Letter to Grandma

Since my grandmother doesn't have a computer, I print my blog posts and send them to her once in awhile. It's been too long but I'm sending her what she's missed. I usually send along a letter and thought I'd include it here since it is a nice little update and I've been remiss in my posting.

Dear Grandma,

I was thinking that it’s been an awfully long time since I printed and sent my blog posts for your perusal! I should make it a New Year’s tradition…

I keep a document that indicates what dates I’ve already sent you and I can’t help thinking that I must have forgotten to record my last printout because the last date recorded was April 2011!! I’m pretty sure I’ve sent you more since then but just in case… Regardless, forgive any duplication!

A brief overview of our current status:

Finals at SAIT ended in April so I have been home for nearly a month! Catching up on some organization and certainly enjoying some free time! I like to make cards and research educational opportunities. I plan on getting a degree someday when the kids are older. If I get permanent employment at SAIT, then they will fund it! I enjoy instruction. It’s fast-paced and keeps me busy; no chance of getting bored!! I enjoy grading assessments and, as I get better, I hope to improve my methods!

I still work at the hospital part-time. Usually just Tuesday and Thursday evenings, as well as Saturdays.

Shawn is finishing up his 3^rd year plumber apprentice hours. He has registered for his 4^th and final term in September. After that, he takes his provincial and national exams. All that will be left to do after that is to complete his 4^th year hours. He is so excited to have this all done!! His income will improve and we’ll start contributing towards retirement again! Shawn really wants to get a better mountain bike (his current hobby) as well as a motorcycle. I hope to get a motorcycle one day, as well.

Taylor is nearing the end of grade 2. He seems to be enjoying school, in general. Averi goes back and forth about liking Kindergarten. Interesting since Kindergarten is really the most fun of all the grades! Taylor has his two big front teeth as you will witness upon our visit. The teeth on either side of his front teeth are coming in quite slowly so he’s had the appearance of a rabbit for some time! Taylor really enjoys building things with intricate pieces/parts that click together (called Knex). He also rides his very own bike since last year. Averi is also riding her very own two-wheeler as of this year. Ella really enjoys riding along behind one of the parents (as you’ll see in one of the blog posts).

Averi is the sweetest child ever! She reminds me of Eva when she was young. Averi’s only flaw is a propensity to whine. She’s slightly less honest than Taylor, but he’s a hard act to follow! Averi loves to sing and dance and doesn’t usually have stage-fright (whereas Taylor cannot tolerate an audience!).

Ella has some behavioral issues. She’s been seen by a pediatrician but that wasn’t helpful in the least except for a referral to the Early Childhood Mental Health Outreach program. Ella has her own case worker but, again, I’m not sure how effective it’s been. We keep considering a private assessment by a family psychologist group to see if Ella wouldn’t qualify for funding for her issues. As it is, I have registered Ella for “preschool” in the Fall at a school for kids with special needs. Her case worker suggests that Ella goes to a school with children that don’t have issues so that she has models of appropriate behavior. I see the logic and have been trying to find a program elsewhere (with little success so far).

Ella still refuses to potty-train. I have tried all sorts of things, though Dad did suggest a star sticker approach that was apparently used on us as kids. The problem is that Ella is not motivated by ANYTHING! She will simply have to decide that it is time. Unfortunately, Ella is far too BUSY to entertain toilet use. I have, of course, attempted to put her on the toilet every half-hour (she simply goes in between half-hours…), have disallowed TV unless the toilet has been used first, used rewards, etc. etc. to no avail. The one bit of progress that she has made is that she has started hiding when she has to go #2. At least she is recognizing the signs of impending defecation! I always catch her too late.

Ella turns 4 in a week and a half. She always seems to lag developmentally by about 6 months to a year behind average children. I have convinced myself that she will make up for this early torture later on in life. I look forward to it!

Look forward to seeing you and Dad and other family in Victoria in a month! Would love to take the kids to see the fireworks on Canada Day.

Love, Dana

Teacher's Pets

Christmas gifts from three of my students:

I got my very first #1 Teacher paraphernalia! It's a snowman s'mores ornament.  I was quite tickled.  ;)

Also some cookie-mix-in-a-jar and a vocabulary desk calendar. So sweet!

The Christmas Cactus in the background was a gift from my mentor, Lori. I'm so nervous that the thing will die cuz I'm terrible with plants. Otherwise, it's a lovely spot of color on the desk.

Location, Location, Location

Even though it's a long commute to northwest Calgary, I love working at SAIT because of the spectacular view!!

This is just outside the parkade:

The glorious night view! (Excuse the poor photography...)

A shot of downtown on a foggy day:

The building I work in as seen from the parkade (my office is actually on the opposite side but I've been teaching classes up on the 9th floor here):

 This was the very first building at SAIT. It's called Heritage Hall and Shawn's grandmother actually graduated from here in 1920!! (The photo was taken from the steps from the parkade... I really should have found a better place to take this shot from...)

The view from my office:

I share the office with 4 other instructors. The lovely lady in the bottom left of the photo above is my mentor, Lori, the Medical Transcription program instructor. I really work with most spectacular ladies!

Quick Update

I've been super busy but wanted to share that I signed a contract for next term at SAIT. Wehoo! I'll have my fingers in 3 different programs: Medical Transcription, Health Information Office Assistant (being renamed Medical Office Assistant/Unit Clerk), and Health Information Management (the program I took once upon a time). I even have an old pal that's currently taking that last program, so I'll get to see her on a regular basis starting in March.  :)

We set up the Christmas tree this past weekend and the kids are wondering where the presents are.  lol!

Ella finally got her glasses! I haven't had a chance to take pics... Will have to do ASAP.  Since she's farsighted, the lenses magnify her eyes a bit... She's still cute.  At least when she's hugging you.  ;)  She's very huggy but only on her own schedule.  ;)  We also have to patch her a bit. I feel terrible that our kids' eyes are so terrible.  Even Taylor's grade 2 teacher has voiced concerns so Taylor's up next for an optometrist visit.  :(

Breath vs Nose

Due to stress related to having a new job (I signed the contract yesterday!), sleep has become elusive. ;) The up-side to this is already being awake when Ella gets up. Morning's are her best time: she's sweet and loves to cuddle.

In the midst of our snuggle, I remarked to Ella that she had terrible morning breath. She turned it around by saying, "No, your nose stinks!"

Teacher Time

Today I was officially offered a teaching position at my old tech school, SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology)!

Rewind a few years, 2008 to be exact, and I have just interviewed for a full-time position co-teaching the program I graduated from, Health Information Management, with a friend that I graduated with. I felt very good about the interview and the more I thought about teaching as a career, the more ecstatic I became. I used to play school with my younger sibs, creating mini-texts and quizzes to grade. I taught Eva (maybe Owen?) to read (not that I find that kind of patience with my own children!). I've really enjoyed any training opportunities that came my way as both a coder and an analyst.

Unfortunately, it was not meant to be.

It was just as well since our family grew once more after that. ;)

Fast-forward to the beginning of this past summer and my friend at SAIT approached me about a part-time contract (temporary) position at SAIT. It wouldn't be teaching my program but helping out the Medical Transcription and Health Information Office Assistant programs. It would be a foot in the door!

At this same time, I had already applied for a part-time data quality position at the new Calgary hospital (opening end of this year/beginning of next year). Data quality is my passion (consistency appeals to my detail-oriented, problem-solving side) and these positions don't come up often. It made me consider getting out of my stay-at-home-mom mode since Averi is now going to school. Child care would be less expensive and I would be missing less time with the kids. (Ella and parents will all benefit with some time apart.)

I find it unfortunate that both of these opportunities presented themselves at the same time. It has been my experience that Heavenly Father brings about these types of situations for a reason. I went after the teaching position since it was temporary and would lead perfectly into the hospital position. SAIT, however, has offered me a year-long contract, rather than just one term. I look forward to finding out what becomes of this! Will I become a permanent instructor, coding coordinator or both (SAIT assures me that they can be flexible)??

Canada Day Celebration

It's high time I get these pics posted!

For the last several years, our church has put on a celebration for Canada Day. It involves food, entertainment, kid activities and the flag-raising. In the photo below, Ella can be seen plucking the Canadian flag markers for the flag-raising ceremony. Eek, that child!!

I, with a couple buddies, happened to be part of the entertainment [footage below]...



That horrific part in the first song was my fault, of course. It is quite unfortunate that I was the one holding the mike at that point.  :s  In our defense, we had only 4 days notice in which to find songs and practice! (And in defense of the audience size--determined by the pathetic smatter of applause--we were the first act and, therefore, a crowd had yet to accumulate.)

Death and Marriage

I have 2 sweet little children brushing my hair as I type this. I'm a sucker for having my hair groomed. ;)

Taylor: When I have a wife, I'm going to do this for her.
Me: Awwww!
Averi: When I grow up, I'm going to marry Daddy cuz I'm a girl.
Taylor: Daddy's already married so he's going to die soon.

Lol!!

There's probably plenty of men who would agree with that sentiment. Al Bundy from the old TV show "Married with Children" comes to mind!

My First Recital

OMGoodness, I'm so ecstatic that this is over!

It may be recalled that I received singing lessons as a Christmas present. My instructor, the fabulous Tanis, is a coloratura soprano and has a Masters in Vocal Performance. She lived just a couple of blocks away (in my ward) so it took me less than a minute to drive there (Shawn: Why don't you just walk??). She has since moved to a small town just south of Calgary but the 25-minute drive there is still worth it.  ;)

My motivation in taking singing lessons is to hopefully acquire the confidence to perform. As is true with teaching, I am fairly certain that the more I perform, the better I will become at performing. I insisted Shawn record me at my recital so I could critique myself. The added benefit is that I got to hear what I sound like. I've never been able to "hear myself" when I sing... Weird, but true.

You can't really tell that I'm dying of nerves (except that I can't breathe and don't smile or make much eye contact), but my usual stiffness is broken up with occasional hand rotations/waving... Whoops. I do that during lessons/practices to help with energy and flow. Didn't think I'd carry it over to my performance. Bah, whatever.

The recital takes place in a United Church building.

Taylor filmed my little pre-recital-footage message so excuse the shaking and noises. ;)

Civic Engagement

I am NOT a political activist. I ignore any and all references to elections, parties and politics... as a general rule. I know we've been encouraged to be involved in civic affairs, but I've never fostered an inclination do so.

My brother-in-law, Aaron, asked if we'd be willing to put up a lawn sign for the mayoral candidate he was supporting. I said I'd have to research his platform first. I put it off (just a little bit ;) ) but finally looked into Naheed Nenshi, as well as the other major candidates. Right about the time Nenshi gained momentum, soon entering a 3-way tie with the other front runners, I decided that I whole-heartedly endorsed his candidacy. Shawn followed suit and we invited Aaron to put a sign on our lawn. :)

If Shawn thought he was surprised at my "passion" for Nenshi, I was doubly surprised at the advocate I had become! I engaged in discussions with family, friends and co-workers about the reasons I was voting for Nenshi. I even participated in a "wave" on the Anderson Station pedestrian bridge over Macleod Trail on Election Day! So fun!

I'm thrilled to say that Nenshi stunned political observers with his come-from-behind WIN against the shoe-in alderman and the popular news anchor!!

Here's me and Calgary's new mayor!!

Avi's Eye Patch!

Avi has an inwardly turning right eye and so is required to wear a patch over the left eye to force her to use her right. I had to wear patches over my right eye as a child for a similar reason. Trying to take it off...

Another Blog!

I've started a paper-craft-oriented blog with myself, my mom and a couple of friends as authors. It will mostly showcase cards and scrapbooking pages. Feel free to check out Aspiring to Creativity!

Lessons in Kleuse

Kleuse is a traditional German dish that I grew up with. They are potato dumplings that are smothered with gravy, typically served with turkey at Thanksgiving, Easter or Christmas.

Since it had been some time since I had last had some, I asked my mother to make them last Friday. I decided to try my hand at them myself for supper yesterday. Overall, they turned out fine, but I wanted to record a few considerations to remember for next time.

1. There IS a method to mixing the stuff. Put the water in the bowl and THEN carefully add the mix while stirring madly with a whisk or spoon. Don't take too long! It thickens very quickly!


2. While important to keep your hands wet with cold water in between forming each dumpling, it doesn't have to be FREEZING cold. It's easier to function when you can feel your digits.


3. Once all the dumplings are floating in the boiling water, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Undercooked dumplings will be kind of mushy and I hope never to experience overcooked dumplings.

Also, when making impromptu dinner invitations to the in-laws, remember that your father-in-law doesn't like the stuff! Unfortunately for him, it was the main entrée (I've been tired of meat lately... probably the recovering vegetarian in me).

Man 'Cut?

I've been complaining on Facebook about how short my new haircut is and people finally convinced me to show pictures....



Guess I'd just envisioned it differently and took me awhile to get used to... The sides really aren't that bad, but the back is non-existant!

Checking In

I know, I know, I've been totally slacking. Between reading for Reading Romance Books (I actually have deadlines!) and RL (real life), I haven't had a chance to update my blog or even keep up with the blogs I read.

Exciting things have happened though. At least, exciting for me.

I turned 30 years old last week. I spent a leisurely day at home with the fam and my mom came over to cook supper and a cake for me. I have footage that I will add later. She got me my very first cell phone for my birthday! (How sad is that? Thirty years old and first cell phone...) Anyway, I was more horrified when my mom announced only 10 more years until I was 40 than I was about turning 30. What a thing to bring up. I keep taking comfort in the fact that a 24-year-old young man that I know thought I was younger than him. ;)

I also had my annual weekend getaway last weekend. My mother-in-law, 2 sis-in-laws and a friend spent time in Canmore just sleeping, eating, window shopping, sleeping and eating. It's always heavenly. On Sunday (I know this is evil), we attend the brunch at the Banff Springs Hotel. It's about $40 a head but oh-so-worth-it. Even for vegetarians. I think. Anyway, it's a great experience. I've learned to pace myself instead of stuffing my face. Only took 6 years.

Hallowe'en is right around the corner and I don't have costumes for the kids! I'm a horrible, horrible mother. Guess I'll figure something out. I don't even have anything planned for myself. You know you're getting old when you don't participate in Hallowe'en anymore... :'(

Burnt Rubber

Today, I had to slam on the breaks to avoid a collision on Glenmore. I was on the commute to work when traffic just stopped outta nowhere. I hate the smell of burning rubber but wasn't about to be picky since it had saved a mighty mess.

I must be starting a trend.

I was allowed to test-drive my friend's brand new Dodge Calibre the other day because it was a standard and I haven't driven one in just ages. Aside from the bike. It's a little different.

Anyway, I was at a stop sign at the top of a steep incline bragging about my perfect uphill start on the motorcycle exam. I then proceeded to accelerate too high before releasing the clutch causing the tires to squeal on the pavement as I shot around the corner. *ahem*

Well, it is different from a bike.

I apologized but they were good enough to see the humor in it...

Makeup

I've become quite adept at applying my makeup during the commute to work.

I can actually tell how bad or good traffic is by how much I get on by the time I get to work.

This system is not without it's drawbacks.

I've learned that one should not apply mascara in a hurry. Even at the best of times, mascara is tricky for me.

Today, I was able to get one eye completed by the time I parked. Having only mascara left to put on the other eye, I was assured of no mishaps since I was no longer traveling.

Sadly, 'twas not to be.

Not only did I seem unable to keep mascara from collecting around my entire eye area, I got a huge blotch in my hair, nearly permanently dyeing it.

I also left a blob on my visor and several smears on the seat.

One of these days, Shawn is going to notice this collection.


I have retracted this recommendation....
P.S. After trying several rather expensive mascaras from Sephora, I've found the best (and cheaper!) one is from MAC, which is found in The Bay.

Eierkuchen

Eierkuchen is a German breakfast dish that resembles its French counterpart, crêpes. Literally translated, it means "egg cake" which is very apt considering the primary ingredient is eggs (then comes flour and milk ;) ).

The consistency of the batter is thicker than crêpes, though thinner than pancakes. The reason for this is because bits of fruit are typically added, which requires more viscosity.

My mom has long since given up adding bits of apple to our traditional family breakfast of Eierkuchen. As kids, we much preferred them plain.

Traditional toppings include honey or jam or applesauce, but being of the syrup-belongs-on-everything variety, I usually use this instead. I think Mom believes I'm corrupting centuries of tradition. ;)

After the topping of choice has been slathered on, the Eierkuchen is then rolled up elegantly with knife and fork and appropriate-sized pieces shoveled voraciously into one's mouth.

This is one of those family traditions that I'm eager to continue with my own family. Like all grand recipes passed down through generations, however, this one does not have a set recipe. It's all done by feel and some batters turn out better than others.

I'm not this type of person at all.

I need everything spelled out for me, then I can potentially experiment.

Regardless, here's some Eierkuchen for you to enjoy.... :P

(Yes, that's my kitchen floor... Best lighting at the time.)

Memories

Got this from B's blog:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.

My Body's Nobody's Body But Mine

Today, I feel like reveling in the things that I actually like about my physical self. Too often, women focus on the parts of their bodies that drive them nuts-o. Well, there are a few things I like about myself:

• My nails. They're oval and have deep nailbeds that make them look the perfect length even if I've hacked them off. Which I usually do.
• My hair. It's medium-fine which means it tangles easily but I have tons of it. I have to get it thinned everytime I get a cut. I'd rather have it this way than the other way around... My hair has a bit of wave which means I can't just let it dry, but it holds curl pretty well and can be easily flat-ironed.
• My eye color. While arctic blue doesn't work well with the "smoky makeup" look, it's a fairly unique color. And who doesn't want to be unique?
• My zygomatic arches, aka cheek bones. I don't think about this one much. I think I'm grasping at straws to keep this list going...

Perhaps I should move beyond the esthetic.

• I like my height. I'm slightly above average at 5' 7-3/4" but I can still wear tall shoes.
• I have a terrific immune system. I get my share of colds but it's not uncommon for everyone around me to be sick and I'm fine.
• I'm sturdy. No fragility about my bones. Don't think I've ever broken a one of 'em. While I like the idea of being petite and dainty, femininity isn't dependent on them. I can be hard on my body and appreciate its tolerance. This being said, I don't keep it in shape like I'm supposed to...
• Aside from a stomach sensitivity, I don't suffer from any medical conditions or allergies. I truly appreciate this.
• When I'm pregnant, I don't even get sick (knock on wood). Thank goodness!!
• I have superb mental faculties. I can't complain.

Whenever I see or read about how others suffer, my heart weakens. Not many people know this about me as I'm not overly emotional. I'm typically self-serving and profess not to care about people. But it's why I don't get close to many people. I don't watch the news. I don't read magazines. Suffering has snuck in to my life via the blogging world, however. I do not regret this. I only wish there was something I could do. Impotence drives me nuts-o.

Coming up: Mamma Mia!