For about the last two weeks now, I've been having trouble getting to sleep at night. Even last Thursday, after being out on the lake all day fishing, I couldn't go down. The trouble with me is I can't fall asleep because I can't shut off my f'ing head! The good thing is, it doesn't last. In a few days I'll be able to sleep fine for a few weeks and then the problems come back. No matter what, the pattern always stays the same.
Right now it's particularly bad because I've got A LOT on my mind. Jennifer is in Winnipeg for the next three months getting a stem cell transplant in what we hope is her final battle with cancer. Next weekend, my band is playing two gigs, one friday and one saturday, totally different sets, we are not playing the same song twice. So I've been practicing a lot, but the trouble here is at night when I try and go to sleep, I have about 30 songs running through my head and I can't shut them off.
Last night I Googled "how to shut off your head and get to sleep" and one of the recommendations was journaling just before you go to bed, it's supposed to unclutter your mind and help you relax. So that's what I'm doing now. If it helps, then maybe there will be a new entry every night! It's said you should just jot down how your day went so here goes....
I was actually up by 7:15am this morning and dropped off Cameron and got to work just 10 minutes late this time. I didn't stop for coffee because I didn't fell like it. I know, I'm as shocked as you! Work was work, whatever. Today I remembered I had 1.5 hours of OT to take, so I tied that on with my lunch hour and came home and cut the grass. I did a quick, shitty job but it's done and that was a big deal for me to finish it. Then I picked up Cameron and Nicholas at camp and took them to Knobby's for supper. Nic wanted the Texas Ribs which was 20.00 and came with soup, salad and choice of potato (Nic is a fussy eater) Thankfully, they didn't serve "entres" until 5pm, so he had to settle for chicken fingers and that was fine with me! Cameron had pizza pops and I had a hamburger, it was good.
I brought the boys home and they played downstairs while I tried to have a nap. But Bob and Nat, Nic's parents came to pick him up at 5pm; I guess they didn't get my email that I wanted them to come around 6:30. So no nap. Nic wanted to stay longer and I had a band practice at 7 so we agreed to keep him at our house, then I'd take both of them to Bob and Nat's at 6:30.
At 6:30 I took the boys to Bob and Nat's and then headed off to band practice. It was just for an hour, but we plowed through about six songs and really polished them. I have to admit we are sounding really tight, and as a musician, that's a good feeling. Plus Ryan, our drummer, and PA owner, bought a new sound board and we sound great through that thing! I'm really excited about next weekend's gigs. Should be a lot of people out to see us, and we're playing really well.
After BP, I picked up Cameron and we came home to watch Dispicable Me before going to bed. Cameron's been going to day camp all week, so at bedtime he falls asleep almost instantly; I'm so jealous of that kid.
Tomorrow will be an interesting day as after work, I am picking up Cameron from day camp, the Andrew from Camp of the Woods, which is a half hour drive up the highway, then we are carrying on to Winnipeg to visit Jennifer for the weekend.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
How to Help a Family in Crisis
Hi all, this blog isn't based on some study somewhere, but on my own experiences in dealing with my wife's illnesses over the past few years. She is currently going through treatments for her third battle with Hodgkin's Disease.
Since she's been diagnosed with her most current relapse, we've been flooded with requests from people asking what can they do to help. Now I can't speak for my wife, but for me I hate repeating myself. Personally, I go through the following conversation many times daily and it drives me nuts;
Person: "How's your wife?"
Me: "OK, just a little (however she is feeling at the time.)"
Person: "Well if you ever need anything, just call."
Me: "OK"
(The worst is on Sunday's when we're in church)
Now I'm sure the person's heart is in the right place, and I really do appreciate the concern, but this my friends is how not to help.
Why?
Because I'm never going to call you!!!!!
And why won't I call you ask? Beee cause...... I'm too proud (or maybe even stubborn) to admit I need the help. I'm a 40 year old man and I'm healthy so I think I can raise two kids and look after my wife when she needs looking after; I got this.
So how do you help? Here let me give you some examples;
My wife's mom took her to the city and stayed with her the entire time; that's helping. Her dad visited her at the hospital everyday, that's helping.
Her sister visited us a few nights a week, uninvited, and while she was over she would fold laundry or clean a bathroom, that's big time helping.
Her friend dropped off a pizza one night, I had no idea it was coming, that's helping.
My son's friend stopped by with his mom, and they took him out for shopping and lunch, that's helping.
Our friends who attend various churches say they are praying for her; that's helping.
My point is friends; don't wait for an invitation to help; just help. Your actions would definitely be appreciated; trust me. See ya next post.
Since she's been diagnosed with her most current relapse, we've been flooded with requests from people asking what can they do to help. Now I can't speak for my wife, but for me I hate repeating myself. Personally, I go through the following conversation many times daily and it drives me nuts;
Person: "How's your wife?"
Me: "OK, just a little (however she is feeling at the time.)"
Person: "Well if you ever need anything, just call."
Me: "OK"
(The worst is on Sunday's when we're in church)
Now I'm sure the person's heart is in the right place, and I really do appreciate the concern, but this my friends is how not to help.
Why?
Because I'm never going to call you!!!!!
And why won't I call you ask? Beee cause...... I'm too proud (or maybe even stubborn) to admit I need the help. I'm a 40 year old man and I'm healthy so I think I can raise two kids and look after my wife when she needs looking after; I got this.
So how do you help? Here let me give you some examples;
My wife's mom took her to the city and stayed with her the entire time; that's helping. Her dad visited her at the hospital everyday, that's helping.
Her sister visited us a few nights a week, uninvited, and while she was over she would fold laundry or clean a bathroom, that's big time helping.
Her friend dropped off a pizza one night, I had no idea it was coming, that's helping.
My son's friend stopped by with his mom, and they took him out for shopping and lunch, that's helping.
Our friends who attend various churches say they are praying for her; that's helping.
My point is friends; don't wait for an invitation to help; just help. Your actions would definitely be appreciated; trust me. See ya next post.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Hockey Diary: Mar. 21/11
Lots to add since my last post on Mar. 11/11. I guess the best way to do it would be point form: so since Mar. 11; I've.......
-Coached two practices; a one hour on Mar. 12 and an two hour on Mar. 13 for my son's atom team.
-Ref'd 11 games. Two minor hockey games Mar. 11 and 12, and nine Native Bands Tournament games from Mar. 14-17. Very intense hockey going on there...
-Coached six games. My son's novice team had a tournament in Thunder Bay. His team finished with three wins and three loses and finished the tournament as B side runner-ups. A great fun filled weekend; the kids tried hard and had a good time, and so did the coaches!
Every year during our March break; Sioux Lookout hosts a native bands tournament where about 20 teams from communities north of us and their fans come to town. This year was my first year officiating some of the games and I've gotta tell ya, they are not like minor hockey games! Guys are pretty intense out there and despite all the rules and regulations about treating officials and each other with respect, stuff still gets said and frustrations still come out in the heat of the moment. Thank heaven for my officiating partner Frank B. He's an experienced guy and he did great at keeping control of the games. Oh, and I've got a few bumps and bruises to heal. I tripped and fell on some bad ice, twice! Hurting my tail bone and my shoulder in the process; and I took a guys clearing attempt off the jock; which made me see stars for a couple of minutes but thankfully, no further damage. He did say he was sorry.....
Minor hockey is winding down, my son's novice team is pretty much finished now that the final tournament of the year is over. My other son's atom team still has some playoff games to go, but that won't take too long either. But I do have to say the next big hockey event I'm looking forward to is my trip to Ottawa April 2/11 to watch the Senators take on the Leafs at ScotiaBank Place. The game is on HNIC!
-Coached two practices; a one hour on Mar. 12 and an two hour on Mar. 13 for my son's atom team.
-Ref'd 11 games. Two minor hockey games Mar. 11 and 12, and nine Native Bands Tournament games from Mar. 14-17. Very intense hockey going on there...
-Coached six games. My son's novice team had a tournament in Thunder Bay. His team finished with three wins and three loses and finished the tournament as B side runner-ups. A great fun filled weekend; the kids tried hard and had a good time, and so did the coaches!
Every year during our March break; Sioux Lookout hosts a native bands tournament where about 20 teams from communities north of us and their fans come to town. This year was my first year officiating some of the games and I've gotta tell ya, they are not like minor hockey games! Guys are pretty intense out there and despite all the rules and regulations about treating officials and each other with respect, stuff still gets said and frustrations still come out in the heat of the moment. Thank heaven for my officiating partner Frank B. He's an experienced guy and he did great at keeping control of the games. Oh, and I've got a few bumps and bruises to heal. I tripped and fell on some bad ice, twice! Hurting my tail bone and my shoulder in the process; and I took a guys clearing attempt off the jock; which made me see stars for a couple of minutes but thankfully, no further damage. He did say he was sorry.....
Minor hockey is winding down, my son's novice team is pretty much finished now that the final tournament of the year is over. My other son's atom team still has some playoff games to go, but that won't take too long either. But I do have to say the next big hockey event I'm looking forward to is my trip to Ottawa April 2/11 to watch the Senators take on the Leafs at ScotiaBank Place. The game is on HNIC!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Hockey Diary Mar. 11/11
Six and a half hours at the rink last night!
First was my son's novice practice which I went to and helped run, but I let Cameron stay home and chill out with his grandpa.
Second I did volunteer duty at our Sioux Flyers Jr. playoff game against the Thunder Bay Northstars. One more loss and our boys were out and the pre game scuttlebut was they were ready to throw in the towel. But that wasn't to be as the boys had a one to nothing lead until Thunder Bay tied it with ten seconds left. Then, thanks to a lucky goal (how else do you describe a backhander from centre that goes in?) they won 2-1. Back to Thunder Bay for game five on Saturday.
Third was our Sioux Aces game. Still only played 8 on 8 but because the Flyers game went to OT, we only had ice for 45 minutes. As usual it was fun, I don't know what the score was but I'm pretty sure our team came out on top.
Tonight is a night off from the rink (yay) But starting tomorrow I'll be busy reffing hockey games. 16 of them in six days; should be fun.
Oh, and my Ottawa Senators got by the Florida Panthers last night 2-1. Although it's nice to see them win a few games, I don't want them to screw up their draft situation for next year. A high pick is almost guaranteed and I'd really like to see them get Gabriel Landeskog.
First was my son's novice practice which I went to and helped run, but I let Cameron stay home and chill out with his grandpa.
Second I did volunteer duty at our Sioux Flyers Jr. playoff game against the Thunder Bay Northstars. One more loss and our boys were out and the pre game scuttlebut was they were ready to throw in the towel. But that wasn't to be as the boys had a one to nothing lead until Thunder Bay tied it with ten seconds left. Then, thanks to a lucky goal (how else do you describe a backhander from centre that goes in?) they won 2-1. Back to Thunder Bay for game five on Saturday.
Third was our Sioux Aces game. Still only played 8 on 8 but because the Flyers game went to OT, we only had ice for 45 minutes. As usual it was fun, I don't know what the score was but I'm pretty sure our team came out on top.
Tonight is a night off from the rink (yay) But starting tomorrow I'll be busy reffing hockey games. 16 of them in six days; should be fun.
Oh, and my Ottawa Senators got by the Florida Panthers last night 2-1. Although it's nice to see them win a few games, I don't want them to screw up their draft situation for next year. A high pick is almost guaranteed and I'd really like to see them get Gabriel Landeskog.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Hockey Diary: Mar. 9/11
It's about three weeks before hockey season ends for me and you'd think things would be slowing down a bit.....but no... and I'm not complaining.
Last night Andrew's atom team had a practice at 7. It was a fun time; there were lots of kids out and I had half the kids on half the ice practicing their skating, shooting, and passing. I had a shoot out drill at the end and told the kids the last one to score had to help me pick up the pucks after practice, but of course that didn't happen! We got home at 8-ish and after putting the kids to bed at 8:30 I headed back to the rink for my own hockey game with the Aces.
More guys were out compared to Monday night, but we still played 8 on 8. Our team won last night 12-6. I helped our team with a few points, but no matter how hard I try I can't get anything going with my Warrior stick! It's not until I pull the Easton stick out at the halfway point, that things start happening for me. Every night is like that!
Remember I said things weren't slowing down? Here's what I mean. Tonight my son's atom team has a game at 6, then we are staying to watch the Sioux Flyers in their playoff game vs. the Thunder Bay Northstars. Tomorrow my son's novice team has a practice, then I'm doing volunteer duty the the Flyer's game as security, and after that we have our own game with the Aces.
Next week is Spring break and there is always a big Northern Bands tournament here during that time. Minor hockey and the Aces have no ice next week but that doesn't mean I have any time off. I'll be reffing. 16 games in 5 days. Then when that's over; it's off to Thunder Bay for my son's novice tournament! It's crazy I know but I absolutely love it.
And finally, my Ottawa Senators went into New Jersey last night and beat the Devils 2-1. On paper it was a total mismatch as Ottawa is 30th in the league and NJ is one of the hottest teams going; they were 22-2-2 since Christmas before last night's game; and on a 9-0 run at home. But my Senators beat them at their own game; playing a stingy defensive style and got two timely goals by up and comer Eric Condra. As usual, our goalie Craig Anderson stood on his head and played great, but what I really liked was Jason Spezza's game. He made a beauty play to set up the game winning goal was a stud on defense a few times, especially when the Devils had about 4 minutes of power play time in the second period; a minute and a half of that was with a two man advantage. Next up is the Florida Panthers on Thursday in Florida. It's a game I expect the boys to win; Florida is in total free fall mode right now.
Last night Andrew's atom team had a practice at 7. It was a fun time; there were lots of kids out and I had half the kids on half the ice practicing their skating, shooting, and passing. I had a shoot out drill at the end and told the kids the last one to score had to help me pick up the pucks after practice, but of course that didn't happen! We got home at 8-ish and after putting the kids to bed at 8:30 I headed back to the rink for my own hockey game with the Aces.
More guys were out compared to Monday night, but we still played 8 on 8. Our team won last night 12-6. I helped our team with a few points, but no matter how hard I try I can't get anything going with my Warrior stick! It's not until I pull the Easton stick out at the halfway point, that things start happening for me. Every night is like that!
Remember I said things weren't slowing down? Here's what I mean. Tonight my son's atom team has a game at 6, then we are staying to watch the Sioux Flyers in their playoff game vs. the Thunder Bay Northstars. Tomorrow my son's novice team has a practice, then I'm doing volunteer duty the the Flyer's game as security, and after that we have our own game with the Aces.
Next week is Spring break and there is always a big Northern Bands tournament here during that time. Minor hockey and the Aces have no ice next week but that doesn't mean I have any time off. I'll be reffing. 16 games in 5 days. Then when that's over; it's off to Thunder Bay for my son's novice tournament! It's crazy I know but I absolutely love it.
And finally, my Ottawa Senators went into New Jersey last night and beat the Devils 2-1. On paper it was a total mismatch as Ottawa is 30th in the league and NJ is one of the hottest teams going; they were 22-2-2 since Christmas before last night's game; and on a 9-0 run at home. But my Senators beat them at their own game; playing a stingy defensive style and got two timely goals by up and comer Eric Condra. As usual, our goalie Craig Anderson stood on his head and played great, but what I really liked was Jason Spezza's game. He made a beauty play to set up the game winning goal was a stud on defense a few times, especially when the Devils had about 4 minutes of power play time in the second period; a minute and a half of that was with a two man advantage. Next up is the Florida Panthers on Thursday in Florida. It's a game I expect the boys to win; Florida is in total free fall mode right now.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Hockey Diary: March 8/11
Hi all,
I've decided to incorporate various "diaries" into my blog. My hockey diary, my golf diary, and my music diary are probably three diaries you'll see here in the near future.
So tonight is my first entry into "my hockey diary." I was busy at the rink tonight with three games. First my son Cameron's novice team had a house league game; they won 5-0; but they usually do win their house league games. I have to say that Cameron has been playing hockey for three years now, and he's a pretty good little skater, but I tell ya, the kid has absolutely no hockey sense, and it drives me crazy! Tonight for example; he could have had a breakaway; but he chose not to chase the puck because he was playing defense! Ugh! The really hard part is when I try to give him advice (I'm the team's assistant coach) he just rolls his eyes at me like he knows everything!
Second was my son Andrew's atom house league playoff game. We played a team who beat us 5-4 last week; and I really wanted to win one tonight (I'm the team's head coach) So I adjusted the lines a bit and told the kids that I wanted to see more passing and a more "dump and chase" kind of game. I have to say the kids played really well; and I think we deserved to win but the game ended 3-3. Andrew didn't get any points but he played very defensively for us. He's dying to score a goal so I think I'll put him at forward for Wednesday night's game.
Finally, I played my own game with the Sioux Aces oldtimers; we have ice on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursay nights. I usually play Tuesday's and Thursday's but tonight I made it out for a monday nighter. We were short in numbers (6 on 7) but it was a fun skate. I'm not sure what the final score was, but our team lost by one. I didn't score any goals, but I did help our team with a few assists, but when there's not a lot of guys out, everybody usually gets a point! Hopefully there will be more guys out tomorrow.
I've decided to incorporate various "diaries" into my blog. My hockey diary, my golf diary, and my music diary are probably three diaries you'll see here in the near future.
So tonight is my first entry into "my hockey diary." I was busy at the rink tonight with three games. First my son Cameron's novice team had a house league game; they won 5-0; but they usually do win their house league games. I have to say that Cameron has been playing hockey for three years now, and he's a pretty good little skater, but I tell ya, the kid has absolutely no hockey sense, and it drives me crazy! Tonight for example; he could have had a breakaway; but he chose not to chase the puck because he was playing defense! Ugh! The really hard part is when I try to give him advice (I'm the team's assistant coach) he just rolls his eyes at me like he knows everything!
Second was my son Andrew's atom house league playoff game. We played a team who beat us 5-4 last week; and I really wanted to win one tonight (I'm the team's head coach) So I adjusted the lines a bit and told the kids that I wanted to see more passing and a more "dump and chase" kind of game. I have to say the kids played really well; and I think we deserved to win but the game ended 3-3. Andrew didn't get any points but he played very defensively for us. He's dying to score a goal so I think I'll put him at forward for Wednesday night's game.
Finally, I played my own game with the Sioux Aces oldtimers; we have ice on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursay nights. I usually play Tuesday's and Thursday's but tonight I made it out for a monday nighter. We were short in numbers (6 on 7) but it was a fun skate. I'm not sure what the final score was, but our team lost by one. I didn't score any goals, but I did help our team with a few assists, but when there's not a lot of guys out, everybody usually gets a point! Hopefully there will be more guys out tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
