Day 226

So I'm sitting in my room FREAKING out right now. There's this giant bug, that would make you think it's a wasp, but it doesn't have any of the same markings, hanging out on my chandelier...and it's creeping me right out. I don't want to keep my door open, cuz then the spiders from the rest of the house will get into my room, but I want to go out. I can't go out, until I get this bug out, or I won't be able to sleep tonight. He won't leave. If he won't leave, and I can't keep the door open....how am I going to get him out?? :( DADDDDDDDDDDDDD! I really hope it leaves soon. I've been on the verge of tears for the last couple of hours, so I really need to get out, and sit in the sunshine with a Starbucks. I don't know how much longer the sun's going to last...so this bug better hurry up! ARRRRRGH! Why does he keep flying around the light? Just get the eff out!

I guess while I'm stuck in here, I'll tell you about the beginning of my day. It was ok. I heard the boys fighting this morning as Tim got their breakfast, and I did my makeup. It was all about Nathaniel "bugging" Josh. Some days Josh just gets in these moods where everything Nathaniel does, drives him nuts. I can understand that. After all, I'm in a mood today. I stood up here, in my room, looking into the mirror and finishing my eye shadow, thinking, "Don't let their fighting bother you. Just go downstairs with a smile, you don't need to get into it cuz Tim is there". And so I did.

When I got downstairs, Josh was eating in the playroom, and Nathaniel came in the kitchen to relay the happenings to me. I told him I heard it all from upstairs. He stopped trying to tell me about it. He finished his breakfast, and Tim made Josh come out of the playroom to eat the rest of his. Zach was downstairs and eating his first course, by the time Tim left.

Because Nathaniel was done eating, he was up running around and "putting spells" on the other two. I was telling him to leave them alone while they ate, and that's when Heloise came down. She decided if they were having fun, they had time for homework. NOOOOOOO! That was it. The schedule I've had them on all week, was thrown out of whack. They were each given different things they had to do, and my morning suddenly got hectic as Heloise left the house. Awesome.

I did Zach's flash cards with him, then we worked on numbers. Nathaniel and I did his math, and then Josh and I did his math. When we finished that, Nathaniel, Zach and I played Ludo, while Josh ready to me. He finished his book just before it was time for them to get his stuff on, and due to the homework, I had yet to have time to do Zach's teeth and hair. I ran up to finish getting myself ready, then called Zach up. We raced around, and eventually got out of the house.

As we were crossing the street, I said "Do you see why I HATE doing your homework in the morning" (because Josh had made comments about preferring it again today). He said No. I had told him earlier that he prefers it cuz he doesn't have as much to do as I do, and it's therefore not as stressful. This time, I turned to him and said it was because when we do homework in the mornings, we NEVER get out of the house on time. Nathaniel prefers doing it at night. Thank Goodness!

...I just lost the bug...CRAP! I think it's behind my curtains :S Yep it is. Dammit, I'm never going to get out of here!

I asked Zach if he remembered how quickly we had to walk to Beavers last night. When he said yes, I said we had to go even quicker than that to get to the school today. Those words didn't work. He kept stopping and telling me to look at his leg etc. I fixed his leg up, which I guess he had scratched on something, it was just a white mark, and earlier it was his pinky bugging him, so I wasn't TOO concerned...and I told him to race Josh to school. Well that was it. He passed me his things, and off he went. I'VE FOUND THE WAY! The only problem was...Josh wasn't running. When Zach noticed, he stopped too. Soon enough though, Nathaniel wanted to race. I'm not sure how, but we actually ended up getting to school early. After dropping the boys, I came home, folded some laundry, and watched American Idol while speaking to a friend, playing Family Feud, and making their chart. I was sitting there having one of those days, when I decided I had to get out of the house before I started crying. I went for a walk.

As I left the house, I noticed a single dandelion, and had to run back in to get my camera. I locked up a second time, took some pictures, and went on my way. I walked up to the co-op to get some Quorn sausages for Josh. As I approached the store, I felt rain drops. I already felt like breaking into tears, so this was not good. I went in and asked the girl if they carried the sausages. She was bringing me to where they're kept when another employee asked her to do something. She told them what she was doing, and they thought she said prawn sausages...interesting mixture. They all laughed, but I was so in my own thoughts, I must have looked like a bitch, cuz I didn't even crack a smile. A couple of minutes later I did...but I felt like that wasn't good enough. I then noticed, as I was walking towards a different aisle, that it was the good looking guy that said prawn sausages. Oops. Oh well...I went to pick up some mussels, but when I looked at them, I decided against it. I paid for the sausages and came back to the house.

I decided I'd go to Starbucks, came upstairs with some things I had on the table, and to switch my shoes, and do my hair...and that's when I noticed this giant ugly bug. Now, he's flown from where I first saw him - on the floor by the door - to the chandelier, and now to my window. He's getting further and further away from the door. I know what you're thinking...open the window. But OF COURSE, they don't open. Now Toni has text me with a brilliant idea involving a cup and some paper. - I was freaking out too much to think rationally. - I will go try that, and may return very happy...or very stung. Hold please...

Back, and I am now thanking Toni for thinking rationally, while I was in a state of panic, bug gone...no sting....crisis averted. To Starbucks I go.

So my day turned around a little bit...but it wasn't right away. I got to Starbucks, he wasn't there, and they're still out of Earl Grey Tea. Dammit! I bought a skinny soy vanilla latte, and decided to sit outside in the...sort of sunshine. It was muggy, so it wasn't poking through the clouds, but it was still nice and warm. Well, before finishing my drink, I all of a sudden felt like I was going to be sick or pass out. I sat there for a bit, but then decided - stupidly - that I didn't want to pass out there. So I finished my drink, and walked to the car. Smart? No. Rather pass out in a car than be embarrassed when I pass out in front of people I see almost daily? Idiot. Anyway, I walked to the car, and I guess the little bit of a breeze that I got while I walked helped a little, but I still wasn't feeling great. I got in the car, and I drove back to the house. You know when you're driving, but you're just going by routine...you're not really paying attention to the roads, and you aren't sure how you got somewhere. Well that's kinda what it was like for me. Although, I thought that as I was driving, so I was trying to pay attention...but I was just out of it. When I got back, I sat in the driveway in the car for a bit, just listening to the radio because "Viva La Vida" had come on. When it finished, and half way through what I think was a Justin Bieber song, I turned the radio off, and got out of the car. There sat the female duck I saw the day before. I began taking pictures of her, and eventually went inside.

I didn't have a lot of time before I had to head out to get the boys, so I downloaded my pictures, and then walked up to the school. I spoke to Tina for a bit, and then brought Nathaniel and Zach back to the house. Josh had football.

When we arrived, I made dinner while the two played outside. Nathaniel decided he didn't want to be outside anymore, and came in. That created a bit of a meltdown for Zach, but I sorted it out, and the two of them played Wii instead. After a while, my Uncle had showed up with Josh. I was peeling carrots, and stopped to make him a cup of tea. He had to leave soon after, but it was nice to see him. Zach came in to see if he could help me cook, but by then, everything was done. I set the table, and served the boys. I ate mine when I had the chance, between getting their seconds, and their fruit. After dinner, I made us all some hot chocolate, mine was a mocha, and while we were drinking that, and I was cleaning up, Heloise came home.

I finished cleaning, then sat on the couch to show Nathaniel a picture of Puddy, but his ride to Judo showed up before I got to it. He and Josh left, and I showed the pic to Zach. Zach had been asking me to play, so after looking at some pics, and watching Ben 10 - him so scared that he was cuddled up to my arm - we turned it off, and went into the playroom. We played the dragon game we had played before going to Canada, and then, looking at the huge cardboard box in the middle of the room, I asked Zach if I could cut into it tomorrow. He asked why, and I said for a surprise. He said no, so I said ok. He then asked what I meant, how would I cut into it. I told him I was thinking of making him a castle. Well...that was the end of the dragon game. We began by drawing a door, and then the mail slots and the window. I cut those two things out, - the window while Zach was in the bath - and I will do the door tomorrow.

When Zach came back, I told him it was time for me to go up to bed. I knew Heloise would be trying to get him to go up soon anyway, so I grabbed a cup of hot water for my tea, and came up. I had just got my pyjamas on, when there was a knock at my door. It was Zach. He wanted to know what I was doing, and then wanted to know if he could come in. I said yes. Heloise called him, but he didn't listen. Much like when she was trying to have a conversation with him while the two of us were playing. He told me he wanted to speak to my Mom with me online, but she wasn't on yet, and he was called again. I sent him out, shut my door, and went to have my 3 pieces of dark chocolate. I was just finishing the 1st piece, when another knock came. It was Zach asking if he could come in. I told him to hang on, and he said he had a surprise for me. I heard his parents calling him, and that's when he asked if he could just leave it outside my door. I opened the door to see him standing there with a power cord. He placed it on the ground, and as I was asking him where he got it, Tim called him again, so he ran off. I now have power cord...ok.

Now I'm in bed, talking to my brother, and watching American Idol. I'll be asleep in moments. Good Night xx

Day 225

I'm going to the movies tonight, so I'm going to write my blog throughout the day. So far, things have gone well. I'm afraid to say it, because I don't want to jinx anything, but I really hope the end of the week continues this way.

I reset my alarm for the regular 15 minutes today, and when it went off again, it had felt like I'd only just shut my eyes. Seeing the sun shining through my curtains had me awake and smiling fast enough though. I got ready, heard Tim leave, and went downstairs. When I got to the kitchen, Nathaniel was waiting for his 3rd breakfast, and Josh was just finishing his 1st. I made the rest of their breakfasts, and got my own while putting away dishes and waiting for Zach to come down.

When Zach finally showed up, Heloise began doing homework with him, so I folded laundry. Heloise eventually left for school, and I got Zach his breakfast. By this time, Josh and Nathaniel had already done teeth and hair, and without me asking, had done their math so that they don't have to do it tonight. Wow! Josh asked if he could do his spellings, but I explained that I don't like the stress of homework in the morning, and that's why they do it at night now. He told me he preferred to finish it in the morning, and I told him it we were going by my rules. Sounds harsh, but things have been working much better this way. He didn't say much more about it. Instead, him and Nathaniel went upstairs and played. They asked when Zach would be able to play, and after he finished eating, he went up to join them. I put in a load of laundry, and got my shoes and stuff on, then called him to do teeth and hair. I was ready to go super early, and was finding myself looking for things to do.

When it was time, I asked the boys to get their things on. Zach went on and on about how he doesn't know how to put his shoes on. I know this isn't true, as we have the same conversation every day. And I told him that. He always says he can't, I say he can, he says he can't, I say he can, and in the end, he puts them on himself. Josh then told him his teacher surely doesn't have time to help everybody with their shoes...to which Zach replied, "No, I do them at school". I asked if their was some type of magic potion or something in the air in the classroom that helped him out, and he said yes, and laughed. After a while, he had both shoes on, and we were out the door. It took what seemed like ages to walk up to the school, because Zach was more concerned about hanging onto the stick he picked up, rather than his water bottle. He must have dropped it at least 5...most likely more, times. Josh was getting aggravated with him, but I told him not to worry.

When we got to the school, we weren't as early as normal. The playground was packed with kids, but it wasn't a stressful situation...they weren't late. Josh went off to put his guitar away, and I watched him saunter over, when the bell rang. I'm sure he'll say something about only getting there right on time later, but I'm not worried, as he was in no hurry to drop off the guitar, and it wasn't my fault the bell rang just after arrival.

Anyway, I sent Zach into his class after giving him a hug and hearing "YUCK" or a sound just like it, come from his mouth. Punk. I walked up to the high street, and to the bank. Their machine was down, so I had to backtrack to the bank machine outside the co-op, then continue past where I had been, to get to the post office and mail some things for Heloise. After that was done, I looked at the cost of a bunch of flags and things to tell my brother about, and then walked back to the house. When I got into the drive, there was a duck walking up it. I took my camera out of my purse and started snapping some pictures. When I had finished, I came in the house, grabbed my computer, nail polish and remover, and the ingredients for my white chocolate mocha, and I came downstairs. I made the Mocha, played some Family Feud, and sat down to watch "Glee". Now that's over, I'm going to switch my laundry over, and then head out to Starbucks. I'll write more later.

Sooo...I went to Starbucks...he wasn't there :( They were sold out of Earl Grey Tea, and one of the ladies I always talk to says that's never happened before. She said I'm the only one that drinks it, so I suggested I go there too much. When the two of us saw I still had money on my card, she said that I'm clearly not there enough. Instead of my usual, I ordered a Caramel Hot Chocolate, and sat down to write a card. When I had finished that, and my drink, I drove back to the house. For some reason walking into Starbucks, and then again as I walked to the car, I felt extremely lonely. Like at any given moment, I would break into tears. I began to dwell on it, but then thought, how silly? I've had some very good days since being back, so why would I let myself get down? I decided to listen to good music in the car, and force a smile onto my face instead of a frown. It worked. Although...right now I'm feeling the same way.

Anyway, when I got back, I watched Desperate Housewives, folded laundry, put it away, and began making a "Countdown til we don't have to listen to Maija anymore" Chart. I had just outlined the words in pencil when it was time to get the boys. I forgot their rugby was cancelled tonight, so I stupidly took the car to get them. As soon as I stepped out of the house, I felt all bunged up and sneezy. Tina reckons I have hay fever. Ew.

We drove back to the house, and when we arrived, Heloise was walking in. Nathaniel did his spellings with me, and I walked him up to Beavers. It was nice to just be him and I. That doesn't happen...like ever. I dropped him off, and walked back. When I got in, Zach was doing flashcards with Heloise, and I began making Josh's dinner. While he was waiting for it, after Zach had finished his words, Josh read to his Mom. Dinner was on the table for him, and I was e-mailing my Mom.

Josh and Heloise had to leave for swimming, so Zach and I went to get Nathaniel. Zach didn't want to, but I eventually got him out the door. Once we had locked up, and were across the street...he decided he had to pee. Awesome. We ran back to the house, and when he finished, the two of us ran up the street and through the first pathway as I was afraid we were now going to be late. I was walking backwards momentarily to try to get him to hurry, when he said "I don't like when you walk backwards...you're walking into the street". "Ok" I said...secretly thinking OMG HE CARES ABOUT ME!!!! When we arrived...they were just doing the scout's honour...or whatever you call it. Nathaniel came out, told us all about hunting for bugs, and how they found a Japanese Beetle that they don't know how it got to England, while we walked home. On the way, Zach picked a flower and gave it to me. "This is for you" he said. Awww! Then, he picked another. "And this one's for Toni". What a sweetheart!

When we got back, the two of them watched TV while I made their dinner. They sat down to eat, and I washed dishes. They had only just finished their desserts, I was finishing up the rest of the dishes, and they were watching Pink Panther when Heloise and Josh got in. I grabbed my hoodie, slipped on my shoes, grabbed Toni's gift, and was on my way.

She was already at the theatre when I got there, so we went in, stood in line, and got our tickets. The couple in front of us were all over each other, and then the boyfriend yelled out a pretty rude comment. We chose to ignore them. I got my popcorn, and we went into Screen number 10. We watched the previews, WHICH REMINDS ME...Although we didn't see the preview for it...I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE RAMONA QUIMBY MOVIES!!!!!!!!!!!! We saw the preview at "Diary of a Wimpy Kid", and I'm SO excited! Anyway...we're watching the previews, and it goes to the screen before the movie, where every thing's quiet...and this guy behind us...farts! It was so loud, and everyone in the theatre was trying not to laugh. I was doing fine, until I noticed the guy in front of me killing himself laughing. He seriously went on for like 10 minutes. It was a good 5, at least, at the beginning of the movie. He was shaking he was laughing so hard, but trying to stay quiet. Poor guy. The girl he was with did not look impressed that he was laughing, although she did too, at certain times. But THEN! Stupid me. I can see this guy shaking out the corner of my eye, and all I can think of is Stephen and Kurt. Mostly Kurt, cuz he does this...farting noise with his mouth when things are quiet, and grosses people out...but I could just picture the two of them, sitting in this movie, waiting for it to go quiet, and then doing it, and I started getting the giggles. Luckily I was able to keep it under my breath, but I was really afraid, at one point, that I wasn't going to be able to stop. Anyway, the movie went on, and it's now one of my FAVOURITES! I really loved it. Toni did too.

I drove back to the house, and I am absolutely exhausted. As I approached the door, a little frog jumped over to it. It's funny, I wanted to pick him up...but at the first sight of a spider, I squirm. I came in, and ran upstairs to grab my camera. I've been waiting to get a pic of a frog. When I came back down though, he was gone. I had a quick word with Heloise, made a cup of tea, and came upstairs. When I was in the washroom, a gross little spider ran by, and that's when I cringed. I took some toilet paper, and somehow managed to squish him without being sick. I then picked him up, and flushed him down the toilet. It's supposed to rain tomorrow anyways I think. I really am tired, and am losing my voice again. So now, I'm going to jump in the shower, and shortly after...I'll be passed out. Good Night xx

Day 224

It's the small things in life that make you smile. But when you smile, they become the big things. The part of your day that you're going to remember. While I did fall up the stairs, swear and hurt myself today...that's not what I'm going to remember in years to come. No, instead I will remember the words "Thank you Maija, this is the best quiche EVER made!" coming out of a 4 year old's mouth.

That's how most of my day was today. Filled with smiles. I woke up when my alarm went off at 6:30, but thought, NOOOOO 15 more minutes PLEASE! And I reset my alarm. Not long after, I was laying there, eyes wide open, unable to fall back to sleep. Up I got to get ready. My nylons were not cooperating, so it took me a little longer than usual to get downstairs, but when I did...Nathaniel was the only one up anyways, and I had heard Tim taking care of breakfast for him, so I wasn't in any kind of a hurry. I heard Tim close the front door, and that's when I started down.

I got Nathaniel's 3rd breakfast, and soon started Josh's 1st. Not long after that, Zach was down and ready to eat. Because Nathaniel and Zach had done their homework last night, like they were asked, they had free time today. The 3 of us sat and played Ludo, while Josh sat on a step and read. After a while, I brought Zach up to do teeth and hair, and then we all got ready to leave. We walked up to the school, and everyone was in a joyful mood. WHAT A NICE CHANGE!

I dropped them off, and then walked up the high street to Boots. When I finished buying what I went for, I walked back to the house. I had decided to wear heels today, so by the time I got home, the bottoms of my feet were really hurting. I never realized how much more difficult it is to walk in heels on uneven surfaces. It's not comfy! I was also pretty hot by the time I got inside. I spoke to my Mom online for a bit, then did some laundry, and checked to see if I had proper ingredients to bake a cake. I didn't. I also remembered Heloise doesn't own measuring cups. Once all of the laundry was on the line, and I had put my own load in, I decided I'd go shopping. I went up to the co-op for the main necessities, and then headed to Braintree for my tea. He wasn't there. Sigh. Before figuring that out though, I had stopped at a few shops in search for a bundt cake pan, and some measuring cups and spoons. I found all but the pan, and when I was picking up the measuring cups...."Don't Stop Believing" came on their speakers! I knew that meant I had to get the ones in my hands. I couldn't stop smiling. Then, as I was making a B line for Starbucks, I spotted Claires and thought...Mayyyyybe I should check there for something I meant to pick up for Toni in Canada. THEY HAD IT! SCORE! I also got a little box to wrap it in, that had the same design. I left there happy, and that's when I discovered the Starbucks guyless Starbucks. Sigh. It brought me down a little...but I was still having a good day, and I had to focus on that. On my way out of Starbucks, I thought I'd run into another store and see if they had something I planned on picking up for someone else. They didn't, but I ended up getting something different, for someone different. - Confused yet? -

When I finished there, it was one more stop to pick something else I'd seen, up for my brother. That was done and in the bag, and I was on my way back to the car. Singing loudly, and smiling all the way home, I wondered if anyone was looking. Then I stopped wondering, and had fun.

When I arrived I realized I didn't have as long as I thought to bake the cake. It was 2 o'clock, and while it was only going to take 35 minutes in the oven...I still had to mix all the ingredients. OOPS! I put on the Glee soundtrack I have on my computer, and I got to work. I had it all done and in the pan ready to go, in good time. I opened the oven, the light on the front was lit up, and I shut the door setting my phone alarm for the appropriate time. I then did the dishes and folded some laundry until the alarm went off. When it did, I opened the oven door to see that nothing had happened. Odd. I re shut it, grabbed my things, prayed it wouldn't burn while I was out, and drove to get the boys.

Josh was the first one out today which is very rare. I was standing at Zach's classroom - where I normally do - talking to Steve and Michelle, when he came out to meet me. Eventually, after thoughts of a burning cake ran through my head, Zach and Nathaniel came out. We walked to the car, and then stopped to talk to Tina. Oops. I then got aggravated when the lady in front of me took AGES to pull onto the High Street. It was my fault I was in a hurry...well...technically it was the oven's, but either way...I should have probably stayed calm. I eventually got back to the house, and ran in to check the cake. Still, nothing had happened. I then realized I hadn't pushed the little hand that looks like he's saying stop, and I vaguely remembered Heloise telling me that that has to be done before the oven will work. OOPS! Glad the cake hadn't burned, but laughing at myself because it could have been done already, I shut the door, left it off, and got back in the car with the boys, to drive to the store to get some icing.

When we pulled into the parking lot Zach was asleep. He didn't want to get out, so using reverse psychology I told him we'd leave him there. Josh and Nathaniel crawled over him...he stood...and then began throwing a bit of a tantrum, pretending to cry and saying he didn't want to go in. I told him it was too late, as we were already in the parking lot, and I didn't care...he was coming in. He repeated himself a couple more times, and not putting up with it, I began to count. The "tears" stopped, and out he got. We closed the door, and he took my hand to cross the street. As we approached, he started talking about how he wanted to buy "Avatar". After hearing the way he worded it, I said oh, do you have money? He said No...but I want to buy it. Hehe. I told him I did not have money for it today (I sillyly, but happily, spent it on others...I didn't tell him that). We went in, and I searched for the icing. I found the exact brand I wanted, but they only had chocolate. I looked around a bit to make sure I wasn't missing it. Up until that point, the boys didn't know what we were there for. When I picked up the chocolate icing, Zach guessed I was making a cake and asked why, and if he could help. I told him it was already done. He then said he was a great dish cleaner, cuz he licks all the spoons. I told him I was sorry, but I had already washed all the dishes too. Oops. He seemed to be alright with it though. Especially when I told him I was making the cake for them. We went to the cash, I asked about the other icing, and it was determined they don't carry it. My Mom was right. <---You can put that in the calendar Mom :) I had seen the brand before, but guess I never paid attention to the flavours they had. Anyway, I paid, and we were on our way. We listened to the music fairly loudly all the way back. I was thinking about how I'd switch it to my CD and play Journey when a certain song ended on the radio, but it turned out I didn't have to! It came on next! I jacked it up, Nathaniel yelled out "JOURNEY!" and I smiled the whole way.

I had told each of the boys what I expected them to do homework wise when we got home, while I made dinner. When we pulled in, Heloise was already home, so Zach asked if he could do his flash cards with her. I told him if she wasn't working, that would be fine. When we walked in the door and he told Heloise he wanted to do his flash cards, she seemed a bit shocked. Mission accomplished.

I made dinner, and Josh read to me. I brought the laundry in from the line and folded it, and I did Josh's spellings with him while Nathaniel worked at the table. I also put the oven on for real, and popped the cake in. Everything was done and on the table. As I was dishing up mine, that's when Zach said "Thank you!" from the table. Standing in the kitchen, I was shocked. I then heard "This is the best quiche ever made!" Wow. That was it. That's all it took for me to breathe a sigh of relief. Those words were soon followed by "well it's Marks and Spencers that made the quiche" from Heloise's mouth...but I chose to semi ignore that. I heard Zach say "Well they can't hear me", and then he thanked them...but Nathaniel thanked me, and Marks and Spencers afterwards as well. When we had all finished eating, the boys had their fruit, and I iced the cake. I did their initials in star chocolates, while they played outside. I went out to tell them it was ready, and if they wanted a piece they could come in. They did, and Zach said he would look at it first to see if he liked it. I cut them all very small pieces, as I wasn't sure they'd eat it. They thought it was chocolate cake, and I told them it was a surprise. Josh said "Yup, it's chocolate". Then they each tasted it. Josh insisted it was carrot cake, and ate it all up. He really seemed to love it. I told him it wasn't carrot, but he doesn't care, he still thinks it is. Nathaniel liked his, but was too full to finish, so he put it to the side. He asked if it was a lot of work. "Did it take a lot to make it?" he said. I smiled, and said "What, you mean like would I be able to make it again another time?" And he said "Yeah!" So I said "If you like it, yes I could". He seemed happy with that response. I think it was Josh's carrot comment that put Zach off, but he says he only likes the icing, not the insides. Oh well, 2 out of 3 isn't bad. Heloise had been talking to me while they were outside, and said the cake smelled good. She then asked what it was, and I told her I wasn't going to tell them, but although you can't taste it, it's Tomato Soup Cake. She said "Oh...ever since your Mom told me that, maybe it's psychological, but I can taste it...I won't tell them though" - I hope she never does, cuz the response was much better than I thought. I cut a small slice for myself, so I could see that it tasted right, and I must admit...it was GOOOOOD! I felt very guilty afterwards though, and will not be having any more.

The boys played outside some more, and I had to set some rules to stop some arguing. I stood outside for a bit, but then told them I was coming back in to drink my tea, but if I heard any crying, fighting or unfairness, they were all coming in. It worked. They were fine. Josh ended up accidentally breaking the net, so he came in to talk to me, but the other 2 went on making tree houses and potions. They asked me to help them, but I was hoping to come upstairs and get started on this pretty quickly so that I wouldn't have such a late night. I don't know how, because I thought I came up at 6:30 ish...I guess it was closer to 7...but it's already 8:30! <--- Wow...how old do I sound? Anyway, I've had my tea, and now I'm going to jump in the shower, then hopefully talk to my Brother and my Mom a bit more, and maybe watch Desperate Housewives before bed. Until tomorrow...Good Night xx

Day 223

Morning came quickly today. Very quickly actually, but it didn't feel like it at all! I had woken up a couple of times in the night, but was able to fall back to sleep, until this one time. I was wide awake! The sun was beginning to creep in, and so I thought it must have been almost time to get up. I was wrong. I picked up my cell phone, and looked at the time. The numbers 4:30 were staring back at me. That was it though...I was wide awake. There was an attempt at going back to sleep, but it was useless. I got up, got dressed, and ready. At about 5:35, my fuse blew! That made for an interesting time, as I attempted to put my makeup on in the dark. I somehow managed, and spoke to my Sister, and my Mom online, then to my Mom on the phone. I was in a good mood, and had time to myself before beginning the hectic day. Maybe that's the key to a good day! Hmm...I should think about getting up early more often...I was having such an odd day already, but things were going great, and after receiving a msg from someone that makes me smile...I couldn't stop. Life was good.

I eventually went downstairs, and no one else was there. I saw Tim peek around the corner, but he disappeared just as quickly. He came back again a little later, momentarily. I told him about the fuse, he fixed it, and left for work. I was folding the laundry when Heloise came down. The boys hadn't woken up yet. I had eaten my breakfast already, and was on my 2nd cup of tea when Heloise had managed to get Josh and Nathaniel up. They made their way downstairs, and I got their breakfast. Eventually, a very tired Zach came down. I got his breakfast, and before he had time to finish, Heloise had left. I got his fruit ready for him, and I came upstairs to do my teeth. I heard him call to see where I was, but soon found out it wasn't for any reason in particular. Then Nathaniel and Josh began singing "Beat It" on a megaphone type instrument. I couldn't stop laughing. The 3 of us had a really good morning, I got them ready, we walked up to school, and I dropped them off. It was so nice to see Tina and Michelle. I talked to them for a bit, and then once all the children went inside, I walked back to the house. I had my camera with me, so as I walked I took pictures. I came across this really cool branch, and began taking pictures of it and the bud on it, when I noticed a spider. I stood there waiting for the perfect opportunity, when I saw someone I knew. OH NO! I thought. Sure enough, she stopped to talk to me, and my moment was gone. The spider didn't leave, but by the time this woman did, he was elsewhere on the branch and it didn't make for as good a picture as I know I could have gotten. Oh well. After waiting a while to see if he'd go back to where he was, and being disappointed, I made myself walk away.

I took some more pictures along the path, but my battery started dying. I knew I couldn't let that happen as there was a Magnolia - one perfect camera ready magnolia - just waiting for me near the house. I turned the camera off til I saw something else to take a picture of, turned it on quickly, and then back off again. I made it to the Magnolia tree, took a bunch there, and then even had the chance to take some outside of the house before the battery really have up on me. I came in the house, talked to my Mom, my Aunt, and made a couple of phone calls. Somewhere around 11, I made my way to Starbucks. HE WAS THERE! I was so happy. I was already smiling from having such a good day, but now my smile was as big as it could get, and I was trying to tone it down. I ordered my drink and had a conversation with the cashier, before moving to the end of the counter where he was. He was busy, so I didn't interrupt, and when he got a second, we had a conversation. It was nice. Eventually I let him go back to what he was doing, and I went to sit down for a bit. It wasn't too long after though, that I got up and went to pick up some tulips Heloise had asked me to buy. The flower stand lady wouldn't take debit, so I had to go back around to the cash machine. Once I got the cash, and then the tulips, I was on my way, as I had to be back at the house to leave again at 12:30.

When I got back, I chugged a pint and a half, maybe more as I wasn't sure if the glass I was using was a pint, and I knew I couldn't go less...and I went to get in the car. On my way though, the rose that had caught my eye days before, was glimmering in the sunshine. I knew I had to take a picture now, as it would soon wilt. I finished that, and THEN was on my way. I had an appointment, and was leaving myself plenty of time to get there, as I wasn't positive where it was. Turns out it was at the hospital that I ended up at the last time, when I was at the wrong one. I made it with tons of time to spare.

A few things made me laugh on this journey. Number one, the parking lot was absolute insanity. There were tons of people parked in tons of spaces...most spaces didn't even exist. I ended up finding one that was legit, and pulled in. Now...keep in mind how much I had drank...and due to the fact that I was getting an ultrasound done, I feel the need to tell you, I was not allowed to release the liquid from my body. SO...I've parked, and I get out of the car because the ticket handing out machine on the way in, had a note on it saying that they no longer dispense tickets at the entrance, you now have to pay for it before going into the hospital, and display it on your dash. Here I am, a pint and a half full of water, standing at a machine that I now have to find 3 pound coins (luckily I had thought about that earlier, so I just had to dig around in my sock *change purse* to get them), but then I put in 1, and it gives me an expiration time, so I put in a 2nd one and decide that's enough time. I hit the big green button to confirm, and it says I haven't put in enough money. By this time I realize it must mean, although it doesn't say it, that 3 pound is the MINIMUM amount you can put in. Fine. I do that, while trying not to do any kind of pee dance, grab my ticket, put it on my dash, and head into the hospital. Well, now I'm walking into the hospital, and I don't know where I'm going, so I stop to look at a map. This isn't telling me much at all, and all I want to do is sit down so that I stop jiggling my bladder about. I go inside and there are ropes forming a line up to the front desk. I stand here for a minute, and there are 2 ladies available at the end but who have not said anything. I stand a little longer, looking around, and think...I'm sure I want to go the other way. Still though, no one is paying attention to me. Finally, I listen to myself and walk up to the 2 ladies having a conversation. I smile and ask if I'm supposed to be heading down the hallway to my right. They confirm it for me, and off I go.

When I arrive in this department, I check in, and the woman comments on how early I am. She tells me which waiting room to go to, and says if you need to drink, there's a water fountain in there. I told her I've had quite enough (sounding like an alocoholic), and I walk in. Remember now...my bladder is still FULL! I take a seat, and I begin to look around. The water fountain, as she said, is to my left. The waiting room I'm in...Guess what the theme is. Go ahead...take a stab at it. You got it...the waiting room that I'm sitting in...filled with water up to my eyeballs...is OCEAN THEMED! Are you kidding me? There's a whale squirting water out of his blow hole. There are cute little smiling fish having a great time blowing bubbles all over the wall, and then look at that! A dolphin. Staring at me out of the corner of his eye...laughing. Jerk.

Even the Sea Caterpillar who's split into 3 is laughing. Well, I'm laughing right back cuz I've never heard of a caterpillar who LIVES in the sea. Ya...who's had too much water now caterpillar? I just have to pee...But YOU, you're much worse off. You and your 3 pieces, have to find a way to survive, so BACK OFF!
...Just 23 more minutes until my appointment.
10 minutes left...I'm looking around. There's a note on the bathroom door that says ultrasound patients only. WHAT?!?!?!?!

Eventually I was called in. Everything was very clear for the technician, and she was able to see that I am fine. She put my worries at ease, and told me she thinks everything that's been happening to me is just because of all the change that's happened in my life in this past little while. PHEW!

I leave, with a quick stop at that washroom just for patients of course, and I make it back in time to grab the boys swimming stuff, use the washroom again (I'm telling you, I had A LOT of water), and the tulips, and drove to pick Zach and Nathaniel up. I was early when I got there, but still only just snagged one of the last spots close to the school. I waited in the car listening to music for a while, but then remembered what a nice day it was. I locked up, and went to wait outside the gate with some of the other parents. When the gate opened, I collected Nathaniel and Zach, had a couple of different conversations with people, and then took them swimming. Their lesson was fine, and when it was finished, I tried to get them changed quickly to come back for Josh. They stayed in the car while I ran into the school grounds to pick him up from Football. We then drove to the post office, where I dropped something off for Heloise, and then made it back to the house.

When we arrived, we spent a good 10 minutes looking for Nathaniel's water bottle. We still haven't found it, although he had it when he got in the car at school. Heloise told us later that one of the nosy mom's had called, and I think she ended up finding it in the parking lot at swimming or something. Anyway, I got Nathaniel and Zach to do all of their homework, and Josh did some of his all while I was making dinner. Heloise came in about 5 minutes after I put our meals in, so I slipped hers into the AGA as well. A little while later we were enjoying tuna steaks with lemon on top, with some broccoli. At least...Heloise, Nathaniel and I were. Josh ate his with ketchup in a bun, cuz he hates Tuna (That sounds even more disgusting to me), while Zach complained and chewed on the same bit for what seemed like forever. Once taking half off his plate, Heloise made him finish the rest.

I made the boys hot chocolate (all but Zach), and did the dishes. When I was drying them, Zach asked if I'd go outside and play with them. I grabbed my shoes, and for the first little bit, he and I played "field hockey" with sticks that didn't have the bottom bit. That's right...they were quite literally just big wooden sticks. We then found a robin's egg and began exploring...then I ran up to get my camera, and we began making a potion. I took pictures while searching for ingredients. We put on aprons as Zach was getting pretty messy, and mine was a pirate one, complete with bandana. It was awesome! When it was time for everyone to go in, I had been taking pics...which may have bothered Zach a bit but I couldn't stop! I said good night to them all, came upstairs, showered, got my green tea, and then came online. Now I'm typing away, and put my Mom on hold :| < --- I must be tired cuz when do I EVER put my Mom on hold!!!....so that I could finish writing this. Now I'll go back to speak to her momentarily, and then pass out. Good Night xx

Day 222

You know when you think you look as nice as it gets, and you go out of the house thinking "This isn't so bad"...Then you get to where you're going, and EVERYONE is looking at you like you have something on your face, or mud on your back or something? That's how today was for me.

Of course, that's not how my day started. I had to get up first. And that, was a chore! My alarm went off at 10:30, and I did not feel like moving. I reset it for 11, and even then I thought to myself..."I wonder if anyone would notice, if I just stayed in my PJ's, in my bed, and slept all day?"...Knowing that really wasn't an option, I decided, although my eyes hurt, to pry them open, and force myself to roll over and grab my computer. I thought I had better at least start moving, or I was never going to make it out of bed. I spoke to Kurt for a bit, and once he left, I thought ok...this is it...now or never. Right after this game of Family Feud. A good amount of time had gone by, and I had stalled enough. Sore, I made myself stand up, and got ready to go out. I wasn't going anywhere fancy, and didn't have plans to meet anyone anywhere, so I wasn't on a schedule of any kind. I had heard everyone pull into the driveway when I first woke up as well, so I decided I wouldn't be going downstairs to get breakfast until I was fully ready, so that they didn't know I had just woken up. So, I finished getting ready, and was listening to music until I heard a car load leave. I opened my door, and went into my washroom. Minutes later, I heard someone walk into my room. Soon enough, that person realized I wasn't there, and came to the bathroom door to call for me. It was Zach. "You know that game you and Nathaniel played in Canada?" He said. Yes, I answered through the door. "Well I have a giant one!" he responded. I opened the door, came out and there he was sitting on the landing with this game. "Cool!" I said as I gave him a hug. He picked it up, and said he was looking for a potion game. He began heading down the stairs when he asked me if I'd play it with him. I told him I had some running around I had to get done but I would when I got back. I asked if that was ok, he said yes, and continued down stairs. I asked Tim if I could use the car, grabbed the keys, and opened the door to very deceiving weather. It looked super sunny, but as I walked to the car, I realized it was raining! Yuck.

I turned on the car, the music, and the windshield wipers and went on my way. Luckily as I got closer to Freeport, the rain dissipated. I found a parking spot, and walked into the centre. I went to Starbucks...he wasn't there. *SIGH* In fact...out of probably 7 girls, I only knew 2! It's ALL new people...and new GIRLS! What is that?!?!?! I was not impressed. I ordered my drink, and the girl on the cash didn't know what it was :| All the girls making the drinks looked just as confused. One that I knew (the one that opens the bags with her teeth) walked by. "She knows how to make it!" I said. Probably louder than I expected. The cashier turned to that girl and asked if she wanted to make it. She looked up, saw it was me, laughed a little at the other girls and made my drink. I took it to a table and sat down. After a while I realized sitting there wasn't the same when there was no one to smile at, or talk to. I got up, and went to get my dark chocolate at the Cadbury store. Their easter chocolates were on sale! The little eggs with cadbury creme egg minis inside were on sale for 50 pence!!!! It took some will power, but I managed to walk out without any. I made my way to the car, but soon realized I would not be done my drink before I got in...and I didn't want to bring the empty cup back to the house, because a comment would be made. I therefore sat in the car, finished my drink, and then brought the cup to the garbage can. I got back in the car, turned Journey on, and went on my way.

Coming back to the house I thought about how much I love driving. Just you, the road, and the music. Of course, it's even better if you have 3 family members and a best friend singing with you...but I was still enjoying myself and laughing away at the memory. I thought to myself how funny it is that when I'm in the car, I don't care what anyone thinks of me. I must have looked insane smiling, and singing away to my music...but I didn't care who was watching. Yet at Freeport, I was worried about what everyone was looking at.

When I got back, I pulled into the driveway and noticed how lovely the garden looked. I thought I'd have to take some pictures tomorrow. I brought my stuff inside, dropped the keys in the pot, and went up to my room to put my purse away. I saw my camera on my bed, and couldn't resist. I grabbed it, ran back outside and began clicking. I'm really happy with how some of the pictures turned out. As I was taking the pictures, I heard a knock at the window. I looked up to see and hear Zach saying "What's the big idea?" I took a picture of him too. When I went in, I sat on the couch with him and we watched some cartoon about Batman and Superman's dogs, and Joker's hyenas. It was cute. It was just about done, maybe an episode left, when Zach fell asleep. I turned the movie "Casper" on. He slept all through that, and I smiled at memories from my childhood. It was interrupted by Tim every now and then, but that was expected. When that finished, "Drop Dead Fred" was on. I sat watching that, and was told Zach shouldn't really be sleeping. I tried to wake him up. He rolled over and went back to sleep on his stomach. My Uncle came in, Zach disappeared into the playroom when Tim answered the door, and I later found him curled up on the couch in there, asleep. I carried him into the family room (forgetting I wasn't supposed to), and put him on my lap on the couch. He woke up just long enough to move and get comfy beside me. He fell back to sleep. He kept kicking me, and was pretty much pushing me off the couch, so I told him that, he stopped, and went back to sleep again. When Heloise returned with Nathaniel, the two of them tried to wake him up. They eventually managed to do it and he sat on the opposite couch to watch some of the movie with me. He later asked me to switch the channel, and the two of us watched Ben 10 while we played and I tickled him. When that finished, I turned Wall-E on, but he wasn't really interested. My Aunt had arrived and Heloise had warmed some dinner up for the boys and I, so we sat down to ate. My Uncle had left to get Josh and had since returned, so Josh sat down to eat as well. As soon as I finished dinner, I headed upstairs with a cup of green tea. Once I drank that and played a couple games of Family Feud, I downloaded some pictures and went to get in the shower. When I got back, my Mom came on Skype. I've been talking to her for a bit, have had a 2nd cup of tea, and am now watching my Dad work. I will upload the pics to Facebook, and go to sleep shortly as I'm not feeling to well. Speak to you soon. Good Night xx

Day 221

Today was pretty laid back...and nice. I must have been SUPER tired last night because I didn't wake up before my alarm went off at 9:30! It was awesome. Even when it did go off though, I thought to myself no way, not a chance, and reset it for 10:30. I had another hour of soundless sleep, and when I woke up the 2nd time, I still didn't want to get up. But I did.

I knew Toni and I had talked about going to the movies, so I got out of bed, watched an episode of Lost while straightening my hair, got dressed, watched another episode of Lost, went down to get my breakfast, and came back up to watch the 3rd episode of Lost. I am now all caught up. When that finished, I decided to get some makeup on as Toni and I had been texting back and forth about meeting up. At about 2:30 she asked if we could meet at 3, so I finished getting ready, and left the house.

I sung and laughed the entire way as I reminisced about singing to Journey with Stephen, Tara, Kurt and my Mom, and then about Kurt singing to Adam Lambert in French.

We met at Freeport and went for a coffee. It was really nice to see her. Unfortunately the Starbucks guy wasn't there. That was a bit of a disappointment, but there was nothing I could do about it. We ordered our drinks, and because it was such a nice day, we sat outside to catch up. After that, we headed to the theatre where we bought tickets to see "Date Night". I had seen it already, but she hadn't. After the movie, the two of us decided we'd see another one during the week and went on our way.

I got in the car, jacked Journey back up and smiled the whole way back. When I arrived, it was still really nice out. I was kind of hoping everyone would be out so that I could sneak off to my room, but they weren't. I went in to the kitchen, said hi, and dropped the keys in the pot. I made a cup of tea, waved to the boys, and came up to my room. I've been in here for the most part of the evening. I've been sorting pictures, uploading them to Facebook, and talking to my sister. I jumped in the shower and was going to go down to get another cup of tea, but when I got out...there were numerous voices traveling up the stairs, and there was no way I was letting anyone see me without my makeup. Instead, I returned to my room, shut my door, and started my Blog. I'm still uploading some pictures but should be done that momentarily. Then hopefully I'll get to speak to my Mom, watch a bit of TV or a movie, and then go to sleep. I'm pretty tired still. Talk to you tomorrow. Good Night xx

Day 220

Well Day 220, to my disappointment, was longer than I expected.

In the morning we went over to the airport for Breakfast at Kelsey's. When we finished eating, the Starbucks was next door so I told everyone I was just going to go get a coffee. They said ok, stood, and waited. I had checked a couple of times while waiting for my card to go through, to make sure I could still see them. The card for some reason didn't go through the first time, so I entered my pin again. When I looked up, they were still there. A couple of minutes passed between me helping a gentleman to figure out what he was ordering, and my picking up my drink. When I turned around, they had gone. I was angry, but decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they had seen me grabbing my drink, and had just begun to walk. I walked to where they had been standing...nothing. Walked a little further...still nothing. GREAT! Now, I was pissed, and texting my Mom to try and get all of my rage out so that number 1, I wouldn't stand there crying while feeling unwanted, and number 2, so that they couldn't see how upset it had made me when I finally would run into them. I continued to walk to where I thought they might be. They had mentioned perhaps going to the space centre in the airport at some point today, so I thought it would be a good idea to go there first. I went up the escalator, and looking at the front desk of the centre, I still could not see them. Still enraged and texting my Mom, I approached the counter and asked if any of the 3 girls sitting there had seen a family of 5, with 3 curly haired little boys. They hadn't. They told me I could go in and check if I wanted, but I was certain they weren't there, and said it was ok, I'd find them eventually. I walked over to the railing by the escalator, continued to text my Mom, and worked on my calm, not caring face. Probably 5 minutes later, guess who waltzes over. Tim, and the 3 boys (I guess Heloise had gone to do some work). Was there an apology or anything like that? No, of course not. There was a "We were looking for you the other way" from Tim, which I didn't know what that meant, so acting like I didn't care that they had LEFT ME! I said "Oh?", and then I got "You're late!" from the 3 boys. I somehow managed to keep my cool, and asked what they meant. They repeated themselves, so I simply said I had been standing at the railing for the past 10 minutes. To which Josh of course said they were standing on the other side for 15. Which I know wasn't true, because it didn't take me 15 minutes to get from point A, to point B. Anyways, annoyed and frustrated I tried to act calmly, but still not like myself, and we went into the Space Centre. One of the girls approached me, said she was really sorry, but I wasn't allowed to drink in there, but offered to put it aside for me. I told her that was ok, and took a minute to myself outside the centre to finish my drink. While standing near the counter, I noticed a sign that said "No food or drink". Having been so upset, I hadn't noticed in passing. I turned to the same girl and apologized. I told her I hadn't been paying attention, and she said I wasn't to worry as there were a ton of people around the sign and I wouldn't have seen it anyway. I stood there for a little while longer, finished my drink and went in to play with the boys. After all, I wasn't mad at them for leaving me, their comments weren't called for, but they don't know any better, so in I went.

We spent the next few hours in there. We played Nintendo, got in a Space Simulator Time Machine with Zach on one side, and Nathaniel on the other, afraid of what was going to pop up on the screen. We looked around, tried our hand at some puzzles, played some computer games, and Zach and I made a plane fly. Eventually, I could tell Zach was as bored as I was. I asked if he'd want to go for a walk around the airport, and he decided he did. I told Tim that's what we were going to do, and was there somewhere the two of us could meet up with him, and at what time. He said No. He then said they were leaving anyways. Fine, I thought. We headed back through the airport, and across to our hotel.

When we got to our floor, Tim opened the door to his room, but Nathaniel and Zach followed me to mine. The 3 of us sat watching TV, and played a bit. Tim sent Josh in soon enough, to tell the boys HE was taking them swimming. "ok..." I thought. Josh left the room, but the other 2 stayed. A few moments later, Josh returned. "Hurry up!" he said. I didn't know what the rush was, and was getting upset at the way he was acting and the way he was treating them. I told them they better hurry, and up they got. Josh was grabbing their shoes, and I didn't know what was going on. It was then that I heard Heloise and Tim saying we had to get a move on to catch the bus. Confused, I asked what was going on. - There was a pool downstairs, so I didn't have a clue what was happening - Heloise explained that Tim had just figured out there was a bus to a mall, and if we wanted to go to a movie we had to go now. I said ok, grabbed our things, and walked with her to the elevator. I told her I was sorry, and had I of known what was happening, I would have had the boys ready. She said not to worry as Tim had only just figured it out, and it wasn't planned.

We got to the lobby, and ran over to the airport side to catch the bus. We had missed it by 2 minutes. Afraid if we waited for another bus, we'd miss the movie, we went to the other side to get a Taxi. We were driven to the mall, and were so early that we decided to go in there beforehand. Tim and the boys got their hair cut. Zach cried about it a lot first, but eventually Heloise carried him to the chair, and I got him talking while the girl finished cutting it. We walked through the mall, not stopping anywhere. People argued about which way the movie theatre was, so I stopped and asked someone. People decided not to listen to that person, stopped at the dollar store, and walked back out the way we had gone in. Once realizing we were in the wrong place, and walking in the wrong direction, Tim, Heloise and Josh started worrying they were going to miss the start of their movie. Tim ran ahead to purchase the tickets. When we got there, he was only just buying them. I went to get my popcorn, and as Tim had bought the boys drinks at the dollar store (which I didn't agree with), I figured they weren't supposed to be getting anything else. I finished paying, and Tim came over. He started talking about how much I paid, and was implying that the boys had already been taken care of. Not willing to share ANY of my popcorn with the boys (selfish I know), I said well MINE was...and told him the cost. Luckily he got the hint. I explained to Heloise afterwards that I didn't realize the boys were having anything, or I would have paid. She said it was fine, as they didn't even know til the last minute what they were having if they were having anything. She helped carry Zach's stuff into the theatre, Nathaniel, him and I got settled, and she went to "Alice in Wonderland" with Tim and Josh, while the 3 of us watched "Diary of a Wimpy Kid".

At one point during the movie, Nathaniel had reached down to get some popcorn. He had left his bucket on the floor, so I didn't think anything of it for the first few minutes. Then, I looked down to realize he was eating popcorn off THE FLOOR! EWWWWWWWWWW! I told him not to do that, and he looked at me and said "Sorry...I didn't know". How could you not know that that's disgusting?!?!?!! Anyway, disgust aside, the movie was great. It was very well done, and the boys loved it. The movie ended, and the 3 of us met up with the others to walk back to the bus stop. When we got there, there was a discussion about the "stupid Canadian bus system". The conversation was much like the one about the "stupid Canadian traffic lights/crossing the street system". I ignored it for the most part. When the bus came, Nathaniel, Zach and I sat at the very back and played "I Spy" for the entire ride.

Back at the hotel Zach had come into my room again. It was soon decided that the boys were going swimming, and although Zach wanted me to go down and watch, I had other plans. I turned on the hockey game, and between the 1st and 2nd periods I ran over to the airport to get myself a Starbucks. Dreading passing the pool on the way back, I walked so that my chest would be hiding the coffee, and hurried to the elevator door without even looking to see if they were still in the pool. A door opened, but no one had seen me so it closed before I could get in. My foot didn't set the sensor off, so I quickly pulled it out before the doors shut again. I caught the next elevator, and heart racing, turned the corner to the hallway leading to my room. I snuck past their door, and into mine, shutting it lightly. My heart was still racing, but I was happy no one had spotted me, and I was back in time for the start of the 2nd period!

I finished my coffee, and was watching the game when Josh knocked on my door. He told me we'd be leaving for dinner in a few minutes. All of my stuff was packed already, and there was only a minute and a half left in the 2nd period, so I thought we'd be ok to stand there and watch it. Well, he was interested, but after a couple of seconds he went to knock on the door next door to ask his parents something, and he soon came back in tears because no one was answering. I told him it was ok, we'd go see if they were already waiting in the lobby. Sure enough, the elevator doors open, and there they are. I told Josh on the way down that he knew his Dad doesn't wait for much, and I was sure that's where they would be. We all went over to the airport to see if we could get on a flight, and the lady at the BA counter told us we had time for dinner. We went on a hunt for a restaurant, and eventually, after debate, a full Kelsey's and a closed Harvey's, we ended up at Montanas. We ordered our food, and while Heloise took Nathaniel and Zach to the jungle gym, I got the bartender to switch the Chicago game we were watching, to Ottawa. We ate faster than ever before, and were out of there quickly to see if we could get on the next flight. I was hoping we wouldn't be, and we were all planning on coming back to Montana's for a delicious looking huge dessert to share, when the lady at BA would tell us we couldn't fly. Well, we hoofed it back, and with the intensity of the game still in me, all the food, and the brisk walking...I felt like I was going to be sick. We stood there for quite a while talking to the other passengers in the same position as us, and just as we thought they were approaching to say the flight was full...the BA lady called our names. I was soooooooo upset! We followed her to the counter and she explained that it was up to us if we took the seats on tonight's flight, or kept our booking for tomorrow. The difference, other than the days, was that none of us would be sitting together. I was hoping Heloise and Tim would say we couldn't do it because of the little ones, but for some reason, they didn't care and wanted to get home. We put all our bags through. I called my Mom and tried not to break into tears in front of everyone. We went through security where Nathaniel and Josh stupidly joked about a bomb around my neck (being hidden in my necklace). While the security guy watched us, I told them it wasn't a smart thing to say that word anywhere near airport security, but part of me was wishing the security guy would say he had to question me or something, and then I'd miss the flight and not be allowed to go back to England. That didn't happen.

We walked to our gate, and from there, I could just make out that hockey was on a TV screen in a restaurant. I knew it was the Sens, but couldn't tell which way who was going. My Mom was sending me updates, and they were in 2nd overtime. We were asked to board before I saw the result.

Josh and I sat separately, but each in the traveler's section of the plane which seemed to be a step up from economy, and I guess one step down from business class. "Not too Shabby" I thought...until a guy came to sit next to me. He was about my age, and was slamming the overhead compartment down - it wasn't shutting - as he was climbing over me to get to his seat. He didn't let me get up and out for him. When we began speaking, I thought I must have misjudged him. Maybe he didn't mean to draw so much attention to him when he got on, and didn't mean to have everyone making faces and smirking behind his back...

My opinion soon changed. He started talking about drinking lots of wine and getting drunk on the plane. He said his plan was to drink about 4 bottles, and then fall asleep. That didn't happen. Sorry, that's misleading. He definitely got drunk enough that at the end of the flight he was swearing and speaking loudly, and getting on my nerves...but I don't think he ever fell asleep. You see, I had fallen asleep. I had been woken up numerous times as he literally jumped over me to go to the washroom, probably the same amount of times, as the amount of bottles he had around him...but I had managed to have an interrupted sleep of about 7 hours, which wasn't too bad. He had hit me a couple of times with different things, and I was getting annoyed, but I didn't open my eyes to do anything about it. When I did wake up, there was a coke can on my legs, and there were empties stuffing the pockets in the back of the seat in front of him. He turned to me, told me he was amazed or impressed that I had managed to sleep for what was most of the flight. He then asked (while I was still eating my breakfast) if he could get out for a second. I went to put my tray up and everything and he was like "oh no it's totally fine, just put your tray like that, and I can jump over you". YA! I KNOW! I thought. YOU'VE ONLY DONE IT ABOUT 20 TIMES ALREADY! Off he went. When he returned, he told me how ashamed he felt cuz he had these empties all around him. Then he said "Oh well, I always think, as long as I'm not bugging anyone, it doesn't matter". I stayed pretty quiet, just smiling and nodding. He then proceeded to swear about England, effin this and effin that about the fields, while the little - perhaps 5 year old - girl I had been conversing with at the beginning, was within ear shot. Muppet.

The plane came to a stop, Josh and I got off and took the bus to the terminal to wait for the others. They arrived, and we got out with our luggage pretty quickly. On the drive home, everyone complained about traffic. I was confused as I thought about how little traffic there would have been, had we of waited for our scheduled flight...but again...I kept quiet.

3 hours later, we arrived at the house. I put everything in my room, said hi to my Aunt and Uncle, and made a mocha. After they left, I came upstairs, washed my hair and got into bed to type this and speak to my Mom on Skype. Luckily I'm tired right now. I don't think I'll have a problem with jet lag as it's 10:20, and I'm ready to sleep. So, before I get a 2nd wind and ruin it all...I will say Good Night xx

Day 219

Woke up and once I was ready, I sat around waiting for the knock to come. When it did, I went downstairs with everyone, and ordered the same thing I ordered two days prior - A Yogurt Parfait and a Soy Cappuccino.

We finished eating, and headed upstairs. The boys got ready to go swimming, I dropped some stuff off in my room, and then took them down to the pool. Once I got Zach changed, we went out and the 3 of them played together while I spoke to another girl who's a Nanny in London and is "stuck" here without the family she works for. When she left, Nathaniel and Josh played, while Zach pretended to drown, and I'd have to "throw" in some imaginary saviour thing I made up. I spent the next 10 minutes reeling him in, roping him in, and pulling him in. He decided to play with the others again, Josh had a couple of tantrums, I handled it, and he went from bathing suit to clothes, back to bathing suit and got back in the pool. After they played for a bit more, they'd been in for probably an hour and a half to 2, so I asked if they'd want to go for a walk and an ice cream. Tim had walked in to see how much longer we'd be in the pool area, and I told him the plan. He said if that was the case, he was going to drop off some laundry, and would be back in about half an hour. I told him I'd knock on the door when we'd finished. He went off, and the boys got out to get changed.

A hair brush, and a quick trip up to my room (So that we wouldn't disturb Heloise) to hang the bathing suits to dry, and then we were on our way. We walked to the mall, and after going up and down escalators in the Bay, on a hunt for the skywalk, we ended up in the mall. We were walking past Starbucks, so I stopped to get my drink, and then we continued on to Perdy's, where I was getting the boys' ice cream. Nathaniel and Zach got Mint Chocolate Chip in a Sprinkle cone, and Josh got Cotton Candy (EW!) in a sprinkle cone. With 3 happy boys in tow, I left the mall. When we came out, I wasn't positive which direction we had to walk in. I took a guess, and to this minute, the boys still don't know it was the wrong guess. We took a bit of a detour, which was fine because the weather was nice, and I wanted to walk. On the way back we stopped at a park. We played Indiana Jones, and I was the "baddy". The boys were having soooo much fun! I was hurting (my tailbone), every time I ran, but their laughter was worth it. Each time I said we should go they pleaded and pleaded with me to get me to stay longer. "Just one more round" they kept saying. We did that about 3 times, and then eventually, around 2:30 I said we had to get going. It had been about 3 hours, maybe 3 and a half since I had told Tim we'd knock on his door, and I figured their parents would start to wonder where we were. I told them though, that after knocking, they'd have to come to my room and be quiet and watch TV or play a game or something so that Heloise could continue working.

When we got in the elevator, the doors were about to close, and we saw Tim. I held the door and he proceeded to speak to us from outside the elevator...He said they were wondering where we were, and mentioned the two of them were done work for the day. Heloise popped her head around the corner, the conversation continued, and eventually, they both got on the elevator with us. I told them we were just going to watch TV or something, and they repeated that they were done work. They said maybe they'd all go out. When we got upstairs, Nathaniel and Zach wanted to come into my room. They did. We emptied their shoes of rocks, and then played a bit of Ludo until Josh knocked on the door. Heloise was with him. They were all going out and said it was up to me if I tagged along or not. I said I would. Nathaniel wasn't moving unless food was involved, so he and Zach were promised street meat...aka hot dogs from a vendor.

We went to find a hot dog, then sat on a bench while those 2 ate, and we figured out what we were going to do next. We decided to leave the museum til tomorrow, and headed to the movie theatre. When we arrived there, we found out there were no early movies, and none of them were for kids anyway. We asked if there was another theatre anywhere close, but there wasn't. We went to the main floor, got the boys a drink, and they sat down while Tim searched the internet (on a computer in the middle of the mall!) for the Science Museum. He wanted to know how far away it was and when it closed. While he did that, I wandered into the candy store I had spotted. I thought I'd take a look around for some childhood memories. First aisle through, and the only thing that struck a memory were the chupa chups. Anyone remember when they came with Spice Girl stickers? I turned at the end of that small aisle, and there they were...TROPICAL FISH! I haven't been able to find them for YEEEEEEEARS!!! I was so happy! I scooped some into a bag, and walked up to the counter. I asked the lady at the cash if she had any of the big bags, and aside from "no", I'm not sure what the rest of the sentence was about. I said it was ok, and told her she made my day. I paid, and went back to sit down with everyone else. A few minutes later, the cashier came over with a scoop in her hand. She looked at me and said, "I only had 3 left, so here". YAYYYYY! I thanked her, let her put them in the bag, and off she went.

When we decided to leave, it was because, after sitting around for a while, Tim had received some sort of notification about BA flying again. We went right back to the hotel, and sat around in the lounge while we waited for him to check the internet. I told Josh I'd take him to the shops, and ran up to put my fish in my room. When I got back down, everyone was still sitting around, no one was really any wiser, although Tim thought he might know exactly why BA had done what they did, because they must have known they were flying flights out...(I don't know either...so just go with it :p) Then we all ended up walking up to the park. I only wanted to go as far as the Starbucks with everyone (Heloise wanted a Frappuccino, and the Sens game was about to start), but I thought that would be a little rude, so after getting our drinks, we walked up to the park. Zach and I were miles behind the others, but that was ok. We were doing our own thing. They were waiting for us at one point, but Zach didn't care. We stopped for a second, and then he said he wanted to go near the playground with me. We went towards it, then under the bridge to build "a squirrel's home". It was pretty awesome. After about an hour, Heloise came over to find us. Zach threw a mini tantrum, screaming loud enough for the park go-ers to hear that he didn't want to leave yet. We met up with the others, and went back to the hotel for dinner.

It was a buffet in the lounge. We sat there, ate, and watched the last of the 2nd period of the hockey game while a lady sat at the piano, played and sang. She was pretty good. After dinner, we all came upstairs, everyone went to their room, and I came to mine. I watched some TV, relaxed, and am now sitting here, enjoying "Glee" while my tailbone kills me, even though I'm sitting on two crazy puffy pillows. I also watched American Idol earlier. Crystal and Lee are still my 2 favourite, I don't like the way Siobhan talks back, and I thought it was so nice and sincere that Crystal cried. Anyway, that's my quick thought. Back to Glee, then bed. Good Night xx

Day 218

I didn't go to bed until late lastnight. My voice was pretty much gone, but I wasn't tired. When I finally did fall asleep...I did not want to get up in the morning. I reset my alarm until quarter to 8. When I finally got out of bed, I realized that was probably a bad idea, considering I still had to shower. Luckily I somehow managed to get ready super quick, and still had time to tidy up before the knock at my door came.

We went down for breakfast, and Tim, who had been working since I guess 4 this morning, joined us a little later. After we ate, I took the boys to swim while Tim had a conference call, and Heloise was working upstairs. I watched while Josh and Nathaniel played a game, and Zach asked me to time him every time he went under water. He eventually got bored of that game, and joined in with the others. Once he was tired of that, he went into the hot tub on his own. By this time, Tim returned. He sat with us for a bit, then disappeared again. A few fights broke out as they normally do when Josh and Nathaniel play together. - Josh tends to cheat, and Nathaniel understandably hates it - I told them they were playing first to 20 points wins...but when that was taking too long, I told them we'd finish at 15 instead. It was 20 degrees outside, and it didn't make sense to me, to be sitting in a muggy room indoors. I got Zach dressed, and met the boys and Tim outside the pool area.

We went upstairs to get ready and then headed out. Today, we'd go to the zoo! After a mass of confusion (on Tim's part - I knew perfectly well how things worked), we eventually got on the train. Zach sat with me, and when we arrived at our stop, we walked into the Zoo. To our right was what Nathaniel was clearly going to want to do first...the prehistoric park. We went straight there.

We took lots of pictures, and Zach enjoyed the first bit, but once we got to the dinosaurs that moved, he wasn't too sure about it anymore. We ended up running hand in hand, past each one that moved. He really was scared. It was nice that he confided in me though. He's been doing that a lot this trip. He's been taking my hand whenever crossing a street, sometimes just on the sidewalk! It's been great :D Once we made our way around the dinosaur section (which was quite large), we entered the actual zoo area. We saw a number of animals, and spent quite a few hours there so the boys had lunch and an ice cream as well.

We took the bus, tram, whatever, back to the area near our hotel, and then walked back to our rooms. When we arrived, Heloise was on the phone with the tour group...all in all, once she hung up, we still didn't really know anything more about flights. Fine by me! I hope we stay here longer!!! I have a feeling that happy thought will be taken away from me very soon though. I left everyone in the hotel room, and walked up to the mall on my own. I bought a birthday card for my Uncle, and got a SOY FRAPPUCCINO!! WOO! Then I walked back, came online, and started watching some TV.

A knock came at the door around 6:30, and we headed downstairs to eat. The boys sat with a friend they've made, we ate and then returned to our rooms. I've watched "How I Met Your Mother", "Wheel of Fortune", a couple of other shows, some hockey, and now I'm watching "Big Bang Theory". Anyway, I'm going to finish this up, drink some green tea, call my parents, and then head to bed. So for now, I'll say Good Night. xx

Day 217

It was a pretty rough night lastnight. I woke up what felt like every hour AT LEAST. I'm not sure why. The bed is super comfy. I just couldn't sleep, which is insane because I was exhausted.

When I woke up at 7, I reset my alarm for 7:30. I was ready by 8, and then sat around until about 10, waiting for everyone else to go to breakfast. I watched a couple of episodes of Saved By The Bell, and then some Spongebob. Eventually the knock came. Down we went. The boys ate a ton of toast and cereal. That's "all" they ate because they didn't want to be too full for brunch at 1 :|

Heloise went back up to the rooms to work, and Tim, the boys and I headed out. We went for a walk through downtown, bought a soccer ball, and went up to a really pretty park. While Tim, Josh and Nathaniel played soccer, Zach and I hunted for some sticks to build our pirate ship on an outdoor stage. While we didn't build an ENTIRE ship...we had fun gathering thing. We even had bottle caps for treasure. We made the pirate ship steering wheel - I'm sure there's a proper term for that, but I can't think of it, and I made a fishing rod...cuz I'm just that talented. Then while Zach ran off to go to the washroom, before changing his mind, I wrote Jack out in sticks. We were going to write Captain Jack Sparrow, but then Nathaniel came to help us, we moved the wheel, and by the time we got around to that, it was time to go. We walked back to the hotel, met Heloise for Brunch, and everyone but me ate. I sat, had a cappuccino, and helped Zach colour. When we finished, we all went for another walk.

We went into a museum first, but just to take a quick look at what it would be like for another day. After that, we walked to the mall. We only went to a couple of "essential stores", as there was no pleasing the boys when it came to shopping. I told them I'd meet up with them, and went to Starbucks. I found out they have a new way of making their frappuccinos, and that means they can now make soy ones! YAY! I had already ordered my hot drink though, so I'll have to try that tomorrow. After getting my drink, I walked towards the Bay. They were supposed to be in there but "afraid I'd get lost" waited for me outside the door. How old am I? Anyway, we then continued into the store and Heloise searched for some pyjamas. When we left there, we came back to the hotel.

I came to my room, and Nathaniel and Zach joined me until they went swimming. We played a game they got from the hotel, and when they left, I turned the hockey game on. They were back by the beginning of the 3rd period. We finished a game, and then started a new one. Josh knocked on the door to say we were going down for dinner.

We went to the lounge downstairs this time, and just when I thought we were done...the boys were still hungry and ordered another plate of wings. We didn't get back upstairs until 8:30, so unfortunately I missed the beginning of the Junos. When I got to my room though, I turned it right on. At the first commercial break I saw, I ran downstairs to make sure my internet was for free for sure. It is. I came back up, watched the rest, then watched Desperate Housewives, caught a bit of the news...got mad at some people who are complaining about air traffic control trying to keep them safe....and now I'm watching America's Funniest Home Videos. It's a lot later than I thought though...and I should probably be trying to go to sleep. So now that I'm all caught up...Good Night xx

Day 216

Up early enough...again. This time I had cuddles from my puppies though, which just made me want to stay in bed longer. When I did finally get up, I got my suitcase together, grabbed some toast, and sat down to watch the soccer game with my Dad. After breakfast, it was time for me to get my act together. My Dad had to leave, so I had a tearful goodbye with him, and finished my hair as the moron window guy showed up. It was his fault I didn't get to say bye to my puppies, and it's only just occurred to me :(

My Mom and I left the house, made a quick stop at Zellers to pick up some last minute essentials, and then drove to the airport. We sat down for a coffee at Starbucks, and soon enough, I was in tears. I was saying bye to my Mom, and I couldn't hold them in. Next thing I knew, I was going through security bawling my eyes out. I was trying to hide it, but it was way too obvious. Bloodshot eyes, tear streaked cheeks. Everyone knew I did not want to be leaving. Security people tried to make me smile. I managed to crack one through the sadness. I haI d to give them one for trying. I waved goodbye to my Mom for what must have been the 5th time, and using every ounce of will power that I have, I walked to my gate, tears still streaming down my face. I saw my gate, sat down, and continued to cry. A little guy made me smile a couple of times, but I was not happy.

I got on the plane, walked to my seat, and someone was sitting in it. Awesome. I told the guy I thought he was in my seat, and he looked at me as if he didn't understand. I wasn't having this! I showed him my ticket, and he tried to tell me F wasn't the window seat. Instead of paying attention to him, I looked the other way. He got up and moved over. I sat down, went to sleep, and minutes later tears rolling down my cheek woke me up. I wiped them away, and went back to sleep. It was when the announcement came on overhead, telling us we were landing, that I woke up. Just in time for all the turbulance. GREAT! Eventually we landed, I got off the plane, got my luggage and continued upstairs to departures on my quest for confusion. Little did I know that confusion would be the easiest thing to find.

No one knew what was going on. One British Airways flight had no information beside it on the screen, and ours said canceled. Their counters were closed til 5:30, it was only 4:30, and there was no one around to ask what was going on. Not to mention the fact that I couldn't find the Crystal tour guide I was meant to find. I stood at the front of the line for British Airways customers waiting for someone to come. Other customers came and asked me questions. They seemed to be just as confused. Eventually I went for a walk to see if anyone who worked there knew anything about the Crystal group, or anything else. They didn't. Back to the line I went.

British Airway members started filing out of the back somewhere, and all of a sudden got swarmed by people. I was asked if I was supposed to be flying with them, I said yes, they asked me to hang on, and then started asking all these other people's questions. Fed up after about the 5th person who I knew had not been waiting anywhere near where I was, I asked a lady if I was in the wrong place to ask questions. She told me I wasn't, and then proceeded to tell me what was going on, that our flight definitely was canceled, and that the Crystal coordinator should be around soon. I was asked to wait where I was. Someone else approached me a little later, asked if I'd been helped, and gave me a little more information. She then asked me to wait where I was as well. Someone else approached me with a coupon for a hotel, and I explained that I had to wait until the rest of my party arrived. She told me to have a seat and said she'd page the Crystal girl for me. I sat down, heard the page, and waited. Nothing. The lady who seemed to be organizing everyone, employees and customers, walked towards me. She asked if I was ok. I said yes, then paused, and said well...no. She asked what was up, and I had to begin explaining from the beginning. She was very patient. She told me the Crystal girl wasn't there yet, and wouldn't be there until 6. I said that was good, and just wasn't sure if my cousins would be mad if I didn't find her. She told me if they got mad at me, to send them her way :p I sat back down to wait, and shortly after, the Crystal girl arrived. The head lady introduced me, and then the two of us sat and talked until the bus load arrived.

When the bus pulled up, we went outside to meet up with everyone. It was here that I received a surprise. Zach got off the bus, called my name and like...ran towards me! He was so happy to see me! So was Nathaniel. It was awesome. They had a ton of stories to tell me, and I kept the 3 of them occupied while Heloise and Tim figured out what was going on.

Everyone, including me, got on the bus and were driven literally across the street to the hotel. We got out, and again, I kept the boys amused while plans were being sorted. Eventually plans were made for us to come to the downtown hotel. The 6 of us hopped in a taxi, and took a drive. It was a quick and easy check in, and we went up to our rooms. The boys have one, Tim and Heloise another, and I have my own too! Free internet, food vouchers, and a giant room...this isn't bad at all! I wouldn't mind sticking around. We had dinner pretty much right away, and after that got an early night.

Day 215

Mom and I got up this morning and went straight to Physio. My Mom had some running around to do, so she dropped me off, and I went up. Quite a bit of pain later, and a few bone popping moves later, my physiotherapist asked how I was. I said I was hurting, and he basically told me that was normal, as he was beating me up. He explained that he was doing 6 sessions in one, so it was going to be a bit painful. It worked though. I hurt for a while after the appointment, but as the day progressed, things got better.

I met my Mom outside, and we went to the Newcomers bowling to say hi to some ladies I hadn't seen since I left. Then we went for a coffee with 2 of them. After a couple of hours of conversation, my Mom and I headed home. Stephen wanted to know if we wanted to meet him and Fiona for a gelato, and it was our plan to walk down there anyway, so we agreed to it. My Mom and I took a nice leisurely walk there, and got a table for the 4 of us. We enjoyed our cups and cones, and then took a walk along the pier, and down the front. We took some pictures, and when Stephen and Fiona's parking allowance was coming to an end, we walked up with them. They drove off, and My Mom and I took a not so leisurely walk back. We started off and it was fine. When we approached the stairs, I was hurting and a little out of breath. That first ramp is a killer! I can't wait to do it on a daily basis and get into shape!

We hung out at home for a bit, then had some running around to do, so we went to get that done, and sat down and enjoyed a Starbucks just the two of us. We tried to figure out what was going on with the Volcano, and if I had to head back to Calgary to sit and wait for my England flight, or if I could stay in Vancouver. By the end of our coffee, not much had been clarified from anyone on the other side, so I still wasn't sure what was going to happen, though I had my fingers crossed I'd be staying home.

My Dad arrived shortly after we had come in the door, and after he got changed, the 3 of us walked down to the Pub Stephen works at. We met Fiona there for dinner. I met a lot of the employees/owners that I hadn't met, and my Dad got on the phone with Tim. It was then that I found out I'd have to come back to Calgary no matter what was happening with the volcano. I wasn't too happy. Ok, that's an understatement. I was devastated that I wouldn't be able to wait it out with my family, and my eyes began to fill with tears. We finished dinner, and once we were done eating dessert that we didn't need, I said goodbye to Stephen. The waterworks began. I then had to go around the pub saying bye to one of the owners, and to Fiona. I was back at Stephen. I gave him another hug, and left in tears. My Mom, Dad and I walked home.

When we got back, my Mom and I tried to watch some American Idol, it kept freezing, and we weren't sure we'd last the whole way through. But we fast forwarded through the things we didn't want to see, and we made it. As soon as it finished though, we went to sleep.

Day 214

Up sort of bright and early. I was having difficulties sleeping in, and knowing that Kurt wanted to leave the house at 9, I rolled out of bed fairly early and got ready. I don't think he made an appearance until about 10, but that's ok. Once we were all ready, him, Mom and I headed downtown.

Our first stop was MAC. I had told my GREAT make-up artist friend Darcy that I would be stopping in to see him while I was in town, and I did just that. We had a nice conversation with him, and then had to wander over to the other MAC store to actually pick up the makeup I wanted. When I was done there, Kurt came with us to CTV. I wanted to see if my boss was in, but she wasn't at her desk. As we left, I had a conversation with a fellow co-worker, and then we walked towards the car park. We said bye to Kurt - that was a little easier than normal, as I'm supposed to see him in England for 2 days in May!!!! And then my Mom and I walked towards the water. The two of us went to take a look at the Olympic statue that I had yet to see. I took pictures, and then we caught the sky train. It dropped us at the bus loop, and we then took the bus to the park and ride. When we got back, my Mom and I went for coffee, and then headed home to wait for Stephen and Fiona.

When the two of them arrived, we ordered pizza. Trying to figure out what to do, and me not wanting to go to Bingo again, meant that we ended up back at the movies. We were seeing "Hot Tub Time Machine". A 2nd time for me, but a first for them. Stephen and I thought it was funny. I think Fiona may have been a little grossed out. After the movie, we headed back to our house to play Wii with everyone. Unfortunately we only had one controller as the other was at Stephen's, but we played bowling anyway. My Dad won, and I came in 2nd. My Mom was working. Fiona went home early cuz she was tired, and Stephen and I decided to watch "Blades of Glory". Another comment about something smelling like urine was in this movie too! I'm sure this could have set us into crazy laughter again, but I was too tired to let it go too far. Moments later, I was lying on the ground cuz it was hurting too much to sit, and minutes after getting into that position, I was asleep. I tried to keep my eyes open a few different times, but we were fighting, and they were winning. Stephen went home, and I went to bed.

Day 213

Let's see...this is going to be difficult. My memory is pretty fuzzy. Well...I remember everything, it's just a matter of remembering what happened on what day. I'm sure this will be short and sweet as well. I have a few days to do...so here we go.

I think today was the day Tara left :( We got up in the morning, and we all had to go to the bank. Stephen, My Mom and Tara went into Royalbank, and Kurt and I walked over to Scotiabank. We later met back up in the car. It was here that the line of the week was created. Tara was on the phone with the bank, and Kurt had his window down. The sentence "These bushes smell like urine" followed by the window slowly going up, had Stephen, myself and Kurt laughing soooo hard! My Mom was laughing a bit, but we were uncontrollable. Stephen was the worst! He couldn't stop, and had tears streaming down his face, which had me laughing even harder and crying as well. Kurt was laughing so hard that he had to open the car door and ended up on the pavement. Meanwhile, Tara was trying to be serious on the phone. When Kurt got back in, we were all still laughing, and my Mom pulled away from the bushes which made us start up again. We parked elsewhere, and when we were told why we had moved the car...there was no hope for us stopping anytime soon. A few deep breaths, and several minutes later, we had calmed down. Stephen was handed the phone to speak to this same guy Tara had spoken to, and Tara asked what we had been laughing at. My Mom told her, we all started laughing again, and Stephen, letting a few laughs out, gave it his all to finish his conversation on the phone. Once the phone calls and major laughter was done, we headed out of the parking lot.

As we drove away, windows open, there was a guy crossing the street. He has short shorts and LONG socks. Stephen sang a comment out the window, which of course had us laughing again. We headed down to the beach where we had a gelato, and Tara grabbed an ice cream. After that, we all headed home where each of us would fall asleep for at least 10 minutes on the couches. Stephen left while I was asleep, and after my Mom's quick nap, the 4 of us (Mom, Kurt, Tara and I) headed off to the airport where we would meet up with my Dad. We all had a coffee, and then unfortunately had to say bye to Tara. It wasn't as hard as usual, as I was able to this time, say that I would see her when I got back to Canada :D How cool is that?!?!?!

Kurt hopped in the car with my Dad, and me with my Mom, and we went to the movies to meet up with Stephen and Fiona. We were going to see "Date Movie". The movie was HILARIOUS! There was hardly a moment where the theatre was silent. At one point, Kurt, Stephen and I lost it again. I can't remember what it was that she was talking about, but at this certain part, Tina Fey says "This ____ smells like urine!" We laughed for about 5 minutes straight, and you could see, as we moved into the next scene, a number of people were wondering what it was that we were laughing at. More laughter and tears = Awesome :D

After the movie, we said bye to Stephen and Fiona. Kurt jumped back into the car with my Dad, me with my Mom (as I won't drive while I'm in Canada until I move back...I don't want to get mixed up switching back and forth), and we all went for Sushi. To our dismay, Kurt paid. When we left there, we went home. Stephen came to see us for a bit, then it wasn't long before we were all in bed, as we were pretty tired.

Another wonderful day in Canada.

Day 212

What a great day! I got up and went to Physio with my Mom. My God, my Physiotherapist, is a miracle worker! He popped some bones in my spine, and I was able to touch my toes without feeling the pain in my tailbone. Awesome! That painless feeling has since faded, but hey ho. He also figured out what's wrong with my tummy. Remember a while back, I went to the hospital for what they thought was my appendix? Well, when I saw Dan, he was feeling different muscles, I hadn't told him about the stomach issues, and he felt this one, and it hurt soooooo much! He asked if I look after a baby. I said no. He asked if I carry around a sack of potatoes...I said no...I then told him the youngest I look after is 4, and I carry him around quite a bit. He told me to stop. Apparently that muscle is so tense, and tight. It's exactly where my pain was when I ended up at the hospital so I'm sure that's what it was. Anyway, conclusion- No more carrying Zach. He's gonna go back to hating me :(

After my physio appointment, my Mom had hers. Then the two of us went to the butchers, and then to Starbucks. It was so nice to be at my regular Starbucks, ordering my regular drink. But a certain someone's smile was missing. It was nice to be having a coffee with my Mom though :D When we finished, we came home, Tara got ready, and the two of us headed out to the Hairdressers. I got my hair cut...I'm not sure if I like it yet. It's not short...but it's shorter than I'm used to. Hopefully I get used to it soon. Tara and I got our eyebrows done, and left the salon. When we pulled up to the house, Kurt had just gotten out of his car. LET THE CRAZINESS BEGIN!

We came in the house and sat around for a bit before going to get Hagan (My cousin). On our way we had a bit of a dance party in the car. We picked him up from daycare, and it was SO NICE to see him. I ran up and gave him a hug. He showed us where to get his car seat, and when we walked to the car, he gave Kurt a huge hug. In the car and on our way to Starbucks, Hagan was SO excited! I don't think his voice could have been anymore high pitched than it was. We couldn't stop laughing. When we arrived, we ordered our drinks and took a seat. After the 5 of us finished, we walked around the book store playing with toys. IT WAS AWESOME! Soon enough we had to take Hagan home. We dropped him off and he blew us a kiss. We came back home for dinner, and then watched some TV.

At around 9 o'clock, Tara, Kurt and I went to see "Hot Tub Time Machine". It was so funny! I was in it twice, but no one but me would know that. It's a shot of my back. The 3 of us loved it, came out, and came home. We stayed up to watch the rest of American Idol, and How I Met Your Mother. When those finished, it took a lot of energy for me to get up, but I decided to go to bed. Everyone else did as well. xx