After 1711 posts I have decided to stop blogging. I don't know if it will be forever or for a while,but after 7 years, dwindling posts, dwindling interest and increased difficulty in finding things to write about I think leaving it here is a good place to say goodbye. Thank you for reading and commenting.
It is time for a new chapter.
Thanks again.
Monday 10 November 2014
Wednesday 29 October 2014
The Real Truth - as I see it
As a 28 year veteran of mental illness and a strong (to say it mildly) advocate of doing more to eradicate this dangerous, under-discussed killer, I volunteer as a Mental Health Advocate speaking with Intermediate and High School kids about living a life with mental illness, or as some would say - poor mental health. Aside from right there, you will never hear me say that again. It is an illness and once we get our heads out of our asses and realize that money, time, research and discussion needs to be centered around the epidemic that is mental illness and the incredible number of people in Canada who suffer from this debilitating, life changing, career ending, family crushing, street living, life ending disease, then we can maybe say mental health.
If you don't want to hear any more about mental illness and the destruction it causes, I recommend you quit reading this blog. I have spent 7 years writing about the lives of my children, soccer games, swimming pools and cookouts - and have loved documenting their lives. However in doing so, I have ignored (aside from rare occasions) discussing the truth about living in this household. So, not only are the boys growing up, this blog growing up too. This is and has always been my platform and while the readership here is limited, no one will ever say I haven't used it.
Today I will be speaking with kids about growing up in a regular family with a regular life and still having this deadly disease incapacitate me. Make no mistake, Mental Illness kills, just like Cancer and ALS. I have never hidden my struggles from my family, and Craig has never opted to walk away from what has surely been a far more difficult life than he had planned. My boys are innocent victims in watching me learn to function in every day life. There is nothing else in my life that hurts as much as that.
I look for no pity. None. I don't need it and sure as hell don't want it. What I look for is some sort of understanding and the end of using me as an excuse for why an event may not have gone as planned, why alternate arrangements were made or for not seeing each other because "Shannon can't handle it". Let me tell you this - I am mentally stronger than most and am tired of being scape-goated, coddled or blamed for other peoples view of a situation. There is no asking, only assuming.
I am me. This is my life and no one has any idea of how hard or easy it is. Not because I won't tell, but because they don't ask. That is up to them. With almost 25% of the Canadian population having been diagnosed with a form of mental illness, I am always surprised that people send their money elsewhere. Not only that, but they shy away from assisting those they know need help.
In my case, my disease is not only an emotional one, it is a physical one (yes mental illness is not only 'in your head'). So why can't I and so many others get the care, funding, research that is so desperately needed? Because it is easier to send money to Cancer research because we can SEE people dying. It is easier to send to ALS research because it was made fun.Don't get me wrong, those diseases need the money for research - defintely. Here's the thing - whether you have Cancer, ALS, Diabetes, or Mental Illness it is not easy, not fun. The difference is because people think it is "in your head", money isn't donated, cool challenges aren't proposed and even when celebrities die due to the desperation in their lives, that too is swept under the rug and a physical illness is put in its place to alleviate the stigma of mental illness.
I am sick of seeing kids and adults alike not being able to get the care and support they need for an illness that affects more people than any other.
I am blessed and thankful that my family has stood by me, that my parents believed me way back when and to this day, that my doctors pushed me, that I have fought every day for the last 28 years to get out of bed, make my parents, my husband and my children proud of me. I am proud that I feel passionately enough about something that I am willing to risk my livelihood and ridicule to speak about something that needs to be talked about. Kids and adults are killing themselves every day because they have no support. Do people realize this?
So if mental illness scares you, it should. It is scary, and hard and debilitating and killing. And it is time to wake up. Donate your time and money wherever you want, but remember you all know someone with mental illness. You know me. I am the poster child for normal childhood, normal life and still, it chose me, chose to damage my life - almost ruin me, chose to take away my memories, chose to affect my relationships. It didn't care who I was, what I had going for me.
Ignoring the fact that someone you know suffers from mental illness, will not cure them. You wouldn't ignore Cancer, would you? Is it fear of what you may hear if you actually listened? I suggest you be more afraid of the time when there is nothing left to be said. When that person is so deep in their disease you can no longer reach them. That's when you should be afraid.
Thank you Craig for rescuing me. You did that. And while you may not realize it, you saved my life. I WOULD NEVER kill myself, but you saved me. And every day for the rest of my life I will thank you for giving me my life back. October 31 holds a big significance in my life. And on Friday I will celebrate knowing that that day changed my life.
So today is the day, the line in the sand. I will not be used as an excuse any longer. I'm done. I am me. I am an excellent mother, a loving wife, a good daughter and sister. I am a hard worker, a friend, a confidante, a keeper of a home, a taxi service, a listener and a talker. I am beautiful, not because of my outside, but because of my inside. If you want to judge me, or dislike me - you are absolutely free to do so - just don't blame my mental illness - that's just an excuse and really, a cop-out..
If you don't want to hear any more about mental illness and the destruction it causes, I recommend you quit reading this blog. I have spent 7 years writing about the lives of my children, soccer games, swimming pools and cookouts - and have loved documenting their lives. However in doing so, I have ignored (aside from rare occasions) discussing the truth about living in this household. So, not only are the boys growing up, this blog growing up too. This is and has always been my platform and while the readership here is limited, no one will ever say I haven't used it.
Today I will be speaking with kids about growing up in a regular family with a regular life and still having this deadly disease incapacitate me. Make no mistake, Mental Illness kills, just like Cancer and ALS. I have never hidden my struggles from my family, and Craig has never opted to walk away from what has surely been a far more difficult life than he had planned. My boys are innocent victims in watching me learn to function in every day life. There is nothing else in my life that hurts as much as that.
I look for no pity. None. I don't need it and sure as hell don't want it. What I look for is some sort of understanding and the end of using me as an excuse for why an event may not have gone as planned, why alternate arrangements were made or for not seeing each other because "Shannon can't handle it". Let me tell you this - I am mentally stronger than most and am tired of being scape-goated, coddled or blamed for other peoples view of a situation. There is no asking, only assuming.
I am me. This is my life and no one has any idea of how hard or easy it is. Not because I won't tell, but because they don't ask. That is up to them. With almost 25% of the Canadian population having been diagnosed with a form of mental illness, I am always surprised that people send their money elsewhere. Not only that, but they shy away from assisting those they know need help.
In my case, my disease is not only an emotional one, it is a physical one (yes mental illness is not only 'in your head'). So why can't I and so many others get the care, funding, research that is so desperately needed? Because it is easier to send money to Cancer research because we can SEE people dying. It is easier to send to ALS research because it was made fun.Don't get me wrong, those diseases need the money for research - defintely. Here's the thing - whether you have Cancer, ALS, Diabetes, or Mental Illness it is not easy, not fun. The difference is because people think it is "in your head", money isn't donated, cool challenges aren't proposed and even when celebrities die due to the desperation in their lives, that too is swept under the rug and a physical illness is put in its place to alleviate the stigma of mental illness.
I am sick of seeing kids and adults alike not being able to get the care and support they need for an illness that affects more people than any other.
I am blessed and thankful that my family has stood by me, that my parents believed me way back when and to this day, that my doctors pushed me, that I have fought every day for the last 28 years to get out of bed, make my parents, my husband and my children proud of me. I am proud that I feel passionately enough about something that I am willing to risk my livelihood and ridicule to speak about something that needs to be talked about. Kids and adults are killing themselves every day because they have no support. Do people realize this?
So if mental illness scares you, it should. It is scary, and hard and debilitating and killing. And it is time to wake up. Donate your time and money wherever you want, but remember you all know someone with mental illness. You know me. I am the poster child for normal childhood, normal life and still, it chose me, chose to damage my life - almost ruin me, chose to take away my memories, chose to affect my relationships. It didn't care who I was, what I had going for me.
Ignoring the fact that someone you know suffers from mental illness, will not cure them. You wouldn't ignore Cancer, would you? Is it fear of what you may hear if you actually listened? I suggest you be more afraid of the time when there is nothing left to be said. When that person is so deep in their disease you can no longer reach them. That's when you should be afraid.
Thank you Craig for rescuing me. You did that. And while you may not realize it, you saved my life. I WOULD NEVER kill myself, but you saved me. And every day for the rest of my life I will thank you for giving me my life back. October 31 holds a big significance in my life. And on Friday I will celebrate knowing that that day changed my life.
So today is the day, the line in the sand. I will not be used as an excuse any longer. I'm done. I am me. I am an excellent mother, a loving wife, a good daughter and sister. I am a hard worker, a friend, a confidante, a keeper of a home, a taxi service, a listener and a talker. I am beautiful, not because of my outside, but because of my inside. If you want to judge me, or dislike me - you are absolutely free to do so - just don't blame my mental illness - that's just an excuse and really, a cop-out..
Monday 27 October 2014
Toe Jam
The disgusting toe thing is about 6 months old and he has seen his family doc twice and taken himself to the walk-in at least that many times. Finally the decision was made to have a surgeon take a look.
The doctor was Russian, and Sterling and Craig both thought he was hilarious, although his bedside manner was not exactly what they were used to. He threw out a lot of movie examples of how bad the surgery was going to be. I don't know if 'goulag' came up. Sterling was a little shocked that the doc yanked out the whole nail and I think the doc may have been a little surprised that Sterling asked to keep it. lol
I have a hilarious photo of Sterling smiling a maniacal smile but thought I would keep it in my 'I beg of you, please don't have a big wedding or I will be forced to use this' file.
Thursday 23 October 2014
A Cinderella Story
Yesterday Craig and I were both fortunate enough to be able to work our schedules around being able to watch the most amazing game of soccer we have seen in Kaedo's 11 years of playing.
Kaedo joined his school soccer team this Fall, and played and practiced like he was going to the World Cup. Unfortunately at the end of the season, his team had the worst record with 0 wins, 3 ties and 3 losses. They made it into the playoffs in the last spot. Everyone thought they were an easy beat and you know what happens when people think that way. We watched them beat the first, second and third placed teams to go on and take the GOLD in the LOSSA finals.
They worked hard and played hard and only got better as the competition grew.
Craig and were extremely impressed with the coaching and manner in which the boys were treated and respected given their various talents as league, all-star and rep players outside of the school milieu. I saw almost all the games this season, based strictly on the luck of my work schedule and their game schedule and I can say I have never been so impressed with the coaching.
While we have many other pictures, my stance has always been not to post pics of other kids, so you will have to make due with this gorgeous one of a gold medal defender. We are so proud of Kaedo's perseverance after having had knee surgery this year and fracturing his neck just one year ago. His love of the game shines through and his willingness to get into the play even though he is nervous is inspiring.
If you have never seen high school soccer before I would highly recommend attending a game. Why? Because the worst aspect of any team sport is missing. Parents coaching from the sidelines.
So CONGRATULATIONS to the LOSSA Gold Medal Champions, and to Kaedo for giving it his all.
On a side note - my god, he is gorgeous!
Tuesday 21 October 2014
Wow, October 1st, eh?
I have been reminded numerous times over the last few weeks that no posting has been done since October 1. While I cannot promise the consistent posting of years gone by, I do promise to make a concerted effort to write more.
So with that being said, here goes:
My mom and dad are winging their way back to their Summer home as I write this, after a wonderful and productive two week visit. Craig and my dad worked their asses off replacing what must be 600 sq ft of flooring, including the main floor, two landings, the upstairs hall and into the basement. They also replaced the counter top and installed a range microwave. My dad also did a myriad of other chores and we are so thankful for all his help and hours that he put in teaching Craig and working together to make our house so much more beautiful. We would never have been able to tackle these jobs without his help. So thanks dad, you are so amazing!
We had the opportunity to show off some of the beautiful things we have in our area, including a day trip to a quaint town for window shopping, walking and a nice lunch. We also visited some of our farm markets, saw some pumpkin patches and had a very nice chat with a big cow. We went to the races (yay), they took in an Argos game and spent a day in Toronto walking around. Plus they got to see the changing of the leaves. Spectacular!
Mom and dad got to see Kaedo's school soccer team, not only come from last place but make it into the finals (knocking out the number one/no losses team in the league). They will play the gold medal game tomorrow at 12:30pm, and I'm hoping Craig takes some pictures.
One of the coolest things that happened was my mom, the non-dog-lover, loved Grover and taught him to fetch and return. Very cool! As you'll see below, I think she likes him. Maybe a little.
We also got to take some family pictures - first ever of the 6 of us. These photos are not photoshopped in any way, and were taken outside by us, in a local park. We have all commented that it looks like we are standing in front of a Sears Photo screen. lol
!
And just for you, mom and dad - "that's what she said!"
So with that being said, here goes:
My mom and dad are winging their way back to their Summer home as I write this, after a wonderful and productive two week visit. Craig and my dad worked their asses off replacing what must be 600 sq ft of flooring, including the main floor, two landings, the upstairs hall and into the basement. They also replaced the counter top and installed a range microwave. My dad also did a myriad of other chores and we are so thankful for all his help and hours that he put in teaching Craig and working together to make our house so much more beautiful. We would never have been able to tackle these jobs without his help. So thanks dad, you are so amazing!
We had the opportunity to show off some of the beautiful things we have in our area, including a day trip to a quaint town for window shopping, walking and a nice lunch. We also visited some of our farm markets, saw some pumpkin patches and had a very nice chat with a big cow. We went to the races (yay), they took in an Argos game and spent a day in Toronto walking around. Plus they got to see the changing of the leaves. Spectacular!
Mom and dad got to see Kaedo's school soccer team, not only come from last place but make it into the finals (knocking out the number one/no losses team in the league). They will play the gold medal game tomorrow at 12:30pm, and I'm hoping Craig takes some pictures.
One of the coolest things that happened was my mom, the non-dog-lover, loved Grover and taught him to fetch and return. Very cool! As you'll see below, I think she likes him. Maybe a little.
We also got to take some family pictures - first ever of the 6 of us. These photos are not photoshopped in any way, and were taken outside by us, in a local park. We have all commented that it looks like we are standing in front of a Sears Photo screen. lol
Love to see them together like this - best friends. Talking about girls?
!
Love you guys!
Yes, I am completely aware that I look 10 years older than Craig
This may be one of my favorite photos ever. What beautiful people my mom and dad are!
Boy Amma, are you ever short!
All the same height here - better watch out Baba!
Love this one!
Cannot believe this was her idea!
And just for you, mom and dad - "that's what she said!"
Wednesday 1 October 2014
So apparently....
...replacing your furnace and air conditioning may give you a coronary. We had a consult tonight to get a quote for the replacement - we were told last year that our furnace wouldn't make it through another winter - and all I can say is OMFG!
It will literally (right use of the word literally, E) cost more than I will make this year.
I have a slight but noticeable twitch in my eye and an ulcer coming on. Furnacitis?
It will literally (right use of the word literally, E) cost more than I will make this year.
I have a slight but noticeable twitch in my eye and an ulcer coming on. Furnacitis?
Tuesday 30 September 2014
Our family is now complete!
On Sunday, Craig and Kaedo set out to complete our family of deer, by creating me and Sterling (sounds weird, right?) I just love how they turned out. Sterling, far left, is a little bigger than Kaedo, and I'm a little shorter than Craig. As I read this I realize how nuts that sounds. When I asked Craig why the hell they made my legs so fat, his quick retort was, "Be happy, I shaved off some of your ass". Lol! So funny. Trust him to come up with something like that. (and thank you for doing that!!)
I just love them so much. Originally they were going to sell them and they asked me what I thought before they added the antlers. When I told them I loved them, Craig told me that they owed me a complete family, so I could keep them. Yay!
Here they are in the back yard
Mom and baby in the wild
Dad and baby in the wild
So stinkin' awesome!!!
Wednesday 24 September 2014
Such a Romantic
Last Thursday I was sent home for being too sick to work. My sweet husband stopped at Costco on the way home and brought me some flowers:
While I have seen these before, I was never too sure what to make of them. I have since learned that this is a new breed of flower giving. This particular one is called the" Grow Your Own Damn Bouquet" bouquet. It has a lovely selection of bulbs and apparently to complete the arrangement (7 months from now), I simply cut off pieces from other plants to provide the greenery. You learn something new every day.
My sweet husband has also advised me of the bonus gift that comes along with this: the fact that he will be a hero every Spring going forward.
So there you have it. The gift that just keeps giving!
ps. Craig - best gift ever! You still take my breath away and amidst my teasing, you know this is perfect. Thanks!
While I have seen these before, I was never too sure what to make of them. I have since learned that this is a new breed of flower giving. This particular one is called the" Grow Your Own Damn Bouquet" bouquet. It has a lovely selection of bulbs and apparently to complete the arrangement (7 months from now), I simply cut off pieces from other plants to provide the greenery. You learn something new every day.
My sweet husband has also advised me of the bonus gift that comes along with this: the fact that he will be a hero every Spring going forward.
So there you have it. The gift that just keeps giving!
ps. Craig - best gift ever! You still take my breath away and amidst my teasing, you know this is perfect. Thanks!
Tuesday 23 September 2014
Wow!
I agree, it has been a while. lol. Life has gotten away from me, and while I only work part time, carpooling, soccer games, soccer practices, staying up waiting for my son to come home from work (yikes - did I really say that?), and trying to get a handle on the crazy schedules of a gorgeous husband and two teenagers has definitely kicked the shit out of me. So, I apologize. On an up-note, I am extremely organized, so everyone's phones are synced with a calendar that lets us know where everyone is and when and we run a family group chat that allows us to send messages to all four at once. It makes communicating super easy!
So, what have we been up to?
- Sterling officially started his regular shifts at his new job and is loving it. Funny the kinds of maintenance jobs you'll do for money. Gross.
- Kaedo made the school soccer team (but of course :) ), and is loving it. They lost their first game but he has been doing awesome. Next game is tomorrow afternoon. He even misses school to play. Don`t love that but what can you do.
- Craig's football league has started and he was given the title of El Presidente. He says he doesn't like being the president, but I secretly think he does.
- I have nailed down this job thing pretty well I think. I am working hard and 27 hours in 3 days on concrete and brick (no sitting) has been good for my ass but not so good on my knees. I am getting about 14,000 steps on my work days and the weight is coming off. Woot woot! I think I will go up to 4 days in November.
- Craig was home sick yesterday. Only the second time in 11 years. S & S, he's fine. Back to work today!
- Sterling is loving his car and is taking auto shop in school and as he is the only one in his class with a car, a lot of work is being done on it.
- Kaedo had his phone stolen from the Y 10 days ago. That's a real pisser as it was our Christmas present to him. On the upside, he's been put in charge of some of the teen programming on Friday nights and is loving the fun and responsibility that comes with that.
And just because I love this picture I am posting it. Summer 2004.
Lots of other things to write about and will do that soon. Thanks for sticking around!
Lastly, a couple of shout outs:
Happy 70th Birthday to my Father-in-law! Hope you have a wonderful day.
and
Sending a big hug to my sweet daredevil niece E. Thinking of you, sweetie!
Wednesday 3 September 2014
Family Pictures
For years we have taken our own family pictures, usually at Thanksgiving. We do this for a few reasons - I have a lot of pictures of the boys (LOTS), but we don't often get those shots of the four of us. In planning to have family pictures, we ensure that at least once a year we get some of the bunch. We do them ourselves, because we don't personally know any photographers and often wonder if they will capture the real us without the personal relationship. And we are cheap and would rather do it our way. lol.
For Shirley's birthday this year, one of the things we did was a family photo shoot. Shirley and I wrote down all the groupings of photos she would like, and we made sure we got shots of all those.They turned out amazing and you can't tell that it was done by a bunch of amateurs. These capture the real us. We had a lot of laughs and I am loving these. Shirley came away with 24 photos in a book and 2 framed 5x7s of the day.
We are lucky to get the opportunity to do this again next month with my mom and dad, so we will have some great shots of our family with them.
I haven't asked Shirley for permission to post the group shots so today I am posting our photos. The boys are gorgeous not that I'm biased) and it was so fun. The ones of the jumping are hilarious. I wish I had videotaped it.
For Shirley's birthday this year, one of the things we did was a family photo shoot. Shirley and I wrote down all the groupings of photos she would like, and we made sure we got shots of all those.They turned out amazing and you can't tell that it was done by a bunch of amateurs. These capture the real us. We had a lot of laughs and I am loving these. Shirley came away with 24 photos in a book and 2 framed 5x7s of the day.
We are lucky to get the opportunity to do this again next month with my mom and dad, so we will have some great shots of our family with them.
I haven't asked Shirley for permission to post the group shots so today I am posting our photos. The boys are gorgeous not that I'm biased) and it was so fun. The ones of the jumping are hilarious. I wish I had videotaped it.
Is Sterling taller than Craig? Perhaps.
Dreamboat!
My Boys!
So them!
Signature pose
Look at them...sigh
LOL!
LOL!LOL!
Heartthrob!
Tuesday 2 September 2014
First Day of School
OK, WOW!
These guys are just gorgeous, and top the 6ft range to boot. I wanted to make sure I got their first day pictures, so I shooed them out the door before before they got their shoes on. lol.Kaedo is heading to grade 10 and was excited to get back to school and his friends. I will be car pooling with another family to get him and a friend back and forth this year.
Sterling is heading into grade 11 AND drove himself to school in his very own car today. Then the bugger didn't text me to tell me he got there! He is loving the freedom but cringes at the gas. Welcome to reality my love.
People have commented that we have quite a few rules, although I think my in-laws may disagree as far as dirty jokes and the use of swears are concerned. haha. One of the school based ones is that in grade 9 you get a free pass from school extra-curricular activities. Come grade 10 you have to choose a year long activity, or one for each semester. This semester, Kaedo is going to play soccer for his school team (hopefully), and Sterling has already been tapped for a cool job doing some tech/photography work for the drama/REAL depts.
Both boys will continue their volunteering with the Y and Interact and Sterling starts his new job on Thursday. Kaedo will be playing indoor soccer all winter starting next month, Craig starts league play for football next week, and I am working again, crocheting and 'vintaging'.
Lets just say we are so busy that I downloaded an app for everyone so we all know everyone's schedule. Ahh, the modern world!
I like routine and schedules and I think it is good for kids, especially the age of mine.
It is an exciting time for us!
Lastly, I want to wish my gorgeous, kind and generous husband a Happy Anniversary. Thank you for everything you have done and everything you continue to do. I am truly blessed to have you in my life. Apparently 19 years is big for our generation. Hmm. We make it look so easy, right? lol. Here's to 19 more. Then another 19 and another after that. I love you. Always and forever!
Friday 22 August 2014
Another Red Letter Day!
No more dress shirt ironing for me! I am now a working woman. After a sit down interview and two 7 hour shift 'working interviews', I learned last night that I got the job! I am so thrilled! While it is starting as 3 days a week, it will be 4 days within the next 6 weeks or so.
A lot of hard work but I am loving it so far. The sentimental, memory making side of me finds this job to be the perfect fit!
Came home last night to a bouquet of flowers from Stan, Shirley and the boys, so that was a wonderful, if ironic surprise. lol. You know I LOVE flowers!!!!
We are having a wonderful time with Stan and Shirley visiting and had a lot of laughs last night hearing about their adventures at Buskerfest.
Today I work (woot woot), and Craig, Stan and Sterling are replacing the brakes on Sterling's car. Shirley will have her first adventure driving here (in 11 years she has never driven while visiting us), as she and Kaedo spend the day together.
I hope they remember to pick me up after work (woot woot), it's a long walk - as my mom can attest lol.
Tomorrow we will be celebrating Shirley's birthday, so tonight it is birthday cake making and a cookout! Nice way to start the weekend.
August, you have been so very good to us! Thank you.
A lot of hard work but I am loving it so far. The sentimental, memory making side of me finds this job to be the perfect fit!
Came home last night to a bouquet of flowers from Stan, Shirley and the boys, so that was a wonderful, if ironic surprise. lol. You know I LOVE flowers!!!!
We are having a wonderful time with Stan and Shirley visiting and had a lot of laughs last night hearing about their adventures at Buskerfest.
Today I work (woot woot), and Craig, Stan and Sterling are replacing the brakes on Sterling's car. Shirley will have her first adventure driving here (in 11 years she has never driven while visiting us), as she and Kaedo spend the day together.
I hope they remember to pick me up after work (woot woot), it's a long walk - as my mom can attest lol.
Tomorrow we will be celebrating Shirley's birthday, so tonight it is birthday cake making and a cookout! Nice way to start the weekend.
August, you have been so very good to us! Thank you.
Friday 15 August 2014
RED LETTER DAY!
Wow, yesterday was quite an amazing day, let me tell you.
Here is a list of all the fantastic things that happened:
1. Sterling got a job - woot woot!
2. I got short listed for a job and have my final interview on Tuesday (a whole day working to see if they like me and I like them!) woot woot
3. Went hunting for some vintage items to add to my new vintage shop and hit the mother-load! I was giddy with excitement. I made the woman I bought from swear she wouldn't tell another soul about all the groovy things she has.
4. Set up my new work space to get this little adventure of mine off the ground
5. Had my first and second sale off my vintage site - woot woot!
6. I was accepted as a Mental Health speaker for an organization in our region. Come the Fall I will speak about mental health and the issues that surround it, including sharing my story and answering questions from grade 7-12 students in schools all around me - I'm finally puttin' all this crazy to good work! ;)
and (if that's not enough)
I won a free play on my lottery ticket!
If you love vintage, kitsch or just want to see what the hell it's all about, come visit me at:
www.facebook.com/thebombdiggitychronicles
and if you can't stand the stuff, pass my name on to some of your friends with taste!
Lastly, check this awesome banner made by none other than the fabulously talented Sterling:
Here is a list of all the fantastic things that happened:
1. Sterling got a job - woot woot!
2. I got short listed for a job and have my final interview on Tuesday (a whole day working to see if they like me and I like them!) woot woot
3. Went hunting for some vintage items to add to my new vintage shop and hit the mother-load! I was giddy with excitement. I made the woman I bought from swear she wouldn't tell another soul about all the groovy things she has.
4. Set up my new work space to get this little adventure of mine off the ground
5. Had my first and second sale off my vintage site - woot woot!
6. I was accepted as a Mental Health speaker for an organization in our region. Come the Fall I will speak about mental health and the issues that surround it, including sharing my story and answering questions from grade 7-12 students in schools all around me - I'm finally puttin' all this crazy to good work! ;)
and (if that's not enough)
I won a free play on my lottery ticket!
If you love vintage, kitsch or just want to see what the hell it's all about, come visit me at:
www.facebook.com/thebombdiggitychronicles
and if you can't stand the stuff, pass my name on to some of your friends with taste!
Lastly, check this awesome banner made by none other than the fabulously talented Sterling:
(it looks a bit cooler on the site, but you get the idea - click on it to see a larger image)
Tuesday 12 August 2014
Soapbox
I have thought about writing about this for the last 24 hours and while my stance may be harsh, it is not a series of offhand remarks. I am all to aware of the damage of mental illness.
I was saddened to read about the death of Robin Williams yesterday, and have read a lot about him and people's reactions, over the last 24 hours. Most of the articles provide a Suicide Prevention Hotline at the end, and this has presented itself numerous times on Facebook today.
While I applaud the individual authors of these articles and the news organizations in which they represent, I am as always disappointed to hear that a celebrity death is needed to put a face on a disease that is so pervasive in our society.
While many people say that Robin Williams was a comedic genius, and there is no denying he was, I have yet to read anything about his battle with mental illness aside from a brief statement presented by his manager. He battled the demons of addiction and over the years was very candid about it, in so far that it was a part of his stand up comedy.
However, aside from passing mentions of depression, the obvious desperation and loss of will to live was never discussed.
I do not speak of this lightly, as those of you who know me can attest. Mental illness shows no favoritism. It attacks all races, religions, all levels on the economic line. It attacks women, men, children. It shows no remorse for demolishing a carefully constructed life. Mental illness is dangerous in that we do not know enough about it and its many mutations to defend ourselves against it. While we have access to care in Canada, at no cost in most cases, those that are the most vulnerable - those without a support system or those that are so ill, do not even know what the first step is to finding the care that is so desperately needed.
We do not judge others for having Cancer or Diabetes. In fact, in some small part of our hearts we pity those that are afflicted with these physical diseases. However, those with mental illness are often judged, shunned and therefore suffer in silence while a disease every bit as deadly as Cancer slowly eats them up. Robin Williams is proof that mental illness can be deadly, for even with a loving family, friends, money and what seems from the outside to be a good life, he could not stop himself from giving up. He has left behind, a wife, children and friends, who have quickly spoken out about the kind, generous and funny man he was, but I have not read anything about the help he was given to combat his depression.
So while I think it is wonderful that the Suicide Prevention Number has been listed, why don't we do what really needs to be done? Talk about it, provide answers, solutions, help. Donate our money to research on this front. For I wonder if those looking in on this tragedy, who don't have the fame or fortune are now questioning their own lives. If he couldn't make it, how can they?
The fact is, if you do not suffer from anxiety, depression or another form of metal illness, you can be damn sure you know someone who does. And you can be sure they struggle in silence much of the time for fear that everything they say or do will be measured against a "ruler of instability". So I ask you, I plead with you, I beg of you, it is better to ask, assist, listen, talk, then to question what could have been done after the fact.
I was saddened to read about the death of Robin Williams yesterday, and have read a lot about him and people's reactions, over the last 24 hours. Most of the articles provide a Suicide Prevention Hotline at the end, and this has presented itself numerous times on Facebook today.
While I applaud the individual authors of these articles and the news organizations in which they represent, I am as always disappointed to hear that a celebrity death is needed to put a face on a disease that is so pervasive in our society.
While many people say that Robin Williams was a comedic genius, and there is no denying he was, I have yet to read anything about his battle with mental illness aside from a brief statement presented by his manager. He battled the demons of addiction and over the years was very candid about it, in so far that it was a part of his stand up comedy.
However, aside from passing mentions of depression, the obvious desperation and loss of will to live was never discussed.
I do not speak of this lightly, as those of you who know me can attest. Mental illness shows no favoritism. It attacks all races, religions, all levels on the economic line. It attacks women, men, children. It shows no remorse for demolishing a carefully constructed life. Mental illness is dangerous in that we do not know enough about it and its many mutations to defend ourselves against it. While we have access to care in Canada, at no cost in most cases, those that are the most vulnerable - those without a support system or those that are so ill, do not even know what the first step is to finding the care that is so desperately needed.
We do not judge others for having Cancer or Diabetes. In fact, in some small part of our hearts we pity those that are afflicted with these physical diseases. However, those with mental illness are often judged, shunned and therefore suffer in silence while a disease every bit as deadly as Cancer slowly eats them up. Robin Williams is proof that mental illness can be deadly, for even with a loving family, friends, money and what seems from the outside to be a good life, he could not stop himself from giving up. He has left behind, a wife, children and friends, who have quickly spoken out about the kind, generous and funny man he was, but I have not read anything about the help he was given to combat his depression.
So while I think it is wonderful that the Suicide Prevention Number has been listed, why don't we do what really needs to be done? Talk about it, provide answers, solutions, help. Donate our money to research on this front. For I wonder if those looking in on this tragedy, who don't have the fame or fortune are now questioning their own lives. If he couldn't make it, how can they?
The fact is, if you do not suffer from anxiety, depression or another form of metal illness, you can be damn sure you know someone who does. And you can be sure they struggle in silence much of the time for fear that everything they say or do will be measured against a "ruler of instability". So I ask you, I plead with you, I beg of you, it is better to ask, assist, listen, talk, then to question what could have been done after the fact.
Sunday 10 August 2014
Sad News All Around
On Friday we learned that one of the boys' teachers had died. She had Cancer and had fought a valiant fight for many years, returning to the classroom numerous times after seeking treatment. Ultimately, like in so many cases, this disease that plagued her for many years finally took her life.
She was instrumental in helping Craig and I with starting Sterling on the path to better learning and was loved by many for her stern teaching and heart of gold. She loved the children she taught and teaching was not a job but a calling.
As Sterling is leaving for a weeks vacation tonight, he is heading to the viewing later this afternoon to pay his respects to the family. He and Craig will attend together, and he will then leave from there on his trip. Kaedo and I will attend the funeral tomorrow afternoon and pay our respects at that time.
It's funny, I don't believe in a funeral for myself, and when I die the boys know that I do not want a funeral of any type. A simple cremation and a flushing of the ashes would be just fine. My only request is don't bury me or spread my ashes where you live. I never want them to feel they would be unable to move because 'mom was in the backyard'.
However, for the majority, a funeral is an integral part of the dying process. Many people plan their funerals as they want them to be (and thank you for that - in the midst of grief, it is much better to have it planned than to leave that to your spouse or children to decide), and have viewings and funerals and teas. I think this is such an individual choice, that while I don't believe in them for myself, I still attend. Not to say goodbye to the dead, because after all, when possible, it is much better to say goodbye to the living, but to pay my respects to the family. In this case it is important that they see how many lives she touched. It is important that they know that their mom and wife was instrumental in forming the lives of so many young children. I know what she did for us, and I think that while I do not know the family, the strength in numbers that will attend, will attest to the fact that she was beloved. Not just to them but to many.
While I never plan to have a funeral, a wake or even a tea when I die, I hope that the people that know me will honor my children by thinking of me kindly.
She was instrumental in helping Craig and I with starting Sterling on the path to better learning and was loved by many for her stern teaching and heart of gold. She loved the children she taught and teaching was not a job but a calling.
As Sterling is leaving for a weeks vacation tonight, he is heading to the viewing later this afternoon to pay his respects to the family. He and Craig will attend together, and he will then leave from there on his trip. Kaedo and I will attend the funeral tomorrow afternoon and pay our respects at that time.
It's funny, I don't believe in a funeral for myself, and when I die the boys know that I do not want a funeral of any type. A simple cremation and a flushing of the ashes would be just fine. My only request is don't bury me or spread my ashes where you live. I never want them to feel they would be unable to move because 'mom was in the backyard'.
However, for the majority, a funeral is an integral part of the dying process. Many people plan their funerals as they want them to be (and thank you for that - in the midst of grief, it is much better to have it planned than to leave that to your spouse or children to decide), and have viewings and funerals and teas. I think this is such an individual choice, that while I don't believe in them for myself, I still attend. Not to say goodbye to the dead, because after all, when possible, it is much better to say goodbye to the living, but to pay my respects to the family. In this case it is important that they see how many lives she touched. It is important that they know that their mom and wife was instrumental in forming the lives of so many young children. I know what she did for us, and I think that while I do not know the family, the strength in numbers that will attend, will attest to the fact that she was beloved. Not just to them but to many.
While I never plan to have a funeral, a wake or even a tea when I die, I hope that the people that know me will honor my children by thinking of me kindly.
Friday 8 August 2014
What's Happenin'?
My, where has the week gone?
Friday all ready and I can't believe it. The boys are still tucked in their beds, sleeping away this Summer morning, and I am looking at all the pieces of paper I have sitting around my computer with lists and lists and lists. I must go through them and scratch off what has been done, chuck the others and get a new list started. Lists are important to me.
We are also getting ready for Sterling heading off on vacation on Sunday. He's heading out with a friend and his family for a week of cottaging. No WIFI, limited cell phone service. LOL. Glad I'm not the parents of that little adventure. It is going to be very quiet around here without him, but I know he will have fun and that's what it's all about.
Kaedo and I have a few things planned and hopefully he'll make some plans with friends. His buddy next door is going away for two weeks, so his daily companion will be gone so he will have to make due with me.
The weekend brings football, an Antique fair I am going to attend (solo, of course), and Kaedo and Craig have a one on one planned for Sunday afternoon.
Happy Friday everyone!
Friday all ready and I can't believe it. The boys are still tucked in their beds, sleeping away this Summer morning, and I am looking at all the pieces of paper I have sitting around my computer with lists and lists and lists. I must go through them and scratch off what has been done, chuck the others and get a new list started. Lists are important to me.
We are also getting ready for Sterling heading off on vacation on Sunday. He's heading out with a friend and his family for a week of cottaging. No WIFI, limited cell phone service. LOL. Glad I'm not the parents of that little adventure. It is going to be very quiet around here without him, but I know he will have fun and that's what it's all about.
Kaedo and I have a few things planned and hopefully he'll make some plans with friends. His buddy next door is going away for two weeks, so his daily companion will be gone so he will have to make due with me.
The weekend brings football, an Antique fair I am going to attend (solo, of course), and Kaedo and Craig have a one on one planned for Sunday afternoon.
Happy Friday everyone!
Monday 4 August 2014
Playing With Fire
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Saturday evening found us sitting around the fire pit roasting hot dogs and eating schmoes (Arrowroots, Aero bar chunks and roasted marshmallows - MUCH better than traditional Smores).
We have wanted a firepit for a number of years and this year took the plunge and boy have we had fun. This is the place I find that the boys act the most like "boys". At their age, as young men, they are often more 'cool', but around the fire, they are 5 once again and it is amazing.
Sterling thought it would be fun to see what could be put in the fire to make the flames glow differently. That, my friends, caused much hilarity. Apparently flour, salt, sugar and hand sanitizer spray all do different things. I must admit, only the flour was cool. It makes sparks - which in theory could burn the house down, but hindsight is 20/20, right? At the end of the night, there was a lot of bread making ingredients in the bottom of the pit. haha. In the midst of all of this, Kaedo though throwing some popcorn in would be fun too. See bottom picture. Some even popped right out of the pit. Kaedo said the popped kernels were "dry with a smoky after taste". Grover, hating fire, could not be bribed with the popcorn - although I think that might be because there was no butter on it, as per his usual request.
We laughed and giggled and had such a fun time. These are the memories that need to be made. The small things that one remembers forever. I am so glad that my three guys are willing to make them with me.
Saturday 2 August 2014
Lovin' this Pic
A couple of weeks ago Kaedo and I headed out so he could do some fishing. This was his first outing with his new rod and gear he received at Christmas. We spent about an hour along the shore - him right on the bank and me across the path and out of 'getting hooked' range, reading a book.
I admire his patience and perseverance and notice that he carries these two qualities through most aspects of his life. He is quite amazing. He is also quite competitive, so I'm glad there were no other anglers out there or we'd still be trying to out-fish them!
Friday 1 August 2014
The boys and the G-Man
We recently learned of a very small, totally fenced off-leash park in one of our neighboring communities. The guys took G on the weekend to try it out and see what he thought and he loved it. I am not a fan of off-leash parks, so this is a blue activity only. G is still too much of a baby to go to the fancy big parks, as once he was off his leash he would be gone. Or dog food. This one is all enclosed and has a small dog area and all dog area. Sounds quite cool.
The boys have gone three times this week to spend some time throwing the ball around with him and letting him hang with his homies. Sterling also likes the idea of taking the van and heading back whenever it suits them. Usually with almost no gas and a huge dollar drink from McDonalds.
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Sterling did put $20 worth of gas in the van this week and it was his first time paying for his own gas. He said a part of him broke inside. He actually tacked the receipt to his cork board as a reminder of the pain he felt handing over that $20. Welcome to my world, my love. Welcome.
Thursday 31 July 2014
Culture
Last Thursday afternoon (yikes), the boys and I decided to get some culture and visit an antique car museum in our area. It is housed in the home of the original (as in first ever) GM dealership showroom. It was a lot of fun and we got to see some really cool cars.
A Bugatti - one of Kaedo's favourite car makers and the one car he says he'll spend his first million on (not this model of course - a new one that drifts and goes 0-60 in 2.1 secs)
They decided their favourite car was the Delorean (sp?) (a la Back to the Future) and they only wished it had the flux capacitor all Deloreans should come stock with.
I personally thought this was the coolest. It is an amphibian car and there were only about 70 ever made by this company. Our guide told us that the owner/manufacturer had never even ridden in one of his creations as he was scared to drive and never had a license. He just liked to build. Go figure.
We walked around the downtown area, visited our local art museum, which was beautiful, took a look at our clam shell ampitheater and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Who says you have to travel far to get a bit of culture?
Wednesday 23 July 2014
Monday 21 July 2014
Saturday 19 July 2014
Rollin'
Yesterday Craig and the boys spent the day at the Toronto.Indy Fan Day. They had a blast. Kaedo saw a Lamborghini hit the wall, they saw great trials, got awesome swag, saw cute girls in short shorts, ate Churos and swigged Dr.Pepper shots. Sterling having gotten his license, was able to participate in some of the activities offered, and they entered tons of draws which will no doubt flood our inbox with spam.
Kaedo's love for motorbikes made this picture a must. More ideas in his head - plotting to one day ride a motorbike. Lookin' Good!
Not to be outdone, Sterling had to give it a go, although he wouldn't be caught dead driving one!
It took them over two hours to get home and I still have piles of swag on my kitchen table that will eventually make its way into the garbage, but for now they are dreaming of driving fast cars, with fancy paint jobs, stereos blaring.
Thursday 17 July 2014
Born to Drive!
From this: (March 23, 2003)
To this: (July 17, 2014)
This morning Sterling took his driver's exam and passed with 96%! He had only two mistakes (2 marks each) and when his driving instructor dropped him off after the test, he told us that Sterling was one of the best drivers he had trained.
We are so very proud of him. He has always wanted to drive. And has always done it well. Just ask his Amma. He drove the jeep like it was a real car and 11 years later he is out with Kaedo (as I write this) picking up chicks in the van. The jeep was definitely cooler, but what can you do. He is officially one step closer to having his own car, and with the hopes of getting a job shortly, he won't have to share with dear old mom for too much longer.
We are very proud. And scared. And proud. And scared. Not sure which I'm most - proud or scared. I do know that this is the biggest day of his life so far, and he has worked very hard to be an exceptional driver. He has hundreds of hours experience already. Still, stay off the roads. Just sayin'!
Did I mention, I've only called once to check up on them?
Tuesday 15 July 2014
Happy Birthday Grover!
Although Grover came into our lives on December 1st, July 15th is the day he was born. He has brought a lot of joy into our lives and has been a great addition to our family.
Happy Birthday Grover!
Happy Birthday Grover!
Sunday 13 July 2014
Wabbit Season
Not sure if it was mentioned in a previous blog post but this spring we had some rabbits take up residence in our back yard. Well to be accurate they actually lived somewhere in the next door neighbours yard and visited frequently. It's been cute to watch them zip through a small space in the fence, so much so that Kaedo got to leaving them small garden offerings (lettuce) in the opening. Well it would seem as though our cute cuddly Grover has a bit of a killer instinct as the other night he must have caught the rabbit off guard and pounced. When I went outside to check on Grover he was hunched over something that looked like one of his stuffed animals but when I got closer he thought I wanted to play a game and picked it up and ran away. At that point I knew it was one of the poor rabbits and by the time I caught up to him and pulled him aside the rabbit had expired. Needless to say Kaedo was a bit upset by the turn of events and we were shocked that Grover could move that fast. In his defence I would like to believe that he was just trying to play with it but regardless we have started referring to him as Elmer, the difference being he actually caught the rabbit.
Here is the aftermath:
Here is the aftermath:
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10 minutes in his kennel and the cold shoulder from his best friend.
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