Day 11

Day 11...the antibiotics seem to have taken over.

Although there is much sneezing and nose blowing, the head congestion is gone. Yipee. I think I am on the mend.

Work is crazy busy again with 9 new hires starting on the 3rd of July, and I was finally moved out of my huge temporary office. I am very much looking forward to this weekend, even if it is only a 3 day break.

I haven't seen my parents since Mother's Day, so I am glad we're going to see them on Saturday for a little visit. And perhaps now that my sinus infection has started to go away I should be able to squeeze in a visit to Gramma. I missed her the last time, 2 weeks ago, when my infection was just starting to develop.

Day 8

Day 8...there may be an end in sight, at least that is what the antibotics predict.

Although I was feeling slightly better yesterday, my sinus congestion decided to return, yet only on the left side of my face. Weird, I know. It was quite painful this morning. Thinking a ibuprofen would do the trick, and when it didn't the decision was reclutantly made to go to the mediclinic.

(I hate going to the mediclinic for treatment of colds. I usual get the same standard line from every doctor, "it's a viral infection. There is nothing I can prescribe. Make sure you drink lots of liquids and get lots of rest." And usually by that point I have already spent close to 2 hours waiting to hear something I already know.)

But, Mr. J insisted, and I figured if my congestion was still hanging around 8 days later there may be something to it. Nothing serious...just a sinus infection. But I got me some antibotics, and my head feels better since taking one and a decongestion. So I am anticipating a more lively day today. It is Mr. J's birthday afterall.

Day 7

Day 7 no end in sight. What I thought was simply a cold has turned into something.....horrific.

I will make no claims as to whether or not this thing will be over soon, as I thought that a few days ago and it came back with avengeance.

Although Mr. J & I are having a great time, we are both coughing and sniffling. It hasn't attacked Mr. J as hard as me, but it is still enough to make us full of laziness. There has been lots of Heroes, Firefly and napping. We did manage to get out last night, and had a amazing time at the Edmonton Queen Riverboat.

Today's activities: Andrea's 30th birthday party BBQ

Sick in bed

The cold has gotten the better of me, and I called in sick this morning. It has engulfed my chest more and now my head. It really wouldn't have been a overly productive day at work, and I think I needed a day to relax, rest and recouperate.

Although I spent the entire day in bed, in wasn't a total waste. I watched Heroes all day. After watching the final episode with Mr. J, Al & Jenn on the long weekend, I decided I should watch the entire season and get caught up so I am ready to go in September when season 2 starts up.

I must say...I really, really enjoyed it. I watched the first 10 episodes today, and much like Battlestar Galactica I really liked watching them in succession, rather than sufferring through the once-a-week style of watching episodes. I look forward to the remaining season 1 episodes (which I hope Mr. J is bringing with him in 2 days - Squeeee!) and for the coming new season.

It's back to work tomorrow, as I can't afford another day away from work, and I really don't want to be sick anymore. I am finally get this mop that is on my head cut tomorrow, and then I must tidy up the house for Mr. J's visit.

I could've done without the cold

Al & Mr. J got their cookies as promised early Friday night. I skipped outta work early and hit the road. So I was in S'toon by about 7:00pm. The drive really isn't too bad once you are used to it. And I have driven it quite a bit over the last number of months.

Does nobody sell/make the classic picnic basket anymore? Mr. J and I searched and search all day on Saturday, going to just about every place we could think of to find a picnic basket. Alas, we turned up empty handed. I will have to do some researching here in Edmonton and see what I find.

Luckily, Mr. J had a old picnic basket that we could use. It was kind of falling apart, but it suited us just fine for our picnic date at the Drive-in. Shrek III was not all that exciting. I would recommend renting it, if you must see it. However, Blades of Glory was definitely worth seeing a second time.

Sunday morning had us out for the wonderful Sunday brunch that the Saskatoon Inn puts on at the botanica restaurant, it was delicious.

We arrived on time to open up the Den, but Darren scooted us out for a bit so we headed over to the Broadway Roastery for some tea. We wasted the afternoon away with Mr. J educating some new kids on Magic, and me teaching Mr. J how to play Cribbage and tie a tie. I am always a little puzzled how some men get so far in life without learning how to tie a tie. I always thought that that would be something fathers taugth their sons.

Scrumptious Tasties

I suppose I could have just titled this post 'Cookies', but I am trying to be creative. Or perhaps, less boring.

There is something about baking cookies that fills me with so many good feelings. First, it reminds me of when I was a young girl, and I would arrive home to the smell of freshly baked cookies. Usually that meant not only was my mom making cookies, but that she made several kinds of cookies, or had been a baking a variety of homemade goodies all day long. I would bounce and leap into the kitchen, excited by the smell and the love that went into all that baking. My mom is a wonderful baker; I learned many things from her.

Secondly, I find such joy and relaxation is being able to create things. And I wouldn't just reserve that to baking. I notice that trait in me in many other ways; in my paintings, and my 3D puzzles. It allows my creativity to emerge.

And finally, probably the number one reason why I bake (and cook) is to watch others enjoy my creations. I love to surprise people with my baking - especially cookies. The look on peoples face, and the recognition I get when they sigh and say, 'mmmm, this is soooo good.' I can't get enough of that. Makes me feel so good inside that I could make someone so happy with something so small and simple.

So tonights creation is a batch of my best chocolate chip cookies, made only with milk chocolate chips. Although chocolate chip cookies are not my favourite, I have gotten a lot of compliments on them, so I continue to make them for those who enjoy them.

My co-workers have had the pleasure of tasting these cookies on a couple of occasions, so I am going to surprise them tomorrow with them. As for the remaining, they are going to my Den sweeties, who are anticipating their sweet treat tomorrow.

Horseshoes

I was thinking after yesterdays post, 'now what am I going to find to write about?" And I realized that I didn't post anything about my final Corporate Challenge event - Horeshoes.

I swear there is an underground cult of people who play horsehoes regularly. However, besides what people might think about Horseshoes and the game, it is actually a lot of fun.

Friday night, me and a few of my co-workers spent the evening in a quaint 'small-town-acreage' area, in the south part of the city. For those who have been to see my house (and those who haven't, get your asses here) it is even further south then my house. There were about 12 pits set up, and the people, wow!, I couldn't believe how many people were out. And not just companies who were competiting, there was actually a fairly decent cheering crowd.

The first couple games were absolutely awful for me. The thing I have learned about horseshoes is that it is all about releasing the shoe at exactly the right time. The weight of the shoe is important, so that you can get it into the pit, but if you release it too early in becomes a shallow straight throw, and it you release it too late it usually goes flying into the air with way to much arc on it and makes a big thud on the ground, usually not even close to the pit. So, my first 2 games involved a lot of these types of throws.

The last 2 games were much better for me, and the rest of my team. All around I felt we did a better job. Although we lost the 3rd game, it was close, and we ended up taking the match in our 4th. I have concluded that the beer I was consuming was the cause for my improvement. There really is no other explanation.

A lack thereof

I have begun to notice that my posts have diminshed considerably over the past couple of weeks. I would have to say that I do have a lot going on, however I seem to be less and less inclined to write about it. I have been thinking about the reasons why I haven't been posting as much, as I used to enjoy it quite a bit. I have concluded with a variety of reasons:

1. I just don't enjoy it as much as I use to
2. I am very busy
3. I have started to get involved in different things and have begun to move away from old activities
4. I think I have become more private about my personal life. Those who want to know more I usually talk to on the phone.
5. Finally, my posts aren't really all that interesting. Nothing thought provoking. They have simply become a report on my life.

Although there are a number of reasons why my posts have declined, I still plan on blogging. And for Tyson & Carl, who apparantly check my blog each and everyday, I will try and post more often. Although I can't promise that it will be all that exciting.

I haven't really picked a good week to start posting more. This is my first week in probably 3 months where I don't have some outing planned for at least one weekday evening. However, the gym is going to see my face each and everyday this week. Then again, I might have a lot more time to write posts.

With all my free time this week I have made a committment to knitting, and hopefully I can get it close to completion.

neuba is still on the go, and going strong. So check back often this week, I just might have something interesting to say.

An experience

I had the pleasure of accompanying Suz to a traditional Chinese wedding yesterday. Suz works with the bride, who is based out of Edmonton, and decided to make the trip up for the wedding.

The wedding was beautiful. I am such a sucker for weddings. Even when I don't know the bride or groom, I still get teary.

Because the wedding was in the morning and the reception not until 6, Suz and I spent lunch with some of her other co-workers and then went shopping. A nap topped off the afternoon before heading back for the reception.

I was prepared for the reception, as a number of years ago Jeff & I were invited to a traditional Chinese wedding. It was definitely an experience. I wasn't as adventurous about food then as I am now, so I didn't try everything. But last night, I made a point of trying everything, even the soup. It's not as gross tasting as it looks Jeff, but I think we made a good choice not trying it back then. :)

Suz left early this morning, and I have committed to having a relaxing lazy day. Me, my computer, my tv, books and knitting. Perhaps some D2 tonight to top of a most perfect day.

Auntie all weekend

My brother and his family came for a visit this past weekend. They arrived very late Friday night, so I showed everyone where they slept and we all went to bed.

I had my Corporate Challenge slo-pitch tournament Saturday morning, so I was up bright and early at 6:15. Of course, I was trying to be as quiet as possible so that I didn't wake my neice who, by the way, was extremely excited to be sleeping with auntie in her big bed. However, after turning off the alarm I turn over, and there she is, sitting up, holding her blanket, smiling at me. I told her to go back to sleep as it was too early to get up. Of course, being the defiant 4 year old that she is, she shook her head and said no. "Well then, be quiet so that you don't wake up everyone else. And , don't go wake up your brother," I said.

I was able to sneak out of the house quietly and proceeded to drive the hour to the ball diamonds we were playing at. I can honestly say that that is the best I have ever played at slo-pitch. It was a great time; my co-workers are a lot of fun. We won the first 2 games, but then I was off to catch up with my family.

I called and found out that they were just on the way to the Valley Zoo. I met up with them there, and spent the next hour in the scorching sun looking at all the animals. A lot of them were not visible, probably due to the heat. Nevertheless, it was still a good time.

The rest of Saturday was fairly lax. We headed over to West Ed Mall later in the day to shop. The boys visited the arcade and we met up with there when we were about to leave. I found this awesome Aliens shooter game. Kevin and I were to play together, but his tokens got stuck in the slot, so he left his auntie to fend of the aliens all by herself. I was a little concerned about him not getting to play, so I was a little distracted and didn't last very long at the game. But I got a, "Auntie you are really good at this." I think I am going to have to return so I can invest some quality time in the game.

Sunday had us at the Waterpark at West Ed Mall. What an awesome day. We spent the entire day there. I went on most of the waterslides with Kev, and spent a considerable amount of time with Mackenzie in the kiddie pool and the wave pool. The kids and I had a blast.

By the end of the day, we were all pooped. We made supper, bathed the kids, put them to bed and then sat down for a movie. I was pretty tired and didn't make it through much of the movie before I hit the sack.

A very fun weekend I must say. I am quite enjoying the many visitors I have had over the past couple of months. And I am looking forward to many more. I have Suz coming tomorrow, and Mr. J at the end of the month.