I am horrible

I keep forgetting that I have this blog, that is why I am horrible.  Trying to keep up with it all has been a challenge.  Life is great! 

July 2022 I completed my PSW program at Trillium College, with honors! When I first got the idea in my head to go back to school at 43 yrs old, I was thinking am I crazy? I am too old for this.  However I am glad I didn't listen to that voice in my head.  It wasn't easy trying to balance out family life, school and and still trying to work through it all.  The thing I appreciate the most was my family, Mom and Will they stepped up to help out with Joy.  It wasn't easy.  I missed my family in that time.  My schedule was class 8 am to 1 pm class, then 2-3 pm to 9:30 pm work.  Then when I a started placement 6/7 am to 3 pm. Sunday to Friday (the last few weeks as I had to get my hours in as I was out for 3 weeks due to COVID hitting my whole household, including myself).  It was a challenge, however in the end it was totally worth it.

I got my first job at a Long Term Care facility, however I didn't like it.  The distance was difficult, and the staff I worked with where not so friendly.  I still had my retail job still.  So I didn't pick up any shifts at the LTC and worked at the retail job.  At the same time I kept applying at at other places.  November 2022 I got hired on at a LTC/Hospital and I am loving it.  

Being a PSW is rewarding, yes there are challenges.  Seeing the residents/patients smile, or that one who just gives you a hug out of the blue and even say how much they appreciate you and the gratefulness from from the families.  Some of challenges a PSW faces, dealing with ones who can be violent, or resistant because they have dementia and they don't understand you are trying to help them but they think you are trying to harm them.  When the resident or patient you cared for passes away it is hard.  If you are going to be a PSW for the money, stay out of it.  It takes heart, and compassion and a desire to serve others.  

Sincerely,

 

Anna

So Much to Share

 I know it has been a long time since I have posted anything.  I actually forgot about this blog to be honest with you.

First of all, Joy she is 10 yrs old.  It is so hard to believe how long it's been.  She is turning into a young lady.  

In November 2021, I took a big step of faith and went back to school to take the Personal Support Worker Course at Trillium College.  That is one choice I do not regret.  It was not easy trying to be a wife, Mom and trying to maintain my full time job.  My day would start at 8 am to 1 pm for school then work from 3-9:30.  It was so exhausting.  Then when placement started it was 6/7 am to 3 pm then work 5-9:30.  However I did experience one obstacle, I had to be off placement for 3 weeks as COVID went through our home.  Thankfully we did not get it severe.  When I returned I was working placement 6 days a week plus my job.  I had to get my placement hours done.  Then I wrote my NACC Exam and passed.  It was all worth it.  I graduated with honors.  The only downfall was we didn't get a graduation ceremony.  

Merry Christmas

From my family to yours, wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Anna

Apple Picking October 11, 2014

This past weeks my family went to Watson's Farms in Bowmanville, Ontario. This Summer/Fall has been many firsts. I seem to be doing things with Joy that I never got to experience  in my childhood.  So I feel like a little kid all over again. 

When we first arrived Will and I took her to the front where there where pumpkins. Row after row. They had orange pumpkins, white pumpkins and ones with bumps on them. Joy just walked through them row on row. Pointing to them. Then we got our ride to the orchard to pick apples. Honestly I was worried that I might get stung by wasps. I was surprised I did not see that many. Joy ate a whole apple. She really likes the red delicious. I tried a northern spy apple, I got a few bites and she took my apple. 

These moments are so precious. I am one blesses woman! Thank you Jesus!!

Anna 

Been a while!!!

I know I have not posted in a while. Life has been so busy trying to balance it all out has been a challange. Hard to believe Joy is two years old I look at her and she has gone from looking like a little baby to a little girl. 

This past weekend, Joy and I went to our first Ribfest. We both loved it. Joy went on some carnival rides. She loved it. 

Anna

Family

This past weekend my cousin Cheryle and Teresa and my Uncle Reg came over for a visit. It was a great afternoon. I was expecting Joy to make strange but she didn't. She loved them all especially her Uncle Reg. 

Anna 

My 35th Birthday Celebration

This past Wednesday (April 24) was my birthday celebration! It was a great day.  I had a few friends and family over for cake and snacks.  I decided to give Joy a piece of cake and let her go nuts eating it.  It was so cute! Getting her ready for her first birthday.  The next day I wish I had a piece of cake because I just wanted to watch her dive into to cake.  

Anna

Kicking

Well I am 23 weeks and 3 days pregnant. It is just exciting. I am now starting to feel the kicks a lot now. Today I was relaxed on the couch enjoying a snack I noticed the kicks are getting stronger. What an awesome feeling. When I was pregnant with Faith I did not feel the kicks like this at this point of the pregnancy. I felt them more at around 30 weeks. I am now also experiencing the discomforts of pregnancy such was being winded so quickly. Today at work I had my lunch and just as my lunch break was finished I was running to the washroom because the sudden urge to get sick came. It was so embarrassing as interviews were being done. I am thinking maybe it was the Twix bar I had. As I was trying to work I am feeling the pressure around my waistline. I finally clued in, the baby has the foot or had at the waist and the pressure was making feel sick. Again, I experienced that a lot when I was pregnant with Faith. It is like the baby is saying, "Mom you need to sit down and relax". How can you do that when you are at work? So when I got home I just got comfy on the couch and relaxed then I started to feel better. My hubby even put my feet on a cushion and put a blanket on me just to make sure I am comfy, I know I am spoiled rotten. Hurry up May! Hurry Up!!

Anna

Christmas 2011

This Christmas was AWESOME!!!!

Friday night started off with celebrating Mom's birthday with my nephew Justin. On Christmas Eve we exchanged presents with Justin.

I am so glad to have spent Christmas with my Dad. It meant a lot to me. Last night, Will, Mom, Dad and I went to Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, it was amazing. When the candles were lit and the whole room was so bright. I love seeing the room lit up with candles.

My Uncle Dave and Aunt Corrine stopped in for a visit this afternoon. For dinner it was Mom, Dad, Jon, Maryann and Kyle. I even made cheesecake. The dinner was so yummy. Mom, Will and I worked as a team to get dinner ready.

About a month ago Will and I got a Tassimo. We loved it. When I saw the selection between Tassimo and Keurig I was so upset. Keurig has way more selection in product. Jon, Maryann, Mom and the kids got Will and I a Keurig and some k-cups. Needless to say Mom got the Tassimo.

I just want to say MERRY CHRISTMAS! Hope you had a great one like I did!

Anna

This Christmas

So this is going to be an exciting Christmas for me. My Dad is coming for Christmas. I have only spend one Christmas with him and that was my first one.... in 1978. So this is big! I will be spending it with both parents, and my brother and his family and of course my husband!!!!

Anna

Measuring

As I am winding down to the end of the first week of this lifestyle change I am so blessed to know that I have a great support system. Thank you all for your encouraging words. It has meant a lot to me and has helped me through it.

The biggest change for me that I found was hard was measuring everything! Portion control. Yesterday we had a Chicken stir fry with Uncle Ben's Chinese fried rice. When we actually weighed out 42 g I was totally surprised how much it was. One serving spoonful was too much. Amazing what you learn.

Anna

July 15, 2011

I do not know what to write. Just in total shock.

One year ago today, I welcomed Faith into this world and 12 minutes later I had to say good bye. Her life was only 12 minutes. Short but precious. I should be having your first birthday party but instead I am going to the cemetery. How fair is that. I love you and miss you Faith!

Today we also learned another shocker, Will's Aunt Trudy passed away. I have fond memories of her. She made me feel welcomed into the Farrow Family. I always enjoyed our chats. We did not see each other often. RIP Aunt Trudy. You are loved by many!

Anna

33rd Birthday tomorrow

As we are coming up to my 33rd birthday and Easter weekend I am finding it difficult. Last year my birthday my only wish was the resutls from the amniocentisis was that Faith did not have Thanatophoric Dysplasia. I didn't get it. So I am reminded of that this year and not really in the mood to celebrate at all. At the same time I just want to go on and enjoy life. Still hurts a lot.

This year I am just glad to be surrounded by my family. That is what means a lot to me this year!

Anna

This Weekend

Last weekend started off well but didn't end very well. Maybe I pushed myself too hard. The next day at church something happned that totally ruined it. I spent the rest of the weekend in a really bad state. It lasted for two days. I was not able to do anything but sit at home and cry.

This weekend was way better. Friday my Mom moved in to her apartment! Yippeee!!!! I am so happy for her. She deserves to have a place of her own. She doesn't have to share her apartment with anyone! It is great to see Mom happy!

Saturday was my friend Traci's birthday party. It was awesome! We went Milestone's Resturant in Whitby. It was nice to sit back relax. Afterwards we hung out at Traci's for a bit!

Sunday I went to visit the church I used to attend in Ajax called Christian Life Centre. It felt like I was at home. It was nice to see everyone. My friend Andrea is home from Romania. It was so nice to see her. Whenever she is home I make sure I see her. She is a missionary. I got to meet the new Pastor, Pastor Sam today as well. I heard so many good things about him. The message was Emulate. Which means to Copy, Imitate. We are to imitate Christ.

After church had more fellowship time with Traci and Glen.

The rest of the day I spent it with my hubby! We have been having problems with our kitchen faucet. It was constantly dripping so we replaced it. Then it was leaking in the basement. That got fixed. Then the past few days we turn on the tap and it was a little tricle of water was coming out. The rest of the taps were fine all over the house. Will finally figured out the problem, it was clogged, well that got fixed today! Whoo hooo!!!

Tomorrow is day 3 of my weekend. I wonder what tomorrow will bring???

Good Night and God Bless you!!!

Anna

First Christmas

This Christmas went better than I expected. It was still hard, I still cried. We lit a candle in her memory yesteday. Also I lit one for my Grandma Borchuk as this is her first Christmas in Heaven too. The days leading up to Christmas were not so easy. Christmas Eve at work was hard. Unfortunatley I could not get it off like I requested. A customer asked me if I had a little one. You don't know how to respond. It is like yes I have a little one but at the same time I don't. The only thing I can get out is no. Also I saw the nurse that delivered Faith too. All day long I was fighting the urge to cry. By the time my last break hit I let it out. I am so glad that I was surrounded by family. It meant a lot to me.

I hope you all had a good Christmas. Hoping 2011 will be a better one.

Anna

Oshawa Zoo

Today I had my OB appointment. My blood pressure is up, still trying to keep it down. I know it is normal for pregnancy but I don't like it. Had to drink the carbonated orange drink, the gestational diabetes test. It was yummy! Heard Faith's heartbeat, it is good and strong!

Today I went to the Oshawa Zoo with my sister in law Jenny and my nephew Dean. I had a wonderful time. You can buy popcorn to feed to the animals too, I ended up eating most of it. It was yummy! Today I got to hold a chick for the first time. Unfortunalty I didn't have a pic from my camera.

Anna

Mornings

I find that the mornings are difficult. That is when I cry like crazy. Why are mornings so hard? It supposed to be a new day where you start fresh. Instead you wake and don't want to get out of bed.

I spoke to my father in law and sister in law, Jenny today and it helped. As much as I cried my face off. After that the day got better. I spent some much needed time with my husband. We went to the library, returned some dvd's. We bought the movie "Simon Birch". I remember watching that years ago. It is funny and a tear jerker too. It is about a boy who is a dwarf, destined to die because he had a small heart. He lived and believed he had some purpose for his life, he was going to be a hero. People laughed at him and wouldn't believe it. Until the bus they were riding crashed and ended up in the lake. That is all I am going to tell you. Rent it or buy it.

Good Night!

Anna