Oh look, it's Wednesday

This last little while has been full of much-needed me time. After the commotion of trying to settle in and set up our new home (or get as close to finished as I can for the moment) I felt exhausted and also couldn't quite figure out how to manage my new routine. As if adapting to British living and exploring the neighbourhood weren't enough, I took on all the laundry, ironing, house work, shopping and, don't die from shock....in fact, if you know me well, sit down.....I also do all of our cooking now. Yeah, I know. I'll let that soak in a minute.

I found I needed a little break from talking about things. I have told my parents a few bits and pieces, but FaceTime has been very useful in letting me know that people really don't get as excited as I do about things like finding the perfect garbage can, the back-and-forth ordeal with my recent trolley purchase (spoiler: it was resolved and I love my trolley), and, as I learned today, not everyone shares my enthusiasm over finding the best glass/mirror cleaner I've ever used. Seriously, this stuff is incredible and I now fully trust that man in the little hardware store. He will always get my business first, if ever necessary.

Last week had me back at a doctor's office. I actually got in touch with my specialist in Ottawa and explained to her that I need help. My leg is painful far too often and, for a while there, the colour was going off again. On her recommendation I contacted a doctor who deals in "difficult" cases. I've seen a few really impressive docs, but I think he might have the best resume. He's also lovely and things move quickly in his clinic. I had my appointment on the Thursday. Friday morning I had my ultrasound and X-ray and tomorrow, because they cannot do it in-house at the clinic, I've been farmed out to a hospital for my CT scan. Optional MRI back at the clinic may follow if warranted. To say I'm thrilled with my treatment thus far is an understatement. Now, it is private care, so I can expect things will be top notch, but it also happens to be the clinic where all of the London-based football teams send their stars for treatment, so I'm in good company. Will I finally get this chronic injury resolved? I don't know. I can only hope that they've got an idea that my Canadian team hadn't considered. I'm hopeful. Above all, it does give me a different perspective on health care and the state of the Canadian health care system. I'm dismayed when I think about the way my injury was first treated in light of the conversations I've had with my new doctor here. I know we have a lot to be proud of in Canada when it comes to our health care, but in retrospect, it feels like some backwater village in terms of priorities and advocacy for the patient. Without becoming mired in a conversation I don't quite feel I'm prepared to have at the moment, I do know that I'm incredibly grateful for the chance to be able to access private health care coverage in ways that I could only dream of in Ontario. I know just how lucky I am.

Oh hey, let's lighten this up! Here's a picture of coffee....I'm going to go make coffee now...

 

 

Slightly obsessive

I think it can go without saying that when I get into something, I tend to go pretty full-tilt. Setting up house seems to be no exception. Aaaand, as a sub-category of setting up house, the hunt for various relevant items has now become all-consuming. Wanna know what I'm currently after?

A shopping trolley.

Yes, that's right, an old lady shopping trolley. It just makes so much sense! I spent a lot of money on chiropractic care, I don't see the point in tossing it all way by carrying heavy bags to and from the grocery store every day (yes, I go every day...more on that some other time). It also would make a big difference if I didn't have to make three trips back to the house when I go out to buy larger things. This week in one afternoon I did three round trips from house to shops and back again for veg, a garbage can and a proper food shop plus filing cabinet. That last trip was a bit difficult, but I couldn't stand the thought of going out a fourth time. So I need a trolley.

If I was in Canada, I feel like I'd have a pretty good idea of where to go to get said trolley. Over here I'm not having the same luck. Obviously I'm not as familiar with the stores and their wares, nor am I a pro at navigating my neighbourhood, so that's going to count for something. But oh man, I'm seeing them everywhere! I just can't buy them: people are using them. They must come from somewhere. I mean, they can't all be coming from Shopping Trolleys Direct, but I also don't want to be the crazed lunatic who stalks people with good quality trolleys to ask them where they were purchased. No matter how innocent and well-meaning I can make that inquiry sound, the obsessive look in my eyes will give me away. I think it's safe to say that I've given more consideration into the features of a $50 trolley than I did over our $22,000 car. Wheel composition is my biggest concern, followed closely by compact shape and, finally, if I ever hope to get James to do the shop, I need to consider colour (or lack thereof). Despite the fact that it goes against every fibre of my being to look at something plain, I will not be getting animal print. In this, and only this, James wins.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to continue scouring the internet for the trolley of my reasonably priced dreams.