NIELSON NEWS

new calling...

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:34:00 +0000

new calling is YWs. Translation for not-mormon folks...working with the teenage girls. I'm excited. It's my favorite calling (4th time I've been in YWs in the past 5 years).

wow....i really need to blog more...

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:29:00 +0000

So, it's been a while. I see people are checking my blog...so I guess I should post something? Hmm...what happened recently. Random thoughts...

I saw a car on fire in our complex the other day...now THAT was cool. Took 15 minutes for the fire department to come, and by the time they did...the windows had imploded, the tires had exploded AND the owner (who didn't speak much english) attempted to save a lunch box from the back...while my neighbours were swearing at him, telling him how much of an idiot he was. oh, and guess where my camera was? AT WORK!!! I am STILL kicking myself...especially with my new zoomy lens...i could have got great shots without risking my life!

After that, I went and saw a movie about vampires and warewolves....it was good. Got to see an old friend and sarah got to have a daddy day! If you ever want to see a movie without the lines....go to Eau Claire! That place is EMPTEEE!!!!

I got a new church calling. It's not official yet, so I can't reveal till after Sunday. For your not-so-mormon folks. It means I got a new church assignment. It should be an adventure. I'm looking forward to it.

Hmm...we built ethan a little workshop in the basement. I'm glad he can have a little man-cave and he seems to really enjoy it. It's amazing what you can fit in a TINY house if you really plan it out.

looking forward to christmas. Planning on going to nanaimo for 10 days....hopefully it won't be snow-naimo/1 week delay like last year.

my mom stopped by last night on her way to california to see sarah's new cousin. I wouldn't mind going to California for a while....but really can't complain about the Calgary weather yet...oh EXCEPT for last friday when it took me 2.5 hours to get home from work, instead of the usual 15 minutes!

so yeah, still working full-time. Kinda thinkin' I don't want that to be the case when Sarah starts kindergarden...so I guess I have 2 years/ or so left...unless the military decides to move us....which I think it still 1+ years away.

starting the christmas parties this weekend....2 on saturday. I think we have 2 every weekend till christmas + sarah's getting invited to birthday parties now....how did she get so grown up!!

i didn't get the pig flu shot...nor did Sarah...and I'm quite sure I will live through the winter.

Hmm.....time to get back to work.....hopefully that cuts some of the guilt i was feeling about not updating my blog :)

a blonde's password

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:26:00 +0000

During a recent password audit, it was found that a blonde was using the following password:

MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofy

When asked why such a big password, she said that it had to be at least 8 characters long.

The Gym

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:17:00 +0000

So, it's Probably about time I lost some of the 30+ pounds I gained 3 years ago from a certain blonde baby. Anyhoo....

So, I joined the gym about a month ago. It's across the street from work, and I go with a co-worker @ lunch hour. It seems to work well, cuz I don't have any other time I could really go.

Funny story about it.

Ethan said the other day..."You know...I can really tell you've been going to the gym".

Me "Yeah right..it's only been a few weeks...quit sucking up etc. etc."....

Him, "not because how you look...because...you are less CRANKY"....

WAAA HAA HAAA

It's fairly true though. Maybe I haven't lost much weight or anything at this point....but it sure is a good stress relief if nothing else.

:)

Give A Day. Get a Disney Day.

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:19:00 +0000

Saw this from my brother (disney employee), and had to pass it on, because CANADIANS can do it too!!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day

I'm honestly a bit scared to take Sarah to disneyland at this point. A few hours at Calaway is enough to send her into full meltdown mode...but I'm working on re-newing our passports, just incase we get out of Canada at some point in the next 5 years.

Watch the news tonight ;)

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:32:00 +0000

Well, I was just interviewed by city tv news, cbc radio AND a photo shoot with the Calgary Herald! Definitley a memorable lunch break :)It was for a support the troops telus rally. It was a good experience. They raised $15,000 for the calgary military family resource center (which have helped our family out a lot). I wonder if I'll make the cut. I think they will probably use some of my ctv interview, and hopefully a photo....not sure about the cbc radio one though...I kinda fumbled through it, as she asked me about afghanistan etc....

For Michelle

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:44:00 +0000

Since I think you are one of the only ones who reads my blog...I will write a post for you. Especially since I'm feeling guilty for not updating.

Michelle...remember when you use to use my computer to write me letters and make me powerpoint presentations when I was out? heeee...I hope you are keeping up on your computer skills. I'm in need of an assistant asap! come work for me.

Hmm...what else. Nothing to report. We're still in Calgary indefinitley....most likely for another year or so....Considering our house is worth like $20,000 LESS than we paid for it...it's probably good we're not selling yet.

oh, I have lots of things I want to blog about, but I never get around to it...so, I'm going to write myself a reminder. Here are the things I must blog about.

princesses

sept 11

World Skills

potty training

my dream cabin

freezer meals

ok, now I must get back to work...which is BUSY!!!!! I honestly never thought I'd be a working mom....yet...I still am :) and I still kinda like it....wierd eh?

Job Interview Tips

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:53:00 +0000

Well, yesterday I spent 6 hours interviewing people. And...I have some advice.

1) Don't tell looooong stories which stray far off the questions.
2) think about the questions for a few seconds before you try to fumble through an answer...
3) don't give super short answers...and sound like you are getting annoyed that they are similar to previous questions...
4) watch your use of umm/like/"you know"...
5) do I bit of research about the place you are applying for...if you didn't...don't ask dumb questions about the place...pretend you at least know something!
6) act like you actually want the job....
7) bring a portfolio, if your job is something graphic/web etc. brownie points!

we did find a couple of good people....luckily for us, we got lots of applicants!!

Come work with me :) We're hiring!

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Just incase there are some fellow multimedia geeks reading my blog....we're hiring again....let me know if you apply...I've got connections...I mean...I am a connection ;) hee.

Media Developer - Multi Media

http://www.jobpath.com/Jobs/Bow-Valley-College/Media-Developer-Multi-Media-Temporary/J7X2DP60YPYN85NZF84

Media Developer – Programmer

http://www.jobpath.com/Jobs/Bow-Valley-College/Media-Developer-Programmer-Temporary/J8E2R46GTPBSPY02RZ3

I believe they are hoping for a September start date.

It's OVER!

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:35:00 +0000

Yay! He's home! I get a husband for like a year-ish....I think.

ok...this really SUCKS!!

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:17:00 +0000

I have to say, this is the part I really HATE about being a military wife. The courses etc. are hard.....but the waiting in between postings/courses is REDICULOUS! Seriously....I need DATES. I don't do well with...."ethan will most likley be posted to calgary soon". SOON? SOON is NOT a DATE!. It's been 2 weeks of "soon", and I've about had it. Sarah really misses her Daddy and I'm on super single mommy burnout mode. Sarah has been sooooooo fussy since starting preschool. She loves going, but is sooooo exhausted by the end of the day that she turns into a MONSTER. the 30 degrees doesn't help. anyhoo....work is crazy busy....and I've got a big role in a HUGE project. I feel like I have about 3 full time jobs when you add Mommyhood to that. I have seen my husband for 1 week out of the last 14! this is getting STUPID...again.

just needed to vent.

Quick mid-july Update

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:26:00 +0000

Well, I forget what week it is. So I guess I'm done counting. Ethan came home for a week, which was nice, but is back in Kingston now...till he hears where his next posting is....which....is now...apparently....99% likley to be.....Calgary. Which he thinks should be happening pretty quick. It would be too expensive for them to move us to Ottawa, and they need people in Calgary.

Kinda an anti-climactic ending to this leg of our military adventure eh? heee.

So, after he's in Calgary for a 1+ years...he will do 3 months more training...and THEN we will move...out of calgary...for REAL this time.....supposedly ;)

Maybe I will start posting about things other than my military wife life....since it's kinda un-exciting at the moment :)

WAIT!!!! IGNORE my last post...

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:56:00 +0000

So, never mind about the last posting....apparently Kingston IS still a possibility......I seriously need to give up trying to figure out what's going to happen with this military family thing.....

In other news, ethan IS coming home next week for a visit! hoooray! We haven't seen him since April. He'll stay for one week - which includes sarah's birthday. good timing.....!

Week 11 of 10

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:56:00 +0000

Well, we're going into overtime folks :) Week 11 of 10. But I have some maybe/sorta news. It's actually quite funny....

So, it looks like our move to Ottawa is NOT going to get approved. Because Ethan is still in the "training phase", this next part doesn't count as a real "posting"...so he can't bring his family with....

So, onto plan B. They said he might be able to do his 1 year security clearance/on the job training ........in......r u ready for this........CALGARY.

HAW. So, he has put in that as his official #1 choice (they get to submit choices).

Funny eh? We thought Calgary was out of the question....but yes...Calgary does have a military base....and since ethan's new career is a "purple trade" aka army/navy/airforce....he could work at an army base...even though he is an air force guy...Last time he got to work at the Calgary base, it was a special exception (cuz I made a BIG fuss)...this time we might be following the rules.

Which means...he would be in Calgary for 1+ years....then go to Kingston again for 3 MORE months of training....then a REAL POSTING.

So, in 2010...we MIGHT move...somewhere.....heeeee.....I'm NEVER going to get out of Calgary I swear! ha!

This is not at all what we thought would happen, but would actually be ok!

Here's hoping he moves to Calgary sooooon...

Week 10 of 10.....

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:50:00 +0000

So, umm....supposedly this is the last week.....of ethan's training...but umm....we still don't know ANYTHING....about what happens next. So yeah....craziness. I'm trying not to get my hopes up. He doesn't have a plane ticket home...and is posted in Kingston till they say he's not...It's going ok though. I'm trying to brace myself for military news that may include more months of single wife-hood. I have had a bit of help though, so that's been good. And Sarah seems to be ok with ethan being gone, and talks to him on the computer lots.

I have this really strong feeling....that I'm not going anywhere for a while. Infact, my boss has given me a big project to work on that goes till January...so it seems to be that no one thinks I'm going anywhere....doh.

I don't really have much to say this week.
Sarah is REALLY EXCITED about the Stampede Parade. I told her it was coming up soon and she asks every day if it's today. I also made the mistake of telling her that dora the explorer was going to be at the stampede (I was reading the brochure and blurted it out). So....looks like we might hit the real stampede too... I think we'll do Canada Day @ Fort Calgary. There's animals, food, entertainment....and she really liked it the last time we went. I'm glad summer is here and there is so much to do. Helps time go by faster ;)

Also, my mom helped point out that I really don't have it that bad. I mean, I have a good job, Sarah has a great daycare, we own a house, and we don't have to worry about money...and even though Ethan has been gone for 2+ months....we still get to talk to him a lot.

OH, AND...I honestly didn't realize I was getting so many hits on my BLOG!! HAW!!! Now I feel the pressure to write something inspiring :)

Hello Week 9!!

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:07:00 +0000

Woohoo....only 2 more weeks to go! Only problem is....I have no idea what's going to happen once he finishes. He doesn't have a return flight home etc. etc. So really....anything could happen. He has to wait for his security clearance...somewhere...which could take a year...or more..or less...who knows. But as least this part of training will be over.

Ethan did put in his "official request" for us to move to the Ottawa area. So maybe that will get approved. Or maybe not. I'm trying not to get my hopes up. I was expecting kingston, so that kinda confused me... But yeah, miltary life = confusion. I think I'll get use to it eventually. Ottawa seems nice. I think I went there when I was really little, but don't remember. I've been reading a bit on their tourism websites. It seems like a good place to live..Ottawa Tourism

I also added a FEEDJIT to my blog...so I can see where the hits on my blog were coming from. I honestly didn't know that many people read it! I'm excited...and more motivated to post more.

Sarah is doing AWESOME with potty training. Honestly, I have found trying to get her to pedal a tricycle MUCH harder than potty training! haw! I guess she was just ready for the potty - not so much for the bike.

We've been going to a LOT of parks. Last year I think I felt the need to do the calaway, heritage park, $$$ activities. This year I've noticed that Sarah is just as happy to go to a local park...especially if they have a river/forest. I've been searching out a lot of new parks on the city of calgary website. I think Calgary has a ZILLION parks. I've found a few new favorites close by our house..that I never knew were there.

Calgary Community Parks & Playgrounds

We spent almost the whole day yesterday at Bowness Park. I spent a lot of my childhood at that park, so it was fun to take sarah there.

ok enough rambling. Time to do some work. AKA re-build an entire online math course. EEK! Luckily it's east indian lunch day...AKA YUM!

Week 7 and 8 of 10 +

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:36:00 +0000

Well, I'm happy to see June moving along. Week 7 was ok. It was a bit of an adjustment going from holiday mode to back to work mode. Busy week though! Work is crazy busy! I have to say I'm sort of lucky that I work in education...because the recession has not affected our staff/$/workload. There is tons of work and seems to be plenty of funding to build new online courses.

Saturday Sarah's Auntie B came over and played with her for a couple of hours (awesome!!) I got the house cleaned and the dishes all done...so that's always a stress relief.

Sunday was fun. We went to Noah's baptism (my half-brother) and then to Cori's baby shower with the little twins!! so cute :) And, of course, we had to stop at Peter's Drive in on the way home for "free milkshake day".

Week 8 is going good so far. We had "parent teacher interviews" at daycare this morning. They evaluate the kids in their development skills based on government assessments. Anyhoo...sarah's above average in all the developmental categories and they said they have zero concerns with her. Horray :) They didn't even bring up potty training (thank goodness.)....

Hmm...nothing else to really say. Ethan is still in Ontario, training till July 1...then we await approval for our move....July can't come sooo enough!

Week 5 and 6 of 10+

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:16:00 +0000

So, of course the original 9 weeks I was told...was wrong. It's more like 10....and then ethan sits in ontario for another 1-4 years +. Anyhoo...still hoping we can get permission to move out there after the 10 weeks. Ethan is putting the request memo out to the military big wigs this week...so then we start crossing our fingers.

Week 5 and 6 went really well! My mom was here for a week and dave and annie came to visit too. Sarah loved the company and I had lots of help with her.

The next week we headed to nanaimo for a week. It was really nice. I would live there if I had the option. I put lots of photos on faebook.

This is mom/rich/breck and sarah taking a boat ride on the lake. Mom's house in the background. I wish I had a lake in my backyard....heck...i wish I had a backyard :)

Onto week 7. The daycare has pretty much threatened me that sarah can't be there if she's not potty trained by July 1st. Loveley eh? So, we're trying the potty training thing. It's going pretty good actually....suprisingly. She's still 2...so I wasn't really pushing it....but I guess I have to now.

As to a follow up with the doctor. We couldn't get the blood tests done because they couldn't find her viens! uggh...it was NOT fun. Anyhoo....the x-rays and other lab tests did not turn up anything, so that doctor is not too worried. He just says we really need to cut the carbs from her diet, and give her healthy food only! Lots of sun too and exercise. I suppose we should probably all do that. He gave me some books to read too. I'll have to post the titles of them for all that are interested. Her dark circles REALLY deminished in nanaimo. Lots of sun/exercise and my mom's super healthy food. Makes sense I guess. Also, her cough has not come back for 6 weeeks...which is the longest she's gone without coughing for over a year...so....here's hoping we continue to see some improvements :)

Week 4....almost 1/2 way!!

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:21:00 +0000

Ethan finished SQ yesterday is now in Kingston today :) I'm jealous!! 5 weeks left of course training, and then maybe we will hear some news....hopefully sooner!

Sarah's doctor appointment went very well. The doctor was concerned about the dark circles under her eyes/wet cough and also her weight. She's 90% percentile for height of a 3 year old (umm...she's only 2 by the way) and off the chart for a 3 year old's weight. I admit, she is constantly eating....and I need to be better about her diet. He recommended a low carb diet and gave me some books to read. He also put her on some vitamins, and cod liver oil. I'm suppose to take her in for some blood tests etc. soon too, and we did x-rays already. So....hopefully.....at our next appointment (June 3) he might have some idea what is wrong with her....

In other news. Grandma Diane and Uncle/Dr. Dave are coming to visit this weekend. It will be nice to have some company and help with Sarah. I haven't had any help with her the whole month he's been gone so far. I'm trying to not be bitter, as I've had a few people offer/promise ethan they would help me...and then bail on me. Thinking Positive...Thinking Positive.

The sun is shining today! 1 week till our trip to nanaimo.

There goes week 3 :)

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:43:00 +0000

I'm happy to report week 3 went by really fast. Almost half way there! Ethan is finishing up his soldier course next week and then he's off to Kingston for his first bit of career training. I could tell you what that is....but I would have to kill you. My mom is coming to visit next Friday, then a week later we're off to nanaimo. There goes May...woohoo..

I definitley had a bit of burnout this week....but a few early nights and I seem to be feeling better. Happy mothers day to me? We went to the shrine circus last weekend. Sarah really enjoyed it. It was actually pretty entertaining...even for an old lady like me... especially with free tickets! My only complaint is how they really push you to buy all their overpriced circus crap (aka. glow swords that you could buy for like $1 at walmart...selling for $12!) no, of course I didn't get one! It was REALLY hot in the tent, so we did spurge for some cancer causing snow cones (artificial color and flavor)...but....it was worth it.

Hmm...I always think of things to write...and then when I get around to writing...I totally forget what I was going to say.

Oh, we have an appointment with a private doctor this afternoon, and hopefully he can figure out what's wrong with Sarah. We've been to about 4 regular doctors, and one homeopath... and they have all proved to be pretty useless... It annoys me that we get free health care...but that means a 3 hour wait followed by 30 seconds with a useless doctor. This one is going to cost a zillion dollars...but he apparently is really good, and uses natural alternative stuff...but he's a real doctor....we've been waiting 4 months to see him...so here's hoping! It's a one hour asessment. I admit the Homeopath we saw a while ago was very nice....but he blamed it all on vacinnes, and the secret potion remedy's seemed to do nothing for sarah's health.

Anyhoo...Sarah has really DARK circles under her eyes....and has had a wet cough/ runny hose for about 10 months of the last year. She also gets a lot of tummy aches. If you think it's dairy...you're wrong...I took her off milk for 6 months - no changes. If you think it's asthma, like most stupid doctors, you are wrong. Inhalers did nothing, and she seems unaffected by the weather. She's not short on breath. So yeah...that's where we sit. My latest theory is a mold allergy?....but I'm no doctor. Sarah's room has a HUGE window in it, that was rotting....we replaced it a few weeks ago (holy expensive batman) and her cough went away.....but sometimes it does go away...so it could be coincidence....we will seeeeeeeeee. I recorded some video a few weeks ago, when her cough was really bad...and put it on my ipod to show the doctor today (wow, I AM a geek)...

stay tuned...for more un-exciting stories of the single-military-wife-blonde-mommy...who REALLY WANTS TO MOVE TO ONTARIO!!!!!

Week 2 of 9

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Fri, 01 May 2009 20:50:00 +0000

Well,
almost 1/4 of the way done this stretch of single-wife-hood I guess... The 2nd week went pretty good....except for the weather!! ugggh... anyhoo...not really much to report. I got some free circus tickets, so me and sarah are going to go this weekend. I had my birthday. Sarah made me cupcakes, and sang for me (see my facebook for the video). My mom is coming to visit in a couple of weeks, and then we're off to nanaimo for a week...so hopefully...May passes quickly! I'm super busy at work...but that has kind of helped pass time a bit faster...but still way too slow! Our house is all ready to sell...all I need is the word from the military.......so I wait....and wait and wait.....it's a big frustrating when your life is in the hands of the goverment....but.....it'll all be worth it...right? that's what I keep telling myself, again and again and again....

Week 1 of 9

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:29:00 +0000

Well, I am hesitant to number the weeks....because in militaryland....time is not equal to the time we use in the "civilian" world. But, I'm going to call this week 1 anyway. So far things are going ok. Sarah sort of understands that Daddy is at "Army School"...but asks every day if he's coming home today. She's been pretty good though...we've been having lots of fun and trying to stay busy. THANK GOODNESS it's nice outside now. I have to admit, being a parent is sooo much easier when the weather cooperates. Sarah loves to be outside...and loves to just go for walks and gather leaves, rocks and sticks for her "collections". That's what she calls them. We've also started a little garden, so she loves to water/drown it each day. Hmm...what else...Ethan called on Monday night, when he arrived in Meaford....come to think of it...I have no idea where Meaford is....Ontario somewhere. He said everything went well and things are going as planned. I haven't heard from him since...most likely because he can't use his phone during the week as he's in his first week of SQ. Probably will hear something on the weekend. We bought him a little "netbook" so he can video conf with me and Sarah, but he doesn't have internet access at this point. Hopefully as time goes on, he will get phone and internet access soon enough. So...that's all my news...

so much for 30 days......

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:32:00 +0000

uggh...
well, i should have known....

20 minutes after my last post, we find out that ethan is leaving for the first part of his training this weekend!! So much for 30 days notice!!! Here's the story (translated into english for you non-military folk).

He’s starting with 1 month of pre-pre-training (maybe nothern alberta or ontario)
-followed by 5 weeks of pre-training (kingston)
-followed by 1 year of real training…(kingston)
-followed by 2 + years first posting (ottawa area)

I’m not kidding.

We’re meeting with our military social worker this week, so hopefully she can help with the insanity!!! I REALLY WANT TO GO WITH!!!
eeek!

30 dayz at a time....

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:07:00 +0000

Well, latest news from the military is.... we will have 30 dayz warning before ethan's training starts again. So....because we haven't had the notice yet....I guess we will all be in calgary for at least 30 more days. This not knowing is sooooo annoying.....but at least ethan is here and not in ontario without us. I REALLY want to go with him this time....but of course there are no guarantees that that will happen. I still REALLY want to move out of Calgary...but I'm STILL here.....I suppose there must be a reason I'm still here? But I have noooo idea what it is....anyhoo...that's my non-informative post. I don't really talk about family/personal stuff on here....cuz of the top secret nature of a certain persons career....but....maybe if I'm vague enough I could.

Hmm...what else. We spent the weekend in Raymond/Lethbridge. I'm happy to report that travelling with a 2.75 year old is MUCH easier than a < 2.5 year old. Sarah did great on the trip!

One note....I always thought it was really wierd that most of the houses in Raymond didn't have fences...untill this weekend. Sarah could run through peoples backyards and play on their playgrounds etc. without feeling like a tresspasser. ha ha.

I could never live in Raymond...but it's an ok place to spend a weekend :)

Airmiles and Their Value

noreply@blogger.com (iemily) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:32:00 +0000

Here's a really good article I found explaining airmiles and their value. It really is a math-game, but it seems if you know how to play it, you can come out ahead. I'm excited because I already have enough airmiles for the 3 of us to fly to nanaimo again, and it's only been 4 months of collecting :)

http://thoughtsfrommylife.com/article-15-Collecting_Air_Miles_and_their_Value