This was the first year that either of our kids was old enough to help out with these things. I wanted to make sure we would have enough time for everything, so I got to work just after 7, meaning I was able to leave at 4.

As soon as I arrived home, Sprout greeted me at the door, and we got started. I brought the tree in, then spent the next 45 minutes getting it vertical and secured in the stand. We took a break for dinner, but I think Sprout was too excited to eat. He had two or three pieces of bread.

When everyone was done eating we tidied a little, then started unpacking the tree decorations and showed Sprout how to put them on the tree. He did a few, but was having difficulty. He was happy transporting the decorations from myself to mum and we would put them on the tree.

When it was all done, we were all proud of our tree. It is feeling a lot more Christmas-y now. Add on that the possibility of snow tonight, and I am really feeling the Christmas spirit.

Moving was stressful, tiring, and a lot of work, but it was extremely satisfying. I worked my butt off all weekend long. I moved boxes, directed people, cleaned floors, swept, cleaned carpets, and even did some minor yard work. My hands felt pretty wrecked by the end of the weekend, and the rest of my body didn’t fare much better either. Cuts, scrapes, bruises, strains, and aches. Thankfully I didn’t do anything to my back.

Being able to see the accomplishment was pretty cool. Friday afternoon we were still packing boxes, Sunday afternoon the house was completely empty, and completely cleaned.

The flipside to working so hard was that for the whole weekend and a few days afterward I was constantly hungry. I felt like I was eating all the time yet still felt hungry.

From telus mobility’s “How Do I” site I clicked on Address Change:

Address Change

When should I inform TELUS Mobility of my new address?
As soon as you know your new address, you should let us know. We’ll ensure your invoices and any communication from us will be sent to the correct address. Remember, you can only change your address after your first bill cycle is complete. If you need to change the address sooner, please contact us.

Can I change my address to a non-Canadian address?
No, TELUS Mobility’s Self Serve application only accepts Canadian addresses.

Why should I enter my e-mail address?
We can quickly update you on our latest promotions, contract/renewal offers, and network and service enhancements. We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience with TELUS Mobility.

Wow, that was so unhelpful. Thanks a lot Telus.

Yes, that is a remote control, and it is for the outside Christmas lights. Yes I love it. Sometimes it is the simple things that make me happy.

The move itself was pretty smooth, but that was a weekend full of back breaking manual labour. Friday night we had some friends over for dinner and beer, then we shlepped boxes to the new place. Saturday was an all out move fest. The movers came and grabbed as much stuff as they could then emptied their truck at the new place. Meanwhile our cleaning lady did her magic at the old place, but we had a limit on her time. Then I started the final clean of the rest of the house. The sunroom and basement needed a lot of attention, and so did the carpets throughout. When all was said and done the place looked almost like it did when we moved in.

The next day the enormity of the move hit us. Boxes everywhere. Looking around the house I began to feeli like maybe it was too small. As furniture got place I started seeing quick and striking differences. Very quickly the house felt like it was big enough. Now that we have been here a week, I know that it was just the clutter everywhere that made the house feel tiny.

One of the things about the house that we loved was the lack of carpeting. Hardwood throughout, and nice, old hardwood at that. Of course, hardwood doesn’t damp the sound, and our dog has long claws. And likes to get up at 6 am. And our new yard isn’t fenced.

So far the new morning routine involves one of us (usually me since I am awake) jumping out of bed at the first Yoshi noise. Then he eats, and gets a quick pee in the yard by himself. Then we take him on leash around the block so he can work out number 2. Of course it is still cold and dark out, and I would much rather be laying in my nice warm bed.

The house is awesome though. Much quieter neighbourhood, still close to all the same amenities, and so far, great neighbours. The second night we were in the house our neighbours to one side came by and welcomed us to the hood and brought a lovely tin of home made chocolate chip cookies. 🙂 A very nice welcome indeed.

Last week I busted out which I was fine with. I wasn’t playing all that well, and I was getting very good cards when I really needed them. I still won a few hands, and I still had a great time.

Tonight was different though. I played much smarter and tighter. I kept myself under control and didn’t chase hard hands. I folded at smart times. At the end of the night I was up quite a bit.

Counting both weeks together I was up $12 (lost $10 last week, won $22 tonight).

I think the only thing stopping me from playing every week with the work people is that I have Ulti on Thursdays, and they play on Fridays. This means I would be out of the house for dinner and maybe bed time, two nights in a row. I just can’t do that to Sox.

Ulti is ending pretty soon, so maybe that means more poker in my life?