Right before I was about the leave with the girls to school/work, it started snowing. A quick check of the weather and the school cancellation message and we got confirmation that school was in fact on. The snow appeared to only be relatively light, ending around lunch time, so off we went.
As it turned out, the snow was pretty much exactly the worst kind of snow to be driving in. Light enough to mean that everyone was out on the roads but still heavy enough to cause cars to be sliding everywhere. There were accidents all over the place and the commute, normally 40 minutes, was still in progress at the 2 hour mark.
At this point I was approaching the exit from our last main road, and noticed that a lot of cars were getting onto the shoulder of the road to get up to the exit ramp (the main lanes were pretty much stopped at this point). I decided to also try this and it was going well, making some more progress when suddenly someone decided to try to cut in front of me. Of course, there was a lot more snow on the shoulder and there was no way I was going to be able to stop in time...so I had to hope that I could slow down a little and that they would accelerate away. Naturally, their cunning plan in the icy conditions was to cut in front of me, then stop...so at about 15 mph (I guess) I ran up the back of the car.
Massive shout out here for the Honda manufacturing process, particularly the Japanese bloke who designed their bumpers...the only damage to my car was to the licence plate cover - literally. The woman in front had a few small scratches on her bumper. As part of my continuing need to educate humanity, I threw out a comment - "Are you serious cutting in front like that in this weather?", she then yelled back something about me driving on the shoulder...the same shoulder that she was driving on when she cut in front of me. I could have continued by showing her the lack of logic in her comment but thought better of it.
I said that I was happy to simply drive on if she was happy to do it. If we wanted to wait for the police, we would literally have been there for hours so everything worked out OK.
I managed to crawl up to the exit ramp, then saw there were 3 cars smashed up there so despite only being a few miles from our destination, figured that there was no guarantee it would have been a short trip. I then took another exit and looped back around and headed home, arriving back 3 hours after leaving. The girls were happy to get a snow day and I got some stuff done in the afternoon, so it all ended up being OK. Working from home in comfortable clothes near a fire beats going into the office any day!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Catching Up
I think we are now pretty much over the initial hump of live with 3 kids. It was made worse over the past 3 weeks as I was working extra hours in the evenings, however, this should be behind me for a little while at least.
Angus is growing well. His next appointment is in early February but he seems to have added a couple of pounds and is already not fitting some of the 0-3 months clothes we had for him.
Naomi had a couple of minor cavities fixed the other day. So minor as to not need a needle and she did not feel a thing so that was good. When she heard she had to get something done, she was quite anxious, we were glad when it went so smoothly.
Cricket news - great wins by the Aussies in the ODIs. Despite Cameron White once being picked in the Test side as a bowler, I am lamenting the fact that his bowling is not quite enough to slot in there somewhere. However, I think I would be giving strong consideration to picking him as a #6 in the Test side. Would he really score much less than North? Also, with Haddin, Johnson and Hauritz at 7,8,9...we do have good depth and could afford to carry someone a bit I think. His slip fielding would be a massive boost for us, he is a decent bowling option as a 2nd spinner and I think, given time, his batting could continue to develop. Watching Watson has given me this hope - he has gone from an all rounder to being considered a front line batsman. Andrew Symonds and Steve Waugh were others who made this step up. Perhaps White could do the same. In any case, in the ODI team he is now a fixture and making us not miss Symonds quite so much.
Angus is growing well. His next appointment is in early February but he seems to have added a couple of pounds and is already not fitting some of the 0-3 months clothes we had for him.
Naomi had a couple of minor cavities fixed the other day. So minor as to not need a needle and she did not feel a thing so that was good. When she heard she had to get something done, she was quite anxious, we were glad when it went so smoothly.
Cricket news - great wins by the Aussies in the ODIs. Despite Cameron White once being picked in the Test side as a bowler, I am lamenting the fact that his bowling is not quite enough to slot in there somewhere. However, I think I would be giving strong consideration to picking him as a #6 in the Test side. Would he really score much less than North? Also, with Haddin, Johnson and Hauritz at 7,8,9...we do have good depth and could afford to carry someone a bit I think. His slip fielding would be a massive boost for us, he is a decent bowling option as a 2nd spinner and I think, given time, his batting could continue to develop. Watching Watson has given me this hope - he has gone from an all rounder to being considered a front line batsman. Andrew Symonds and Steve Waugh were others who made this step up. Perhaps White could do the same. In any case, in the ODI team he is now a fixture and making us not miss Symonds quite so much.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Mouse In The Bed
Last night, around 2:00am I awoke to find a living mouse actually inside our bed. Fortunately, with my lightning fast reflexes, I managed to grab the critter in one hand...all without needing the assistance of any sort of light in the room. Of course, at this point, I decided to ask for help from Mindy in organizing proper disposal of the rodent however, much to my surprise, not only was she not in the slightes way interested in helping...she was not even bothered by my discovery!
I detected a slight sarcastic tone to her voice when she said "There's a mouse in the bed?"... I looked at my empty clenched fist then realized that this was another "sleep walking" episode. It is really the weirdest thing - for me it is all quite real - for Mindy it is all quite ridiculous! Still - not quite as strange as the last time when I was convinced I was some sort of "secret agent" dude and I was feigning sleep, waiting for her to try to escape. Luckily for her she knew better and stayed in the bed! All 100% true...and these examples are not even the weirdest ones from my past. A quite strange "affliction".
A brief Angus update - he is doing well and growing nicely. He is now over 10lbs. Can't wait for him to learn to stand so we can start practicing "lineouts".
I detected a slight sarcastic tone to her voice when she said "There's a mouse in the bed?"... I looked at my empty clenched fist then realized that this was another "sleep walking" episode. It is really the weirdest thing - for me it is all quite real - for Mindy it is all quite ridiculous! Still - not quite as strange as the last time when I was convinced I was some sort of "secret agent" dude and I was feigning sleep, waiting for her to try to escape. Luckily for her she knew better and stayed in the bed! All 100% true...and these examples are not even the weirdest ones from my past. A quite strange "affliction".
A brief Angus update - he is doing well and growing nicely. He is now over 10lbs. Can't wait for him to learn to stand so we can start practicing "lineouts".
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Angus etc
Things are starting to get back to normal, whatever that means. Angus has spent the past two weeks eating, sleeping and pooping which is a fine way to spend your life. At his two week check up he has continued to gain weight so all is well. Also, he continues to be relatively content. Not too much crying - he will wake to feed then go back to sleep. Mindy is also feeling better - still not 100% but on the improve.
From my perspective, I am doing more stuff in the evenings. Running around after the girls, running a few more errands, working and watching cricket. In fact, cricket is the main reason form me needing much coffee during the day. Last night, I stayed up until 2:00 watching us beat the Pakis. It should never have been this close and unfortunately I think Ponting sees this as vindicating his decision to bat rather then him realising that we won in spite of his decision to bat. A lot of fun to see it happen though.
Post Christmas fun has been spent on the Wii. The girls really love it and it is letting me see their competitive nature REALLY come out. Table tennis is the best for this...for whatever reason, this game makes them want to get in each other's faces when they win a point and there is certainly some pissing and moaning from the loser each time. Mario Kart is quite a challenge for them but they love the Littlest Pet Shop game. The Dance Revolution was also a hit. Mindy and I have done battle in several games, table tennis probably one of the faves right now.
Movies etc...watched the Kill Bill series again - a lot of fun. Nothing recent however. I would like to get out and see Avatar but not sure that will happen.
Work is quite busy catching up on everything. Hopefully I can stay at Colgate for a while yet, looking promising but nothing has been signed at this stage.
From my perspective, I am doing more stuff in the evenings. Running around after the girls, running a few more errands, working and watching cricket. In fact, cricket is the main reason form me needing much coffee during the day. Last night, I stayed up until 2:00 watching us beat the Pakis. It should never have been this close and unfortunately I think Ponting sees this as vindicating his decision to bat rather then him realising that we won in spite of his decision to bat. A lot of fun to see it happen though.
Post Christmas fun has been spent on the Wii. The girls really love it and it is letting me see their competitive nature REALLY come out. Table tennis is the best for this...for whatever reason, this game makes them want to get in each other's faces when they win a point and there is certainly some pissing and moaning from the loser each time. Mario Kart is quite a challenge for them but they love the Littlest Pet Shop game. The Dance Revolution was also a hit. Mindy and I have done battle in several games, table tennis probably one of the faves right now.
Movies etc...watched the Kill Bill series again - a lot of fun. Nothing recent however. I would like to get out and see Avatar but not sure that will happen.
Work is quite busy catching up on everything. Hopefully I can stay at Colgate for a while yet, looking promising but nothing has been signed at this stage.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Angus Brian Quirk
The little guy finally decided to arrive! I guess the process started about 4:00am on December 23. Mindy woke up with some cramping/contractions that were more intense and quite regular, compared with the other contractions she had experrienced over the past couple of weeks. She had an appointment with her mid-wife at 10:00, so we figured it would be perfect timing to see what was going on. So, we were both a little flat, confused and disappointed when she was told that no dialation had occurred. Her advice was to go home and wait...it could stil be a few days yet and made a follow up appointment for 5 days later.
These contractions continued throughout the day, 10 minutes apart. At about 6:00 that night, we told the kids that we would let them open their Christmas presents the next morning. This way, we would be sure to be around as we had to figure things COULD happen any day now. Of course, I am guessing this was just the trigger he needed as at about 8:00, they started to get much more intense and were only about 5 minutes apart. At about 10:00 we called a friend over who had offered her services to watch the girls and we all waited together until about midnight. I then made the statement "Things are not moving any more quickly now and we could spend all night sitting here awake, only to THEN have to go to the hospital the next day in any case. Perhaps we should get some sleep as tomorrow will likely be a big day for you.". Of course the additional meaning behind these words was : "I don't know about you but I am exhausted and could use some sleep. Tomorrow will likely be a big day for me.'.
I got about 3 hours sleep, Mindy about 3 hours less than this (but at least she was resting) before she woke me to tell me that they were getting stronger. After walking around for a bit, they were now coming about 3 minutes apart and so we decided to leave for the hospital. I guess the Christmas morning for the girls will have to wait!
Nothing is every easy it seems. You would assume that driving at 5:30am on Christmas eve would mean that you would at least get a clear run through...well, about 10 minutes from the hospital, all traffic was stopped for an accident on the road. We must have waited there about 10 minutes. The good thing was that we were about the 5th car from the front so IF things had become worse, we could have easily spoken to the police to help us out. As it turned out, they cleared things quite quickly and we were on our way.
We arrived towards the end of the nurse's shift which was a good thing for us. The nurse on duty could be described in any of the following ways - surly; short; abrupt; disinterested...but I think "complete bitch" probably works best. I understand she was at the end of a 12 hour overnight shift...but there was really no excuse for her attitude and manner. We were quite glad to find her shift ending at 7:00. The replacement, Arlene, was an older lady and was amazingly nice, helpful and friendly. Soon after this, Tina the midwife arrived and examined Mindy. Progress was being made!!!
Slow progress however...it was hard to watch - Mindy was really working hard but things were not happening particularly quickly. From 11:00 - 1:00, she was having very severe contractions and when checked again, no further dialation had occurred. Tina then gave us a couple of options. She had seen this sort of thing before and after 33 hours of contractions, pretty much said that Mindy was flat out exhausted and her body was not responding to this. We could continue to struggle but the chance of success were quite low in her view due to the length of time she had spent there already. So there were two options - a c-section, or to use pitocin in combination with an epidural to help her rest and let her body continue with the process. We tried this route figuring that the worst result would be a c-section in any case...so it was worth a try.
Two hours of this and things were ready for pushing. Mindy was able to get a bit of rest and I fell asleep in the chair as well, despite all of the coffee I had been chugging all day. The pushing did not last too long actually, maybe 45 minutes. It is truly the most amazing thing to watch. Once you can actually see something happening it is almost over! A few particularly big pushes and there was a head...one more push for the sholders and there is your baby! Born on December 24 at 5:22pm, 9lbs 5oz and 21 1/4" long, so not as big as Fiona but certainly a solid bloke. Mindy was in OK shape, obviously sore and tired but obviously this is to be expected. A few pictures, some video and then I had to leave to get the girls. Unfortunately, due to the swine flu, there was a "no children" visiting policy at the hospital, so they would have to wait a couple of days to see their brother.
These contractions continued throughout the day, 10 minutes apart. At about 6:00 that night, we told the kids that we would let them open their Christmas presents the next morning. This way, we would be sure to be around as we had to figure things COULD happen any day now. Of course, I am guessing this was just the trigger he needed as at about 8:00, they started to get much more intense and were only about 5 minutes apart. At about 10:00 we called a friend over who had offered her services to watch the girls and we all waited together until about midnight. I then made the statement "Things are not moving any more quickly now and we could spend all night sitting here awake, only to THEN have to go to the hospital the next day in any case. Perhaps we should get some sleep as tomorrow will likely be a big day for you.". Of course the additional meaning behind these words was : "I don't know about you but I am exhausted and could use some sleep. Tomorrow will likely be a big day for me.'.
I got about 3 hours sleep, Mindy about 3 hours less than this (but at least she was resting) before she woke me to tell me that they were getting stronger. After walking around for a bit, they were now coming about 3 minutes apart and so we decided to leave for the hospital. I guess the Christmas morning for the girls will have to wait!
Nothing is every easy it seems. You would assume that driving at 5:30am on Christmas eve would mean that you would at least get a clear run through...well, about 10 minutes from the hospital, all traffic was stopped for an accident on the road. We must have waited there about 10 minutes. The good thing was that we were about the 5th car from the front so IF things had become worse, we could have easily spoken to the police to help us out. As it turned out, they cleared things quite quickly and we were on our way.
We arrived towards the end of the nurse's shift which was a good thing for us. The nurse on duty could be described in any of the following ways - surly; short; abrupt; disinterested...but I think "complete bitch" probably works best. I understand she was at the end of a 12 hour overnight shift...but there was really no excuse for her attitude and manner. We were quite glad to find her shift ending at 7:00. The replacement, Arlene, was an older lady and was amazingly nice, helpful and friendly. Soon after this, Tina the midwife arrived and examined Mindy. Progress was being made!!!
Slow progress however...it was hard to watch - Mindy was really working hard but things were not happening particularly quickly. From 11:00 - 1:00, she was having very severe contractions and when checked again, no further dialation had occurred. Tina then gave us a couple of options. She had seen this sort of thing before and after 33 hours of contractions, pretty much said that Mindy was flat out exhausted and her body was not responding to this. We could continue to struggle but the chance of success were quite low in her view due to the length of time she had spent there already. So there were two options - a c-section, or to use pitocin in combination with an epidural to help her rest and let her body continue with the process. We tried this route figuring that the worst result would be a c-section in any case...so it was worth a try.
Two hours of this and things were ready for pushing. Mindy was able to get a bit of rest and I fell asleep in the chair as well, despite all of the coffee I had been chugging all day. The pushing did not last too long actually, maybe 45 minutes. It is truly the most amazing thing to watch. Once you can actually see something happening it is almost over! A few particularly big pushes and there was a head...one more push for the sholders and there is your baby! Born on December 24 at 5:22pm, 9lbs 5oz and 21 1/4" long, so not as big as Fiona but certainly a solid bloke. Mindy was in OK shape, obviously sore and tired but obviously this is to be expected. A few pictures, some video and then I had to leave to get the girls. Unfortunately, due to the swine flu, there was a "no children" visiting policy at the hospital, so they would have to wait a couple of days to see their brother.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Vacation Update 1
Things accomplished so far on my time off...
1) Throwing my back out. I think this was as a result of lifting a haevy bin of firewood but who knows. Hurts like hell though. Have been pretty much out of commission since Saturday but it is now starting to feel a little better. Mindy and I make a fine pair right now - my back and her front. Still no movement on the baby front...better be something soon.
2) Lying on the couch. This is kind of as a result of (1) but also a sought after time-off-work activity in its own right.
3) Watching movies. Nothing too exciting...saw The Matrix again and am subjecting Mindy to Ben Hur right now. She was not impressed when after 90 minutes she noticed on the DVR that there was STILL another 2.5 hours to go!
4) Sleeping. This pretty much happens whenever I lie down on a couch which as a resuilt of all of my other activities, has been a lot of the time.
Also...not that I have ever been one for fashion and have NEVER favoured form over function however today was a turning point in my life I think. I purchased two pairs of flannel pants and a pair of slippers to make my "hanging around the house" time even more comfortable. I feel like a whole world has now been opened to me. I am now in couch potato heaven. Mindy is already at the point of knowing that probably for the rest of her life, she will be seeing me in flannel pants and slippers. I think this is a vast exaggeration - like I would ever wear these in summer!
1) Throwing my back out. I think this was as a result of lifting a haevy bin of firewood but who knows. Hurts like hell though. Have been pretty much out of commission since Saturday but it is now starting to feel a little better. Mindy and I make a fine pair right now - my back and her front. Still no movement on the baby front...better be something soon.
2) Lying on the couch. This is kind of as a result of (1) but also a sought after time-off-work activity in its own right.
3) Watching movies. Nothing too exciting...saw The Matrix again and am subjecting Mindy to Ben Hur right now. She was not impressed when after 90 minutes she noticed on the DVR that there was STILL another 2.5 hours to go!
4) Sleeping. This pretty much happens whenever I lie down on a couch which as a resuilt of all of my other activities, has been a lot of the time.
Also...not that I have ever been one for fashion and have NEVER favoured form over function however today was a turning point in my life I think. I purchased two pairs of flannel pants and a pair of slippers to make my "hanging around the house" time even more comfortable. I feel like a whole world has now been opened to me. I am now in couch potato heaven. Mindy is already at the point of knowing that probably for the rest of her life, she will be seeing me in flannel pants and slippers. I think this is a vast exaggeration - like I would ever wear these in summer!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Year End "To Do" List
Finish up all work for the year - Done!
Two weeks of vacation/holiday time booked - Done!
Cricket on - Done!
New baby born - ....
Still waiting for the little fella to make an appearance. We thought something MIGHT be happening last weekend but nothing yet. He is moving a lot though, Mindy is hoping that he takes a hint that there is not that much room in there now so he may want to leave. Of course, it is absolutely freezing here now so no wonder he wants to stay in there. Hopefully the next update will bring some news!
Two weeks of vacation/holiday time booked - Done!
Cricket on - Done!
New baby born - ....
Still waiting for the little fella to make an appearance. We thought something MIGHT be happening last weekend but nothing yet. He is moving a lot though, Mindy is hoping that he takes a hint that there is not that much room in there now so he may want to leave. Of course, it is absolutely freezing here now so no wonder he wants to stay in there. Hopefully the next update will bring some news!
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