I guess it has been awhile since I have been around babies. My youngest nephew just turned 2, and I haven't got a lot of friends with children. When I think about this, it is quite odd. I have been surrounded by babies my whole life due to a close and very large extended family.
I can remember being at various weddings from the ages of 7-12 where I was often seen walking around with a baby in my arms. I seem to flock to wherever they are, and a lot of my family members often said that kids were always attracted to me.
So I would have to conclude that even though I don't have children of my own, I seem to have a way with them. Once a baby is in my arms, I seem to respond and react like any loving, caring mother would.
My friend Andy's sister just had a baby 3 weeks ago. I was over for supper at their place this evening and finally got to see this sweet little girl that Andy had been raving about. She is a precious little doll. I pretty much stole her from her auntie as soon as they got in the door.
So small and precious. Children really are a wonderful gift; that is until they start to talk and get an attitude. :)
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Dad's are Great (& Mom's too)
It has been a busy weekend with my parents visitng. Although I had cleaned my house furiously a couple weeks ago, there was still a number of odds and ends that needed attention. That is where my Dad comes into the picture.
He has always been a handy guy, so whenever I need something handy done, or just needed some handy advice I always call on my Dad. As for this weekend, we (I mean, my Dad) fixed and installed a couple of light fixtures, attached a couple of towel racks in my downstairs bathroom, cleaned up and mowed my lawn, bolted my dishwasher to the countertop and took care of various other odds and ends. Today will be less busy with attaching the mirror to my dresser and installing another clothing hook in my bedroom. He has also been attempting to fix my kitchen chairs which are missing a few of the supports.
It doesn't seem to matter whether we are in my home or in my childhood home, we had our typical Sunday morning family breakfast. Dad & I spent the morning drinking coffee and chatting about life and my house. Then once Mom was awake, showered and dressed we sat down for a hearty breakfast of less-than-real bacon (we usually have real bacon, but I didn't have any in the house so the skillet strips that were purchased last weekend had to do), scrambled eggs and toast. Good Family Times.
It's back to work tomorrow...a full week this time. I don't think I have worked a full 5 days in a row since before Easter. I hope that it goes fast, as BFF is coming up on Saturday, and Andy doesn't have to work, so we are planning a fun-filled girls weekend.
He has always been a handy guy, so whenever I need something handy done, or just needed some handy advice I always call on my Dad. As for this weekend, we (I mean, my Dad) fixed and installed a couple of light fixtures, attached a couple of towel racks in my downstairs bathroom, cleaned up and mowed my lawn, bolted my dishwasher to the countertop and took care of various other odds and ends. Today will be less busy with attaching the mirror to my dresser and installing another clothing hook in my bedroom. He has also been attempting to fix my kitchen chairs which are missing a few of the supports.
It doesn't seem to matter whether we are in my home or in my childhood home, we had our typical Sunday morning family breakfast. Dad & I spent the morning drinking coffee and chatting about life and my house. Then once Mom was awake, showered and dressed we sat down for a hearty breakfast of less-than-real bacon (we usually have real bacon, but I didn't have any in the house so the skillet strips that were purchased last weekend had to do), scrambled eggs and toast. Good Family Times.
It's back to work tomorrow...a full week this time. I don't think I have worked a full 5 days in a row since before Easter. I hope that it goes fast, as BFF is coming up on Saturday, and Andy doesn't have to work, so we are planning a fun-filled girls weekend.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Hockey & Pizza
All that was missing was a 6-pack of beer.
Bne & I watched the Ottawa-Jersey game this evening and had some pretty wicked pizza from the best pizza place in town - Rouge Lounge.
It was actually a very quite evening. We didn't say much to one another. We watched the game intently and then I relaxed on the couch while he played some World of Warcraft. It was nice just to be hangin' out.
I guess I just miss my friends.
Bne & I watched the Ottawa-Jersey game this evening and had some pretty wicked pizza from the best pizza place in town - Rouge Lounge.
It was actually a very quite evening. We didn't say much to one another. We watched the game intently and then I relaxed on the couch while he played some World of Warcraft. It was nice just to be hangin' out.
I guess I just miss my friends.
Monday, April 23, 2007
What a Weekend
I had my first real visitor this weekend. MFJ arrived Friday night just in time for supper. Being the good host that I am, I decided to go all out for supper. It has been sometime since I have had the pleasure of cooking a nice meal for someone, and I do enjoy watching people eating pretty much anything I cook. So I decided to make stuffed mushrooms, and chicken breasts stuffed with cream cheese, spinach and crab with a side of asparagus and hollandaise sauce. It was delicious. It was the first time I had even made stuffed chicken breasts and they turned out perfectly. I am always worried about drying out the chicken breasts, but I managed to cook them just right. The rest of the evening was spent talking and watching movies. I don't think I liked Children of Men.
Saturday was a busy day. We took in the Telus World of Science, tried to do some shopping, ate at this amazing cajun diner, Dadeo's, on Whyte Ave, and took in a play: Antony & Cleopatra at the Walterdale Playhouse. I had never seen this play before and I quite liked it. It was naughtier and funnier than I was expecting, but excellent nevertheless.
Sunday started off fairly lazy with a late Sunday breakfast. But by the afternoon we were headed over to West Edmonton Mall to do some shooting. MFJ & I didn't do that bad gunning down the zombies that were after us at the Wild West Shooting Centre. They broke through the doors somehow and took everyone else out. Taking our knowledge on zombies into consideration, we wiped them out fairly quickly by shooting them in the head.
We ended off Sunday by taking in Hot Fuzz. All I can say is: GO SEE IT!!!!! Awesome...Odd...Hilarious...Bizarre. It's a keeper. I can't wait til it comes out on DVD. My only recommendation is that you go and see it before you hear too much about the movie. It is much more fun to see when you have no idea what to expect; especially with this movie.
Now to prepare for next weekend when my parents come to visit.
Saturday was a busy day. We took in the Telus World of Science, tried to do some shopping, ate at this amazing cajun diner, Dadeo's, on Whyte Ave, and took in a play: Antony & Cleopatra at the Walterdale Playhouse. I had never seen this play before and I quite liked it. It was naughtier and funnier than I was expecting, but excellent nevertheless.
Sunday started off fairly lazy with a late Sunday breakfast. But by the afternoon we were headed over to West Edmonton Mall to do some shooting. MFJ & I didn't do that bad gunning down the zombies that were after us at the Wild West Shooting Centre. They broke through the doors somehow and took everyone else out. Taking our knowledge on zombies into consideration, we wiped them out fairly quickly by shooting them in the head.
We ended off Sunday by taking in Hot Fuzz. All I can say is: GO SEE IT!!!!! Awesome...Odd...Hilarious...Bizarre. It's a keeper. I can't wait til it comes out on DVD. My only recommendation is that you go and see it before you hear too much about the movie. It is much more fun to see when you have no idea what to expect; especially with this movie.
Now to prepare for next weekend when my parents come to visit.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
That took way too long
I think that I should clean more regularly. I spent all week cleaning house each evening this week. I did laundry - clothes and bedding, vacuumed, cleaned the bathrooms, put away boxes, tidyed, wash dishes, organized computer area, cleaned up and took out garbage, and probably more that I can't remember.
Well, at least I can say I have gotten my spring cleaning done. Except washing windows, but I don't do windows. I shouldn't have to do any major cleaning for awhile as long as I keep up with the basics - laundry, vacuuming and dishes. I think I can handle that.
The cleaning wasn't all bad, as it kept me busy and made the week go by super fast. It is already Friday tomorrow, and my first visitor arrives. Good times will be had by all.
Well, at least I can say I have gotten my spring cleaning done. Except washing windows, but I don't do windows. I shouldn't have to do any major cleaning for awhile as long as I keep up with the basics - laundry, vacuuming and dishes. I think I can handle that.
The cleaning wasn't all bad, as it kept me busy and made the week go by super fast. It is already Friday tomorrow, and my first visitor arrives. Good times will be had by all.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Sunday, April 15, 2007
It's Been a Long While
...since I last got drunk.
I spent a short weekend in Calgary at my BFF's. She was having a going-away party for her sister who is moving to England to marry her man, since our stupid government won't let him in the country. But that is another story entirely.
I had to work on Saturday, so I didn't get to BFF's until around 8. I wasn't more than 2 minutes in the door and I had a Corona in my hand. I really hadn't anticipated a night of drinking, but the red wine kept appearing in my wine glass as the night progressed. Thankfully I was drinking a ton of water to off-set a possible hangover... that and an Advil before I went to sleep did the trick.
The night was full of catching up, silliness, wrestling, punching and lots of hugs. Here is a good 'Before-After- picture of BFF's husband, cousin and myself. I prefer the "Before.'
This one is my favourite...even though my BFF has her face screwed up.
The night ended fairly late with BFF's sister and me curled up on the couch watching Goonies.
Although I didn't get to sleep in as much as I would have hoped, I was happy to not be hung over, and it was beautiful to wake up with the sun shining in my face, a crisp morning breeze coming through the window and the birds tweeting away. It was the most perfect morning.
I got to have breakfast over at Nellie's with Clark. I hadn't seen him since the beginning of January. It was good to catch up. He almost has me convinced to try out snowboarding next year.
The rest of the afternoon was typical of the way BFF and BFF's sister used to spend Sunday's as kids. Curled up on the couch watching movies and being lazy. BFF had us watch Borat. I wouldn't say I hated it, but I am not sure I would watch it again or recommend it.
This coming week should whiz by. I have a week of cleaning planned in preparation of my upcoming visitors over the next number weekends. My house is filthy, and I figured I should make it look somewhat presentable.
Looking forward to a relaxing evening, and a good nights sleep.
I spent a short weekend in Calgary at my BFF's. She was having a going-away party for her sister who is moving to England to marry her man, since our stupid government won't let him in the country. But that is another story entirely.
I had to work on Saturday, so I didn't get to BFF's until around 8. I wasn't more than 2 minutes in the door and I had a Corona in my hand. I really hadn't anticipated a night of drinking, but the red wine kept appearing in my wine glass as the night progressed. Thankfully I was drinking a ton of water to off-set a possible hangover... that and an Advil before I went to sleep did the trick.
The night was full of catching up, silliness, wrestling, punching and lots of hugs. Here is a good 'Before-After- picture of BFF's husband, cousin and myself. I prefer the "Before.'
This one is my favourite...even though my BFF has her face screwed up.
The night ended fairly late with BFF's sister and me curled up on the couch watching Goonies.
Although I didn't get to sleep in as much as I would have hoped, I was happy to not be hung over, and it was beautiful to wake up with the sun shining in my face, a crisp morning breeze coming through the window and the birds tweeting away. It was the most perfect morning.
I got to have breakfast over at Nellie's with Clark. I hadn't seen him since the beginning of January. It was good to catch up. He almost has me convinced to try out snowboarding next year.
The rest of the afternoon was typical of the way BFF and BFF's sister used to spend Sunday's as kids. Curled up on the couch watching movies and being lazy. BFF had us watch Borat. I wouldn't say I hated it, but I am not sure I would watch it again or recommend it.
This coming week should whiz by. I have a week of cleaning planned in preparation of my upcoming visitors over the next number weekends. My house is filthy, and I figured I should make it look somewhat presentable.
Looking forward to a relaxing evening, and a good nights sleep.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Fate?
Do you ever get the feeling that everything is falling exactly into place?....like it was always suppose to be this way and you really never had any control? These questions probe the idea of fate being reality or theory.
I am really not sure how I feel about fate. On the one hand, I like to think I am in complete control of my life and my happiness, and for the most part I do believe this. I don't think anyone is going to make me happy except ME! And if I am not truely happy with myself, it can be difficult to enjoy the happiness that surrounds me.
Well, there is definitely no argument when it comes to my state of happiness right now...it's fantastic!
So...fate...I guess, I am starting to feel that this may play more of a role, in my life anyways. I do think everything happens for a reason and sometimes those things don't make sense, they just are and they feel so right you don't even question why it is that way.
I wouldn't say I am going to leave my life in the hands of the fate gnomes, but I feel I am a lot more open about the possibilities and mysteries of life and I am going to enjoy every last one as they come my way.
I am really not sure how I feel about fate. On the one hand, I like to think I am in complete control of my life and my happiness, and for the most part I do believe this. I don't think anyone is going to make me happy except ME! And if I am not truely happy with myself, it can be difficult to enjoy the happiness that surrounds me.
Well, there is definitely no argument when it comes to my state of happiness right now...it's fantastic!
So...fate...I guess, I am starting to feel that this may play more of a role, in my life anyways. I do think everything happens for a reason and sometimes those things don't make sense, they just are and they feel so right you don't even question why it is that way.
I wouldn't say I am going to leave my life in the hands of the fate gnomes, but I feel I am a lot more open about the possibilities and mysteries of life and I am going to enjoy every last one as they come my way.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Monday, April 09, 2007
Easter Weekend - Part Two
Unfortunately the weekend is drawing to a close. It has been a fun-filled weekend with plenty of food and family time and smiling (thank you). ;)
Saturday was full of activities. My dad and I spent most of the afternoon together, getting my taxes done, and washing & vaccuming out my car. He was managed to build a scratching post for the cats. They have been going crazy on the carpet here at my parents. Good thing the carpet is about 30 years old and getting replaced once my parents home renovations start.
The rest of Saturday was spent spoiling my nephew with my undivided attention. He turned the big 10. He is having his party next week when all of his friends are back from Easter Holidays, so we had a small family party for him with Chinese food and birthday cake.
Easter Sunday involved a surprise visit from my uncle and his wife, lots of watching the mens curling, supper with my brother & his family, my uncle and his 2 kids from Saskatoon and Gramma.
Once again, turkey supper was amazing, and I am glad to report that I will be enjoying it for the rest of the week. The nice thing about coming 'home', is I usually get plenty of leftovers to take back with me to my own home.
All in all, my weekend has been a blast. I am so glad I came home. Family should never be taken for granted.
Saturday was full of activities. My dad and I spent most of the afternoon together, getting my taxes done, and washing & vaccuming out my car. He was managed to build a scratching post for the cats. They have been going crazy on the carpet here at my parents. Good thing the carpet is about 30 years old and getting replaced once my parents home renovations start.
The rest of Saturday was spent spoiling my nephew with my undivided attention. He turned the big 10. He is having his party next week when all of his friends are back from Easter Holidays, so we had a small family party for him with Chinese food and birthday cake.
Easter Sunday involved a surprise visit from my uncle and his wife, lots of watching the mens curling, supper with my brother & his family, my uncle and his 2 kids from Saskatoon and Gramma.
Once again, turkey supper was amazing, and I am glad to report that I will be enjoying it for the rest of the week. The nice thing about coming 'home', is I usually get plenty of leftovers to take back with me to my own home.
All in all, my weekend has been a blast. I am so glad I came home. Family should never be taken for granted.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Easter Weekend - Part One
It feels great to be back at home with the family for my 4-day weekend. No worries, just good food, great company, and a whole lot of relaxation.
After ditching work early on Thursday, I arrived in Biggar early enough to see my one nephew and neice at my parents place. I got big smiles, and 'auntie, come with me' as soon as I walked in the door. Mackenzie and I entertained ourselves with puzzles until they had to go, and Kevin quietly sat back, like usual, waiting for a chance to hang out with his auntie. It is hard when there is one older one and younger ones, you really have to split your time fairly.
On Friday, Mom & I started off the day with a huge brisk walk. We pretty much covered the whole town.
I took some time to read more of my book, The Glass Castle, and managed to find myself a little more interested, finally. I am almost half way done, and I have yet to figure out if I should keep reading it.
The afternoon found me meticulously decorating easter cookies. The kids weren't around, it was just mom and me, so I had the freedom to spend considerable time on each cookie. I got out the sparkles, and made sure that each bunny and kitty had 2 eyes, a nose, and whiskers. Perhaps when your father gets you a pair of tweezers to help decorate, it is a sign of going over bored. Nevertheless, I had fun decorating the cookies, and I hope the kids will like them when they find them in their Easter baskets.
The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent with Kevin. We spent some time on his D&D game that he got from Christmas, and I introduced Carcasonne - Hunters & Gatherers to him and my brother. They seemed to like it. Enough to say they would like to play it again. I have only had the opportunity to play it a couple of times since I got it on my birthday, but it is a pretty fun game.
We finished off the night over at my brother's place with a game of GemQuest. I got it for Kevin about 2 years ago, and they play it quite often. It has definitely had a lot of play value. I really wanted to show Kevin my Descent game - so cool. But I knew that it would be just him and I playing and it would not work very well considering I haven't played it enough, I would have to run the game, and that would leave Kevin to stumble through on his own. I told him about the game, and his eyes lit up, so I have to find an opportunity where there are some more 'gamers' around to play and show him the game.
I just realized there is going to be way too much to report in only one post, so be prepared for more this coming weekend.
After ditching work early on Thursday, I arrived in Biggar early enough to see my one nephew and neice at my parents place. I got big smiles, and 'auntie, come with me' as soon as I walked in the door. Mackenzie and I entertained ourselves with puzzles until they had to go, and Kevin quietly sat back, like usual, waiting for a chance to hang out with his auntie. It is hard when there is one older one and younger ones, you really have to split your time fairly.
On Friday, Mom & I started off the day with a huge brisk walk. We pretty much covered the whole town.
I took some time to read more of my book, The Glass Castle, and managed to find myself a little more interested, finally. I am almost half way done, and I have yet to figure out if I should keep reading it.
The afternoon found me meticulously decorating easter cookies. The kids weren't around, it was just mom and me, so I had the freedom to spend considerable time on each cookie. I got out the sparkles, and made sure that each bunny and kitty had 2 eyes, a nose, and whiskers. Perhaps when your father gets you a pair of tweezers to help decorate, it is a sign of going over bored. Nevertheless, I had fun decorating the cookies, and I hope the kids will like them when they find them in their Easter baskets.
The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent with Kevin. We spent some time on his D&D game that he got from Christmas, and I introduced Carcasonne - Hunters & Gatherers to him and my brother. They seemed to like it. Enough to say they would like to play it again. I have only had the opportunity to play it a couple of times since I got it on my birthday, but it is a pretty fun game.
We finished off the night over at my brother's place with a game of GemQuest. I got it for Kevin about 2 years ago, and they play it quite often. It has definitely had a lot of play value. I really wanted to show Kevin my Descent game - so cool. But I knew that it would be just him and I playing and it would not work very well considering I haven't played it enough, I would have to run the game, and that would leave Kevin to stumble through on his own. I told him about the game, and his eyes lit up, so I have to find an opportunity where there are some more 'gamers' around to play and show him the game.
I just realized there is going to be way too much to report in only one post, so be prepared for more this coming weekend.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Need Sleep Now
By now I think I have trained my body and mind to lie in bed awake for hours. It is really starting to piss me off. Once I fall asleep, I am fine, but lately it is the getting to sleep that is a problem. Argh.
Last weekend I tried out a sleep-aid for a couple of nights. It worked ok, but not spectacular so I quit taking them. However, I think they have now screwed up my sleep patterns. According to the pharmasist, who made sure I was educated about sleep-aids before I bought any, advised me that they eliminate REM sleep, and if taken for too long will mess up your sleep schedule. Well, I think that could be the case. But it seems odd after only taking them for 3 nights. I haven't taken anything in the last couple nights, but the time I stay awake each night seems to lengthen.
It doesn't even seem as though I am very tired. Granted it would help if I could turn my brain off, but it isn't even that I am stressed or worrying about my current state of affairs. My brain is simply mulling over everything it can possibly think off - easter weekend, the movie I am going to next week, friends coming to visit, work projects, laundry, house cleaning.....the list could go on and on.
Anywho, in other news.....We had our first bowling practice today. Our company is participating in Corporate Challenge and I have signed up for bowling, volleyball, slo-pitch, and horseshoes. I haven't bowled since the fall of 2005 with my MBA buddies for our tournament, so I was a little surprised that I did so well this evening. I bowled 4 games, all scores over 100 with the best one at 189. And the event doesn't start until the end of May. I am hoping that I'll improve some over the next number of weeks with practices happening every Tuesday. As for the volleyball and slo-pitch, I am sure practices will start within the next few weeks. As for horseshoes, I will have to rely on luck.
Last weekend I tried out a sleep-aid for a couple of nights. It worked ok, but not spectacular so I quit taking them. However, I think they have now screwed up my sleep patterns. According to the pharmasist, who made sure I was educated about sleep-aids before I bought any, advised me that they eliminate REM sleep, and if taken for too long will mess up your sleep schedule. Well, I think that could be the case. But it seems odd after only taking them for 3 nights. I haven't taken anything in the last couple nights, but the time I stay awake each night seems to lengthen.
It doesn't even seem as though I am very tired. Granted it would help if I could turn my brain off, but it isn't even that I am stressed or worrying about my current state of affairs. My brain is simply mulling over everything it can possibly think off - easter weekend, the movie I am going to next week, friends coming to visit, work projects, laundry, house cleaning.....the list could go on and on.
Anywho, in other news.....We had our first bowling practice today. Our company is participating in Corporate Challenge and I have signed up for bowling, volleyball, slo-pitch, and horseshoes. I haven't bowled since the fall of 2005 with my MBA buddies for our tournament, so I was a little surprised that I did so well this evening. I bowled 4 games, all scores over 100 with the best one at 189. And the event doesn't start until the end of May. I am hoping that I'll improve some over the next number of weeks with practices happening every Tuesday. As for the volleyball and slo-pitch, I am sure practices will start within the next few weeks. As for horseshoes, I will have to rely on luck.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Back 'ater
Well, I finally got my lazy ass back to the gym. Andrea & I met after work - like old times, but didn't work very hard. Nevertheless, we went. I think it has been a couple weeks since our last workout, so we re-committed to getting back on the horse. I am looking forward to it.
Andrea & Kory had me over for supper. It was a quick visit, as I really needed to get home to do the laundry I neglected on the weekend. I probably will only get one load done tonight, but at least it is the important one - underwear. :)
I am looking forward to capping off the night with some chamomille team and a lavendar aromatherapy foam bath. Hmmmmmm.
Andrea & Kory had me over for supper. It was a quick visit, as I really needed to get home to do the laundry I neglected on the weekend. I probably will only get one load done tonight, but at least it is the important one - underwear. :)
I am looking forward to capping off the night with some chamomille team and a lavendar aromatherapy foam bath. Hmmmmmm.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Long Tiring Day
It was a day of ups and downs, and I feel pretty emotionally drained.
I spent most of the afternoon with Bne & Siochain. We mostly talked all afternoon. It is comforting when friends reassure and affirm that my current feelings and emotionals aren't completely irrational. It helps to know one is not alone in their thoughts and also, makes me feel just a little less crazy.
We ordered in some chinese fooooooood for supper. My fortune told me to 'listen these next few days to your friends to get answers you seek.' Fitting I thought. After supper we went to see Blades of Glory. It was definitely cheesy and corny, but was enough hilarity to make it entertaining.
I capped off the night with a good long chat with MFJ.
I spent most of the afternoon with Bne & Siochain. We mostly talked all afternoon. It is comforting when friends reassure and affirm that my current feelings and emotionals aren't completely irrational. It helps to know one is not alone in their thoughts and also, makes me feel just a little less crazy.
We ordered in some chinese fooooooood for supper. My fortune told me to 'listen these next few days to your friends to get answers you seek.' Fitting I thought. After supper we went to see Blades of Glory. It was definitely cheesy and corny, but was enough hilarity to make it entertaining.
I capped off the night with a good long chat with MFJ.
Goodbyes
Why are goodbyes so hard?
It is like a piece of me goes with everyone I say goodbye to. Some pieces are little and some are big. I am starting to wonder if there is anything left of myself.
It is like a piece of me goes with everyone I say goodbye to. Some pieces are little and some are big. I am starting to wonder if there is anything left of myself.
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