It's here, it's finally here!

I made it.  That dastardly month November is past.  It's December 1st!  YIPPEEEEEEEE!!!!  Let me tell you, November nearly killed me.  I am done with 70's porn star moustaches (on hubs, not on me!), dreary grey, Remembrance Day (yes I'm grateful, no I don't like thinking about it), children sobbing their little hearts out to me in my office (that one will continue, it's not really over, but I am hoping the excitement of Christmas will help it to abate....slightly), progress reports, Thanksgiving being past but not being able to really decorate for Christmas yet.  DONE!

We are getting closer to Christmas, and everyone knows that December is the best month of the year.  I'm a lucky lady--birthday, wedding anniversary and Christmas all in one month.  Delightful.  On the schedule for today--tree.  Yep, Christmas tree goes up today.  I capitulated and bought a pre-lit artificial one a couple years ago (and my pine allergies have thanked me profusely--no weird rash for an entire month every year anymore).  We didn't put it up last year, because we were going away and I was fully aware that without direct supervision on a daily basis Allistair Cookie would totally destroy it.  But, it's time.  Too bad my big, strong men are all still sleeping, or I'd be working on it now.  Somehow I don't think waking them to drag it upstairs for me is a good idea.  I'll wait.....a little while longer.

Along with the tree, they will bring up my giant-ass rubbermaid containers of Christmas ornaments and stuff. My life-sized nutcracker has been a lone sentry, because I haven't unearthed the brethren yet.  They are in the rubbermaid bins.  And those suckers require 2 strong men to carry them upstairs.  Although with the adrenaline of December, I could possibly develop superhuman strength and be able to lift them--you know, like those moms who lift cars off of their child.  But I'd likely hurt my back, adrenaline or no, so I guess I'll wait on those too.

Unfortunately I forgot my very cool picture frame the custodian at school found and was going to chuck, and I like a good hoarder rescued, it is still propped against the wall in my office.  I have a vision in my head for it, I will buy the supplies today.  Hubs thinks we're popping into Home Depot briefly for one thing.....hahahaha, silly hubs.  Craft supplies and Christmas stuff is also on the list.  I'll work on the actual frame this week.

Is it creepy to want one of those giant Santa framed pictures to hang on the wall too?  I kick myself for not buying one of those a few years ago when they could be found in Homesense.  You know, back when I was demonstrating some Christmas restraint.  Christmas on a cruiseship last year cured me of that nonsense.  I have the perfect spot for one of those.

Btw--did anyone notice that pinterest has a whole new holidays section deal going on???  I was too tired the other night, but I'm spending some time checking that out this weekend.  It's like porn for Christmas fanatics. Not a creepy moustache in sight.

Also with December comes the desire to start Christmas baking.  I will have to hide the supplies though, some giant 14 year old boy ate my whole pkg of Skor bits.  I know this from the other night when I was looking for them to eat because I had a craving, lol.  Can't get too mad, that sweet tooth is definitely an inherited trait.  Kind of like his bluey-green eyes with the amber around the pupil.  Likely on the same gene.

The one time of year that I demonstrate zero self-control or practicality is here.  It makes me like a child, filled with excitement and glee.  The nervous anticipation.....if I'm this excited on December 1st, can you imagine what I'll be like by Christmas Eve?  My poor family.

I went to my naturopath yesterday morning, feeling completely depleted.  So depleted and stressed out she had a b*tch of a time to find a good vein for my iv.  I think it's safe to say the iv goodness has kicked in.  That and a good night's sleep, coupled with Christmas fever does wonders.

Have a wonderful December 1st friends, the best month of the year is here.

Advent....

The best day of November is almost here....tomorrow is my youngest son's birthday.  And if you recall from a couple of really whiny posts, I don't like November.  Except for this day.  And it's tomorrow!  Which means my birthday is just around the corner.  I don't really care about my birthday anymore (that stopped being exciting about 15 years ago!), but it means that the Advent season is beginning, because CHRISTMAS is coming!

Maybe it's because we were away last year and didn't even put up our tree, maybe it's because I just crazy about Christmas, but can't wait to put up the tree and decorate the whole house.  I usually go pretty low-key with the decorating.  Not this year.  I want the outside of the house to look like the Griswold's and the inside to look like Santa lives here.  The huge nutcracker is sitting in the front entrance, just waiting for his nutcracking brethren to join him.  The twinkly tree that was my grandmother's is sitting in the box, begging to be put on display.  Already purchased gifts hidden away and waiting to be wrapped.  Cookies to bake.....I'm sure you're getting the picture.  I'm as excited as a small child.

I have a feeling Christmas will be an extravaganza this year.  Starting tomorrow.  Because the triple family birthday party is on Sunday, which means housecleaning and decorating tomorrow.  I feel the need to share my incredible excited-ness and glee about Christmas with my nephews (you know, whip them into a frenzy, send them home ridiculously overstimulated and talking about Christmas.  My siblings can thank me later).  I think there just may be a Christmas craft at the family party.  I might even break out sparkles.  You know, since I won't be crafting with my class this year.  Although I might borrow a class for a craft.  We'll see.

Cue the Christmas music....I usually wait until December.  But this year, I think we're close enough.

My favourite thing about Neil Young....

I've been reading Neil Young's new autobiography "Waging Heavy Peace".  I love Neil.  Totally.  He's such a quirky old dude!  The best thing about Neil, aside from his amazing songwriting skills and music that touches my soul?  The way he speaks about his wife and kids.  He LOVES his family.  The respect and love in the way he writes about his wife Pegi warms my heart.  The complete and utter devotion to his seriously challenged son Ben is inspiring, and brings tears to my eyes.  The pride in his oldest son Zeke, also special needs--fantastic.  The way he writes of his daughter Amber is the way fathers of all daughters should write about their little girl.  Some day when we're old(er), I hope my hubs speaks of me the same way.  I highly recommend his book.

    I love his book.  I love his music.  I love the way he writes of his family.  If you do read the book, be forewarned--it's a little random, just like Neil.  It's not linear or necessarily sequential. All from the boy from Omemmee, Ontario.  I'd love to meet him and talk with him.  I think it would be a very interesting conversation!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=1woTG_DaTuw

Check out this song from his new album, "Psychedelic Pill".  I too was born in Ontario.

Ok November, enough already

Remember my last post?  All whiny and all?  I was right.  November is blech.  This is why:
1.  A former colleague's husband was hit by a car and literally had to fight for his life.  They have 5 year old twin girls and now they are here in ON while their mommy has gone to Michigan to be with their daddy.  It sounds as if he's going to be ok, but it was very scary for the family.  And he's no where near ready to be sent home.
2.  An acquaintance whose son is very good friends with my son was in a car accident and was airlifted to a Toronto hospital.  Again, she will be ok, but has a long road of recovery ahead, including alot of physiotherapy for her leg, hip and arm.
3.  My beloved Chase got into something toxic and was really sick.  I was at work, but luckily hubs and son figured it out and got her to the vet.  Where she stayed overnight, had IVs, liquid charcoal, etc.  She's ok, but it was traumatizing for us.  And her.  It was her very first overnight away from home without us that wasn't at Grandma and Grandpa's.  She's 9.  And a little spoiled and coddled.
4.  My daughter and her boyfriend went to his uncle's funeral yesterday.  The same weekend as the first anniversary of his sister's death.  Very difficult time for his mom especially.  And his sister's husband and daughter.
5.  In the past few weeks, I can count on one hand the number of days that have been sunny.  Really, that's making it not so nice.  A little sunshine goes a long way.

Most of the things that have happened this month so far are all about other people.  I recognize that it's not about me.  But I care about people.  I want everyone to be happy and not have pain in their lives.  It stresses me out thinking that people are experiencing trials.  I need to get over this, clearly.

Very positive thing though--my sis will have her baby soon.  Maybe by the end of November.  That would make November a much nicer month.  Two birthdays to celebrate would be fantastic!

In  my spare time I've been pinning Christmas ideas.  We were on a cruise last year and didn't decorate, not even a tree.  I CANNOT wait this year!  I love Christmas (obviously, who else would get married at Christmas time--only Christmas fanatics!).  I am itching to start decorating.  But it's a little soon.  I am going to go Christmas shopping today.  With my wonderful hubs (saver of dogs....he's a keeper!).  I'm itching to do some crafting too.  I used to craft alot, you know, when I was a stay at home mom mostly.  It's been a long while.  Perhaps I should finish a very special knitting project first though, I might need it soon.....it's very tiny and soft, for a very special little person whom I haven't met yet.

I'm even getting the urge to sew.  Nothing too complicated (obviously!), but I do have some Christmas fabric waiting to be made into something....


Here's some of my favourite Christmas pins:

I can't wait!!!!  I'm going to go do some more pinning, I need to find some Nutcracker pictures.....

Have a blessed day.  May the worst of November be past for all.

 

November....blech.

The only really, truly good thing about November is my youngest son.  He was born on November 24th.  The rest of the month is just....blech.  It's grey, cold, snow/mud/leaves we didn't rake/mess in the yard, raw, did I mention blech?  It's a sad month in Canada.  No real purpose except the long prelude to December.  The BEST month of the year.  Well, December and July.  But I digress....December rocks.

Maybe it's just because I can't seem to get warm today.  Maybe it's the snow.  Maybe I'm just very tired because I spend night worrying about saving the world, and changing the clocks always throws me for a loop.  But I'm not loving November.  I'm focusing on December.  Looking forward to Christmas.  My birthday and our wedding anniversary is in December.  It's a happy month.  It starts on November 24th, and doesn't end until January 1st.  Another fantastic thing this December?  I'm going to be an aunt again.  I'm rooting for December 2nd.  Three birthdays on one day would just be sooooo cool!

I think having a woodstove on a day like today would be a good thing.  Wood heat is the only kind of heat that gets rid of the chill like the one I have today.  Or maybe a Bailey's hot chocolate with one of the very cute marshmallow/candycane decoration thingys I pinned on pinterest.  You know, the one I'm too lazy to grab to stick on here.

*sigh*

The wheel has turned.  Time to put on a happy face and pretend I enjoy it.  It's the only thing that will get me through to December.

bullying....what to do?

As many are aware, a Canadian girl recently committed suicide because of bullying.  While social media is in many ways a positive thing, it also has the potential to perpetuate bullying.  Online/digital bullying has become a huge issue.  But it makes us complacent about the old-fashioned kind of bullying that's always been around.

Physical intimidation.  Exclusion.  Name calling.  Bigotry.  Rumour starting.  Rumour repeating.  Groups of people using their power to hurt others--emotionally or physically.  One person having power over a social group.  "boys will be boys" altercations.  Teasing.  The list goes on.

Bullying is a social issue, and we as a society need to work to end it.  People need to take responsibility for their own behaviour and actions.  Period.  Whether child or adult, everyone bears responsibility for the way in which they treat others.

Ant-bullying Week in Ontario is this month.  In many ways, I understand that by giving bullying its own week, it brings attention to a systemic societal problem.  I also think that it minimizes the severity of the problem--it deserves our attention, not just one week a month.

I question what kind of adult intervention will truly make a difference.  It's clear to me, that what we are doing isn't working.  Obviously.  And what is the definition of insanity?  Doing the same thing and expecting different results.  Aren't we engaging in insanity with the way we deal with bullying?

What is the answer?  I don't know.  I do know that the adults need to help the kids to take responsibility.  Pull our heads out of the sand.  It's happening.  Our children are sometimes guilty of it.  WE are sometimes guilty of it.  I can think of a number of adults who in some way or another abuse their power or social position.  Are our kids just mimicking what they've seen?

If you know of any really good articles/books/websites that would be helpful, let me know.  I want to be a part of the solution.

blogging is a funny thing

Blogging is a funny thing.  My blog has evolved and isn't at all what it started out to be.  And I'm ok with that.  As it turns out, I need something completely different than what I thought I needed.  But I'm not going to change the name.  I am too lazy.

Through my blog I've made friends with people, people with whom I would have never otherwise connected.      People who share similar interests to me, very diverse interests.  I read the blogs of others, and am inspired and touched.  And amused.  I love when I get an email from someone who found me/my blog because of a comment I've left on someone's blog.  I love that there are people in this world that get me.  And all of my quirkiness.

The big thing about blogging is that it completely emphasizes what a small world we really live in.  And that there are kindred spirits out there.  The world is really like a village.  A huge village in which we take care of each other.  I love that.  And I love that somehow we ended up connected to each other.

For my peeps who follow/read my blog regularly, part deux of the man in underwear story.....this week I had  students come to me upset that a football had been kicked "accidentally" over the fence into a neighbouring yard.  I'm sure my face was priceless.  My office staff immediately started giggling.  I bravely went to see what yard the ball was in, and to retrieve said ball.  Fate decided to smile kindly on me that day--it was a different yard.  No second man in underwear experience.  Luck!  Of course, this time one of the students involved was a boy from grade 8 who is at least six foot three.  I took him with me this time.  I have learned a lesson.  Always take a witness.  Preferably a really big one.  Of course news travels fast.  Before I had a chance to even get back to my office, the custodian (very nice man) offered to go the next time, especially if it was underwear man's yard.  He was laughing so hard I thought he might cough up a lung when he said it.  I'm glad I have so much authority with my staff.  *insert head shaking*  I love my job.  And the people that I am lucky enough to work with--even if they laugh at me :)

In sadder news, my yoga teacher is moving back to Toronto.  I was really looking forward to regular practice with her.  My hip is finally better!  Several pain-free weeks!  I have to find another good fit.  While I'm thrilled and excited for Sarah and this new chapter in her life, I'm disappointed for me.  I guess I'll try Buddha Rider in Collingwood, but I'd like to find something a little closer to home.  There are a few studios, I'm thinking it might look like several different studios, with several different kinds of practice.  What I really need is a group of like minded people who will practice with me on a flexible kind of basis.  Who's in?

It's a cold, wet fall day here in Ontario.  Following an extremely dry summer, my sensible side is telling me it's great that we've had so much wet weather that I'm growing webbing between my toes, and sprouting gills.  The other side is craving sunshine.  CRAVING!  And I don't mean on a school day so I can't get out and enjoy it.  *sigh*  I'm feeling a little like the Cargillwitch's hens.  Not enough light, and a serious egg shortage.  Of course the egg shortage is just perimenopause.

On that note, have a fantastic fall day.  A good day to catch up on my paperwork.