The New Floodgates of the Mind

Right after I hit update journal, my Manager came over to see me about a new process I’m attempting to implement within my Team and how we work with Evolution (with the idea to take it to the other Support Teams). He loved it and praised me on it. Then, immediately went down to show it to the VP of Technology who will review it and then pass it along to the Manager of the Project Office (whom I’ve been working with for the last little while and who’s already aware of the fact that I’ve wanted to put this process in place on my own initiative since our first meeting together way back when).

It’s all bizarre, it’s all strange… and it’s quite satisfying. Which, I guess, does tend to help make up for the long hours and large work load and heavy demands… 🙂

Yup, truly. I’m sitting here at my desk basically shaking my head. A co-worker just came to see me to confirm that he can’t make my workshop tomorrow so I told him to come to the one on Wednesday. He then reminded me that he’s waiting for me to set up another meeting with himself and a Project Leader so we can go over the Document Requirements I need from them. I just had to “argh” because, honestly, I’m booked completely until next week and have a number of deliverables I’m trying hard to reach. Lo and behold, even WHILE we’re talking, a new meeting request comes in from a Senior VP which directly affects my Department (as opposed to only my Team) so, due to its importance, I must accept. I should feel honored that my presence is quite often requested at such high levels… but some days… 🙂

And you know what else? I type quite fast. But, in the space of 10 minutes that it took me to write this post (which doesn’t sound fast at all) I had 1 phone call, and two face-to-face meetings.

My days. … Calgon, take me away!!!!

To all Montrealers, past and present. In the event you were not aware of this, there is currently a Class Action Lawsuit being held against Brault & Martineau.

If you have had dealings with them since April 1999, and have used their Financing services (be it the equal payment plan OR the pay-next-year), you need to get in touch with the lawyers handling the case. The suit is for $300 per member plus $300 in penalties (meaning, that as a member, you would get at least $600 upon judgement, unless the judge raises that amount)

The reason? False Advertising on two fronts. The first: They’ve been stating “Pay nothing for a year!” and yet, if you take that financing, they still force you to pay the taxes. WRONG. Secondly: on the equal payment plan, if you miss a payment, you get dinged with a 28% interest fee. WOAH!

Time to tell them to get back on track.

Well, here she is! I think you’ll agree it was worth the wait 🙂

Adorable, don’t you think? 🙂

Tuesday? How did that happen? Oh yeah, I remember. Not only being exhausted emotionally from the weekend, but Sunday night brought little sleep due to Casey whining all night long. Thus, Monday I was nothing more than a zombie. Can’t even tell you how I made it through the day but I did. I can say that somehow I still managed to be efficient! 🙂

We did end up going to the vet last night to ensure everything was good with Casey. Everyone who saw her just immediately “oooo-ed” and snuggled her. Cute 🙂 Vet says she’s in good health on a preliminary analysis which was good to hear. The overnight sleeping was still rough, but a little better than Sunday. I guess that explains why I have the extra bit of energy to update today as opposed to yesterday when I only updated my review LJ.

I did forget to mention this weekend that I had gone through my 2002 LJ entries and pulled some out to fill-out my online journal on the Parenting page of my Web site. Makes the entries just that much easier to re-read. I’ll be doing the same with 2003 when I can make some time.

Well, the tough first weekend is over.

After spending it running helter skelter back and forth from my parents to my house in order to keep Melyssa from being “exposed” to our puppy, the kids are now back with their mother and I’m back at home sitting in front of my computer, typing this entry with a very large rum-and-coke by my side and Casey asleep on my lap. Yes, pictures will be forthcoming 🙂

It was rough, emotionally speaking. James had a ball being here with Chantale and helping to take care of the dog. I know he learned a LOT about what it takes to raise a creature in just these two days. He helped feed her, play with her, keep her company, and understand the needs and importance of potty 🙂 But, he missed not having me around.

Melyssa had my obvious full attention. We basically spent last night cuddled together chatting for quite a bit and then watched some television and even drew pictures on my laptop. She agreed that it “sucked” that she couldn’t be at the house and especially found herself confused at what her mother just wouldn’t and couldn’t understand: WE HAVE TAKEN ALL THE PRECAUTIONS NECESSARY. I fear it can only end in another legal battle, but it’s not one I’ll back down from.

I took Melyssa to see a doctor today to get her opinion and a referral to an allergist. It was funny talking to a doctor who admitted to having a bunch of allergies herself AND who goes against them by owning 3 cats and a dalmation. She agreed that it was too simple to use any doctor’s opinion of staying away from “Any and All Dogs”, especially as the Theory of everyone being allergic to ALL dogs just does not hold water to the Practice. What a bloody shame.

We came back here to pick up what was necessary to take back and Melyssa got to say good-bye to Chantale. This actually turned out to be way too difficult for Chantale who broke down crying just holding Melyssa. It made me smile a little when Melyssa came down rubbing her ribs and telling me that she had been hugged really hard…

Ok, I think I’m gonna lay off of the stupid-ex-stories for a bit. I just needed to get this stuff out of my system and record them for posterity. I can now regale you with tales of this cute little pup who has completely captivated and captured the hearts of EVERYONE who’s seen her so far. It is just so cute how she’s constantly looking to snuggle into anyone who comes close, just so she can feel body-heat, curl into a ball, and sleep 🙂 The one unfortunate drawback is her need for company. This will make it difficult for her to be alone during the days, but she will learn. We’ll set up little tricks like programming the stereo and the television to go on and off at predetermined time – getting her ready to expect us home.

A new adventure is underway…

I’m not sure when I’ll be able to upload this post but I’m writing it up on my laptop at my parents’ house. Today is Saturday March 20th and I’m staying overnight at my parents with Melyssa. Why? Simple. Chantale and I got a puppy today. An absolutely adorable little Bichon Frise. We chose her mainly because she’s not a dander-shedding breed and we wanted to ensure Melyssa would have no problems with her. Hence, even the extra precaution of the Hepa filter in her room.

Unfortuntely, her mother doesn’t believe that’s enough. As far as she’s concerned, Melyssa is NOT to even go INTO a house where a dog is. Mine included. She doesn’t believe in anything outside of what her doctor says, as long as he doesn’t say anything about her boyfriend’s smoking. Of course, it’s not so much what her doctor says that bothers me. No, it’s what SHE says to MY daughter that both shocks and disgusts me. Let me explain.

After I picked up the kids on Friday night, we headed out to the Cote Vertu shopping center to kill some time before Chantale finished working. We spent the time walking around and then talking. When I began to question her about what the doctor had told her, she started bawling. Why? Because according to her mother, if I got a dog, it meant that I loved and wanted a dog more than I loved or wanted my daughter. And if that wasn’t enough to have the poor kid break down in heart-wrenching sobs, she followed up that oh-so-brilliant line of reasoning by telling Melyssa that if I got a dog, I would be killing her.

Needless to say, my daughter was completely falling apart. Her doctor tells her she can’t be near dogs, and her mother telling her that I would be killing her by getting a dog. If there is anyone that deserves the award of “First Class Bitch” it would definitely fall to her, hands down.

Something else that sticks in my craw? Whenver I have questioned her about her boyfriend’s smoking habits, she gets all defensive in that he blah blah blah (you’ve heard it all before). The kids, however, tell me another story. He smokes a lot more than just 2 cigarettes a day. And, he doesn’t do it when they’re in bed (so much for her excuse that he “walks around to air himself out so the kids don’t smell anything” story). So, his walking around with all those lovely little carcinogens on his clothes, hair, and skin and being near my daugther doesn’t bother her mother. But my having a puppy that is considered hypo-allergenic and who doesn’t release dander does bother her. Even with my sterlizing Melyssa’s bedroom. What a lousy, controlling skank.

There are so many more stories about her lousy antics and constant attempts to control my life that I can easily fill a book on it. A lot of things are written in my online journals of the past found on my Parenting Website. Plus, I’ve told a number of people about some others as well. This, of course, makes it difficult for me to remember what I’ve said and written already. On occassion, though, I will repeat something, especially stuff that I still have trouble believing.

For now, I’ll stop here. I have things to plan and lawyers to think about.

Well, tomorrow’s the day. The day Chantale and I bring home a new living creature into our home. A little creature that will be with us for about 15 years. Not part time, all the time. It’s something a little difficult to have to put my head around, especially considering the various living arrangements I’ve had to put up with, fix, and re-organize over the last few years.

It is incredible. Every day since I met Chantale, she has helped me (either directly or indirectly (ie; inspiration)) to claw my way back out of the morass my life was in 99. Desparate grip by desparate foothold, we managed to rise up, lay a foundation, dream, and build a life. A life beyond my wildest dreams. And now, even amid the usual turmoil which is the crap that sometimes gets stuck to the shoes of life, we have taken a stand and laid down the gauntlet. A Bichon Frise puppy will join our household tomorrow, paving the way to a baby sometime next year… Nothing definite on that front, but the thoughts are definitely there.

For those of you wondering about our getting a puppy while my daughter is asthmatic, let me reassure you that we have given everything the utmost thought. What many fail to remember is that Chantale suffers from asthma as well. Heck, even her sister does and she’s lived through the same things my daughter did. In order to minimize Melyssa’s exposure, the following come into play:

– The puppy does not go into the Kids’ rooms.
– The puppy is not allowed on the furniture.
– The puppy stays in its cage during the day and sleeps there overnight.
– The puppy does not have an undercoat and does NOT shed or release Dander. Thus, when the puppy is NOT in the house, there is no “remains” in the house. Nothing is released into the air or on the ground in dust, etc.
– When the kids are over, the puppy will be elsewhere.
– The puppy will be bathed/ groomed regularly.
– Melyssa’s room has an Air Purifier with a Hepa filter that cleans her room 6 times per hour (every 10 minutes) removing dust, pollen, odors, dander, etc, up to 99.97% at 0.3 microns. In other words, her room is an entirely sterile environment, cleaner than any other room in the house.
– Melyssa’s Air Purifier is strong enough to clean both her and James’ room. However, it is kept only in her room.

All this, by the way, is a hell of a lot more stable, secure, and proper than the fact that my daughter lives with her mother and new/old boyfriend who smokes. Oh yeah, sure. All the “arguments” of “he doesn’t smoke around the kids, it’s always outdoors or at work, etc etc” are good for her, but that does not negate the fact that cigarette carcinogens will ALWAYS stay on his clothes, his hair, his skin, regardless of how he “airs out by walking around before coming back in the house”. Yeah, I can see you all shaking your heads as well. This, my friends and everyone else reading this journal, is the stupidity I have to deal with on an on-going basis.

I can give out so many other examples of how Melyssa’s exposure is controlled and monitored when she’s with me, but I’m sure it’s not necessary. Those of you who know me, know how much I love my kids and know how far I go to ensure they are raised in a healthy, loving, and intelligent environment/ manner.

Obviously, there’s some fallout on this new decision. No problem. I’ve got my flak jacket on and I too will gather necessary ammunition. The future will tell. And I, who’ve been engaged in this battle for more years than I care to admit, know only this: My Will is stronger than adamantium. There is an actual “end date” to when this war will finally end, but that doesn’t mean I’m willing to lose every battle between now and then.

I had a rant to write. After all, there are times that a certain person does shit that is SO totally out-of-whack that I have images of my smashing their head against a brick wall. Repeatedly. And in case you’re wondering, I am referring to a Foe, not a friend. According to Mirriam-Webster, a foe is:
1: one who has personal enmity for another
2a: an enemy in war – b: ADVERSARY, OPPONENT
3: one who opposes on principle
4: something prejudicial or injurious

Unfortunately for me, my wife, my kids, my family, and anyone else involved, my foe is someone whom often appears and is always unwanted. This person seems to thrive on making our lives difficult because they don’t have the ability to keep up with the times and actually LEARN something about the world. Have I mentioned the top 3 things I hate in this world? (I have to stop at 3 because otherwise it could be quite a long list)

1- close-minded people
2- ignorant people who REFUSE to do something about being ignorant
3- hypocrisy

Anyhow, the rant. Luckily, I’ve been able to talk to my incredibly-intelligent and extremely-supportive (not to mention beautiful) wife, last night. That helped calm me down a lot. Then, I spoke with my mom this morning which was also nice. Early this afternoon, I even let a friend at work in on what exactly was pissing on my parade. Thus, I feel better (if somewhat still angry). Ergo, no need to rant.

I now return you to your regularly scheduled Live Journal.

I need a mental health day.

Chantale was having some kind of weird dream last night/this morning and made a sudden move at 5:18am. This shocked me right out of bed as I jumped up thinking I was late and began to look for clothes to wear. When my eyes focused on the clock radio, realizing that there was still over an hour and half to go before the alarm actually did go off, I lay back down, my heart thumping. Of course, as I lay down I immediately started thinking of some of the meetings I have yet to set up…

Needless to say, I’ve had a hellish day…