I'm home

My vacation was wonderful. Sad to leave... on many levels. :-( Due to airline issues, I ended up missing my flight on Wednesday, so I stayed an extra day. That was nice. :-)

Got home about midnight last night. This morning, I discovered that the sewer had backed up. Great, just great.... It hasn't been a good day. *sigh*

Two more days!

I'm off to Arizona on Wednesday morning. :-D

Disappointment...

It's a sad day for the boys, especially the grade 12 players because this was their last high school basketball game... They played a really good game, but weren't able to win the final today. They tried their best, and have reason to be proud. Right now, though, they're sad and disappointed... :-(

Basketball playoffs

The boys won conferences last weekend, and they are hosting regional playoffs in town this weekend. They are so excited! If they win this weekend -- which there is a very good chance of -- they would go to Hoopla, which is the provincial playoffs, next weekend. The only bad thing about that is that I'm not going to be here... *very sad*. When I booked my vacation, I didn't realize that Hoopla was going to be that weekend, or that they might have a great chance of getting there. I feel really, really bad... It's Sheldon's last year of basketball, and his only chance at Hoopla. And I'll miss it if they make it.... *mom-guilt* :-( Unfortunately Robbie won't be here either, as he has tickets for a Flames game in Calgary (he's a huge fan), with hotel room booked and all. Bummer... Hopefully his dad will be able to go watch.

For now though, we're excited about this weekend's playoffs. Opening ceremonies are at 5:15 today, so I gotta zip over there quick after work, and their first game is at 6:00 p.m. I'll let ya know how they do. ;-)

EDIT: They won their first game, they play in the final at 2:00 p.m. Saturday. :-)

Not much new....

We've gotten started on some stuff at the new library building -- spent a morning stripping old wallpaper on Monday. Oh, fun.... Hopefully the painting can get started soon. We're having some disagreements with regard to the paint colors in one room. I knew we'd run into this problem... a group of women trying to agree on paint colors... oy... An even bigger problem is finding someone to build the ramp and renovate the bathroom for wheelchair accessibility. All the local contractors are very busy and don't have time until at least summer, and we need it done within the next month or so.

The move is going to be a huge job, but the payoff will be great!

Two weeks until I leave for Arizona. :-D I finally finished scrapbooking my pictures from my summer trip... lol.

Chantelle's gone to Perth for a few weeks with a friend from England. I haven't heard from her since she got there, it'll probably be a little while before she calls again.

That's about it for now...

Hmmm... do I have anything to update?

Let's see... Valentine's Day was low-key. Josh and I have postponed it for a month... lol. I go to AZ on March 14. ;-)

I was thankful that the pseudo-stalker I had talked about elsewhere didn't do anything for V-Day this year. I was worried, cuz he was here when I came into work that day, but other than wishing both the other librarian and myself a Happy V-Day on his way out, nothing. *Whew* There hasn't been an opportunity to talk to him, anytime he's here, there's lots of other people around.

I had a few moments this afternoon of really missing my grandma. Not sure where it came from, totally unexpected. Oh, maybe it was because I was wondering how my uncle was doing. He's in the hospital, again. He's had heart trouble for many years, several surgeries, etc. He hasn't been well for some time, especially this past year. Apparently he has a "spot" on his lung that they are checking out. *sigh* Waiting to hear more.

Sheldon got back from his school skiing/snowboarding trip late last night/early morning. I'm not sure what time he got in, but I know it was after 2:00 a.m. He was still asleep when I left for work, so I haven't talked to him yet. Hopefully they had a good time. :-)

I talked to Chantelle about a week ago. She's still doing great, still at Surfer's and working in a seafood restaurant for now.

We had our church's annual meeting a couple of weeks ago. I gave up the one position that I had. It doesn't make much difference as far as the various "jobs" that I actually have, it was more of a responsibility thing. I knew that I wasn't doing a good job, I didn't want to be in that position and felt like a hypocrite for being there. I feel better about that now, but feel some slight guilt because no one has been willing to take it on. But I knew that would happen. I feel like I've pulled some support out from under my friend -- she has way to much to handle already. It was something I felt I needed to do, though.

Our diocese elected a new bishop last May. He's been going around to visit all of the parishes to get to know people, and he visited us two weeks ago. It was great. Bishop Gregory is such a down-to-earth and engaging person, and so easy to talk to. (He's the same age as me.) I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the day -- and that hasn't happened with church stuff for a long time. It was nice to feel uplifted, even if it was only temporary.

We are starting to get some things done with the new library building... it's exciting. Sooooo much work for the next few months, but exciting nonetheless! We are planning to move at the end of April, if all goes according to plan.

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Currently reading: Blue Like Jazz ~ Donald Miller
Currently playing: Launchcast at work

Winning basketball

The boys won all their games, and won the tournament. I'm proud of them. They not only played well, but they demonstrated great sportsmanship, as did their coach.

One of the other teams had a terrible coach. All he did was yell at his boys constantly, he never seemed to have a word of encouragment, and he harrassed the refs to the point where he got called with two technical fouls. Two technicals, and a coach is removed from the game. Because they didn't have an assistant coach with them, the game had to be called. The game itself had been a good game -- good competition, lots of excitement. But one stupid coach ruined it. His players were embarrassed. When the teams shook hands afterward, the coach did the whole patting-on-the-back, "good game!" phoniness... but his players apologized. Thankfully they had alot more class than their coach. Then he went up to the ref that he had been harrassing, and started into something again, and the principal had to step in and tell him to stop.

I don't think the school will be inviting them back again next year if he's still coaching. It's too bad.

Aside from that, though, it was a great tournament.

The coach did a display of all the players with their pictures, their #, nickname, their favorite sports person, favorite sports moment, etc. On each was a comment from the coach. For Sheldon's, he wrote: "Sheldon is the absolute heart and soul of the team. He makes us believe in each other." I liked that. :-)

Basketball

Sheldon's last home basketball tournament is this weekend. They've been having a good year, and really enjoying themselves. The past couple of years weren't so great (issues with the coach), but they're having a blast this year. The home tournament is the highlight of the year. Should be fun. :-)

There is a school break next week, and the grade 11's and 12's are going skiing in Fernie, B.C. again. Hopefully they'll have good weather. It's been soooo cold here in SK.

Okay, gotta run. Have a great weekend!!!

Yay!

I booked my flights to Arizona today... I'm going the last two weeks in March. :-) After that, it's going to be incredibly busy at work for quite awhile with moving the library, so this is my chance to get away before then.

I'm excited! :-D

Challenging

I talked to HQ this morning. I can challenge this prerequisite course at a cost of $50 -- much better than $500.00! I get the textbook, and can write an online exam within one month. If I was to fail, I would have to wait and take it at another time, but I know this stuff, so with the textbook and some brushing up on a few things, I'm not worried. Once I have that, then I can look at the next step. :-)

Friday update

I found out today that, with my experience and computer/Internet knowledge/skills, I might be able to challenge the prerequisite class. I'm waiting to find out more about it, the process and the cost. Unfortunately the person I need to talk to isn't in the office until Monday. And I have to make a decision Monday morning. Nothing like last minute... ::rolleyes::

This is such a busy time of year as it is, and I find myself getting stressed (as I always do at this time). Board meetings, annual meetings, numerous reports (oh how I hate the financial ones), planning for moving the library and the huge amount of work involved in that, church stuff, etc... As far as the church stuff, I think I am finally going to step down from my one position there. I feel it's time. I don't think it's where I'm supposed to be. There is still lots there that I will be involved in, but not that particular role. I'm not sure what will happen with that. We are such a tiny church, with a mostly older congregation, and in the past no one else was willing to take over that position -- one reason why I stayed. But I have to trust that things will work out.

I need to go shopping in Saskatoon tomorrow. I was going to go Monday, but I can't now. I have to get Sheldon a birthday present... not that I have any idea what that will be yet! LOL. He turns 18 on January 28. My baby...

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Education Opportunity

(Some of you will have seen this already...)

Blah.... I hate making decisions!

I got an email from HQ yesterday afternoon with an offer to take an online Certificate in Library Training course. Now, as most of you know, I work in a very small public library (town pop. 1,100). I don't have any "formal" training, it was all done on the job. I have a lot of experience, after 8.5 years, but no formal training. Now, it isn't required for my current job (although it would be helpful), however if I was to someday move and and wanted to find employment within the same field, then it would definitely be an asset (and most likely a requirement).

There is a prerequisite class that will run from the end of January to mid-April, at a cost of $500.00. The deadline for registration is MONDAY, January 22. It's short notice, but HQ was only informed about it yesterday. The other courses will be offered over a period of time, and vary in price.

It is both a financial and a time commitment, and I'm not certain if I'm prepared for either at the moment! But I don't have a lot of time to make that decision. Blah.... Do I sound panicky? Cuz that's how I feel.... lol. *deep breath*

Some prayer would be lovely. :-)

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Brrrrrrr.....

I talked to my girl last night. She was basking in +34°C temps, while we're freezing in -28 to -30°C temps, with a windchill of -40 to -45°C. So not fair.... lol.

There are 5 Filipino men who come into the library frequently. They have been living in town for about 8 months (one has been here longer), and they got their first experience of a blizzard the other day.... and now this bitter cold. I feel for them... even I hate it, and I'm used to it! Poor fellows... lol.

I got Christmas presents in the mail today -- lots of great stuff. I got spoiled again. :-) This was one of the gifts:

iHome

(I already have a Nano, it's the iHome that I got.) ;-)

Sheldon's off to a basketball tournament today -- about 3.5 - 4 hours from here. I'm not thrilled that they are traveling in this cold weather, but there are several carloads, parents driving, and probably every person going has a cell phone... lol. So they should be okay.

I wish I was at home curling up on the couch, under my fuzzy Eeyore blanket, sipping hot chocolate and reading my book. Only 2 1/2 hours of work left.... :-P

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Currently listening to: Launchcast
Currently reading: Hannibal Rising ~ Thomas Harris

January Blizzard

We've had a nice, relatively mild winter. Until now....

Most of central SK got hit with a major blizzard today. We had high winds when I went to work at noon, by 2:00 it was snowing, and by 3:00 it was really bad. I tried to call my co-worker to tell her not to come in (she lives on the farm), and that I would work straight through till 8:00, but I couldn't reach her. She came in at 4:00, and shortly after that you could barely see across the street. It's now after 7:00, and you still can't see across the street!

Her husband came about 5:00 and told her she needed to go home with him -- because if they waited until 8:00 she probably wasn't going to get home! So I'm working later tonight.

In Saskatoon, the university was closed, they closed the bridges (there are several) this afternoon, buses stopped running at 6:00 p.m., several highways are closed, businesses closed and sent employees home... my friend's daughter was one who was sent home. When Robbie talked to her at 4:30, she'd been stuck in traffic for 2 hours. And she doesn't live very far from work!

Oh well.... at least we don't get avalanches here. ;-)

Josh asked for a picture, so I tried to take one tonight from the open doorway. It was dark outside, and all I got was snow all over the lens of the camera. :-P


Fortunately, I only live 2 blocks from home. I think that Sheldon has his dad's truck tonight, so I'll see if he can give me a ride home. Otherwise, I'll be bundling up and walking. ;-)

Goo Goo Dolls & Elmo

Okay, I know I posted this elsewhere, but I had to put it here, too... It is so adorable. Josh sent it to me earlier tonight, and I love it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXT1x6eJt-g

Happy New Year!

It's New Year's Eve, and I'm sitting at home. :-P I don't normally do anything for New Year's, might watch a movie or something, but it's not a big deal. Last year at this time, Josh and I were celebrating New Year's with some of his friends -- we had such a great time. This year, he's playing video games and I'm 1,200 miles away drinking chai tea, answering emails and blogging. What a bummer!

I wish all my friends a wonderful 2007 -- may God bless you richly. Love you guys! :-)

Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

Yeah, so I've been a bit of a slacker and didn't get a "Merry Christmas" post up. I hope you all had a great day, however you spent it. :-)

December has been kind of a blah month for me -- up and down and all over the place. My Christmas Eve was very quiet. Sheldon worked until 4:00, and the boys spent the afternoon/evening with their dad. They had a good time. I went to church by myself at 9:30 p.m. That was a bit of a bummer. Church itself was good, but I missed having my kids there with me, and I missed having my close friend Lana and her girls there (the nasty flu bug hit their household). Christmas Eve is usually so "routine" for us, and I really missed the hugs and exchange of gifts and good wishes, etc.

I also was feeling pretty down when I left church and walked home. My mom left a gift for me (since we wouldn't see each other the next day). Didn't give it to me, but told my sister it was there for me as she left (catching a ride home with someone). That was fine... however, she is refusing to give gifts to my kids, because she says they didn't thank her previously. So that was hurtful. She had gifts for others, but not her grandchildren. (She gave to the other grandchildren, but not my kids.) My kids aren't little, and they brushed it off... but I was hurt, even if they weren't (or acted like they weren't). It feels like she is doing this -- in some weird way -- because she is still upset with me, and that instead of dealing with that, she's taking it out on my kids. It might not be that way, but that's how it feels. It's all very strange and dysfunctional. *sigh*

I talked to Chantelle a little while after I got home, very briefly, and that was good. I had a long chat with Josh, and that helped. It always does. :-)

On Christmas Day, Robbie, Sheldon & I went to Moose Jaw and spent the day with my aunt & uncle. We had a great time. It was the first Christmas that they (aunt & uncle)had spent without my grandma, and their daughter was home but left early Christmas morning, so that was really different and I think kind of tough for them. We had to agree that it was definitely an odd Christmas this year. But we did have fun with them. :-)

Chantelle called last night and we had time for a longer talk. That was really nice. She had a good Christmas with friends, and they will spend New Year's together as well before going their separate ways.

It's snowing lots here today... Brrrrr.....

Okay, back to work. ;-)

I need to buy the new Todd Agnew CD...

... "Do You See What I See?" I totally forgot when I was in Saskatoon. I think I'll have to order it on Amazon, but it won't be till after Christmas. That's okay, I just wish I would have remembered it before so I would have it for this season. His talent is so amazing....

I wrapped most of the Christmas presents today (not that there were alot). I need to do the ones for the boys yet, but that won't take long. I have a couple of things that I ordered online that haven't arrived yet -- I'm hoping they get here in time.

We had our Lessons & Carols service at church today. It was nice, but there were only a few of us there due to a nasty stomach flu that is going around here. Yuck...

I went to the high school's musical drama production on Friday night. It was really good, the kids did a great job. The school has done drama's for many years, but last year was the first time they attempted a musical, and they've done great. There is alot of talent there, especially when you consider how small our school is.

Loneliness....

I was feeling kind of lonely the past couple of days. It's something that comes and goes. Been missing Josh... been missing my girl... Christmas seems to make things worse.

Chantelle is talking of moving to Toronto when she gets back from Australia. *sigh* That's even farther away than Calgary. Sheldon is excited for graduation and talks about moving out. Which is a good thing, but tough for me at the same time. Josh is too stinking far away. (Toronto is actually farther... blah...)

Such is life...

I'm actually okay today. Or at least at the moment... lol.

In other news.... :-P Sheldon got his car, a 2002 Cavalier, deep midnight blue. Very nice! He worked his tail off the past few months to pay off his other car and save for a down payment. He is quite pleased, and deserves to be. He's playing basketball this weekend, an out-of-town tournament. They won their first game last night so they were pretty excited. They are up against some even tougher teams today, so I hope they do good. It's just the start of the season, but they haven't lost a game yet -- an encouraging start. :-)

Chantelle has been fruit picking in Bundaberg for the past couple of weeks, with a German girl that she met at Surfer's Paradise. They worked 11 hour days, but made good money. I think they are heading back to Surfer's soon, where they will meet back up with a couple of other friends and spend Christmas and New Year's there. Then she'll be off to explore other parts of Australia.

My aunt and uncle invited the boys and I to spend Christmas Day with them -- my cousin and her friend Brent will be there, and my uncle's sister. I think it could be fun. Hopefully the weather will be good for traveling. It's only an hour away, but I don't like traveling when the weather is bad.

I got a start on my Christmas shopping, but am really stuck on what to get for a few people. It seems that buying gifts has become more stressful than fun for the most part. How did that happen? I'm becoming a Scrooge! Yikes!

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Currently playing: Far Away ~ Nickelback

Moving???

No, not me... :-P

But maybe the library. We are in an old building that has served many different purposes long before it was ever the library. It's okay, but needs work, and my biggest issue is that we've had flooding and water leaks in the past, and I am afraid of what is growing underneath the carpet!!! Seriously! We had a leak in the bathroom earlier this year, and water seeped outside the bathroom onto the carpeted area... and we had some really funky-looking fungus growing out of the carpet!!! REALLY GROSS! I mean, how healthy can that be?! :-S

We've been talking for awhile about the possibility of moving to another building, and now the opportunity has come up that might make that a reality. There is a recently vacant building that is currently up for tender, and the board chairperson and I are going to the Town Council meeting tonight to put forth a proposal for them to consider bidding on the building (they could get it for peanuts) for the library. (The Town is required to provide a building for us.)

The purchase of the building probably wouldn't be a big issue, but the necessary funds to do some renovations and to make it wheelchair accessible might be the stickler. But we're going to give it a shot!

I was a bit hesitant about this building before, not being very familiar with the layout, but I've had a good look at it now, and the assistant librarian and I spent some time today dreaming up possibilities for it.... lol. I'm kind of excited about it. We'll see what happens. :-)