Busy Fall

Where does the time go? I can't believe it's already the middle of the November. Thank goodness we don't have any snow yet.

A lot has happened since the last time I posted.

October was very busy with Thanksgiving, returning to work, and of course, Master K's 1st birthday. It was a whirlwind month. I was sleep deprived for most of the month with a temporary case of insomnia; Master K was teething again and figuring out how to stand on his own and take his first steps...but we managed to get through the month.

Master K's birthday was a blast. We had quite a few people over: Master K's friends (with moms), my parents, and a few close friends. Malcolm played, opened gifts and smashed cake in his face. It was the perfect day.

I've been back a work for a few weeks now, and it's been good so far. The first couple of weeks I was only part-time and it was a tad boring because no one was in the office. But once I started full-time, things were back into swing and I'm feeling a bit busier now. We are looking and reorganizing our department and some roles and responsibilities, so it's an exciting time for me to come back. My year off has brought with it a new and fresh perspective, and now I feel like I want to 'change the world' at work. I guess after being away for a whole year, you aren't caught up in the day to day life of work, and you can see things in a different way or see completely new opportunities. I just hope my colleagues don't tire of my enthusiasm.

Nothing too exciting is happening in November. Master K currently has a pretty terrible cold and is teething once again. He continues to practice his walking every day now, taking more and more steps each day. Hopefully he'll be a pro by Christmas time.

We are off to Miami to celebrate Christmas with Mr. J's dad and wife. We'll be gone for 10 days, and I can't wait. Not only do I need a vacation, it'll be great to spend more time with my father-in-law and celebrate the holidays. I don't hink Mr. J has celebrated Christmas with his dad since he was a kid. Plus, it'll be warm. I plan on basking in the sun and wearing my bathing suit as much as possible.

A Trip to Wine Country

Every few years, my girlfriends and I like to take a 'girls trip.' We've all been friends for over 20 years and make a point to continually stay connected with each other.

We had many impromptu trips in our 20's, but since we hit our 30's, we are making more of an effort to plan a fun trip, usually some distance away.

Three and a half years ago, we went to Las Vegas. It was absolutely wonderful, and was just what I needed at the time, considering my 11 year relationship was falling apart.

This years trip was planned many moons ago when my BFF and I decided we wanted to go somewhere special on the 30th year anniversary of our friendship. We started planning it almost 8 months ago and decided, WINE COUNTRY.

We knew the hubbies wouldn't want to come, so we decided to invite our other 3 girlfriends and make it our 'every 2-3 years Girls Trip.'

We stayed at the beautiful River Terrace Inn in Napa, California for 5 days and 4 nights.

We visited the spectacular Castello di Amorosa winery. Enjoyed many fine wines, and purchased many bottles.

We rode the Napa Valley Wine Train and enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the valley, as well as a fantastic 4 course meal.

We shopped, ate, drank wine, and relaxed on our last day in Napa at the Greenhaus European Day Spa.

It was a perfect vacation, and a nice break from my busy life as a mom.

Mother's Day

Today is my 1st Mother's Day.  Although we did celebrate last year when Master K was in utero, it feels a little more real this year.


Master K is the light of my life - he makes me smile, laugh, cry, worry....every emotion in the world.  I could not have asked for a more precious child.  I love him with all my heart.  He is my life.

Being a mother is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me.  I never really understood when mothers said, 'you'll never know until you become a mother' or 'a child will completely change your life' or 'you don't understand; you don't have kids' or 'you'll feel differently when you have kids.'  I honestly didn't think children affected your life THAT MUCH!

Now, I know better!  Parents say these things to singles or childless parents because it really is that hard to explain how you will feel, react, or behave once a child becomes part of your life.

It is amazing, fantastic, wonderful, stressful, tasking, frustration - yet so rewarding.

I love motherhood, I love my husband, I love our family, and I love my precious son.

Texas Bound

We are off at the end of this week to Dallas to visit my best friend and her husband. They've been there for almost 1.5 years, and we are finally making our first visit. I feel giddy, silly and excited for the trip. These are the usual feelings I get when me and BFF spend time together. It's going to be wonderful.

We don't have anything particular planned, but I've heard good things about the zoos in the area and the aquarium, so we might have to check one of them out. Mostly, we're just happy to be spending time with them, and if all we end up doing is sitting around talking and watching movies, wonderful!

I am starting to wish we were spending more time down there, but work calls, and we just don't have the vacation days right now to spend. However, it'll be nice just to get away. The winter hasn't been too long, but it seems as though I've got a travel bug that sends me somewhere every couple of months.
San Jose - July/August
Jamaica - October
Canmore - January
Dallas - February

What's next!? Perhaps GenCon!? But that is a long way away. I might need something in the mean time to tie me over.

Time for neuba to relax

Christmas was a blast. I had 5 days off, so it was a nice stretch of time, but no where close to what I am used to. I quite enjoy the December holiday season, and therefore generally try to take extra time off. This year my vacation bank was all used up...but that's perfectly fine with me..I used it for our amazing trip to Jamaica!

We arrived home to a house full of sick people. Not exactly what you want during Christmas time. However, it was short-lived for those who got it, and I've still yet to see the signs of me getting anything.

My brother and his 3 kids were also home for Christmas, which made it that much more special. There's just something different about Christmas when there are kids around. It's not just how their eyes light up when they see Santa arrive on Christmas Eve, or how excited they look when they open a gift they were hoping to get, it's also the joy and excitement that everyone feels when you are spending time together, whether it's playing a game, doing a puzzle, or simply helping prepare dinner. Mr. J and I spent most of our days entertaining the kids with the Wii, the onslaught on remote control devices Uncle J bought for the kids, and puzzles. It was wonderful - but I'm exhausted.

Christmas wouldn't be the same if I didn't get to see my friends. And I was happy the opportunity presented itself on Saturday. We drove into the city to begin a day of shopping and visiting. We had a chance to visit our friends from Dallas who were home visiting the family; we visited our local favourites that you just don't get here in Edmonton - comic book store, coffee/tea store and gaming store. We spent supper with our soon-to-be-parents friends, and then headed over to AJ and J'Bra's for the party.

It was wonderful to see everyone. It's been quite sometime since we all got together in one place to hang out. It reminds me of the many party's that happened over the years. It's nice to see that some things never change - getting together, talking about the usual - gaming and school. Although, as we get older the conversations are starting to include work, cool vacation spots, and other non-gaming activities. I am so glad we convinced BB to come out, although I hardly got to talk to him. (sniff)

After the hustle and bustle of Christmas, and having to work a couple of days this week, I am ready for some pj-wearing-naptime-moviewatching-relaxo time.

Today we leave for Canmore. In keeping with tradition, we are off to a special get-away (just the 2 of us) to ring in the new year. Last year, Mr. J planned the surprise get-away to Candle Lake, so this year it was my turn. I picked the mountains, considering neither of us have been since there since we moved here. I've got dinner planned for tonight and Banff Hot Springs (with massages) planned for tomorrow. Otherwise, we'll be enjoying some quiet time together watching movies, playing games, and sleeping.

I hope everyone enjoys their New Years, whatever it may be, and with talk to you in 2009.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

The holiday season is upon us, and I'm ready.

We leave tomorrow for Saskatchewan. We are spending the holidays with my family. My parents' house is going to be full with grandkids, uncles, cousins, and more. It'll be loud, chaotic, and maybe even a tad stressful, but it'll be great, because it's with family and that's exactly how I like to spend the holidays.

However, I do like to see my friends. And being that I am far away, and have been for 2 years now, I am looking forward to a visit on the 27th in the Big City with the old gang.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and safe travels wherever they take you.

From our house to yours,

neuba & Mr. J

Back into the swing of things...finally!

We've been home for 2 weeks now, and I've finally caught up on all the laundry and upload the rest of our pictures from our trip to Jamaica. The first week back was slow for me. I caught a bit of a sore throat on the way home, and it knocked quite a bit of energy outta me for about a week. I managed to drag my ass to kickboxing and volleyball the last couple of weeks, but that was about it. Although, I did get back into my usual workouts late last week.

Unfortunately, Mr. J is has been feeling under the weather all weekend, so we weren't as mobile as we would have liked. However, it did give me a chance to tackle our picture project. The wedding pictures were easy; given that they were presented to us in an album and on a CD. Our other pictures had to be downloaded from the camera, uploaded onto the web, and then, of course, I had to play with them. I started by uploading them, one by one, to my google account when I realized that Picasa 3 would be faster, quicker, creative, and a lot more fun. I put together a little collage to show a sample of our picks, but you can go here to view our 500 pictures of Jamaica, or view the slideshow on my sidebar.

Introducing.....Mr. J & neuba

October 22, 2008

3 Hours to go---Jamaica here we come

We are almost out the door. Squeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

I can't believe how excited, happy, and amazing I feel. This is going to be one hellava trip.

I can't wait to share our stories and show off pictures once we get back.

I love my life! I love you so much Mr. J.

Our First Holiday Gathering

My family arrived on Friday for the weekend. My parents and brother drove from Saskatchewan to spent Thanksgiving with Mr. J and myself.

I was absolutely elated that they came to visit. It's been over a year since they had been to Edmonton to visit, so I think everyone figured another one was due.

We cooked and visited all weekend. We did a little shopping on Saturday, but relaxed mostly with football, movies and the Wii.

I cooked my 2nd turkey dinner (my first being when I was 17 and still at home), and it turned out great. My mom said, 'this is better than any turkey dinner I've ever cooked.' I think that compliment pretty much speaks for itself.

Bne was able to join us for supper, which made the evening complete. I was happy that he came, even though he continued to give me a hard time for not telling him our 'big news' sooner than I did. Sorry Bne!

My family has left already....my brother was anxious to get home to watch the 2:30 football game...so we are going spend the rest of the weekend taking it easy.

I plan on getting back on my exercise bike after a 3 day hiatus. I definitely ate more than I usually do, and I've only got 5 days left until I have to wear a bathing suit.

Tonight, after Heroes of course, we are off to our friends to pick up our Mutants and Masterminds game.

Heading to the Tropics

Some of you may have noticed the countdown and subsequent couples resorts on my sidebar over the last month.

Well....we leave for Negril, Jamaica in 32 days - October 18th. We're extremely excited. This is our first tropical vacation ever. Although James has been to Jamaica before (3x when he was a kid), it's never been as a relaxing vacation. and me....WOW!!! I can't wait. I am really looking forward to just relaxing and basking in the sun. Something I never thought I would do - be it that I wasn't much of a 'hot weather' kind of person. That seems to be changing with age, as I get less tolerant of the cold.

It's an all inclusive resort....so all the food and drink we can consume in a week. Plus, there are various watersports that we can indulge in that are included as well. I'm especially looking forward to trying hobie cat sailing and windsurfing.

Finally, we can't forget the 'big day' - October 22,2008. It's definitely going to be the highlight of the trip. Just the two of us!! :)

California Dreamin'

And sadly, another trip to California to visit TUO & R:tAG ends.

But what a trip...probably the best one to date. James & I didn't have a lot planned. We did a couple touristy things, but mostly we just geeked out with our hosts....or as I've been corrected, R:tAG & James geeked out.

We arrived Wednesday evening. TUO was gracious enough to pick us up from the airport. Sadly, R:tAG was laid up at home due to an aggravated back injury. We met TUO's pet in the car, and bombarded it with questions..to which it had many interesting answers.

R:tAG managed to maneuver around the house, so we decided to go out for dinner and spent our first evening at Consuelo on Santana Row. Great food and many laughs were had before we left....almost carrying R:tAG out of the restaurant. We managed to transport him safely home. He spent the rest of the evening with Lady Vicodin. So peaceful and soothing she is. The rest of us stayed up and watched Day Watch. Which felt oddly deju vu-ish for me when we started watching it. At times, I knew what scene was coming up next, what actions characters were going to take or words they were going to speak...until enough of the movie had gone by I realized I had seen it before. However, I still can't place it. I don't know when, where or with who I saw it. Strange. Unfortunately, I was too tired to make it through the entire movie.

Thursday we decided to head into San Francisco....after learning that R:tAG would be staying home from work for another day and and not being able to get a hold of Carl. The 'tours' would have to wait until Friday.

We travelled with TUO to her work, which is nearby the Sunnyvale train station. We made plans to meet at the end of the day, and headed off to check the train schedule and get some foody bits into our stomach.

James wanted to go to the SF Zoo, so post-Caltrain ride, we jumped into a cab and headed over to visit the animals. Rowr! (hee-hee) There was lots to see and a few of the animals were quite active. Here are some pictures.

Thursday evening we met up with Carl & Mickey and the six of us went to this amazing Greek restaurant - Cafe Artemis. Engaging conversation was had...and when someone didn't readily have the answer to something, the 'pets' helped out. It was quite a sight to see our 4 friends each with a ' pet' in their hands, searching for the same thing all at once. It was like conversing with 8 instead of 4. :)

Friday was pretty jam-packed. We started off the morning by travelling with R:tAG to work (mobile enough to rejoin the work-world) to get a tour. James was giddy with excitement; he was very much like a kid in a candy store. I had toured Cryptic Studios on my first visit down to San Jose a couple of years ago, and although Cryptic had since moved, the tour was definitely for James. We both left with smiles on our faces and schwag in our hands.

TUO had to run off to work, so James & I walked up to the nearest VTA station and caught the train into San Jose. It was only a few steps away to our destination - The Tech. This place was amazing. I've been to enough science museums/centres to compare, and this one definitely topped my list. Other than the numerous kids inhabiting the place, it was very cool and interactive. Just when I thought there wasn't more to see, I'd go around a corner and there was an entire separate exhibit. We spent most of the early part of the day lunching, touring, and taking in Sea Monsters at the IMAX.

After stopping briefly for some milkshakes at Johnny Rockets we were off to visit Carl at Apple and take in the monthly 'Beer Bash' event for staff and visitors, sponsored by Nike, I believe. Quite amazing I must say. An enormous amount of people (mostly staff as far as I could tell), tables and tables of food for the taking, water, pop, wine, beer...you name it....and free. And of course, Stan, who is worth mentioning, simply because he was so entertaining. Kudos to Carl for including us in the event.

Supper plans included Cheruby's 'must-eat-at' place, In-n-Out Burger...and I must say to Cheruby, 'amazing...delicious', and to our hosts, 'thank you so much for taking us there.' We were advised to order 'Animal style', and did so. James, of course, went over the top with his 'Animal' ordering.

James: I'd like that ANIMAL STYLE (in a slow, booming, deep voice, accompanied by a snake-like hand gesture)
Clerk: Was it really necessary to do it like that?
James: Absolutely!!!!!
Clerk: Well, she didn't feel the need to do it like that
James: ANIMAL STYLE (repeated again for emphasis)

For someone who doesn't really eat from any fast food chain, I was amazed at how calm my tummy was. No rumblies, nor tumblies, nor mad-dashes to the loo.

To cap off the night we watched The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra (at least everyone else managed to watch the entire show...I, once again, fell asleep). SUPER-MEGA-AWESOME-COOL. This is a must see for all geeks out there. Corny for the sake of being corny....classic. I am so glad we bought it. Now I can watch the rest of it. (Hiss...Rowr!)

.....so tired....more to come!! Farewell for now.

Ok....after a few days to think about the remainder of our trip I realized there wasn't a whole lot more to say. Not to say we didn't have a great time, but it was fairly lax-a-daisy and relaxing.

We spent Saturday and Sunday touring and shopping around Campbell and Los Gatos with TUO & R:tAG. We:

• took in the Farmers Market in Los Gatos
• hit up both local game/comic book stores - D&J Hobby & Heroes
• gorged ourselves at Fry's - the ultimate electronics store

I also had the pleasure of being introduced to Doctor Who. James, R:tAG & TUO were certain I would like the episode Blink-Cool & Creeeeepy!!!!!! Give me more! Besides more Doctor Who, Dr. Srange and indulging in comics, we had an absolutely wonderful visit.

Summer Holidays

So...we finally know what we are going to do for our summer holidays.

Visit TUO & R:tAG. Squeeee!

As many of you know, I am quite organized and I like to plan a lot. Maybe to the extreme sometimes. But not so much lately. You see, James has relaxed me quite a bit. I have this inner calmness when we're together....it is weird (for me), yet strangely comforting. Anywho..I'm disgressing much!

Many months ago when my work was requesting my holiday schedule. I said, 'I have no idea what I want to do, or for that matter, when I want to take holidays.' But I knew I would need some break time, so I figured summertime would be the most suitable - July.

We'd talk about our little 'holiday' mostly in vague terms, really not worrying too much about it....knowing we'd come up with something. And if we didn't, we could always head back to Saskatchewan and up to the lake for some time. Finally, James had a wonderfully bright idea.... (as usual....it amazes me how many cool ideas and concepts he comes up with on a regular basis...he really needs to create and market some of these ideas one day)......alas, I digress once again.

"Let's go visit TUO & R:tAG. To which I respond, 'sure, let's make sure there available first.' And to our advantage, they have no plans whatsoever. We'll except some gaming, but that can be enjoyable for all.

So there we have it. My 3rd visit to the San Jose area and James' 1st. And my 1st 'outoftheblue, unplanned vacation.'

Happy Holidays

The holiday season of 2007 have been full of food, family, wonderful surprises, friends and much more, AND, I still have a few more days left.

I spent the majority of my time off with my parents and Mr. J in Biggar. It was a quiet Christmas, as my brothers family was spending Christmas with the 'other side' this year. So, Mr. J & I got put to work cooking, baking, and helping with some finishing touches on my parents renovations. However, I would have to say that most of our time was spent visiting, watching movies, and sleeping in. It was wonderful.

My sweetie spoiled me rotten with gifts. Too many to even list. But ranged from music-books-poetry-movies-clothes, and finally, a special New Years get-a-way trip. I was full of smiles....as usual when I am around Mr. J.

We came back into the city on Friday and spent sometime with BB, Suz, Cheruby and Bne. Alien vs. Predator was pretty craptacular. The only good thing about the movie (according to Bne) was the blonde hottie, and the trash-talk we engaged in afterwards.

Tomorrow we are off for our New Years celebration - just the two of us - for 3 days. I am very excited. I am looking forward to starting a new tradition with my sweetie. I've already got some ideas for next years get-a-way.

I'm exhausted

What a busy day!!

I spent most of the day in the kitchen baking.

Being an avid baker, you'd think I would have made pastry before...nope! I found out my sweetie likes butter tarts, so that gave me an opportunity to test my skills. AJ & I got talking about baking last weekend when he was down, and he told me about an amazing pastry recipe that he had gotten from Billie-Joe. He gave it to me, and it turned out wonderfully. I was somewhat surprised, as most people I talk to say pastry can be difficult, and it can be somewhat of an art to get it perfect. I've been baking for a lot of years, I am fairly confident in my abilities, and I can whip up lefse no problem, so I wasn't really worried. Plus, when it comes to baking and cooking, I have a trial and error attitude. If it doesn't work out, I will just try again, and modify things and hope for the best. I am sure it helps that I like to bake and cook so much. They don't look perfect...I sure wouldn't be winning any baking contest awards for presentation, but they taste delicious.

I also managed to whip up some Chocolate Chip cookies for Christmas, and for the boys at work. I am sure they will appreciate it.

While my pastry dough was chilling, I spent most of the afternoon wrapping presents. I am almost completely done shopping; I only have one gift left to buy.

My Christmas tree is up with lights and garland on it. The ornaments are the last to go on. I'll put the presents under the tree, put some more garland and lights up around the house and then the house will be decorated for Christmas.

It feels like my day will never end. Just as I was cleaning up the kitchen from my day of baking, and finishing up supper I realized that I needed to do some laundry. Blah....I am sure I could crash right now.

Crafty these days

Once again, I have decided to give as many personalized gifts as possible this Holiday season. Over the past number of months I have been working on many crafty items for friends and family for birthdays, Christmas, and baby shower gifts.

I started up a beautiful baby blanket for my girlfriend who had her baby in August. I stalled on the baby sweater, and because it was for a newborn I pretty much gave up trying to get it done. I will eventually finish it, but there is no rush at the moment. So I switch to another project, which I had already had in mind for her and the baby. They decided on a nature theme for the baby's room, so I figured Bernat Satin was the way to go in the sable colour. I had used this yarn to knit my nephew a blanket, and it is wonderfully soft. If I stick with it I should have it done by the end of December.

My neices 5th birthday is coming up mid-December and I wanted to do something extra special. She is turning 5 after all. I found a plain wooden jewelry box at Michael's, and figured I would paint it in her favourite colours (pink and purple), decorate it with sparkles, stickers and her name, and finish it off with a picture of herself. It has turned out really well, there are just a few finishing touches I need to complete. Plus, to put inside, a pink handmade bracelet. I am sure she will be thrilled.

As for mom, I have been knitting items for her newly renovated kitchen, and assembling a Christmas centerpiece.

I was going to try and do some paintings for family and friends, but the time seems to be slipping away. I still plan to do them eventually, they just might not be Christmas presents.

For me, I enjoy giving personalized or small gifts, rather than the extravagant. There seems to be more thought, time, patience, and love I give something I made.

Happy Halloween

I really do love Halloween. Being able to decorate my house, dress up, and take joy in the children...it's all good!

Today was a exciting day at work. Many of my co-workers dressed up, some themed, some not. My team decided to do a 'Clue' theme. I dressed myself up as Mrs. Peacock; it was fantastic. In my blue bridesmaid dress from my BFF's wedding, a white feather boa, white gloves, a couple of peacock feathers in my flipped up hair, and of course, the wrench as my weapon...I definitely looked and felt the part. I am hoping to get some pictures from work to post, so you may see the final look. The rest of my team also looked amazing, with Prof. Plum, Mrs. White, Ms. Scarlett, Mr. Green, The Victim, the library, the kitchen, and someone even dressed up as the game, attaching the board to their back, sticking cards all over there body, and pinning a clue sheet to their head. It was awesome.

Besides the dressing-up there was a pumpkin carving contest (I didn't win, but I fun carving mine last night), a pizza lunch with cake, and costume judging. My team one best group.

As for tonight, I've got my house all decorated and I am just waiting for the little ones to show up. I am not sure how many to expect, but whomever comes by will be worth the wait.

As a prelude to Halloween, Andy and I went to 30 Days of Night. It was definitely scary. I thought I was going to have nightmares. I guess I am more used vampire movies that depict the high society/historical view, rather than the dark and evil view. Nevertheless, it was a good evening out.

My Vacation

Friday
Left work early again. It seems to work well that way, especially on a long weekend. I beat the traffic, which makes the drive a lot smoother. I arrived in town on time, ready for my hair appointment. My hairdresser, who has cut my hair for almost 9 years I think, was a sweetheart and came back to work in the evening to cut my hair. I originally was looking to get it done on Saturday, but she was also going on holidays, so she offered to do it Friday night. Such a sweetheart. I had see her last in February, right before the house got packed up, so we had a lot of catching up to do.

Saturday
After James was done work at the Den, we headed off to the lake. The drive was a breeze until just after Smeaton, when the road gets narrow and pretty crappy. On top of that there was quite a thunderstorm rumbling on. However, we made it safe and sound to the full cabin at Lower Fishing Lake. Dad & uncle Brian were nice enough to set up the tent for us, however upon entering the tent to put the air mattress in, I stepped and kneelled in a number of puddles. The mattress was quickly returned to the cabin where James & I slept in the middle of the tiny living room. It was a good thing that Mom & Dad had the motor-home, and that Uncle Brian and his kids were in a tent, otherwise I am not sure where we would have slept - the car perhaps.

Sunday
Our first full day - chaos and joyous. Eating is always a big production at the lake. The meals are full, and the clean up takes forever. The lake is, well, rustic, as James put it. There is no running water, so dishes involves heating water on the stove, getting out 3 basins - one for washing, one for rinsing, and one for drying. Doing the dishes usually takes as long as cooking breakfast, especially with 13 people.

Not long after breakfast was over, Mackenzie had James in his trunks and they were off to the beach. I stayed back to clean up, and visit. Eventually Dad got the boat in the water, and took Kevin & Jesse fishing. James & I headed to the park with Mackenzie and met up with Mom, Lorianne, and Zachary. It wasn't much longer and it was getting time to eat again. The boys caught some fish and Dad had taken out some steak. It was a scrumptious meal. Before we knew it, it was time for bed. After cleaning up supper, and visiting with family friends, we booted everyone out of the living room. With 1 -12 year old, 2-10 year olds, 1-4 year old and 1-2 year old; we tried to get to bed as early as we could.

Monday
We managed to sleep until 9 before we got trampled with kids. I must say the kids have grown very fond of James in a very short time, as he with them. It is one of those enduring qualities that I love so much in James. And it isn't just with kids, he seems to click with everyone. He is a very charismatic and likable individual.

After peeling the kids off of us, it was time to make breakfast. Of course, nothing simple. Usually pancakes, bacon, eggs, toast, and fruit. The days starting running together, as they should on vacation, but I think this morning James & I made breakfast for the crew. He whipped up the pancakes and I cooked the bacon.

Uncle Brian & his kids headed for home after lunch, and the rest of us got ready for some fishing. Dad, Mike, Kevin, James & I got the boat in the rough waters, and went out for some trolling. I caught 2, however only one was worth keeping. It wasn't long before we had to head back. Mike, Lorianne and Zachary had to head home and we needed to get some food into our stomachs.

We spent the night slaughtering Kevin at D&D minis. A friend of Mom's brought over her 10 year old grandson, who was immediately interested in what we were about to play. Kevin gave him a quick rundown, and soon enough we were allied up, Good (Kevin & Carson) against Evil (James & I). After messing with their little uncertain minds (awesome James), we defeated them hand over fist, mostly with the Aspect of Hextor. Who, thanks to James, became the most feared, unkillable monster over the next couple of days. The boys and James never did have their match, and I am sure if you asked James, it is because the boys knew they couldn't defeat him. Mwahaaahaa.

After the exit of 6 people, James & I hand the pleasure of sleeping in a bed, a lumpy bed, but a bed nevertheless. Sleeps began to improve and lengthen..aaawwww.

Tuesday
The warmest, sunniest day. After breakfast, James, Kevin, Mackenize & I hit the beach. Although the long weekend was over and many people had gone home, the beach was still fairly busy. We swam, buried Mackenzie, and made a canal. Of course with the help of our resident engineer.

After lunch, we settled in for a nice long trip in the boat. With sunscreen in one had, beer in the other, and our fishing poles in the boat, we were all set to go. We were on the lake for more than 2 hours. James, Kevin and myself each had a keeper. I caught 2 others that just weren't worth keeping, and James' other 2 got away.

I spent the entire day in my bathsuit, and started a great tan.

The evening brought friends over for a campfire and bushpies. Mmmmm, gotta love those bushpies.
Wednesday
After breakfast, the kids got on their swimsuits and we were out in the boat for a little tubing. Kevin and Mackenzie road around the lake, while Dad drove and James kept an eye on the kids and the speed. I watched from the dock and tried to capture the whole event. I thought that I might be too far away, but the pictures turned out good.



Once the kids were done with their water sports, we quickly made some lunch before Dad, James & I headed up the Esker..or as it is now called, a Push Moraine. Of course, we had to show James the beauty that our lake has to offer. I never get sick of the Esker; I think I have gone everytime I've been at the lake. As always, it was absolutely beautiful.

James is a little concerned that I don't fall..such a sweetie. Always taking care of me.

Upon our return from the Esker, Kevin was ready to go fishing again. It was a fairly unsuccessful trip. Kevin caught one, but we had to throw it back, as it was just a baby.

Another campfire, bushpies, and tea ended the evening.

Thursday
We spent most of the day packing up and getting everyone organized to leave. I had to drive Gramma's car, which left James driving mine. Dad had the motorhome, and Mom was driving the trunk & boat. We finally got away, and made the slow trek home.

After dropping off and unloading Gramma and all her stuff, we were off home to James'. We ordered in some food and crashed for the night.

Friday
I decided to attempt to get my passport in Saskatoon. The line ups in Edmonton were nuts 2 weeks ago, and I thought I might have a better chance in Saskatoon during my holidays. Sure enough, 20 minutes in and out. Perfect.

We took in The Bourne Ultimatum, which was a pretty good movie. There were a number of reviews that hacked the camera work. It was a bit shaky, but not enough to ruin the movie. Check it out, it was good.

I spent my evening hanging out with Brennan. We had supper and beers at Amigos, and then went over to the Broadway Theatre to watch Inland Empire. Weird, bizarre, odd. Brennan and I both left very puzzled and confused. While walking back to the car, we reflected back on numerous scenes trying to make any sort of connection. We didn't really get any. Ah well...I was with a great friend, so it was all good.

Saturday
Up early, and off to Regina for my best friends brothers wedding. We were staying at my Uncle Daves, so had a nice brief visit with them. My cousin, his wife and 2 kids happened to be there. It was nice to see them once again.

The wedding was beautiful. Jason actually made me tear up with the personal vows he composed for Nicole. It was very touching. The supper, toasts and dance was awesome. We got to sit with Jen, Chad, and her parents. It was a privilege.

We danced up a storm, and had a fantastic time. I tuckered out around 1pm, and my sweetie took me home.

Sunday
We were back on the road early in the morning, so we could get back in time for James to open the Den. I dropped him off, packed up my stuff so I was ready to go, and then headed downtown to O'Shea's for lunch with John & Alan. We had a great visit. We talked enough about City of Heroes that I am actually considering reactivating my account. The winter might get a little long and lonely, so maybe then. We'll have to see. I got to see their new place. It is nice and spacious. A little sad I won't be around to hang out in their new abode.

After my visit, I was on the road back home. And that was my amazing vacation. I think I need a vacation from my vacation.

Gearing Up

Only 2 more sleeps and I am off for my summer vacation. It isn't going to be very long, but it is going be a lot of fun. I have been looking forward to it since the end of May when I requested the time off.

I will be arriving in Saskatoon sometime Friday night, and James & I are off Saturday to Lower Fishing Lake. I am so excited, I can barely contain my excitement. I love my lake....I love my cabin....just fond memories I have. I am extremely nostalgic about being at the lake. Keeping the lake/cabin in the same form as when I was a kid, is extremely important to me. I have had to make a few concessions...like when we got a microwave, or when they got rid of the wood burning stove. I even opposed the big deck that was constructed on the back of the cabin. However, I love it now. Even though I have loosened up a bit, and am looking forward to the renovations in summers to come, I am a stickler for some things. No TV and no phone. I really like the peace and serenity that I feel at the lake, and I don't need loud, annoying technology to ruin it.

With my love of the lake you would think I would try and get up there often, however it has been over 2 years since I was there last. Which is another reason for my excitement.

I am also glad that many of my family members will be around. My parents, Mike & family, my uncle & his kids, my gramma, and James & I. It is going to be a blast.

Also, the fishing...squee!!!!!

We're back in Saskatoon next Thursday, and I hope to get in some visiting time with my friends who I miss dearly.....before we have to leave for Regina on Saturday for a wedding. My best friends brother is getting married, so we are going down for the celebration. It will be fun to spend some time with my second family. We're staying with my uncle, who is in the midst of moving his belongings to Calgary, so a brief visit will have to do. On the way home, I am looking forward to stopping in to see cenobyte & the family for a short visit.

It is going to be a whirlwind vacation, but I know I am going to love it.

Huzzah! SMAC!

Finally, some Vegas Pics