Atypical Party

I hosted (and attended) my first ever Tupperware Party this afternoon.

My sister-in-law caught me off guard a couple of months ago while playing video games, and asked me if I would have a party. Of course I said yes. Why? Because I was distracted by the computer, and I must admit, wasn't really listening to anything she was saying.

I tried to put it off. I even tried to get out of it. But nothing worked. So, I figured...'the heck with it. I will invite a bunch of people, and if they come, they come, and if they don't, they don't.' I really didn't care all that much.

In the end, Rob, Brennan, Suz, Gramma, and myself, attended the party. The tupperware consultant happened to be my high school secretary, and she did a great job. Suz even said it was the best Tupperware party she had ever been too.

I must admit, it was fun, and I got a bunch of a cool stuff. I guess the whole advantage to hosting one of these parties is the 'credit' or 'discount the host receives. I think I did pretty well. I really don't think I would have wanted to get anything more. These are just some of the items that I purchased. I am looking forward to the order arriving. Getting stuff is so much fun.

I think everyone had a good time. And everyone seemed happy and excited with their Tupperware purchases.

Good times.

Wonderful Weather

This weather we've been having over the last few days has been spectacular. I got my old rusty mountain bike out last week, and I have been riding it ever since. It is much nicer to get to school via the bike, in 10 minutes, vs. walking and it taking around 35 minutes.

Being back in school is good, and I am enjoying my leadership class. It is almost identical to the class I took in my undergrad. There isn't that much work, mostly reading, however, it has been a bit of a challenge getting back into the habit of working on school outside of class. But I am sure that will come with time, and deadlines, of course.

Might have been my last hockey game

Indoor Floor Hockey for the season is over. We had our last game last night. There was a decent turnout, and I think everyone had a good time.

I thought I played fairly well. I had a couple of really nice plays and passes, and was able to score a couple of times.

Some of us went out for a beer at Winston's, being it was the last Monday night hockey game. And, of course, because it was the last night for T-ass - he is leaving tomorrow. We are all gonna really miss him.

Tired

After a long day I am exhausted, and ready for bed.

The Duathlon this afternoon went well, however the wind and the hills made it a little tougher than I was expecting. I raced with 2 of my girlfriends from school, and they both beat me. The results of the race are not in yet, so I am not sure how I placed in the race over all.

It looks like this is my last night of 'freedom.' School starts tomorrow, and then it is back to the grind. It has been very refreshing to not think about school for 2 weeks. I hope it has, in fact, refreshed and refueled my brain. I am looking forward to this final leg of school (4 months to go). I think it will be exciting, not only because it is the last term, but because of my trip to Oxford and my thesis.

Training

After a solid week of training, I think I am well prepared for the Duathlon on Sunday afternoon.

Although, I didn't get my 1km swim in today, due to the power going off in Education building, I still got in a pretty good bike ride. The wind against me the whole way home helped to increase the resistance.

I am looking forward to my second event. It should be fun.

After spending most of the day carting my gramma around for errands and appointments, I spent the evening relaxing with myself.

I whipped up a quadruple batch of banana muffin mix (getting 24 muffins and 2 banana loaves); read my current novel, The Caine Mutiny; raked the area around my firepit and shed; and chopped up some wood for the big going away (boo-hoo) party for T-ass. And to top it all off my house smells wonderful from the baking. Mmmmmmmm.

Belated Birthday Purchase

I love books, however I haven't been much in the mood for reading since I entered the MBA program. I guess too much academic reading has stunted my leisure reading.

So, we headed out to McNally Robinson last night to spend my birthday gift certificate from the in-laws. I haven't been to any bookstore for that matter (and the UoS Bookstore doesn't count) for ages, so it took me awhile to find something that would interest me. That, and I don't really know that many good authors, as any books I have purchased have been recommendations from friends, or quick pics at airports.

Eventually, I found a couple of books. One that looks really interesting: The Dead Place, and the other, a fave and requirement from highschool English class: Lord of the Flies. I hope to get started on one of them once I am finished The Caine Mutiny. I am reading this novel for my upcoming Leadership class. Surprisingly, I am enjoying it. It is a good read.

Anywho, if I don't get started on either of them soon, I know they will come in handy when I am away in Oxford. 6 1/2 weeks and counting. Squeeeeeeeeeee!

Happy Easter

In medieval times a festival of egg throwing was held in church, during which the priest would throw a hard-boiled egg to one of the choirboys. It was then tossed from one choirboy to the next and whoever held the egg when the clock struck 12 was the winner and retained the egg.

The first Easter baskets were made to look like bird's nests.

Easter Bonnets are a throw back to the days when the people denied themselves the pleasure of wearing finery for the duration of Lent.

The traditional act of painting eggs is called Pysanka.

To Egyptians, the egg was a sacred token of the renovation of mankind after the Flood.

The egg has always been a symbol of the Resurrection to Christians.

The date of Passover is variable as it is dependent on the phases of the moon, and thus Easter is also a movable feast.

The custom of giving eggs at Easter time has been traced back to Egyptians, Persians, Gauls, Greeks and Romans, to whom the egg was a symbol of life.

Every year at Easter Pope John Paul sends his " Urbi et Orbi " to the world.

Easter is now celebrated (in the words of the Book of Common Prayer) on the first Sunday after the full moon which happens on or after March 21, the Spring Equinox.

Some Churches still keep up the old tradition of using evergreens - symbolic of eternal life - embroidered in red on white, or woven in straw, but most now prefer displays of flowers in the spring colours of green, yellow and white.

In the United States Easter is celebrated with a large Easter Egg Hunt by children on the White House Lawn.

To the Jews, the egg marked the time of their departure from the land of Egypt.

By tradition, it was obligatory (or at least lucky) for churchgoers to wear some bright new piece of clothing - at least an Easter bonnet, if not a complete new outfit.

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Happy Day!

We spent the day out in Biggar today with the family for Easter. Mom was planning a big supper, and we had to deliver the nephews birthday gifts, so we decided to make a day of it.

We picked up Gramma on the way out of town and spent most of the afternoon relaxing and visiting with Mom, Dad, and Gramma. The brother and family arrived around 6ish, just in time for a scrumptious ham dinner - SO salty, SO good. I was nearly eating every other piece dad sliced to put on the serving platter. Supper was good, as all ways.

The kids were wonderful. My niece - the little princess - was quite well behaved (no tantrums), it was a treat. Zachary slept most of the evening, but I managed to sneak in some play time with the new block set we got him for his birthday.

The highlight of the evening was the giving of this gift to my 9-year old nephew. Only one car came with the race track, so we bought him an extra one. We wrapped up the little hot wheel car, and gave that to him as his gift - no racetrack. The plan all along being that we would then surprise him minutes later with the race track.

Aside: I little history on my relationship with my nephew. He was the first to make me an auntie, and I spent the first 3 years of his life living with him in the same house. We spent a lot of time together, as I looked after him A LOT in those first 3 years. He is pretty special to me, and I like to spoil him. And he knows this. I think he has come to expect pretty cool things from his auntie & uncle.

Anywho...

So the look on his face after he opened the single dinky car, and his comment of, 'oh, a car....thank you auntie', was priceless. Besides the look of disappoint, he was quite diplomatic about the small gift we had given him. No complaining what so ever, and no comments like, 'that's all?'

So, while distracted by great-gramma's gift, Jeff pulled out the large green wrapped box. I said, 'this is to go with the car.' You should have see his face light up. I was thrilled. I couldn't believe that my heart actually began to pound with excitement. 'IT'S A RACE TRACK', he exclaimed, and began to rip off the wrapping paper. And the thank yous poured in.

Wow, what a day! I am genuinely happy right at this moment. I really love my niece and nephews. And I really love being an auntie.

Nothing New to Report...on Holidays

1. Go see V for Vendetta, it rocks!

2. We got home from Calgary safe and sound.

3. I have been keeping busy with reading, computer gaming, the gym, and movies.

4. Next week: See #3.

5. Holidays are great!

Hail from Calgary

Our whirlwind vacation is just about over.

We arrived in Calgary yesterday afternoon. With time to kill before picking up my bestfriend Jen, we headed over to Toys"R"Us, located in the northwest end at Market Mall. Jeff wanted to check out the lego (of course) and the video game section. We didn't find cheap Star Wars lego, but we did track down the infamous Futurama Video Game. For two people who don't really like to shop, and don't have much money to shop with, we have done our fair share. Then again, it is our holiday. We gotta spend a little bit of money.

After picking up Jen, we dropped Jeff off at the house, and went to try on a couple of dresses that have been pre-selected as the ones to wear at the wedding. The dress that all the girls have pretty much agreed on is here. However, whether or not to get it in cornflower or sailor, is undecided. Perhaps two of each - Jen has yet to decide.

We went out for supper at Buon Giorno with Jen & Chad, and then met up with Clark & Bne at Classic Jack's for beers. It was a good time, and I got to hear all about Clark's new job, and many of Bne's customer service stories. Good times were had by all.

Today, has been pretty lazy so far, but Jeff & I should be headed out right away. Everyone is working, so we are going to spend sometime driving about the city, and then, head over to Chinook Mall, and take in a movie - V for Vendetta I think. We have heard great things about it from a number of people.

It should be a good day.

Good Company

So far, it has been a weekend full of good company, shopping, and good eats.

A & K are great hosts, and have been having an excellent visit with them, and two of my other girlfriends that are in the city. We went shopping yesterday, and I was able to pick up a really nice spring jacket that will come in real handy when I am in Oxford. We found two great gifts for our nephews, and I managed to FINALLY find a couple of bathing suits today.

It has been a really nice relaxing day - haven't had to think about too much. We just finished watching King Kong. I didn't expect it to be such a sad movie - or perhaps its just me. However, I know exactly what she was talking about when she said, "...each scene is about 30 seconds too long (or was it 30 sec - I am so bad at remember quotes).." I definitely thought they could have shortened the movie by about 30 minutes.

A & K are going out tonight with their family to celebrate her sister's & her boyfriend's birthdays. Jeff & I will likely find some place to eat, and relax with movies for the rest of the night.

Tomorrow, we are off to Calgary for a couple of days. It should be a good time as well.

Last Exam of the Term

Today is my last final exam of the term. I am pretty excited to be done - it has been a very hectic 3 months. My brain is definitely going to get a break from school. We are headed out to Edmonton to visit friends for the weekend. Even though the money is low, there is definitely going to be some shopping. However, mostly things I NEED to get. After swimming for the last couple of months, my bathing suit is about to disintegrate. So a new one is needed. Plus, I need to pick up birthday gifts for my nephews. In fact, Kevin's birthday is today. He is 9. Wow! Zachary will be celebrating his 1st birthday later this month.

After a short visit in Edmonton, we are bound for Calgary. We will be staying with my best friend and her fiancee for a couple days, and plan to visit with Bne and Ferlak.

It should be a nice break. I am looking forward to the rest.

I think that is a new record

I managed to polish off a 10-page take home exam in one day. Woot! I started writing this morning around 9am, took a 2 hour break to swim and have lunch, and then finished around 6pm. I even managed to proof read the thing. I am not sure that it any good, in fact I don't know if it is even right.

We were suppose to critique a journal article from a research methods perspective. This was the first one that we did all year, and our prof gave us no guidelines or outline to use. So, I made one up on my own, opened up my textbook and notes, and away I went. However, she was nice enough to tell us what to look for - flaws in the research, the implication of the flaws on the data and conclusions, and the any positive aspects of the research. Once I got going, it really wasn't all that hard to write, it seemed to roll off the top of my head. Although, I think I am becoming a pro at writing papers, I have polished off quite a few in the last couple of months. Whether or not the writing is good is an entirely different issue. Besides the writing, I did spend quite a bit of time reading the aritcle, and searching my textbook for key concepts to include. All in all, it took me a relatively short time.

And now, only one more to go. Motivation, don't fail me now.

A reminder of small town life

I was out in Biggar today taking care of some business. I managed to get there by 9am and had a spent the better part of the day hanging out with Dad. It was great.

At 10am, like clockwork, it was time to go for coffee with 'the boys', down at the Auto Body Shop. You wouldn't think that would be the place to have coffee, but it is in Biggar. In fact, Dad said there are usually 10 or so guys everyday. So how was coffee you ask? - Imagine a grungee old body auto shop (nothing like the dealerships body shops here in the city - you must imagine filth, dirt, car parts, cement floor, 70's style office equipment and the like) with a tiny little 'coffee room', (I suppose you could call it that - there was a small table, a microwave, an old fashion coffee pot, and a few cups) 4 men (60ish in age) and myself, on old wooden chairs (that you would find in an old hall - like the Elks or the Legion) sitting around drinking coffee and discussing FoxPro and other interesting tidbits, like the gun registry - that was coffee. And it was awesome.

Sometimes I really do miss living in a small town. Weird, I know.

BTW: Sorry for all the brackets

Beautiful Day

After going to bed fairly early last night, I was up bright and early this morning - 8am. It was well worth it. It is absolutely gorgeous out.

Jeff and I had a nice stroll over to the Mac's for a morning coffee and the newspaper.

I can't wait for this rest of the day. According to The Weather Network it is currently 2 degrees Celcius.