Going to the prom

Last week was Newtonbrook's 50th Anniversary celebration. A lot of work went into the planning and execution of the event. There was an open house during the day and then a 'reunion' at night. They promoted the event for a very long time, and they did have a good turnout at the school. They sold out, which I think meant 500 tickets sold. There were many people at the last minute that wanted to come but couldn't get a ticket. I am sure that there were many people that entered through open doors that night....

It is funny, but I think social media played a factor in the lack of attendance for the grads from the 80's and after. I would say that almost all the people I saw at the event that were my age (or thereabouts) are my 'friends' on Facebook. We may not see each other live (some yes) but we know what is going on with each other. In fact, everyone that saw me knew about my infection (because I was updating on Facebook) and was surprised to see me there. I probably should have stayed home, but really didn't want to miss it. There won't be another 25th anniversary opportunity

It was a great event, and I was happy I went, but I think that the "older" grads had a different experience than I did. Many of them graduated many years before I was at the school. It was the 50th anniversary so that would make sense. Since I like to plan my own get togethers with groups of people I want to see and spend time with, I think I will continue to do that. That was a common message I heard from friends of mine. Like 'friending' someone from back in the day on Facebook. Perhaps you had things in common with them in high school, but twenty five (or more) years later it is a whole different ball game.

Being at the reunion and the fact that it is our 25th anniversary brings me to today. For those who graduated with me know what today is? Today is the 25th anniversary of our high school prom! YES, it is.

You are probably asking me how I remember such a silly date as our high school prom. The first reason is that it was the same day as the opening day of Skydome.  I remember it was a rainy night and we were at the Westin Harbour Castle  and you could see the skydivers landing inside the open roof of the first ever retractable roofed stadium, while it poured.

I also remember because my grandfather passed away the day before the prom. It is crazy to think that means he has been gone 25 years as well, but it is what it is. Indelible life events.

I remember thinking about not going to the prom. All my relatives were arriving from Montreal and my Grandmother told me that there is no way I could miss the prom. I had the dress (purple of course), my friends were all going together in a limo, the night was four years in the making. Prom night.

There are things you don't forget. I remember that I was watching people I knew talking to the friends I had come in the limo with, and then coming over to me to wish me condolences. I am glad I went, because I think I would have always thought, why didn't I go to the prom.

I have friends who have 'kids' that are attending their proms this year. It is funny and reminiscent to look at the photos, the corsages, the happy parents with their grown up children.

I don't think that Prom today is much different than it was 'back in the day', and I will always be glad I had that memory.

Dance into the light

Started my Sunday chores today by putting on the radio and tuned into to Chumfm for their back in the day brunch, which is songs from the 80's and 90's. Housework and chores don't seem as daunting when you have good music playing in the background. I guess that could go for anything really. Music for me always puts me in a good place.

When I turned the radio on, a Phil Collin's song was just starting. Not the usual "In the Air Tonight", but from 1996 much later than that, called Dance into the Light. It has that lighthearted, "pop" beat that was Phil's style. That toe tapping, humming along sound. I started to listen to the words. They seems very poetic in their style and something that was written about 18 years ago could actually be written today as well.

It's there in the eyes of the children
In the faces smiling in the windows
You can come on out, come on open the doors
Brush away the tears of freedom

Now we're here, there's no turning back
We have each other
We have one voice

Hand in hand we will lay the tracks
Because the train is coming to carry you home

Come dance with me
Come on and dance into the light
Everybody dance into the light

There'll be no more hiding in shadows of fear
There'll be no more chains to hold you
The future is yours - you hold the key
And there are no walls with freedom

Now we're here, we won't go back
We are one world
We have one voice

Side by side we are not afraid
Because the train is coming to carry you home

Come dance with me
Come on and dance into the light
Everybody dance into the light

Do you see the sun - it's a brand new day
Oh, the world's in your hands, now use it
What's past is past, don't turn around
Brush away the cobwebs of freedom

Now we're here, there's no turning back
You have each other
You have one voice

Hand in hand you can lay the tracks
Because the train is coming to carry you home

Come dance with me
Come on and dance into the light
Everybody dance into the light

Hitting the wall

It's June. How did that happen? First we had a winter that felt like it would never end. Then a spring that never really got off the ground, and now we are into June. I know that the ice storm and the brutal winter will fade into our memories as we start to enjoy the best time of the year. When we get outside, take off the layers and enjoy. I can already see the pile of Naot sandals piling up on the mat at my door.

I am writing today to ask for some advice actually.

I have had a desk job for almost 25 years. Hard to believe I started when I was 5, but yes, it is true.

Over that time I have worked in call centres with vending machines in the kitchen, to working at home when I had my own kitchen about 15 steps away from my office, and now beside a starbucks. I think you know where I am going with this. The evil 'snack monster'.

The snack monster doesn't just attack people with desk jobs. I am sure that if you are a sales rep or on the road with your job, that at some point in your day, you are looking around your car for something that you can eat. Some leftover granola bar that your kids didn't eat, or fishy crackers or even your baby's cheerios. I am sure you are smiling now if you have eaten of the above mentioned items. 

I know that for me I hit the wall (like a lot of people do) between 3-4pm.

I would love to know what you pack for 'hit the wall' moments.

I have promised myself with the start of the new month and the second half of this year that I want to make better choices. I know it will mean more preparation, more money at the grocery store, but I think that the effort will be worth it.

I am looking forward to hearing your hit the wall snack suggestions!!

live your best life,

Lisa

Reflecting

It has been quite the week. I am just now sitting in my condo listening to music and reflecting on the past seven days.

Last Wednesday night I posted on facebook that I had a "zit" three days before my high school reunion. Little did I know, that when I woke up the next morning, it would turn into something much more than just a "zit".

By Thursday when I got to work it was swollen and starting to be painful. I went to a walk in clinic and was given oral antibiotics and topical ointment. I was advised to keep warm compresses on it and it should be fine.

By Friday morning, my face had litterally blown up. I went to work, but it was clear that I had to seek further medical treatment. So I headed off to Mackenzie Health ER department. If you have had to visit the ER you know what I was in for - a very long day/night. My phone had no juice left (seemed to be a running theme this week) and I called my mom to say that I was going to lose communication with her. She came to the hospital (charger in hand) to stay with me.

I was given two 400mg Advil for the pain. It was clear that was not going to do it. My face continued to swell from my lips to my earlobe and my chin to my eye socket.The pain was the worst I have ever experienced. I was then hooked up to an IV where I received antibiotics, anti inflammatory meds and morphine for the pain. It was horrible, I don't even know if I could describe it to you.

I was asked if I had any dental surgery recently? Tooth pain? No and no. They did an ultra sound on my cheek to see if I had salivary gland infection. No.

The diagnosis was facial cellulitis. It is very serious and needs to be treated with IV antibiotics. I went home with the IV in my hand and told to come back at 3:30am for my next dose of meds. One more trip at noon on Saturday before going to the CCAC clinic at Branson to pick up my IV pump pack (see photos). It is a pack that contains 3 doses of meds over a 24 hour period and a pump connected to your IV to dispense the medication.

I am lucky that up to this point in my life I have not had a broken limb, or been unable to care for myself. This was different. The IV was in my hand which of course is problematic. Simple things became difficult.

I tried to get dressed on Sunday. For twenty minutes I struggled to put a bra on. I kept getting the IV wire tangled in the strap. After 20 minutes I gave up and put a bathing suit top on under my shirt. It served its purpose I suppose.

After being very vocal on social media over the weekend it was time to just lay low. It was very hard to type and I was really not feeling well. I didn't go to work and basically slept and rested. I only left to go to get the med pack changed daily at Branson.

Last night I had to wait again for re-assessment on the infection. If the doctor thought it was healing well, I would be discharged from the IV meds and move onto oral meds. I was hoping and praying that I had healed enough, as I didn't know how much more I could take of the IV. Thankfully the doctor thought I was okay to move to the oral meds and discharged me. One more night of me and Mr. IV.

Tonight I had the IV taken out. How do you spell RELIEF? I am now on a 7 day course of oral meds. I hope and pray that this works and I can say that I am finally in the clear.

I look around my apartment and realize the impact of being unwell and living alone. The dishes are piled high in the sink, the laundry is overflowing and everything is in disarray. I went to the salon to have my hair washed and dried yesterday because I was unable to do it myself. It is something that one may not give too much thought about until you are in this situation. If you share your life with someone, there is someone there to help pick up the pieces when you are in need.

I really do appreciate all the facebook messages, private messages, texts etc. It really meant a lot to have the outpouring of caring that you all showed.

In good health,

Lisa

I wish you enough

I don't know who wrote this poem below, but it was part of a 'share' I read on facebook, and I wanted to share it here.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Solitude

Wow, two posts in one day. Yes. I thought I would just give a follow up to my post this morning regarding the things I have learned about being a parent. I thought it would be fair to give my opinion on the flip side - being a non parent.

I had brunch today at my brother's house. There were several adults and six kids ranging in age from 9 to a few months old. I am sure many of you attended a brunch/lunch or dinner that was similar to my experience this morning.

I had a great time. I ate outside with my nieces, nephew and the their cousins. They played, I watched. I was wearing my Pandora bracelet and they wanted to know the history and story behind each charm. I always cherish every moment I have with them and today wasn't any different.

They were all going to Wonderland to get their passes in order. Of course my older niece asked if I could come with them. I told her I don't have a pass. She said, but if you got one you could come with us. If you are a regular reader, you know how I feel about last year's Wonderland pass situation. I told her that I would try to come with them over the summer at least once.

As I was on my way home, I thought it would be crazy not to be outside on this beautiful day. My balcony faces north so there really isn't any sun that I could take advantage of, unless I went to the park outside my building. Which is exactly what I did.

Changed my clothes, grabbed my Ipod, a book, a snack and decided I was still "on vacation" and added vodka to my orange juice thermos and off I went.

For the next hour and a half I was alone in the park (for the most part), with my music, book, and myself. I am aware of the fact that parents of young children don't get time like I had this afternoon. I have said it before, that my time is my own, I don't have to share it with anyone. I don't take that for granted. 

What I have learned about being a mom

Facebook is flooded with messages from children to their moms, moms to moms, about moms, moms to be. Everything all about mothers and mother's day today. Of course I took the time to share a message of love to my mom.

It was the one update from a friend of mine that really touched my heart and prompted me to write today:
"Mothers - although I am not a real one - I have been blessed with 3 true loves in my life - because of you - I know a little bit about what a joy being a Mom can be.
I have been so lucky to have had family and friends that have shared their lives with me - I know how committed you are to your families - that you would do anything for your children - sacrifice it all - you have made me so proud to be in your presence - my respect and love for Mothers is endless - keep up the good work."

For those who know me, I am sure the title threw you off a bit. What is she talking about, she doesn't have kids. No, I don't. But, again, for those who know me, know that motherly instincts don't come just from having a child, or children. They come from within, and some nurture them and they come out in life, and others do not.

As I have said in many past posts, I like to entertain and host friends in my condo. I have an IKEA 'cube' shaped book shelf that houses all the books that I love to read, a sculpture my grandfather made for me, and more, but in two of the cubes, there are two baskets. One basket is filled with children's books and the other with stuffed animals and toys. It does seem odd since I don't have kids, but I do have two nieces and a  nephew, and many friends that bring their children to my home. I want them to be happy when they are here. That way, the adults can enjoy their time together and the kids will be happy. The last time I had a couple of friends over, I asked the four year old daughter, "would you like to sit on my bed and watch Treehouse?" Instant connection.
 
Do you know anyone that doesn't have children, but has a booster seat in their trunk at all times? Yes, that would be me. I am not a mom, but I am an Aunt, and a very present one if I do say so myself. I love getting phone calls from my nieces asking me to come over and spend some time, or asking me to come to their dance class, or can they come for a swim. You never know when I am going to be needed to take one of them somewhere, so I need to ensure that I have a booster seat. A grandparent is probably used to car seats and boosters because they are often called on for carpool assistance, but an aunt, especially a 'non mom'....maybe not. 

When my nieces come over to visit, they know that my office is home to all things arts and crafts. Markers, crayons, glue, coloured paper, you name it. I called it camp Auntie Lisa, and have already made a plan with my niece when her sister is away at overnight camp that she will come over and we will have our own special camp time. In all fairness, I have always been creative, and have always had all of this in my life (I even worked at a craft store in the mall during high school), but now that there are children in my life, I can say that it is because of them (wink, wink).

Being in the travel industry for almost 25 years has its advantages. Some of the perks that are earned by agents are discounts on hotels, cruises, tours etc. Some of the perks include free nights at all inclusive resorts. I don't really have much interest in travelling alone, so I ask my friends if they want to go away. They pay for their flight, and the rest is covered. It is a great offer, yet hard to get a yes from people.

I am very aware of the fact that it is not that easy for a mom to get away. I have written before about my ability to be flexible, and that comes through in my search for travelling companions. I appreciate that my mom friends can't leave their lives for a whole week. That is why I ask them for a short trip, weekend away, three or four nights at the most. Carpool, after school activities, family life is very full and needs to stay in routine to make it all work. I appreciate all of that, but I also know from many years of watching and observing, everyone, learns to adapt to a changing situation. It doesn't come natural, but it does happen if given the chance. It also takes time, and I understand that as well. Friends in my life know that there is an open invitation to travel. You need to tell me when you are ready to let go and come away with me, and we will go. It is really as simple as that.
 
I wanted to end with another quote that I just read on facebook which I think sums up how I feel about motherhood vs. womenhood:
"Happy Mother's Day to ALL the women out there that have loved, guided, mentored, supported, educated, wiped away tears and given a good kick in the ass when needed. Being a mom is not defined by a biological connection but rather by knowing there is a woman who will always be there for you. I've been blessed with several of those in my life, and you know who you are"

I hope you all have a happy day today whatever you do. Celebrate your moms, grandmothers, sisters and aunties!

Live your best life,

Lisa