Update on baby

Hi Everyone,


I wanted to give you an update on my situation. I went today for my ultrasound and got some good news. The tech I had was amazing. She was able to see everything and explained it all to me as we went along. She could see every part of the baby - well accept for that ever stubborn gender! Anyway the heart kidney's, limbs, brain all the organs and everything looks healthy and normal. We were to relieved to hear this as it was the big worry that the baby would be sick.

So what we need to watch for is the baby is a week behind, they have classified it as IUGR (this means Interuterine Growth Retardation- no it does not mean the baby is retarded). I also do have a low level of fluid. They feel that this has to do with placenta. They did mention that there is enough fluid that the baby as been able to flip from breech to head down back to breech. So we need to watch these issues and I will be followed by a high risk clinic for a while. I'm feeling pretty positive I know that things can be OK with these results, as I have delivered IUGR babies and they have been fine, just smaller. It also probably means that I wont go to term as the placenta may not hold out that long. My goal is to get to 35 weeks that would be ideal. So there will be some close monitoring and maybe a bit of a bumpy road ahead, but definitely an optimistic outlook as baby looked good today.

So heres the scoop..

Well I'm finally feeling mentally up to writing this blog. As most of you know I have been having issues with my blood pressure during this pregnancy. I have been off work, back to work and now off work and on meds again. The blood pressure has remained status quo, meaning its not gotten any higher.

However yesterday I went for my appointment to see the results of last weeks ultra sound. The report said that the fluid levels around the baby are what they call "low normal". For those of you who are wondering this is what is important about the fluid:

Amniotic fluid fills the sac surrounding your developing baby and plays several important roles:
• It cushions your baby to protect him from trauma (if you take a tumble, for instance).
• It prevents the umbilical cord from becoming compressed and reducing your baby's oxygen supply.
• It helps maintain a constant temperature in the womb.
• It protects against infection.
• It allows your baby to move around so that his muscles and bones develop properly.
• It helps the digestive and respiratory systems develop as your baby swallows and excretes it and "inhales" and "exhales" it from his lungs.

So as you can read its pretty important. My doctor is leaving for a trip today, so she was gonna see me when I got back. Just as I was getting ready to leave I mentioned to her that in the last week I have not felt the baby move that much. So with the low normal fluid she sent me back to ultrasound. They gave me a written report and I went back to her office. The news was upsetting at best. The fluid was now classified as low vs. low normal. The baby is now said to be measuring a week and a bit behind. Also due to the low fluid its hard for the ultrasound to see the organs and limbs, as the fluid acts as a window to see whats going on. So my doctor gave me the news that she is concerned enough that I am to go to another facility to get what they call a Level 2 ultra sound ( its more detailed). She also has decided to refer me to the high risk clinic down town at Mount Sinai.

So all this news was very upsetting and sent both Barry and I for an emotional loop. The biggest concern with the fluid and measuring behind is that there is a problem with the baby's kidneys or heart.

I got my appointment set up we go tomorrow at 9am to a clinic in Thornhill. The nicest part of my day today was that my doctor has left me in the care of her partner (who I worked with at the hospital) I actually took care of his wife when they had their baby. So he took the time to call me at home and talk to me and gave me alot of hope and reassurance. He has also gone out of his way to make sure that the clinic sends me off with a written report to take to him so that I don't have to go through the holidays not knowing whats going on with the baby. Anyway I'm feeling more hopeful and staying positive. I know that there are alot of people that are rooting for us and praying for us. I'm grateful for the wonderful support we have. I will keep everyone posted once we know whats going on with our baby.

Please Keep us in your thoughts

Barry and I are going through a some worries right now... I'm not yet ready to post all the details, but I would just ask that all our friends and family keep us in your thoughts over the next couple days as we search for answers. I hope that answers will not lead us down a path with more questions.... but often in life that is the case. Anyway thats all for now.

Happy Birthday (officially) to My Barry

A big warm fuzzy Happy birthday goes out to the best husband in the world- Barry!! I know that its hard to have your birthday overshadowed by that "other" holiday this time of year. However no matter today is your day and I hope its a great one! I do believe that there are some birthday presents for you to open and a nice dinner out awaiting you after work today. Have a great day love you honey!!!

Think of it this way you have two things going for you this year: your only 28 which means you still have 2 years ahead before you have to face the 3-0, and at least your birthday is not in January in the dead of winter. I never know what to ask for my birthday cause I just got all my christmas presents. Anyway at least our baby will have it easy - theres not much to compete with in April!!

Its that time of year again.....

No I'm not talking about Christmas, I'm talking about my dear husband Barry's birthday!! Barry has always had to deal with the birthday/Christmas parties and gifts. So tonight we are having a sort of Barry/Holiday fun party. If your reading this your welcome to join us by the way (7pm )!!! Anyway Barrys actual birthday is tuesday so when you see him remind him that hes getting old!!

Happy 30th Birthday Julie!

Well Im happy to announce to all my friends who raze me about turning 30 that Im not the first! My dear friend Julie who lives in Manitoba turns 30 today!!

This is a picture from my wedding, Julie came all the way from Manitoba to share my speical day. Julie, we may not live near by anymore I cant walk up the street and be at your house, but in my heart you are still very dear and our friendship is the source of many great memories for me. I often think about going back to visit Elliot lake but I think to myself what made it home was the people and with all the people gone its not the same.

So Julie on this day I want you to do all of us who are turning 30 a favour, put on your sexiest outfit get out a large bottle of Red Wine (preferably Australian) and have your self one hell of a birthday! After all now that your 30 you can do whatever you want!!! I also hear that 30 is the new 20, so really your still quite young. Ill see you on the 30 side in a month! I wish we could have taken our trip together that we said we would do, but maybe now we do it when we are both 40 and there will be no babies to look after!!

Happy Birthday Girl! love ya........

All is well

Hi Everyone just a little update on me. Blood pressure has come down and my doctor is happy. So I will venture back to work next week, hopefully it will stay that way. I am battling a bad cold right now but at least I have the time to rest and drink my fluids etc.

Went yesterday for my ultrasound. No luck baby does not want to be found out so I will have to accept that this kid wants to be a mystery. Anyway Im gonna try and shake this cold by next week. Anyway Im feeling better then I was and Im hoping to get some Christmas stuff done for next week.

For all who enjoy the Crocodile Hunter....

This is I think the funnest Clip I have ever in my life seen! Steve Irwin meets his most dangerous challenge... Ross the gay man! Its about 5 min in length and just totally deserved to be honoured on my blog! Enjoy

Tis the Season....

For what feels like everything to go wrong that is. (warning: this blog will not be very positive or upbeat read at your discreation).

So as the story continues Im still at home resting, now I have a runny nose, sore throat and a headache as well as high blood pressure. So being pregnant theres not alot of options for medications to take. The one thing that you can take is Tylenol and I dont have any. You may ask why dont you just go get some from the store? I would except that Barrys car broke down today and its in getting some expensive repairs done to it. So Im sick, carless, I cant get anything done for Christmas and now we have car repairs to pay for. Yes its the most wonderful time of the year... or not quite right now.

Anyway I dont have much else to say I think I will go back to bed and hide from the world. Perhaps some sleep will help me remember all the good things that we have to be thankful for.

My Guilty Pleasure

If there ever was a guilty pleasure I have found mine. Its only this special time of year that one can find the glorious treat that is the President's choice Candy Cane Crackle Ice cream. Whats so great about it you ask? Oh let me tell you its a vanilla ice cream that has chunks of dark chocolate, and stripes of mint and lovely chunks of solid candy cane. It is the cadillac of ice creams. I am begining to think that this pregnancy has created some new sort of paranoia about the ice cream.. allow me to explain:

The first time I saw the ice cream this season I was so excited a whole case full of buckets of the lovely stuff. I remained in control and only bought one, I mean it was December 1st its gonna be around for a while right? Anyway a week later I went back to pick up a couple things and I noticed that the ice cream treat freezer bin had gone down by half its stock! Well hello its time for panic, I mean what could this mean? would that be the only supply? Would I wake up one day to find that there was no more? I felt a bead of sweat on my brow and I decided I could not let that happen. So I bought another bucket (even though the other one at home was not even half gone).

Still not that bad you think right? Well every time I now go to the store I take stock of the bin to ensure that the store has not run out. Where there was once maybe 100 cartins there are now only I would say 20. So here is my confession: my husband is going to stop letting me go to Loblaws because everytime I go I come home with another bucket! Right now we have three in our freezer. Im stocking for the long haul here people. If the world ends tomorrow and we can never again have the delight of the candy cane crackle then I will have a supply... however if you think I'm sharing I would have to say its unlikely - in the words of Seinfeld "I haven't a square (or scoop) to spare!

Hurry get it while supplies last!

21 weeks and 3 days.....

The time is ticking on I have now passed the official 20 week half way mark. I must admitt when I look at some of my friends who are almost due I feel like thats still so far away. Perhaps thats a good thing as Barry and I have been bad parents the baby's room is still boxes, we have not settled on a theme and we have not bought 1 thing for this poor little child.

However I think my only New Years resolution this year will be to get ready for our new arrival. Im off work this week to rest as I have been having some high blood pressure issues. We went to see the docotor yesterday and the pressure had come down so thats a good thing, Im gonna rest as much as possible so that I take care of myself and baby. Its werid being home alone all week I feel some external pressure that I should be like getting things done for Christmas, but it will have to wait till I see my doctor later this week and get the ok from her as to how to proceed.

We did go to one Christmas function this past weekend- Julias christmas party. We had a really great time nice to get together with friends this time of year. Nancy and Dan came with their adorable little boy Rylan. Hes 6 months and just getting to that fun stage. It was really neat to see Barry hold him and to think about all the excitment that awaits. I know people joke about how much work it is and how it changes your life, and I know that while those things are true I cant think of a better way for something to change your life then to have a family to love and care for. It took a long time to get emotionally ready for a family but I feel like we are there. Now we just need to get physically ready so the baby has somewhere to sleep!

Good morning Baby

Im finding that a very werid thing is happening to me ... I think Im slowly starting to feel maternal. Now dont get me wrong its not that Im not maternal but I just have not really felt that bond part that people always talk about. So then today I was awake around 6am (for my usual pee break) I got back into bed and I was lying there waiting to see if the baby would move. At this stage it moves sort of here and there not consistently. Anyway I was dissappointed when there was nothing so I went back to sleep.

Im sitting here at the computer having a bowl of cereal and then I felt this little kick, then another and I said out loud - oh your awake good morning. Then it kind of struck me that none else is here and Im having a conversation with my stomach. I realized that I have started to identify with my little bean that is really more the size of a squarel then a bean now. Its werid I feel happy when the baby kicks. Barry was so sweet, last night his cousin (I think its cousin) had a baby in the last week or so and she has been sending us pictures So Barry and I were looking at the latest ones and he turns to me and says looking at these pictures Im excited. It was so sweet hes also starting to really see that the reality is coming. Anyway I thought it deserved a blog to mention that the Bates family is really starting to gear up for the newest member.

The Luck of a Nurse

Its official I have the luck of nurse. For those of you who dont know what that means allow me to explain. Nurses work in various areas such cancer, surgery , emergency etc. It is not uncommon to those of us in the nursing world to experience what we call unlucky nurse syndrome. What this means is that nurse seem to be prone to coming down with medical issues related to the are they work in. A nurse who works in the OR needing surgery, an emerg nurse needing stiches ... you get the picture. Anyway I can now add myself to that list.

Im by training an obstetrical nurse so what is the most likely going to happen to me? Im going to have some sort of pregnancy related issues. So it begins I have PIH or more commonly known has Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. In lay man terms it means I have high blood pressure cause by being pregnant. Its not a good thing to have it can cause lots and lots of troubles, but lucky for me I have a wonderful doctor and she is on the ball. So after a bad headache. bad pressure situation today I saw her and am now on blood pressure meds and off work till the 15th of December on modified bed rest. So Im gonna try and not have stress or worry creep in too much and take care of myself and the little bean.

Yes I know that these things can happen to anyone but ask a nurse any nurse and they will not only agree but have a story about a nurse who they knew who had some sort of illness related to the area they are in. Right now I know 4 nurses from the hospital that are pregnant and all are off for one reason or another. Anyway Im gonna rest and hope for the best... oh we can talk about my front lying placenta and breech presentation baby another day, after all only a nurse will have all these issues. Its scientifically proven.... well maybe not but it should be.

20 weeks and counting....

Here are the most recent ultra sound pics of our little baby. Still remains a mystery as to whether its a he or she... but I must say (and I might be a little biased) I think we have the makings of one cute baby on our hands! Look out world!

My boss brought her baby into the office today (shes 2 months) and she has got to be the cutest thing in the whole world!!! I held her and got some practice feeding and burping, I must say I did not do a bad job- perhaps I will be better at the whole mother thing then I think! Anyway Im half way there.

I have some high blood pressure issues that my doctor is watching so I gotta take a deep breath and not let life stress get to me! Gotta find my Zen place and stay there till this little one is baked. Other then that I have Barry, family, friends and its Christmas time life is good who could as for more!!

The Rockettes Rocked!

Barry and I went to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and it was awesome! Everything from the music, costumes, dance numbers and of course the famous Rockettes made the night a very fun one for the young and young at heart. Made me feel extra Christmas spirited. I have got a little clip from one of their performances. Hope it puts you in the Christmas spirit too!

Thank You Insurance Man!

Today we had an insurance guy come to arrange for Barry to get some life insurance. (figure we should be responsible adults now that we are having a baby!) Anyway the guy is going over the profile with us and hes asking all these questions about us, then he tries to guess our ages. .... he says to me that he thinks I'm about 30 (which sadly is true). However he then turns to Barry and says that he thinks he is about 32. Barry is only 27 and is always giving me a hard time about my age - so I say thank you insurance man thank you very much. After he left Barry had a little complex about his age and I have to tell you all I loved every minute of it! ha ha ha! So next time you see Barry don't forget to mention that hes looking about 32 these days!

Baby is moving!

Finally felt the baby move yesterday! I was sitting at my desk and felt this little flick, like someone had tapped me from the inside out. At first I was not sure but then I realized that it was indeed our little bean. It was a werid experience and I have not noticed since but Im sure its just the start of more to come! How fast life is changing.

Its a.......

Well the verdict is in we are having a....




B.............................................................................




Baby! Thats what it is! Its an unco-operative baby in a breech postion with its legs crossed so tight that the tech could not see a thing! We tried and tried and poked but no luck. Anyway it turns out the baby would not let us see other things like the heart clearly enough so I go back in 2 weeks for another look to see if they can get it to move. Strangely enough when Barry came in and started talking the baby did a flip and they were able to see more of him or her but not enough to finish the exam, thats a bad sign the baby is already listening to its father and not me lol. Oh well better luck in 2 weeks! Baby Bates remains a mystery stay tuned.

19 Weeks ande counting

Well noone ever said pregnancy was pretty.. Im starting to expand but its for a good cause for once! Anyway here are a couple of shots taken saturday night at the Genauto Christmas party. We went with Heather and Mike and had a nice time. Barry particularly enjoyed my DD status.



19 weeks eek!


Barry and I and the Bean of course!

Boy or Girl????

Well the big day is here! We leave in 15 min to go for our ultrasound... the big question on our mind is will we have a boy in there or a girl!! We will be hopefully finding out today!

Stay tuned for more details.......

Funny Pregnancy Video

Im almost 5 months and I am starting to be able to relate to thie girl in this video. There are certain parts of my body that I can no longer reach/see as well anymore. Im sure by 7 months I will be needing a pedicure! Enjoy its quite cute

Just for Fun

I found this on You Tube... I have to say that maybe Barry can try this next time he stops for a Big mac!

Merry Christmas?

I'm struggling with a strange thing I witnessed today. Barry and I were at the mall and there was two men talking to each other perhaps old acquaintances that had not seen each other in some time. At the end of the conversation they parted ways and said "Merry Christmas"... my thought here is this: when is it too soon to start wishing people a Merry Christmas? I realize that Christmas is exactly a month away today, but is it now a little soon? One could argue that perhaps they wont see each other again in time to make the yearly greeting, but if that is the case then does that mean that we should be calling up people we have not seen in months and say Hey happy Easter or Happy Ramadan just in case I miss you on that day? I'm confused about the social etiquette in this situation. What do you the reader think? I'm would love to hear from you. Oh in case I don't see you Merry Christmas!

Pregnancy Perks

I have been waiting for the day when I would be in a class of privileged people. Millionaires have special clubs, stores like Cosco where its members only shopping, threes first class on airplanes, special "enhanced" change rooms at the gym. Now I can finally say that I am part of a group. Today at Toys R us there was little parking to be had as I went searching for gifts for Olivia and Josh. I looked to the left and the right and there was no parking... wait that is there was no parking for "regular" people. I look up and there is the answer to both my desire to be part of a group and to not park a mile away. The expectant mothers parking it was like a light was shining down from heaven directly in front of the door to the store. For a moment I felt guilt. Thinking no I cant park here, but then I thought about it and realized hey I'm 4.5 months I'm expectant if that doesn't count I don't know what does. So I pulled and parked with pride. Yes folks you may get stretch marks, you may not sleep well, go through painful labour and have a baby- but its all worth it if not for the child then for the expectant mother parking!

Good bye La Senza......

I was never vary glamorous in the under ware department to start with.. but we have now hit a new low, or should I say "big". I have been living in denial for a while now, ignore that my current cute La Senza under ware have been running out of space. Each day I would wake up and squeeze my growing self into them saying they are fine lots of room in these. The it happened... I was wearing a pair the other day and I noticed that I had caused a little hole from well over stretching.. I chose to ignore this until that little hole became a much bigger hole. So it is with sadness that I must say good bye to the La Senza under ware, well I'm hoping not goodbye but just see you in the summer.

I now say hello to a new friend called the maternity under ware. I was skeptical at first due to their lack of aesthetic appeal. However after a comfortable now squeezed in day I can now say I am in love with the comfort of my new motherhood maternity under ware. Welcome to comfort!

We want to Hear from you!

Have your Vote!

Well as much as I don't like strangers giving me opinions I want and value my friends input. So here is your chance to be part of the Bates Baby Poll. Leave a comment and help us decide:

1. Should we find out what we are having? (u/s Nov. 27th)

2. Do you think its gonna be a boy or girl?

Just for all you superstitious types here is some info about me to help you decide what I'm having. (Julia I expect this will be most helpful to you lol)

I have had bad acne all along so far

I crave sweets

I have gained weight all over not just tummy

Heart Rate was above 140

Chinese Gender Calander says girl

Minimal Nausea

So go on give us your vote!!

a thought from a Pregnant mind....

I have noticed lately that pregnancy brings out the most opinions in life. Its like anyone and everyone who has a child feels that there personal experience is fact and proceed to tell you about it. Don't get me wrong there are alot of helpful people whose words mean alot to me.. however there are many who don't mean anything to me. Like for example the lady from my work who basically told me that I had "no business" finding out the sex of our baby... excuse me? I think that it is my business. Yes that's right my being pregnant means that I'm entitled to your opinion. How nice.
(on a side note we have not yet decided on finding out the sex)

The other thing that I enjoy is the labour stories. First of all I can now see how the inexperienced person must feel when women are telling their tales of 50 hour labours. I as a labour and delivery nurse can assure you all out there that there is no such thing. Perhaps it felt that long but certainly was not. I try to have educated conversations with these mothers about the whole birth process but of course because I have not had a birth means I don't know what I'm talking about.... right so lets see 5 years of labour and delivery, an average of 3 shifts per week that's at least 3 deliveries per week so that's 156 per year and about 780 in 5 years... hmm I can see how I must not be at all informed about the process as compared to the mother who has had 2 deliveries.

Anyway I do just nod and smile when I hear the tales of 50 hours of labour in the snow storm and how the epidural went into their spine and almost paralyzed them. I guess everyone needs a battle story, I'm sure I will have my share... I just hope its not 50 hours!

This calander makes me laugh.....

I dont know if you have heard of this website thats called despair.inc. Anyway they make very funny demotivational calanders and cards. I think they are hilarious and want one of these calanders for christmas (hint Hint barry). Anyway here is my quote of the day.... lets just say its dedicated to all those who dont get it......

17 weeks and growing......

I cant believe how fast time is going! I can already see the changes happening (and trust me my bladder feels it too!). Anyway I just thought I would share some pics of lately so you can watch Baby Bates grow!



This is us at approximately 10 weeks....

Fast Forward to 16 weeks and here we are!! Stay tuned for more picture fun.

Hyponobirthing

I have been on the many websites exploring peoples various thoughts on child birth, and today I have come across something new. Its called Hypnobirthing... Which is defined as:

"HyponoBirthing is a method of childbirth preparation started by Maria Mongan. HypnoBirthing teaches clients relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques that reduce fear and tension during labor. Hypnosis techniques can significantly reduce the perception of pain during labor and may help to shorten the length of labor. HypnoBirthing assists the mother to achieve a natural birth without the use of medications. Hypnosis techniques utilize her body's own natural anesthesia and returns birth to a beautiful peaceful experience"

I have highlighted in red one particular section that made me laugh. Now I know that I have not yet had the delight of having something huge squeezed out of somewhere considerably smaller yet... however I think that from my experiences in labour and delivery its fair to say that its more then a "perception of pain during labour". I think many of my patients would be the first to say that its quite real!! I remember 1 client that I had that came with a tape of music and breathing techniques to "hypnotize" herself into a state of calm so that she would not feel the pain of labour.... do I really need to tell you how that worked out? About 2 hours into the tapes she was telling me very strongly that she would like me to call the doctor with his magical hypnotizing epidural! Yes hypnobirthing I will definitely put that on my list of funny ways to amuse myself while I wait (not long might I add do to my staff status) for my epidural.

I had some lady on this website I was on tell me that hypnobirthing has an 83% effectiveness rate, my question is effective in what way? effective in making lots of money for the silly people that by the tapes and books? Effective in the 250 dollars you can spend over 12 weeks of classes? I refrained from telling her that where I'm from the hospital that does 4000 deliveries a year that 75% of those were under medication. Yes that's the only hypnosis I want that of a big syringe of drugs! Amen!

Nick meet Mr. "t"

For all you who watch SNL you will well be aware of this clip. Its Nick Burns your company's computer guy. I have had the delight this week of encountering my own Nick. Lets call him Mr."T". Mr. T is a know it all computer guy who when you call him with a problem related to your computer will tell you what an idiot you are and make you feel like you just stepped off a boat in a foriegn country. I had some issues with my computer he made sure I knew what an idiot I had been for "letting" my computer get a bad virus. So while he was trying to explain to me the details of what he was doing I decided that I would offer to teach him how to insert a catheter. I had a strong feeling I would definately be smarter then him in this area... I dont think he found me amusing, cause he made me leave my office or "move" so he could fix my incompetance. Anyway this clip very clearly describes how I and many feel about Mr. T and how he acts. Enjoy!

16 week appointment today

Well today was my 16 week prenatal appointment. To be accurate I'm actually 16 weeks and 3 days. Anyway I went to my doctor and I while I was waiting to be seen I noticed some key things that I would like to share with you all:

1. People show up without an appointment alot. They will walk into a completely full waiting room, and with a room full of people who have been waiting (with an appointment) for a period of time and say "any chance of squeezing me in today?" No sir there is not, as you can see there are many people who have appointments and are waiting, so there is no squeeze room.

2. Body Odor: strong strong BO: people this is gross just cause your at the doctors and are potentially sick does not excuse you from a common North American practice we like to refer to as "Hygiene".

3. Small children in doctors offices: parents why do you let your off spring roam free? No its not OK that your sick child roams the office spreading the very germs they are there to have treated. They are not allowed to go behind the desk, and I can guarantee as from the perspective of someone who works in the hospital, the staff may say ohhh how cute- what they are really thinking is get your kid under control!

Anyway that is my insight for the day into the world of waiting to be seen at the doctors office. I am doing well, so far so good with baby, I got to hear the heart beat today it was really clear 149 bpm!! (I do expect that all you believers in the heart rate determining the sex will let me know what Im having to render the need for an ultra sound useless! ) (I'm sure you agree Julia lol).

Thinking of you today Dad

Ken Hembruff October 31 1928- November 6, 2004

There are not enough words to say .....

You are missed.

An apology to my Husband.....

This is a public apology to my husband. Tonight I decided while he was on the computer that I would go in the crawl space and get the water meter reading to call into the billing company. As i tried to make my way in I realized it was a tight spot and I was having trouble.

Barry's first response was why did I feel the need to do this at 10pm, my answer was unknown as I had just got it in my mind that I wanted to go get it done. So then Barry tried to assist me by reading the numbers from the angle he could see. He could not read the last number due to the lighting. He then suggest that he would do it later and this is where for some reason beyond what I can understand when looking back at the moment I freaked out telling him to go away in a very angry way.

After the moment passed I felt like it was an out of body experience and I have no idea why I did this. I can honestly say that I think I had some sort of hormone/pregnancy moment. I will tell you ladies the mood is not a pretty thing at this stage of the game, be warned to those who want to have kids your behaviour is a little wacky. Anyway I'm sorry Barry I love you, even when you slam the crawl space door behind me and tell me to "stay in there". Time for a time out for pregnant people!

In Defense of the pickles....

For those of you who read pop culture king (the rival and may I add less superior blog) I want to set the record striaght. No anyone who knows my queasy gaggy husband knows that smells of a variety of sources make him gag/puke. So over the years I have developed techniques to spare him the pain of dealing with anything unpleasant that may upset his delicate sense of smell. One particular issue in our house is the ritual of Barry putting out the garbage. There will be sounds of gagging and carrying on from the garage on any given Monday night. So I have taken to flushing certain smelly foods down the toilet as to spare him. I have been doing it for a long time so I figure its not an issue. I mean if the bowel can handle Barry's daily deposits of "dropping the kids off at the pool" then whats a small jar of baby pickles gonna do? So I flushed it and it went down fine. It was no till later did we discover that there was an issue. So I ask you the audience to be the judge - is my wifely good intentions not the winner in all this? Thank you for taking the time to hear my side of the story.

An Ode to the Clemintine

An Ode to the Clemintine

Oh sweet delicious orange how I love you so

When I eat you I get a chill down to my toe

You are a delightful treat to enjoy

Loved by both girl and boy

I would love to eat you all year long

Sadly your only here and then your gone

So I will peel your lovely fruit

thank god you dont make me toot!

- an original poem by Cherie Bates

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! I hope that you all had lots of sugar rotting candy.

Barry and I in the corn maze at Pingles farm. Yes it was raining, yes it was cold, there was even some hail.. but we prevailed and did the maze.

We made it through the maze!!!! How talented are we.

Mr. Columbo decided that he wanted to help hand out candy to the kids in his Batman costume. As you can see he was very excited about his look.

Mr. Columbo was giving me a very cool and aloof look, trying to pretend he was too cool to have his picture taken.

This is a picture of my pumpkin! I carved it with my own artistic ability. It was a welcome site to all those out trick or treating.

If this does not make you cry, nothing will!

Ok so I maybe losing it due to some sort of pregnancy hormones, but I spent half an hour crying tonight watching oprah cause of this 2 legged dog. This Dog was found as a puppy abandoned by its mother, ready to die. The son of the family brought her home and the family took her to the vet who told them to put her down. They did not want to give up on this little dog, instead they taught her how to walk on 2 legs! She is the happiest spunkest dog I have ever seen (2 or 4 legs!) It just makes me think wow if someone had given up on her she would not have the wonderful life she has.. .Im getting sad just thinking about it.

So the story gets deeper. This dog appeared on Oprah in May, and todays show was an update. Oprah has a school for girls in Africa. She was there recently and this little girl came up to her and said: I liked your story about the 2 legged dog, that dog made me realize that I can do anything. Ok full sob mode! Yeah you talk about the crumple it was an all out bawl! Theres me and Mr. Columbo and scooby (both pets trapped in an uncomfortable embrace on my lap) desparately trying to get away from crazy mommy. Anyway i was like I love you guys, cry cry cry. yeah so I felt I needed to blog. Check out the pics below, its so sweet, we should all have a 2 legged dog in our lives.

Annoyances with Direct Energy

Dear Direct Energy,


I just want you to know that when you send a specious looking man to my door at nearly 9pm and Im in my jammies, Im not likely looking to switch hydro providers. Chances are very good that if I was unhappy with my service I would seek you out. I am a smart person who knows how to explore my options. So if I wanted you I would simply call you. However sending a stranger to my house at that hour only serves to make the guy (who is likely not a psycho like he appears to be at 9pm) seem scarey. So he has to sell his pitch to me from behind my screen door. Im sure he does not like his job, anymore then I like him doing his job.

Anyway for you and all others trying sell something either by phone or in person.. heed this warning - dont call me Ill call you. Thank you.

Watch for the Dixie Chicks movie soon....

This movie looks like it will be a really good look at a small piece of American Culture. Heres a trailer for the Chicks "Shut up and Sing"

Well last night Julia and I went to see the chicks at the ACC and it was an awesome show. There was alot of references made to "the mistake" that was made with the comments about the president and the Canadians loved every minute of it! I have to say that they are a symbol of strength they never once backed down from what they said and have taken the heat, but that takes character! Here is a clip of what the concert was like. Its not the best clip but the best I could find live. When they sang their song "not ready to make nice" it brought the house down. Have a listen!

The Secret is out....

Well the secret is out! The newlyweds (or not so newlywed) are having a baby! Who knew that inside us crazy fun loving kids were responsible parents??? To celebrate the start of our growing family I have decided to give my blog an updated look (by the way we are back on line so blog lurkers the dry spell is over!).

As of tomorrow I will be 15 weeks, thats almost 4 months! I can't even believe that we are almost half the way to our lives being changed forever. The first trimester went well, no real issues to speak of. There are days that it does not feel real, but all I have to do is look at this picture and it becomes very real. I cant get over how much our little bean looks like a person already. Just in case there are issues with trying to decide what you are seeing its a side profile, you can see the head, the body and a little foot sticking out.... of course my over zealous husband would contest that the foot is indeed another apendage! I think we will have to wait on that!
So Im sure that there may be questions out there so here are the answers to the typical things I have been asked:

1. I feel pretty good just tired
2. Yes sadly my pants are now too tight and we are into mat wear
3. We are going to be delivering at Markham Stouffville Hospital - no midwives allowed
4. No we dont know what we are having
5. I dont know if we will find out what it is
6. I would like a girl, Barry a boy but over all a healthy baby would be wonderful
7. No there are no twins (sorry to dissappoint those who were holding a candle light that there were two)
8. There are a few doulas in training that have offered their services to us
9. Your darn right Ill be taking whatever drugs I can get!
10. Yes we do have some names in mind but not sure yet.

Anyway thats a small update. Stay tuned for more!

Im Still here

Hi Everyone I just thought I would let you know that Im still alive in the universe. I called Best Buy yesterday and they gave me false hope telling me that my hard drive was in... I was so gloriously excited.... all for about 30 seconds till they ripped the hope away from me by saying oh no wait thats for someone else. Right someone else eh? So long story short I have been told that it will be another 5-6 bunisess days before the hard drive arrives and another 1-2 days for instillation. So I would guess we are looking at 2 more weeks of a computer free life!

I now think I have a sense of what Amish people feel like! No technology is not fun at all! Now if anything happens to my TV I may go crazy... I might be forced to read or take up a hobby! Neither of which am I looking to do! So dont lose hope in me yet I will return full force. For now this simple Amish girl must go work.

For the Record....

For the record Friday October 13th has lived up to its name. I have had the worst day ever! I could go on and lay it out but frankly Im tired and just want to go home. So instead I will leave you with this simple message that may help you understand my frustrattion:


I HATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC!

I hope that the general public knows that I wake up every day and I say to myself as I eat my cereal: what can I do to make your life miserable today? What things can I construct to cause you so much unhappiness that you need to call and yell/ swear/ yell some more at me. Yes without a doubt this is my goal in life to think of ways to make people's lives who in many causes I dont even know personally miserable.

So I say to the general public: Thank you for the headache I now have, thank you for the elevated heart rate I have from being yelled at and thank you for removing another layer of my stomach which will one day become my stress related ulcer. All in all thanks!

The Man in the Pink dress looked happier then me..

Its always hard to get back into the swing of things when you are coming off a holiday weekend. So today I went to the office and began my week. As Im driving to work thinking about eh challeneges ahead I felt a little bit grumpy.

The just as Im stopped at a stop light I notice at a near by bus stop there is a man that looks much like Santa, long white beard, a jelly like belly. The only thing different from this santa like figure was the fact that he was wear a flowered dress, pink pany hose, with a big pink scraf tied round his neck. Yes he was smiling and waving to people passing by. I could not help but think to myself.... hmm maybe the crazy people are onto something. I bet he has no worries of what he week holds, no stress over paying bills. Nope he smiles and waves in his pretty flowered dress. Perhaps we all should get out our prety pink dresses and wave to those passing by on the street. Just a thought for this tuesday.


Update: the computer is still at best buy, Im told it will be 1-2 more weeks. So stay tuned I will update when I can and be back on line soon.

Happy Gobble Gobble

Hey everyone!

I hope that you all have a happy thanksgiving. We all have so much to be Thankful for!! Im at work, my computer continues to be at the computer hospital so I am just writing a quick comment. I dont know where all the posts came from, they were things I had tried to post and failed to do so before, so something is screwy!

Anyway All the best to everyone and I will be back on line more regularly soon!!! Enjoy the turkey and stuffing!

Male Restroom Etiquette

Its long but very hilarious! However I do find it hard to believe that men can this much thought process about anything, let alone bathrooms

Survivor Borneo: Sue's speech.

For all you survivor fans... Here is flash back to best all time speech in Survivor history! Enjoy!

Survivor Cook Islands: Billy Expresses Love For Candice

If anyone is looking for a boyfriend, I believe that Billy is available.

Jericho CBS Trailer

My new fall obsession... makes me feel really good about living between 2 nuclear power plants! Watch for it its great!

The Office - Hit me

This little clip is in honour of the office life. Also RIP to the job of QM good luck out there!

The Office - Hit me

This little clip is in honour of the office life. Also RIP to the job of QM good luck out there!

Jericho

This is my new fall obsession. Can I just say that the first episode made me feel really good about living between two nuclear reactors.... hmm maybe not!

I miss my computer

Im at work so this will be short, I just wanted to say that Im in computer mourning. I miss my dear computer so much. It is my life line. I dont quite know what to do with myself at night without the joys of surfing the net.

The guy at the store has said that it will take 4 days to run computer tests to figure out whats wrong. Then from there it could be 2-4 weeks before I have my little friend back. I will keep you all posted. Just remember who the best blogger is.... thats right the Newlyweds dont forget it.

Happy 1 year to Missy and Ian!

Seeing as Im going to be off line for the upcoming 1 year event for my friends I wanted to wish Missy and Ian a happy 1 year anniversary!! You guys it was a great day and watching you over the past year it shows that your love is growing with time. Enjoy that paper anniversary... notice I said paper Ian? Not cotton ha ha! Anyway enjoy your memories you guys rock!

From your "buddy"...... Ill let you decide what kind of buddy lol.

Bye Bye Computer!

Well sadly just as my blogging is taking off again there is a major glitch with my computer! This morning I turned it on and it said something very bad: Hard Disk failure is imminent! Please back up your hard disk. So I dont know alot about computers but the hard disk to my understanding is pretty important.. almost like the brain... hmm not so good.

So Barry has been doing alot of something he calls "rescue files". Im told that our little computer is very sick and must go visit the geek squad at best buy where it came from. Dont cry eveyrone but we are told it may be 2 weeks without or precious computer. Yes this brings a tear to my eye. Worst of all I will have limited blogging abilities. I can still check my email at work, but I cant blog at work. So sadly this will be my last post for a while. Please my fans dont forget that Im hear and return to me when we are back on line. So long for now I will see you in two weeks!

Love at First sight?

Ok Survivor fans.. I have to add this clip to my blog. I dont think that yet in all the survivor's that have aired over the years has there been a more ridiculous happening. This guy "Billy" clearly has some issues and perhaps has a deep misunderstanding of the definition of "love". So seeing as he was voted out I dont think he and Candice ever got together, so if your single and interested something tells me hes still completely available. This clip can be enjoyed by both survivor fans and nonsurvivor fans (if such a person exits!). Please take note of Jeff's face when Billy tells about his love its classic! Enjoy

Girls be glad we are not boys!

This one goes out the ladies, with all the issues that we have this is one less thing we can be glad we dont have to deal with. Im trying to add this clip to my blog, bare with me it may not work!

Self Check Outs

Does anyone recognize this? Its a new trend that is popping up everywhere. The self check out.... Another way for the all mighty big box stores to save a buck, I mean why pay rude half witted employees to do the job of a machine that will simply beep at you when it does not get the bar code? Allow me to share my experience.

First of all I will have you know that I hate the self check out. I have never had an occasion where I could use it without requiring assistance. I dont believe that it has anything to do with my ability as a customer, but rather the machines stupidity. I was on my way home the other night and I had 1 item to purchase, looking at the long line ups of people I looked at the empty self check out stations and thought well its only one item so maybe I will go against my personal policy to not use them. So I did exactly as instructed by the machine I touched the screen and scaned it and "placed the item in the bag" so then the machine started saying "please place item in the bag". I dont know what made me think that this would make a difference but I took it out and replaced it in the bag only for the machine to repeat this message followed by please wait for cashier assistance. So there is the cashier standing at her lone post infront of all these mechanical pains in the ass. I stand staring at her burning holes in her shirt with my eyes. What does she do continues to look down at her computer screen. Now unless she is hearing and visually impaired Im sure that both she and I can hear the machine and see that Im not getting the quick check out promised to me by the latest in technology.

First she walks by me to another machine that has gone off after mine. Then when she returns to her post I finally say excuse me but I dont know whats wrong with this thing. She walks over looking annoyed that I have interputed her busy day of staring at her computer screen. Now here folks is the pivitol moment that leads me to believe that customer service is dead. She does not speak a word to me does not even look at me simply punches something into her hand held computer and walks away. No have a nice day, nothing. So Im at a loss as to what is worse poor customer service or the annoyance of the machines that cant scan a can of soup without requiring assistance. All I know is the day that I go to a public washroom and there is a mechanical wiping divice Im moving to the closet hick town I can find!

Beware of generic Brands

There are times when its ok to not have the name brand product, like if you need to use the bathroom you dont care if its kitten soft (after all who wants to wipe their ass with a kitten!) However there are times in life when nothing but the real thing will do. Yes competitors will come out with all sorts of almost as good as the real thing products... but in the end will only serve to dissapppoint the public. So this blog serves as a warning to all those who may be enticed by the promises of a new product... it may say new and improved it may promise to give the competition a run for its money... however in the end theres nothing like the original. So folks when your out there just remember if its new and shiney chances are its over compensating for something. Now dont get me wrong I think a little product competition is healthy, infact I think it helps the original product to step up and shine. So I say thank you to all those competitors out there for making us who are the original deal even better! Cheers.







Ask your self: Do I want the fake product?



Or do I want the real thing? I think the answer is clear

How can this be true?

I took a personality test and below is the results.... I am thinking its a little off? I hope I do this right .. bare with me:

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Happy Anniversary Julia and Bart!!

Happy 2nd Anniversary to one of my favorite couples!!! 2 years and going strong, you guys are the best! I hope that today you are enjoying the memories of your beautiful day and all the special times since then, and those yet to come! Im told that 2 years is the cotton anniversary, so why dont you guys go out and treat yourselves to some nice sport socks? Or maybe some new tea towels! Go wild! have a good one!!!

Night shifts anyone?

4 days and 14 interviews later to try and hire a nurse to work night shifts. First of all I would just like to say that my eyes have been opened to the world of bad interviewing skills thanks to the 14 indivduals that I met this week. Second I would like to know if there has been a change to the nursing curriculum since I was in school, have they stopped telling new grads that there is such a thing as a night shift? Do you want to know how many people out of my 14 wanted to work nights... Ill let you have one guess and I will give you a big hint its less then 1.

I think I get it now people think that health care occurs between 8-4pm monday to friday. People dont get sick at night, on weekends or holidays. I can see the headlines for recruiting nursing students to programs: come be a nurse and you will never have to work nights or weekends cause people are only sick during office hours. (note we are of course talking about a fictional planet that has yet to be discovered).

I know how crappy nights are I did them for 5 years (some of that time willingly some not so much). Anyway the point Im making is I was a new grad and you pay your dues put your time in on the nights then you get to move up or have better shifts as time goes on. You dont however get to be a gum popping 12 year old looking nurse who sits accross the table from me having this converstation:

Cherie: So I see here that you just graduated

Gum popper: Yup Im gonna write my exam in a couple weeks (pop)

Cherie: So have you ever done any placements in school with peds?

Gum Popper: No I was in geriatrics, but thats like similar right?

Cherie: Well if you feel that a 6 year old and a 90 year old have alot in common.....

Gum Popper: So like Im looking for steady days full time do you have that?

Cherie: well its been great meeting you good luck with your job hunt...... (curtain comes down house lights dim end of scene).

Yes this folks is a small example of my week. So I say this to the public: fear your health care future for you will never be able to be sick at night or on a weekend as there will be noone to take care of you. I imagine we will start to see self care center, like the self check out at the grocery store or the bank machine. There will just be a machine next to your bed where you will enter a code and ask the machine to give you your medications..... good luck with that robotic arm giving you a bed bath.... ouch!

Rolling Stones - You can't always get what you want

In the words of Mary Catherine Galager: My feelings would best be described by the made for TV video "you cant always get what you want" by the Rolling Stones. This song is the theme of my day. You definatly can not always get what you want.... you cant have your cake and eat it to- I say no point in having cake if you cant eat it! Anyway enjoy a little rolling stones I know I did!

Steve Irwin (Crocodile Hunter) FEDEX commercial

Rest in peace Steve, you made me love crocs!

Debbie Downer

Enjoy! Time to liven up the blogging!!!

Brought to you in part by the Pop Culture King who managed to get this on here.

All is Good

I just got home from a night shift at the hospital and I realized that I have not updated my blog to let all my faithful readers know that all is well. As suspected the worrying was not needed and all is well.

I just want to say that its so nice to have good people in your life it makes all the difference! Im very lucky to have great friends and family. I know that I promised some exciting changes to my blog .. Im gonna get there soon just need a little more time to plan out my new look etc. So stay tuned its coming!!!! Anyway I have the sounds of screaming babies in my head still from last nights work so Im off to bed. Again thanks to all who commented - in the words of Tony the Tiger your grrrrreat!

I cant sleep

I have been lying awake since 4 am this moring. I cant sleep. It does not happen very often, but every once in a while something has me bothered enough that I cant catch the sand man. Anyway I finally decided to just get up and surf the net as I was tossing and turning and Im sure waking up barry.

Got alot on my mind today, some specific worries that are leaving me feeling vulnerable. I hate that I have no control over some things in life, and while I know that worrying over something that I have no control over the outcome does no good, I cant seem to feel any better. Today will be either a big sigh of relief and things will be ok, or it will be the begining of a difficult time. The fact that so much can rest on one answer is very stressful to me. I wish I was a person who nothing bothered me and no matter what life threw me I just rolled with it and was ok no matter the outcome. I think those types of people have an easier time in life then people like me who can find the stress and worry in everything. I wonder if there is a course one can take on how not to worry and stress? If there was I would take it.

Anyway I know that Im speaking rather vaguely and it is of course deliberate, as Im not ready to share all things with all people. However if your reading this could you just send me some good vibes this morning, Im sure I could use it.

Summer is almost over!

Can anyone believe that the summer is almost over? It seems to me to just have gone by and some how I missed it. Its been a good summer, lots of fun and good times had with friends and family. I amlooking foward to the excitment that the fall will bring. All the new challenges and experiences yet to be had. I can not believe that in a couple more months the title of my blog will no longer be vaild.. sadly we will not be the "newlyweds" anymore. Its almost been a year and a great year that just keeps getting better and better. If our plans come through we are gonna be heading to Vegas for our 1 year anniversary.

Work is busy and challenging as ever, there are days that I wish I could just become a professional bum and sit on a couch and eat chips while watching tv. However Im out there working like everyone else. Anyway I know that this blog has been lacking in zest and even as I write this I dont feel any humor or enlightenment. Im very sorry to my loyal fans (I stand corrected at least 4 of you!!) Anyway I will try to come out of my summer haze and provide some quality blogging soon. One good thing about the fall is that my dear hubby will shed free his summer schdule that has him working opposite of me. We will again see each other more then twice a week! This I think will go a long way to improving my blogging. Hope everyone had a great summer.

Experiences with Chicken wings

Have you ever looked at a chicken wing and wanted to barf? This is what happened to me today. Barry and i were in the grocery store near the precooked food section and he said " I think we should get some wings they look good" At first I looked at them and thought yeah the look good. Then it happend out of no where I felt disgusted by there appearance and wanted to barf! So I quickly moved away from the wings as I felt the rise of vomit in my throat and swallowed it... mmm wings any one???

Coming a blog near you.....

Be on the look out for changes to this website! There have been some interesting updates that will soon be incorporated into this blogging space. Stay tuned for some exciting posts!

Cheries Back for Blogging fun!!

Hi all! Well I know that its been a while since a blog has been written and my loyal fans (all 2 of you ha ha!) have been waiting. So I will wet your blog palate with some photos from last weekends trip to Brockville!

This is a picture of Maria with the twins, you will notice that Josh is actually getting some air time as he jumps in the air.

Here is a pic of the boats that what were part of the poker run! My favorite was the one that the name was "git er done" Yes very classy indeed.

A happy shot of the Sharpes on the way to Rib fest day of fun! Anyway this is just a warm up stay tuned

Im still alive

hey everyone! I just wanted to let you all know that Im still alive. Life is going along nicely. Nothing very exciting right now. Anyway I promise to get inspired soon and write something exciting!!!


Cherie

If I were were President of the world......

I have been thinking lately about how unfair and cruel the world can be. It rewards the wrong people and rips off the good people. Therefore I have given it some thought and I have decided that if I were President of the world I would do things differently:

I would make all the rich people share with the poorest people in the world so that they had their share too

I would ban beauty contests and people like Nicole Richie and the Olsen Twins would be examples of things that you never wanted to be like.

I would take away what people take for granted in their lives just to teach them appreciation and then I would give it back only if they promised to treat it with respect

I would take all the babies in the world that are born to unfit parents and I would give them to the poor couples who try and try to have children and could give a good life to a child.

I would make people take a mandatory parenting test and if you failed you would not be allowed to procrate.

I would lock all the criminals up and throw away the key no questions asked

I would make all the bad food that we eat be good for you and instead salad would have 1300 calories a serving and a piece of cheesecake would be worth nothing.

I would make exercise happen while you were in your sleep.

I would make sure that everyone got at least 4 weeks paid vacation

I would take all the people who are at the top of a company (who take all the good shifts, stats, and holidays) and I would put them in a low wage fast food job to teach them not to be so greedy with their time off and let someone else have a good turn once in a while

yes that is just a short list of what I would do.. I dont know why I felt compelled to write this but I did. Its stright out of my head.

Some Im sure are glad that Im not the president.. but maybe just maybe Im onto something......

The Best Movie of the Summer!

Talladega Nights! The funnest movie of the summer. This movie is pure entertainment, Will Ferrell makes this movie a hit by his hilarous interpretation of all that is ridiculous about race cars and the how ridiculous people get about this "hobby". It gave me a good laugh thats for sure. However I kept trying to see where the fun in watching it came in.. other then Will and his wit I see nothing interesting about racing. Its mind numbing to watch cars circle a track over and over. I can not for the life of me understand why there are so many people out there who find this entertaining. Anyway I digress the point is Will gave a good rubbing to all the trashy rednecks out there that sit at home with a bucket of KFC and wrap their sad little lives around this pass time. I wonder if they ever get curious about life beyond racing... doubt it! Anyway go see it its a great funny mocking movie! Best of the summer! Cherie gives it 2 thumbs up!!! Enjoy

More Great Photos from my fabulous vacation!

Hey Everyone well Im back with more pics, as I was looking at the cake I realized it was 45 years not 50!! Oh well they are such a great couple they will get to 50 in no time- and that party will be even bigger then the 45th!! Anyway Here are some more pics for you to enjoy!

A yummy Taits cake , it did not last long thats for sure!

A pic of barrys Nannie Marshall, Chris and Olivia. Barrys Nannie was a hoot she had a great time. Chris wool socks in the summer? He came so close to a swim!!

Me and My honey enjoying the sun in Nans backyard. I decided to give barry a wet hug after I got out of the pool! Im sure he appreciated that!!

Maria and Bonnie man the BBQ to keep the hungery group happy! Burgers were great!

The twins are the two cutest babies in the whole world, had alot of fun playing and swimming with them. Here they appear to be trying to get into the bucket... not sure your gonna fit Olivia.

Anyway thats the updated vacation pics I hope eveyone enjoys them as much as I had making them. Its been a great summer so far for family get togethers. Next weekend the fun continues with a trip to Brockville for Rib fest and to plan the ever growing vegas trip now to include Chris, Maria, Poppy and we are working on a few more peeps. Anyway will be fun more pics then!!!

Our Week of vacation

Here are some moments from our week off. We started the week by going to my brothers cottage, then onto Brockville to help Barrys Nan and Pop celebrate their 50th! This Blog is out of order and not Cooperating.. The other pics that are unlabeled are: Barry driving stewerts boat, turns out hes the next skipper after all! Nan and Pop 50 years and going strong!! A group shot of Barry and I with Pat stewert and Ashley at the cottage. Had a great time. Next blog more pics to come!


Barry and I on the boat catching some Rays




Me with the dying butterfly that Barry ran over!

Bad Day

Without going into details as I think Im starting to learn that while I enjoy blogging and sharing my life with people.. not everyone needs to know the nitty gritty details of my life.

Anyway lets just say its been a bad day. I feel completely awful and unhappy. I am stuck with all these negative feelings that I want to just get rid of but am having trouble finding a way to let go.

The best way to describe how I feel is what I came up with this afternoon. I feel like Im a runner and I have been training for this big race, just as Im getting ready to jump from the starting line I realize I have an awful cramp in my leg... I look at the track before me it seems unpredicatble, with no clear end and I think I dont know how I will finish this run with my cramp. That is how I feel somewhat powerless and at the mercy of things out of my control.

I will admitt that Im a worry wart (that is clear from my past blogs) however I just see this journey stretching out before me and Im having trouble seeing the bright side and Im having trouble with the fact that I cant tie things up in a neat little package and "fix it". Anyway Thats why there have been no new blogs this week just lots going on in my head. I will say this I am lucky to have Barry and my good friends as both are wonderful supports to me. I hope that one day (in the not to distant future) I can look back at this blog and think wow that was no big deal at all. I also hope to be back to my fun writing stuff.... might just take some time. Anyway thats all I got for now.