRRRRRR When I woke up at 6:30 am there was NO snow. At ten to seven I got a text from a parent saying school was canceled. (Sunshine) I took Little Miss Sunshine to school that day and the roads were a little bit slippery but not bad at all.

As you know we ladies got together for Carolin's birthday last Sunday. We went to a Greek restaurant and enjoyed really good Slovakia with lots of garlic, yum! It was funny as Carolin's twenty year old kept looking at her watch as she had a party to get to. (It's reading week for university students)Some universities Carolin kept reminding her daughter that it was her birthday!! Boy, it's so neat to see the kids grow up and start their own lives and agendas. I know it's frustrating at times, but it's also somewhat satisfying to watch them, (especially when they are not your own!) The crazy thing was we just got in the car when the oldest received a text saying her ride was not feeling well and would not be going to the party. She nagged for nothing.
Kids , you gotta love em!!!!

I go to the doctor's next Tuesday to get the results and next step for my arm. It really hurts this week and I am having a hard time moving it. I hope to get some good news and can start to move forward with the healing process.
I am crossing my fingers for you Cathy.

Sunshine must be in the last stages of wedding preparation. I think the wedding is next week Saturday. I wish her sister and soon to be husband all the best!
Its less then a week away now and everyone is nervous and excited.

Carolin, I hope you had a good week. You work so hard! Its almost March break so only three and a half months to go before summer break. Where has the time gone?


Have a good week everyone!

Catch up Fridays

(Sunshine) Hello everyone. Cathy, thanks for keeping us up to date last week. I have been really busy with work and my sister's wedding. We are now less than two weeks away. I was also hoping that Carolin and I would be able to come by and see you but time has been flying by. Sorry Cathy, but I have been thinking of you and I hope that you are feeling better. Carolin, how are you doing? How is your nephew feeling?

(Carolin) I myself have not been feeling so great, seriously thought of closing the cafeteria early on Friday. Since Thursday I have this constant feeling of nausea and very tired. I hope it passes soon.

(Cathy) Do you think it's just a continuation of that flu from earlier on this year?

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO OLD!!!!!! I have gone to Tim Horten's twice since they made the cup change. And both times I have screwed up the coffee size. I used to get a large for myself and a medium for the husband. Now that they have changed everything around I can't get it straight what I want. I suggested to the little one I should make a little sign for my dashboard in the car with what I want so I will remember. She laughed her head off at me. How Rude! Since I am a prisoner in my own home I have yet to go to Timmy's and see the new cup sizes. What did they change?

I have another question about Tim Horten's. If my memory serves me right (which is always iffy). Role Up To Win is coming up soon and I thought to get a role up cup you had to order a medium or larger cup. That the small cups did not participate in the game. So now that all the cups have changed and a old large is a medium and a old medium is a small. Does that mean all the old medium drinkers have to spend more money for the new medium (old large) just to be able to play the game? (that's deep thinking.)

Hi all, well I went to the neurologist and he was happy with what he saw. He is sending all of the info to my doctor who I see in a bit over a week. I hope then they will all decide what to do with me. 


It's birthday time for both Carolin and Sunshine. Happy, Happy birthday to you both!


I hope to start my tomato seeds this week. Hope they do better than last year. 

I really don't remember planning a wedding taking so much time and energy not to mention the emotional strains on everyone. We have so many girls in our family that I think that we are overloaded with estrogen. My poor dad and his son in laws. Hopefully all will have fun on the day of. All the planning means things will go great on the big day. I am looking forward to seeing the pictures!


(As an aside, we ladies and family met for dinner to celebrate Carolin's birthday. Her Husband organized us all getting together. It was great to be together again, thanks!)

I am always so tired. We all need a break around here.

Have a wonderful weekend!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROLIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Catch Up Fridays

(Cathy) Hi everyone! Did I mention last week that Hubby was away for work in Kuala Lumpur this past week? He comes home tomorrow night (Saturday night). It takes him twenty-four hours of travel to get to Malaysia. He took a fifteen hour non-stop flt from here to Hong Kong and then a four hour flight from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur with connection time in between. Hubby really only had three days in Kuala Lumpur for actual work! I hope it was worth it! He texts me that the weather is hot with thirty plus degrees Celsius with ninety percent humidity! As for food, do you remember when he was in South Africa last year and there were no vegetables? Well, this trip he has been eating food I like: spicy Thai, Japanese and to quote Hubby, "lots of fish with eyes!!!" He sure is getting a nice introduction this planet we call home. I wish I was with him!  


So what did I do with my week? Nothing. I am trying to rest my arm so that when I go to the neurologist he will tell me that I do not need surgery. It hurts and does not feel normal, who knew that one little fall on snow would result in all of this? I would really like to start my seeds. I was late last year and with the summer we had my tomatoes did not do well. I am hoping to get my seeds in on time or even a bit early this year. 


Mom came over yesterday and made a big pot of potato, leek soup, yummy! We sat and watched some movies and chatted about all sorts of stuff. It was fun! 


Carolin and Sunshine, I hope you both had a good week. 


Oh hey, I just remembered that it's Valentine's Day next week! What to do, what to do????


Does anyone do anything anymore for Valentine's Day?

Catch Up Fridays

(Cathy) Wow, another week has flown by. Did I miss winter? I really think we will meet spring without actually seeing significant snow. I know that that is good for driving and getting to work, (work? what's that?), however, I wonder what this lack of snow and cold will mean for the rest of the year? (Sunshine) Its really strange to have grown up with such harsh conditions for winter all of our lives to now have a winter that is so incredibly mild. I miss the snow and the cold and so do the kids. (Carolin) I don't know if I totally miss the snow. I would love a snow day to catch up at home. It is nice for driving and all week I have been just wearing a hoody.


So, to catch up, I am still at home. Sometimes I can use my hand, but I pay for it. I am supposed to balance out wearing my splint and sling with passive movements so my shoulder will not seize up. The positive thing is that I know my arm will heal in time. I really have a better understanding of those people who do not have the use of a limb. Well, not really as I know I will get the use of my arm back. That must be so frustrating Cathy. We are so much more aware of how amazing our bodies are when something isn't working properly. Cathy, try and relax so you can heal properly. Maybe we will come and bug one day this coming week. That's if you are not too busy.


Sunshine, did Miss Teen Sunshine get her driver's license? Well I called her just before I walked in for work and she said that she failed because she hit the back pylon as she was parallel parking. I felt really bad for her and I was surprised because I really thought that she was ready. I called Mr Sunshine in Vancouver and left a message on his cell phone. He called back when I was on my way to pick her up after work to ask for some insurance information and that's when I was informed that she passed. In the evening when he finally heard my message from earlier that morning he called to say that it sounded like I really believed that she had failed. I guess that she wanted to surprise us when she got home but with time changes and short phone calls everything got a little bit messed up. Well Cathy the short answer to your question is YES!! (Carolin) Yeah for Teen Sunshine.



Carolin, how is your nephew doing? I hope you all are feeling better, too. Our thoughts and prayers and with you all. He is still in the hospital and seems he will remain there for some time still. My mom comes home this coming Wednesday.

It is Saturday afternoon I have been home for 45 minutes. I catered a conference today for 90 people. Morning coffee, mid morning refreshments, then a lunch. I was at the kitchen for 7:00 am and the teenager (who isn't a teenager) came at 10:00 am to help. All went well, I am just tired. I get very stressed over these catered events, I would rather not do them as I am just bone tired from the week. But I don't know how to say NO.


Carolin if you have time this week, lets go and visit the one armed bandit. I think that we could all benefit from spending some time together and I would love to see you girls. Cathy do you have some free time and are you up for some rowdy visitors? The husband is back on the afternoon shift this week, but perhaps Friday night will work.

Time to go get my Jammie's on and lay on the couch.
Have a good week everyone!

Catch Up Fridays

(Cathy) Hi all. I am still typing with one hand. I get to go see a plethora of doctors next week. Our spring bid is coming up at work and if I cannot get back to work before May I will not be able to bid a shift. I sincerely hope I am back before May. Humanity is funny, here I am, at home resting and complaining. When I am at work all I want to do is be at home resting! I have been told this could take months to heal. Enough about me.


Carolin, I am hoping you have more good news regarding your nephew. Is he progressing quickly or will his recovery take a long time? Again, please send our love and prayers to them all. (Carolin) He is still in the hospital but starting to get antsy and wants to go home. The meds he is on are helping but his body is slowing adjusting to them and it will take a bit of time for the side effects to calm down. My mom has been out there for just over a week now and my sister says things are going well. My cousins baby girl (only two months old) has been in the hospital near us for the past week because of a virus. She has been in isolation and on oxygen as the doctors try different things to get her breathing under control.



Here at the home front all is well the little one had the flu last weekend but is back to her normal self. I have been feeling a cold coming on for a few days and as of Friday I have officially given up to the cold. I feel like I just had a cold and now another one. So much for taking my plethora of vitamins this winter. I guess I shouldn't of missed three days this week :(



Sunshine, how's it going? Busy, busy busy I bet.


Well, one more semester to go and Hubby and I will see the older one graduate from high school. It's an incredible feeling. All Hubby and seem to do these days is reminisce about when the kids were little. They are good memories and it's good to look back and see all of their accomplishments before starting the next stage.


Hey Carolin, did you come up with a new "handle" for your twenty year old yet?

(Carolin) Well its been almost a month using my new face care regime.http://http://www.arbonne.ca/ I really like the day and night moisturizer. My skin is much smoother and more uniform in colour (not so blotchy). I also like that at the end of the day my forehead doesn't feel greasy like it used to. Same as in the morning my face doesn't feel heavy. I was hoping these products (day and different night moisturizer, cleanser, and scrub) would get rid of the ashy dry skin flaking I suffer from especially in the winter months. Well it hasn't totally got rid of the dry flacks but it is not as bad as it has been in the past. I have also been using the shampoo and conditioner on my hair, and I find my hair does not get as greasy as soon as it used to. Normally I would wash my hair Sunday morning (example) and by Monday night I would start feeling the itchy, greasy feeling on my scalp. Now I don't notice that till Tuesday and it is never as bad as it used to be. I have also used the body wash but unfortunately my allergies started to react and I had to go back to my pears soap. Cathy I can't seem to change the colour on my paragraph.

One month almost finished in this new year of 2012!

(Sunshine) I hope that everyone is feeling better soon. When someone you love is sick everything else seems so unimportant. I wish everyone a very speedy recovery. Nothing knew around here just work, kids and wedding plans. The days seem to be flying by. My sister has been really emotional especially as the wedding date draws nearer. I think that she really misses my mom in all of this process. We are all tying to help out and fill in but unfortunately there is no substitute.

Have a goods week everyone!

Catch Up Fridays

(Cathy) Hi all. Sorry I have been absent. My arm is very frustrating and my right hand and arm are getting tired from doing all of the work. I go back to the doctor's on Monday. I will let you know any update. (Sunshine) I hope that you will be feeling better soon.


Carolin, how is your nephew doing??? I hope there is good news. Is your mom out there now? Please pass on our prayers and best wishes. (Carolin) Yes he is still in the hospital and will be for a while still. My mom arrived in Calgary late Wednesday night, she will be there for three weeks. I have been to speaking to my sister regularly and things are moving along. She was looking forward to Mom coming to help out. He is in our thoughts and in our prayers.


ey Sunshine, how are you organizing you life these days. What was the final decision with the dresses for the wedding? Life is busy but good. I worked my first Sunday shift this weekend and it was ok but I am not use to my family being home and me working. It is such a weird feeling. With regards to the wedding dresses, The younger girls and my older sister purchased their dresses from a bridal store in the area and they will arrive at the end of February. The bride and myself are having them made by a seamstress and they are coming along. SO much to do and so little time. It's almost February and with trying to coordinate all of our schedules, it seems as though I blinked and January is already gone. I am already making schedule requests for the month of March.

The little one has the flu which started after school yesterday. It has been a rough 24 hours with her. She has been able to keep water down today. I got her to have a bath (man she stunk!) and she is laying on the couch watching a movie now. She even she said she was a little hungry. That flu has been going around now for months. I hope that she is better soon.

I think I had more but I can't remember now.


Hope to see you all sooner than later.

Catch Up Fridays

(Sunshine) Hello everyone. How is everyone doing? Cathy,I hope that your arm is feeling better. Carolin, I hope that you are feeling better as well.

Yesterday we had my father in law's 78th Birthday. (WOW)The girls were just commenting on how cute their grandparents are. I was saying that I would love to grow old and be just like them. They are so happy and so sweet. Miss Teen Sunshine says that they are always so calm and she never remembers a time when she has seen them speak or act in anger. I need to be more like that on a daily basis. I have my mostly calm and happy days but then I can turn into miss crazy person for a while. Thank goodness the craziness doesn't last for long and I always apologize later but I would rather not have those moments of craziness to begin with. Any suggestions? Have your kids go live with the in laws for awhile, you will be calm and they will be crazy.

Today my sister and future brother in law are possibly others are on there way over and next week I have my sister's 49th birthday. Things are getting very busy around here and they will only get busier as the wedding approaches.Why are you the person doing the hosting?

Everything else is pretty much the same. Mr. Sunshine was home for about 24 hours and he left again yesterday evening. The girls are doing well and I am working five days this week. It will be my first Sunday shift in about eleven years. It will be really weird to be at work on the weekend.

(Carolin) It was the first week back to work (school) after the Christmas break and it was a LONNNNGGG week. My nephew is in the hospital (for the past two weeks) and is expected to be stay there for another few weeks. My sister is feeling the stress, my Mother and I have been back and forth and have decided my Mom will spend three weeks out west to help my sister. She flies out this coming Wednesday. I also spoke to a church close to where my sister lives and they made the family dinner on Friday and will help out with meals until it is no longer needed. My sister said the meal was great. I will mail a cheque to the church as a donation to thank them for all their help. I first tried to get help from restaurants and caterers but could not get what I wanted (simple nutritious comfort food meals for a large family). That was very thoughtful of you. I hope that your nephew will be feeling well soon and ready to return home.

Well another week is about to start and though it is early I think I will go to bed. The teenager and I were at a family baby shower all afternoon and it seems to have worn me out.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Catch Up Fridays

(Sunshine) Hello to everyone. I hope that everyone is doing well. Its a busy time around here as my sister is getting married in about 7 weeks. We are in full wedding preparation mode. Its been a long time since I have been so involved in such a big and important event. Its kind of exciting. I am getting excited about all things that have to be chosen. There are so many more options since the Internet, availability is so accessible. (Carolin)Have fun planning the wedding. I am sure it will be a fun day for all. (Cathy) Did you get those dresses?
I can't believe that we are already here, January 2012. Is time really passing by so fast or does it just seem to go faster as we get older in life? Faster as we get older!

Miss Teen Sunshine is hoping to go for her licence by the end of this month. I hope that she passes. Tell her she will beat the older one. I told him about Miss Teen Sunshine and that he only had a few days left if he wanted it before her, lol!

Little Miss Sunshine is finally clear of the flu and the congestion. She was practically sick for the entire month of December.

(Carolin) Glad to hear it, though since we got together Wednesday night for coffee I have not been feeling great. I feel cramping and nausea's on and off all day but mostly at night, so my sleeping is interrupted.

Mr Sunshine is travelling, travelling, travelling. We may see him a few days here and there throughout the month of January. I know that there is travelling on his schedule for February as well. I am just too scared to ask how much.

School starts back on Monday and so does work. I have very much enjoyed my two weeks off and for the first time am not looking forward to going back to work. I have work I am supposed to do over the break and procrastinated so much it is only half done. Hopefully once I am back in the swing of things I will feel better.

I am officially teenage free! Yes, the teenager turned 20 on January 2nd, and the little one does not turn 13 for 14 months. The husband and I have time to replan, regroup and recharge before we have to go through it again. I can't call the teenager, 'the teenager' anymore so I need a new name, any suggestions? (twentysomething?)

I was having a conversation with my 20 year old (that doesn't have the same feel to it), we were discussing skin care. We were talking about how dry our skin gets over the winter months. I find that it doesn't mater how much moisturizer I put on parts of my face get dry and ashy looking. So we have decided to try a new line of products. I bought a bunch of stuff from Arbonne. http://https://www.arbonne.ca/. The facial line for the 20 year old and a similar set of products for myself (the mature women). I started using it yesterday, and noticed that by the end of the day my face (mostly forehead) did not have a heavy greasy feeling. And again this morning when I woke up my face didn't feel heavy like I needed to wash it right away. The daughter said she was going to start today with her products and we will see how they work over the next three months. They were more expensive then the stuff I usually use but if they work then I think it's worth it. The only things I am doing different (then I have in the past) is I am supposed to exfoliate my face (gritty cleanser) twice a week and I now use a day moisturizer and a different one for night. I think I can handle that. Also I will starting taking a pack of vitamins made for women, again hoping to help keep my spirits and energy up over the winter months. Do any of our fellow benchers use the Arbonne products? And if so what is your opinion compared to cheaper drug store lines?


I use nothing special on my skin but I do try to drink more water than tea and I find it hard to do. Thanks to Sunshine for setting up the blog. We went skiing on Saturday and the weather was great but the snow conditions were slushy. So, I wiped out, (first time in years) and actually hurt myself. I have "neurapraxia" on/with/in??? my left arm. I am typing with one finger with my right hand. I am off work because I cannot type onehanded fast enough and everything at work needs two hands and arms. I hope it doesn't last too long. Not a great way to start the new year.

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Catch Up Fridays

Happy New Year to all of our friends and family.

It has been a very quick 2011. Where has the time gone.

I hope that the New Year brings joy and happiness and good health to everyone.

Catch Up Fridays

(Cathy) Merry Christmas everyone!!!!
It is now 8:52pm and I am now sitting down for the first time this evening. I have to be in bed in thirty minutes. I think I am done; done with all my lists. I usually like to have a spotless home for Christmas, however, this year I decided to just clean the bathrooms and do a general tidy. Hopefully, tomorrow when I am at work in the chaos, someone at home will vacuum the floors.
We received a few early gifts for Christmas this year. First, our older son received his first early acceptance to university! Very exciting! Secondly, I was able to get Christmas Day off!!!!!! Christmas is all about family and friends and sharing and caring and now I will be able to participate!

Hey Ladies, are you all ready for Christmas? Who is hosting and who is cooking what? Is anyone trying anything new this year? Where is everyone going to be this year?

(Carolin) This home is all ready as well. Gifts are bought, wrapped and this new tradition you have started of letting Christmas come with a messy house 'Rocks'. As we too, also will not have a spotless clean house. We are NOT hosting Christmas this year. YEAH!!!! My Mom will come tonight and then tomorrow afternoon we will head to my Aunt's for Christmas festivities. I am to bring the turkey and dressing. I cooked the turkey yesterday while at work so I am ready to go.

Just in case anyone forgot:





Merry Christmas and God Bless Us Everyone!

Catch Up Fridays

(Sunshine) Hi everyone. Its been a busy week. Christmas is almost here and everywhere you look you can fell the hustle and bustle and sometimes the panic. Its kind of exciting. I am finally putting up our Christmas tree today. Have a wonderful week and try and remain calm amid all of the chaos. (Cathy) Putting up your Christmas tree means carrying it upstairs, right??? (already still decorated from years past, lol!)

(Carolin) Another week passes us by. I was feeling stressed this past week but after this weekend I feel much better. The teenager was able to get the little one's gifts all wrapped. I got all the laundry and house cleaned on Saturday. The little one and I even were able to get the basement cleaned! Today (Sunday) the husband, little one and I went to the new Loblaw's grocery store that open a few weeks ago. I had wanted to check it out and was very impressed. Loblaw's had bought the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens http://loblaws.ca/60carlton/ a few years ago and have turned the famous Hockey/Rock Concert Venue into a very impressive upscale grocery store. They did a good job and have kept the history of the Gardens with pictures on the walls and on tables. At first it felt weird walking into a building to pick up some coffee cream. The husband and I had our first date in that building back on May 7th 1982. We saw Brian Adams and Loverboy in concert it was very surreal being there. The first time I was there that I can remember was for one of those , "on ice" shows. I was very young. The next time was when I was in high school and my girlfriends and I took the bus after school and went to our first concert! The Village People!!! It was fun!

After our grocery shopping we then headed to the Lowe's Christmas Market at the Distillery District.http://torontochristmasmarket.com/. It was very enjoyable but like all things in Toronto the crowds take some of the enjoyment out of it. It was a nice afternoon and then to top it off we stopped by my Mom's for a little visit. So all and all it was a great weekend! We would love to go to the Christmas Market, especially at night. I'm surprised it doesn't stay open until after Christmas. The weeks that it is open are always busy and no one is able to go after work during the week. Maybe next year.

Oh Yeah I forgot to mention the little one and I went to see, "Arthur's Christmas" http://www.arthurchristmas.com/ Friday night. The movie was OK (a little dull) except the part where Toronto is featured. Of course they could not say Toronto but kept calling it Tor-On-Toe. I am not a big fan of 3D movies and that seems to be all they make now adays. If I had realized it was 3D I wouldn't have gone. This new fangled movie technology is not for me. I know I am old, the teenager keeps telling me that I am not 'old' , I am 'OLD'. Oh well that's me and I am learning to embrace my old.


Gosh, I am trying not to think "old". Hubby and I have noticed that there is finally a generation gap between us and the boys. I have no idea when it happened. The energy is just not there the same as it was years before. I even find myself listening to the classical music station at times because it is just so calm and peaceful!


Carolin, do you work up until Friday? I think you already told me but I forgot. And, hey Sunshine, what is happening with the job??????? Are you still working at the camera store in the group of stores up by where we all used to live??? (hint, hint)


Merry Christmas everyone!


p.s. I am just started to read Dicken's "A Christmas Carol". I have seen the movie but have never read the book. So far, it's great!

Catch Up Fridays

(Cathy) Hi all, it's Friday again! How was everyone's week? I have to work both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. My first time ever! Oh well. I still have to get the dinner thing sorted out. (Carolin)Why do YOU have to get dinner sorted out while you are at work? Your kids are not babies anymore they can figured it out on there own Cathy. We had pancakes and leftover stew for dinner the other night?? It was kinda good. (Sunshine) It was a challenging week. Mr Sunshine has been gone all week long and the girls have been taking turns being sick and I have been working and training and today I was feeling sick as well. I am ok with the flu and even the stomach flu but when out of the blue I fell like I am on a ship with big waves and I need to hold onto something it really freaks me out. Hopefully you feel better. Again where are you working?


Carolin, how did your week go? I hope you have a free day or night coming up soon so we can have a ladie's night out. Your comments last week hit home and I agree with you. We ladies are too wrapped up in our little lives and we need to physically see each other and have a good gab fest. Any news from the school front? I am up for getting together. I miss it all very much. I find it very sad that many of the things that we use to do routinely are now gone, ie. ladies night, Cookie exchange, etc. But I guess life has its twists and turns so although I feel that we try to keep past traditions going inevitably we have had to give in on letting things go. The next two weeks the husband is on afternoons so I don't have the freedom as much. I have next Friday night free but will have the little one with me more then likely. A evening during the week is to hard for me.

It has been a weird week with the principal. There has been NO mention of my email sent to him Sunday night. But he has come by to introduce me some IT guy and his son who are doing upgrades with the schools networks? Also I found a Christmas card in my work mailbox from him thanking me for all I do. Very strange indeed. Not sure if I am being set up for a slaughter or what.

I have a busy couple of weeks at work to get through and then I will very much enjoy my break. I have a Banquet to cater on the 19th for 80 people and hope to get alot of the prep done nex week so the Monday day and evening run smoothly. Also I am makeing and packaging up 600 cookies in 1 dozen bags for a Charity in the city to hand out to the needy. I would like to get them all baked next week and the Teenager will come in next Tuesday and bag them all. By the way she turns 20 in a few weeks so I guess I need to come up with another name for her.

Hey Sunshine, how did work go this week? Have you been given a schedule yet? Work was good. I am on a day to day schedule for now. The deliveries that are suppose to be scheduled to come in on a certain day at a certain time don't always get there so my schedule changes daily. When I left on Friday the assistant manager told me that the manager will call me this weekend to tell me when to come in next week. Are you enjoying this job so far and hopefully they will give you a schedule so you can plan around it. The Teenager is working in retail (seasonal) and also enjoys it on the most part but she doesn't deal to much with the customers. She has all this coming week off because of exams.


Ten days until Christmas!!!!! Yikes!!!


Merry Christmas everyone! And I do mean Christmas and not Season's Greetings!!

Catch Up Fridays... on Tuesday???

(Cathy) I go away for a week and no Friday blog! I feel so important!!! (ha, ha, ha) Hubby and I went away to the Riviera/Maya last week for the first time without our boys. I don't know how I did it. All the planning that takes place prior to leaving makes one wonder if it will be all worth it? A great big thanks to Sunshine and her family who took in our boys for the week. It was great knowing that we didn't have to worry about them. In fact, upon returning Hubby and I didn't think they even wanted to come home! They were spoiled!!! My sister took out puppy and he too was spoiled. Oh well, back to reality for one and all! The reality is.... there is snow on the ground!?! Oh where is my sandy beach, blue sky and cerveza???? (Sunshine) Welcome back Cathy. A sandy beach, sunshine and a blue ocean sounds really good. We enjoyed having the boys over, we will all miss them very much. Also, I am so sorry but I completely forgot about the blog this week. (Carolin) Well don't I feel sheepish, I didn't know Cathy was away or that Sunshine had the boys. Good thing we are a tight knit bunch of friends. I hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable time Cathy.

Well I started my new job on Monday and I work the next three days in a row. Right now there has been a lot of on line training modules that I have finally finished. I must say that it is so different from what I am use to. A much calmer environment and a very normal pace and a clean work place. I am so use to the hustle and bustle of the school cafeteria's. Even dressing up to go to work seems a little strange. I realize that I have absolutely no dress clothes or shoes at all. Oh, well it is part time seasonal so I may only have this job until the end of December so I will have to make due with the wardrobe that I have. I only worked five hours at the location so far and about six hours on line but I am enjoying it so far. There is a lot to learn and I am up for the challenge of working on something new. I really hope that Miss Teen Sunshine gets her licence in January that would solve any issues with me working past the end of the school day. Once again out of the loop, where are you working?

Well I feel a little foolish blogging as it is obvious I don't know what is going on with my besties. My excuse is it was Bethlehem Breakfast last weekend, and you know the stress that causes me. Even more so this year as they decided to sell tickets at the door be neglected to tell the cook. I bought and cooked for 160 people as I was told the numbers were on Friday. Then they sold another 50 tickets at the door and the powers that be wondered why we ran out of food. O well it is done and I don't have to think about it anymore, till next year anyway.

I have been having some issues with the Principal this past week. Well lets say I have had enough and wrote a extensively long email answering a zillion questions and why I do what I do in reference to Food Services. I then decided to not just leave it at that and also expressed my feeling on how I have been treated this past two years and demanded respect or I was leaving (as well as my child). I have had no response but I did find a Christmas card from him in my work mailbox (first time). Also he came to the kitchen today to introduce some IT guy (again first time) . So don't know if all is good or if I am being set up for a slaughter.

Now if I can get the nerve to deal with Dragon Lady all will be good. I was given the evil eye yesterday because she screwed up and tried to blame it on me and I would have nothing to do with that. Maybe I am growing a back bone (just a little).


So I know what Sunshine was doing..... what has Carolin been up to last week???

Carolin, where are you?


Have a great weekend everyone!

Catch Up Fridays

(Cathy) Hi all. So I just finished my first five days in a row working full time. Ugh! Will someone please tell me again why I (and it was me) chose this new path? I will get used to it in time. Funny thing though, the time at work flies by and I like it, however, reality hits when I come home. How am I supposed to do all that I did in the three hours I have free before I have to go to bed? I wore a pedometer last week and in nine hours at work I walked over 13, 400 steps! The recommendation is from 10,000 to 12,000 steps for an active person! What does this make me? Is it good for a loss of five pounds? Ten? In time I will figure out a new schedule. It's the cooking and phone calls and organizing that I have to reorganize. I will give myself until after Christmas to get it all working. (Sunshine) Good luck with the new shift. I suppose one way to look at it is if you are going to work, then you may as well work all day and make some good money out of it. (Carolin) That is alot of steps Cathy. I should have a look around for my pedometer I would be curoius to see how many steps a day I take.

On to another topic. What did everyone think of the Breast Cancer post? Did anyone go onto the Rethink Breast Cancer website? There has been a lot of talk on the news lately about Breast Cancer screening. I have no answer, I just wish cancer would go away. I watched a friend die of Breast Cancer. She had discovered a small lump in her breast. She did go to her doctor who told her it was nothing to worry about. Her instincts told her otherwise. She had to really bug him and when he would not get the lump tested she went to another doctor. That doctor did the test. By that time the lump had grown and it was too late. I get that testing costs money and some tests might do more harm than good. So, what is the answer? The "C" work really scares me. I watched the video like you asked Cathy. I thought it was a little over the line but that is cause I am a prude I guess. I got there point though and that is what matters in the long run.

Changing subjects yet again. This Sunday is pudding day. It's the First Sunday of Advent. Time for three stirs and a wish! I am sure that it will be a really fun filled family day. I am sure you will have a great time with your Mom, Sister and Aunts.

I haven't' got all my shopping done yet but I have made a big dent in it. It was a another busy week at work. We had 4 volleyball teams visit from other schools for a tournament on Wednesday. We will be hosting another tournament this coming Monday. And of course it is that time of year so I am gearing up for Bethlehem Breakfast. I have everything ordered or completed (I think). On Thursday school is done at 1:00 pm so after I clean up I will be heading up to the Holland Marsh and pickup 50 poinsettias from a grower.

The husband set up the Christmas tree but we have a problem. Seems the kitten (Prince) loves the tree. He climbs up to the top and sits up there and has his nap. The little one doesn't want us to put any decorations on the tree so Prince can enjoy it. I on the other hand am not to pleased. I am going to get the lights on the tree and hope that will be a deterrent for him to stay off the tree. The teenager thinks I am buying the 50 poinsettias for the house so that I can poison the cat!

Wishing everyone a warm and happy Christmas Season!

p.s. Dear Santa, I've been good this year..... really!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Catch up Fridays

(Caroline) Well look at this, its Friday and I am the one setting up the blog. I am not good at dealing with a white screen. So where to start. (Cathy) Awesome job! I went Christmas shopping with my mom. We are almost done! Just one or two little things to pick up.

Another week has gone by. Same old, same old at work. We had a 1:00 pm dismissal today. I brought Mac and cheese home with me as KD has to work. She will come for dinner later. I love mac and cheese. Just yesterday I asked my mom if she would be so kind as to make her mac and cheese for us for dinner one night. I love it with ketchup!!! ???? Mac and Cheese are two little girls (KD's daughters) But glad you like them with ketchup!

(Sunshine) Its been a busy week and a frustrating one at that. I have been working all week for another catering company in another school all week. It is far to get to but I told them that I would help them for two weeks until they found someone permanent. It's a busy place and run very efficiently. The pay is a big issue once again and I am getting so frustrated. To work our butts off for almost nothing just doesn't seem fair. Then I had an interview this week in retail for a company that I really like. They are doing a background check and then I will receive the offer letter according to the manager. I love the environment and the staff and philosophy of the company with regards to the customers and their employees. My frustration again is with the hourly wage. I can't understand how any mature adult can be expected to work for minimum wage. This job would be part time and would include weekends and summers and March break as well but at least there is room for future advancement and it could possibly become a career in the years to come. It would mean a lot of changes within my family and some of them I don't really know how to handle. Summer time will be a big problem as Miss Teen Sunshine will be working long hours and Mr Sunshine is in and out of town and not available for time with Little Miss Sunshine when I would be working. Taking her to work with me is not an option, I already asked that question. I know everyone is thinking how am I different from any other family out there. I want to know how do people do it when putting her in a day camp would be more than what I would make for the week and she and I would be very unhappy. I feel as though I am going around in circles again and again with regards to this subject. I am feeling so lost. Sunshine, what job would make you happy? I ask this because though I work 70 plus hours a week and if it is a good week I might make $8.00 an hour, on the most part I am happy. I wake up looking forward to going to work, I enjoy my day. Of course there are parts about it that are frustrating but all in all I like it. The hourly rate is the hourly rate, Ontario's minimum wage is one of the highest in the world! As a consumer we want the cheapest price for products and service but as an employee we want to make what we feel we are worth. Unfortunately, they don't meet.

On to family life, little Miss Sunshine is getting older so she could be left alone at home during your shifts. Teen Sunshine can look for a summer job that is closer to home or take the bus as many others do. Mr. Sunshine has always had a job that required him to travel. And that is not going to change. Is the compromising with your home life worth it? Keep in mind with retail you will work 4 hour shifts (all over the place), for less then what you were making, and is there a real potential for a career? Are you willing to work whenever they ask and (you will hate this) do you really think career advancement will be given to a 40 plus with baggage(husband, kids availability restrictions) or to a twenty something who will work when ever and has bounds of energy. I know you won't like that thought, really think about it. The other thing to think about is sick time. Will you have any? Or family care time. They might say that you can call in for a day off for when the kids are sick but will you still have a job and for how long? What about nights? Will you be able to get time off for concerts or after school sports? I have worked 13 years full time and when the Younger One was a year old I went part time. I was lucky because of my seniority I was able to choose shifts which we could make work with our family. I was also lucky because I had my parents and you good ladies available to help out when I was in a pinch. Hubby did not have to travel with his job so there was consistancy there. When we worked out daycare and a house cleaner verses part time; part time came out ahead. Now, after another 13 years I am back to full time. We will see if it will work; however, I still have options. I know you are thinking about all of this and it is a really hard decision!

The Christmas season is upon us, and the city's Santa Clause Parade is tomorrow night. The little one has never been to the parade and every year when we ask her if she wants to go she says "No". This year was no exception till the maintenance guy 'Jim' asked her if she was going? She said she wasn't then he asked her if she would like to sit on a float and be in the parade. Well, that changed everything. So, though she has never been to the parade she can boast she has been in the parade! She is pretty excited! I am so happy for her. She will have a great time. When I worked for a company many years ago I was in the Parade wearing the company's mascot costume. It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it. She is going to have a ball.

How's the Christmas shopping coming along? I am hoping to be completed by Dec 1st.

Christmas shopping, what's that?. There is no time and no money, even if there was time.


I think this Christmas will be a good time to refocus on what is important and valuable in life: no money needed!

Have a great weekend everyone!!!!!