Mortimer's Mom

Air Canada hates kids!

So I have been thinking about this since our Halloween trip to Florida, but I'm finally ready to put it out there....

Air Canada has a new stroller policy. you can read it here. But basically, the allow umbrella strollers up to the gate, all other strollers must be checked as baggage and count as part of you allowed 2 pieces per person. I for one don't have a problem with the latter part of the policy, I understand about weight limitations on planes and I have no problem, when a family of 4 with 4 fully paid tickets has to use 1 of their 8 allowed pieces for the stroller.

My beef is with the checked luggage. Not being able to bring the stroller to the gate.... Take for example a 7:30 am flight from Montreal to Orlando. That means you have to be at the airport by 6 am. With 2 woken-from-their-sleep kids. And no stroller. We had to drag Dumpling and BB through security and then down to our gate. We were denied cart-transportation because they felt our gate wasn't far enough. At 6 am, with a 2 and a 4 year old, even a hundred feet is far! At our gate, there were several other families, I mean, it's a flight to Disney! Not one of them had a stroller. Because if you are going to walk around Disney for a week, you aren't bringing a crappy umbrella stroller, you are bringing your "good" stroller. So everyone was left without a means of restraining their kids. BB was sleepy and probably would have been quite content to nap in her stroller... it wasn't to be.

When we got to Orlando, no stroller until we got to baggage claim. So now we have 2 travel-weary kids to schlep through the Orlando airport. On the way back, the Orlando gate was a disaster. There was one mother, with a grandmother, and 3 kiddos, a 3 year old and 1 year old twins. They were all over the place, tired, cranky, bickering. I know she wanted nothing more than to put them in the stroller and walk around, lull them to sleep, but they made her check both of her strollers, because her double-Joovy doesn't meet the requirements (and her single stroller didn't either, because they have a length limit, and hers was too long). (For the record, if we hadn't take the Bugaboo, we also would have taken the Joovy, which is our version of the umbrella stroller, but would not have been allowed).

I wrote to Air Canada to express how unrealistic their policy was and this is the response I got:

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new stroller policy

Discussion Thread
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Response (Marianne Rowland) - 12/13/2007 04:51 PM
Ms. XXXX,

Thank you for your email.  We were sorry to hear that you were surprised to learn of the recent changes to our policy on allowing strollers to the door of the aircraft.

Air Canada continually reviews its procedures and services to ensure that our product offer responds to customer demand while keeping pace with industry standards and economic realities.    We continue to offer a generous checked baggage allotment, however, in the current environment of enhanced security requirements, customers have been checking more baggage than ever before.  In order to continue offering everyday low fares against a backdrop of record high fuel costs, we found it necessary to make some changes.  Our goal is to always have baggage arrive on the same flight as the customer, and our priority is to ensure that we can effectively handle the high volume of baggage while meeting the needs of the vast majority of our passengers.

In recent years the design of baby carriages has been enhanced, resulting in much larger models on the market than were available in the past.  Our official policy has always been to allow umbrella-type strollers to go to the aircraft door in addition to the regular free checked baggage allowance, but airport practices were very relaxed in that regard and more bulky models have been allowed to go unchallenged for quite some time.  Umbrella-type strollers are relatively inexpensive and many parents prefer them when traveling, as they are much more lightweight and portable than the heavy-duty variety.

Ms. XXXX, customer feedback is extremely valuable to us and we appreciate you taking the time to share your impressions.  We do hope that you will come to understand our position and that, in time to come,you will offer us an opportunity to serve your family's travel needs.

Sincerely,
Marianne Rowland
Customer Relations

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Here is the thing that makes absolutely no sense. As per their policy, we could have brought 2 small umbrella strollers to the gate and gate-checked them, AND brought our Bugaboo and checked it as part of our allowed luggage. So in fact, the way to get around the policy is to bring MORE strollers. Which completely defeats the purpose of their policy.....

I've been googling this and lots of the responses from Air Canada include the recommendation to bring a sling to carry your child. While that might work for an infant, tell me, which one of you wants to carry BB on your hip, all 38 pounds of her, through the airport? Yeah, I didn't think so!

So we won't be flying Air Canada, and if you have kids, I recommend you find another airline, because although their policy page starts with "Air Canada Loves Kids!", I beg to differ.

Help me graduate to a "real" camera

Last night, Dumpling had her last session of her gymnastics class for this year. She was marvelous. The pictures I took of the event are mostly sucky. The gym is big, the lighting is low, and my little point-and-shoot Canon works great for everyday stuff, but I couldn't get a decent shot from the bleachers. It was either too slow, too dim or too far. I can take a good picture up close, but slowly. I can take fast pictures by using the continuous setting, but it doesn't work with the zoom.  I ended up mostly using the video function, because at least I could get the combo of zoom and action.

But all this has me thinking that it's time to start thinking about graduating from point-and-click to a more serious camera. I think they are called SLR cameras, but I know nothing. Wouldn't know where to start. they scare me because the thought of having to lug around a big'ol thing is daunting. But then again, I always have a good size bag with me, or , if I'm doing pockets only, I could always get a nifty camera pack.

So. I know plenty of you are into photography and took classes, which should mean you know what a good camera is. What are your recommendations. Please remember I am a total novice. I understand certain principals, my dad used to have a nice 35 mm thing he took on vacations, so I know the basics about speed and exposure and lenses, but really, I know I will have to take some sort of class. I'm hoping there is something online.

Tell me: what camera would be good for a beginner who wants to  move up from point-and-click? Do you have a good class to recommend? Leave comments or email me. Comments are probably better, since my husband can read them. (hint hint... holiday gift suggestion.....)

Ending with a Splat

Alternative title for this entry: I think I broke my butt.

Last night, I was thinking I had nothing to write about for my last NaBloPoMo entry. And then, just like clockwork, because I was actually feeling much better from the antibiotics and I A) left my house, B) went to work and was somewhat productive C) hired a new very promising worker, I proceeded to slip on a patch of ice while getting in my car and fall flat on my rear end. It's a lucky thing I still have some padding back there, but seriously, ouch!

My sunglasses flew one way, my phone the other and I actually couldn't get up on my own. Luckily, the store owner next door was just getting in, so she helped me up. I'm fine, though I'm pretty sure I bruised my tail-bone, and I can't pick up BB to put her in her crib, but I think if I crack open my Mommy's Time Out bottle for Shabbat tonight, I'll but just fine!

So there you have it. Then end of daily postings. There is no way in heck I'm going to manage to keep this up in December with the busy selling season. And also, unless we start discussing my private parts, I'm pretty sure I have nothing left to share. So come back for asinine commenting on my daily life, cute kid stories and some obscure TV talk Because with the strike, I'm resorting to Brit TV downloads, and I can make you discover all new shows!

Full Disclosure

Back to the questions! (I still have no voice, but heck, I can type!)

The next questions were about my weight loss surgery. I have NEVER blogged about it. I'm not hiding it, it's just an uncomfortable topic for me.... So before I tell you anything, let me make a big ol' disclaimer: it worked for me, it doesn't mean it's right for you. This is my personal experience, I am not advocating for or against it in any way.

OK, so if you remember the Retro Friday posts, I was not a fat kid. I was not a chubby teen. I mean, I was no skinny minnie either, but I was an athletic and healthy person. I skied a lot, so I had larger legs than most of my friends, but we could always share tops. I got my first ulcer as a teenager. In High school. At the time, the doctor thought I was putting too much pressure on myself. I really don't remember much about it. I remember being sick at the dinner table and upsetting my mother. I don't think she believed me when I said I was in pain. I mean, teenage girl gets up in the middle of the dinner hour to throw up, most parent's wouldn't jump to ulcers right away....

Over the next few years, I began having other symptoms, lots of gut pains. Very very long story short, I was diagnosed with: stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and at one point, irritable bowel disease. From the time I was 19 to the time I was 29, I was constantly on some sort of medication (Losec being one I remember fondly). Nothing worked. I would get it under control for a few months, and then I would have another "episode" and end up in the emergency room, begging them to fix it. They kept telling me they couldn't exactly figure out what was wrong with me. I did find one home-remedy that worked: I ate bread and pasta. Somehow, keeping my stomach a little full all the time kept the cramps and pain at bay. So i ate. For 10 years. And I got bigger, and bigger and bigger. By the time I was laying on the OR table, I was a size 22 and somewhere a little over 240. I know, you find it hard to believe.....

I was very very depressed. But not the way you would think. I wasn't depressed and therefore eating. I was depressed BECAUSE I ate. Finally, after years of fighting with the doctors, one of them actually listened long enough to figure out that I in fact was not an over-eater or emotional eater and that I could stop eating, but whenever I did, the pain got to be too much. He was a GI specialist but he had an idea.... I went to see the gastric bypass specialist. The idea was that the surgery would effectively cut off 80% of my stomach and should, in theory, take away the problems (ulcers, stomach cramps, etc) I AM NOT SAYING THIS WILL WORK FOR YOU! This is what they thought might work FOR ME. Ironically, I wasn't big enough to qualify for a Bypass. They wanted me to gain 15 lbs. I wouldn't. So I went on the waiting list.

And then something incredible happened. The surgeon was going to switch from standard bypass to doing it laperoscopically. He needed a Patient #1. Someone who was big enough to operate on, but not big enough to risk complications. So they called me. We had just opened the store. It was the worst possible time to do this. I thought about it for about 5 min and agreed. I had the surgery a day before Christmas in 2001, 3 weeks after my conversion.

The surgery went well, but because I was Patient #1, they had to cut me open to check their work. That didn't go so well. In the hospital, I didn't react well to the meds and had crazy fights with the nurses over the IVs (because of the holiday period, I had to stay in the ICU for days because I couldn't be transfered). I finally went home after 5/6 days, but it was short lived. I believe I had 42 staples. During my first shower, I looked down for the first time. And there was puss oozing out between the staples. I almost passed out. I ended up back in the ER, where some resident popped the staples without giving me anything (can you say ouch?) and declared that I had a wound infection. They cleaned me up and sent me home. I took a turn for the worst. I ended up back in the hospital for almost  a week. Turns out one of the stitches on the pouch had popped and the tiny amounts I was eating/drinking were leaking inside of me. They fixed it, but they couldn't close me back up. That's right. I had an opened wound. For about 6 months. I had to have it cleaned daily, have a wick inserted to drain out the fluid. I had this on my wedding day. They thought my husband to clean the wound so he could keep it clean on our honeymoon. Romantic, right?

So here is the thing. The surgery went well but the complications were harsh. A wound infection can happen after any surgery. it's not specific to this. But an abdominal wound infection.... yeah, it's horrible.

Now for the good stuff. I was a size 22 the morning of the surgery in late December. I got married in May and I was a size 12. 10 dress-sizes in 5 months, doing nothing more than walking. I didn't take up exercising, I wasn't allowed because of the giant whole in my abdomen! On my wedding day, I couldn't believe I was a 12. I was over the moon. This was almost my high school size. But I kept loosing weight and by the time I was done loosing, I has settled at a JCrew size 8. I had never owned ANYTHING from JCrew, and now I was their most popular size (which sucks btw, because everything is always gone in size 8!) I even went down to a 6 for about a year when Dumpling came, because I was spending so much energy chasing her around, but those days are gone and I'm back to 8. I don't care. i really should exercises. I did yoga for a year, but mommyhood got in the way. I have all the same excuses everyone else does. I should do it for my long-term health, but I don't need to exercises to stay thin.

OK, so here is where I get all serious. It changed my life. I couldn't do any of the things I am doing today if I was still lugging around that extra 120 lbs. That's a whole entire person. But the main reason it worked for me is that I wasn't emotionally attached to the food. I didn't have a lot of work to do on myself or my psyche. I went to the support meetings, I saw the therapist, but in the end, my problem really was a physical one. I personally  know someone who paid a lot of money to have surgery in the states and is bigger now than they were before. Because it is possible to put weight back on. And if you don't work on why you eat, you will eat. tiny little amounts at  a time, but you will. and you will put the weight back on.

I eat like a skinny person now. I never have seconds, my portions are small. Think LeanCuisine size. There is nothing I can't eat, though very rich or very sweet foods will make my head spin. I metabolize the sugar/fat so fast, I get dizzy right away. So I have 2 bites, for the taste, and then I'm done. I don't feel hunger, ever. I'll know it's time to eat from other cues: lightheadedness, fatigue, etc, but hunger pains, I haven't felt them in 6 years.

The best part though? It's not the skinny jeans or the strapless dresses. It's the fact that since the morning of the surgery, I haven't had one pain. Not one cramp, not one ulcer. nothing. the theory, it worked for me. Clearly, I am much much happier as a skinny person. But really, I'm just happier as healthy person (ironically written from my sick bed!)

I just love this newest Britney rumor

Seriously, if you buy the rags and think any of it is true, hopefully, this one will make you see the light. I won't even bother linking, because it's sooooo stupid, but there a rumor out there, since this weekend, that Brit Brit is adopting. Twins. From China.

AHAHAHAHHAHAHAAHHA!!!!!

OK, I've regained my composure now. Seriously, how funny and crackpot is this idea? She's not 30, she's single, she coocoo for coco-puffs, and I won't even go into the extensions.... But just for one second, humor me and imagine what would happen if indeed, this rumor were true and Britney found herself at the White Swan with her Going Home Barbie and a set of twins.... What do you think would happen on the boards? Would they bedazzle her a lady-bug sweatshirt, or would there be a unified uproar? Because I would love nothing more than a thousand outraged red-thread ladybuggers taking on crazy Brit Brit.

OK, we'll get back to reality now. It's the staff holiday party tonight and I'm hoping to be clear-headed enough to participate in the festivities. Back for more answers to your questions tomorrow.

something smells minty

maybe it's the menthol I rubbed all over everyone chests, or the lovely menthol-laced tissues, or even the menthol-smelling Nyquil-immitation medecine..... Whatever it is, the smell is powerful enough to get through the nasal blockages...

And speaking of which, where is it written that when you become a mother, you will be responsible for the nasal passages of little people, including the irrigation of said passages, but worst, the removal of obstructions??? Really, my mom manual had no warning that I was going to have to de-clog tiny noses several times a day for days on end!!!!

Perspective

I spent most of the day feeling a little sorry for myself. The Cold has taken over the house. One incident of puke, 2 boxes of tissues, not to mention the rags (it's easier on the kids noses to just let them walk around with fluffy facecloths to use as hankies), a trip to the drug store (yeah! apparently, Canada escaped the cold-medicine withdrawal, and I was able to purchase kids' cold medicine)

Anyhow, I felt pretty crappy and gross and sorry for myself. Then, Mortimer's Dad suggested we watch a move we just got from zip.ca (think Netflcks, but Canadian). We saw God Grew Tired of US. How can I possibly feel sorry for myself for a stupid little cold after this? I had seen their story before on Oprah, and I always read whatever I come across about the Lost Boys. But this documentary... wow. Puts our consumerism in perspective doesn't it? If you have no idea what I'm talking about, I urge you, get your hands on this documentary. It's mind blowing.

I've been to many, many countries, and really, China is the closest I've come to feeling totally lost. And I knew about electricity and toilets and running water.... I just cannot imagine what they felt like during those first few  months. I am truly in awe.

But now I'm going to crawl under the covers with my NyQuil.... I just won't feel sorry for myself.

this week kicked my butt

Holy crap this was a long and hard week! Every one in our house got some manner of cold symptoms: Dumpling and I had scratchy throats and exhaustion, Mortimer's Dad and Beach Ball are of the seriously runny nose and nauseous variety.

Somehow, I managed 4 of the 5 window displays (no pictures yet, camera must be located). And I finally figured out a puzzling problem I had been having with a box of paper snow globe cards that has been sitting in the store warehouse since early October. I also attempted to hire a part time worker for the holidays, but so far, every applicant has either a) not attached a resume to their email b) written me an email using "U" "PLZ" and "IM INTRSTD" c) has failed to notice the location of the store in my ad, even though I wrote it THREE (3) times, once in CAPS, in the TITLE of the job post..... So needless to say, there have been no interviews

I haven't given up on answering your remaining questions, I just needed a bit of time to get through this week first. But I'll get back onto it, I promise!

And while you are waiting, why don't you head on over and congratulate Herb on a year of blogging!

Confessions

So my BFF Debberroo thinks she's the only one hiding things behind closed doors.... Ha!

Here, for her benefit and cheering up, I come clean and show you the piles of messes that are in my house.... But before I do, let me say this: *I* and I alone am the messy one in our house. My husband is a neat freak and we have a very nice cleaning lady 2 mornings a week. Between them, they manage to wrangle me a little. Were it not for them, these piles would be everywhere!

Front Hall:

Nothing says Welcome To our Home like: 4 Rubbermade Bin covers. Bins not there. Covers been then 3 months. At least they are covering the Countdown to China calendar. We went to China LAST FEBRUARY!!!! The calendar is covering a metal death-trap sled that we purchased at an antique show in August.....

the shoe bench.... Where clearly no one sits to put on shoes..... because it is covered in: Books, notepads, tissue box, a cupcake box (no cupcakes), cardboard boxes that were protecting the floor. Notice the neatly rolled yoga mat. My last yoga class pre-dates Beach Ball's arrival.

The fruit and veg baskets... Contents: 4 brown/bruised bananas, 1 bag of crappy apples, a box of Swiffers, a pile of assorted kitchen linens, including aprons, dishrags, etc.

The view out of our kitchen window.... Notice it snowed today. On top of the patio furniture. Because we ARE NOT prepared for winter. The toys aren't put away, the cushions are still on the furniture, the changingroom curtain is still dangling in the wind...... I am in charge of "big jobs" around here, and this job always gets the best of me.

And finally, the one area where even the cleaning lady fears to thread...... My craft room:

If I'm going to sew Loopy some curtains, I might need to clear off a small spot on the table.....

See Deb, you are not the only one! So, still BFFs?

8 things Meme

Lest you think I'm all serious and spiritual, I bring you the 8 Random Things about Me Meme that Beverly tagged me for last week. I'll get to the rest of the questions, including my weight loss surgery a little later this week.

1. I spent a year living in Austria after highschool. You knew that. But you didn't know why: The Sound of Music.
2. I also spend a semester in Venezuela.
3. I don't get tanned, ever. Not even after a semester in Venezuela.
4. I studied Russian in University, I can sort of still read it and maybe understand a word here and there, but the only thing I can still say is "I studied Russian in University but I don't speak it very well". Except I can say it REALLY WELL, which leads to all sorts of confusion!
5. I eat a small piece of parmesan cheese almost every night. Except on nights when I eat a piece of cake, which is not often.
6. I used to wear a pink bunny suit to teach skiing to kids. Get your mind out of the gutter! A very big, very unflattering bunny suit, that also fit 6' tall guys.
7. I hate wearing socks. I resist every fall, until it's waaaay past too cold to be barefoot. Then I stay barefoot in my warm boots.
8. I write notes on the top of my hands. I have a fancy phone, a laptop and a notepad in my purse at all times, but I still write things on top of my left hand almost everyday.

I guess I'm supposed to tage people.... Instead of tagging the usual suspect, about Debberoo, Jules, Elise, Katie J, Jenny, Susan (persimmon/pink), Elizabeth and Meg. All recent commenters. I won't bother linking, in case they don't want the traffic. if you do it, let me know, I'll send the readers your way.