snapshots

Now that my back is 80% improved, thanks to the magic physio, we decided to rearrange our family room, just off the kitchen. Actually, the kitchen and family room are one big room, and we spend a huge chunk of the day in here. We are attempting to create two separate spaces, one for Risa and her toys, and one for us to relax, read, watch TV. Previously, Risa's area was in between the couch and the TV. We didn't have room for the coffe table and there was wasted space behind the couch. Risa now has a beautiful little corner and can look out the huge bay window onto the back yard. This window was also under used and under appreciated until now. At the end of the day, we can relax in our little spot without having to worry about tripping over toys and such.

After three years (I think - I'm actually not quite sure!) this hydrangea is finally blooming. I had already forgotten what colour it was supposed to be. The first year after we planted it it almost died and has been growing back literally from the ground up. This is one plant I will keep after our renovations. We also have a young peony tree which is also on the salvage list but the blooms are very short lived, less than a week and I missed taking pictures of it this year. Risa has been having fun helping mum water the plants: "fa-fa! drink!". She also waters the deck and the sidewalk so we have to work on that.

This week's forecasted heat wave did not materialize as expected. It's been sunny and warm but not stifling. In spite of the SPF 30 sunscreen, Risa is getting very brown and it's reminiscent of when I was her age, running around outside everyday in the summer. She was quite dark when we first received her in China as well.

Holy Freakin' Sacred Flying Cow!!! After 8 months of back pain from lifting Risa I was cured in a split second with joint manipulation. I finally saw a physiotherapist who determined that I had a stuck sacroiliac joint as being the cause of my somewhat debilitating lower back pain. She basically gave it a small push I could barely feel, and presto bingo pain is gone! This evening I unloaded the dishwasher - no pain, carried a full laundry basket to the washer - no pain, and even sneezed twice - no pain! I'm still in shock. The physio also gave me some abdominal exercises I now have to do every day in order to strengthen my muscles and try to prevent the pain from coming back. Simply amazing.

Risa struts her stuff outside the Vancouver Art Gallery. We didn't go inside this time. We were walking around prior to meeting a friend for lunch. We go downtown so seldomly now and I realized how noisy and busy it is. Makes for watching Risa a little more anxiety inducing. Risa is becoming bolder and running just a little further away from us now when she explores new environments. One way to get her to "smile" is to tell her to "show your teeth!" That way she at least stands still long enough for a photo but she also ends up with a goofy expression. That's our monkey!

I/we survived my first weekend back to work. The weather was cooler, perfect for biking. My legs survived and I actually felt like I never stopped riding. Likewise, the shifts went smoothly in spite of us being down one staff member due to illness - perfect wrench for my first day back, eh? But I managed. I didn't eat my McD's Big Extra burger like I thought. I made my own wraps with leftovers for my lunches. Maybe next week. Raymond managed well with Risa and she seemed no worse when I came home at 4:30 pm. She was quite interested in my biking gear: helmet, gloves, and shoes. She tries to say "bicycle" but it comes out as "bicee".

And an unexpected word came out last evening. While eating a piece of ginger beef, Risa suddenly exclaimed "oi-shi!" which means "tasty!" in Japanese. Could've been coincidence, but I think she may have picked that up from her bachan (grandma) in Toronto as Raymond has not used that word with her. It's surprising how things seem to surface weeks or even months later with Risa as she has also said Chinese words that I have not been using with her.

Sooo, I'm now working half my shifts (2 days/week) while getting my full pay, the weather is great, I didn't die on my bike, and Risa's fine. Life doesn't get much better than this, I'd say! In fact I think Risa's picture here pretty much says it all. Perhaps it could get better after we get our new garden - we're planning a rehaul of our back yard. More on that to come.

Have not received a single e-mail all day today, not even junk mail. I suddenly feel ignored. Oh wait - it should be a good thing. I'm trying to achieve nothingness, remember. One of Risa's favorite activities is to draw but, as her coordination is still in gross stage, non-paper surfaces occasionally experience the wrath of her pen. Luckily it's washable ink. Today my legs got a couple of pen strokes which I originally tsk tsk'd her for. But then I thought, it's washable, why not let her have at it? So away we went and here's the result. On the left leg is a field of flowers over which I added a couple of blue bees, and on the right leg is... reeds? or something? It was actually fun. A reusable surface that cost nothing.

I start work in less than 2 weeks. I'm actually going in a couple days earlier than my official start date to get reoriented because I'll be in charge on weekend shifts, supervising 2 to 3 staff whom I'm going to rely on heavily. Qualified help is invaluable! Hmmm, perhaps a round of treats for my first day back.

I haven't touched my bike since I've been off. I'm envisioning myself throwing up and dying somewhere about 1/3 along my route (big hill) but if I can just make it to Emergency I'll be happy I think I've maintained my quads with all the necessary squatting while dealing with a toddler so it may not be that bad.

My dear husband has correctly guessed what my first lunch will be on my return to work: the Big Extra burger at McD's which I've not had since I've been on leave. I really should boycott this insidious growth of corporate campus. Such a difference between students of today and 20 years ago when the very idea of chain business on precious campus soil would've been torched. But alas, McD's has hooked me with my sugar addiction.