10 Things I Miss About Being Employed

This mom gig is the best, it's exhausting, and something I waited a long time for. Even so sometimes I miss my career gig.  I typed up this list of 10 things I miss about being employed while baby J had a nap yesterday....

1. Professional Development... I loved my professional group of colleagues spread across the country. I was on the executive for two years as the treasurer and helped plan two national conferences. Traveling to a conference is fun but being able to plan one is even better! My favorite time of the month was always the one hour conference call we had. These peeps kept me on my toes, motivated me, and made me excited for the advances in my field.

2. Interns... I really liked working with my interns. While it can be a lot of work recruiting, interviewing, and training new staff the ones that are a good fit make it worthwhile. I like working in a team environment and so having someone to bounce ideas off, shoulder the responsibilities, and be in cahoots with always made the job at hand interesting. Interns are eager to please, they are often very capable and will soar when given the resources and wings to do so. 

3. Friday... Friday often began with a latte on the way to work. It was often a slow quiet day at the office. Everyone was usually more relaxed- it was the one day a week we showed up in our jeans. I loved those quiet days when the office cleared out early-- where did everyone disappear after lunch on Friday? I usually stuck it out since the quiet afternoon was a chance to clean out my inbox and test out program ideas. Often there were few school programs booked on a Friday because the schools might have a Friday off and it afforded me the opportunity to plan. I love to plan.

4. Volunteers... I had a number of wonderful volunteers that assisted me and reminded me of the value of giving to your community, giving of your time, and enjoying what you do. They often allowed me to laugh at what otherwise might seem a disaster. Best of all they reminded me to take a moment and breathe.

5. Kiddos... I miss those groups of kiddos that came on school tours and took part in our programs. Kids are inquisitive, curious, and hilarious. I loved their insights.

6. Art Supplies... Ordering and receiving a shipment of art supplies was like Christmas. 

7. Budgeting, billing, invoices... Call me crazy but I really enjoyed the numbers. 

8. Design... While I am not a graphic designer I think I would have been a great one. While it was sometimes frustrating when I was unable to have full creative control the times when I worked with a graphic designer that got my vision were so exciting. It was fun to see in print or online what I envisioned. 

9. Successes... There is a thrill in achieving, improving processes, surpassing targets.

10. Pay day... need I say more.

I'm linking up with Karli over at September Farm.

5 Confessions

I've seen these confessions of late and so thought I'd share my own five on Friday.

1. There are 12 wheel chair prime location parking spots at the grocery store. I think a few of these should be turned into Stork Parking spots. The wheelchair parking spots are almost always empty. Today I circled the parking lot four times until one car I spotted about to leave finally left near the front (three stalls in...the first two being wheelchair stalls) rather than parking at the back and walking because have you ever lifted one of those infant car seats! 

2. I decided to make one card with the birth announcement on the front and the thank you card on the inside rather than two cards.  I have decided to just send my double duty card to those who sent/gave gifts. 

3. I had a Starbucks latte for lunch. I went to the grocery store just for a Starbucks latte. I carried that infant car seat in just for a Starbucks latte. Why is there no drive through Starbucks in my city? 

4. Today I worked out. I haven't worked out in two weeks. 

5. I often drive by my new house just to see if someone is working so I can check up on the progress. Today I did a drive by of my new house twice - at the start of my outing and at the end. No one was working either time. 

Im linking up with these fabulous bloggers for Five on Friday.

Torticollis Update

Thank you to everyone who sent me messages privately about your experience with torticollis or someone you know who had torticollis. It was encouraging to me to know that others were or had experienced the same. Also to hear of those who had emerged from the other side unscathed. 

J is almost 12 weeks now. She is able to lay at midline longer now without twisting her neck. When I lay her in bassinet at night sometimes she will stay at midline for a long stretch, but then when she is really tired she will twist her neck so that she lies on the left side of her head. It is the same if I am holding her or propping her up to sit. She has the strength to hold level for short stretches but then it will default tilt. She has improved with her ability to turn her head to her right. 

Yesterday we went to Saskatoon to see a physical therapist that specializes in torticollis. It was relatively easy and quick to get an appointment. She was a natural with getting J into the stretches and showed us a few new stretches. I would have liked to have made a video as already I'm wondering if I remember. I wish we lived closer to see her on a more regular basis even if it was $95 for one session. L wasn't convinced it was worth it since J stiffens up in the car seat and he thought it was a waste of time to go that far when we can see a local therapist. I was glad to have a second opinion and to learn more or to have someone new to talk to about it. When your in the trenches it is nice to have someone who understands. I am continually holding, positioning and repositioning J and sometimes it is exhausting.  I would pay $95 a month just for the encouragement. I felt a little mom guilt when I admitted this to myself --that perhaps the appointment was as much for me as I said it was for her.  L is correct that I shouldn't have her in the car seat for a two hour stretch. That aside I did feel encouraged after as she reminded me to not compare J against other babies at a similar age. This is so easy to do and I get really concerned sometimes especially when I go to the weekly weigh ins for baby and the nurse makes comments about how J is delayed or has asymmetries and then I notice that some of the new friends I have made have babies that are sitting up, able to sustain tummy time for long periods, or jumping in jolly jumpers. She reassured us that even if we did nothing it would resolve, but that everything we did was just helping to resolve faster. She would like to continue to see J on a monthly basis but with the long drive I may wait until J has progressed to holding her head on her own and/or sitting. Any time I know I am going to be in Saskatoon she said I could call the week before and schedule an appointment. 

I realize our local PT recommended many of the same stretches. My last session with her was much better than the tummy time video session. And L is right that we are her best therapists by doing the stretches at home. It's hard to be consistent and stretch following each bottle or tummy time after each diaper change. I'm lucky if I can fit 3 sessions of tummy time in during a day sometimes and 4 stretching sessions. We've seen some progress with Js mobility from doing the home stretches recommended by our local PT. The wait between appointments with our local PT is so long. Currently I have been waiting two weeks for her to call back to schedule our next appointment in six weeks. 

J did develop a flat spot on her left side of her head and we could feel the plates overlapping in her head but with side sleeping during her naps on the opposite side during the day we have been able to resolve this almost entirely. Yay! That was a big concern of mine. It is amazing how malleable a babies head is. 

5 on Friday: A Homebuild Closing in on the 11th Hour

I thought I'd make a random Five on Friday post about our home build.

1. Our possession date for our house has been moved back to April 11th from March 16. That's one month away!! We had to push back the move in date for financing and because Ls dad is going to help us out but won't be back from Mexico until the end of the month. I am so thankful for family. I'm very excited and ready to finally be in our new house. I feel like I'm over the home building process now and just want it to be ready. I'm not looking forward to packing and moving yet again. I am looking forward to finally decorating the baby's nursery! 

We had an offer on our other house but it was really disappointing as they offered $50,000 less than what we are currently asking and wouldn't move up when we counter offered plus they wanted possession in less than two weeks. Let's be reasonable here people! 

2. Remember when I said I'd post a picture of the 80s party door? The new door has not yet been installed. L had a picture of the new door on his phone but it was deleted when he updated his phone. The cost of the hardware on the door the builder quoted was to cost $250 just for a door handle/lock taking the total cost of the door upgrade to $1050.  We instead went to Lowes and found a similar handle for less than $100. Yay us!! 

Here was my door inspiration. 

What colour do you think I should paint my front door? 

3. We had a paint fiasco that left me very disappointed but I think I've let it go now.

First we were told we would have Benjamin Moore paint. BM is a favorite of mine. I visited the local BM store and was told to watch out for a painter named Josh who was telling people he was using BM but really using Dulux. I deliberated over paint samples forever and finally decided on Snowfall White as my colour. It is just beside Simply White, BM colour of the year, on the colour swatch.

I asked to confirm with the builder we were using BM paint. Instead of BM he said his painter switched from BM because he was having some challenges with the paint.  Instead we would now be using Sherwin Williams. I then asked who the painter was. Guess who? 

So I went and picked out a Sherwin Williams colour. 

Later that week L and I decided to pop by the place and while it was all locked up what did we see through the windows but Dulux paint cans. I was upset. 

We contacted the builder and got the run around, basically he is saying it was colour matched with a laser and that they are using top of the line Dulux paint. We went by and held up our sample and like I thought it is not a exact match. The SW swatch is much brighter and lighter as it reflects light differently. It's pretty --a pale yellow but not really the colour I was aiming for. He said if I was really unhappy I could have a top coat of General Paint. So ridiculous. 

I imagine Josh and the builder are in cahoots and so to bring him to task for this lack of integrity will get me nowhere. Likely end up costing us more money and set us back for our move I date. It was just such a disappointment because it made me question and wonder about the integrity behind some of the choices we have been given and other upgrades we have been charged for. Plus I really wanted Benjamin Moore paint all along.

4. I'm so excited to see the kitchen being installed in the next week or so.

Here was my inspiration. You will have seen some of these photos before.

The cabinetry will be dark on the bottom and white on top which I think will look gorgeous next to the Amaretto floors (similar to the bottom left inspiration picture above).

We had to reconfigure the kitchen from its original layout. What do you think of my nifty diagram I made to explain my thinking to the builder? Basically what happened was we moved the fridge and oven so that it was a wall combo, extended the island and walkway, and aligned the gas cooktop with the sink. Even though it says broom closet in my diagram that later got nixed.

Below is the diagram from the cabinet builder. And the picture below that is the window concept for the upper cabinets.

I really wanted a vent hood like pictured. I liked the look of having tile behind the vent hood to visually break up the cabinetry. Unfortunately the builder said that would not be possible and somehow the vent will be venting down and out. It's really confusing. L had to search for the right kind of vent and finally found a built in one that crazily will cost the same amount as the gas cook top.  The cabinet builder will be constructing me a hood similar to my inspiration photo. We will be using penny tile as the back splash. 

L picked out all our appliances. I know!! What??!! I was in the last stages of pregnancy/giving birth/having a new babe and really couldn't be bothered at that point. I'm excited to see what he picked. I mean he has good taste so I trust his picks plus he is really good with finding quality at a good price. He is one of those people who will read all the reviews. 

5. Today when we were at the house we saw that the fireplace had just been installed. It is similar to the top left picture below. 

I am wondering if we should have built ins on the side constructed for the components, or a version of the bottom constructed to hide the components or to go with wireless? What would you do?

When we were at the house today it seemed like there was so much yet to do but hopefully it is like my favorite home design shows and there is five minutes left in the show and before the final reveal. Somehow it all comes together in the eleventh hour.

Saturday Stats Week 2

Today we went to the big city and when I got home I realized my husband bought all the fruit on display at Costco. I guess I know what is on the menu for this upcoming week.

I'm trying to get this post out there before my battery runs out. It's at 6%. 

I was proud of my resolve to not have fast food this week. I did eat too many gingersnaps. 

I'm still behind on my workouts. I did 3/6 workouts this week (if added to the 2 from last week 3/8). I'm a little disappointed in myself. While I should be able to find 25 minutes every day to work out it is challenging when L works the night shift all week and I have to tip toe around during the day and end up leaving my workouts to the end of the day. Then the baby cries and cries and cries and will only be comforted by being rocked. After an hour of easing her to sleep I'm ready for bed myself. We had some rough days here this past week. Double Workout Friday's are just not happening over here.

I didn't see 167 on the scale this week but I did make progress in the right direction. Minute progress but progress nevertheless. It was 168.4 on Thursday in the morning. I wouldn't recommend salty popcorn the night before a weigh in. 

My pants are fitting so much better. It's a great feeling.

Five Canadian Oscar Worthy Fashion Designers

Sometimes I wonder why I bother to watch the Academy Awards when I've only watched four nominated films. My primary reason for tuning in has always been to see what everyone is wearing. After seeing this year's Oscars I wonder if next year I should continue.

Was it just me or did you think that at this year's Oscars the same ten curated dresses continually reappeared onscreen. I turned to Google to see if I could spot some other fashions I did not see showcased and really all that Google had for me were these same ten dresses. Actually I'm exaggerating there were apparently 37 well dressed individuals at the Oscars this year according to the online best dressed galleries. 

So in an effort to remedy this situation I have decided to visit the fashion designers websites and pick Oscar worthy looks to wear on the red carpet from five Canadian fashion designers. I started with the designers and picked my favorite looks from their collections. It was fun to find some of these dresses worn by women at this year's Oscars on Twitter. Primetime television is so disappointing. I want to see all the fashion! 

1. STEPHAN CARAS

This Toronto based fashion house is home to the elegant designs created by Atelier CARAS. Caras has been designing his own label in Toronto for decades. Stephan Caras Design Inc. is located in a 1905 bank building, at 744 Queen St E. 

 @StephanCaras

Here is Betty Zhouligan a TV Host and Producer wearing Stephan Caras Floral Collection at this year's Oscars. She is stunning. 

2. MIKAEL D

Mikael Derderian is the son of a Canadian-Armenian father and Lebanese mother. His family immigrated to Canada, landing in Laval, Quebec. He studied fashion design at LaSalle College and presented his first runway presentation in 2012 at World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto.  He established his own private label, MIKAEL D. His influential line is based on collections that intertwine cultural influences.

MIKAELD.com

@MIKAELDOFFICIAL

3. LUCIAN MATIS

Lucian Matis is an acclaimed Canadian designer. He studied at Ryerson's University fashion design program. This celebrated designer has made appearances on hit television shows including Fashion Television, Entertainment Tonight, Project Runway Canada and Canada's Next Top Model.

@lucianmatis

lucianmatis.com

@KeltieKnight

Keltie Knight, a Canadian TV presenter and former professional dancer wore this intricate design by Lucian Matis with cascading ruffles to this year's Oscars. While she received some negative reviews I think it is fabulous. It reminds me of an artistic interpretation through fabric of gift wrap.

4. DI CARLO CONTOUR

Antoinette Di Carlo is the founder & designer at Di Carlo Couture in Montreal specializing in custom made wedding & evening gowns. She studied at the International Academy of Design in Montreal.

@dicarlocouture

dicarloconture.com

I love emerald green. This dress was a favorite pick of mine from the collection.

5. CHRISTOPHER PAUNIL

Christopher Paunil is a bridal gown and womens fashion designer based in Toronto as well as fashion instructor at UforChange, George Brown College and the Toronto Film School.

@chrispaunil

christopherpaunil.com

I think these are beautiful numbers and surprisingly budget friendly if one ever found themselves invited to the Oscars. I mean they are still expensive but you wouldn't need to remortgage your house. Jasper on the left is priced at $1595 and Kitt on the right is $1495. With the right shoes and jewelry they would be stunning.

Ok ....because it's hard to stop at just five here is one last pick.

GAVARCIA

Gavarcia debuted as a collection of Haute Couture gowns at Fashion Art Toronto. Garvin Garcia of Gavarcia, a Toronto-based designer demonstrates that Canadian fashion deserves international attention.  Each piece features intricate lace, floral, or avian-inspired details, coming together to create luxurious one-of-a-kind pieces that are the epitome of wearable art. 

Gavarcia.com

Why do we love fashion at the Oscars? I think it is in part because many of us will never have the opportunity to visit Fashion Week in Paris or New York or within Canada Fashion Week in Toronto or Montreal. Designers select models to showcase their collections on the runway. We love to see these collections come to light on semi-normal sized figures in the light of day on prime time television. Many of us would never have the funds or publicity to showcase one of the couture gowns.  

These days, the Academy Awards have become a platform for social activism. My favorite aspect of the Oscars has always been the fashions on the red carpet...and even this now has become an issue of sexism. Chris Rock made light of this,  “Race is not the only issue at Oscars today. You can’t ask women what they are wearing, you gotta #AskHerMore. This is not sexism, it is because all men are wearing the same thing. If George Clooney showed up in a lime green suit with a swan coming out of his ass, someone will ask, ‘what are you wearing George?’” If we no longer ask the question what or who are you wearing will fashion continue to play a role at the Oscars? I recognize that actors and actresses wish to step beyond their stereotype to be taken seriously about issues they are passionate about. Its true if everyone wore the same ensemble no one would be asking what they were wearing. While I love glamorous evening wear I also love fashion as an art form of expression. When I was in art school there was a wearable art fashion show. And not fashion in the same vein as glamorous evening wear but fashion about causes and issues. If the Academy Awards should continue to become a platform for social activism rather than ignoring fashion I hope to see swans, elephants, butterflies, bees, storms, typhoons, global warming along with racism and sexual abuse represented in fashion. How powerful would that be? I'd still be watching the Academy Awards I can guarantee you that. 

I'm linking up with September Farm &  a.liz adventures today