I Miss my Mind the Most

Art by Keith Graves

Actually I have alot of things burning.  I'm sure that subject line is going to bring out all the creepiest google searches in my pro Stats but there you have it.
At this point in my pregnancy (35 weeks for those of you who are counting) I've got a constant burning near my heart reigions.  Some would call this heart burn, I call it HELL in my throat. 
Also, I've developed a burning boob.  Don't ask me what's going on- obviously hormone related, I'm certainly not short on those right now.  My left boob is burning and leaking (Hi Dad!).  I know the guys don't wanna hear about my boob problems but if any of you ladies know how to get rid of the burning and leaking boob problem, I'm all ears.
 I was looking for some cool artwork of a burning boob but it was much easier to find a burning heart that showed my anguish.
I'm hoping this is a sign that the end is near and we'll soon not have to hear about my aches and pains and leaking boobs.  Instead you'll hear me complain about sleepless nights, baby puke on my shirts and how smart my baby is.  Aren't you guys excited???

I knew it,

~jen

So I was trying to be productive today- not an easy chore feeling the hellish way that I am.   The vaccum and I seemed to get along so I was going around the rooms sucking up the never ending mounds of dog hair and other crumbs and finished the entire lower floor in record time.  I noticed my daughter sitting by herself (in the dog's bed) rather quiet (too quiet).  As I walked over to inspect i noticed she was tearing some paper into tiny little pieces.  When I asked her what she was doing she said "I'm ripping the mail.' 
I thought to myself, "What mail is that???"  it turned out to be the 10 dollar bill i had earned as a 'tip' doing the laundry.  I frantically started collecting all the pieces and said "This isn't mail!!  It's a TEN-DOLLAR-BILL!!"
We sat down with the tape and slowly taped the pieces together, I was sure that the serial numbers were missing but we managed to find EVERY last piece.  Since we were going out to do errands anyway, we stopped at the bank with our taped up tener. Paige gave it to the teller and said "Can I have another one please, I ripped this one." 
The teller said "My, Did you EVER."  and gave her a crisp new one.  We were all happy and bought lunch on the way to the park.   Another exciting adventure in the life of island artist, can you handle it???

Back again, on this fine (cloudy & gloomy) Sunday I'm suffering from a bad case of cabin fever.  I want some sunshine.  I'd like to go outside and sip coffee with my neighbors while nibbling on some gingerbread cake and whipped cream.  I'd like to go for a stroll while basking in the warm rays of the sun. Heck, I'd give all that to be able to BEND OVER. 
My house looks like a tornado hit it.  Which is probably part of the reason i want to be outside, away from the mess.  I want to clean it but I'm feeling like such a piece of crap.  I managed to catch my third (or is it FOURTH) head cold and it's draining my already very limited energy resources.  While surveying the amount of toys strewn all over the living room I actually contemplated just throwing them out.  Seriously.  That would be the last time I would have to pick them up and Paige wouldn't notice they were missing since she seems perfectly content to play in my tupper-ware drawer.  I've got toys in the kitchen and tupperware all over the living room... I don't get it.
Anyway, Mr. Island just told me we are going to go out and do 'something'... he's suffering just like I am. 

Well I better get my socks on-  I have no idea what we are doing, but I'll be happy anywhere but here!!

What are you doing today??
~jen

I took this picture a while ago, so I could share the fingernail art i got with my manicure.  the picture is a tad fuzzy and my finger looks fat and wrinkley but there you have it.  She painted a flower on and glued a rhinestone to the center.  I lost the stone on my right thumb the very next day, what a rip off!  The left one however is still there and despite the nail polish chipping off all around, it doesn't appear to be going anywhere soon.  I may just have to remove it myself, even though I don't want to. 
I never thought I'd be the type of person to like *sparkly* things on my fingernails.
Anyhooo,  Today is friday, so that means Daycare day in the island household!!  Mr. Island and myself are trying to get much stuff done today, like sort some baby clothes, take down christmas lights, set up baby cribs (if we can find the screws??) and maybe even some grocery shopping.
In the middle of all that i have to go back to the hospital for another Non Stress test, so I better get going or nothing is going to get done today.

I'll be bloggin' again later tonight, I've got too much I wanna blog about lately and not enough time to do it!

~jen

Okay, Friday has come too quickly for me this week.  I didn't have time to sit down and sketch out something for my first illustration friday.  The theme this weeks was 'Gluttony'.  When i sat down this morning I quickly sketched this out- this is how I feel after I've been a glutton... so consider it perhaps a self portrait of sorts.  Enjoy- it's an obvious Master piece.

Last night I had the most horrible sleep.  I was completely exhausted, I didn't have my usual nap synchronized with my daughter so there was no excuse.  I was in a heck of alot of general abdominal discomfort and the baby WOULD NOT stop squirming, kicking and hiccuping well into the evening.  I was on the verge of having a hissy fit because I was so tired.  Finally, I got up and took some advil and while waiting for it to kick in, realized that I needed to have a bathroom break (if you know what Im saying).   After I relieved myself I crawled back into bed and fell asleep immediately.  So did the little nipper in my belly, not a squirm or wiggle. 
I guess *someone* wasn't comfortable with a lumpy bed and wasn't too shy about letting me know.

Pregnancy is not a graceful thing- and don't let anyone tell you different.

We're off to the doctor this afternoon, we are getting the results from al l of our latest tests.  Fingers crossed that the Doc has nothing interesting to tell me.

I'll be sure to keep you updated,

~jen

I recently came upon a website called Illustration friday.  They challenge you to create some visual art for the theme of that week and post a link to your site on Fridays. 
I signed up, because I think it would be good for me to try a few creative projects.  There is a week to do it so I SHOULD be able to manage a couple fridays, no??  Fingers crossed.  Check out the site and visit the links on the left hand side, some of the work is really good.  You may even want to sign up yourself, you don't have to be an artist or illustrator- you just have to want to create something. 
So if all goes well, I should have something posted for next Illustration Friday...  If they send me the theme that is.

Keep your eyes peeled,

~jen

Miss Paige did NOT want to go to daycare again this morning.  She had a screaming fit when i had to leave her there but I'm sure she was OK 10 seconds after I left.  I don't understand how come she doesn't want to stay, that place is a kids DREAM!!  They have painting, play dough, cutting of paper with scissors, a sandbox, any toy you could possibly imagine, singing AND dancing.  I would have been in heaven, but Paige just wants to 'stay at home, with you Mama." 
I don't get it.  I used to feel bad when I had to leave her, but i don't anymore, she HAS to get over this separation anxiety somehow.  She always has a good time after the fact so I'm not sure what is going on in her little head.  Hopefully next friday will be less of a challenge taking her to daycare and leaving her there. 
I had a busy day of sleeping, because I was WIDE awake all night last night.  Then I had an ultrasound which was really nice, the technician let me watch the screen the entire time and even pointed out all kinds of things to me.  Normally it's like pulling teeth to get any information out of them.  She said that the baby is around 5 lbs 7oz right now- BIG.  I've still got 6 weeks to go and the baby is supposed to be gaining a half pound a week!  Add another 3 lbs to that size and you've got a real bruiser.  OF course, ultrasounds are not that accurate and can vary as much as a pound up or down but STILL!!!  It's going to be interesting. 
After the ultrasound we headed down to the Hospital for my non stress test.  They hook my belly up to a machine which monitors fetal movements and heart rate, the baby kicked and wiggled up a storm- put on a real show for Leslie, the nurse.  Everything was A-OK there too. 
Now, I should head off to the daycare down the street to pick up my munchkin.  Then decide what to make for dinner, UGH.

Hugs & baby kicks,
~jen

For christmas i received a gift certificate for a manicure and a pedicure from my Father in law.  Yesterday I took the opportunity to sneak out of the house while Paige was sleeping and spoil myself.  I was not prepared for the next two hours of complete bliss I would be experiencing.
I sat in a large black leather lazy boy type chair and was handed a remote control to adjust the MASSAGING nubs that were kneeding and pounding inside the padding of the seat.  I would have paid good money for that feature alone, but it doesn't stop there. Next, My feet were immersed in a nice warm soapy tub and left there to be massaged by the bubbling water for several minutes while I massaged myself into a coma using the remote control.   I told the woman that I was a 'pedicure virgin' so She didn't have to worry about following perfect procedure LOL  Hell, with that chair, she could have chopped off one of my toes and I may not have noticed.  She looked at my feet and said "You've never had a pedicure in your life and your feet look this good??" 
I nearly burst out laughing because I thought my feet were HORRIBLE which is why I waited so long for the pedicure in the first place.  She assured me that she has seen some SUPER nasty feet and mine were looking pretty good.  My feet were bubbl ed, filed, trimmed, exfoliated, lotioned and rubbed- It was heaven.  My toenails look so 'cute' today.  Never thought I'd ever say that, but they do.
Next came the manicure- it was shorter but no less enjoyable even though there was no massaging lazyboy chair involved.  My fingernails were soaked, trimmed, filed, painted, painted and painted.  I even had little flowers put on my thumbnails with green rhinstones in the centre.  I've managed to lose one stone already, poo.  But my hands feel so nice and my nails are all the same shape!
While we were waiting for my nails to dry I got my eyebrows waxed, which was badly needed since I misplaced my tweezers a month ago.  I sure felt spoiled rotton- it was nice.  I should do it more often.
If you've never been for a pedicure- YOU MUST GO.  There really is nothing like having someone ELSE fuss over your feet while you sit back and do NOTHING.

Well i should run, Paige and her Daddy are gone for haircuts so I should make some good use of my time alone... perhaps with a nap.

Take it easy peeps,
~jen

Mr island and myself have been dealing with alot of attitude from our two and a half year old lately. She seems to have developed some kind of separation anxiety/regression problem over the last few months and it reached a climax the other night. Hubby and I were going to go and see a movie the other day but Paige refused to hear about going to stay at her best friends house for the evening. This is where the crying, screaming, kicking and freaking-out starts.
After MUCH deliberation, We decided we'd go out for chinese food instead and take the brat with us. She was rather well behaved throughout the meal (must have been hungry) and the waitress brought each of us a fortune cookie. Paige cracked hers open and started eating it. When I read the fortune that had been inside (actual photo of it above) I just about keeled over laughing; "Encourage tranquility if you are feeling agitated." What were the chances that SHE would get THAT fortune???  After thinking about it, I suppose the fortune was as much for Mr. Island and myself as it is for Paige.
Right on cue, Promptly after this, she attempted to climb out of the booth so she could run around the restaurant, of course she was just slightly 'agitated' when her dad said no and she was swept out of the restaurant.
 Kids.
Gotta love'em.

p.s. I have no idea if 'Truest' is even a word but it seemed to fit the subject line best.

I have had several blogs rolling around in my head, but not a spare minute to sit down and type them out properly.  This morning I'm at home, without a car, and it's raining like CRAZY outside, which seems like the perfect day to stay inside and blog. 
Before Christmas I painted a piece for my sister.  Partly because her house has large BARE walls and needs some color to 'kick it up a notch', but also because her birthday was at the beginning of the month and I thought it would make a nice gift. 
During this pregnancy I have been lacking in any type of creative powers- completely uninspired.  So when i sat down to work on a painting I started browsing the internet to find some original and interesting inspiration to work from.  There is a website I browse through often Emoma.org that I thought would be worth a new look.  I found This painting by painter Linda Norton and used her ideas to come up with the painting above.  You can see that mine is different but definitely 'inspired'. 
Unfortunately for my sister, Mr. Island and I liked it so much that we decided to keep it!  So she is on the waiting list for the next one off the production line.  Just incase you wanted to know, this was painted on a 24" by 36" canvas using acrylic paints. 
If I had more canvas, I would work on another one today.  It's just one of those Rainy days- good for doing painting, reading and generally nothing at all while sipping warm tea on the couch. 

I Think I'll get to it,
~jen

Tblog has been a beeeatch today (like everyday) so I went over to my blogspot blog to post and IT WAS ALSO ACTING UP!!  Before I went into blog withdrawls I signed up for another blog at blogdrive and blogged to my little hearts content.  It's a great place, check it out!

Go and see my bloggety blog for today- cause it won't be seen here!

8 month pregnancy updates, check it out.

~jen

You are reading the blog of the most pissed off blogger in the universe.  I was typing away on a nice long, eloquent and humourous blog when suddenly it just **blip** dissappeared.  I'm so angry I could chop wood with a LARGE and very sharp axe.
Holy Shit am I pissed.  I've been trying to blog for several days now and this type of crap happens every single time I'm on tblog.  I know there are several folks out there who agree with me and my  misery needs a little company right now.
Anyway- To summarize, I'm going to post my winter pictures and I'll blog later on about the lastest pregnancy milestones and other baby related adventures.   I'd like to send out a special thank you to Suz and Kevin, my next door neighbors, for being so helpful with Paige.  I am pretty much useless when it comes to rescuing children (or myself) out of snowbanks- your help is VERY much appreciated.
You guys are the bestest!  This isn't including all the shoveling they did for us either!  We are lucky, and boy do we know it!!  Paige is hilarious in her winter togs.  If you have seen the movie "A Christmas Story" you may remember the kid brother who is bundled up so thick and tight by his mother that he can barely move.  That is What Paige looks like, it's priceless.  Here she is, making a snow angel.  Can you just feel the snow down her collar???

Anyhoo... I have a butt to change, and a house to try and straighten out.  Wish me luck... I'll be back later to try and blog again.

Still pissed at tblog,
~jen

We've got snow.  A LOT of snow.  I wanted to take pictures for todays' blog but my camera is out of batteries... of course.  I'm charging them as we speak so I should have pictures for this afternoon. 
Out here on Vanvouver Island we get snow once or twice a year, and it usually melts as it hits the ground or the next day at the latest.  If we get any kind of REAL snowfall the entire city seems to shut down.  It's rediculous!!  Paige's daycare was closed this morning,  I don't think the schools are open, & my neighbor felt the need to put chains on his car last night (at midnight!!) as if it is all really neccessary???  CHAINS for gawd sakes???  If you could see my face, you would see my eyeballs rolling into the back of my head.  Honestly.   I grew up in the prairies and no kinda snow would ever stop school!!   There was no such thing as a 'Snow day' when I grew up.  The only day off school I remember was in highschool when it was minus 40 and the boiler in the school wasn't working.  Even then, we still attended class for the better part of that week while wearing our winter attire all day. 
I know, I know you are probably saying to yourself "Did she walk 40 miles to school and slay a dragon before she could enter??"  LOL!!  well no, I didn't, but I'm not exaggerating either!!  These island people are spoiled and I'm not just talking about the kids!  They all need to get tires that aren't bald, and learn how to drive in inclement weather, because it can be done. WITHOUT SNOW CHAINS!! 
There, I've said my piece- now, I'll get back to watching the snow fall- another 6 inches of it.

Hugs and snowballs,
~jen

Happy New Year Everyone!  Sorry i haven't been blogging much over the last couple weeks but there was so much to do, family to visit, and sleep to catch up on, that time didn't allow for blogging.
Our Christmas went wonderfully, My family made it out without a hitch and it sure was great to see them.   It was nice to have my house filled with people and always have someone to talk to.  Many thanks to my Mom for helping me out with the cooking, if it had been left to me we'd have celebrated the holiday with a pot of Mac & Cheese or tater tot casserole.  Dad even helped out by doing dishes (WooHoo!) and springing for Pizza for the entire clan on Boxing day.  You guys are the best, maybe one of these years we'll be doing christmas at YOUR house!!!
My sister managed to come out on Boxing day with her new boyfriend but my brother Joe had to stay home and work.  We missed you JoJo!! 
Paige had a ball and got christmas gift burn out, refusing to open any more gifts, she told her dad, "No! I don't need anymore!!"  if only that trend would continue every year.  She still has two presents that she hasn't unwrapped yet, we are saving them for moments when MAJOR forms of bribery are needed.
Our new year was also great, My sister and brother in law were here with kids in tow.  Paige had a party every night playing with her cousins, I love that, she's so lucky to have cousins to play with.  They had 'poppers' and 'twisters' that were like little firecrackers that spewed out sparkles, confetti and streamers.  This was Paige's favorite part of the night.

This new year will be a hectic one for me.  One part of me in anxious to get the show on the road and have this baby and the other part of me is anxious about labour and delivery, dealing with two children, lack of sleep and all the other goodies that come along with it.  But I'm just floating along for the ride, and whatever happens will be an adventure, RIGHT???
I don't have any new years resolutions this year, I will be too busy for those- save one.  I want to try my darndest to make 2005 better than 2004 which could be difficult because '04 was a pretty good year in my books.  I wish you all health and happiness and another year of great blogging.

Yours truly,
~jen 

"Don't believe everything you THINK."

I laughed all day after I saw that one.