Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Welcome back to real life...

Hey everyone!  What a fun couple of week we have had and I am really looking forward to the next month or so!!  Especially with Christmas coming.  I'm just starting to get my stuff together for Christmas cards and gifts.  I can't wait to get in the "NEW" Ice Crystals Stamp Set for making my Christmas Cards.  This is my favorite Christmas Stamp set this year from Close to my Heart.  (I have a thing with snowflakes).  I'm planning on attending a few Craft Show this month and I am proud to say I have already purchased my first Christmas gift.  Sherri's gonna love it!!!

Cam is participating in the hottest thing this November for Men..."Movember"  He really dislikes the facial hair thing on himself...however this is quite out of the box for him...so I of course am proud.  I have been taking pictures and will try to get them up soon.

I have had the pleasure of attending the Air Canada Centre 2 Mondays in a row....with 2 of some of my favorite people.  Cam and I hit the Cesar Millan ~ Dog Whisperer Show last week (which was awesome) and then last night I went with a friend to see the Raptors Game (they lost....but it was still fun!)  On the way home we figured we might as well make a night of it and we went tot he theater to see Due Date (very, very funny)  I feel like there may just be too much excitement going on in my life!!  But it's been fun while it lasted.

Tonight after we finish projects, get back from yoga class and the girls hit their pillows I will be back to the real life...filing, organizing, laundry...hehehe...it's all fun!

Chat soon,
J

Thursday, November 4, 2010

New Adventures

Thursdays.  New scheduled event for the girls.  Curling.  I know nothing about curling, nor do the girls.  This should be interesting.  haha  I'm sure it will be fun, and hopefully I'm able to get into one of the leagues.  I have yet to hear back from anyone, however I figure when I take the girls tonight I may get some more info.  The curling club here in town is a pretty nice facility and look forward to getting the chance to give it a try.  The girls aren't really sure what to expect.  But I'll fill you in.

The girls have skating every Monday and Wednesday nights and they really seem to like it.  We have a great club here in town www.beavertonfigureskatingclub.com and the effort that goes into every night is amazing.  I really give a tonne of credit to the coaches and the executive committee for their efforts.  Volunteers like these are real gems!!!  After skating the girls were right off to music lessons with the "BEST" piano teacher in the whole wide world!!  Whom they absolutely love.  This is Daisy's first year, and I think it's gonna be real good for her.  She had to work to get her grades up last year so that she could sign up for piano this year...she obviously really wanted to give it a try cause she got her first A ever, in math of all subjects, certainly an improvement.  Anyway, my hope is that the music lessons will help her even more with her school...we'll see...

Last night I officially signed up for Close To My Heart.  Certainly not to make money, rather to feed my addiction to scrapbooking.  I have been very negligent of the hobby for the past few years.  Mostly due to the fact that most of my supplies were cooped up in my craft room at the house in Welland...we really don't have room for a dedicated room up north here, but the girls and I have multi purposed our spare room into a craft/guest/computer room.  So far it's working and the girls have loved the time we get to scrap together.  So, if you're into scrapbooking at all, feel free to contact me, or go on the link to your left to order anything online.

I had the pleasure of chatting with a a gal last night on the phone I recently met, and what a fantastic lady.  I love meeting new people and I always find it interesting that the people I tend to gravitate towards...there always seems to be some sort of "connection" that I never even knew until the conversation progresses.  Similar likes, interests, hobbies...it was just a really nice call and I felt like I could have chatted with her all night, however after about an hour I realized that she has young kids and I was likely keeping her from her "mom" jobs and all that jazz.  Regardless it was great and I look forward to getting to know her better.

Anyway, tonight I am committing to getting back to the gym.  I'm very lucky to have a gym here at work...so I've brought my "work-out gear" and my little planned "work-out" and hope to get back into the groove.  That with the new vegetarian diet, I hope to soon be a lean, mean....mom???  Whatever...it just always feel good to keep in shape.

Anyhow...off to the day!!

Chat Soon,
J

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Long time, no chat....

Well it again truly amazes how quickly time passes.  This year has been no exception...

I was inspired by someone who has started his own blog to get my but in gear and revisit my goals and what I want to accomplish.  Thanks Steve!  Not that I've forgotten, nor that I have ignored any goals.  This year has been full of adventure and I have no complaints!!!  I just seem to have forgotten to share...

Since my last post in May I have participated in the OXFAM 100km hike, attended a friends wedding in Barbados, explored the Grand Canyon and beyond, finished my Real Estate courses and am ready to get all of my registration in order, and well those are just the bigger happenings....everyday is an adventure in our household.  I have a great contract that allows me the freedom to participate in my life's adventures, and allows my girls to have opportunities that we never had as kids.  I think I was in my 20's before I ever got on a plane.  Daisy is 11 and Zoe is 8 and they have traveled many roads and as Zoe will tell you " she's been on a plane 6 times"  hahaha...is much cuter when she says it. Our dear friend just had a baby this past week and what a big reminder as to the challenges of newborns.  So many things......

This past summer I had the opportunity to join in the exec of our local Minor Baseball League.  How fun!!!  It's a reminder of how little kids care about politics of organizations and truly how much they really just want to have fun.  I will continue with this organization and very much look forward to the 2011 season.

Cam and I started a yoga class together on Tuesday nights and have recently signed up to continue through 2011.  What a great way to spend 90 minutes in the evening.  The meditation piece usually does me in...in a great way.  It's funny, because I get into my own little world, and it's not until everyone in the class starts packing up their things that I click back to reality.  The teacher at the beginning would say my name, but I noticed this week she just let me be.  I mentioned to her that the meditation at the end is my fav part.  She told me that rarely does anyone like the meditation and usually everyone prefers the poses...weird...

I've listed my house in Welland...finally.  Now we just need to get it sold.

Oh and crazy exciting!!!!!  I was recently matched as a potential Bone Marrow donor.  Have gone through the confirmatory typing stage, just a waiting game now.  I hope everything works out for the patient and I am able to donate.  I'll keep you updated.

The girls are loving life (I think) and Cam is keeping busy in the Real Estate world.  Jack (the dog) is a year old now, and doing well with his training (won 2 - 1st place show ribbons this year) but he is still very much a puppy, and Ginger (the cat) is at home recovering from a nasty fight.

As I mentioned all is well, life is busy and so much to talk about...I promise to keep up this time and surely Steve will continue to inspire.  Make sure before you leave you "follow" my blog and subscribe to the RSS feed at the left.

Talk Soon,
J :)

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Long Weekend Adventures

Well the girls and I (plus I guy) are heading to the Trent to rent a Houseboat and sail away...ok maybe for just a weekend, but it will hopefully feel much longer.  The girls can't wait, and neither can I.  My mom will also be joining us, so there will be plenty of bonding time for everyone. 

This morning I was going over the list that Cam had created...what did I find on the list???  A DVD player...we will be having a chat about that this evening....lol.

I am looking forward to playing cards, games, maybe some fishing, reading and pretty much not very much else.

I'll let you know how we make out.

In the meantime check out this link for Egan Houseboats.

J

Friday, April 30, 2010

Birthday Celebrations...and more!

This weekend starts early Friday afternoon when we load up 12 people and head to play a couple games of Lazer Tag to celebrate my Zo's 8th birthday.  It should be hectic enough getting everyone there on time, let alone getting everyone ready to go.  However it should be crazy fun nevertheless.  The kids will play Lazer Tag, play in the arcade, have pizza and pop and then cash in their tickets for bountious little prizes that us parents just love!!!

Then we will load up again, and head home to shower them with more sugar in the means of cake and ice cream!!!  Oh how I look forward to it!!!  I really do.  Cam on the other hand......

Then on Saturday once the kids all make their ways home Zoe and I will be going out to shop for a First Communion Dress.  Are we leaving it till the last minute...slightly.  However it really has slipped my mind, and with communion on Sunday....well shopping we will go!

I hope to spend some time with a dear friend that afternoon, as I have had little time this week however I will likely be seeing her Saturday night as our OXFAM Team heads out to our Night Training Session on the Ganaraska Trail.  It starts at 8pm and we go for 6 KM.  I will let you know how we make out.

Sunday brings church and hopefully the remainder of day of rest...we'll see.

J :)

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

What is your best volunteer experience???

We all volunteer...right???  If you're not you should!  Sure I know that we all lead busy lives.  Work, kids spouses, family, social life...who has time?

We all have time, it's a matter of making time.  I suggest integrating one of the aspects of your life into volunteering.  What can you do that flows with the things you already have to do?  Do your kids skate?  Then help out your local skating organization.  You may say "oh there's nothing I can do to help"  OH YES THERE IS!!!  Trust me.  Maybe it's just organizing a leaflet handout, while your kids are participating in there thing.  All you have to do it ask the organizers.  Trust me anything you offer, they appreciate.

Maybe one of your friends are participating in a fundraising event.  When you are hanging out for that weekly drink, just ask if there is anything you can do to help.  Maybe it's just brainstorming, or maybe you know a contact that would help them out, or maybe you pick up or drop something off for someone.  Any amount of time you spend can dramatically make a difference for some organization.

I help out wherever I can, but I have to say my best experience has been with the Terry Fox Run's.  In our community last year with an extra "hand on deck" I was able to help the team double their fundraising efforts in just one year.  I can't wait to see how much we raise this year!!!

Just ask the next community group you come across if someone like you with "limited time" to spare can help with "anything" (even if it's an hour a month).  I guarantee you they won't refuse your help!

Just watch out...it can be addicting in a great way!

What has been you r favourite experience?  Leave a comment, I would love to pass it along!

J

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Volunteering

I've had a crazy last few weeks, mostly involving the community!  My conclusion of it all is that I love to volunteer, however I am struggling with the lack of support from our community.  From what I can see all communities are struggling to keep there organizations running.  The funny thing is that the main reason isn't due to lack of funds rather lack of volunteer!!!

There are so many talented people out there that could contribute so much to so many different things that are going on in the community but where are they.

This week I plan to explore the different ways to get like-minded people involved.

What can we do?

J

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Economic Development

What are you doing to promote economic development in your area? 

What?  Economic Development?  What does that have to do with me you may ask?

Well are you a business owner?  Do you work locally?  If not does anyone you know or rely on?  Economic Developement affects us all, and everyone one can be a part of it's success.

Our local Economic Development Commitee is organizing a booth for the 2nd year at the CNE in August, and the ideas are abound.  Yes we are in the early stages, however it is amazing how put like minded individuals in a room with a common goal can get the brainsotrming circle whirling and everyone excited!! 

Do you have any ideas for Economic Development?  I would love to hear them!

J

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Social Media

This past week I had the pleasure of attending a Social Media seminar!  WOW!  That's all I can say!

Not only was I inspired to get back to blogging, but I was also reminded that we are moving in such a fast paced internet based society now that there is no time for any of us to waste!  Learn how to make your social media life more efficient, so that you can still find time to enjoy all of the other great things in your life.

If you need any help with that let me know.

You can also check out Sue Sutcliffe's sites and see what she has to say.

J

Monday, February 1, 2010

Weekends are great!!

I had one of those really good weekends.  No stress to talk of.  Completely cleared the mind of all the other stuff....now it's Monday!! haha.

But really we had a nice Saturday.  Didn't have to go anywhere.  Zo had a friend over...who was a doll.  We just hung around the house.  I did a little cleaning, which even though it is my least favorite thing to do...it really wasn't too bad.  Then we recieved a lovely invitation to a cousins home for dinner.  I must say the dinner was amazing!!!!!  I was only introduced to Thai food a few years back, and completely fell in love with it.  Well Lib created the most amazing Pad Thai ever!!!  Loved it, and could easily have ate more...aside from the fact that I made a couple of my best desserts ever, and I wanted to save room for a little bit of both.  Banana Cream Supreme, and this Devils Chocolate Cake with a fudge like icing....Zo said it looked like a chocolate covered chocolate donut.   MMMM it was really good.  Just a great day all around!

Sunday was just as good.  I had planned on traveling to TO to attend the CGTA, however changed my mind, as the day just had a few too many things already on the agenda and quite frankly I was enjoying my weekend without adding more to it.  We finally had cable tv hooked up.  I must admit, I was really kinda looking forward to it.  We haven't had cable since 2005, so this will be a bit of a change for us.  But as long as we don't all turn into couch potatoes...we'll be fine.  Cam won his hockey game in the morning, which was good, as their team has had a few losses the last little while.  So yeahhh!  We then headed to the golf course where the dogs had a really good run, and we all got a nice bit of fresh air!!  Days headed to the cousins house again and hung out with baby J!  She absolutely loves her to death!!  It's so sweet, and she just was in her glory to spend some time.  As a mom, it is so nice to see your kids in their element!

Then to top the weekend off, we got a phone call from AM who suggested that we all order pizza and get together.  Great call!!  The family all hung out at our place, I threw together another yummy dessert (apple cherry crisp with pecan topping dessert thingy)  We enjoyed pizza, some dessert and everyone watched on as Days, Zo, Cam, John & AM battled out a few chess games.

Some of you may think..."that's really kind of a hum drum weekend"  But it was filled with chill time, smiles, and good food.  Couldn't ask for anything more!  That and I watched the Grammy's for the first time in like 5 years!!!

Here's to a great week!!

signing off...

J

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Today's Path

Aha!!!  I really am still around, just been attending to other things that's all.  I know some of you may be wondering...what is that girl up to know.  Well I can tell you...BIG things...and well that's about all that I can tell you right now.  hahaha
It has been a kinda hectic week, however all for the best.  Days has signed up to compete in her first skating competition in February.  So it has meant some longer nights at the arena for extra lessons.  One of the coaches has lent her an outfit, so she is covered there and I found her a pair of skating tights (finally) at a sports store.  If she keeps at this figure skating thang, I am going to need to find a figure skating store.

Zo had her Winter Piano Recital.  When we went to leave I asked "Zo aren't you going to bring your sheet music?"  She quite matter of factly informed me that she had in memorized, and she didn't need them.  Well she was quite right indeed.  She nailed both of her songs, and impressed the hell out of me, and her teacher said she was really impressed that she didn't bring any sheets up!!!  A bit of a brainiac.  As her treat for doing so well I asked her if there was anything I could get her.  You'll never believe it, and you'll likely think I'm exaggerating or bragging or something.  But seriously, my seven year old asked me if I could get her the "twilight" book!!!  I told her that it might be a bit too old for her...but really how do you say no to that.   She wants ot read a book that is far out of her league of understanding.  Do you say no?  You have to read a simpler book?  She was already reading "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown.  I think she is seeing me read and wants to read what mom's reading.   I decided to buy it for her.  She couldn't be prouder.  She let me know that she is on "page 17 already" tonight.  If anyone thinks I'm nuts for buying it for her.  Oh well.  I could be doing worse....I could be buying her junk food, or buying her sleezy teen magazines ( I personally like the sleezy magazines) I could be buying her a zillion other crap things.  But this time...I bought her what she really wanted.  And glad I did.

Saturday evening we had the pleasure of hanging out with some new friends and some old fam.  And we had a really fantastic time.  We have been lucky enough to have a new couple and their little guy (who is truly one of the most amazing little guys I've met for being 4, that and he's really a cutie) move just down the road from us.  We live on a street that is a bit highly populated by retirees whom we rarely see as they often spend the majority of the year in the south, so it is really exciting to have some people we can relate to in age, and in interests.  Also, considering the girls and I have only been here for a little over a year, it's especially nice for me to meet someone that I can connect with. 

I have found over the years that we lose touch with friendships.  We go to school, we move away, we get married, we have kids....yet our needs for friendship, and socializing don't ever stop.  But all of these other things get in the way.  Perhaps not for everyone.  Certainly for me.  I have only a few friends that I still keep in contact with from high school.  Even then it seems to be very infrequent due to the distance.  Really there is no one to blame but myself.  I have changed paths a few times in my life, and have failed to keep those lines of communication open.  So all of you high school friends reading this now (and other friends & fam)  I apologize for not keeping in touch.  I suck at picking up the phone.  I really do.  Often I spend so much time communicating throughout the day, that I just want to avoid having to connect when I get home.  So I'm sorry.  I promise to try to make more of an effort.  Feel free to do the same!!!

Anyway the idea of having a new friend so nearby, and with so many similar qualities (seemingly), I am quite thrilled.  So don't turn out to be one of those snobs that acts like you don't know me even though we've chatted and hung out and cuz we have cell phones and big screen tvs!!!!  (All of you that don't get that line...don't worry, it's an inside joke!!!)  I look forward to a year of new friendships, adventures and paths.

As the next few weeks unfold I look forward to smiling more, sleeping more, walking on the Lake more (it's frozen), blogging more, reading more(reading The Big Idea right now, thanks AM), and eating some chocolate in bed.  (Again if you don't get the chocolate thing, that just means it's not meant for you to get xixixi)

Signing off...
J

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Whew...there it goes again...

...I really think that I could likely just write everyday about how quickly time goes by, and everything that I didn't get done.  And I'm sure that there is some analyst out there that is reading this and saying...slow down, nothing is so imporant that you can't just stop and not do it.  But you see I disagree!!!  Wholeheartily!!!  I think believe that everything I do is worth something, and important.  I know that if I clean up the dishes before I go to bed that I will feel better in the morning when I don't have to struggle to clear the counter to make breakfast.  I know that when I tidy up the living room when it's a mess that my loved ones will be more comfortable relaxing in there when they get there.  I know that if I tidy the shoes by the doorway, that no one is going to trip coming in the house and fall down the stairs.  I know that when I help out at the arena, that my daughter feels like she is a part of something.  This new year I really seem to be struggling with how to balance my life.  Everything I read says that you don't have to do everything.  But what if doing all of those things really makes you feel good.  I often think about all of the other things I would do if I didn't have to go into an office everyday to work.  I think about...what if my work was all of those things that I want to do, love to do, makes me feel good to do.  Just how can I make that happen.  I'm convinced that I can make that happen.  It's just the how part I need to work a little more on.

Today my day flew!  After working all day, Cam picked me up and off we went to the 2nd Puppy Training class.  (First we rushed to pick up the babysitter, and a prescription for a family member that was unable to, that we had to have someone else pick up because the pharmacy was backed up)  Whew...we barely made it to class on time.  And wow...I'm not sure what I thought puppy class would be like, but it was certainly nothing like I expected.  I actually had a headache afterwards.  And I don't get headaches.  It was certainly a whirlwind.  Around 8 other dogs, and their owners and some other companion in a room all trying like mad to get their dog to listen to them and not the other 8 owners yelling commands such as "watch me" and "come" and "down".  It was too much for me, I can't imagine how tiring it must be for the dogs.  We survived though and I like to think that we came away with something.....I just wish the instructors didn't have the crazy liver treats that distract Jack even more away from us.

Spent but a few moments with the girls before it was cleanup and bed time.  Then I shut all of the lights off and headed up to our newly renovated bedroom, to try to enjoy it.  I copied my schedule for January into my new daytimer.  (I know I'm a little behind)  That's when I realized how quickly time is flying by.  My goal was to write a blog as often as I could (in my convoluted dreams I was thinking daily)  It is also my goal to get to bed earlier (hehehe), and to wake up earlier (what was I thinking).  I am working on it.  The writing a blog daily is not happening - yet.  The getting to bed earlier is happening, I just need to work on getting there even earlier 9:30 is goal.  And well the waking up earlier thing is a real struggle.  I am convinced that the darkness in the morning is my biggest weakness, however really I think that invention they call the snooze button on my blackberry is the real culprit.  I think Cam needs to start waking up when it goes off, and dragging me out of bed for one of his Starbucks cafe latte's....what was I thinking Cam doesn't do mornings.


Boy do I need help.

Well I will try to get off writing about not having enough time, and try to organize better so that I have more enjoyable time.

BTW - Days got a B+ on her William Lyon Mackenzie King project.  She did awesome and I couldn't be prouder!!

signing off...

J

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

It's a ponytail day...

You know how you get up in the morning sometimes, and well you really just don't want to get up!!!  I have those mornings often!  As hard as I try - i set my alarm for 6am everyday - I can rarely drag my ass out.  Funny thing is that once I'm up, I'm wide awake, ready to go.  I think maybe I need some real exciting motivation to get up as soon as my alarm goes off.  I have a great job, we have a puppy, I could read the newspaper before everyone else gets up...there are so many reasons...they just don't seem to be doing it for me.  I am completely open to suggestions so please, please leave some comments for me.  Something funny, fun, inspirational...whatever I NEED HELP with this!!!

This morning was definitely a pontytail day.  I was up at 6:30 the prior morning and well I didn't really give in until way after 11pm.  and when I mean give in, I mean that aside from sitting at my desk all day working, I never really sat and done nothing all day.  (this is pretty typical of most days) However yesterday really seemed to tire me out!!  I am always in awe of those that can jump on the couch after work and just chill or have a nap, or even those who can get into bed by 9pm.  I have some obsessive disorder that prevents me from doing that!  I really in my mind want to just chill and read a book or watch a little tv or have a nap, but I never do and I don't know why.  Come on I know some of you out there have taken physchology in school there must be an explanation for it.  Personality...or personality disorder...it's definitely something.  Let's figure it out!!

Anyhow I did have an exciting night last night though.  After work the girls and I hung out, had perogies and salad (zos favorite dish).  Listened to Zo practice for her piano recital.  Cam had the first puppy training class with Jack last night...apparently it went over really well.  The instructor did mention to everyone that Jack was a Chesepeke Bay Retriever and that was how they acted....I wasn't there, so I'm not quite sure how that comment was given, however Cam tells me that he was a little rambuncious.  Funny though he learned all of the commands easiest of all the breeds.  I look forward to attending the remaining classes.  I think that it will be good for Jack and for us!!!  You know I've always wondered how much the trainers spend on training the owner rather than the dog!!! hahaha. 

I wasn't able to attend the training, as I was attending another very big night at the Orillia Opera House http://www.orilliaoperahouse.ca/ for a new friend Amy Campbell and her band The Gnomes.  Check them out on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2374185963&ref=ts And check out the myspace page to get a taste of their music http://www.myspace.com/stopgnomeslaver   Well another friend of mine and I attended the show...sorry we attempted to attend, however when we got to the Opera House we learned that the show was SOLD OUT!!!  What luck for us, but how very exciting for THE GNOMES!!!  We were able to sit in the lounge though and watch on the big screen.  We weren't the only ones who were unable to get tickets so we had people to visit with!!!  I am so proud of Amy and her group for taking the plunge into a career with such a challenging future, yet with her talent the future is looking pretty damn good!!!  Make sure that you check out her sites and become a fan, and keep posted for upcoming events.  This gal is a STAR and we will be seeing a great deal more of her!!!  GO AMY and THE GNOMES.  We did mention that we would be her gnomes on stage if she could get us in, but the door man already had us in his sights, and was no way no how letting us through!!!!  hahaha

So back to the ponytail day...I got in a little late lastnight and well didn't crash till even later and needless to say I definitely did not get up early enough to do anything with my hair.  I was lucky to crawl into the shower and get the girls going and get into work by 8:30.  So ponytail it is, and well even though my ears were a little colder than usual today, the day seemed to go well.

Figure skating tonight with Days and then off to Guides.  Back home to try to fit in some Wii with Zo and attempt that couch moment with one of my new book from xmas.  Ok I forgot, I have to get some stuff ready for tomorrow night....but on the upside, I'm going to get to bed earlier tonight!!!!
Signing off...

J

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Celebrate!!!

Isn't it always so much fun when we take the time to celebrate.  Whether it's a birthday, a new job, a new home, a new baby...there's just so much that we can celebrate the possiblilities are endless.

This weekend I had the pleasure of celebrating my significant other's birthday!!!  His name is Cam  I won't reveal how many birthday's he has been able to celebrate in his lifetime.  However if you know him you would know he has more than a few decades under his belt!!!  (Cam when you read this, just remember that I love you with all my heart, and anything I say about your age is all in good fun, and know that I know you are as young as you feel and I know you feel 25, so that's all that matters!!! XI)  Anyway, we had a fantastic weekend!  Not only did we spend that majority of the weekend together, but we actually had a lot of fun.  Friday night we drove the girls to meet their dad, and I had a great laugh as about an hour into the drive all three of them were sleeping.  I snapped a hilarious pic of Cam with his earphones on, his head tilted back and his mouth ever so slightly open...catching flies as my mom would say!  Although we tend to do a lot of driving, and the passengers often fall asleep on our sometimes long commutes on the 400 series of highways, I get a bit of joy in my heart knowing that we're together...just together!

We slipped in a quick shopping trip in Newmarket, ON on the way back and discovered that we really cannot figure out why Costco http://www.costco.ca/ closes their doors so early on a Friday evening when there seems to be so many people out and about.  8:30 pm seems so early to me, however I suppose it's not so early for the employees...anyway we always seem to come across them as they are closing the doors.

Saturday was great!  Cam had the chance to sleep in, which really is very rare in his vocabulary anymore.  We headed to our usual breakfast joint for a made for us breakfast.  I must say I am glad they don't have the stuffed bear sitting in front of the patio door this winter.  It really creeps me out...likely the next time we go it will be there, just because I dislike it so.  I suppose it does help to block the cold off the Lake.  Anyway, you just can't beat a great breaky at the Harbour, and the always funny visit with Darlene.  Who by the way has recently gotten a fabulous new haircut that I absolutely love!!!  Hope she keeps it!!!  Somehow the morning got away from us, and we rushed to get to the dump (as we needed to rid of our renovation trash).  There were a few comments that our balcony was looking a little Port Boster-ish.  It was nice to lose that look.  We had an always amusing visit with Uncle Phil, who was hanging out in our living room utilizing our highspeed access.  Uncle Phil is one man I truly adore.  He really is a crazy smart guy, who happens to have a lot of useless information to share.  A bit of an extrovert one would say, and well only has a few oddities.  Ok maybe quite a few.  But I really love Phil.  Anyway, our evening of celebrating began with a drive back to the city of Newmarket, and The Keg http://kegsteakhouse.com/en/ where as always the food was exceptional.  It is crazy that every time we go there is always a lineup.  We have only once waited to be seated in the dining room (as I have very little patience) and often choose to eat in the bar area.  You get the same food and the service is always great!!!  I really recommend going there sometime if you never have!!!  We headed to the movie theatre across the way and took in the movie "Sherlock Homes"!  Robert Downey Jr is in it. (He is one of my favs)  The movie was phenomenal.  I loved it, and can't wait for the sequel.  We spent a good hour after the movie's playing in the arcade area.  The kids that do the Dancing Games really are impressive.  We have recently acuired the game Dance Dance Revolution 3 for our Wii, and well we really suck compared to the kids at the arcade.  It's actually kind of embarrassing (to us old folk) that these kids can process the arrows moving accross the screen as quickly as they do.  You need to check out this video I found on Youtube of this 5 year kid...unbelievable http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JzcqALklRs .

Anyway we ended the weekend with a great celebration with family at Cam's mom's house.  The food was amazing, the cake was pretty good (I made it), and the company was perfect as usual.  The gifts varied, thanks to the fine gifts that everyone around this small town likes to "regift".  They could teach you a few details or two of "The Art of Regifting"  No shame!!!  hahahaha.  We even got in a little bit of Dance Dance Revolution.  I think there will be a few challenge nights coming up....I could tell that Libby caught a little bit of a bug...I could so see her getting hooked on it!!!  haha

We need to celebrate more often.  It's just too much fun.  If you have any ideas for some good things to celebrate, let me know. 

The cupcake club is meeting for our monthly girls night out this month, and we have a theme...we all need to come dressed at a tourist.  I have a really good idea of how I will be attending.  But I still have a few weeks to change my mind.   I can't wait, it's gonna be a blast.  I'll keep you filled in on it.

Signing off...

J

Friday, January 8, 2010

Where does the time go???

It always amazes me that I can work on a project at work that seemingly goes by quickly, yet before I know it the day is gone.  I look at the girls often and say to myself where does the time go?  I can remember just like it was yesterday when they were little babies and nursing them in the rocking chair in the middle of the night.  They are 10 & 7 now.  Where does the time go?  I remember getting married and how vivid that day is in my memory, like it was yesterday....I'm divorced now, and wish I could completely forget that day happened!!!  haha  Where does the time go???  Often times I will have conversations with friends and we always say..."let's have lunch", or "let's go out to the show" or " lets grab a coffee sometime and catch up". the time goes so quickly that it is months later and that has never happened.  Where does the time go?

Is there truly no time in the day to just sit and watch people walk by while catching up with a friend and a coffee?  Or do we choose to do other insignificant things to avoid getting caught up in conversation that takes more time?  Is it hard to believe that our kids have grown up so fast?  Or is it because we have been so busy doing everything else that we forget to watch them grow up?  Time seems to be of the most important thing in everyone's lives.  Often when you ask people what they wish they had more of....sure money comes up, sometimes a material item they wish they had...however more often than anything you will hear people say "I wish I had more time in the day",  "If only there was more time", "If I had an extra hour", "Sorry but I just don't have time".  Has it always been this way?  I remember my grandparents never seemed to be in a rush to go anywhere.  They nonchalantly went through their day, as though everything that was going to happen would happen eventually.  If not today...then someday.

This is what I strive for, in a more modern time.  To come home, and hang out for a bit.  Make some dinner.  Take some time to find out what's happening with everyone.  Maybe make a phone call to someone I haven't talked to in awhile.  Pick up a book and do some reading, until I get drowsy and fall into a slumber.  Yes this I could handle. 

Ok...so now I know what I want.  It's just how to get to that point, while the kids are asking for this that and the other thing.  Homework needs to be done (and there seems to be a never ending supply of it), the laundry machine is always going, training a new puppy, cleaning the house (everyday seemingly).  How do you get there.  The housecleaning is my biggest crux.  I am able to chill out and relax when I know that things are picked up and in their place...yet nothing ever seems to be where it should be, and no one ever seems to care that things are never where they should be.  Except when someone is looking for something.  hahahaha  Where do you find the time to clean every single day?  I know the best answer...HIRE A HOUSEKEEPER!

Ok I need to find out the cost involved and start working toward that!  If I could rid my calendar of cleaning, I would have no reason to ask where does all my time go!  I would have plenty more time to just chill and watch Hannah Montana with the girls.  Or grab lunch and a coffee with my man on a Saturday afternoon.

Molly Maid here I come....

J

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Grade 5 and William Lyon Mackenzie King

I can honestly say that I do not remember much about grade 5.  I can say that if it is anything like grade 5 is now...I'm sure that I really did not enjoy it.  My oldest daughter is working on...just finished a project on the 10th Prime Minister of Canada.  These are very stressful times in our household.  For starters, I do not remember learning anything about Prime Ministers in primary school, and anything that I did learn about Prime Ministers later on certainly did not help with this project.  Thankfully we have this mighty thing we call the "information highway".  Politics has changed so much since 1900.  HELLO!!!!  Needless to say, my ten year can hardly pronounce politics, does not understand what a political scandal is, and really doesn't get what a Senator does or why it is important that King appointed the First Female Senator in Canadian History!!!  WOW, I'm tired just rehashing it!!!  It all good though, because the report is now finished, printed and ready to hand in.  Now comes the hard part.  She has to present her report in front of the class in a first person manner.  She is a little worried about dressing up as a man, and getting all of her words right.  She is having a hard time with Harvard the word University and damn Politics.  She keeps saying policies instead.  But when the word policy comes up she says politics.  Is there any other parent out there that can possible relate to my pain.  All I really want is to help her succeed...however it's really quite exhausting. 

On the upside I have learned a great deal about Mr. William Lyon Mackenzie King.  Did you know that he is the longest serving Prime Minister in Canadian History, serving for 21 years 154 days in total.  He was never married.  And apparently Mr. King was quite eccentric....however highly educated, and had a good heart.  Not a very popular PM in regards to his opinions, however he must have done something right.

I hope that my daughter remembers all of this when she is 33, and every once in a while I will quiz her on Mackenzie King.  Because as much thought as I have put into what I remember from when I was in grade 5...well I really can't.  I was 10, and remember spending a lot of time outside playing with my brother.  I think we were living in Brantford at the time.  That was a time when the ice cream guy would ride through the streets and yell "get your ice cream, get your ice cream"  I don't even know who the Prime Minister was when I was ten.  I'm pretty sure it was Brian Mulroney...yes, yes it was.

Regardless of the amount of time, stress surrounding the project (mostly for me), and the understanding barrier, my daughter is extremely proud of this project.  And I'm sure she will do fantastic presenting it in front of her class tomorrow.  I will keep you posted on how she does!

Well one of my goals in 2010 is to get to bed earlier, so that I can get up earlier in the morning and get more things done before the day gets motoring, so...

signing off.....

J

p.s.  I'm not sure if I'll get to sleep any earlier though...it's really eating me that I can't remember what I was doing when I was ten.....

New Year....New Resolutions....All New!!!!

It's a new year...like we don't already know that!  I know...but we all say it.  For me this year is going to be big.  I've decided to become "Jack'd Up!"  What exactly does that mean you may ask?  Well I'm not sure I can answer that comepletely right now...but for sure it means new and great things for me and everyone around me.  I resolve to be more positive with me, with my kids (even when I really just want to send them to a permanent place in the house that is hidden away and no one knows where the key is except me), and of course I resolve to be more positive with my significant other.  Who is completely awesome, and considering all of the crazy ideas I've had and followed through with, continues to stand by my side. XIXIXI
He is my constant, and backs me up all the time.  In fact I'm not sure where I would be today if he wasn't there for me this past couple of years...but those are of course stories within themselves...for another day!

Today is the new me.  Kinda!  I mean I look the same, and I'm certainly not any lighter.  However I am from this day forward giving everything my all.  I'm not sure if I should be taking on more tasks, or just following my dreams (unfortunately my chequing account does not allow that at this time), which could take me all over the world, or just being a better person to those closest to me.  I will try to figure that out soon...I promise...in the meantime you should know a little about me.

Just the basics.  I'm 33.  I have two beautiful daughters who are currently 7 & 10.  Most days they act their age, however the other times they think they are acting like they are older or more mature, unfortunately really I feel like they are acting like two year olds.  All and all they really are amazing.  I have a boyfriend who is truly "The Man".  He's handsome, he works hard, he has a great outlook, he is uber-funny, he loves me, he loves my kids, he has an amazing family and I really love him!!!  We both have our own homes...which gets a little hairy at times.  Mine is in the Niagara area, and his is on Lake Simcoe.  Only 3 hours apart...not so bad.  But not permanent, we hope to sell in the spring...the house in Niagara.  We have a cat.  His name is Ginger, or Dog, or G Kitty or Ging...whatever the mood is, they all suit him well.  We have also recently acquired a puppy.  He's cute...and well we all fell in love after about ohhhh...30 seconds.  His name is Jack.  He's a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and well..,I will love him more once he is 100% house trained.  He's 13 weeks old now...soon....

I also have odd family and friends and groups and clubs that I'm a part of and can't wait to talk more about.  There's crazy Uncle Phil (just a little extroverted), Inspring AnneMarie, my Mom, my Brother & his wife, The Cupcake Club, The Horticultural Society (very interested stuff there)...the list goes on!!!

So thats a little about me for now...if you require any blanks to be filled in feel free to leave a comment.  There shall be more exciting things to come as I ponder 2010 and just how big it is going to be, as I wonder about many things in life.  For example:  could anyone explain to me this video that's on you tube...it's really odd....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1MYdxoulwQ

Stay tuned in, follow me, you don't want to miss out on a thing!!!

Peace out...(as my 10 year old would say)

J