Learning Curve

I feel as though I'm on a huge learning curve. For instance, today at work, I learned that no matter how hard you try, you can't mop up mouse poo. I'm not someone who gives up quickly either. I tried and tried, but in the end I had to grab a kleenex and pick up the offending little turd.

I am also learning a lot about what I can and cannot do now that I'm knocked up. I'm getting pretty hefty these days. It's a little disconcerting. I'd love to be more active, but my doctor assures me that things will level out eventually, and worrying about it won't do any of us any good. So, I wait. At least I have something awesome to do while I wait. Our little baby's kicks are getting better everyday. What a miracle.

I'm learning that our little dog had a huge impact on our little family until she died a few weeks ago. She was an amazing creature with the most fascinating habits. I'm learning that grief comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. It can change from minute to minute.

Those are some things I'm learning. I wish this curve was a little more gradual.

Hurricane Delilah

Garth and I got a dog since the last time I wrote.
She's so great. Her name is Hurricane Delilah Finlay. I got her for Garth on our Anniversary - sort of. The week of our anniversary I saw a dog licking some foreign matter off the road, and I decided we should definitely NOT get a dog. Garth waited patiently for me to change my mind, and then one day, while at a garage sale, we met Hurricane. She's had a haircut since the first picture, but I thought the first image captured her essence so perfectly. What is that essence? She is such a brat, but is completely oblivious to it. She has no idea the trouble she causes. She fits in beautifully with Garth and I, neither of us has any idea why...

Choking Hazard

I rode my newly-borrowed bike to work today. I feel so ecological and healthy.

I got to work this morning and I started my shift with some watermelon that Garth had sent with me. I popped the first piece in my mouth and proceeded to put up the 'open' signs. I started to choke. I'm sure I don't have to explain exactly what choking looks like.

Now, where I work, there is a dumping station for holiday trailers. This morning, a pastor from Christian Fellowship Assembly was getting his camper ready for the weekend. He and his friend were chatting when they looked up and noticed that I was making unusual noises (probably because of the watermelon lodged somewhere between my lungs and my mouth).

Before the pastor could run over and start administering the Heimlich, I coughed up the offending piece of fruit. (Thankfully!) I thought it would be nice to acknowledge their acknowledgement, so I went over to chat for a bit. The pastor was friendly. Even though I had watermelon-cough-juice all over my hands, and the pastor had, well, sewage all over his, we shook hands.

Something in that handshake made me happy deep inside. It was nice that it didn't matter that I had coughed all over myself. I want to show that kind of respect to others. So I think I will.

Birds and Kids

There are a few birds on the tree outside my cabin window. I suspect they are as happy for the beautiful day as I am. I think I'll join them outside soon. I have an interesting book called A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry and I think I'd like to sit on the bench outside and soak in the sunshine.

I am ready for some rest today. It feels as though I haven't sat down in a long time. Garth is taking care of our friend's son Declan for two weeks. He comes just a little after 8 am and stays until a little after 7 pm every day. Garth and Declan get along really well. They're like peas and carrots, most days. It is wonderful to have a kid around the house, but like I said, I'm ready for some rest.

The Birthday and the War Museum

Here is a photo of my best friend, Garth. It was his birthday on Saturday and so I threw him a party. About twenty people came and we had a lot of fun playing golf in the backyard and eating appetizers from Costco.

My favorite part of the night was watching a bunch of grown men and women playing mini golf together. It was so cool to listen to the cheering and laughter brought on by each attempt to get the illusive hole-in-one. (I didn't get one).

This picture was taken a few weeks ago on the roof of the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. Garth and I went there on our first-annual 'Finlay-Family-Vacation.' I thought it was interesting that the museum curators were able to make war look so polished and sanitary. By the time we worked our way through the entire museum we were both exhausted.

The museum is a noisy place. Soundtracks play throughout it with gunfire and explosions. There is, however one room that stands out because of its serenity. There is a fountain with a single tombstone for the 'Unknown Soldier' (Known Unto God). It is quiet there. I think it is one of the saddest and most beautiful man-made places I've ever been. The water is reflected to the ceiling by a long narrow window illuminates the room.

Eden Entry

I've spent a lot of time online lately. I had no idea what a great resource it was to abolish boredom in its many forms.

Today is Wednesday, which when directly translated, means: "staff meeting with free lunch day." I had California rolls and as I was eating them, I watched one co-worker pick all her avocado out of hers and then another co-worker shoved the pickled ginger to one side. It was then that I really regretted not knowing these women better so that I could eat their left-overs.