I've neglected my blog. *hangs head* So today when I got the writing itch and am feeling a little down over having to head back to work after my two months of summer vacation, well, what better way to get back in the groove?!
1. Hubby says "It's time to go make some money." He's right. I am priviliged to get this time off. We are blessed to have a lifestyle which allows me to take the time off. It's something I look forward to and time I cherish.
2. I went to two football games. I came home with bruises both times. The first game I smacked my thigh on the metal thing on the back of the bleachers. I got a big honkin' bruise which took weeks to go away...about that time we went to another football game where I repeated the action. Most people get bruised from playing the game and not merely watching it.
3. I went to a three day "classic" rock concert....but only took in 2 days. The even was called Rock the River and took place at the Bessborough Hotel overlooking the South Saskatchewan River. I saw Doug & the Slugs, Harlequinn, Honeymoon Suite, Lee Aaron, Sweet & Dr. Hook. It was fun. We didn't do the third day because of rain. My only issue really was the venue. There were tons of abandoned lawn chairs leaving no place for people to set up their own.
4. We went to a family reunion at my In Laws. It was the first time in probably 10 years that everyone was together. We had a pig roast and tons of visiting time.
5. I spent a week with my parents. My Dad had cataract surgery and I went to help out. He recovered famously and appreciated my help. Mom and I did a little shopping and we did a little eating out. It was great.
6. I found a routine. During the regular school year and with my altered evening hours I don't get to do much in the way of "wife". I loved the routine of suppertime being at a normal time. I enjoyed our evening treat of yogurt and berries. My favorite part of the day was between 4:30 and 5 when I was waiting for Hubby to come home from work. It all felt so good and normal.
7. I got my health back. In early August, something "clicked" and I drastically changed my eating habits. Two weeks later I began feeling really really good...better than I've felt in years. My doctor was pleased with my changes. I've kept on. I bought a scale and I've lost 16 pounds! I'm so shocked and happy! The hypothyroid girl *can* lose weight!
8. I've been watching Criminal Minds. I watch a couple episodes every evening. I'm on season 6 currently. I don't know what happens to summer tv. It's either reruns or reality shows. Thank goodness for the interwebs.
9. I bought new cleaning impliments. That might not mean much to some and trust me, I hate housework as much as the next guy. BUT what I had just wasn't working and who is ever going to clean anything when you hate your mop? Now I can scoot around cleaning and it isn't an all day chore.
10. I just feel content and rested. People are going to ask me what I did on vacation and yes, I've got a few things to tell them, but really this is the most important thing to me because I feel sane again! I know that I can take on anything. Even though I feel like I'm going into fall kicking and screaming I really do feel that I'm in a very good place and I can successfully wear that teacher hat once again.
Hope your summer was fantabulous and that your back to school day was amazing!
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
No One Tells You
No one tells you the grief you that you will feel when your pet passes away. People try to console you with hugs and thoughts and words like "it gets better with time." It doesn't really help. Everyone means well, but it doesn't change anything. What could it possibly change?
It's been two months since Brandy~puppy the Super Dog went to Puppy Dog Heaven. To say I miss her,
doesn't really tell you the story. I know she was sick. I know she was dying from the lymphoma. I know she couldn't have lived much longer. My heart still breaks thinking about it. She was my best friend and making the decision to end her suffering is a decision I never want to make ever again.
The grief isn't about just crying and mourning her life. It's small things. It's not having to lock up the garbage. It's no one to try to steal your blanket. It's no one begging for the last bite of your sandwich. It all becomes so routine that you don't realize it until you are about to toss the sandwich in the air that you realize she's not there to get it. It's that moment that grabs you and clinches your heart.
With time it gets easier. I don't think it's because you don't feel the grief. I think it's because you just learn how to deal with the grief. At first, people wanted to hug me. A hug would bring on uncontrollable sobbing for a half hour so I refused hugs. After a week, everyone assumed I'd be me again....be normal again. But there is this big gaping hole that nothing else fills.
When a person dies there are cards and flowers and people bring you food. You know what happens when a beloved pet dies? Nothing. Sure people say things to you. But nothing happens. They make cards for these occasions....I know they do....I've seen them. I didn't receive any. I think that really hurts too. Brandy was an amazing dog who never believed she was a dog. Anyone who knew her would know that. I certainly expected more from family and especially those who've lost pets before. The family who did really care lived too far away to help us. I don't know how a single person could go through this.
Gradually, Brandy's belongings have been cleaned and packed. Some things got thrown out because they were wrecked or dirty. I've filled her Groovy Dog dish with little red heart stones and put it on the shelf near where she used to eat. Other belongings are waiting for me to assemble a shadow box when I have the time to do it. We sold her kennel aka house a few weeks back. It was sold to a woman who needed to train her dog. Yesterday, I gave two dog dishes and a bandana to a student of mine who just adopted a cockapoo male puppy.
Even though we've been making these strides....she's still gone and we still miss her. I mentioned to our contractor how our walls are covered with dog slobber. He called that 'memories'. We sure do have tons of those. It's spring and the snow is just good for trying to scale the mountain of snow in the back yard or for traipsing through the mud and tracking it into the house. Except there's no one to do it anymore.
And that's what no one tells you....is that your heart still breaks.
doesn't really tell you the story. I know she was sick. I know she was dying from the lymphoma. I know she couldn't have lived much longer. My heart still breaks thinking about it. She was my best friend and making the decision to end her suffering is a decision I never want to make ever again.
The grief isn't about just crying and mourning her life. It's small things. It's not having to lock up the garbage. It's no one to try to steal your blanket. It's no one begging for the last bite of your sandwich. It all becomes so routine that you don't realize it until you are about to toss the sandwich in the air that you realize she's not there to get it. It's that moment that grabs you and clinches your heart.
With time it gets easier. I don't think it's because you don't feel the grief. I think it's because you just learn how to deal with the grief. At first, people wanted to hug me. A hug would bring on uncontrollable sobbing for a half hour so I refused hugs. After a week, everyone assumed I'd be me again....be normal again. But there is this big gaping hole that nothing else fills.
When a person dies there are cards and flowers and people bring you food. You know what happens when a beloved pet dies? Nothing. Sure people say things to you. But nothing happens. They make cards for these occasions....I know they do....I've seen them. I didn't receive any. I think that really hurts too. Brandy was an amazing dog who never believed she was a dog. Anyone who knew her would know that. I certainly expected more from family and especially those who've lost pets before. The family who did really care lived too far away to help us. I don't know how a single person could go through this.
Gradually, Brandy's belongings have been cleaned and packed. Some things got thrown out because they were wrecked or dirty. I've filled her Groovy Dog dish with little red heart stones and put it on the shelf near where she used to eat. Other belongings are waiting for me to assemble a shadow box when I have the time to do it. We sold her kennel aka house a few weeks back. It was sold to a woman who needed to train her dog. Yesterday, I gave two dog dishes and a bandana to a student of mine who just adopted a cockapoo male puppy.
Even though we've been making these strides....she's still gone and we still miss her. I mentioned to our contractor how our walls are covered with dog slobber. He called that 'memories'. We sure do have tons of those. It's spring and the snow is just good for trying to scale the mountain of snow in the back yard or for traipsing through the mud and tracking it into the house. Except there's no one to do it anymore.
And that's what no one tells you....is that your heart still breaks.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Art Girl ~ DIY Wall Art ~
Last summer I took an art class. A drawing class to be specific. I loved it. I filled up my summer with inspiration and reminded me of a talent I have and forgot how to use. Since the class was over I tried to do some projects on my own but without a deadline to meet and so many other responsibilites I didn't really get around to doing anything. Work, right? It keeps us all from what we really want to do.
So, two weeks ago I saw a woman on the Marilyn Dennis show.....it's a talk show here in Canada on CTV. They had a show about home decor and the guest did an art project which could be customized to your own decor. Tah-dah! I thought. There's the project I've been waiting for. I will make a custom painting for my newly renovated bathroom ensuite.
LINK ----> DIYWallArt
I bought my supplies from a few different stores. I bought canvas from Michael's. It came in a two pack 16 X 20 and lucky me....it was on sale for $6. I bought a small roller, putty knife and craft paint from Dollarama. The craft paint was $1 a bottle and larger than what you'd find at Michael's. I also got an assortment of brushes. The drywall putty was purchased for approx $6 from a paint store which I just happened to be at buying paint for the new bathroom. I got the kind that goes on pink and dries white.
The first step was to apply the putty to the canvas. It is not supposed to be smooth. In fact, the messier and lumpier the better. This is what gives the painting that funky texturized look.
I took a yellow colour and did a base coat once it was dry. Later on I decided I didn't like the colour of the edging and made it a brighter yellow, but I'll get to that. I used a roller for the base coat.
The next step was to put my paint colours on plastic plates for easy access. Then all you do is dab the different colours all over the canvas making a kind of checker board kind of effect. That in itself looks pretty cool and you could stop there if you really wanted to.
To get the super coolio dreamy impressionistic effect, you take a clean brush and dip it in a tiny bit of water. Then you drag it through the paint from one side to the other.
HAZZAH!
The effect was amazing! I would have never thought that would happen.
I let it dry over night and even though I really liked it, it was also lacking pazzazz and personality and the yellow colour I desired. So I took a brighter yellow and rolled it on the edge to tidy up the drips and then I dabbed more on throughout the painting itself....wet the brush and dragged it through to distribute the colour.
AND VOILA!
The colours I used were Cargo [from the sample of paint from the bathroom wall colour], dark red, white, burnt amber, and mellow yellow.
The best part is.....I have another canvas to do another customized project! I have an idea so stay tuned for the reveal of what that might be. If it turns out, because, you know.....sometimes these things fail. Although, I am told, some of the best mistakes also make the greatest art.
So, two weeks ago I saw a woman on the Marilyn Dennis show.....it's a talk show here in Canada on CTV. They had a show about home decor and the guest did an art project which could be customized to your own decor. Tah-dah! I thought. There's the project I've been waiting for. I will make a custom painting for my newly renovated bathroom ensuite.
LINK ----> DIYWallArt
I bought my supplies from a few different stores. I bought canvas from Michael's. It came in a two pack 16 X 20 and lucky me....it was on sale for $6. I bought a small roller, putty knife and craft paint from Dollarama. The craft paint was $1 a bottle and larger than what you'd find at Michael's. I also got an assortment of brushes. The drywall putty was purchased for approx $6 from a paint store which I just happened to be at buying paint for the new bathroom. I got the kind that goes on pink and dries white.
The first step was to apply the putty to the canvas. It is not supposed to be smooth. In fact, the messier and lumpier the better. This is what gives the painting that funky texturized look.
 |
| Before it was dry |
 |
| The base colour turned out rather peachy even though I wanted yellow. |
To get the super coolio dreamy impressionistic effect, you take a clean brush and dip it in a tiny bit of water. Then you drag it through the paint from one side to the other.
HAZZAH!
The effect was amazing! I would have never thought that would happen.
I let it dry over night and even though I really liked it, it was also lacking pazzazz and personality and the yellow colour I desired. So I took a brighter yellow and rolled it on the edge to tidy up the drips and then I dabbed more on throughout the painting itself....wet the brush and dragged it through to distribute the colour.
AND VOILA!
 |
| Art a la Sandra |
The best part is.....I have another canvas to do another customized project! I have an idea so stay tuned for the reveal of what that might be. If it turns out, because, you know.....sometimes these things fail. Although, I am told, some of the best mistakes also make the greatest art.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Groovy Dog
After seeing an ad in the newspaper on January 7th, 2000 we drove to Weldon, SK and adopted Brandy from a family whose last name was Haldane. She was the last puppy. She was born November 11th, 1999.
A dog for the millennium. She was my Christmas present that year. She's been a gift every year since.
Through our 14 years together she has taught me some valuable lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Greet every loved one as if you haven't seen them in years. We should be excited for those in our lives and we never know how long they are really there. Everything can change quickly. Never let a day go by without telling a loved one you care.
Nothing counter height is yours. If you leave your drink unattended or drop food they belong to the dog. In fact, nothing on the counter may be yours either. That is especially true if it is slightly dangling over the edge of the counter or too close to the edge. Leaving a steak on an open barbecue is definitely an invitation. Always push the chair in to the table when you leave or you might be missing something off your plate when you return. Also, none of the blankets in the house are yours. They all belong to the dog who will promptly curl up on them and never give them up.
Embrace the change of the seasons. Stop and smell the flowers. Eat peas straight from the garden. Stomp in the autumn leaves. Plop your feet in the puddles. Feel the mud between your toes. Dash out the door on the first snow fall and frolic in the flakes.
Take time for yourself. Indulge in a spa day. Have your hair done. Get a message. Have a pedicure. Buy some new clothes. You will feel like a new dog.....er, person after.
Breakable Christmas ornaments have no business hanging on a tree. This is especially true if they are hanging down low because they will fall onto the floor and crash into a gazillion pieces. Some breakable ornaments may be hung at a higher level however, the tree may fall over at any time smashing them to smithereens.
Go for car rides. Travel. See the world. Drive with the windows down and let your hair blow in the wind. Dip your toes in the water. Find a new spot and make it yours. Enjoy the sights. Smell the air. Be inquisitive. Escape.
Protect your turf. Keep an eye out on your neighbourhood. Keep watch. Make sure no one is sneaking around or messing with your stuff. Patrol your yard and make sure everything is as it should be.
Remember when it's garbage day. Always empty the garbage. Inevitably a dog will Houdini itself into the garbage under the sink and spread it through the house if you don't take care of the garbage in your life. This may promote the installation of child proof locks on said kitchen cabinet but a dog is always aware and one must ensure the door is always firmly closed.
Remember when it's garbage day. Always empty the garbage. Inevitably a dog will Houdini itself into the garbage under the sink and spread it through the house if you don't take care of the garbage in your life. This may promote the installation of child proof locks on said kitchen cabinet but a dog is always aware and one must ensure the door is always firmly closed.
Accidents happen. Sometimes you poop on the floor but there's no point being upset. Yes it's embarrassing but don't dwell on it. Clean up your mess and move on. No one else thinks about it anymore so why should you. Everyone makes mistakes.
Be loyal and love deeply.
Know when it's time to go.
My little Brandy~puppy the Super Dog was diagnosed with a form of lymphoma on December 27th, 2013 and after a short rebound she went to Puppy Dog Heaven on January 27th, 2014, where she was greeted by her friends, Gonzo, Gunther, Lucy, & her mortal enemy Squeak the Cat. She was The Mom's angel and The Dad's fur seal and will be greatly missed but forever in our hearts.
Mommy & Daddy love you baby puppy. More than you will ever know.
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