Moving On to the Restructuring Phase

As I am making changes physically to the house, I believe it's also time to make changes mentally and away from spousal ennuie - which should not define me any longer - I need to move it along to something else. A new adventure and conversation on what it's like to start over again. Me and the millions of other bloggers who are doing the same thing for whatever reason.

So no doubt XSU will continue to play a hapless role in the writings of Marie, but they won't be structuring the what and the how. It's up to me now.

So I am ennuied no longer and am restructuring my life and ergo.... I have decided to move along and start to do a whole lotta restructuring
a how to guide or not, for the next phase of my life. Feel free to join in and read along and see what's going on as I move through to the next exciting page of the book of my life. I thank you for reading and hope you will continue along with me.

Wordless Part 2

yes... check here to see how I am starting to do some  Restructuring   for myself and for my surroundings.  More on this soon.  Yeah me Blondie I figured it out!  wink wink baby!

Wordless Wednesday

A short note from the road.

A short note from the road. Norway is a beautiful country. I had planned on uploading at least a couple of images but the hotel connection I am using in the business centre has blocked the ports I need to upload from my card. So annoying. For now, you'll have to accept my word that fjords, countryside and city are spectacular.

The work goes well too. I have a new appreciation for men dressed in the European style. The cut of the suits look very very good. I don't know what it is but I find it very attractive. Warning - Mrs Robinson comments coming next -

I have been enjoying the young men at the meeting. One in particular - a very gorgeous Danish specimen with a Don Johnson day old kind of beard thing and the most amazing blue eyes has me day dreaming when the speeches and presentations start to wane. Oh my... I could just eat this man up! He's my favourite suited specimen. Today he showed up in - swoon - jeans and a lovely dress shirt which now has me thinking that the suited look was merely an appetizer to the main event. NOTE - drop cougar image in here!

The above paragraph demonstrates my need I believe for um... something a little more substantial in the man department, but I will need to do something about this predilection for men under 35. But as we girls say... "Nothing wrong with looking at the dessert menu. You don't have to pick to enjoy."

On the road.... AGAIN

Well... really in the air.  I'm heading out for my annual international conference, starting again with a meeting in London and then heading to Oslo, Norway.   I had hoped to spend the weekend in Denmark with friends but the travel gods who control schedules are working against me.  Oh well... Denmark, Norway... either works for me.

Rebel Junior and Frenchy the exchange student will be at XSU's place.  I am told by Rebel that he doesn't even have any beds yet.  Should be fun for the girls.  And not my problem.

I have to say I am looking forward to the break.  This single parenting thing is exhausting.  I finally had it one evening and told RJ if she wanted to go out she'd have to get her dad to bring her home.  And he did.

Renos are going well.  I am more than half way done.  The before and after pictures will probably go on my new blog, once I get a minute to get that all organized. 

If I don't get a chance to post from Europe I'll be back on the 19th of September.

Back to reality

Back in town. Still on vacation. Two days left. I have lots of pictures. See me on Facebook for the full or most of the story.

I have prepared the tally to share the cost of this one with XSU because it involved the exchange student. He was over here yesterday to pick up RJ's laptop. I think she's overloaded it and it has run out of memory - cuz it's not working at all. Doesn't XSU come into the house - after knocking on the door at least- and come make himself comfortable at the kitchen table. WTF? My lovely red DELL was out and XSU had computer envy. heh heh heh. I believe he was rather surprised. whatEV!

I had signed over a drug plan cheque to him as he had paid for some of Rebel's meds. Well, as I knew, but he wouldn't listen, his bank wouldn't accept the cheque from him because I am no longer "known" to his accounts. "Very inconvenient," he said, "very inconvenient." Again I say whatEV!

The trip was pretty good. The girls enjoyed themselves though I am concerned about RJ's growing selfishness and "all about me" atttitude. I just don't know what the right way is to handle her on this. I am not at all impressed. We had a couple of "moments" that had me wanting a scotch or seven. I will mention them to the father and see if can have some kind of chat with her, but he too has his shelfish moments and I am not sure he'll be much help. However it must be duly noted.

I am back into the basement to get a bunch of stuff moved as I am having insulation sprayed into the "headers" tomorrow R24 here we come.

Road Trip

Meez didn't have a Niagara Falls image so road trip is as good as it will get. Taking Rebel Junior and her exchange student, already nicknamed "Frenchy" by RJ's friends, to the Falls. She wants to see the Falls by night and through the Maid of the Mist of course. I expect to be back on the weekend.
I don't post my whereabouts on Facebook - too easy to be a target there so if you read here you'll know where I am. I am taking the laptop with because teenage girls can't survive on texting alone apparently. If I am lucky I may even get access to it while we are away.

Renos going well. I am now the proud owner of lots of studs (-; and sheetrock.

Gotta love it all

Stay tuned. This blogger has been just a tad occupied with things around the home front.
I'll be back shortly with a little of this and a little of that.

The XSU moved out over three weeks ago - he has no phone and no computer so the girls can't reach him and he has to find a way to talk to them. Apparently he's been hitting up phone booths.
"It's very frustrating not having a phone and the phone company has not been good about the service" he says. And I have been having great pleasure in saying "no - he doesn't leave here any more. His phone number? Sorry I don't have that."
The daughter tells him - get a cell phone it would be hooked up in a minute. But he hasn't and probably won't.

Our exchange student has arrived. Her English is very good. We went to the lake today - she has only ever been in the ocean so this was very different for her! A bunch of my friends were there - it was a mother daughter good time. Even the dog came. He can do the dog paddle, but wasn't happy in the water at all.

I went out and bought a whole new living room. New love seat, chair, lamp nesting tables and area rug. Now THAT was fun. I think I will have to create a whole series of before and after photos. Except the before doesn't show the ugly furniture I had that XSU took. I am really gonna be happy with the new stuff. I am so not good on choosing colours and designs so I used the designer at the store where I liked the couches and chairs. She came to the house and gave me some good ideas on how to spruce up the kitchen as well. But that's on hold til EVERything else is done.

I have started getting the main floor ready to paint - my colours - my way. The basement is being demolished. The fecking eejits who did the original rec room put the vapour barrier against the cement wall THEN put in the insulation and then wall board. So I now have to take that all down and start from the studs and work up the insulation and new vapour barrier. Never mind the plastic they used was about as thick as Saran Wrap.

Gotta love the renos.

13 on Thursday

13 Things I have purchased since XSU vacated the premises

1. 1 new lamp
2. 1 new coffee pot - an old fahioned on the stove Corning percolator - consignment store find
3. 2 new doors steel with windows to let in the light - new locks too of course
4. 3 sets of glasses all different styles - consignment store find
5. two dresses; 2 pairs of shoes- new not 2nd hand
6. 5 batteries - remote died; my tv is effed up the channels have disappeared ARGH
7. 7 new windows including two basement windows
8. 1 package smoked salmon Atlantic - had a craving
9. 1 refrigerator
10. 1 stove -electric unfortunately but flat cook top!
11.1 range hood needs to be ducted to outside rather than re circulating into the house
12.1 microwave oven - it *should* pop popcorn
13. 1 bottle Pol Roger champagne.. because I wanted it!

Weepy moments and figuring it out

I've been completely alone in the house for the first time in a few years now. Probably since the last time both girls and the XSU went to visit his family in Nova Scotia. It's a little weird, but it's also okay.

I have chatted a few times with Rebel. XSU keeps trying to make his case with her. It's kind of pathetic really. He started telling her how for six years he would be the one to pick up the girls from day care, bring them home, make supper and I'd be late blah blah blah.

I told her that first of all her father's issues were his - not hers. That really, it was not any of her business. However I did feel I had to defend my side this one time. I told her the following
1 your dad is a teacher - he's out of school at 3:30 in the afternoon and done by 4 PM at the latest.
2 We only had one car and he REFUSED to take the bus even though his school is right on the transit way.
3 I worked across the river and took a bus.

So.... what did she think of her dad's resentments now? And finally I told her, that her dad should not be venting his issues and how feels about me to her. He needs to talk to a professional who can help him work through these things. A trained therapist is the sole person who can deal with this stuff and I told her she must tell her dad to back off. Seriously, I mean REALLY!

I've been furniture shopping and now have an interior designer and colour specialist coming over on Saturday to help me decide what to do with the main floor. I am pretty useless at that kind of thing and really don't have a clue. I know I really like modern edgy kind of looks but have no idea how to put it together. I know I want comfy couches that are meant to be sat in and not looked at. My closest friend is in the decor business and has promised to come for a visit and "chachka -ize " my house for me with finishing touches once I get a few things done. I am busy taping edges and doorframes and will prime up this week and then buy paint on the weekend and get that done before Rebel Junior gets home I think.

Rebel's BF has said he'll do the rec room demolition with his buddies so what the heck. I'll pay him some thing and then that will mean I don't have to pay the Hunky Handyman to do this stuff.

I've been having a few weepy moments... not sure why, but they happen. I think it's still the futility of the whole mess. That andXSU walking out with a few things that will have to be returned - my wine and art books, and a few other books that should hever have left, Christmas decorations that to me are treasures his mom made for both of us. I realized today he took one of my best knives, but I decided it was all right since the point is broken off -probably when he decided to use the knife as a tool. My good ole Heinkle knife is still a good knife that I can keep very sharp and I have the rest of the CUTCO collection for back up. But really - he should have asked or at the very least told me he was taking this stuff.

I also think some of my best towels are gone . The thing is - I know he took "towels" without consideration for colour or anything. I want them back and will give him others. My bathroom is painted a chinese red and the only towels I can use in there are the black, grey and white ones. The pink and burgundy towels from back in the day just hurt the eyes in there.

Spousal Ennuie no longer

And XSU left today mid afternoon after finishing up in the garage. He took apart his not so secret grow op box where he had a little nursery. He then proceeded to walk me through what he left behind and where it was. We got to a pile of door casings, cord around for baseboards and other trim from the stairs.

" If your guys are looking for the trim here it is all ready to go." And he proceeded to point out what was what. I was so ANGRY at this point. I had just done a look-see in Rebel's old room where he finished the baseboards and sure enough, little holes every 2 inches - bad matching of cuts and wrong colour of boards. The matching boards were actually left in the spare bedroom where he was sleeping. He didn't even know they were there.

As he finished explaining I couldn't help myself. "This should have been finished." I really wanted to HURT him. A LOT!

"I didn't have time," he whined.

BIG deeeeeeep breath.. "umm five years this stuff has sat here.. five years! WHAT have you done in five years?!"

I had to walk away in disgust.

At this point Rebel Junior asked me to take her to a friend's place so I told XSU he had to leave since I was going out.

"I need to use the phone because I don't have one hooked up yet. I haven't had time."

Why be bitchy particularly when your offspring is sitting right there. I guess he expected me to leave the room. AS IF. He took the phone to another room and I told RJ we'd leave once her dad was done.

I needed to make the point that he was now a visitor and had no right of access. RJ was a little frustrated with me because I wasn't hurrying hurrying on her behalf.

And then he left. In typical fashion without saying anything.

A Deal is a Deal is a Deal.

I arrived home after work yesterday and XSU was madly emptying the garage. He had the young one friend help him as well as a guy from work - also separated from his wife.

I had a momentary upset when I thought he might have taken the quilt wall hanging off the wall. His sister made it, but she did make it for me and I am happy it was still on the wall when I got home. Originally he was to take the couch and chair from the living room along with the coffee table and dining room table. He left the couch and chair behind - probably because Rebel's puppy chewed through a couple of the cushions. I told him that a deal was a deal he had to take them. He was going on and on about it being chewed but I said a deal is a deal. He had to take them.

He also left behind the dead deep freezer that we never used. This thing was old when he picked up from someone's house at least 12-15 years ago. He plugged it in and two days later it died. I wanted him to get rid of it and instead XSU filled it with stuff and used it as a storage trunk. Every now and again I told him it was time to get rid ofit and I'd start taking out all the crap. Like everything else around here, it never happened. So now he's all ticked because I want it out of the house. And of course he's so disorganized that the only thing he has on his mind is his trip to Nova Scotia. I told him as long as anything of his is in my house he has to pay me rent on the space. He is so pissed off. WhatEv!!

My family lawyer, the pretty suited one handling my real estate transaction threw me an interesting tidbit she said that she found him very uncommunicative in the simple dealing she had just handing over the cheque for the house. She also told me that his lawyer didn't have much nice to say about him either. Okay... that just made my day. It really did.

Another friend of mine said about XSU not telling his kids - turn around is fair play. AS the girls strap him into a wheel chair and bring him to an old folks facility - it will be a similar scenario... "oh dad... by the way... we're not taking you back to your house, from now on you'll be living here with the other geezers. " I had to laugh at that one.

Stealth Moves.

I woke up in the middle of the night last night .I left the bedroom and noticed every light was still on downstairs.I went down to turn them off and saw the doors were wide open too. I shook my head. I locked all the doors, turned all the lights out and thought XSU - you're an idiot. What are you doing? But this has been typical behavior. He hasn't done the "man of the house" duties for some time. As I rolled back into bed with the dog beside me thinking he was going out for a walk, the clock said 2:55 AM. I was just falling asleep and I heard the front door open - it would seem that XSU had been packing stuff or something into his station wagon. 3 AM and he is doing stealth packing.

This morning the phone rang at 7:15 -
"Is Mr XSU there please"
EFF this I think - " no he doesn't live here any longer sorry."
" OH! He gave this number and he forgot to sign something for the rental truck."

Oh great... so now I am going to have a truck in my yard and the father of my children has told them nothing. sigh.....

I tried playing a waiting game and got no where and left for work. I was on the road and realized I had forgotten my purse behind. Funny how the unconscious mind works. No purse no money no locker key no work id card - nothing. I turned around, drove home and lo and behold a big ass moving truck is parked across the street from my house. XSU saw me pull up and attempted to weasel away.

I stopped him - and blasted him in the middle of the street - low tones of course no banshee yelling. " What kind of insensitive, unemotional selfish bastard are you? You park a big ass moving truck in your yard and you don't even have the guts to tell your children you're breaking up their family?! You should be ashamed of yourself. Do NOT expect my help on this one. You're wearing this. What is your plan?"

He of course had none. He told me to go to work and he would "take care of it."

As it happened I had to pick up Rebel today so she could borrow my car for some running of errands. We are driving along and she received a text message from her sister " dad and mom are separating - dad bought a house and is moving today. no surprise eh? "

nice - well done you idiot RAMB - ratassmoronbastard!
really really nice.

I stopped the car called Rebel Junior - she "sounded fine" but who knows. Both girls as I figured - had found XSU's papers about the real estate transaction and the mediation docs he had left lying around and put 2 and 2 together- but didn't expect him to leave til before school started.

I asked Rebel how she was doing. We both had a little cry - me for them and their insensitive boor of a father - who was so much into his own agenda he didn't even what he was doing.

Whatever. Rebel is worried about me living alone in my house. I told her not to be - that I was starting to get things done and it would be a great place to be living. She still believes that Rebel Junior and her exchange student will be living with XSU. I find that rather hard to take, but we'll see.

Stay tuned. Shall see what else transpires during the day. I'll leave the tale of the dead deep freezer for another time.

ChequeMate.

I've been finishing up the real estate stuff for the house. Unlike in the US - nothing sits in escrow accounts. The deal is done the transaction gets cleared through the bank's mortgage centres and the money is put into my lawyer's account. She writes me a cheque and we're done. She asked me if I wanted XSU's cheque and I told her to call him and he could go downtown and pick up his own damn cheque. AS IF I should do that. Of course being my pretty suit - and long time acquaintance she laughed and agreed. The challenge will be for her to actually get XSU at the end of the telephone. She did email him, copied me and his shark, telling him all the above. His Shark also called the house and left a very cute coded voice mail message. I just deleted it as XSU has never been known to pick up voice mail.

XSU has moved nothing. He was been gathering bills and paid statements for utilities and leaving them for me to review I suspect. I believe he thinks this will entitle him to not pay me rent until he moves out. This is not likely to happen.

The next few days should prove interesting.

De-Nile is not a river in Egypt

XSU has managed to put all the baseboards in Rebel's old room and the cord around too. No doubt I'll have to plug the nail holes, sand and paint the trim becausethat won't be done before he is out. It is close to midnight as I write this and that man is on his hands and knees fixing the spots the Rebel's puppy chewed up, That damn dog took a fair sized chunk out of the stairs....and here it is midnight and he is scraping, sanding and doing who knows what.

He has known that he was leaving for months now, and he picks three days before he goes to start messing around.

And I continue to be astounded with XSU and his complete lack of sensitivity to the deed that has to be done - telling his daughters that he is moving out. We had the prime opportunity on Saturday afternoon and he stopped me Completely stopped me. This man is so far up the Denial River that he is barely afloat.

He called his sister and told her he bought a house. Trouble was he had never told her he was looking for a divorce so she got to ask a lot of questions. She was in the loop because I put her there, but she had some fun with him any way. I'd like to be a fly on the wall during the conversation with his mother.

In the meantime, I think I will have to take matters into my own hands and deal with the girls myself since XSU is avoiding dealing with the biggest decision he has ever made in his life.

As the Worm Squirms.

Here's what the Barracuda told me yesterday in response to my question to her about XSU's behavior and demands.

Marie you are not being unreasonable at all. In fact, imho, you've been more than reasonable. once you have paid him and his house deal is closed, you own the house and you can change the locks if you want to. He has no right to continue to live there.

The agreement also says that you will reimburse him for Rebel Junior's expenses within one week of being requested to pay, but if he is in breach of part the agreement, it will be difficult for him to take any action to enforce another part of the agreement.

I expect his Shark will tell him to move out before he tries to enforce the payment of RJ's expenses.

And that's where it sits. XSU did not utter a word to me last night or this morning. Who knows what he plans. I still see no sign of boxes or move to move.

I heard from my family lawyer yesterday who only received the banking and financial documents on Thursday. She is really going to have to push it to get things done by next Tuesday. I told her not to sweat as this was not my problem. if XSU has to get short term bridge financing because the banks are slow - again - NOT my problem. I want to watch him squirm. It's about time he started to feel some kind of consequence for all his actions. The good thing is - it's all out of my control and I am sitting back and observing it all.

Stayed tuned.

No doubt there will be more on this one.

I am NOT having it.

This morning, the XSU presented me with a hand written account of expenses he has incurred for which he wants reimbursement: half of Rebel Junior's exchange programme fee, the car insurance, and something else I think. All legitimate things. And yes I do understand I have to reimburse for these things.

HOWEVER I see no sign that he is moving out, so I told him that yes I will reimburse him AFTER he is moved - everything he plans on taking including all the crap in the garage that he calls his workshop. He assumed that meant the cash for his house as well. I told him that my family lawyer was processing the transaction and would have things done Friday or Monday so the bank can release the monies. Given that he didn't start house hunting til the end of June I am not inclined to be going out of my way telling the family lawyer suit to "hurry it up."

From what I have been hearing him tell his people he was planning on staying in my house past the 28th - his close date - go to Nova Scotia to visit his family on the 30th July til mid August and then return and move his stuff out. I am not on with this. Stuff gone first. Then, any reimbursement money over and above the equalization payment which is forthcoming.

He left the house rather ticked off and had what I call his "legal portfolio" with him so I expect he will call his lawyer. I have sent the Barracuda a note with this same information. Stay tuned - I imagine things are going to be interesting.

He has had time to buy a new car, and to talk about how he is going to "finish" the bedroom and the bathrooms, but to actually get his crap out the door - not even close to getting done. I am NOT having it.

Wordless Wednesday.

T- 7 days til XSU exits.

How is it that I have the Hunky handyman on stand by and XSU decides - a week before he is to leave the house - to start doing long standing repairs on the house. What gives?
Numbers 1-10 on my list have made it to his to do list. seriously? WTF?!?

I got home from a meeting Monday evening evening and XSU proceeded to tell me that he went car shopping and on and on he went about what he decided to buy how much of a savings he got... blah blah blah. My lack of interest didn't seem to penetrate his brain - what else is new. I asked about a car for Rebel and heard his thoughts on that which led I believe to his *real* question- "so... when will I see some money from you?" Ah ha... there it is - never mind about the car. It's the money.

I have Rebel Junior's exchange student coming in a few weeks, and for some reason, XSU has decided to "take care" of a few of the outstanding fix it things on the list. I roll my eyes. Okay the moldings will finally be put back on in one bedroom, some trim was finished on the patio door. He also wants to finish the trim around both bathroom sinks. sigh.... and NOT how I want it done. He had some lame idea of adding wood trim around the sinks or building a shelf around the sink - which when he tried it before was a pain rather than a unique design feature. The amusing part is that as he said, "I want to do this" and I'd say no, he grew more and more frustrated. I told him not to fret over it, since he hadn't bother doing anything for the last 7 years and I would take care of it myself with the guy I've hired to finish things up around the house. " Let's not bo back to the past," he said, "let's go forward and see what we can do."

Umm.. first of all there is no longer a "we" and second of all don't feel you need to finish this now one week before you are out of the house. Focus on getting your stuff out the door instead and finish the easy stuff. I have the hunky handyman, AKA HH, coming over in a day or two so you are officially superfluous. "

He left the room and didn't bother responding.

Living With It.

I see that XSU has started bringing home bins - but there is nothing in them yet. I've also seen that he's left his papers lying around the house - either in his room or down in the basement on his work bench. I don't think he realizes that our daughters snoop almost as much as I do. He has left the separation paperwork,the financial stuff, his house stuff out openly as if he wants it to be found.

I've told him I need an itemized list of everything he plans to take from the house. I told him I wanted it in writing sent to me by email. Once again he gave me his * I am offended* look. WhatEV!

The one decent thing he's decided is to buy Rebel a car. He is really freaked about germs and her immuno suppressed state and decided for her to be travelling on the bus during the winter to go to school wasn't a good idea. Also, her BF doesn't run a car - just his work truck - and we've already had a few incidents where he leaves her on Saturday to work extra shifts and she can't get out anywhere - the bus where they live has lousy service too.
In the XSU's eyes - her having a car will allow independence and she won't be stuck in the house like a prisoner. It will allow her to do what she wants when. Because he is so much older than her and totally insecure he does not like it when she goes of on her own. ( and isn't this a critical sign and she knows it) XSU has his eye on her and him on this one - so that is good.

Give these two arguments - I had to say I was in agreement. Buses are breeding grounds for horrible germs - and people are not always respectful about sneezing, coughing, and using their hands. Germs sit on these surfaces for ages, and I don't believe these buses are ever wiped down to any great degree. It's a good idea - but even better is a car for her - and apparently he can afford it. My contribution he said would be equal to half a month's bus pass - about $45 a month. I can live with this.

I am going to plan a champagne brunch I think after XSU is gone. He's planning on taking Rebel Junior with him to visit his parents in Nova Scotia so I will be able to shout and do what I need to do without offspring in the house. It would be a good time to celebrate new beginnings and perhaps shed a tear or two if need be.

Window order is in. Hottie the Handyman to start the estimate process for redone rec room on Tuesday. I will have to do before and after pics here and/or on Facebook.

13 on Thursday

Random 13 things

A few things I forgot to take to camp

1. Sharp knives

2 .The apple/peeler/corer thingy

3.More than one bra - so much for colour coordination

4.Camp chair - dining hall chairs NOT comfy for reading

What I remembered to take to camp this year

5. margaritas in a bottle - damn straight - necessary for making perogies

6. rubber boots - really wet this year

7, jacket with a hood

as for the rest

8. Vista is a pain in the ass. - and I am STILL not getting a MAC so don't even go there.

9. must find recent utility bills and tax statement for the real estate transfer

10. SU is talking to me all of a sudden. Particularly about the dog and how he needs this that and the other thing.

11. Two friends are bringing over champagne after SU leaves the house.

12. I realize people don't know what to say but it's a divorce not a death... though......

13. WHY are so many people intent on making sure I "get out there " soon after SU is out of the house? roll eyes.

Wordless Wednesday.

SU goes shopping

The SU bought a house he informed me when I returned from my week at camp. " I did really well," he started to tell me," I looked on July 7th and the offer went through *yesterday.*" Yesterday would be July 12th. He takes possession - wait for it - July 28th. He proceeded to blah blah blah about his great purchase when I cut him off. " I really do not care about the details of your purchase." He looked rather stunned by that. I don't think he gets that I am not his friend. All I had to say was "This means you won't be out by July 15th does it?" "Well, I just signed the offer to purchase" he responded.

Given we had an agreement that says he was to be out by the 15th, he really didn't get it. He will continue to pay me while he lives in my house. And he doesn't get his money til a week before his close date. He'll only be about ten minutes up the road.

I was thinking he'd move into the neighhbourhoud where Rebel Junior goes to school, but he didn't, so there is no advantage to her living with him. And in fact bus service is worse and tougher where he is than where we are. This will be interesting.

I think that once I get my house in shape I'll have my real estate agent keep an eye out on possibilities for me and perhaps after she gets back from France next spring, I'll be closer to her friends than him. Shall see how this plays out.

Meanwhile, his suit managed to misplace the paperwork for the real estate transactions that my suit - not the barracuda, but the real estate and family lawyer I use- had sent over. Yet another stupid delay. Who is this amateur? I have been rolling my eyes for a couple of days now.

Nearly at the home stretch

I have noticed that SU has a few real estate listings on his work bench but I don't see a lot of action. His brother is coming to town and he *still* believes said brother and buddy are going to stay in *my* house. I think NOT!

The real estate deal should be done next week, but I am now going to be out of town for the week. So... one more week before things are done. The good thing is - I don't have to give SU a cent until a week before he closes on a place or is out the door. It's home stretch time. Finally.

SU's fantasy girlfriend was married on July 1 st out of town. She's quit her job and left town for good. SU has been grumpy all June and told Rebel he had had a "tough" month. No shit Sherlock! Can you see me rolling my eyes?

I will be gone for the week to camp. Can you see Marie Meez over there on the side eating bonfire hotdogs? See y'all next week when I am sure I have a near final update. I'll have to decide what to do about this blog. Probably retire it and start with something new or just keep up with Facebook instead. Though what I talk about on Facebook and what I talk about here... not the same at all.

Wordless Wednesday

And There You Have It.

There is a reason why there are Barracudas in the world. The answer to yesterday's burning question on how to deal with beneficiary relationship and who gets to spend the money issue was quite easily handled.

SU is the beneficiary and the relationship is "trustee" or "in trust of"
It's why they get paid the "big bucks." And simply enough - the money is there for the girls and I can note that in my will so that my executor can keep the watchful eye on things. And there you have it.

My church publishes a family parish directory every few years or so. It's a photo directory. I wasn't sure how to handle things keep SU in the photo or not - and had to remember the mantra from one of my counsellors who told me "It's never a good idea to manipulate a situation because God will find a way to turn it into a joke on you." So rather than make up stories, or justify to the girls why the SU shouldn't be in the directory, I said nothing. They met me at the Parish Hall for the photo sitting and I left it up to SU to either turn up or not. He didn't come in, nor did he even bother waiting for the girls to be done.

I now have a lovely family photo of the three of us, plus a really nice portrait of the girls. If SU wants a picture - he's on his own. As I am.

Required Proof.

We're closing in on the final separation stuff and the lawyers require proof of life insurance so that if one of us dies there is money for child support for the girls.

So here's the thing. My work life insurance policy only allows a one word beneficiary and relationship to you on the form - government - gotta love it.

What it means is - I can't write Rebel and Rebel Junior in trust of - and daughters. I have to write X-Su and X-SU on the forms. It also means he can take the money and run rather than use it for its intended purpose. I also can't make it out to my estate because then my executor - brother - has control and the SU may or may not get the cash which is in contravention of the separation agreement.

No doubt SU is feeling the same way. I could take any life insurance policy money from him if he dies first and spend it rather than use it for the girls, so I guess it could go both ways.

So.. the question is in to the Barracuda. Stay tuned for the answer.

An aside... Apparently I ain't got rhythm. I rented Rhythm Heaven for my DS - couldn't get past OK on any of the games... I can't count, can't dance I don't have a lot of good hand eye coordination either. This has nothing to do with anything, except watch your feet if you ever have occasion to dance with me!

What part of "when the agreement is signed" don't you understand?

"Can we go today and switch the car registrations?"
"No, I am busy today."
Well, when are we going to get this done?"
"I believe we have an agreement waiting for your signature that provides an answer."
" Well, I could just go out there and put a For Sale sign on your sedan and you would be forced to drive the station wagon."
"Knock yourself out. Go right ahead. I suggest you read the agreement that you brought us to before you do that. Or better ask your lawyer what he thinks of that idea. Oh and....
"Did I mention I could then turn around and change the locks on the doors, sell your tools and be done with it as well."

I love a great Saturday morning disussion.

Totally No Erasers.

I signed the separation papers today. All five copies initialed- every single page, AND had to initial some last minute changes, With the Rebel having moved out, this had to be reflected in the agreement. All these trees killed. I must have signed at least 100 pages.

SU's Lawyer is trying to do the real estate and separation stuff at the same time, but that won't work since the real estate lawyer needs the final signed separation agreement. SO SU will have to pay for two lawyer's visits. Oh well.

There is a clause in the agreement that talks about reconciliation. The Barracuda said to me "if you plan to reconcile come see me first - do NOT agree to anything. And remember - you now own the house - even if you reconcile -the house is a done deal. If you decide to get involved with someone again - come see me - pre nuptial agreement is key for you." No kidding! It's a big AS IF, but I tell both my girls that they need to sign pre nups before getting married. The rest - all sort of final stuff... like we used to say when we were kids "stamp it - no erasers!" Totally no erasers. This is a done deal. I admit - I still get angry about it, I still get upset but I guess that that's life. What else can I do when there is no one to do it with eh?

Now hope he actually leaves he house the way he is supposed to.
I am taking a conflict resolution course this week. I wish I had done this BEFORE we did the mediation. I am seeing a lot of the techniques that we're learning about that the mediator used. I could have also used these techniques in dealing with the Rebel when she was in her key Rebel state. All very useful and helpful for all sorts of things not just work.

Wordless Wednesday.

Almost Psyched.

The end is pretty near all right. ( see Wednesday's Not-so-wordless)
I have been into the bank. Have the mortgage down to 2.8% interest - a variable rate for a year which I can lock in at any time. Pay back ALL my debt AND have money left for the renos. Hope to get that closed next week. BUT SU doesn't get any money until he has to close on a place or moves out which ever comes first _ ALL before July15th. I am almost psyched for this. That and the hottie handy man is coming to check things out on Saturday. Hey Lily c'mon down for Saturday AM coffee - help me check out the hired help. wink wink!
SU's father left him a snarky message on the voice mail. Next day SIL left an even snarkier message telling SU to call his father. I am LOVE-ING this. Sad it is... but oh well.

Finally a Saturday and Sunday coming up where I don't have anything planned.
BUT the count down is starting in earnest. I hope to have the signed agreement back from the lawyers and mediator late next week. I will take all 5 copies to the SU's lawyer myself.

Thursday Thirteen.

13 things going on

1. Rebel managed to get a parking ticket AND a speeding tickert in the same week. Number of days she's had her license? Less than 90 days!
2. Sister in law is telling me that SU's brother and a friend of his are expecting to be staying at *my* house when they land in town in early July. AS IF
3. SU - still doesn't have a place as far as I can tell.
4. SU has yet another picture of the soon to be married and departing fantasy girlfriend in his wallet. I am thinking about having someone put out an APB on her photos - get them off of whatever site they're on. This is either creepy or just plain whacked!
5. Getting the window guy lined up for August.
6. My lawn is decent looking now that I've lined up someone to cut it regularly.
7. Planning garage sale with Rebel Junior - we'll have it when her exchange student arrives from France. No doubt they don't have garage sales in small villages in France.
8. Why is the emergency brake light staying lit on my dashboard when I know that brake isn't engaged? Hmmm would this have anything to do with the wheel bearing that has to be replaced? Guess I'll have to bite the bullet and get this fixed.
9. Having a tough time figuring out how to transfer pictures and books into my slick Sony eReader - coolest piece of technology I own. If I could get it working. Where's tech support when you need it?!
10. SU drank my margaritas in the bottle. WTF!?!?
11. I really hate it when the batteries die in the remote control for the tv in my bedroom. Hey.. here's a good status line for my profile page on Facebook.
12. Golf tournament at work tomorrow. I don't golf. Next year we're going to have the anti golf tournament and go to the mini golf place that is indoors - we'll play in the evening during the rock and roll black light night! then crash the big kids tournament dinner!
13. It just doesn't sound right when the mediator sends an email to all the parties - the two who are separating and their lawyers saying " hi all - I'll look forward to receiving the signed off copies. It's been a pleasure working with all of you. " seriously - like we're engaging in something fun. No looking forward to it at all... like medicine. Need to do it to start a healing.

!

Sent to my family lawyer by the SU's Shark:

Hello,
The Barracuda and I are completing a matrimonial file where my client, SU,is signing over his interest in the jointly owned home to his fomer spouse, Marie McKitreck (spelled my name wrong!) Are you acting for her on the real estate? Please call if so.
Shark
1800 CALL ME

Member of the Club

I am very surprised to find myself a part of a new club. The almost separated club? The nearly divorced club? The I'm not going to let this define my life club? Not even close.

It would seem that I am now part of the club of people who have dogs and walk them regularly. Before I had the little doggie I would walk and dog people paid me no attention at all. Now, because I walk with a little doggie beside me on a leash, all the other dog people are my friends. I know the secret handshake. Who knew!? It's been interesting. We've met Patches, King, Princess, Lulu, and all the other ones whose names we don't know. Buttons - hates them all wants nothig to do with any of them. I, however, enjoy talking to their people. I am going to start taking my camera with me and will ask people if I can take pictures of their dogs for my Facebook photo pages. I wonder if people will let me?

On to our regularly scheduled ennuie. I am still waiting to hear from the Barracuda. My handyman is booked for August to rip the old rec room out and put in the new one before the exchange student arrives. Niagara Falls is nearly booked as is Canada's Wonderland.

Rebel continues to be a royal pain. She is so back. She left a PILE of laundry in the ahll way on the second floor. It's all in garbage bags in the garage. Thanks for that one Rudy!

I am nearly done with this damn cold that has been keeping me at a low level.

Just spent $600 on my car and not nearly done. New muffler and exhaust. I cried poor and didn't do the radiator flush - the coolant light kept flashing. The guy must have felt sorry for me or something and they topped up the radiator with fluid and did s0mething and dumped a quart or two of oil in too. Karma. Pays to be nice to people.

I can`t believe I`ve had no grief over the latest Meez. Clearly no hockey people read this blog.

Wordess Wednesday

Agreement. Wonderment. Improvement.

I think I have the final draft of the separation agreement. The Barracuda moved a couple of phrases around, clarified a second and added some words to a third. Man this had better be done now. Then I have to sign five, count 'em five! copies. Nothing is ever a one-pager in the legal world is it?

I am wondering what the heck the SU is doing about living quarters... he doesn't appear to be doing much. But who knows.

Rebel Junior is talking to me these days. She just put together an amazing scrapbook for her history class. It had to include something from every decade of the 1900s. The kid has talent. She was quite proud of her work. I haven't seen any of her projects since at least grade 6 so this has to be an improvement.

I am fighting off a cold after the Montreal trip. A bit of a cough and I know I am still not getting enough sleep. Had to watch Stephen Colbert get his head shaved in Iraq.

On My Case.

The SU is again slightly ticked and frustrated with me. With Rebel's health claim forms I've received my share back of the drug costs but I haven't bothered claiming back from his plan. It's mostly my money but there has been the odd claim that I had to do for him. Yeah, silly of me, but I didn't claim back the rest of the 20% because I knew it would bother him. So now he's on my case and will probably sic his lawyer on me. It's how he rolls. So I suppose I'll bite the bullet and do the paperwork - I hate paperwork and forms - and will get the rest of the money back. The thing is - the cheques will be in his name and I have to get the money back from him. However I've decided that perhaps before I actually finalize the forms I'll tell him that I won't send them off until he does some of the handiwork around the house. May as well try and leverage what very little non existing power I think I might have.

I want him to finish up the messes he's made. If I can save some handiman money why wouldn't I? I was thinking about taking picutres of all the unfinished stuff around my house and putting the pictures on Facebook and ensuring that everyone knows it's his unfinished business. Some of the people he knows are my FB friends. It would be rather bitchy and probably not bad as revenge therapy but also rather catty I suppose. Now before you all start to comment on my pettiness... don't worry I won't go there... I might tell him I will .. no really... I won't stoop to that level. Can you feel my crankiness coming through? As it is I am getting the house ship shape before our exchange students comes at the end of August. Rebel Junior has been chatting with her and she seems like a great kid. WE won't be able to offer her the kind of family she has - but I hope we can have a good time with her and regardless of where SU is going to fit in the picture the two girls will have a great time together.

Rebel has been asking for my car - even though she has moved in with the BF. He "can't" pick her up from work or take her where she needs to be - I had to use the tough love and tell her too bad so sad - moving out means being independent and going your own way. I told her that the two of them will have to figure things out as my car isn't part of her deal. Interestingly, SU isn't being too much help to her either. He *really* despises Rebel's BF, while I loath him, so there is something we mostly agree on. Probably the only thing.

Thursday Thirteen.

1. Rebel has moved out with the BF. Doesn't understand why I won't let her take "her" furniture. Apparently because I don't have 'respect" for him she's ticked with me and doesn't think she needs to have respect for me either. sigh.

2. Rebel Junior has been matched up with an exchange student from France. Student arrives at the end of August.

3. Soon to be X SU -KA XSU - has been home sick this week. I think that they're having a party for the fantasy girlfriend and he's not interested in being there. Oh woe is him.

4. I hired a lawn cutting service to take care of my lawn this year. I am going to have enough to do that cutting the lawn just won't be on the schedule. I hired *Morgan* thinking it was a he... He is a SHE!!! It's a student business and she has two hired hands cutting the grass in my town. I am really pleased to be supporting this now.

5. Was in Montreal over the weekend at my professional conference and had no time to actually attend workshops or learning sessions as I was busy with business and process stuff this time. Didn't do ANY shopping or sight seeing either as I didn't stick around long enough.

6. oh.. except for the one evening when we went to a restaurant where you eat in pitch black. yes... really. www.onoir.com Food was great, atmosphere... very interesting. I would do this again.

7. Waiting to hear final details from The Barracuda to get the agreement settled. The last review set me back $800 I guess I shouldn't complain too much - it could be a whole lot worse and expensive.

8. As far as I can tell, XSU not house hunting much at all. There 's a house for sale up the street. He should take it.

9. I am catching a cold. I feel it in my throat and chest - the dry cough thing.

10. I have to get to Winnipeg. My dad... oy! my dad. Not doing well at all. He was caught "driving erratically" and refused a road side breathalyzer test. You're not allowed to do that. He also had a $1000 of cash in his pocket as he was headed to the local casino. My brothers and I are concerned. This isn't good.

11. XSU drank my last two wine coolers! WTF?!?!

12. RJ ate the last chocolate croissant. WTF!?!?!

13. In the words of Rosanne Rosannadanna... "it's always something!"

Wordless Wednesday.

Busy. Busier. Busiest.

The grass in the yard was starting to look pretty white trashy and the SU finally getting around mowing the lawn. I didn't think the lawn mower was going to start given that this has been the third year in a row that he's left it outside exposed to the winter elements. I've tried using the thing myself but it's pretty temperamental and won't work for me. I don't get it. When he leaves I am going to get a push mower instead of something powered and happily mow that way, unless I pay someone which seems to make a whole lot more sense to me. I am not a great outdoorsy gardening person and would rather do something else. I keep thinking about the whole condo thing but I am not ready for that either.

Rebel has been taking my car a lot - most days I don't mind. Sunday I had forgotten I was going to a friend's for dinner and Rebel had the car. SU asked me if I wanted to use his car, so, what the heck... I took it. Don't like to, but did so anyway. He was busy doing something in the garage- didn't look anything like cleaning up to me so not sure what else is going on in there.

Also deadline for the car switch is coming with the registration due at the end of the month, however I reiterated again that no signed agreement no switch. I am dealing with same issue with the mortgage. The bank has been good about not making us sign another mortgage and letting me go month to month - highly unusual.

I met a women at said friend's dinner last evening whose husband used "the Barracuda" as his lawyer. I could see the anger in her eyes when I mentioned who my lawyer was. Clearly her reputation is well deserved.

I've got a ton of stuff going on this week, a volunteer project at my church and stuff to do for my annual conference which is at the end of the week. I may be even more sporadic than usual in my writings this week.

But never fear.... I have not disappeared just had to leave for a short time.
Thanks for reading.

Happy Birthday, Marie! {see wordless below}

Wordless Wednesday.

Siblings Seriously Shell-Shock Spouse.

For whatever her thinking the RebelJunior doesn't like the second hand cell I picked up for her after cell #3, or was it #4? died on her. After swapping phone with friends, sharing, losing and breaking this is where I decided to end the cell phone follies.

She refuses to use the little K-razr or whatever it is I picked up for her. She thinks she can do better with another phone with another contract from dear ole Disneyland Dad who has been sucked into her rationale. Because she won't use the phone she's been given, she asked her sister to borrow her phone to send some texts.

Of course Rebel refused because she has been aware of the nonsense with the phones from the start of the cell saga. Much affronted RJ told her father, the SU, who then attempted to intervene on her behalf with Rebel. That didn't go well. Given any amount of resentment Rebel already has towards her sister, their father and all things financial, she told her dad in no uncertain terms she was not going to share her phone.

Unfortunately SU chose this as a big deal issue. He started in on sharing and how he shared his car with her and he would say no "next time." And Rebel let him have it. The way she has been known to let me have it. Full force foul language and loud voice.

I heard about all this when I returned home from running errands. SU was quite taken aback by it all. "She wouldn't share," he said "I always share everything, and she wouldn't do this one thing."

I had no idea where to start on this one. "And you're surprised by this because...?" I asked. Again he went on his sharing jag. I think he was more surprised by Rebel's attack and the fact that she let him have it both barrels. It probably was not the right thing for her to do, however this was probably a case of the straw breaking the proverbial camel's back.

With both girls hanging around and within ear shot all I could say at that point was,
"Share? You share what? Your time? Your values? What is that you share? All they see is you share your money. That's it. And this is where it has led. What else could you expect? You haven't really shared much else if truth be told."

The man was still walking around shell shocked a day later.

Thursday Thirteen.

13 long weekend things this weekend

1.pedicure
2.nail fill
3.back yard - rake up - only if it doesn't rain
4.buy the bedding flowers from the annual church flower sale
5. plant said flowers - only if it isn't raining
6. clear the clutter corner again ( sigh) perfect timing see 3 and 5 above.
7. brunch with friends on Monday
8. meeting with Exec Director on Treasurer's speech for conference plus BEvERages and brunch.
9. winter clothes sort out
10. hair appointment
11. 6 library books sitting by the bedside
12. conference programme organization - send info to speakers.
13. two bottles of wine in the fridge plus 4 wine coolers.

Wordless Wednesday.

Volleying.

Got through yesterday's mediation session without smacking the SU. There are things that he will never understand or make sense of.

First he didn't understand the difference between making an offer on a house and a close date when the money has to change hands. The Barracuda was adamant that he be on his way out of the house. "But where am I supposed to live if I have to be out and I don't have a place yet?"

"umm really? NOT my problem." He was taken aback by that. Did he really think I'd invite him to stay as long as necessary?

We volleyed back and forth on some expense stuff and at one point he said well if Rebel and RJ know how we're managing the money ..... at which point I interrupted and said Rebel and RJ do not need to know the details of this business arrangement. It's NOT their concern or their business how finances are set up to look after their needs. They stay out of it. The mediator, surprisingly agreed. Whether or not SU abides by this is another question.

So given that the 30 day period is going to be nearly there anyway, I agreed to final move out of July 15th. I'll be away for that week so I won't have to worry about what he is up to.

Oddly he's buying the strangest things. I've found hidden (or not so hidden away) so far - a crock pot, two sets of drinking glasses and a set of glass mixing bowls of all things. I am trying to decide what to do about his lawn mower. I think I'll tell him to take it as it is pretty cumbersome. I should be able to get something a little easier to use than what he had. Never mind that it sits outside in the snow every winter and will probably die soon for lack of proper care.

Rebel tried again to tell me she *needed* my car today because she promised some friend of hers that she'd take her and her kids for dental surgery. I had a number of meetings today where I needed to use my car so this wasn't on. Once again she was furious - without just cause - I had to walk away from her torrent of blah blah blah.

SU has STILL not told his family about the impending separation and divorce. Very very odd behaviour.

CAReening. Control. Completion.

Rebel Junior celebrated her 16th birthday last week. Rebel the older passed her driver's test so celebrations abounded around the Spousal Ennuie abode.

I caught RJ and her friends with a bottle of vodka being immersed into the freezies.. or being mixed with energy drinks - NOT a good thing.

She was not happy that I was hanging around. As per usual - SU didn't seem to want to interfere. The kids all slept over - didn't want to go home intoxicated I believe. RJ was completely ticked that I "DARED" to say anything to any of the kids. I told her after the fact... NEVER again.

She also skipped class on her birthday. In her father's school. That's chutzpah. SU took away the laptop and told her it was gone for a month. But that doesn't mean her time on the household computer is limited. Not sure what else he intends to do about this.

Rebel took my car on Friday during the day - I allowed that. When I got home from work she wasn't around. She took my car to the BF's new place for a sleep over. I was NOT happy. SU said he needed his car early Saturday morning so he suggested she take mine. She didn't call and ask permission first. I told SU he doesn't have the right to allow either daughter to do anything without checking with me first - particularly the use of my vehicle. She didn't show up at home til mid afternoon Saturday and I ended up not getting any of my errands done because of this. I told her no car this week. At all. Rebel is now back in full force and had a few choice words for me. I told her she had a lot of nerve trying to pin her use of my car as an entitlement issue as it certainly wasn't one. She was not happy. WhatEvEr!

Consequently, Mother's Day was a pretty standard day around the house. Girls continued to not do much except give me a card after supper. SU, I don't think, even bothered trying to talk to his mother who is in a long term care facility.

Today is mediation day again. I will be hashing out the issues the Barracuda raised a couple of weeks ago and hope it can get finalized to the satisfaction of both our lawyers. I am tired enough of the too-ing and fro-ing that I want it done. Finished. Complete.

Wordless Wednesday.

Driving Ms. Marie.

Rebel passed her driving test today and is now driving my car who knows where. Apparently I will be chauffeured to work the next few days. I guess I can stand this. It is about time.

Rebel Junior turns 16 this week and tells me she is planning to get her Learner's Permit too. oy! both of them!

I have to get Rebel added to my insurance ASAP. I believe from what I've observed she's a careful driver - it's the other idiots on the road though that bare watching.

I got a legal bill yesterday. Nearly $700 for reviewing the separation agreement, talking to me about it, and sending a letter to the SU's suit and the mediator noting her concerns. What a business.

Haven't even got to the mediator's bill yet for writing the thing. What kills me is more than half of what the mediator pulls together is all boiler plate stuff with the names changed and put through the standard practice stuff. Very little is actually unique material.

And talking about money. The fund raiser that Rebel and I attended at 7:30 AM last week for the Heart Institute? It raised nearly $700,000 !!!! and counting. Impressive eh?

Marie Muses Midst Marriage Mediations.

Who knows what is going on with our internet access. RJ waited until Sunday evening to do homework - something which was already late and for which she had an extension. And guess what - our internet was not working. Again. I told her I was not going to sit on the help line phone with our ISP to figure it out especially since SU has a bad habit of talking at me at the same time as the help guy on the other end of the phone. So I dialed the number got to the help guy handed over the phone and went to bed. I don't know how it turned out yet. Stayed tuned, I may get the picture this evening. Thank goodness I share the keys to this castle!

SU came up to me while I was reading the paper on Saturday morning asking to do the car registration switch. This has come up before on the blog somewhere. The registration expires on May 23rd this year. Once again I informed him - "You decided to get lawyers involved in what's left of our relationship and so because I now have a lawyer that I have to pay who tells me how to deal with your needs, I have been advised not to sign anything or agree to anything until there is a signed legal agreement. Do we have such a thing? No we do not. So take your car registration papers, put them away until such time as the Barracuda okays the sign off and exchange." I turned my nose back to my paper and continued reading the Arts pages.

He was not a happy man. But when has he ever been happy?

Rebel is nearly back full force. While I tend to get frustrated and seriously annoyed - I shut up and go back 18 months. We are having conversations though about my expectations.

I have been seeing people and having conversations about separations and divorces. Ran into a guy at work - been married 30 years - caught his wife in an affair. He used the same mediator I did. He has a daughter getting married this summer. We commiserated. He has a full head of hair and is seriously a sweet guy. Three of the scrap booking girls - all used the same mediator. No wonder this woman is so booked up. Way too much mediation going on. Better than court dates I suppose.

I don't go back to see the mediator until next Monday for what I hope will be the final session based on Barracuda's requests for me. Hope we can get it done and it doesn't come back. As it is - I already have another lawyer's bill for two hours of time. What a business this is.

My church is putting together a family photo directory this June. I haven't decided if SU will be in it or not. The girls want to get matching dresses. ( odd... but okay... probably different colours) I am not keen on him being there especially since he never did come to church with me. He is the girls' dad though. I will think on this one and see what the girls want to do. It might just be a mom and daughters thing.

Thursday Thirteen

1. No Wordless this past Wednesday.
2. For some reason the wireless went bonkers yesterday and I wasn't about to spend hours on the phone with the IPS trying to figure out the what. I told RJ to do it, but she has this weird aversion to making phone calls to strangers in particular so nothing happened until she got the bright idea to hit the reset button on the router and that seemed to fix things. Who knew.
3. So no mediation until May 11th unless the Mediator has a cancellation. At this point I'll even take time during the work day to get this done.
4. SU, meanwhile, has been holed up in his lair post dental surgery - though I noted he managed to scarf down an entire box of those Juniors chocolate caramel thingies... i don't think they've been periodontically approved.
5. I've been kind of coasting and feeling apathetic stilll and realize I need to get my taxes done - today's the deadline. I can't find my password anywhere for the UFile site so I will probably have to create a new one again... I can never keep track of this stuff so if someone has a brilliant idea do tell.
6. Rebel and I attended a Fundraising breakfast for the Heart Institute. We were part of a video appeal for funds... it was good. We were the only women in the patient stories piece... the rest middle aged white guys ... Three hundred people being asked to start at $1000 commitments ... that was amazing as the cheque books and credit cards came out.
7. The camera was waaaay too close - as I watched myself I decided I need a face lift and new lipstick colours... not necessarily in that order. Or better lighting - that might be less drastic.
8. Lipstick colours though... need to change.
9. Rebel Junior's birthday next week. She's got 20 friends going for dinner at a local joint and then I think they're ending up at our place for a bit. Not sure though. Since she got a camera AND asked her dad to let her get clothes online from Hollister, I am going to assume she is done for now.
10. My dad has sent both girls cheques so she will get a few new things and I am on the hook for a cake of some sort.
11. ho hum ho hum....
12. will attempt something a little more scintillating next go around folks...
13. thanks for reading!