Conclusion

I am making my attempt at the weekly anamnesis #9. I had a good story for invitation but I’m a procrastinator so I’m stuck with conclusion.

I used to visit M.J. once a month for a short period of time. She had a great sense of humor and wisdom, both of which she didn't mind sharing. One day during one of our visits, we got to talking about children. We discussed the ups and downs, the times you wanted to pull your hair out and the times that made parenthood all worthwhile. This particular visit was the winter before my eldest was to enter kindergarten. She told me, "Alyson, don't take this time for granted, soon your children will be in school, and the world will get them for the best time of the day."

About a year previous to this conversation I heard the story of a mother. She was telling her daughter that she was the most beautiful girl in the world, when a lady overhearing their conversation said, "You better stop telling her those things, aren't you afraid of giving her a swelled head?" The young mother replied, "When I send her in to the world, people will tear her down. It will be harder then for her to believe me when I tell her she is special. I am just getting a head start on the world."

I have been conscious of these two thoughts in my mind. I have used them as a standard for the type of mother I want to be. Although there are times I have lost my temper, I have tried to build my children up. I have tried to give them the confidence they need. I have tried to not take my time for granted. I haven't always been successful, but there is a glimmer of hope. Last Sunday as my boys were getting ready for church, I told my youngest that I thought he looked very nice. With his hands on his hips, he stated, "Well I am a handsome little boy." Then he turned and laughed his head off.

Although I'm not always doing what I like, I have come to the conclusion that I'm not doing that bad.

Just To Let You Know

Last night I was talking with a tenant about the abnormal weather we were having. "It is starting to feel like March or even April and the buds were coming out on the Lilac bushes", I said. I mentioned that I was worried about the bushes and conifers because history dictates a cold wet snap. Mother Nature must have heard our conversation because she crapped snow all over and its -11C (12F). Just to let you know it is January and it is still winter.

Its Not A Right Its A privilege

On Friday I saw a swimsuit fashion show. This wasn't an ordinary fashion show. They had women of different body types and ages. That was the good part. Then they brought out the bikinis. The MC said all women should be wearing bikinis. Then one by one they marched out in their bikinis. Although they didn't look half bad, I still think wearing a bikini isn't a right its a privilege. I just like my load properly tied down.

Time For A KIT KAT

I am needing to take a small break from posting for a while. I will be back I just don't know when. TTFN

I'm Sorry. So Sorry

It isn't much like me to fight with my husband in public much less publish it on the internet. I should have put it in my own private journal for only my progeny to see long after both of us are dead. I am apologizing to my husband for exposing our dirty laundry when he didn't know we had any. He left for work and didn't know how I felt.

I instituted chore Saturday about a year ago and get some support in it. Every Saturday I think we will do better. I think that we are going to get up and push through the first 2 hours of the morning and clean the living room and vacuum. Clean the bathroom and the kitchen. Make beds etc. Lets just say this has never happened. But I digress.

Instead of building up my private army by venting to all the world, I just should have expressed my frustration to my husband and asked for his support or developed a compromise. It was very disloyal of me. For that I am truly sorry.

Edited: Why is it ok for women to do this to our husbands. If they were to do this to us, they would be up crap creek. I used some pretty harsh lingo that I never even use when we are fighting face to face. I will be taking my Stupid Saturday post down.

Weather and Politics

It has been said that when one is starting a conversation with someone they should start with the weather. Its safe and easy. Nobody gets offended if you have a differing opinion about the weather. Take for instance my husband and I. I like the occasional really hot day but my favorite temperature is around 25C (77F), my husband would like a whole summer of low to mid 30s. (mid 80s to mid 90s). For me that's just too hot. Neither of us get upset when our temperatures aren't maintained.

Politics on the other hand, not so safe. Friendships can be broken, and fist fights can happen. I think this is because politics deals with a persons morality, their values and belief system. When people disagree, they tend to believe that these values are being attacked.


Unfortunately I prefer to talk politics. I have inherited the desire for debate. My family get togethers always have a discussion on the state of the Union or Confederation. Although we tend to all agree there is always some one who likes to play devil's advocate just to see my uncle and aunt get all stirred up. There the discussion is all in fun.

That being said I am torn at the outcome of our election. Our country did take a step to the right as Karen said, but I fear that this government will get little done because it is a minority government. Its no secret that I tend to be conservative in my views. Some of the promises that the conservatives made I was looking forward too. I was looking forward to having a choice for parents on child care. I was looking forward to having the GST dropped. I was looking forward to some reform in the way of elected senate (I don't like the idea of any party putting in their own yes men). Now I fear that these things won't happen, because of the tight leash that the greater Toronto area put on them. I can understand they were scared. I think that they were feeling the same things I feel every time the liberals got into power. Scared they would make policy that attacked my values. At the same time I cannot understand how they can try to put a party in that steals from them and believes they are entitled to do so. I never thought Canada would elect a majority Conservative Government, but I also think there were some good policies that Canada is missing out on because of our fear. Policies that would unite Canada instead of having this perpetual East vs. West and everybody against Quebec attitude.

Well Canada we have had two minority governments and I believe they won't be the last. And in the famous words of my friend Dale "Two wrongs don't make a right, but three lefts do" This is funny on so many levels.

By the way we have been experiencing some abnormal weather, maybe there is a link between the weather and politics.

Can We Really Achieve Perfection?

Well I had planned the perfect Sunday dinner and we sat down to eat. The sandwiches turned out great but the Caesar Salad not so much. I managed to feed my husband contaminated Caesar salad. We discovered it before my kids ate it. I had the salad first and thought this tastes different. Then Tim had some. He thought it tasted funny too. I kept eating while he checked the bottle. Our dressing had expired. Gross. What a waste of romaine lettuce. Lettuce is expensive.

Anyway, I'm sure after the post on Saturday my husband would have been thinking Es-tu Brute? I'm in the clear because I had the most.

Beef On A Bun, The Perfect Sunday Dinner

Sunday Used to be my day off from cooking, except for the occasional dessert or side dish. Now that my in-laws have moved, I have to cook again. This has taken some getting use too because I admit it I am a creature of habit. I don't like change unless I can see some major obvious benefit for me (like a new couch). Well this year church is late and that means food is late and believe me we are all starving when we get home. So as soon as I am done typing this I will go prep dinner. It should take 5-10 minutes to prep and then I'm done for the whole day. So here is my recipe. I hope you enjoy.

3-4 pound roast
1 1/2 cup ketchup
1 pkg Onion soup mix
1 tablespoon chili powder
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoon mustard
1 teaspoon minced garlic

Place in crock pot and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours, or high for 4 to 5 hours. Serve on Bun and with a side of Caesar salad.

Its not all black and white, its shades of grey and cream and a little hairy.

Who ever designed a white bathroom ought to be shot. Then they should take the mold that that person was made from and break it and then they should kill the man who made the mold.

I have white tiles around my bath tub and hard water. I have use CLR kitchen and bathroom, vim, Mr clean, Tilex and a numerous amount of other things to try and get those water spots off. I have even taken a scotch brite scrubber to it. I am in desperate need of help. Is there anything out there that will cut through this scum and how can I prevent it from happening again. I swear it is driving me crazy. The fact that I have cream grout with white tile does too but I fix what I can or at least in this case try.

Sweet Ride

Today I drove the boys to school because my neighbour was unable. Normally I drive her van (7 passenger) and I am not nervous. I learned to drive in a Dodge Ram (15 passenger). Can you picture a 15-year-old learning to Parallel Park in what some so lovingly call a huderitte mobile.

Anyway, today I drove her dad’s car. A 2005 Toyota Sequoia V8 Limited edition. This time I was nervous. It’s not the size that scares me it’s the cost. Ever since “Luminagate”, I’ve been a little leery of driving other peoples cars. Somehow I managed to enjoy it though. About five minutes into the drive my butt started to get warm and its still tingling at this very moment. Although it costs more than I feel I will ever be able to save for retirement (a whole other post) it sure would be nice to someday have a vehicle that can maintain its own environment.

By that time everything will be standard on the vehicle, or my kids will be laughing at me because the cars they want will drive themselves and maintain temperature.

Sowing The Seeds of Love

Today I order my free seed catalogs. They help me beat the winter blues. Its also fun to grow seeds not found at the local walmart. For Canadian Seed catalogs I sugest the following and also here. As for American Sites the one I really like is this one

Happy Gardening!!

Bad Poems

Yesterday the boys and I did a treasure hunt and at the end we made chocolate chip cookies. Thanks to Very mom for reminding me to spend more time (fun time) with my kids. Here are my poems

Its time for a game, hope you enjoy. Look where you would put your toy.

In order for you to get your next clue, there is something mommy needs you to do. Pick up ten toys and put them away. Hurry up so we can play.

Here is your next clue, pay close attention, look where mommy likes to relieve her tension (my bed).

You boys were so quick. You are very smart; look for your next clue where you would find your cars.

In order to get your very next clue, pick up ten more, it’s the least you could do.

You’re near the end of our little game, if you enjoy this we may do it again. To find your next clue, don’t underestimate its worth; look where we keep our little earth.

Wow, you were fast, aren’t you having a blast, look for your next clue, this isn’t your last. It may be located where you would lay your head, and if its not done please make your bed.

This is the final of all the tips. When it’s first on the lips, it stays on the hips. Look where we keep the chocolate chips.

You have done well with all of your lookies; lets go make some chocolate chip cookies.

Thank You Monsieur Martin

I believe when the election was called, Mr. Marin said that he was upset with the conservatives and the NDP because they had stopped crucial legislation that was already in the works, one of which was the Energy cost Benefit.

Yesterday, I looked into my mailbox and found a cheque from the government. I thought this is early to be getting my child tax benefit and we have already received our GST cheque so what is it? I opened it to find a cheque with a note attached that said,

“As a recipient of the National Child Benefit Supplement,
you are eligible for the enclosed Energy cost benefit (ECB)…
blah blah blah.”

I would just like to thank Mr. Martin for rushing this program through so I could receive my cheque just before the election next Monday. That was so kind of you. I can’t help but wonder about the timing though, are you trying to buy my vote?

Take This Job and Shovel It

Today was a nice day. Snow had been falling since last night so the city was a blanket of white. My eldest saw the neighbour boy shoveling and asked if he could shovel our walk. Of course I let him. He and my youngest were having so much fun. They even shoveled the other neighbour's walk. She came out and paid them a quarter each. They were so excited. They never thought that one could make money providing such a service. Seeing an opportunity they began shoveling the snow on the lawn. Too Funny.

Renters Wanted.

I've just taken on a job as a property manager for xyz properties. I have shown the 3 bedroom main floor of house to many people and have many applications. What I want is a family of 3 or 4 reliable Non- smoking, positive credit. I do accept cats with a deposit. Unfortunately I get singles, sketchy guys, first time renters, and people with no credit. The people I have talked too have said that there isn't much out there and are eager to get this place. So if there isn’t much out there, I ask where are the families?

The Lab Called Your Brains Ready

I See Dead People

Ok I don't really, but I do think my house is haunted. It is a noisy old house, but I can't blame the creaks on the utterance of my name. Yes twice this past week I have woken up to the sound of someone calling my name and when I go check on everyone they are all asleep.

Oh Yah, if I don't lock my front door, it opens all by itself.

I'm Not As Hot As I Thought

After that de-lurking plea, I feel a little bit like a comment whore. I thought maybe I would have been a Comment call girl (a little more classy and expensive) but it turns out I didn't get as many as I thought (comments that is). So I guess I'm cheap and easy after all. Or...

You just got yourself a heck of a bargain.

Alyson and The Terrible horrible No Good Very Bad Day

I went to bed with my door shut, I woke up with a mouse in my room. I haven't caught it yet. I can tell it is going to be a terrible horrible no good very bad day.

Word On The Street

Word on the street is that this week is "International De-Lurking Week".So if you stop on this site, you need to come out from what ever rock you are hiding under and leave a comment. Comment about anything. Next week you can go back to lurking. I know I will.

Compliments of Paper Napkin

English Debate #2

Now before you go running away saying oh she is getting all political on us, I promise to keep it short. Last night was the last electoral debates before our Federal election on Jan 23. Now I confess I didn't listen to the whole thing, I have somewhat of a life. Anyway the part I did hear kind of surprised me. Paul Martin said he wanted to change the Charter of Rights to remove the "Not withstanding clause". I have to confess that the idea scared me. The idea that Judges, who are an unelected smaller group, reigning supreme. What happened to the voice of the people? What if Judges make mistakes, although they are smarter than me they are still human. Lets look at a not so good decision from the past. A B.C. judge said it was ok to posses child porn but not ok to make it or distribute it. It was Mr. Sharpe's Right to posses it under freedom of expression. That would be one I would want overturned. No child porn whatsoever. I would think that was a no brainer.

Also does he not know that he needs all 10 provinces to agree before an amendment can be passed. What was he thinking? OK now that I have got that out of my system.

Said and Heard

This is how the conversation went this morning.

I said, "What do you want on your toast?"

(What he heard) "What do you want on your toes?"

He said "Polish"

I repeated, "What do you want on your toast?"

(What he heard) "What do you want on your toes?"

He repeated "Polish"

Seeing that this wasn't going anywhere I changed my question.

I asked, "Do you want polish on your food?"

(What he heard) "Do you want polish on your foot?"

So, he said "yes"

Only in the English language.

The fact that I have a son that likes to wear nail polish doesn't matter. I pick my battles.

What Is In A Name? part 2

For all you pregnant ladies out there who are looking for a name for your babe to be check this out. Crazy "Utoids". I can say that because I used to live there.

Casanova

Yesterday my husband and I went on a date. Our usual MO is a movie. One of the perks of working for a theater is free movies. We couldn't see as many as we do otherwise. Last night was no different. We saw the movie Casanova with Heath Ledger and Sienna Miller. It was not what I expected. It was funny and a bit predictable but what romantic comedy isn't?

I enjoy going out with my husband and I am glad after 8 years of marriage we still enjoy being alone together and work at being so.

Ding Dong The Witch is Dead.

Who knew that I had a portal to another world right in my own home. The portal I speak of isn't a wardrobe, a goblet of fire, or a pair of ruby slippers. No, it is my freezer. My Frigidaire, heavy duty, industrial grade, freezer. I thought It only held 5 cubic Ft, but apparently it is a gateway to Narnia or another land where the White Witch reigns. In my freezer it should be a realm that is always winter and never Christmas, but alas Aslan has come and so did the spring thaw to my freezer. Normally I would be on the side of Aslan, but this is a consequence I did not foresee.

Oh well. Instead of celebrating the death of the Witch with a nice heaping bowl of ice cream, casualties lost in the war, we had a dinner of salmon and steak.

Everyone Has The Right to Complain or Do They?

Did you vote in the last election? Did the outcome of the last election go your way? Are you happy with how things are being run in your country? Will you vote in the next election? Do you vote along party lines?

If you didn't vote what right have you to complain? Obviously you didn't care enough about "it" to get off your butt in the first place.

So get out there and vote, even if your particular vote won't make a difference in your riding, at least you have earned the right to complain. After all that's what we Canadians do best.

Nighty NyQuil.

In the year 2006 I resolve to: Take over the world. Get your resolution here

One Pillow at a time. I'm SO tired.

Planning Ahead

Just so you know, You have 360 more days until Christmas. TeeHee.

Making Memories

Holidays are a time for families and friends to make memories, some good and some not so good. Although the holidays are quickly coming to an end, (D goes back to school on the 9th) here are some of the memories that we have made.

Taking a walk around the temple on Christmas Eve.
Seeing the flat bed of a semi truck loaded with about 50 carolers singing outside the retirement home in Cardston. Coolest thing I have ever seen.

Sunday service on Christmas Day, So simple, and yet, so powerful.

Opening presents after church. My kids were so patient even if their Uncle and Aunt were not. You know who you are.

Opening up my flute. I was truly surprised. The best kind of surprise. Tim finally did it. I never expected it.

Rushing back home and seeing my family on Boxing Day.

The reinstitution of the Leavitt Christmas Basketball game. We are so out of shape.
Beating Tim at HORSE and 21. Never done that before.

So sad when Tim had to go back to work to a job that he HATES! Thanks for working so hard Tim so that we can have the things we need and I can stay home with the boys. You deserve an award.

Being board out of my mind because Tim wasn't home.

Craving chocolate and not having any around to eat. Smelling my husband's breath for chocolate because I know he had some.

Getting Sea monkeys in the mail.

Beating Brad H. at the first tournament of spoons.

Giving up at 11:00pm and realizing that I am old on New Years Eve.

Sleeping in before church.

Thinking the Sea monkeys are dead.

Finding four sea monkeys alive and swimming. We didn't kill them after all.

Narnia. We went together as a family and now my "Sons of Adam" are enjoying a game of Mario Kart with their father. Isn't life great.