The rain is still coming down and everything glistens as it turns to ice. The driveway was full of wet, heavy slush tonight. “I bet you miss him now,” called a neighbour. Funny, I was just about to yell over, “It feels good to do this myself.” Actually, I could use his plough to stretch out the opening a bit. It’s nice and roomy once you’re in but a bit of a squeeze getting there.
After nearly an hour of hard labour, my driveway is bare.
Every day I walk to work past a drop-in centre. Most days shivering people are standing outside smoking, laughing and hurling playful obscenities at each other, which really doesn’t bother me since I smoke occasionally and can hurl playful obscenities with the best of them. What makes me gag is having to dodge the huge hawkers people leave on the sidewalk, which today were quite frozen, making them even more of a hazard. Imagine slipping on a frozen luggie. It’s a little too much to take on an empty stomach.
I know, that was gross. Want more…check this out…
Ever since Susan’s assignment, I’ve felt the need to write about “something”. So, I’m posting articles on Helium.com. You can find mine >>here<< just in case you need a fix.
Usual blogging will continue soon…
Today was dentist day. The last time I took the boys JB changed his mind about going first and KD wouldn’t. We left the office, my head hung in shame over my inability to create a safety net for my kids’ fears.
Today they were warned by their Dad that if they acted up and didn’t get in the chair, they would lose all their new toys for three days. Not exactly the breadth of punishment I would have inflicted, nor be able to enforce.
KD got the first nod. I saw fear shiver through his tiny frame.
He layed back in the chair, opened his mouth and then began to cry and pull away. The Hygienist struggled to keep him still and we both tried to convince him that it was ok. He didn’t like the taste of the gloves, so they were taken off. Then he said the instrument hurt. I’m sure it did. The Dentist was brought in to see if she had more effect. I watched as my child sobbed and struggled to get away. My heart ached for all those parents who have sick children and watch while they are forced to comply. I stopped the procedure. His teeth will last another day.
The Dentist left silently but her footsteps spoke volumes. JB wouldn’t go and so we packed up and left. This time my head held high. I did gross them out in the stairwell and if anyone actually heard me, they deserved it. KD begged me not to tell his father. I suggested he be the one to share the news. He hid when his father arrived.
What they didn’t deserve was the attitude of their Dad. Nor did I deserve the lashing I got for not calling him to take them since we all know they are good for him and not for me.
KD admitted I didn’t hold his hand as good as Daddy does. Now I just need someone to hold me.
The other day I woke to hear a story of a family who had nothing. The kids’ letters to Santa were simple. They wanted new toothbrushes for Christmas. They learned in school about the importance of dental care and their greatest wish was to participate in this activity.
And I’m wondering what to get my f*cking dog. (Which today feels like ink remover for my couch and carpet. Apparently she hasn’t yet mastered the essence of penmanship.)
I remember the story of this family as I shop for the people I love. I feel as if I should make a donation to a charity on their behalf. Now that’s a good idea, don’t you think?
It seems there are a lot of toilets that require fixing, according to my stats.
When BT and I moved into this house 10 years ago, our neighbours told us there was a switch on the electrical panel that shut off the outside Christmas lights. How convenient! We wouldn’t have to go outside and unplug them. We never did find that switch and for 10 years shivered through the lighting season.
A couple of weeks ago, when turning off the power to my bathroom (after the lightbulb blew apart) I found the switch for the outside lights. Clearly marked “outside plugs”. How could we have missed it? Boy did I feel enpowered and such a smart single woman, managing to take off a toilet tank and find the mysterious “convenience switch”.
The trouble is, the switches on an electrical panel come in pairs, each controlling something separate, like the deep freeze, for instance.
Ok, yesterday someone found me with the search phrase “how to become a slut”.
I finished painting the bathroom on the weekend. Here are my learnings:
Always use the economy roller for the first coat and the good roller for the second.
Taping off the room is easy and worth the effort.
Sponge brushes “cut-in” better than edgers.
Two coats are necessary.
Paint is smelly.
Toilet tanks are easy to take off.
One turn too many will crack a toilet tank.
Sunday shopping is a good thing.
New toilets are easy to install.
Sometimes your ex is still your best friend.
Always notice the plumbers who live on your street.
People named Glenn are really nice.
Snowplows bury old toilets discarded at the curb.
Earlier this week I experienced speed dating. My biggest fear was that I would meet someone I already know, or actually pay money to meet someone I already know. And, as if I had attracted it, when I arrived at the restaurant, a friend of mine was there having dinner. She asked me why I was there. I asked her again how she was. Then I came clean. She thought it was a pretty cool thing to do.
Never one for punctuality, I was oddly the first to arrive. I met some nice women and ordered a big glass of Goats Do Roam. The coordinator was very interesting with a long list of career activities. I wondered if her pre-dating gig was like working in real estate. You know, showing someone a house you’d really like to have yourself.
Four men and six ladies showed up, which means I get a credit for another event. It was fun to sit and talk to new people and I found it enjoyable. Following the Manslator’s advice, I brought no expectations and was completely relaxed (the Goats helped). I laughed a lot, especially with one guy who, although we probably won’t entertain any romantic furtherings, has become my favourite personality right now. Who can resist being friends with someone who loves life, takes chances, and rises to the top. That is, of course, if his story is accurate. For all I know he could live in a box, no offense to anyone living in a box. Seriously though, he’s an awesome person who has the ability to make me smile just by being himself. He’s offered to be my wingman in exchange for introductions to all my hottie 20 and 30 year old friends.
Will I use my credit? You bet. And, Susan, no one who looked like Sting.
Comparing this to online dating, I have to say this was way better. I’m not particuarly photogenic and my personality doesn’t always shine through the pixels, so I’m thinking online dating is as flat as my computer screen. I am, however, learning a lot about interacting with others, blockers aside, and I’m less fearful to contact people. Although one guy blocked me tonight after I sent a second picture. Not sure if my unphotogenicness was the problem or I was just wearing too much clothing. Here comes my great attitude…his loss, he didn’t even get to hear me laugh.
It worked! The video explained everything so well, I wasn’t scared at all. I had to introduce some Pampered Chef tools into the mix, but I had the tank off in no time. I even checked to see if my plug was leaking. It wasn’t. The steady run of water has stopped thanks to simply turning down the water flow a bit. The wallpaper is gone. Next step is filling in all the holes and smoothing out any dents. Then, I’m back to the paint store for tester paint. I want to make sure I don’t regret my colour choice for the next 10 years.
I bet my Dad is smiling. He would have been 81 today.
I was thinking about the dialogue that would have ensued had I not been by myself. Something like:
“I need to get the toilet tank off to remove the paper behind it.”
“I’ve got a buddy that’s a plumber.”
“But he’s not here. Can you do it?”
“Probably.”
“I found this video on-line that shows you how.”
“Don’t believe everything you see on-line. They always make it look easy.”
“Why would they lie?”
Jokingly, “Can’t you just leave it, no one is going to see it.”
Hairy eyeballs. “Oh, and it will have to come off again when I paint.”
“Well, can’t I just take it off when you’re ready to paint.”
“If you take it off this time, I’ll do it next time when you paint.”
This weekend KD, JB and I took down the wallpaper in the powder room. The paper had been there since I moved in over 10 years ago. It was nice, I guess, but it had to go. I need to take back my mansion and begin renos that inspire me to entertain. The next to go is the lace and topper on my front door…also left by the previous owner, who luckily for me, had pretty good taste…10 years ago.
So the boys helped all day on Saturday. JB took the first shift while KD played on Webkinz. Not that I want child labour after me, but for a four year old, he put in a solid two hours and worked hard to do a good job. Not once did he display the usual JB drama he’s so famous for. While I was cleaning up after lunch they both went in and started working. JB dropped out in favour of finding his Diago shorts and t-shirt, but KD hung in there and we made some real progress before his afternoon playdate.
JB and I went to the paint store to look at colour chips. Isn’t it funny how in the absence of toys, kids will find anything appealing, especially soft paint rollers, wallpaper books and new paint brushes. Is it just my kids that think they must leave every store with something? A quick trip to HomeSense nearly ended in disaster when JB decided he wanted to touch all the carefully placed glassware. The young store clerk stood paralyzed with fear. He started to meltdown when I told him we’d have to go, but then I gently took his hand and whispered, “Mommy went to the wrong store, this isn’t the one with all the good toys.”
There’s this fish and chip spot near me called, Freddie’s Fantastic Fish House. We had it Friday night and the kids wanted it again on Saturday. Lips bigger than their bellies and my weekend diet has now consisted mainly of FFFH morsals, save for my toasted tomato and avacado sandwich for breakfast.
After supper the boys played “nicely” on the computer while I continued to strip the paper and JB returned for a second shift. Luckily they were both off duty when water hit the lightbulb and it blew apart all over the bathroom.
This morning I finished removing the rest of the wallpaper…all but behind the toilet. I was sure there must be a way to get the tank off so I googled it and found this video. I’ll let you know how I do. Actually, I could use some new toilet gear, but for now I just need it out of the way so I can celebrate with a cold corono, the last piece of fish and 60 minutes of yogalates.
Just a Moment 