Confession Friday

I confess that I'm glad it's Friday.  Just finished my second week back at my new job and while it has been a great two weeks and I'm really enjoying being challenged and learning new things, I feel tired.

I confess that I planned a spa day last Sunday with some girlfriends.  We went to the Scandinave Spa in Collingwood.  I'd never been to this place but several co-workers had and told me it's a great place to relax.  Hot springs, saunas, a solarium to relax on loungers.  Heaven!  So we set our early Sunday morning and after a 2 hour drive arrived at the lumber yard.  Yep, your read that right.  That darn Garmin led us to the wrong location.  So after finding someone to give us directions and a little more driving we arrived.  It was a wonderful day.  We relaxed, we talked (even though it's a mostly silent environment) and had the best time.  We have agreed to make this an annual girls day outing.  One of my friends has been through a very rough couple of months with illness and this day was exactly what she needed.  We were all so blissed out that none of us noticed that we were getting a bit too much sun.  We ended up looking a bit like lobsters but it was worth it.  Brian & I are going to go back for our 10th anniversary.  I recommend this for anyone needing a day of relaxation.  You can't go wrong with $48 for a spa day.  Check out the Scandinave Spa in Collingwood.  They have a few locations in other cities so there might even be one near you!

I confess that I am sick with a cold. This is getting ridiculous.  What is going on with my immune system?  Anyone have any tips or tricks to boost the immune system.  Obviously I need all the extra help I can get.

I confess we just recently celebrated the one year anniversary of Addis becoming a Canadian Citizen.  Yay!!  That milestone was the final step before our visa was issued and we were able to bring Addis home and end our adoption journey and begin our journey as a family.

I confess that we are approaching the 1 year anniversary of becoming a family.  We are planning a family dinner and celebration.  Ssh, don't tell Addis but he's getting a special present.  A new tricycle!

I confess that there is no good way to get out of my neighbourhood in the morning to go to work.  Construction is EVERYWHERE and it's such a huge pain.

I confess that I am EXTREMELY happy for a good friend of mine.  She just found out today that their son's visa is issued and they can now pick up their son.  Their referral was last June and they've hit just about every roadblock in their journey.  I can't wait to see them together as a forever family.  I'm going to be stalking facebook and her blog for regular updates.

I confess that I forgot our massages for this month got cancelled.  Poor Brian just drove all the way to his massage just to be turned away because our masssage therapist is on holidays.  Boo!  Now we have to wait until June 2nd for the next appt.

I confess that I just booked a session at Supperworks.  I am going by myself on June 7th at 8pm to make some entrees. Their June menu looks fantastic and I have picked out 5 different meals to plan.  I've been wanting to try supperworks for a really long time and been trying to get people to come with me but nobody ever wants to go.  So, I decided that I wasn't going to put it off any longer and finally booked myself in. 

I confess that  I have treated myself to a few new books this past week from Amazon.  The UPS driver & I are going to be on a first name basis soon.  She's made 3 stops at our place this week.  Yikes!  Luckily the books are all seriously discounted and I didn't have to pay for shipping.  I'll let you know if any of them are "must reads".

Confession Friday

I confess the past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity.

I confess today was my last official day as an Express underwriter.  Starting Monday I go back to my old position!!!!  I can't begin to tell you how excited I am.  I am looking forward to my new desk buddy.  I am looking forward to learning all kinds of new things becasue I hear the territory in which I'll be working is a learning experience everyday.  I am looking forward to working with a few old favourite brokers and getting to know some new ones.  I am MOST excited about engaging my brain on a daily basis.  I can't wait for Monday!!!!!

I confess that I caught myself listening to bubble gum pop this morning anf rocking out.  OMG!  What is wrong with me?  I was listening to "Nothing My Love Can't Fix" by Joey Lawrence (JOEY LAWRENCE???) and signing along.  What is my trauma? I am embarrassed for myself.  Obviously I need help!

I confess that Addis hurt himself this week and I feel amazing amounts of guilt.  It was my sister's birthday and we were having a party.  The kids had already eaten and the adults were just finishing up dinner.  I'm not sure of the exact way things played out but I do remember hearing my brother's girlfriend screaming that Addis was bleeding.  I jumped up with a cold fear in my belly not knowing how bad it could be but never thinking it could be that bad.  When I got to him there was blood everywhere.  It covered his entire face.  It was in his eyes, his nose and in his mouth.  I could not tell where the blood was coming from.  It was the worst feeling.  I was scared.  I don't handle blood well.  I have a weak stomach.  Apparently my family is amazed at how well I handled the situation.  I don't feel I handled it well.  I grabbed him up and strong armed him so we could find the source of blood and despite his screaming and protests put a sumo wrestler grip on him.  When we finally saw the gash on his forehead and realized this definitely required a trip to the hospital, I walked out of the house without shoes.  I took one look at my heels and thought "no way".  Thankfully I had a pair of flips flops in the car.  One we were at the hospital and checked in (after 45 minutes and some harsh words for the triage nurse) I lost it.  I went outside for a good cry.  Long story short, we waited about 6 hours, Addis had 3 stitches, he finally fell asleep about midnight and slept through getting the stitches.

I confess that I have put my "serious" literature aside for some more summer friendly chick lit.  I just started reading a book called The Castaways.  I really enjoy this authors style and think I might order some of her books.

I confess that this weekend my in-laws are coming and I have made plans for us to enjoy as a family.  It starts with swimming lessons.  They will get to see Addis in the pool which I always find a real joy.  Perhaps they will help us with some projects around the house if the weather co-operates and if it doesn't my mother-in-law & I will head to the mall with Addis,  Our evening plans include some much anticipated family movies I've been waiting to watch "Dolphin Tale" and "We Bought A Zoo".

I confess that my husband is givng me the stink eye cause he wants to watch tv and my blogging is holding that up so I will finish up quickly.

I confess that I have ordered some fun adoption t-shirts and I'm looking forward to them coming in.

I confess that I am making a concentrated effort to spend more time on myself.  That sounds silly because in many ways I am very selfish.  However in the past few months I have let a lot of things go.  I am trying to make time to do the little things that I let become unimportant.  I have pulled out my body lotion and try to make time to apply that after my shower each morning.  I am trying to fit in exercise (that is still a major work in progress).  I am trying to read during the day other then a few minutes before bed.  I feel like I'm a work in progress.

I confess that we all still miss Oz.  The other night we were watching tv and CSI came on.  Since we had to put Oz down I have fast forwarded through the theme song of CSI.  Listening to it was just too painful.  Oz would howl along to the beat every single time he heard it.  He could be in a dead sleep and the second he heard the first note, he would pop up and begin his rendition.  The other night I wanted to feel close to Oz and remember him so I finally let the song play.  This time as soon as the first note played Jax woke up from his sleep and looked around for his brother.  I broke my heart.  We are all still feeling the loss of Oz.

Confession Friday

I confess that last Saturday was Addy's first swimming lesson and I couldn't have been more proud of him.  He was AMAZING!!  I couldn't get over what a total rock star he was.  He put his face in the water on his own.  He was kicking his legs by about halfway through the 30 minute lesson.  He also was comfortable laying on his back with a hand in the middle of his back for support.  Brian was in the pool with him last week and this week it's my turn to go in.  I can't wait to watch him up close.  I hope this week's lesson is as successful.

I confess that while I am excited to take part in Addy's swim lesson I am definitely less excited about wearing a bathing suit in front of people.  However, I definitely won't be letting my personal issues get in the way of being a part of such an important step in Addy's life.

I confess that I am starting to see some positive changes in my body from the exercise I've been doing.  I feel less uncomfortable.  It's a small change but it's a start.

I confess that I heard the best news this week.  Good friends of ours FINALLY heard word that they had passed court and were now legally the proud parents of an adorable little boy.  I am overjoyed for them.  I think they will make great parents.  They showed amazing grace during this difficult process of waiting and I pray that the last leg of their journey goes smoothly and they can pick up their son very soon.  Congrats B, M & B.  You are a beautiful family!!!!
I confess that this week I have been doing some work helping out other underwriters to help occupy my time as things are still very slow for my team.  I feel much more fulfilled.  I have realized I would much rather be swamped with work than have nothing to do.  It gets old really quick having nothing to do.

I confess that I am counting down the days until I see my best friend.  I CAN'T WAIT!!  I want to see how her two oldest children have grown up and I'm looking forward to meeting her youngest.  I can't wait to spend a few hours after the kids have gone to bed just catching up.  I wish we lived closer.  Spending time with Hope is like chicken soup for my soul.

I confess that we are buying a shed this weekend.  Hopefully we can move a lot of the stuff from the garage into the shed and park both cars in the garage next winter.  It was so nice to park in the garge this winter.  Not scraping my car is a nice luxury.

I confess we are going to start shopping for a bedroom set.  We've wanted one since we got married and have never been able to afford one.  We hope to find a nice set and paint/decorate our room.  In our last house we did our room last and it's something we regretted and wish we did sooner.  In this house, we hope to not put our room last.  However, things aren't shaping up the way we'd planned. 

I confess I want to get as much painting done as we can sooner than later because I don't want to waste nice days in the house and can't imagine having to face painting in the fall/winter.

I confess one of the things we want to do in our house is take some of the pictures we took in Ethiopia, fine tune them and put them on canvas to display in our family room.  Problem is, we can't decide which ones to use. 

I confess I have marked some local festivals in my calendar to take Addis to.  We have a really great multicultural festival that I can't wait to take him to.  The food, music and atmosphere is amazing.  There is also an event called Afrofest at Waterloo Park.  It's fairly small but the music is good and Addis really enjoyed himself last year.  I also can't wait to see details about a local Jazz festival.  It's an entire weekend and free.  Last year they had Jully Black perform.  Unfortunately we had to miss that event last year.  This year, I'm really hoping to get there at least one day.  Addis has music in his soul and I know he'd love it.  He's also love all the people.  He's a real people person.

I confess I have big plans for the summer.  Here's a sneak peek - Zoo, beach, park, bike rides, 2nd birthday party (Lightning McQueen theme), Canada Day, camping, picnics.  I guess it all boils down to family time.  I can't wait.  The summer is supposed to be hot and sunny.  Sounds to me like our future's so bright, we'll have to wear shades!  It's a good feeling!

Confession Friday

I confess it has been 3 months since I last posted. 

I confess I didn't post over the holidays because I actually took the time to sit back and enjoy them.  This was the first year in many years that Brian and I enjoyed Christmas and New Year's.  We didn't have to put a fake smile on to hide the pain.  Gone were the days of "Fake it, til you make it".  We made wonderful memories and started some very special family traditions.  Watching Addis on Christmas morning was a real joy for me.  We also had a nice quiet New Year's Eve at home.  I can't begin to tell you what a relief it was to start a new year knowing our son was upstairs asleep in his bed.

I confess that I didn't post after the holidays because I was getting ready to go back to work and wanted to spend as much time with Addis as possible.

I confess that now that I'm back to work, I don't have a lot of time with Addis so I want to spend as much time with him as possible.  Once he's in bed, I don't feel like being on a computer and it takes me a long time to wind down and actually relax.

I confess I'm not enjoying being back to work.  I love the people I work with but it's a tough adjustment being away from Addis.  I also got moved into a new position and I spend most of my day bored.  Things are really slow at work and we often spend the day reading the paper and trying to kill time.  Ican't wait for Thursday because it's flyer day.  Not only do we have the paper to read but we also have flyers to look at.  It makes for a very long day staring at the clock.  I'm praying things pick up soon or I get moved back to my old job

I confess another reason I haven't posted in a while is because I'm not sure anyone still reads my blog (thanks Jenn for letting me know that you do).

I confess I don't feel that I've had anything interesting to say most days. 

I confess that 3 weeks ago we had to put our dog Oz down.  It was a very painful experience.  Oz was an amazing friend and dear member of our family.  The decision to put him down did not come easily.  Five weeks ago, I got a call at work from Brian telling me I needed to meet him at the hospital because Oz bit Addis.  While I don't think it's acceptable behaviour (EVER) for a dog to bite, there were extenuating circumstances.  Addis is in a terrible hitting stage.  He hits when he doesn't get his way or he's frustrated.  Unfortunately, he often lashes out at the dogs.  Jax is very good natured and doesn't seem affected by Addy's behaviour.  Oz on the other hand, is a sensitive dog.  He had a very rough start in life.  We rescued him from the Humane Society.  He was 1 of 58 labs brought in.  He had to fight for food with the other dogs which made him frightened of other dogs.  While he was at the Humane Society there was such a huge interest in these dogs that literally hundreds of people paraded through trying to adopt one of the labs.  During this time, kids would be banging on the glass which made him a bit skittish of kids.  We worried about what Oz would be like when we brought a child home but he was such a loving dog when he got to know people that we thought it would be ok.  He was fiercely loyal to his family.  Unfortunately, once Addis started hitting, Oz was afraid of him.  Addis would often corner Oz and play very aggressively.  When Oz bit Addis we had to decide what was best for everyone.  We took into account that Oz has had seizures that are stress driven for years.  Oz also had lumps removed just over a year ago and one of them was cancerous.  We recently found lumps again on Oz and they seemed to feel and look that same as the previous lumps so it was very possible he was sick.  More importantly, Oz just didn't seem happy anymore.  His whole life had changed.  Major changes like we brought home a child and moved to a new house.  We also changed his dog food, stopped giving him rawhide bones, timbits and carrots because he had severe allergies that was causing him serious problems.  He seemed, tired, stressed, unhappy and sick.  Taking all of that into consideration and the bite, we decided the best thing was to put him down.  I still can't think about him without crying.  He was such a huge comfort to me during our years of infertility and while waiting for the adoption to be completed.  He was sunshine on some very dark days.  I can honestly say that many days after the bankruptcy of our adoption agency, Oz was the only reason I got out of bed.  He counted on me to take care of him so I couldn't go into a downward spiral of depression.  I will never forget my best buddy.

I confess that we have now been together 10 months with Addis and we could officially update our homestudy and start a new adoption but I'm not ready for that.  I'm not sure I'll ever be.  Our adoption became like an addiction to me and I was completely strung out on all things adoption. I obsessed about every little step.  I was on an emotional rollercoaster for 3 years.  Now that we are home and things have settled into a routine, I just don't see wanting to go through that again.  I'm very happy being a family of three.  Maybe someday, I'll be ready to consider expanding our family.  Maybe not.  For now, I'm happy and content and that is something I haven't felt in years. 
I confess that while I still love a good Nora Roberts book I've been trying to expand my horizons.  So far I have read Secret Daughter, The Help, Sarah's Key, Water For Elephants.  I've also got a stack of books that are just waiting to be read.  Book Of Negroes, Cutting For Stone, There Really Is A Heaven, Coventry, A Secret Kept.  I also recently read the much hyped Twilight series and have the equally as hyped Hunger Games on deck.  I'm always looking for good book suggestions so if there's a book where the story and characters really spoke to you, please feel free to make suggestions.

I confess that I am happily planning a beach vacation for next year.  I'm hoping to go to Jamaica for a week.  This year is our 10 year wedding anniversary so we plan to celebrate by going away.  We have plans with another couple.  There is a specific resort that seems to be calling my name and a co-worker has been there so she gave me a photo of the beach which I will be taping on the display on my treadmill to help motivate me to run a little harder and longer and lose some weight. 

I confess I have signed up for a fitness class 2 days a week at work.  It works out great because I can do this during my lunch break and now I only need to find 2 other days of the week to workout at home.  Hopefully I can get my rear in gear and get it done.  I can't stand the way I feel these days.  It's not good when you look down and your belly is smiling back at you!!! 

Confession Friday

I confess that 1 month from today I have to go back to work.  I have very mixed emotions about this.  I am looking forward to adult conversation during the day.  I am sad and anxious about leaving Addis all day.  I also found out yesterday that I'm going to be working on a different team because they are short staffed.  I worked in this department 4 years ago and worked very hard to move up into my position.  I feel a little like I've been demoted.  This is supposed to be temporary but that doesn't mean short lived by any means.  It looks as if I'm going to be there until at least the summer.  I worried about being bored.  I'm hoping though that this will lead to some bigger opportunities as there are many changes that will be occurring in this department.

I confess that yesterday was officially 7 months together.  I can't believe where the time is going. 

I confess that Addis has not been interested in sweets until we started opening up the advent calendar doors.  He now loves chocolate.  I love watching his face when he gets his chocolate in the morning.  His smile is so big.

I confess I went to my work holiday lunch today.  It's a dressier event and I put on a pair of heels for the first time in about 8 months.  I had a hard time walking in them.  I felt ridiculous.  It was like I forgot how to walk in heels and I looked a little like a little girl playing dress up in her mother's high heels.  I think I might have to start wearing them around the house and practice a little before I go back to work so I don;t make a fool out of myself.

I confess that tonight we will start wrapping Christmas presents. 

I confess that I had finished my Christmas shopping (with the exception of Brian) and then I saw a few more things Addis would like so I bought them.  I may have gone a little overboard this year.  I am just so excited for Christmas morning.

I confess that I finally took the time to post some pictures of Addis on Facebook.  I've been meaning to for a while and just haven't gotten around to it.  There's some really cute ones so take a few minutes and take a peek.

Confession Friday

I confess that last weekend was AMAZING!!!  Our room had a gigantic hot tub.  I was able to soak in the tub for hours while watching a movie.  Luxury.  I even spent about 10 minutes with my feet on the jets and afterwards they were humming in pleasure.  We each had a margarita at Margaritaville and shared some wings.  My drink was called License to Chill and it was deeee-lish.  It came in a glass that was huge.  Good thing we were just across the street from our hotel by this time and no longer needed to drive.  We had stopped earlier at the outlet stores and I bought 2 pairs of Nine West shoes for less then the price of 1 pair at home.  I need new shoes to go back to work since the heels I was wearing have cracked soles.  We also went in the Coach store and Brian bought me a lovely bag for our anniversary and Brian picked up my xmas gift from Addis there as well.  We ate dinner at East Side Marios.  On Sunday we crossed the border and went to the Buffalo Bills/Tennesee Titans football game.  We had a great time.  Our seats were sooo close.  We were 20 rows off the field.  Brian and I have never sat that close to the field.  The game was good and the people watching was a lot of fun too.  We saw a lot of people get thrown out of the stadium by the yellow jackets.  We lucked out with the weather.  We came prepared for cold weather but it ended up being warm enough that we were comfortable in our jackets and even had to take off our hats and mitts.

I confess that we only have one holiday party to attend this year.  I'm really looking forward to it.  We are getting together with two other adoptive families.  I can't wait to see the new photos one of the families has of their son and I'm excited to meet the other family"s little girl.  I'm so very grateful to have these friends.

I confess that we finished our family holiday card this week.  It was a more difficult project than I expected but I'm very pleased with the finished product.  Some have been sent out in the mail, I'm still collecting some addresses and some will be hand delivered.

I confess that we did our second post placement report this week.  It was nice to be able to get that out of the way before the holidays.  We were able to show off our new house to our practioner.  More importantly we were able to brag about all of Addis's accomplishments.

I confess that I only have 1 Christmas gift left to buy.  I'm behind on my Christmas shopping this year.  I'm one of those sick people who likes to have everything bought, wrapped and under the tree by December 1st.

I confess that today's paper had a schedule of all the holiday specials on tv and I immediately ripped it out and sat down with a highlighter and have marked all the ones we want to watch.  It's now sitting on the side table in our family room so we don't miss any of them.  I can't wait to see some of my favourites.  The Grinch, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty.  It was however missing my very favourite holiday special.  The Disney Christmas Parade.  It's always on the morning of December 25th.  I always tape it and watch it later that afternoon once the turkey is in the oven.

I confess that I bought myself a little present this week.  I picked up a copy of the movie The Help.  I loved the book and can hardly wait to see the movie.

I confess that I was sick again this week.  Is my immune system ever going to be strong again?  I swear Addis is a little germ factory.  Luckily he's only a carrier and of the 7 times I've been sick since May, he's only been sick 2 times.  I'm definitely over being sick all the time.  I'm not joking, it's a once a month thing.  Enough already!!!

Confession Friday

I confess that today has been a frustrating day.  It was almost as though the photography Gods were against us and then with us, then against us, etc.  They were a flighty bunch today.  We got the call to come pick up the professional photos we did of Addis a week early (bonus! after they told us after taking the darn things that it would take almost 3 weeks) only to have the studio closed for an afternoon break.  The photographer failed to mention this when I told her we'd come by later in the afternoon to pick them up.  We left to take Addis to see Santa and while we got a great shot, the picture would not attach to the email the Santa Experience sends.  They send all photos by email and then you print them as needed.  There is not cost just a donation to the Child Witness Centre. (great idea in my opinion). Anyway, we had to go back to the mall and investigate because there was no phone number on our receipt or the website and all we had was a blank page with a little memo saying "thanks for using the Santa Experience".  We not only got a re-take, but were able to salvage the first picture.  However, Addis was tired and not interested in sitting alone with Santa the second time around.  He caused a scene.  We ended up having to sit in the picture too.  I guess this is a good thing because we got a nice(ish) family photo with Santa.  However, the people in line were not Sandau family fans as they thought we were line jumpers.  The elves felt so bad about our photo not attaching and having to make a return trip that they ushered us to the front of the line and made everyone else wait. 

I confess that I got bad news about a friend tonight and my heart hurts.  Get well soon friend.  I miss you very much.

I confess that this is the weekend Brian and I are getting away.  YIPPEE!!!  Not sure what I'm most exicted about.  The hot tub, the ability to sleep in (no dogs whining for breakfast at 6am or baby crying because he hears the dogs), the football game or the Nine West outlet just down the road from our hotel.  Oh, the endless possibilities!!!!

I confess that I went to the mall for one item and came across a Yankee Candle store.  WHAT???  When did that come to Canada?  I was very excited and then had an "Oh NO" moment after I spent money I probably shouldn't have.  Oh well, my house will smell wonderful at Christmas.

I confess that I tried making our Christmas card on the Costco website this evening and had no luck.  It was going well earlier today but when I went back in to edit, it turned into a gong show.  Sometimes I think I have no business around a computer.  I think I will go into the store armed with my USB loaded with pics and if I run into trouble, hopefully somewhere there can help me.  Even if that someone is just a passing customer.