Shaking things up

I left work in August of 2010 and never looked back. It was the best decision for the three of us, and I've loved it more than I ever could have imagined. I'm still in school, and I do want to go back to work, but I really do love being a stay at home Mom. It's not easy. It's exhausting, and frustrating at times. But it's also pretty amazing to be there for every milestone and watch your child grow right before your very eyes. It's the hardest thing I've ever done, and it's a learning curve, but I know one day I'll look back and cherish these moments.

I'm not ready to go back to work yet, but I am getting a little anxious to mix things up a little. I need more adult interaction on a day-to-day basis. There isn't much to do around here, and gas is too expensive ($1.34 this week) to go far. Addison is really starting to get attached to both of us, and we're quickly seeing the benefit of her spending time with other people, and other babies. She loves play group, and visiting friends and the girls. She loves going to our parents houses and spending an afternoon away from us, outside of her normal routine.

We're going to Ottawa next month for my birthday. Hopefully I can see some old friends. It will be an adventure with her in the car for three hours, but I'm excited. I can't wait to go there more often now that it's nice out, and show her all that our capital has to offer.

Soccer starts a few days after we get back. I'm not sure what age I'll be coaching yet, but I'm ready for a new challenge. I did it years ago and had so much fun. We'll have one practice during the week and one game either Friday night or Saturday morning. Addison will go with grandparents or Ryan during the week, and hang out with Isaac on the weekend. Once it's dry, I'm sure she'll enjoy watching from the sidelines.

I was recently offered a job at the Garden Centre, which should start up in April. I'm also looking into Summer School, providing the courses I need are available. It will be nice to get back into a bit of a schedule. It will make for a busy Summer, but I'm ready for a change.

A quick update

Historical Data! Norm: -4 to +5 (25 to 41)

• It was bright and sunny all day. 24 (75) degrees in March! Record-breaking!
• Addison LOVES being outside. Can you blame her?
• She's still not eating well or sleeping great, but she looks much better and is slowly feeling like her normal self again
• We went shoe shopping on the weekend and Addison scored three new pairs of shoes for $26. Pictures to come once her feet heal and she can break them in. Runners, sandals (similar to last year), and Mary Janes. I also picked up black flats for myself for only $10.
• Addison goes outside after lunch and will scream bloody murder when you finally have to bring her inside for dinner at 5:30. She wants to stay out there and collect sticks.
• Xplornet sucks.
• Addison loves it outside.
• Isaac is working nights.
• Soccer registration is this week. I'll find out in early April which age group I'll be coaching: U7, U9, or U11. Cross your fingers that the fields dry up in time.
• The Easter bunny will be here soon!
• Hannah is almost one!
• Have I mentioned how much Addison loves being outside in this great weather? She'll do laps around the house, inspecting the trees and gardens. She has to touch everything.
• I'm almost 25! I'm excited to get up to Ottawa for a visit with some old friends.
• Morgan is almost two!

Where have the past two years gone?

Oh school, how I've missed you

/sarcasm

I have no assignments and I'm losing my mind. My grades this semester are entirely based on exams. I hate exams. HATE. Especially multiple choice. Long story short, I've spent far too much time grumbling and groaning about a recent midterm I wrote. It was not well written, and the shitty class average (mine included) reflects that. It pisses me off that so far, the only "advice" the prof has given is that we should think about how we studied for the midterm, and do something differently for the final. Thanks for nothing, right? WebCT has blown up with complaints, as well as suggestions for the future. It's beyond frustrating. I studied my ass off for that exam and I am not happy with my mark whatsoever. The worst part is that there are so many distance students that extra credit is not an option. So we're stuck.

Poop.

I didn't miss you, CU. Nope, nope, nope. I didn't miss shitty midterms. I did not enjoy spending a weekend in a hotel in Ottawa with a screaming baby who refused to sleep in her play pen, only to go write a shitty exam and come out with a shitty grade.

Poop.

/rant

To-do List

Between now and Nov 7:

• Clean the house!

• School: PSYC readings: Chapter 2, 3, 4, 5
• Wash Addison's birthday outfit (The one gift she'll open on her actual birthday)
• Ottawa: Pick up playpen from Mom's, Book hotel (Oct 28-29), Pack 1/2 bags (1/2 done), set aside outfits/shoes with a blanket and coat, stock up diaper bag, pack play pen sheets
• Addison's party: Banner, wreath, quilt, table for presents/cake, buy tablecloth/card/drinks, make cupcakes/mac salad, blow up/hang balloons
• Halloween: Buy box of Candy to bring to Ryan's, set aside outfit/shoes to wear under costume, with a blanket and coat

• Oct 26: Addison's birthday
• Oct 28: Ottawa/LAWS midterm
• Oct 29: PSYC midterm/home from Ottawa
• Oct 30: Addison's birthday party
• Oct 31: Halloween
• Nov 7: Isaac's birthday

Keep on truckin'

Mom and I got talking about school tonight and how on earth I'm ever going to finish this degree. I want it more than anything. I hung up the phone and I cried because I want it so bad, but it's not going to pay for itself. Having taken a year off to have a baby makes it a little difficult to fork over so much money to keep going. OSAP is nice enough to give me dick all. Go figure. I don't qualify for a penny this year. Fuck you, OSAP. Thanks for nothing.

I will finish it. I will! I just want to do it RIGHTNOW. It's so frustrating. On top of money, distance education is just hard all-round. Registration is difficult, exam locations have to be set and paid for, only so many classes are available...the list goes on.

On top of that, of course, we have Addison to deal with. It'll be hard getting back into the swing-of-things, especially with a needy one year old attached to my boobs hip. If I need to go to campus (three hours away), I have to make sure someone is available to watch her, or get her into the school day care for a few hours while I write my final. While staying in Ottawa, I'd need to find a place that can accomodate both of us. Just thinking of this is already stressing me out.

I thought about seeing if the local college had anything to offer that I could transfer into my degree. Maybe the campus in Toronto close to the apartment has something? *sigh

I got caught up in it and looked at this semester's registration at CU on a whim. Somehow there are still two courses open that I need! The kicker? $1251.77 before books and correspondence exam fees. 1200 fucking dollars for TWO fucking courses. Give me a break. I just want to keep going. I need to keep going, but I can't afford it.

Fuck you, post-secondary education. Fuck your expensive self.

Time to get a job.

Blog Challenge: Day 13

My favourite artist or band: Blue Rodeo. I've seen them in Belleville, Ottawa's Bluesfest, Ottawa's Byward Market, and Ottawa's Parliament Hill. I even got Jim Cuddy's autograph. They're amazing.

Byward Market 2007

Blog Challenge: Day 9

The person who has gotten me through the most: Kelly. My best friend since JK. Love you!

And so the countdown begins

Isaac's parents got home from their trip on Friday. Kerry has to work all weekend, though, so I won't see her until some time next week. I'm sure we'll hear all about their lovely Caribbean sun :)

We had Easter dinner at my parents place on Friday, since Kerry works all weekend. My mom actually does too but she was off at a decent time on Friday so we went for it. I cooked the ham and it turned out perfectly! Addison wore her new outfit Mom had gotten for her for Easter. I put red leggings on her instead of just the diaper cover because it was cool.

Cousins

I gave Addison her Easter basket early, simply because we were going out and I wanted her to wear her bonnet. She got that outfit, her dress she had worn to go see the Easter bunny, a book, and this bunny shaped teether (that she LOVES).

Baby in a basket

Addison and Morgan had a good time together, though Morgan was being super clingy and pretty fussy. All in all it was a good afternoon dinner.

Isaac had been looking at bikes recently and I woke up this morning to "Want to go to Ottawa?" Sure enough, he had fallen in love with one he had seen on Kijiji that was for sale in Kanata. I got out of bed at 8:30 and we were on the road around 9. It's in really good shape and it was a great deal, so he got what he wanted! While we were there, we grabbed some lunch and went to my old work to catch up with some old co-workers. Unfortunately with it being such a last minute trip on Easter weekend, not too many others were around. That just means we'll have to get up there again soon and give everyone a little notice!

Addison wasn't awake for very long but we brought her new teether and the FP Puppy to keep her company, just in case.

This is how she looked for most of our trip there and back (5-6 hours total).

Checking out Daddy's new ride

Next up: Isaac's driving to Guelph to get Laine tomorrow. My niece should be born any day now. Then it's my birthday. Then an election. Then Mother's Day. Then Morgan's birthday. Then Ryan's birthday.

Day 22: Your favourite city

Does it have to be a "city?"  If so, I pick Ottawa.  If I had to live there, I'd live outside of town like I did before.  Close enough to easily get there in a hurry, but far enough away from the hubbub that comes with the downtown core.  It's really pretty and historical.  There is a lot to learn there.  It has a very small-town feel, despite being the nation's capital.  This is in part because of the Experimental Farm and Green Belt.  Also because you cannot build a structure any taller than the Peace Tower in Parliament.  It's too big and busy for me but there are a lot of opportunities there.  I enjoyed my four years there and plan to visit often. 

If it can be a "village," I choose my home town.  Obviously.

Day 17: What you're looking forward to

• Our first date post-baby, with just the two of us
• Getting back up to Ottawa for a visit to see everyone
• Addison's firsts...Roll, words, steps, birthday, everything!
• The birth of my second niece
• Finishing school
• Getting a job
• My brother getting married

The list goes on!