Mel's Backyard

Ignorance Is Bliss

2012-01-31T19:15:00.001-07:00

Sadie is still having complications from the surgery she had January 3rd.

She still isn't able to swallow any dry food and has had a really hard time with the small amounts that we have given her, so canned food it is. She is having trouble breathing as well, so call to the vet was in order.

Before I could make the call, I received one from K-girl while I was on my lunch break - Sadie had a seizure in the backyard. I phoned the vet immediately and made arrangements to bring her in. I had to leave work early to be able to get her there in time.

The 3 vets that have been taking care of Sadie spent 45 minutes with her trying to figure out what the hell is going on. They were talking about so many different possibilities that I started getting dizzy. They took goodness knows how many different fluids from her and said they would run a bunch of tests and let me know what they found.

At 5:30 this evening they called and all the tests came back fine - I am not sure if that is good or not. They are going to speak to some specialists and see if they can be of some help. Everyone seems to be at a total loss as to what the problem is or how to fix it.

There is great concern over the seizure as it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the other problems Sadie is having. When an 11 year old dog that has never had a seizure before has one, it doesn't lead to anything good. I was told there is a pretty good chance that it is a brain tumor.

It will be a few days before I hear anything - the vet will get back to me as soon as she can. I am not sure if I really want to answer the call.

Maxine Monday

2012-01-30T05:35:00.003-07:00

Hand Me Downs

2012-01-29T15:31:00.001-07:00

This is my favorite t-shirt:

It is time to let it go. I am sad.

Sam wants to keep it in the family.

Quite stylish, don't you think?

"I Am So Screwed"

2012-01-25T18:36:00.001-07:00

This was one of two text messages that K-girl sent me this morning.

The other one said that her Math final was today, not tomorrow and the school called her just after 9:00 wondering where she was.

Oops.

Lucky for her she was showered, dressed and ready to start the day when they called. It would have been pretty funny if she had just woken up and had to go in her pajamas.

She thinks she did alright, but I know she did great. A few extra hours of review wouldn't have made any difference.

Next time, I will double check the schedule for her.

Just in case.

Maxine Monday

2012-01-23T05:39:00.003-07:00

Catching Up

2012-01-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

I haven't written for a few days. Life just seems to get in the way sometimes.

I went back to work on Thursday even though I wasn't feeling any better. Good thing I did as two others in my department were sick as well. I received my 3 month review last week and it is nice to know that my hard work is appreciated.

G-boy is a happy camper. I mentioned that an AC/DC belt buckle was at the store and he hounded me all week about it. Lucky for him it was still there on Thursday, so I bought it. I was going to keep it until Valentine's Day and give it to him then, but I couldn't be that cruel.

The kids are busy studying for final exams this week. K-girl has already written her exam for English and will write her Math exam later this week. That girl is so smart it scares me.

G-boy has to write Social Studies and Science exams. He hides in his room with the door closed and says he is studying. I am pretty sure he has been playing guitar instead. That boy is so lazy it scares me.

Have a great week.

Sick Day

2012-01-18T20:31:00.002-07:00

I missed my first day of work today. Tomorrow ends my 3 month probationary period. I wonder if they are going to fire me.

Whatever.

Even though I still feel like a sack of crap I am going to work tomorrow. If I am going to be sick and miserable I may as well get paid for it and take it out on the people that made me sick in the first place.

I can't wait for 7:00 tomorrow morning when I get to spread my particular brand of joy.

FYI: It was -46C with the windchill this morning.

Winter Has Finally Arrived

2012-01-17T19:58:00.001-07:00

Holy crap, it's cold!!

The temperatures have dropped lower than -40C with the windchill.

I have body parts freezing and falling off that I didn't even know I had.

63 days until Spring.

Maxine Monday

2012-01-16T05:39:00.001-07:00

All Better

2012-01-14T17:28:00.002-07:00

Hi, everyone, it's me, Sadie.

I wanted to let you all know that I am feeling much better. It still hurts to swallow, but I can handle it.

If you take a look at the right side of my face, you will see no lumps, bumps or stitches. I look normal again. Well, as normal as a dog with dementia can look.

Woof!!

The stitches were taken out this morning. I was a really good girl and didn't move the entire time. Would you if someone was coming near your eye with a pair of scissors?

I want to thank my wonderful vet, Dr. H - she is such a good puppy doctor, my family for taking excellent care of me and all of you for sending me good wishes for a speedy recovery.

Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to have a nap.

This blog business is exhausting.

Lucky Day

2012-01-13T05:41:00.001-07:00

Explains A Lot

2012-01-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

Me behave? Seriously?

As a child I saw Tarzan almost naked, Cinderella arrived home after midnight, Pinocchio told lies, Aladdin was a thief, Batman drove over 200 miles an hour, Snow White lived in a house with 7 men, Popeye smoked a pipe and had tattoos, Pac Man ran around to digital music while eating pills that enhanced his performance, and Shaggy and Scooby were mystery solving hippies that always had the munchies.

The fault is not mine.

Maxine Monday

2012-01-09T05:43:00.003-07:00

Bloody Hell

2012-01-06T21:23:00.001-07:00

Today has pretty much sucked. After 3 1/2 hours of work, the bosses decided to send everyone home. Hardly work getting up at 5:00 am for.

Things didn't get much better once I got home.

Sadie has barely eaten anything since her surgery and I am getting concerned. We have been feeding her small handfuls of food at a time, but for some reason while she is eating blood appears. We thought it was coming from her mouth, but we discovered today that it was coming from her nose.

I didn't even know that a dog could have a nose bleed. Guess what? They aren't supposed to unless they have eaten rat poison or have some disease that has a long, crazy name that I can't pronounce. By the time we finished lunch there was a steady flow coming out of both nostrils. I called the vet and they told me to bring her in ASAP.

So, a normal 20 minute drive took 13 and the vet took Sadie in to be checked out as soon as we got there even though the waiting room was packed. An x-ray of her lungs was taken to see if she had aspirated during or after the surgery and it came back clear. At this point, the vet thinks that somewhere in mouth or throat has been rubbed raw due to being intubated for so long during the surgery. She also has a fever, so there is the possibility of an infection.

She is now on antibiotics and an anti-nausea drug and we are to call in the morning if she has a bad night. If we have to bring her in, the staff at the clinic have been told to call the vet at home and she will come in and try to figure out what to do next.

I was expecting to pay another big bill, but there was no charge for anything as this happened as a result of the surgery.

I think they are starting to feel sorry for us.

Conehead

2012-01-05T17:31:00.002-07:00

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Sadie's surgery on Tuesday didn't go as well as planned and our vet had to do some quick thinking on how to deal with the complications that arose. Even though she had never done the procedure that it took to fix the problems, she did a great job and I am so thankful that Sadie was in her care.

This lovely piece of apparatus has to be worn 24 hours a day for the next week. It is huge, but if she doesn't wear it and anything touches her eye or the surrounding area, if could tear open the aforementioned eye and surrounding area. The only thing holding it all together is a very fine line of delicate stitches.

So, she has been crashing into walls and furniture and scaring the hell out of Sam.. I am pretty sure we will have to repaint some of the walls when this is all over. We have had to block off the stairs leading to the basement, so she doesn't fall down them and get a puppy concussion.

Cost for all of this - $675.

I asked my boss if they could just deposit my pay checks into the vet's account.

She looked at me kind of funny.

I wasn't laughing.

Sadie's Turn

2012-01-03T05:48:00.001-07:00

Keep good thoughts for my girl today, she is having surgery.

She has a cyst on her ear and three around her eye that need to be removed. The largest one is about the size of a marble and growing on her lower eyelid. The vet is concerned about that one as you can only remove 1/3 of the eyelid without causing permanent damage.

The vet feels that it is safe to remove it, but won't know for sure until Sadie is in dreamland and she can get a good look.

Can't wait to see how much this is going to cost.

Happy New Year.

Maxine Monday

2012-01-02T05:45:00.003-07:00

Acceptance

2012-01-01T20:47:00.001-07:00

This is my word for 2012.

I think this year will bring many things into my life - some good, some bad. I have decided the best thing I can do is to accept them in whatever form they choose to present themselves.

I am tired of always fighting off and trying to change the bad and not realizing and appreciating the good.

Here's to another new year.

New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T22:42:00.001-07:00

We are a bunch of wild ones tonight.

One of us went to bed at 9:00.

Another one of us has been knocking back Cokes since lunchtime in the hopes of staying up until at least 11:00.

It isn't working

One of us keeps asking to watch their new AC/DC concert DVD and is about to get his sorry ass grounded.

And the last one is getting ready to stay up until 3:00 am watching the New Years's Eve shows.

Happy New Year, Dick Clark.

Happy New Year, Everyone.

Put Your Game Face On

2011-12-28T20:52:00.002-07:00

don't

have

one

single

normal

picture

son

anywhere.

Maxine Monday

2011-12-26T08:43:00.003-07:00

I Got Balls For Christmas

2011-12-25T18:33:00.001-07:00

Bet you weren't expecting that!!

I am talking about weighted toning balls to use when I am exercising.

I guess that means I should start exercising again.

Stupid Christmas present.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

Here we are again, my favorite day of the year.

It started out pretty rough.

I had to go to 4 different grocery stores this morning to find the cookies that K-girl needs to make tomorrow's dessert.

Note to self:

Buy the damn cookies in July!!

We have been under a severe wind advisory for the last few days, so there is a chance that Santa might not make it our way or that our presents could end up blowing all the way to Timbuktu.

If you find them, please let me know.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Vacation

2011-12-21T21:44:00.002-07:00

I have the next 5 days off from work. We were supposed to work a half day tomorrow, but at the last minute management decided to give us the day off.

I am pretty excited about being home on a week day. I was looking forward to having lunch with the kids tomorrow, but G-boy has informed me that he is staying at school for lunch. No problem, we can all have breakfast together. Apparently not, K-girl made it perfectly clear that she doesn't get out of bed until after her brother leaves for school.

I wonder if I need to make an appointment to see them at dinner.

Maxine Monday

2011-12-19T05:44:00.002-07:00

She Works Hard For The Money

2011-12-17T18:28:00.002-07:00

And gives it all to the vet's office.

Sadie and Sam are both having problems right now.

Three years ago, Sadie developed a lump on the lower lid of one of her eyes. The vet thought that she was stung by a bee and told me not to worry about it.

It has gotten bigger over the last few months and there has been a lot of goop coming out of it. The vet we have now says that it is a cyst and noticed a second one starting in the same eye. I was given some ointment to put on it to clear up the goop and to shrink the cyst. They don't want to remove them because of their location and the fact that Sadie is almost 11 years old.

Well, the goop has cleared up, but the larger of the two cysts hasn't shrunk at all and now there is a third one near the same eye. She will be going back this week to see what can be done next.

Sam is starting to show signs of another mass growing in his mouth. He has been vomiting bile on and off for almost 3 weeks and has been eating his dry dog food very slowly. Last Monday he stopped eating it all together, which means his mouth is just too sore.. I got canned food for him and he is happily eating again.

His trip to the vet on Friday left all the staff shaking their heads because they can't seem to figure out what is going on with him. The only thing they can come up with is that the lumps are scar tissue that is regenerating. They took pictures's of his mouth, so they can compare later on when I inevitably have to bring him back.

So, they gave him a shot of an anti-nausea drug and I have increased his anti-inflammatory for the next 5 days. All that can be done is to keep a close eye on his mouth, which is getting more and more difficult to do. He doesn't want anyone messing around in there.

I have been at my job for 8 weeks now. Do you think it is too soon to ask for a raise?

Time Management

2011-12-15T14:50:00.004-07:00

I was able to leave work almost 2 hours early today - a rare and wonderful treat. On the drive home I was thinking of all the things I could get done:

- dinner prep

- fold laundry

- bake

- brush the dogs

- make soap

- make phone calls

- write a grocery list

It is just the 3 Amigos and me and the silence is wonderful. I am drinking a cup of tea, eating BBQ potato chips and playing around on the computer.

And I don't even feel guilty.

10 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-15T05:37:00.002-07:00

Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?

Maxine Monday

2011-12-12T16:27:00.003-07:00

Movie Review

2011-12-11T17:44:00.003-07:00

Sweet

Funny

Wonderful

Well, the parts that I was awake for.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

2011-12-10T20:57:00.004-07:00

The year was 1999.

K-girl was 5 years old and G-boy was 3.

Our annual pilgrimage to the mall to have their picture taken with Santa was the highlight of the holiday season for us. Of all the photos I have of them with the Big Guy, this one is the best.

Let's start with the terrified expression on my daughter's face. In every picture that was taken of her that year, she has the same terrified look on her face. You would have thought that someone was standing behind the photographer with a sawed off shot gun and aiming it right at her.

My son looks like he is going to cry. Perhaps he was scared....or constipated. We'll never know.

And if you take a good, long look at Saint Nick, it would appear that he has had too many sips of spiked eggnog.

Freezin' My Booties Off

2011-12-07T18:14:00.003-07:00

It looks like tomorrow is going to be the first of many cold days this winter.

The forecast says -19C, but will feel like -26C with the wind chill.

Bite me, Mr. Weatherman.

Maxine Monday

2011-12-05T05:39:00.003-07:00

Mel's Day - The Extended Version

2011-12-03T07:55:00.008-07:00

This year Mel's Day (December 1st) was on a Thursday and I was at work, so I didn't get to celebrate.

So, I am observing this new holiday all weekend and I will be observing it alone.

Why?

Because my family are going to visit Gramma and Grampa this weekend and I will be all myself!!

That's right, just me and the 3 amigos and a total Christmas weekend.

I have a stack of new magazines to read, lots of movies to watch and a fridge full of treats. I will do some baking and wrapping as well. I even bought some new jammies to wear and there is a pretty good chance I might wear them the entire time.

Have a fabulous weekend

Winner #4

2011-12-02T20:17:00.003-07:00

This week's winner is:

Congratulations Laura!!

I know how much you love Country Living, so I am really happy that you won.

Send me your contact information and I will get it out in the mail ASAP.

Thanks to everyone for entering the giveaways. I had a lot of fun and will be doing it again.

Mel's Day

2011-12-01T05:41:00.003-07:00

Last year I decided that December 1st would be Mel's Day. It would be a special day for me to kick off the Christmas season. However, I am working now, so there will be no celebrating for me today, but I will be this weekend. I will write more about that later.

So, for today, I am re-posting a Christmas funny.

Martha Stewart's Holiday Schedule

December 1
Blanch carcass from Thanksgiving turkey. Spray paint gold, turn upside down and use as a sleigh to hold Christmas cards.
December 2
Have Mormon Tabernacle Choir record outgoing Christmas message for answering machine.
December 3
Using candlewick and hand-gilded miniature pine cones, fashion a cat-o-nine-tails. Flog gardener.
December 4
Repaint Sistine Chapel ceiling in ecru, with mocha trim.
December 5
Get new eyeglasses. Grind lenses myself.
December 6
Fax family Christmas newsletter to Pulitzer committee for consideration.
December 7
Debug Windows Vista
December 10
Align carpets to adjust for curvature of Earth.
December 11
Lay Faberge egg.
December 12
Take dog apart. Disinfect. Reassemble.
December 13
Collect dentures. They make excellent pastry cutters, particularly for decorative pie crusts.
December 14
Install plumbing in gingerbread house.
December 15
Replace air in mini-van tires with Glade "Holiday Scents" in case tires are shot out at mall.
December 17
Childproof the Christmas tree with garland of razor wire.
December 19
Adjust legs of chairs so each Christmas dinner guest will be the same height when sitting at his or her assigned seat.
December 20
Dip sheep and cows in egg whites and roll in confectioner's sugar to add a festive sparkle to the pasture.
December 21
Drain city reservoir; refill with mulled cider, orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
December 22
Float votive candles in toilet tank.
December 23
Seed clouds for white Christmas.
December 24
Do my annual good deed. Go to several stores. Be seen engaged in last minute Christmas shopping, thus making many people feel less inadequate than they really are.
December 25
Bear son. Swaddle. Lay in color-coordinated manger scented with homemade potpourri.
December 26
Organize spice racks by genus and phylum.
December 27
Build snowman in exact likeness of God.
December 31
New Year's Eve! Give staff their resolutions. Call a friend in each time zone of the world as the clock strikes midnight in that country.

Giveaway # 4

2011-11-29T19:44:00.004-07:00

This week's book is:

This book not only has 301 ideas to celebrate Christmas, but some of the most gorgeous photos I have ever seen.

If you want it to be yours, leave a comment.

Winner will be announced Friday night.

Good luck!!

Maxine Monday

2011-11-28T05:44:00.003-07:00

Winner # 3

2011-11-25T18:17:00.005-07:00

The winner is:

Nancy!!

Trixie was being a bitch and didn't want her picture taken and Sam was taking a nap, so Sadie did the honors.

She is happier about it than she looks.

Send me your contact information and I will get your prize sent out to you.

See you next Tuesday for Giveaway # 4.

Windy

2011-11-23T20:22:00.007-07:00

For the last two days we have had winds reaching 110 kilometers per hour.

Stuff has been flying everywhere and if you look out the window it is like a scene out of The Wizard of Oz.

Poor K-girl had the fright of her life yesterday.

She was in the shower when she heard a loud bang and a huge crash. When she went outside on the back porch, this is what she found:

The entire top part of the wall had been torn off and went flying into the yard.

G-boy and a friend found the pieces and brought them up onto the porch. Behind the barbecue is the largest piece and there is another one tucked in behind.

How come where I live weather like this gets classified as "high winds", but anywhere else it would be called a tornado?

Giveaway # 3

2011-11-22T19:51:00.004-07:00

This week's book is:

This is one of the nicest little books about Christmas I have ever read. I always look forward to reading one passage a day for the month of December.

If you are interested in owning a copy, leave a comment.

Winner will be announced Friday night.

Good luck!!

Maxine Monday

2011-11-21T06:43:00.003-07:00

Winner # 2

2011-11-18T19:08:00.006-07:00

And the winner is:

In Real Life!!

Despite the psychotic look on Sadie's face she is really happy for you...

and so am I.

Email me your address and I will get your prize sent off to you.

See you next Tuesday for Giveaway #3 and no, it won't be G-boy.

Have a great weekend.

Problem Solver

2011-11-17T20:34:00.008-07:00

Last night was Parent/Teacher conferences at G-boy's school - fun!! Things were going well until I talked to his Science teacher. I found out that there was a test today and notes to be taken and handed in. When I got home from work my son was playing a video game, no books to be seen and definitely no studying going on.

While I was waiting to see the next teacher, I made a phone call:

G-boy: Hello

Mom: Are you studying?

G-boy: For what?

Mom: The Science test that you have tomorrow.

G-boy: What?

Mom: You have a Science test tomorrow.

G-boy: I had no idea.

Mom: Do you have your books at home.

G-boy: Nope.

Mom: Where are they?

G-boy: In my locker.

Mom: How are you going to study?

G-boy: I don't know.

Mom: Here's an idea - give me your locker combination and I can bring them home.

G-boy: Oh.

If he doesn't get his act together the next giveaway I have will be a Playstation 3.

Giveaway # 2

2011-11-15T18:55:00.004-07:00

This week's book is:

I have owned my copy for over 10 years now and it completely changed the way I think of Christmas.

If you are interested in owning a copy, leave a comment.

Winner will be announced Friday evening.

Good luck.

Birthdays

2011-11-15T05:30:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday Big J & Trixie

Maxine Monday

2011-11-14T05:43:00.003-07:00

Mom Always Wins

2011-11-13T10:53:00.003-07:00

It was that time of year again, the kids annual photo session. I don't buy the packages from school because they are over-priced crap.

The session takes all of 15 minutes and the pictures always turn out great.

K-girl recently had her hair dyed a gorgeous red and had a lovely blouse to match. I think she looks fabulous.

And then there was G-boy, who has to turn everything into a bloody war. He purchased this shirt a few months ago and I knew it would be perfect for pictures. He thought so too, because he was planning on wearing it unbuttoned with an Iron Maiden t-shirt underneath.

Not. Going. To. Happen.

He fought with me for the better part of a week over this until I sat him down and we had a little chat. I asked how important was it to him to have the video game that he pre-ordered and paid for 3 months earlier. The game was being released the following Tuesday and if he wanted me to pick it up for him, he better do what he was told.

Doesn't he look nice?

Winner # 1

2011-11-11T18:03:00.004-07:00

And the winner is....

Anke!!!

Congratulations!!

Send me your address and I will get your prize out in the mail this weekend.

Giveaway # 2 is next Tuesday.

Have a great weekend.

Remembrance Day

2011-11-11T07:47:00.003-07:00

Sock Monkey

2011-11-10T20:16:00.005-07:00

This past weekend we went to the annual "Fall Into Christmas" craft fair in the city. This is the 3rd year we have gone and we look forward to it every year.

I was hoping the vendor that made sock monkeys would be there again this year as I had decided that I really wanted one.

Isn't he sweet? He needs a name - any suggestions?

The guys were happy about buying a big box of fudge and K-girl bought jewelry.

She also bought this Pook Toque.

Isn't she cute?

Giveaways!!

2011-11-08T19:50:00.005-07:00

That's right - plural!!

For the next 4 weeks I am going to be giving away one of my favorite things - books. Each of the books is about another one of my favorite things - Christmas.

Here are the rules, and yes, there has to be rules or there will be total anarchy.

1. You have to have been a follower of this blog as of October 31, 2011. I don't like people who troll around blogs looking for free stuff, so this rule takes care of that.

2. Leave a comment telling me that you will die if you don't get the chance to win the book or you can tell me your shoe size - whatever.

3. No more rules - rules suck.

On Fridays, I will let The 3 Amigos pick a winner and post the good news. Actually, I will post the good news as I am pretty sure they can't use a computer or can they? If you are a winner you can't enter any of the other giveaways. Let's share the love, people.

So, the first book combines not only Christmas, but stupid people and you know how much I love stupid people. I took a quick peek at it and decided to tuck it away otherwise I would have kept it for myself.

Good luck!!

Maxine Monday

2011-11-07T05:44:00.007-07:00

Christmas Music

2011-11-06T16:00:00.004-07:00

G-boy bought a new CD yesterday. I was so happy that it was Christmas music despite the content.

Alice Cooper singing "Santa Claus is coming to town" doesn't sound that bad.

Busy Bees

2011-11-02T20:09:00.007-06:00

I thought it was time for an update on what we have been up to.

First off, the big news...

K-girl quit high school!!

Just kidding.

Sort of.

The only class that she was taking at the high school was Math and a few weeks ago she realized what a waste of time it was and is now taking it through correspondence. She is doing all of her school work at home and quite happy.

G-boy has realized that his piddly allowance isn't quite cutting it and is seriously considering applying for his first job. It is hard to have champagne taste on a beer budget. Interim reports are being brought home on a daily basis and his grades are good. He has been very busy lately playing the latest "I have to have this or I will die" video game.

Not to be out done, my job is now full time. I work Monday to Friday 7:00 - 3:30. Yep, 7:00 in the morning. Am I nuts, or what? I am working on the production line of a retail store and I really like my job.

It has been a big adjustment for all of us, but things are going well. It really helps that K-girl is home a lot and able to take care of things. G-boy has been a big help as well. There is no way this would work if I didn't have such great, responsible kids.

Returning to work full time hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. I quickly realized that there is only so much one person can do in a day and when it is time to stop, I stop. Thank goodness for weekends.

I feel like my blog is being neglected, but there just isn't enough time or brain power for writing right now. I am hoping that will change and when it does I look forward to being awake enough to put together coherent sentences.

Bah, why start now.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T05:43:00.004-06:00

Spirit Week is Over

2011-10-28T20:45:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was "Group Day", but G-boy didn't bother dressing up. He was too busy getting ready for today which was "Wear Your Halloween Costume" Day.

His costume is Michael Myers from the movie, "Halloween". He searched everywhere for the mask and got the coveralls from someone Big J works with. He has been watching videos over and over so he could get the character's walk just right. I wish he would put that kind of time and effort into his school work.

The school rule is no masks and G-boy was pretty ticked off. He wasn't going to wear his costume at all when he found out, but decided that he would wear the mask to and from school.

I would like to apologize to anyone that was terrorized today by the sight of my son looking like this. Knife not included.

Spirit Week Continued

2011-10-26T19:49:00.006-06:00

Tuesday was "Goth/Gangster" day.

I think you can figure out which one he chose.

During gym class he got beaned in the face with a basketball and a lot of the make up came off, so he came home and showered at lunch.

Today was "Super Hero" day, so he went as "Waffle Man".

It involved wearing boxer shorts over his jeans, a black cape and pictures of waffles taped to his shirt.

Sorry, no pictures.

Animal

2011-10-25T19:36:00.005-06:00

This week is Spirit Week at G-boy's school.

Monday was "dress up as your favorite animal" day.

G-boy wore a t-shirt with "Animal" from The Muppets on it.

Pretty clever.

No one at his school knew who The Muppets were.

What kind of world are we living in?

Maxine Monday

2011-10-24T05:50:00.003-06:00

Update From Sam

2011-10-22T20:11:00.005-06:00

Trixie has been nice to me all week. I weigh more than twice as much as she does, but she still let me use her as a pillow.

Come to think of it, everyone around here has been treating we really well. If I didn't know better, I would think that something was wrong with me.

But, there isn't!!

My lovely vet, Ramona called with my lab results. There is no cancer, infection or anything else. Nobody seems to know what is causing these growths in my mouth.

I wonder if this means everyone will stop being so nice to me.

Nah.

Like I Don't Have Enough To Do

2011-10-20T20:08:00.004-06:00

I started a paying job this week and no, it isn't at IKEA.

I love my non-paying job, but the benefits suck.

Don't get me wrong, I love being home, but I can only spend so much time annoying the heck out of my kids before it gets kinda boring.

Mama needs a new hobby.

The job is 25 hours a week; Monday to Friday, 7:00am - 12:00pm. That still gives me lots of time to get into trouble at home.

Big J and I will both be getting up at 5:00am to get ready for work; only he can be ready in 20 minutes and I need about an hour and a half.

If I went to work looking like he did, I wouldn't have a job.

Lots Of Soap

2011-10-18T13:47:00.007-06:00

We haven't made soap for so long. We have been using store bought and no one is happy about it. So, we pulled out some recipes and supplies and got to work. Six batches were made in as many days and the house smells great.

It will be ready just in time to package up for Christmas gifts and of course, ourselves.

We bought a truckload of Irish Spring at Costco a while ago and that stuff is nasty!!

Maxine Monday

2011-10-17T07:01:00.002-06:00

Sam Is Home

2011-10-14T18:03:00.004-06:00

He is zonked out of his mind. He keeps trying to walk, but his back legs are giving out on him. When the vet got inside his mouth she thought she was possibly dealing with scar tissue from the mass that was removed 3 months ago. Once she took a closer look she could tell that this mass was in the exact same spot, but on the other side. This is not good. We won't know anything until the results come back from the lab and that should be next week. All we can do is wait.

Waiting sucks.

Ka Ka Pooh Pooh

2011-10-14T14:44:00.004-06:00

1500 pounds of sheep shit for the garden.

Anyone know where I left my nose plugs?

Garden 2011

2011-10-13T21:37:00.005-06:00

I am calling this year's garden a success!!

We dug up the last of the potatoes a few days ago and we got approximately 125 pounds in total. The carb lovers in my house are very happy.

Tomato sauce canned this week.

Not everything was a success, though. We did have a lot of slugs and bugs to deal with and space was a factor. We have been making notes on how to improve for next year.

This bed was just built a few days ago and will be used to plant squash and pumpkins. The squash we planted this year did nothing - there just wasn't enough room.

We brought in 2 truckloads of mulch and put down a thick layer all around the perimeter of the garden to help keep the weeds down. We also covered the raspberry canes and the walkway along the back fence.

I read that it can take up to 5 years to make clay soil into something workable, so a load of compost and leaves stolen from the neighbors will be tilled in soon and then we will be done for the year.

Before we know it, it will be time to start planning Garden 2012.

Birthdays Are Bad

2011-10-12T15:15:00.004-06:00

So far, Sam's first week of being 9 years old has sucked.

He is sick again and having surgery Friday morning,

There is another mass in his mouth and they are going to remove it. The vet will send it to the lab for testing and hopefully, we will get some news as to what is going on.

I can't believe he is going through this again just 3 months after the last time.

Please keep good thoughts for my boy.

Can't Take This Kid Anywhere

2011-10-11T09:17:00.006-06:00

His sister and I were sitting across from him...

Part mortified....

Part laughing hysterically.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-10-10T08:36:00.002-06:00

Has It Been That Long?

2011-10-09T08:21:00.004-06:00

It's been two years now - I 'm still writing and you're still reading.

Talk about commitment or maybe we should talk about being committed.

I don't know how to express what you all mean to me. The fact that you follow this blog, read it and take the time to comment means so much. I can't seem to put my feelings into words.

Oh, yes I can....

Get a life!!

Happy Birthday, Sam!!

2011-10-08T08:32:00.004-06:00

My sweet boy turns 9 today.

He's pretty excited about it.

Shit Happens

2011-10-07T09:30:00.003-06:00

Can You Say Happy?

2011-10-06T14:07:00.003-06:00

I can.

Because I am.

Tonight is the season opener for my beloved Vancouver Canucks.

We are playing the Pittsburgh Penguins, but unfortunately, Sidney Crosby won't be playing.

Too bad.

I was really looking forward to watching my boys kick his ass.

Sucks To Be Me

2011-10-04T20:46:00.003-06:00

My head is pounding, my neck, ears and throat are sore as hell. If I am going to get sick I wish it would just happen, so I can get it over with.

I buy king size bottles of Tylenol that contain 500 pills. There are only 3 left in the bottle. I am so screwed.

I can't drive to the store to buy more because the truck is full of bark mulch -there must be at least 50,000 pounds. Big J says it is safe to drive, but I can see how badly the tires are bulging. I just know the minute I get on the road they will explode.

Oh, and G-boy has decided this is the week he is going to teach himself to sing.

Maxine Monday

2011-10-03T08:28:00.003-06:00

The A - Z Of Me

2011-09-29T20:30:00.007-06:00

Sue over at Living The Good Life posted an A - Z of me earlier this week and I thought it was great. Here's mine:

A=Age: 42. I swear I thought I was 41. I actually had to sit down and do the math.

B=Bed: Queen, but wish we had a king. So do the dogs.

C=Chore that you hate: Cleaning out the fridge. Yuck.

D=Dogs: The 3 Amigos: Sadie, Sam & Trixie

E=Essential start to your day: Pee and Cheerios, but never together.

F=Favorite color: Red

G=Gold or silver: Neither, give me diamonds!!

H=Height: 5ft. 4 in. According to my kids, I'm shrinking.

I=Instruments I play: Chop Stick Drums. I'm pretty good at it, too.

J=Job title: Queen of Everything

K=Kids: K-girl - 17 & G-boy - 15. They came with the house.

L=Live: Born in Ottawa, live in Alberta.

M=Mother's name: Rock. I was hatched from under one.

N=Nickname: Mel's Diner and Watermelon. Very original.

O=Overnight hospital stays: I have blocked them from my memory.

P=Pet peeves: Stupid people. Big surprise!!

Q=Quotes from a film: To infinity...and beyond -Toy Story

R=Right or left handed: Left. Duh.

S=Siblings: one sister - 2 years younger.

T=Time you wake up: 5:00 when husband wakes up and again at 6:45 when alarm goes off.

U=Underwear: I'm not wearing any, but thanks for asking.

V=Vegetable I hate: Brussel sprouts - they smell like farts.

W=What makes you run late: My kids!!

X=Xrays you've had: A few, but can't remember for what. I should have one done on my brain.

Y=Yummy food that you make: Everything. Seriously.

Z=Zoo animals: Love them. I am hoping to be one in my next life.

Tuesday Tickler

2011-09-27T15:48:00.003-06:00

Thanks to my dear friend Lucie for passing this along.

Ten things to say about gifts you don't like....

10. Boy, if I had not recently shot up four sizes that would've fit.

9. It would be a shame if the garbage man ever accidentally took this from me.

8. Perfect for wearing in the basement.

7. Well, well, well...

6. I really don't deserve this.

5. Gosh, I hope this never catches fire!

4. I love it, but I fear the jealousy it will inspire.

3. If the dog buries it, I'll be furious!

2. Sadly, tomorrow I enter the federal witness protection program.

1. To think I got this the year I vowed to give all my gifts to charity.

Maxine Monday

2011-09-26T07:04:00.003-06:00

First Day Of Fall

2011-09-23T21:02:00.004-06:00

Yeah right.

It was 30C here today. The air conditioning has been going since 8:00 this morning. It is going to be even hotter tomorrow and Sunday.

I hung two loads of laundry outside on the line this afternoon and I had to shower afterwards I was so hot. By the time I was done, the clothes were dry, so I brought them in and had to have another bloody shower.

I never thought I would say this, but I wouldn't mind some snow.

# 17

2011-09-22T07:07:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday, K-girl!!

I love you more than words can say.

Tomatoes

2011-09-20T22:01:00.005-06:00

Almost as bad as the zucchini.

I got between 40 - 50 pounds in total.

Very happy.

I had to pick them even though they weren't ripe because bugs were getting to them.

I will be turning them into tomato sauce .

Very happy.

Maxine Monday

2011-09-19T08:14:00.002-06:00

Applesauce

2011-09-18T21:04:00.003-06:00

We only got 30 pounds of apples from our trees this year, a far cry from the 100 pounds from last year.

I was a little bit disappointed that this was all the applesauce I was able to can today until I saw the 8 quarts that are still on the shelf from last year.

It looks quite chunky. Halfway through pureeing the apples the motor on my hand mixer bit the dust. I tried using the potato masher, but it didn't quite do the job.

Wait For It....

2011-09-16T07:06:00.003-06:00

100 Days Until Christmas

I'm Not Bitter

2011-09-14T11:40:00.003-06:00

K-girl is off to a great start this school year. She is taking Math at the high school and English through correspondence. She has also signed up for a couple of Finance classes. If you look at her transcript she had enough credits to graduate last year. However, she has to take Math, English and Social Studies in her final year to ensure admission into college. Any other classes she takes are just to keep her busy.

She had to have the vice principal sign off on her taking these classes outside of the high school. Yes, that would be the same vice principal that screwed G-boy over regarding his schedule.

Don't get me started on that.

As he was looking over the paper he needed to sign the vice principal started to object to K-girl taking English outside of the school. He felt she should be in the classroom for that course, so that she wouldn't be missing out on important discussion time regarding the material.

Obviously, the school board doesn't feel that way or they wouldn't offer the course through correspondence. For the record, all K-girl did during the last two years of English class was watch movies. There wasn't a whole of discussing going on.

So, he signed the paper and very sarcastically wished her luck.

Bastard.

K-girl received the course materials last week. There are seven modules and she has two weeks to complete each one. She had less than a week to complete the first module and scored a 98%.

I told her that at the end of the course, she is going to take her final grade (which will inevitably be a A) and show it to the vice principal and thank him for his support.

Nope, not bitter at all.

Zucchini Hell

2011-09-13T20:14:00.003-06:00

I swear, this stuff multiplies like rabbits. It's everywhere. Don't get me wrong, I am glad that the garden is doing so well, but this is ridiculous.

I have already grated and frozen two big batches. I picked two last night and discovered three in the fridge that I had forgotten.

I was in the garden this evening and there are at least 8 more that will be ready soon.

Stop laughing.

Maxine Monday

2011-09-12T07:05:00.003-06:00

The Day The World Changed

2011-09-11T08:02:00.003-06:00

Christmas Wishbook

2011-09-10T15:31:00.006-06:00

It's that time of year again. The Sears Christmas Wishbook is out.

This used to be such a thrill when the kids were younger. We would get a copy for each of us, snuggle under the blankets and pour over every page.

Now, it isn't such a big deal. To be honest, it all just seems like over priced junk.

But, for old time's sake, I will browse through it and then it goes to the recycling box.

106 Days Until Christmas

Friday Funny

2011-09-09T18:50:00.004-06:00

THE LIMO DRIVER

After getting all of the Pope's luggage loaded into the limo (and he doesn't travel lightly), the driver notices that the Pope is still standing on the curb.

"Excuse me, Your Eminence," says the driver, "Would you please take your seat so we can leave?"

"Well, to tell you the truth," says the Pope, "they never let me drive at the Vatican, and I'd really like to drive today"

"I'm sorry but I cannot let you do that. I'd lose my job! And what if something should happen?" protests the driver, wishing he'd never gone to work that morning.

"There might be something extra in it for you," says the Pope.

Reluctantly, the driver gets in the back as the Pope climbs in behind the wheel.

The driver quickly regrets his decision when, after exiting the airport, the Supreme Pontiff floors it, accelerating the limo to 105 mph.

"Please slow down, Your Holiness!!!" pleads the worried driver, but the Pope keeps the pedal to the metal until they hear sirens.

"Oh, dear God, I'm gonna lose my license," moans the driver.

The Pope pulls over and rolls down the window as the cop approaches, but the cop takes one look at him, goes back to his motorcycle, and gets on the radio.

"I need to talk to the Chief," he says to the dispatcher.

The Chief gets on the radio and the cop tells him that he's stopped a limo going a hundred and five.

"So bust him," said the Chief.

"I don't think we want to do that, he's really important," said the cop.

Chief exclaimed, "All the more reason!"

"No, I mean really important," said the cop.

The Chief then asked, "Who ya got there, the Mayor?"

Cop: "Bigger."

Chief: "Governor?"

Cop: "Bigger."

"Well," said the Chief,"Who is it?"

Cop: "I think it's God!"

Chief: "What makes you think it's God?"

Cop: "He's got the Pope for a limo driver!"

Anatomically Incorrect

2011-09-07T09:30:00.008-06:00

Dear Santa:

I know how busy you must be what with there being only 109 days until Christmas, but I desperately need your help.

I was hoping you might be able to give me a penis and a pair of testicles for Christmas this year. I know this is an odd request, but I find myself in desperate need of these items if I am going to survive in the conservative Mormon town that I live in.

It would seem that any problems that arise with the town hall, the post office and now my kids's school can't be resolved unless I have these body parts. For the first time in my life I am sorry that I was born with a vagina. Sorry for the language Santa, I am just keeping it real.

So, if you could find it in your heart and in your schedule to help me out, I would be so thankful. Say hello to Mrs. Clause and the elves for me.

Best Wishes,

Mel

Showtime

2011-09-06T20:24:00.004-06:00

Tomorrow marks a week since school started, a week since G-boy received his messed up schedule and a week of waiting for it to be fixed.

That's right. It hasn't been changed yet. The vice principal assured me when I called him last week that he would take care of it. Every day G-boy has sat in the office waiting to be helped and every day he gets the brush off and told to come back later.

After leaving another message for this person to call me back this afternoon and not having him return my call we have decided that enough is enough. Big J doesn't get mad very often, but when he does, watch out.

Big J will be parking himself in the school office at 8:00 tomorrow morning and not leaving until he speaks to the principal and gets this matter resolved. In order to do this he has to take 3 hours off of work - he is not pleased.

I would love to be there, but have to be home for the appliance repairman who will be here at the same time.

Too bad. I was planning on bringing popcorn as I am sure it is going to be quite the show.

Maxine Monday

2011-09-05T09:15:00.004-06:00

From The Garden

2011-09-03T21:08:00.005-06:00

The rain finally stopped, so I was able to get out to the garden to see what was going on. I am happy to say that there were only 4 small zucchini waiting to be picked instead of 400.

The celery looks like it is on steroids. I will be freezing and drying it.

These tomatoes are from branches that had broken and fallen to the ground. There are a lot of tomatoes out there and they are huge. The potatoes were dug up because the tops had been eaten by bugs and we wanted to see if they were OK. It looks like they are.

You Know You Are Getting Old When....

2011-09-02T10:28:00.004-06:00

You go to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest mall in North America and the 5th largest mall in the world and the only thing that gets you super excited is a new style of heating pad now available.

How sad is that?

September 1st

2011-09-01T10:47:00.005-06:00

This is one of my favorite days of the year. It means that summer is almost over and good things are coming. Things like K-girl's birthday, Thanksgiving, Halloween and of course, Christmas.

The weather the last couple of days has been dark, cloudy and raining. I have been so happy even though I had to turn the furnace on this morning it was so cold. It is supposed to get hot again this weekend, so summer isn't quite over yet. I know I shouldn't complain about how hot it has been since we have air conditioning, but I am ready for it to cool down.

I would like to have enough sunshine to ripen the gazillion tomatoes that are growing in the garden. I can't believe how many there are. And while I am happy that my rain barrels are full again, I haven't been able to get to the garden and I am afraid to see how many zucchini await me. I told Big J to only plant 2 and instead he planted 4. So. Not. Cool.

First day of school yesterday was a total disaster. K-girl had to raise her voice and tell off a teacher and G-boy's schedule was so messed up I had to call the vice principal to set up a meeting so it could be fixed. I asked G-boy if he would consider being home schooled again and he said no, so it looks like I will have 3 more years of this public school garbage.

On the dog front - Trixie's sprained leg is doing better and she is back to chasing balls and destroying the yard. The bottom of Sam's feet appear to be healing, but it looks like he is still losing weight. He will be going to the vet to be weighed, so we know for sure. Sadie will probably need to go too as it looks like she may have an eye infection. It never ends with these 3.

But, that is OK because it is September 1st and I can handle anything.

Magic Words

2011-08-31T11:00:00.005-06:00

Other than "It's not twins" the 3 best words this mom has ever heard are...

BACK TO SCHOOL!!!

Yep, today is the day.

G-boy starts grade 10 this year and is now at the high school. He has been dreading it and looking forward to it all summer. I think he realizes that he needs to get a bit more serious about school and what he accomplishes over the next 3 years is going to greatly affect any plans he has for post secondary education. I am hoping that last year's goal of falling asleep in every class isn't something he is planning on repeating this year.

For K-girl, this is her last first day of school. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that she will be graduating this year. She has decided to attend only one class at the school and complete the rest at home. She has been very frustrated by the amount of time that is wasted during school hours and knows that she will get a lot more done on her own time.

Let the fun begin.

Sea Biscuit

2011-08-30T15:50:00.004-06:00

Poor Sam.

He scraped the bottom of both his feet while he was at the kennel. I can only imagine how he did it.

After leaving trails of blood all over the house, I decided it was time to bandage them up so they can heal.

The kids keep saying that with the bandages on he looks like a race horse, hence, the new nickname.

Maxine Monday

2011-08-29T08:17:00.003-06:00