Wednesday, August 19, 2009
I am...
sitting outside enjoying a glass of Voga and thinking how happy I am that the new hose for the vacuum worked out!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
A Toast To Vacuums
I had to take my computer in to the shop yesterday to get de-trolled. It was doing some weird thing every time I used the internet. When I clicked on a link opening a new screen, the address bar would have another site in it (not the site I was trying to get to). Then the screen would freeze. I would have to do the dreaded ctrl+alt+del to close the program and start all over only for it to happen again, and again....and again. GAH!
Seems to be working fine now...knock on wood.
I'm seriously thinking of getting a Mac. Our laptop has been shot for awhile now, and although the price of a Mac is double what PCs go for, I may have to reconsider. This whole virus thing is pissing me right off!
Anyway, I did a bit of running around today, trying to get errands done while the kids were out of the house.
I'm excited to say, I'm the proud owner of a new expandable hose from Beam for my central vacuum. Yes, you heard me right, I AM EXCITED!
I wanted something that I could use on hardwood and ceramic to clean up crumbs and cat hair and that didn't take up a lot of room. This expandable hose is the perfect addition to our central vac. It weighs a lot less than my other hose and it's compact -- stretches from about 8 feet to 20 or 30 feet. I hated lugging my other hose around the house. It was so awkward and heavy to carry up and down the stairs and since my cleaning lady brings her own vacuum, I really don't need the big one to clean up a few dust bunnies off the floor.
I can't wait to vacuum the main floor tomorrow! Um, did I really say that?
I also bought some wine today. My friend called my cell as I was in the liquor store. I told her where I was and she said she had some wine on the weekend that she liked. I could have been standing anywhere in the liquor store but as she was telling me the name of the wine, I happened to look on the shelf in front of me and there it was.
It's called Voga Italia Pinot Grigio. I'm loving the look of the bottle and I'm hoping I'll be as equally pleased with what's inside the bottle.
I can't wait to try it!
Cheers!
Seems to be working fine now...knock on wood.
I'm seriously thinking of getting a Mac. Our laptop has been shot for awhile now, and although the price of a Mac is double what PCs go for, I may have to reconsider. This whole virus thing is pissing me right off!
Anyway, I did a bit of running around today, trying to get errands done while the kids were out of the house.
I'm excited to say, I'm the proud owner of a new expandable hose from Beam for my central vacuum. Yes, you heard me right, I AM EXCITED!
I wanted something that I could use on hardwood and ceramic to clean up crumbs and cat hair and that didn't take up a lot of room. This expandable hose is the perfect addition to our central vac. It weighs a lot less than my other hose and it's compact -- stretches from about 8 feet to 20 or 30 feet. I hated lugging my other hose around the house. It was so awkward and heavy to carry up and down the stairs and since my cleaning lady brings her own vacuum, I really don't need the big one to clean up a few dust bunnies off the floor.
I can't wait to vacuum the main floor tomorrow! Um, did I really say that?
I also bought some wine today. My friend called my cell as I was in the liquor store. I told her where I was and she said she had some wine on the weekend that she liked. I could have been standing anywhere in the liquor store but as she was telling me the name of the wine, I happened to look on the shelf in front of me and there it was.
It's called Voga Italia Pinot Grigio. I'm loving the look of the bottle and I'm hoping I'll be as equally pleased with what's inside the bottle.
I can't wait to try it!
Cheers!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Dining Out: Makimono
I love going out for sushi and ever since my sushi partner moved to New York (she's back now, yipee!) I have had more of a craving than ever. My husband isn't a fan and neither are many of my friends, that is until my friend Christina let me in on a little secret -- she likes sushi too! I've known her for over four years now and it took this long to figure out, shesh! We only see each other, oh, I don't know, almost EVERYDAY!
I grew up in Toronto so finding a good restaurant wasn't all that hard. There are tons to choose from in the big city. Out in the 'burbs, finding a good non-chain restaurant used to be like finding a needle in a haystack but not so much anymore. We have some fabulous restaurants out here including Makimono in Ajax, ON.
Not too long ago, Makimono introduced their all-you-can-eat menu so Christina and I decided to take the never ending supply of sushi ride. This was Christina's first all-you-can-eat sushi experience and she was pleasantly surprised, so was I. At this restaurant they bring the menu to you so there is no getting up from your seat to walk to the big buffet. You an check off as much as you like from the menu. It's made fresh so there's no wondering how long it's been sitting around. We ordered a bunch of different rolls and tempura, just enough that we were able to finish all of it. It was simply delicious!
We will definitely be back soon!
I grew up in Toronto so finding a good restaurant wasn't all that hard. There are tons to choose from in the big city. Out in the 'burbs, finding a good non-chain restaurant used to be like finding a needle in a haystack but not so much anymore. We have some fabulous restaurants out here including Makimono in Ajax, ON.
Not too long ago, Makimono introduced their all-you-can-eat menu so Christina and I decided to take the never ending supply of sushi ride. This was Christina's first all-you-can-eat sushi experience and she was pleasantly surprised, so was I. At this restaurant they bring the menu to you so there is no getting up from your seat to walk to the big buffet. You an check off as much as you like from the menu. It's made fresh so there's no wondering how long it's been sitting around. We ordered a bunch of different rolls and tempura, just enough that we were able to finish all of it. It was simply delicious!
We will definitely be back soon!
Drawer Organizers
When I had to leave work four years ago, I had a vision that I would organize this house from top to bottom, room by room (when I had the energy, of course). One week I would do the office, another week would be our bedroom, and so on and so on. I have yet to do this. Slowly but surely it will get done.
I've been in an organizing mood lately. I was at HomeSense the other day and found these cute fabric boxes that fit perfectly in my bathroom vanity drawers. There are lots of little sections and now I can find everything a lot easier than I could before.
I've been in an organizing mood lately. I was at HomeSense the other day and found these cute fabric boxes that fit perfectly in my bathroom vanity drawers. There are lots of little sections and now I can find everything a lot easier than I could before.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
My Little Helper
Lucas, my five year old son, is the kind of big brother any sibling would be proud to have (most days anyway).
Yesterday morning while I was having a shower, the kids had a bath. Our bath is attached to the stand-up glass shower so I can see them (just had to clarify that so someone doesn't freak out thinking I left my kids alone in the tub).
My hair is covered in shampoo as Lucas announces he wants to get out of the bathtub. I try to encourage him to stay in (I like being there beside them to help them out) until I rinsed the shampoo out of my hair but he insists he can do it himself and is out in a heartbeat. Then of course Isabella wants to get out too and while I'm trying to tell her I'll just be a minute, I hear her foosteps on the tile.
"Don't worry, mom. I helped her out", Lucas says as he wraps her in a towel and then wraps himself in one as well.
They're both fine so I let them be so I can finish conditioning my hair.
Lucas grabs the blowdryer and starts to dry his hair. He calls for Isabella to come over and then starts drying her hair too. He puts the blowdryer back on the counter and both of them start walking out of the bathroom.
"Don't worry, mom. I'll take care of her", he says.
I tell him that Isabella needs a diaper on. He comes running back in the room with the diaper I had left on the bed with the rest of their clothes.
"I have one, mom", as he waves it into the bathroom.
"No, Lucas. You'll have to get a Pull-Up. There's one on the stairs. Bring it here and I'll put it on her", I tell him.
"I found it!", he says.
Lucas has left the bathroom door open just enough so I can kind of see both of them through the crack in the door. He's talking so sweetly to his sister as he helps her into the Pull-Up.
"Bella, lift your leg," he says to her softly as he helps her into her shorts.
He picks up her shirt and checks the tag to see which way it goes and then puts her shirt on over her head, as she reaches through the sleeves with her arms. He quickly gets himself dressed and finishes just as I 'm opening the bathroom door to let them know I'm done.
"Lucas, did you help get your sister dressed?", not letting him know that I had been spying on them the whole time.
He looks at me with a proud look in his eyes and then tilts his head back with a smile.
"Yes, Mama, I helped her. I even got her diaper on."
And then both of them start chasing each other around the room.
My heart melted right then and there.
I have two wonderful kids!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Living with Multiple Sclerosis: night
The first installment of what my life is like daily living with Multiple Sclerosis (as I mentioned in this post)...
It’s 9:50pm. Both kids are finally in bed. Steve is watching TV on the couch. Even though I’m exhausted, I feel a bit wired. I find that it always happens around this time. I don’t even know how to describe this wired feeling. My body and mind are exhausted yet I just want to sit here for a while, take a moment to wind down, a moment for myself, a moment to forget about how drained I feel. I find the computer to be my one good distraction these days.
My forehead, cheeks and side of my nose start to tingle. My body has been buzzing all day – a constant buzz that never seems to go away. There’s a burning sensation rushing under my skin and over my entire body. My elbows feel sore and brittle. There’s a piercing pain in the flesh between my thumb and index finger. I start to push on the area, almost pinching it, hoping it will go away but instead my palm starts to feel numb and then my whole hand becomes painful and stiff. As I look at the computer screen, my eyes feel like they are jittering, like a very rapid vibration, as they move from side to side. It’s not noticeable, but I can feel it.
The tingling, how do I describe it? Hmm. I guess the best way to describe it would be to think of when your foot starts waking up after it has fallen asleep. You feel tingling, pins and needles and vibrations that go away quite quickly. Now think of it lasting all day, every day.
It’s almost 11:30pm. Where did the time go? I shut down the computer and, using both hands to help push me up, I stand up from the chair, my joints feeling stiff and hot. My hips, knees and ankles crack as I walk out the spare bedroom door. My body feels a lot older than it really is.
I get on my pyjamas and then head to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. The TV is on and Steve is already in bed sleeping.
It’s time to lie down.
I let out a deep sigh as I sink deeper into the mattress. My body is overcome by a wave of pain. The rush is so intense. My chest tightens and my heart starts to pound making the rest of my body beat with it. The beat becomes irregular or so it feels. I’m sure I’m just imagining it.
I try to sit as still as possible to help my body relax. I take a deep breath and let it go.
My feet, ankles, knees, elbows, hips and hands feel like they’ve grown three times their size. They feel swollen and hot but they aren’t. The pain makes its way to the back of my calves. The muscles feel tight and hot, like they are about to explode.
As I steady my breathing, I start to feel something pushing on the top of my head, like I’m balancing a book. It’s a feeling I have throughout the day, along with the pain, fatigue and tingling, but I’m just remembering it now. The warm tingling sensation creeps down my forehead, cheeks and sides of my nose, down my neck, back and arms. My legs become restless. They want to move and I can’t seem to get them to stop. My left eye suddenly feels pressure and pain starting from the inside corner next to my nose. I leave the tv on as a distraction. I wonder what’s on HGTV? My upper back starts to feel like it has been lit on fire.
Steve wakes up but only for a moment to give me a kiss goodnight. I flinch, not because I don’t want him to touch me but because his hand touching my arm feels like a burning inferno on my skin. My skin feels like it’s melting, like a hole is burning right through to my bones. At that moment I feel sad and sorry. Sad that there’s nothing I can do to change the way my body feels and sorry that he has to deal with all of this too.
I close my eyes.
Please let me fall asleep soon.
It’s 9:50pm. Both kids are finally in bed. Steve is watching TV on the couch. Even though I’m exhausted, I feel a bit wired. I find that it always happens around this time. I don’t even know how to describe this wired feeling. My body and mind are exhausted yet I just want to sit here for a while, take a moment to wind down, a moment for myself, a moment to forget about how drained I feel. I find the computer to be my one good distraction these days.
My forehead, cheeks and side of my nose start to tingle. My body has been buzzing all day – a constant buzz that never seems to go away. There’s a burning sensation rushing under my skin and over my entire body. My elbows feel sore and brittle. There’s a piercing pain in the flesh between my thumb and index finger. I start to push on the area, almost pinching it, hoping it will go away but instead my palm starts to feel numb and then my whole hand becomes painful and stiff. As I look at the computer screen, my eyes feel like they are jittering, like a very rapid vibration, as they move from side to side. It’s not noticeable, but I can feel it.
The tingling, how do I describe it? Hmm. I guess the best way to describe it would be to think of when your foot starts waking up after it has fallen asleep. You feel tingling, pins and needles and vibrations that go away quite quickly. Now think of it lasting all day, every day.
It’s almost 11:30pm. Where did the time go? I shut down the computer and, using both hands to help push me up, I stand up from the chair, my joints feeling stiff and hot. My hips, knees and ankles crack as I walk out the spare bedroom door. My body feels a lot older than it really is.
I get on my pyjamas and then head to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. The TV is on and Steve is already in bed sleeping.
It’s time to lie down.
I let out a deep sigh as I sink deeper into the mattress. My body is overcome by a wave of pain. The rush is so intense. My chest tightens and my heart starts to pound making the rest of my body beat with it. The beat becomes irregular or so it feels. I’m sure I’m just imagining it.
I try to sit as still as possible to help my body relax. I take a deep breath and let it go.
My feet, ankles, knees, elbows, hips and hands feel like they’ve grown three times their size. They feel swollen and hot but they aren’t. The pain makes its way to the back of my calves. The muscles feel tight and hot, like they are about to explode.
As I steady my breathing, I start to feel something pushing on the top of my head, like I’m balancing a book. It’s a feeling I have throughout the day, along with the pain, fatigue and tingling, but I’m just remembering it now. The warm tingling sensation creeps down my forehead, cheeks and sides of my nose, down my neck, back and arms. My legs become restless. They want to move and I can’t seem to get them to stop. My left eye suddenly feels pressure and pain starting from the inside corner next to my nose. I leave the tv on as a distraction. I wonder what’s on HGTV? My upper back starts to feel like it has been lit on fire.
Steve wakes up but only for a moment to give me a kiss goodnight. I flinch, not because I don’t want him to touch me but because his hand touching my arm feels like a burning inferno on my skin. My skin feels like it’s melting, like a hole is burning right through to my bones. At that moment I feel sad and sorry. Sad that there’s nothing I can do to change the way my body feels and sorry that he has to deal with all of this too.
I close my eyes.
Please let me fall asleep soon.
Monday, August 10, 2009
In the works
So I don't leave you hanging (read here), I have started writing about what my life is like daily living with Multiple Sclerosis. It's still a work in progress. I've decided to write it out in sections -- kind of like, morning, noon and night. I'm not sure if I should post the sections I have written now or wait and post each section in order. So far, I have morning and night done. I would love to write about every little feeling, every little thought but then I would have myself a novel. I don't like to dwell on the negative which is why I don't write about my MS too often but I figure I'll get it out now and maybe I help someone in the process.
I've been living with the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis since I was 21 years old -- that's 12 long years. Yes, long or it feels that way sometimes. When you live minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, time can go by quite slowly but then you think back and wonder where has the time has gone.
In those 12 years I have learned to take all my symptoms -- all my pain, tingling, numbness -- and push it aside to deal with at another time so I can enjoy my life for as long as I can. I try not to focus on how crappy I'm feeling because , really, who wants to hang out with someone who's complaining all the time? I never want others to feel bad just because I feel bad. Enjoy life! Be happy! Stay strong!
I'm warning you now, you'll probably feel a bit drained after reading my story (so make sure you have some caffeine at hand). I'm sure you'll be wondering how can I be so positive, how am I able to get up each morning knowing what's to come, how do I keep going day after day, how the hell haven't I ripped my hair out, banged my head against a wall and called it a day (because trust me, there are days that I would love to do that but then I realize there's a bottle of wine in the fridge and life is good).
There is a reason I try to stay positive day in and day out. It's fairly simple -- because I have to, because I want to, because who the hell wants to feel like crap all the time.
I'm still a living human being. I have a family who needs me and is there to support me. And I have a voice. I didn't go out and find Multiple Sclerosis, it found me. I feel like I've been given the job and responsibility to teach others and help others understand what Multiple Sclerosis is all about because just like cancer, we need to find a cure for MS.
So, as you read what I go through on a daily basis, I hope you learn something because then I know I'm doing my job and doing it right! Knowing that I've given MS a voice is what helps me stay focused. It's what helps me get through the day. It's what helps me stay positive.
To be continued...
I've been living with the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis since I was 21 years old -- that's 12 long years. Yes, long or it feels that way sometimes. When you live minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, time can go by quite slowly but then you think back and wonder where has the time has gone.
In those 12 years I have learned to take all my symptoms -- all my pain, tingling, numbness -- and push it aside to deal with at another time so I can enjoy my life for as long as I can. I try not to focus on how crappy I'm feeling because , really, who wants to hang out with someone who's complaining all the time? I never want others to feel bad just because I feel bad. Enjoy life! Be happy! Stay strong!
I'm warning you now, you'll probably feel a bit drained after reading my story (so make sure you have some caffeine at hand). I'm sure you'll be wondering how can I be so positive, how am I able to get up each morning knowing what's to come, how do I keep going day after day, how the hell haven't I ripped my hair out, banged my head against a wall and called it a day (because trust me, there are days that I would love to do that but then I realize there's a bottle of wine in the fridge and life is good).
There is a reason I try to stay positive day in and day out. It's fairly simple -- because I have to, because I want to, because who the hell wants to feel like crap all the time.
I'm still a living human being. I have a family who needs me and is there to support me. And I have a voice. I didn't go out and find Multiple Sclerosis, it found me. I feel like I've been given the job and responsibility to teach others and help others understand what Multiple Sclerosis is all about because just like cancer, we need to find a cure for MS.
So, as you read what I go through on a daily basis, I hope you learn something because then I know I'm doing my job and doing it right! Knowing that I've given MS a voice is what helps me stay focused. It's what helps me get through the day. It's what helps me stay positive.
To be continued...
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Fave rave: Olay
I'm an Olay girl -- always have been, always will be.
My all time favourite Olay product is the Quench Body Lotion. I'm a sucker for moisturizing from head to toe. This lotion makes my skin feel so soft and never leaves my skin dry or flaky. It also has these teeny tiny little specs of shimmer -- not a lot but just enough sparkle without looking like a disco ball.
One of my other favourite products is the Olay Total Effects Touch Of Foundation. I had been using the one without the foundation for a few years until the foundation one recently came out. I am totally loving it! I'm not one to wear foundation but these days (post-pregnancy) I'm noticing I could use a little coverage. It makes my face look a little less blotchy and keeps my face feeling smooth. I'm all for that! It also contains SPF 15 -- another added bonus. My little bottle of moisturizer has lasted for awhile now. A little goes a long way!
Happy moisturizing!
My all time favourite Olay product is the Quench Body Lotion. I'm a sucker for moisturizing from head to toe. This lotion makes my skin feel so soft and never leaves my skin dry or flaky. It also has these teeny tiny little specs of shimmer -- not a lot but just enough sparkle without looking like a disco ball.
Olay Quench Body Lotion
One of my other favourite products is the Olay Total Effects Touch Of Foundation. I had been using the one without the foundation for a few years until the foundation one recently came out. I am totally loving it! I'm not one to wear foundation but these days (post-pregnancy) I'm noticing I could use a little coverage. It makes my face look a little less blotchy and keeps my face feeling smooth. I'm all for that! It also contains SPF 15 -- another added bonus. My little bottle of moisturizer has lasted for awhile now. A little goes a long way!
Olay Total Effects Touch of Foundation
Happy moisturizing!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Montel Williams on Multiple Sclerosis
Montel Williams was on Oprah on Monday (a repeat). He opened the show trying to hold in the tears, and then he let go. At that moment, I knew exactly how and what he was feeling.
I keep coming back to this post I started on Monday, trying to find the words to express what I want to say, but I'm finding it hard and a bit emotional.
Montel pretty much said everything for me on Monday.
Once I collect my thoughts and write it all out, I'll post. I think it might take awhile though.
I keep coming back to this post I started on Monday, trying to find the words to express what I want to say, but I'm finding it hard and a bit emotional.
Montel pretty much said everything for me on Monday.
Once I collect my thoughts and write it all out, I'll post. I think it might take awhile though.
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