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.
Friday 22 August 2014
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.
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