Long Time No See

So it's been over a year since I posted on here. I always felt like I needed to make my posts worthy of being read by strangers. Only, what do I have to say that a stranger would want to read about?

But no one actually reads this. So I decided to make it into a diary. An online diary, that maybe 2 people will ever read. More people read my diary as a teen, so I should feel free to say whatever I like!!

First order of business. A very short overview of the last year.
1- Hubby got transferred to Regina.
2- House sold after we lowered our asking price $50,000. Ouch.
3- Bought a new house and moved to a bedroom community.
4- Girls started a new school which is quite diabetes friendly.
5- Actually started making friends. People I can stand being around for more that 5 minutes, yay!
6- I'm down to having to go to the school only every second day.
7- Joined a performance bellydance class. I'm going to get up on stage, dressed in a fun costume, and dance. With people watching. On purpose.
8- Between the amazing way dancing makes me feel, the extra time on my hands, and the adult conversation, I am dying to sew and create.

And that brings me to why I'm posting. I am going to start experimenting with patterns, fabrics, and construction techniques. I thought that using this blog as a record of my attempts, both successful and unsuccessful, would be a handy reference for myself. And anyone else interested in similar things.

The girls are out of school for the week and we're hanging out creating and playing. The girls are trying to play Munchkin alone (10 and 7 isn't quite old enough to do it without help) as I write. There are 2 corset patterns on the floor beside me. One modern one and one historical one I'm trying to adjust to my measurements. Since I have a broad back, straight figure, and a small bust, that is harder than it could be. I've been reading a lot of articles over at Foundations Revealed. I'm a member, but there are some great free articles, too. I need to do an order at Farthingales soon, and I don't really have a place to sew in my unfinished basement yet, but I can play with the patterns and styles, and sew in the floor if need be. I need to make some parts of my dance costumes anyway, so I can play at least a little before I get some busks. Now that we're all caught up, I just need to get to it and post my progress. To work, and see you soon!

First Plane Trip With A Diabetic

We started our first trip since DX by getting up at 6am to go to the city early with T. We didn't eat until 8:30am when we got to the city, but E still managed good BG tests. As usual, she was high for a lot of the day. I took her to the indoor play place, so she wasn't as high as she normally was on city days, but she was getting 10+ all day.

We finally picked up my hubby and got to the airport around 4ish. E had Tim Horton's chili for supper, so we knew the carbs and treated for it all. At 6pm we headed through security.

Security never even blinked at the needles and pump supplies. Or at her juice box (200mL). Her pump didn't set off the metal detector, but my sandals did. The kids were pretty excited at this point, and maybe that explains what happened next.

I removed and suspended her pump as we taxied out to the runway. She loved taking off, and getting to altitude. She loved how she had to pop her ears so much. But when I put her pump back on and tested her, she was 6. With over a unit on board. A unit takes her down 12, so a low treatment was in order. She had her snack, I calculated so her carbs matched how far she was over, and I was careful about her carb intake the rest of the flight. Only, she was 30 the rest of the flight. I took the pump off again while we landed.

I thought perhaps the chili was just slow to digest, or my calculations were off. We arrived in Toronto shortly after midnight, and headed for the lounge in Q to sleep. The girls got a couple hours sleep on a bench, and we got them up just before 6 for breakfast.

E was still a little high, 13, but we gave her a bolus and some fruit. We were careful, and bolused for her high GI fruit. It was an international flight, but security still didn't even blink at the diabetic supplies, juice box included. We were there for an hour, and finally boarded just before 9.

We taxied out, again, I removed her pump, again, and she grinned as we took off, again. And she was 6 with way too much on board when I put her pump back on. Again. This time I knew that her food would be digesting quickly. So I treated with less than she needed, and kept careful track after. But she was still above 20 for the rest of the flight.

After landing and getting to the condo, she was okay. With all the activity and sun, she was almost always low early afternoon, and then high in the evening and before bed. Of course, rating carbs on street food is always a guessing game, and she sat on the bus for an hour and then played all at random times. But the flight was the one we can't understand.

D-28

We are headed out on our first big trip since DX. I think we are over prepping. Emails with scans of everyone's passports and our itinerary have been sent. Enough supplies to do MDIs if the pump fails are in the cupboard. One of our bags is already packed. All 4 of us are wearing our new shoes around the house to break them in. We have all our own snorkel gear.

Flying with a small diabetic is surprisingly nerve wracking. Not because anything is going to happen, just because I have an overactive imagination. I can SEE her pump giving her a massive dose and the Glucagon shot not working and the plane not having enough juice and.... It will all be fine. Nothing will go wrong. No one is going to catch Dengue fever. No one is going to get bit by a shark. And the diabetes won't be a big deal either.

But I'm still the type to panic. So T and I both spend all of our time both looking forward to the wide, warm beaches of Barbados, and freaking out over all the things that could go wrong. When I get back, I highly anticipate all of the I-told-you-so comments. I am sure I won't WANT to come back, but at least I have that to look forward to.

Pants to send to YG

I kept thinking about these pants. So I did a sketch. I never intended it to be any particular person, but I failed. It's just pencil- which is why it isn't really clear- but I'll finish it later. And yes, I already made these pants.

Boxer Brief Jeans

DX-iversary

It has been 5 years since my baby was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. 2 years of 5+ needles a day. Almost 3 years on a pump. More blood glucose toe and finger pricks than I could ever count.

I've been thinking about it for days. Very, very calmly. The first DX-iversary was almost crippling. The second was depressing. Third and fourth were sad. This one barely upsets me. I did have a mild freak out last night while watching Faith. The show was sad, and I got overly upset. Sad scenes with Lee Min Ho get to me every time, but this was excessive.

But it was okay. And I know why. Last night, just as I was soon to lose it, the candoc tweet chat started. So, instead of being in the kitchen alone, baking fish and mashing cauliflower, I was in the kitchen with other people who were dealing with diabetes. Chatting about travelling and flying with diabetes. Instead of thinking about how long and lonely the last 5 years have been as my angel's primary caregiver, about how my husband went to Regina and left me in the hospital for a week with E alone after her DX, about how I am the only one who actually does all her care 90% of the time, I was planning how to fly to Barbados. What to take on the plane, how to go through security with all those needles, and what to watch for from the excitement (read stress).

And so, I made it through with the help of the Canadian diabetes online community (candoc). As I sit here in the park, waiting for some strangers to be done wandering around my house, I realize I have accepted her diabetes. I don't yearn for a cure. I am no longer angry, or bargaining. I am at the acceptance stage. I know my baby won't live as long as the rest of us. I know one wrong insulin dosage could put her in a coma, or kill her. I know she will never feel completely normal, that almost every second of her life she will have to be aware of the big D, lurking inside her. But it is what it is. It doesn't mean she can't be happy, be as healthy as possible. As normal as possible. That's better than a lot of people. So I guess I'm happy. There is no chronic pain. No extended hospital stays, not yet. So we're okay. For now.

Noona Love and Remembering Who We Are

The post I did yesterday was about venting. About getting my childish frustrations on paper, so they wouldn't be in my head anymore. I was a little overwhelmed by the response, though.

All these people messaged me. The outpouring of love was, well, almost embarrassing. Really great, but shocking. And suddenly, missing out on the actual get together is okay. I'm still envious, sad that I won't get to join the fun, but I'm suddenly not feeling left out anymore. Like it's okay, and I'll get to the next one.

Being a caregiver, regardless of what the issues are, takes away from YOU. The online girl time, talking about clothes, and politics, and life philosophies, about guys (husbands) and kids and friends and co-workers, that's all just for me. That IS me. Not me the Mom. Not me the caregiver, or me the wife, just me. The person. And missing out on one get together doesn't mean that has to stop. It did, for a while. Like missing this was just another example of me wanting to have a life of my own, and not getting it.

I don't have any friends here. I had one, several years ago, but her husband got moved to the city. I open my mouth, and people tend to look at me weird. I know that the things I say and do are not like those around me. I have never fit in. I don't like the music on the radio, the clothes in the store, the shows on TV. I don't take my kids to sports games, I don't have neighbourhood barbecues. My husband adores me, but often doesn't understand me.

The problem, in this town where fitting in is so very important, is that I am ahead of my time. I don't mean to sound arrogant, but guaranteed, if I like something, it will become huge in 2 to 3 years. Every time. With everything I become really interested in. And so, in a backwards town that thinks it's all that, I am the weirdo. And "I told you so" is really a hollow phrase.

My girls are in school. Finally. after 9+ years, it's time for me. And with the help of the few people who don't avoid me because I'm strange, I'm going to find MYSELF again.

PS To all the Noonas. LOVE YOU!!

Noonas just wanna have fun (with BigBang)

So I've been thinking about sacrifices we make as parents. I still go to school to do my daughter's insulin at lunch, and sometimes at snack if there's a new person who wants to learn about it. I'm on call all day for questions from the teacher or the aids. And something came up recently that hasn't come up since I was a teenager.

A concert.

That's right, there's a boy band I like. They aren't like the boy bands from when I was a kid. They aren't from Canada or the States. They don't sing in English. With all the hype over Psy these days, I don't think me liking them is weird. What is strange is that the fact that I am not able to go to their concert is making me feel like a teenager with a strict father.

My family started planning our first ever big trip last spring. Before the tour was announced. In February we'll be flying to Barbados. I am really excited, and I know we'll have a lot of fun. However, my pocketbook does not have room for me to fly to New York- by myself- in November, and then have the whole family go to Barbados. I was okay with that at first. Then I started to meet a bunch of other women online, women who I could talk to like I haven't since high school. We talk about husbands, TV, our kids, and yes, that boy band.

And so, as I watch them all getting excited for the tickets to go on sale this Saturday, planning all of the things they are going to do when they meet up before and after the concert, I am feeling a level of envy that astonishes me. I had to stop going online. I had to stop following them. I actually cried.

The real question is, why am I so upset? And then I realized. I have been so isolated for so long, stuck up here where no one is interested in the same things as me, with no one I can really talk to, finding these ladies was like a rainbow after a hurricane. Missing out on the gathering, maybe the only one where everyone is going to get together, is like the hurricane suddenly swept down on me again. I'm feeling all the loneliness, the isolation, all over again. I hadn't realized how sad I really was until it all came back.

Today is my daughter's 9th birthday. I know I need to look happy. On the day of her birthday party, with all the family that's coming out, I will need to look chipper. Knowing that the Noonas (as we call ourselves) will be buying their tickets, planning their trips, and talking about how wonderful it's going to be. Without me. Sometimes I just wish it could be about me.

Old poetry pt. 2

Today's poem isn't about a person. It sounds like it, but it was actually a class assignment. An 8 line poem. I happened to be wearing an opal ring at the time, and as I stared at my hands hoping for inspiration, I started to think about the colours in the stone. All kinds of images started to pop into my mind, and I started writing. It certainly isn't complete, but every time I read it, I can't help but think of all the costumes and photo shoots you could make from the ideas in it. So, here it is.

Opal

You are ice and fire,

The touch of you burns my hands like snow.

You are cold and flame.

You are the crimson of amaryllis,

The silver of moon touched magnolias.

When I am with you

My heart is a frozen pond

Gleaming with agitated torches.

Red and silver and moonlight and torchlight and fire and ice! Imagine the pictures!

Old poetry pt. 1

So we're trying to get our house ready to sell. We want as much as possible from it, so we are painting, and flooring, and fixing. While looking through a bunch of papers from the basement, I found some of my old writings. 2 things. 1- I used to be extremely melodramatic. Really, extremely melodramatic. 2- I was also very fatalistic and morbid. I used to have a lot of dreams where I died in a gory way, while trying to get last messages out to those around me. (All my nightmares are about losing my kids, now.)

Anyway, I found a poem about chasing something that you know is dangerous, something that will get you hurt,  and yet you do it anyway. Knowing it will go badly, you reach for it anyway. Thought I would share it. Be nice!!

Willing Sacrifice

Dragon's breath.

Sweet, fetid breath

Upon my neck and back.

I look to it's eyes,

Baring my throat.

My love for the sheen,

The hue of it's scales, 

For the intelligence

Deep in it's eyes,

Sacrifice my life.

Cause me to give my blood

To nurture it's massive, 

Blackened heart.

The elegantly long

Blood-red talons

Rip my ivory skin

To meet my red within.

Steam rises,

Like my soul fleeing my body.

Crimson rivers run eagerly

Across my paling, innocent bosom,

And from the parted ruby

Of my untouched lips.

Then it strikes me.

Horror.

Utter terror gripping my being.

Reaching weakly to my mouth,

I push away an imagined sea,

My drowning lungs,

Bursting through my ribs.

The dragon gazes

With seeming pity and love

Into my wide, confused eyes.

With tears brimming

My focus begins to fail.

I try to tell my dragon,

Express my love for him,

But my blanched lips

And blood-coated tongue

Were never meant to spill my soul.

I see my dragon closing in,

And reach for his beautiful smile.

I can feel his breath again,

Like a final caress

From a tender lover,

Before my vision fades

Into eternity.

Well, no wonder I used to be an insomniac. That was based on an actual dream. See? Morbid.

Finally, a way to post on the go.

Well, I never use my computer anymore. I still have it, use it rarely for things like Dramafever, but can't do much blogging without. So, here is a test post, trying Blogaway on my Android phone. Maybe I can continue to blab away to no one.

Thanksgiving passes, and Halloween cometh.

Since I'm Canadian, Thanksgiving was last weekend. That means I have very little time to make our Halloween costumes. It also means that the frost has started to appear in the mornings.*sigh* The girls are both being Smurfette, and I think I've decided on bright blue sweatsuits to go under their white dresses. It can be really cold on Halloween here, and they need to be able to go outside. I want to be City Hunter. Only, you know, I'm not a guy. So, a female ninja? City Ninja? In military coat and boots, maybe? Truth be told, I just like the black flu mask. Sad, but true. (Who thinks I could use it as an excuse to get new boots!?!?)

Thanksgiving in Saskatchewan. Yes, that is the moon.

We had a lot of fun at the farm for Thanksgiving. Got to see the twins, and my bigger niece too. My little daughter spent the whole time whispering everything in my ear so quiet, it was more like breathing heavy. She gets soooo shy. The big one changed diapers all weekend. Since it was also Hangeul Day, we got our names. Amaryce = 연미 (yon-mee), Gwendolynn = 수경 (soo-kyong), and Ellora = 예은 (yay-eun). They seem about perfect to me. I love them!

I have a head and hands in need of a body. Polymer clay, not real! (You're morbid!) I'm thinking wizened, feathered, and maybe he eats ants.

His eyes aren't really blue like this. They are actually an iridescent black. Doesn't he look like a friendly bug eater? Like a happy old bird. Now I just need to find the time to make him a body. I've never done a whole body before, so it should be interesting!

Don't you just love him?

Anyone ever done a wrapped wire body before? Any tips?

Hangeul Day Project

Hangeul is the name of the writing in Korea. October 9th is Hangeul Day. The website we are using to learn Korean from is called Talk To Me In Korean. The teachers from the site are putting on a display of Hangeul written by their students this year, and we thought it would be fun to submit entries. Since I do almost nothing without fibre in it, I thought it might be fun to try out a new batik technique I saw recently. Turns out that as long as your dye uses cold water, you can actually use white glue as your resist! So, first I picked what to write.

 My first attempt. Sloppy, and way too big.

I decided to write "I Love South Korea". Well, sort of. As close as I can tell, since I don't speak Korean well yet. It took hours to get the words looking like I wanted, and then I finally got to the shirt.

 

The glue is applied.

I placed my stencil, written in washable black marker, under my shirt, and added a layer of glue in the lines. This took longer than anticipated. A lot longer. Turns out I can only manage this with a toothpick. I don't know if it was because I was using old glue, or maybe the brand is just thick, but it really didn't run well. Then, I left it to dry. ALL DAY!! Actually, once I put a fan on it, it went a lot faster, but still.

The inside after drying.

After is was no longer tacky, I turned it inside out and removed the excess paper. Now, the instructions implied that all of the paper should be glued on. This was my first sign of trouble.

First of the dye.

I got out the easy tie-dye kit I had hiding in my stash, and got out the red. I started by squirting it on, but it didn't look like I had enough, so I put it in a spray bottle, and that seemed to work better. This shot is after the front top half was covered. I then flipped it, and did the back. Once the bottle was empty, I filled it with water again, and did the bottom half, front and back. Then, following the directions, I sealed with plastic.

Sealed with wrap. Doom imminent.

I left this for about 2 hours, and then I couldn't resist peeking. The glue was tacky again! I uncovered it, and paced around, thinking I'd screwed up. I spent hours coming up with fun, but labour-intensive ways to save it if the words weren't visible, and then finally went to bed.

I soaked the shirt for 10 minutes in cold water, and then spread it out for inspection. The words look a little lighter, and the washable marker did bleed a little, but only the last step will tell.

I tossed it in a hot water wash, as instructed. Two, actually. And then I dried it on hot in the dryer. And...voila!!

My submission.

The shirt isn't red, that's for sure, but I still like it. I definitely needed another coat of glue beforehand, and another shot of dye in the end, but it still worked ok! The writing on my neck is the hangeul for Hangeul Day. Doing that in the mirror is harder than it sounds!! 

This is Gwen's submission.

So, I sent off both pictures. However, I only got a response from Gwen's. I had fun making it, and I guess I'm okay if it doesn't get included, since it doesn't really look like writing, but still, I'm definitely pouting right now!! I would happily do one on paper, if I get response in time, but since it's the middle of the night there, and it's due tomorrow, I might be out of luck. Oh well. OH!! We requested Korean names, so we might get to see those on Oct. 9th, too. The girls are excited. I'm doing another shirt, long sleeved, with more writing, more glue, and in red and blue next. Watch for it, and let me know if you've ever tried batik!!

Happy International Talk Like A Pirate Day!! Give me Smurfs!

Arr, me mateys, have yee any Smurfs? Perhaps some blue paint with which to swab me chil'ns? Or some rum to make me Smurf search easier? Okay, that's annoying, isn't it? I'll stop now.

See, this year I need to make 2 Smurf costumes. Smurfette, to be precise. Sounds easy, right? Well, the only problem is that Hallowe'en here is generally below freezing, with a decent amount of snow. So, the kids need to be able to go out trick or treating in the costumes, but also wear them indoors at school all day. They  really loved the movie (who doesn't like NPH), but I was hoping I could do something more fun. I'm loving feathers lately.

 I really like this suit that Kim Junsu wore when they performed in Vancouver. See the feathers on the shoulders? They form a V in the back. (From withJYJ.)

I would love to do this for Hallowe'en for one my DD's.

(From MelissaJane Boutique.)

Or at least some traditional Korean clothing. They watch a lot of kdramas, listen to kpop, and are learning some Korean through Talk To Me In Korean. But alas, no, Smurfette it is.

I also get to get rid of 75% of my stuff, and we have to finish all of the renovation on our house, preferably by Christmas. Mind you, we can't find any land to move onto, but my DH can only commute the 3 hours a day for so long. I'll crank up the kpop, dream of feathers, and try to whittle down my extensive stash. *sigh*

Wow, a whole year.

Well, I got sick. But it is now being managed. My daughter's diabetic control went to crap while I was sick, but now I'm on top of that, too. And I have to move. Actually, I have to build a house. Now that I am, I'm starting to come out of my cave a little. Talking to people, doing research. It feels good to join the land of the living.

The girls and I are caught up in the Korean Wave, too. We watch Korean TV, listen to Korean music, and are learning the language. Anyone who is okay with reading subtitles should really see some of the movies. Sungkyunkwan Scandal is unbelievably sweet. We also think everyone should support K-pop artists. No matter your style, more R&B, more Hip Hop, more Pop, they have it. Dance music, ballads, and all with role models I like my kids looking up to. It's great!! My oldest DD and I are even learning the dance to Lucifer by SHINee! I haven't played with any fiber in so long, I'm getting tremors. So sad.:(

A Weekend Out

Well, I had all kinds of plans this weekend. Lots of things to get done. And then DH gets all excited about taking the kids to a lake we've never been to, and how can you say no? I've always been a sucker for the puppy eyes. The lake was a clean saline lake, so everything kind of got crusty when it dried, and of course, it was COLD. That is the sky of an impending thunderstorm, which we seem to just have every day now. Feels like Tornado Alley is creeping north.

Yes, the sky really does look like that. And no, I can't see my dog running away for days, I don't live in  that part of Saskatchewan. We also took the kids to Crooked Bush. All the aspen trees in this little grove are deformed, and they don't know why. Genetic mutation! It's kind of creepy, but very cool.

We got the Rosetta Stone Homeschool program for the girls. And me. French, Japanese, and Latin are what we're starting with. And Montessori math to keep DD's brain from going to sleep over the summer. Our summer is packed pretty solid, so not many days lazing around the house. Hopefully I'll have lots of time to actually DO something fun and personal while they do "schoolwork". I think I'm finally going to do an infinity dress. I really need something for the summer, and maybe doing something quick that I can wear will inspire me. So far, I keep thinking "I can't go play, I have to...." But I'm going a little crazy!!

I am going to a movie, without the kids, on Saturday. And yes, this is my first adult movie out since the kids were born. I'm not even taking my DH! Well, not adult movie, chick movie. Eclipse. Out in public, with other people, as a person, not a mom! I feel a little weird. We shall see whether I miss them, or feel like I'm free. I've been on dates, and the odd candle or purse party, but never to the city for something not a doctor's appointment without them. In almost 7 years. Wow. Am I pathetic or what?

Birthdays!!!!

Well, it was my DH's 34th on June 10th, and he was a little spoiled. The girls made him a treasure chest cake, and they did almost all the work themselves.

Of course, the gold coins had Disney fairies on them, and the cake had to be reinforced by icing, since it fell apart during construction, but it still tasted great. He got pen kits for his lathe from me, and a tackle box from the girls. Since it was his birthday, we went to the lake with the in-laws. It was really nice, we'd never been to that lake before. We went golfing. Well, rode around in a rented golf cart for a couple of hours. I got a sunburn that prevented me from wearing anything that touched my back, or really even moving, for 3 days. And I was wearing sunscreen!

My poor little diabetic DD is too small for her tricycle. We had to get her one for up to three, even though she's 3 1/2. She's a little afraid of falling, but we got that covered. Now if she falls, she just bounces! No scrapes, nothing! All that birthday cake and camping food meant her glucose readings were through the roof all weekend, and we were up all night, with her crying. The insulin just doesn't act fast enough sometimes! I didn't get anything "fun" done recently, and to make matters worse, I got a Sony Reader as an early birthday present, so now I have one more other thing to do! It has RSS capabilities, as well as the books, and audio, and pictures, so I may not get to anything in a timely fashion!! Not enough hours in the day! On the bright side, I have a place saved at a playschool in the fall, so I can start to get some time to myself. Because of the diabetes, it's just one morning a week to start, but some time is better than no time!!

More Time?

My physiotherapist gave me an okay to return to active duty, and my kinesiologist gave me some new exercises. That means that I no longer have almost 2 hours a day of exercises to do! Which is nice, because they didn't actually help me lose weight, or get in better shape, they just increased my flexibility and forced my discs back in my spine. Now, I have real exercises, and am starting to get desperate for yoga and bellydance. I just got Rachel Brice's Arms and Posture video, and figured that it was in line with the exercises I have prescribed, so why not?

I was also thinking of a project to give my DD. She seems to be missing me a lot (I'm either stretching or purging for the garage sale), and I wanted to give her something. I thought I could make her a friendship bracelet while we have movie night. She loves the idea of sympathetic magic - she tries to save all her toenail clippings and hair - so I thought I could put some of my hair in it. She could wear it to school, and feel like part of me was with her. 

My DH spent some time in his garage, and then gave me this. I only hope that I'll get as much time to do my own thing. But , y'know, not likely. He started on another large blank, and I bought him some pen kits for his upcoming birthday. Meanwhile, there is a project waiting on my cutting table, a head that needs a body, and a mask that needs painting. And I'm slowly gaining back the few pounds I lost now that I'm a recovering cripple. Oh well, microseconds are just not enough!

DIY Dish

These ladies are a bit more crafty than I am - and infinitely less frazzled and scattered - and they are also great to watch for ideas. Most of the stuff they do is easily altered for different tastes, and I like that the stuff is quick to do. I think I'll do these towels and beach "pocket", and let the girls embellish their own. Just think of all the time I could spend sewing while they work beside me!!

Edit: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... (gasp)... aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!! The clay, the melting of plastics, and all for jewelery!! I just watched Episode 10 of the DIY Dish, and my brain is doing a happy dance. My physiotherapist has me doing a gentle 30-40 minute routine 2 or 3 times a day, and I watch videos while I'm doing it. But now I don't want to finish. I want to sketch ideas. I know, I know, don't get sidetracked (which should be my middle name). But still, a must do. (Hear that Mom? We have jewelry to make now, as well as the soap, and lotions, and all the other stuff on the list.)

Mother's Day

I got a really nice little painting from my older DD, and she bought me some scented candles from the dollar store with her own money. However, I had to make breakfast, DH is on the computer watching woodworking videos, and the girls are watching a video in the playroom. Yay.

The BBEX awards last Tuesday were actually quite nice. They moved to a different location this year, and some students did the montage videos for all the nominees. The food was, as usual, amazing, and DH presented the SaskEnergy award this year. I got a lot of odd looks for my outfit. I guess it could have been more flattering, but it was so fun, I just had to.

A little frumpy, and as usual, no good lighting, but I still love the dress. And the socks. And the boots. And the purse, and the coat. Below is my little rockabilly girl. She actually chose this herself.

I guess she comes by it honestly, anyway!

It's May, spring....

And here I sit, looking out my window, at the snow. I'm about to go wake up the kids, their soup for lunch is heating, the smoothie ingredients are in the blender, and it's snowing. I am a little concerned for all of the little perennials coming out. I force most of my herbs, pushing my zone --I'm a zone 2b. That basically means, I can hardly grow anything, and my last frost date is June 5th -- and snow with really cold temperatures just might kill off the little sprouts coming up.

DD's Barbara Reid pictures are really good. I think we have found where her talents lie. I haven't done one myself yet, but I'm thinking I should. I look at hers, and have a hard time accepting that they are done by a 6 year old!

I have a reason to get dressed up tonight. I'm going to some awards ceremony. I go every year, I don't know anyone up for an award, and it's terribly boring, but it's part of my DH's networking for work. I'm tempted to go all out, but I don't think I remember how to do my makeup. And the dark circles under my eyes will make me look like a raccoon regardless! But time away in a fancy dress is still time away. In the snow. In heels. Yay.