Everyone in my house has been dealing with 'the yuck.' Amber started with it and by far suffered the worst of the blow. Jay got it next and his was not much better. Caden and I seem to have adopted it at the same time and although we aren't suffering nearly as bad, we still feel pretty yucky...hence the name.
Sleeping has been difficult. If Jay isn't coughing, then I am...we keep each other up most of the night, hacking and blowing our noses.
Caden and I have on again- off again fevers and an over all yucky feeling. This makes me want to sleep all the time and it makes him terribly cranky. The combination isn't the greatest when we're the only ones home. I have little energy to deal with him and just about anything sets him off. Fabulous.
On a positive note, we are becoming more and more at home in our new place. I drove out to Crawfordville yesterday with Caden to check on some things and I was reminded of what a great decision it was to move into Tallahassee. We've gotten so much more time back and people and play dates are only a short drive away. Lovely.
I went to Charlotte, NC over the weekend for a Newfie Girl's Get Together and baby shower for our friend, Roberta. It was SO much fun. It is always wonderful being around people from home. I forget how great it is to be able to talk freely without having to explain everything...to laugh at jokes no one else but a Newfoundlander would understand...to speak in my native dialect without having to slow it down and interpret and although these types of trips make me homesick, I had a blast.
It was amazing...I hope to do it again soon. Thanks Kristy, for hosting all the fun.
Right now I'm debating whether I want to go to work tonight. I feel really worn down and I won't be able to sing...it will be a piano only night if I do decide to go. Ugh. What to do...
I am sending off my book contract today. I should have sent it last month but with the move and everything, it still remains on my kitchen counter. Today it will be sent off and I guess everything will be officially official. It's still surreal and very exciting.
By the sounds of it, my son as stopped fighting his nap and is finally asleep...so I must take advantage of this time to fold clothes and collapse afterward.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
10 minutes in Miami
I am writing from Charlotte, NC where I am visiting my friends and celebrating the upcoming birth of a baby boy.
Today was insane. Due to mis-reading my itinerary, I showed up at the airport expecting to board a 9:35am flight and soon realized that I was 5 minutes too late for a 9:05am flight and they wouldn't let me board.
It seemed as though I would be out of luck but I could choose to be on stand by flights all day with no guarantee of getting anywhere.
My original itinerary was taking me from Tallahassee to Miami and then to Charlotte...going south to go north is cheaper than going directly north because the Tallahassee airport is not stellar...
The next flight going out was at 2pm and I questioned whether I should embark on an uncertain journey but since the ticket was non-refundable, I felt bad throwing that money away...plus I really wanted to see my amigos.
I went home to kill time and see my husband who came down with a nasty flu the night before and we talked about what I should do. I said, "I will pray that if the journey won't go smoothly, God won't allow me to leave Tallahassee."
I prayed continuously and headed back to the airport to begin the second leg of my journey.
I waited with my 'stand by' ticket in hand and began talking to a ticket agent about my options. It appeared as though the earliest I would get out of Miami would be 9pm and there was no guarantee. I called my friend Carey in Miami to see if we could grab dinner and we planned to meet up during my stop over.
It turned out that the ticket agent I was speaking with was actually the pilot of the plane I was about to board.
I got a seat and once on the plane, the stewardess approached me and said that the pilot was working on getting me on a 4:05 flight out of Miami but that it would be tight, since we weren't set to get into Miami until 3:55. She pretty much convinced me that it would be impossible and that I would most likely be spending the night in Miami.
She spent a lot of time on her special plane phone and after much discussion, she came back to me and said that my pilot friend had secured me a seat on the 4:05 flight and that he would do what he could to get me there on time.
I was amazed that someone I didn't know would go through such lengths to help me.
We arrived in Miami in record time. I was told the pilot would walk me across the tarmac to directly board the other plane. When we found out I was not allowed to walk on the tarmac, the following announcement occurred:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, We have a young lady here who needs to catch a flight, so if you all wouldn't mind remaining seated, we are going to use the shuttle bus to bring her to her connection and then we will come back for all of you."
Mortified yet over joyed, I was a little overwhelmed. I have never, EVER received customer service to this extreme before.
Suddenly, a slow clap began and a little cheering, a few eye rolls but I chose to ignore those. I was going to make it!
They got me on the bus and we headed towards the 4:05 flight. I was the first one on and was directed to sit in 5A for a non-stop flight to Charlotte, NC. I quickly called Carey to reschedule our dinner date for another day when I am stuck in Miami ;)...which could be Monday...seriously.
As I passed by the front of the plane, I saw my pilot friend through the window and mouthed, "Thank you!"
I'm hoping to track him down and send him a thank you card.
And that's how I spent 10 minutes in Miami.
Today was insane. Due to mis-reading my itinerary, I showed up at the airport expecting to board a 9:35am flight and soon realized that I was 5 minutes too late for a 9:05am flight and they wouldn't let me board.
It seemed as though I would be out of luck but I could choose to be on stand by flights all day with no guarantee of getting anywhere.
My original itinerary was taking me from Tallahassee to Miami and then to Charlotte...going south to go north is cheaper than going directly north because the Tallahassee airport is not stellar...
The next flight going out was at 2pm and I questioned whether I should embark on an uncertain journey but since the ticket was non-refundable, I felt bad throwing that money away...plus I really wanted to see my amigos.
I went home to kill time and see my husband who came down with a nasty flu the night before and we talked about what I should do. I said, "I will pray that if the journey won't go smoothly, God won't allow me to leave Tallahassee."
I prayed continuously and headed back to the airport to begin the second leg of my journey.
I waited with my 'stand by' ticket in hand and began talking to a ticket agent about my options. It appeared as though the earliest I would get out of Miami would be 9pm and there was no guarantee. I called my friend Carey in Miami to see if we could grab dinner and we planned to meet up during my stop over.
It turned out that the ticket agent I was speaking with was actually the pilot of the plane I was about to board.
I got a seat and once on the plane, the stewardess approached me and said that the pilot was working on getting me on a 4:05 flight out of Miami but that it would be tight, since we weren't set to get into Miami until 3:55. She pretty much convinced me that it would be impossible and that I would most likely be spending the night in Miami.
She spent a lot of time on her special plane phone and after much discussion, she came back to me and said that my pilot friend had secured me a seat on the 4:05 flight and that he would do what he could to get me there on time.
I was amazed that someone I didn't know would go through such lengths to help me.
We arrived in Miami in record time. I was told the pilot would walk me across the tarmac to directly board the other plane. When we found out I was not allowed to walk on the tarmac, the following announcement occurred:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, We have a young lady here who needs to catch a flight, so if you all wouldn't mind remaining seated, we are going to use the shuttle bus to bring her to her connection and then we will come back for all of you."
Mortified yet over joyed, I was a little overwhelmed. I have never, EVER received customer service to this extreme before.
Suddenly, a slow clap began and a little cheering, a few eye rolls but I chose to ignore those. I was going to make it!
They got me on the bus and we headed towards the 4:05 flight. I was the first one on and was directed to sit in 5A for a non-stop flight to Charlotte, NC. I quickly called Carey to reschedule our dinner date for another day when I am stuck in Miami ;)...which could be Monday...seriously.
As I passed by the front of the plane, I saw my pilot friend through the window and mouthed, "Thank you!"
I'm hoping to track him down and send him a thank you card.
And that's how I spent 10 minutes in Miami.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Conversations with a Toddler
Scene One: Sitting in the car on the way to the playground, listening to a new children's worship CD.
Children on the Cd sing: "My Jesus..."
Caden: "MY JESUS!" Obviously annoyed that this group of kids stole his personal savior.
Children on the Cd sing: "My Jesus..."
Caden: "MY JESUS!! CADEN'S JESUS!! WAIT YOUR TURN, CHILDREN!"
Scene Two: In the parking lot of Walmart after just pulling in.
Caden: "Mama, I ride bike at Walmart?"
Mama: "No baby, we need to get some groceries."
Caden: "Groceries!?! I'm SO excited! Thanks Mama!"
Evidentally, we don't eat at home as much as we should...
Scene Three: At the pool. The water is pretty cold, but manageable. I'm waste deep trying to urge Caden to come down the stairs and join me.
Caden: "Mama! Are you Ok?"
Mama: "Yes, It's nice. Wanna swim?"
Caden: "Ya, I wanna swim like a boat."
He steps down into the water, ankle deep.
Caden: "I'm Ok. This is Funny!"
He steps down to the next step, finding himself waste deep.
Caden: "Hey, what's the big idea!?"
Mama (laughing): "It's just a little cold."
Caden: "Mama, this isn't funny anymore."
Children on the Cd sing: "My Jesus..."
Caden: "MY JESUS!" Obviously annoyed that this group of kids stole his personal savior.
Children on the Cd sing: "My Jesus..."
Caden: "MY JESUS!! CADEN'S JESUS!! WAIT YOUR TURN, CHILDREN!"
Scene Two: In the parking lot of Walmart after just pulling in.
Caden: "Mama, I ride bike at Walmart?"
Mama: "No baby, we need to get some groceries."
Caden: "Groceries!?! I'm SO excited! Thanks Mama!"
Evidentally, we don't eat at home as much as we should...
Scene Three: At the pool. The water is pretty cold, but manageable. I'm waste deep trying to urge Caden to come down the stairs and join me.
Caden: "Mama! Are you Ok?"
Mama: "Yes, It's nice. Wanna swim?"
Caden: "Ya, I wanna swim like a boat."
He steps down into the water, ankle deep.
Caden: "I'm Ok. This is Funny!"
He steps down to the next step, finding himself waste deep.
Caden: "Hey, what's the big idea!?"
Mama (laughing): "It's just a little cold."
Caden: "Mama, this isn't funny anymore."
Monday, March 09, 2009
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Caden has been a Mickey Mouse kid ever since he laid eyes on his circular ears. When he was about 18 months, I finally figured out that 'Eye-Eye-Ice' (a phrase he said regularly) meant 'Mick-Eee-Mouse'...I still don't quite understand it, but I grew to love that phrase.
One day this past October he just started saying, 'Micka Mouse' out of the blue and now he exclaims his name regularly with perfect pronunciation.
We are fairly behind technologically and still don't own a DVR so when we watch Mickey Mouse we have to do it the old fashion way...either live on Playhouse Disney in the morning or by using one of the 3 DVD's we own. The problem is that the DVD's are holiday specific.
In Caden's words, we have 'Mickey Mouse Pumpkin' (Halloween), 'Mickey Mouse Snow' (Christmas), and 'Mickey Mouse Eggs' (Easter).
Thankfully, the Christmas and Halloween phase he was going through a few short weeks ago has past, and we are now appropriately watching the Easter movie at least twice a day. Keep in mind, these episodes are about 30 minutes long so he's not a total couch potato...just a tator tot.
I am forever thankful to the mouse for the joy he has given my child and the mental relief he has given me by entertaining him from time to time...and I'm somewhat sad for the day when Caden will loose interest in his tiny, rodent friend.
Until that day, he is 100% a Mickey Mouse kid...and that is fine by me.
One day this past October he just started saying, 'Micka Mouse' out of the blue and now he exclaims his name regularly with perfect pronunciation.
We are fairly behind technologically and still don't own a DVR so when we watch Mickey Mouse we have to do it the old fashion way...either live on Playhouse Disney in the morning or by using one of the 3 DVD's we own. The problem is that the DVD's are holiday specific.
In Caden's words, we have 'Mickey Mouse Pumpkin' (Halloween), 'Mickey Mouse Snow' (Christmas), and 'Mickey Mouse Eggs' (Easter).
Thankfully, the Christmas and Halloween phase he was going through a few short weeks ago has past, and we are now appropriately watching the Easter movie at least twice a day. Keep in mind, these episodes are about 30 minutes long so he's not a total couch potato...just a tator tot.
I am forever thankful to the mouse for the joy he has given my child and the mental relief he has given me by entertaining him from time to time...and I'm somewhat sad for the day when Caden will loose interest in his tiny, rodent friend.
Until that day, he is 100% a Mickey Mouse kid...and that is fine by me.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Popcorn and a Movie
Nap time was becoming a bit challenging in the Stock House. Caden was daily fighting his 1 o'clock nap for over an hour everyday...not fun or relaxing for either of us.
Since moving, we have begun a new routine that makes nap time a breeze! We stay busy until about 1:30 and then we pop some popcorn and watch one episode of whatever movie Caden would like to watch...which is either Diego or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. After the snack and the film, he goes to sleep without fighting or protesting and stays there for about 2 hours. Quite the accomplishment.
Also since moving, Caden had begun waking up at around 5:30am, leaving his room and either waking us or Amber up super dooper early. He had learned to scale the short gate we once baracaded him with but luckily, I found a taller one to put in front of his door and explained to him that we will come get him when the sun comes up. I anticipated a rough morning but he couldn't have been easier to deal with. Ever since we've gotten the gate, he uses his own bathroom without having to announce to the world that he needs to prr and he plays quietly in his room in the mornings until we come and 'let him out'. We often wake up to him singing or 'reading' one of his books...and last night while getting into bed, he said, "I get up when the sun comes up...it's too dark right now."
It's amazing how much he is growing and how smart he is becoming. He rides his new bike with ease, he uses the bathroom like a pro, he counts to 20, knows 'complicated' shapes like pentagons and ovals and uses his negotiating skills on a regular basis.
It's bitter sweet to watch your little one grow...I know the day is coming when he will be embarrassed to kiss me in front of his friends, and someday another girl will be the object of his affection instead of Mama...at least I hope so, otherwise he will be creepy...but I am cherishing these precious moments while he is a teeny tiny big boy.
Now if you will excuse me, it's time to pop some popcorn.
Since moving, we have begun a new routine that makes nap time a breeze! We stay busy until about 1:30 and then we pop some popcorn and watch one episode of whatever movie Caden would like to watch...which is either Diego or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. After the snack and the film, he goes to sleep without fighting or protesting and stays there for about 2 hours. Quite the accomplishment.
Also since moving, Caden had begun waking up at around 5:30am, leaving his room and either waking us or Amber up super dooper early. He had learned to scale the short gate we once baracaded him with but luckily, I found a taller one to put in front of his door and explained to him that we will come get him when the sun comes up. I anticipated a rough morning but he couldn't have been easier to deal with. Ever since we've gotten the gate, he uses his own bathroom without having to announce to the world that he needs to prr and he plays quietly in his room in the mornings until we come and 'let him out'. We often wake up to him singing or 'reading' one of his books...and last night while getting into bed, he said, "I get up when the sun comes up...it's too dark right now."
It's amazing how much he is growing and how smart he is becoming. He rides his new bike with ease, he uses the bathroom like a pro, he counts to 20, knows 'complicated' shapes like pentagons and ovals and uses his negotiating skills on a regular basis.
It's bitter sweet to watch your little one grow...I know the day is coming when he will be embarrassed to kiss me in front of his friends, and someday another girl will be the object of his affection instead of Mama...at least I hope so, otherwise he will be creepy...but I am cherishing these precious moments while he is a teeny tiny big boy.
Now if you will excuse me, it's time to pop some popcorn.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Martha needs some Mary Time
I've been feeling a lot like Martha these days. I've been wearing myself out, unpacking, moving furniture, working at night and playing with Caden in the day. I hate having things in boxes so I've pretty much unpacked all of our belongings in record time. This includes hanging all the pictures, arranging furniture, hanging curtains and installing shelving...phew. I'm pooped.
Tuesday I hit a wall. I had been working so hard...unpacking the new place, cleaning up the old place...Tuesday afternoon I lay on the bed for a second to catch my breath and woke up 30 minutes later. I never do that. I'm not a napper (unless it's Sunday) and I felt groggy and unable to function for the remainder of the day. It was a somewhat defeating day from start to finish...I went to work that night feeling exhausted but excited because the place was packed with Florida senators and mayors in town for session...I thought that would mean big money...but they seemed less than interested in me and I only made 15 bucks in tips, all from one guy sitting in the corner, grooving to the tunes the entire night. I thanked him and as soon as he left, so did I.
The lack of money in the tip jar ruffled my feathers a little bit until I realized how amazing my job is regardless of what I get paid and I repented for my selfishness. I have a job I love when so many can't find work and I get to be with my son the majority of the time on top of it. The pity party was quickly fleeting.
It takes me about 8 minutes to get to work now. Amazing. Jay has been coming home for lunch each day and is in the door 3 minutes after leaving the office each afternoon. It's incredible, the freedom and gift of time this move has given us.
Yesterday, I looked around and realized that we were settled into a new place and I had a mini-panic attack about the house...Did we do the right thing? What if it doesn't sell? What if it doesn't pass an inspection? when is the bank going to start calling?
I had to go in my closet, lay on the floor and pray over and over, "I need your peace, I need your peace..."
He gave it to me...He always does...I know we did the right thing and although it's not what we would have planned, we're being open, honest and smart about our situation, faithful with our money and trusting in the Almighty.
I know God blesses that.
I picked up a book that I had started a few months ago called, "The Shack" and started reading it again. It's pretty amazing. To those who have heard ignorant comments made about it being a sac-religious and un-biblical piece of literature, just pick it up and read it. No one is saying it's the gospel, but it is incredibly insightful and a beautiful story, challenging the close mindedness of western Christianity's stereo-types.
What little I got to read during Caden's nap time calmed my spirit.
Today, I re-arranged the living room, unpacked the rest of Caden's room, did three loads of laundry, washed the dishes, went for a walk, took Caden out for a bike ride on his new wheels, found some more songs for my piano bar library and finished off the birthday cake.
What Caden doesn't know won't hurt him ;)
In this moment, I am sitting and enjoying the quiet...that is until Caden wakes up which should be in about 5 mins. Quiet is something I don't get much of with all the hustle and bustle. Having a toddler that talks without ceasing at a volume that everyone on the planet can hear makes these quiet moments that much more serene.
I'm taking a few minutes off from being a Martha to be a Mary...and as soon as I click 'publish post' I'll start to fold the clothes ;)
Tuesday I hit a wall. I had been working so hard...unpacking the new place, cleaning up the old place...Tuesday afternoon I lay on the bed for a second to catch my breath and woke up 30 minutes later. I never do that. I'm not a napper (unless it's Sunday) and I felt groggy and unable to function for the remainder of the day. It was a somewhat defeating day from start to finish...I went to work that night feeling exhausted but excited because the place was packed with Florida senators and mayors in town for session...I thought that would mean big money...but they seemed less than interested in me and I only made 15 bucks in tips, all from one guy sitting in the corner, grooving to the tunes the entire night. I thanked him and as soon as he left, so did I.
The lack of money in the tip jar ruffled my feathers a little bit until I realized how amazing my job is regardless of what I get paid and I repented for my selfishness. I have a job I love when so many can't find work and I get to be with my son the majority of the time on top of it. The pity party was quickly fleeting.
It takes me about 8 minutes to get to work now. Amazing. Jay has been coming home for lunch each day and is in the door 3 minutes after leaving the office each afternoon. It's incredible, the freedom and gift of time this move has given us.
Yesterday, I looked around and realized that we were settled into a new place and I had a mini-panic attack about the house...Did we do the right thing? What if it doesn't sell? What if it doesn't pass an inspection? when is the bank going to start calling?
I had to go in my closet, lay on the floor and pray over and over, "I need your peace, I need your peace..."
He gave it to me...He always does...I know we did the right thing and although it's not what we would have planned, we're being open, honest and smart about our situation, faithful with our money and trusting in the Almighty.
I know God blesses that.
I picked up a book that I had started a few months ago called, "The Shack" and started reading it again. It's pretty amazing. To those who have heard ignorant comments made about it being a sac-religious and un-biblical piece of literature, just pick it up and read it. No one is saying it's the gospel, but it is incredibly insightful and a beautiful story, challenging the close mindedness of western Christianity's stereo-types.
What little I got to read during Caden's nap time calmed my spirit.
Today, I re-arranged the living room, unpacked the rest of Caden's room, did three loads of laundry, washed the dishes, went for a walk, took Caden out for a bike ride on his new wheels, found some more songs for my piano bar library and finished off the birthday cake.
What Caden doesn't know won't hurt him ;)
In this moment, I am sitting and enjoying the quiet...that is until Caden wakes up which should be in about 5 mins. Quiet is something I don't get much of with all the hustle and bustle. Having a toddler that talks without ceasing at a volume that everyone on the planet can hear makes these quiet moments that much more serene.
I'm taking a few minutes off from being a Martha to be a Mary...and as soon as I click 'publish post' I'll start to fold the clothes ;)
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Greener Grass
We're in our new place and it feels fantastic...it will feel even better once everything has a place and the boxes are broken down but for right now, it feels great just the same. Caden LOVES it here. He has been up and down the stairs 100 times each day and when we go out he begs us to bring him back to his 'brand new house and his brand new room.' He has transitioned better than we could have imagined...he's been a little over-hyper from all the commotion but doing as great as an almost-3 year old can do.
The move was probably our easiest out of the 9 we've done in the last 4 years because of lots of help, good weather and just the right amount of boxes.
I will post pics of the new place once everything is in order...for right now, the 4 of us (Jay, Caden, Amber and myself) are greatly enjoying the gift of togetherness, time, financial freedom and gasoline this new move has given to us....we're looking forward to filling up once every 10 days instead of once every 2.5.
It took me 9 minutes to get to work last night...yes, I went to work after moving..it was quite exhausting but Saturday night tips are worth the extra effort....I got to sit down and eat dinner with my family instead of hitting the road an hour earlier to make it to work on time.
The job is fantastic by the way. I'm quite humbled by the whole thing...I love it, the people love it, the owner loves it, the money gets better and better, I get to eat crab bisque about half way through the evening, bring home delicious desserts free of charge...best of all, I've had many chances to tell people from all walks of life about church and how God is the only reason why I can do anything I do...it's the perfect opportunity, custom made for me...God is amazing...prayer works.
Well, I'm about to retire for this evening, but I wanted to let everyone know that we're finally here...at peace with our decision even though it is an unconventional one, hopeful for a near-future house sale and thankful for these greener pastures.
The move was probably our easiest out of the 9 we've done in the last 4 years because of lots of help, good weather and just the right amount of boxes.
I will post pics of the new place once everything is in order...for right now, the 4 of us (Jay, Caden, Amber and myself) are greatly enjoying the gift of togetherness, time, financial freedom and gasoline this new move has given to us....we're looking forward to filling up once every 10 days instead of once every 2.5.
It took me 9 minutes to get to work last night...yes, I went to work after moving..it was quite exhausting but Saturday night tips are worth the extra effort....I got to sit down and eat dinner with my family instead of hitting the road an hour earlier to make it to work on time.
The job is fantastic by the way. I'm quite humbled by the whole thing...I love it, the people love it, the owner loves it, the money gets better and better, I get to eat crab bisque about half way through the evening, bring home delicious desserts free of charge...best of all, I've had many chances to tell people from all walks of life about church and how God is the only reason why I can do anything I do...it's the perfect opportunity, custom made for me...God is amazing...prayer works.
Well, I'm about to retire for this evening, but I wanted to let everyone know that we're finally here...at peace with our decision even though it is an unconventional one, hopeful for a near-future house sale and thankful for these greener pastures.
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