Aquafit Baby!!

So last night I went to an aquafit class at the recreational complex near my house and guess what - I LOVED it! I was a little apprehensive at first. I mean…generally these classes are comprised of somewhat older people and I wasn’t sure if we’d be working out to the groove sounds of Barry Manilow, etc. – but as it turns out – it was a killer workout and the music and people were great!

I have done aquafit classes before – but only the “fun” kind at Caribbean resorts. But this class was really well structured and laid out to work every part of your body. You’re provided with 2 “paddles” that you hold in your hands to provide more resistance under the water for a great arm workout – you also get a ball that I later learned you hold btwn your knees and/or ankles for great ab work – and then finally a rubber belt that you strap around your waist so you can bob around in the deep end without submerging and wow!! scissor kicks never looked so good! And aside from a few flying balls here and there (d'oh!) I was thoroughly impressed and actually am looking forward to the next class. I had no idea aquafit could get your heart rate up as much as it does….and hey – it’s a great excuse to go bathing suit shopping!!

My friend at work did a class in her neighbourhood as well – so we were comparing notes today. She loved it too so we’ve decided to order matching bathing caps…what do you think?

Family, Friends, & Fun

Rich’s dad and stepmom have been visiting from Calgary the past couple of weeks – they couldn’t get enough of us so they came here! I jest…but it’s nice to be able to spend this much time with them as it’s tough with them being so far away. We’ve had family dinners at Rich’s sister’s place, and we took them to my parents place up north so they could officially “meet” before the big day. It was amazing – they got along famously and really have a lot in common with each other. I love that. Saturday Rich and I are hosting a family dinner, and on Sunday we’re back at his sister’s for another family get-together/housewarming party – so it’ll be a full, but fun weekend.

I went to a bridal show this past weekend – just a small one in town. Two of my bridesmaids came with me and we went out for lunch first. It was a nice afternoon and we had some laughs – mostly making fun of people (mean, I know) but there are some strange folk out there. There was a fashion show and none of the dresses fit the girls – they were all clipped and pinned and the girls looked terrified – it wasn’t very well organized. That’s what you get for small town bridal shows I suppose – but they tried and we had fun anyway. There’s a big bridal show coming up in Toronto that I’ll be going to, although there’s not a whole lot that I need to scout out. I’m pretty well organized (duh…). Rich's mom has graciously offered to do all my flowers for the wedding so that's another big thing taken care of, and it'll be nice to have them 'made with love' - although, she may not love me so much after the 11th boutonniere! But the bridal shows are fun to go and see other brides-to-be, and look at the fashion trends and get some other ideas I may not have thought of. It’s all part of the process, you know? I’m looking forward to it. I have to admit, when I was at the one last weekend and they said “who’s the bride?” – it felt amazing to say “it’s me!!” Then they looked at my ring and stuck a sticker on my shirt that simply said “BRIDE”. That way the vultures – I mean vendors - knew who to focus on.

The weekend following this one, a bunch of us are doing the CIBC Run for the Cure to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer research. We’re running in support of Rich’s Auntie Marie. We have a National team with runners in Calgary as well as Toronto. Then after the run we’re having the Toronto team members back to our place for a BBQ. So, September is proving to be a busy month, but a rewarding one too. Hoping the same for all of you!

Killbear, Thanks for the Memories…

Wow – what a way to cap off my summer. Our camping trip to Killbear Provincial Park was so much more than I expected it to be. I mean – I love to camp – but it’s usually the same old thing - setting up the tent – sitting on the beach - cooking on the fire and getting in a swim or a hike or two. And we did all of those things – but there’s just something about Killbear that makes those simple things come alive.

I’ve been going to this park every summer since I was a baby – however, I hadn’t been back for the past 7 or so years. I had forgotten how beautiful it was there. The red rocks of the Canadian Shield run through the park and the blue waters of Georgian Bay were crystal clear. The islands strewn all about were full of greenery and lush vegetation. It was just magical sitting on the rocks in the morning – they’d been warmed up naturally by the sun and Rich and I would watch the sun come up with our cup of tea on those rocks each morning. I loved loved loved it. It was so beautiful and peaceful.

We were blessed with glorious weather and we spent our days on the beach or on the rocks reading and swimming and my brothers and parents were there too, so we had lots of laughs and many old memories and stories were shared amongst us all. I had a premium site right on the beach so our view was fantastic. We were in a quieter part of the park and since it was Labour Day weekend, the campground wasn’t as busy as it would be mid-summer, so it was very peaceful.

When it came time to leave on Monday afternoon, both Rich and I had a hard time saying good-bye to the park! It was actually a bit emotional for me. It was like I was leaving a family member behind. I know that sounds strange – but like I said – Killbear holds very special memories for me and the beauty of the park just holds you there. You really don’t want to leave! I felt so good being there. It was good for the mind, good for the body, good for the soul. So thanks Killbear. I’ll be sure to see you again next summer!

Good Day Sunshine

This past weekend was great. Friday night we took in a movie (Ratatouille believe it or not! and it was really really good!) Our trip to Paris last year made us love everything French – so we couldn’t resist. Saturday we went out for breakfast and then did some errands and shopping and picked up a lot of camping stuff that we needed. In the evening, my brother, his wife and their kids came over for dinner and I was able to spend some good quality time with my nieces who are adorable but a bit CRAZY! They’re 7 and 4 and they don’t ever get tired – EVER! I could not keep up with them. We looked at flower girl dresses and they showed me what they liked, didn’t like, etc. I told them that I loved them but the day of the wedding, they will have to be slightly medicated. (wink).

Sunday was a fun day too. We went to a barbeque at my aunt’s house and saw a lot of family. My brothers had the guitars going and everyone was singing old songs that my grandma and grandpa (on my dad’s side) used to sing. It brought back a lot of good memories. We were there celebrating a birthday for my uncle – but it turned into one big family celebration, as there are a LOT of August birthdays. A toast was made to Rich and I as well, on our engagement and kind words were shared about how wonderful everyone thinks Rich is. It was a great afternoon.

It’s been a wonderful summer. There have been some losses that we’ve gone through as a family, but many special times together too. We’re capping off the end of the summer with a camping trip to my all-time favourite provincial park! I’ve been going there since I was a baby, and haven’t been back in about 7 years. I can’t wait to get there and share my memories with Rich and show him all the special places I remember. We have a premium site right on the beach. It’s going to be great. If summer has to be over – this is way to end it. Hope you all have a safe and happy long weekend too!

Rocky Mountain High….

I’m baaaack. It was hard to return, I have to say. If I could have stayed longer I certainly would have. Being in the mountains with the clear blue skies and fresh clean air made it quite difficult to come back to the smog and humidity here at home. I had an amazing trip and saw so much in the 10 days we were there.

We pretty much stuck to the plan outlined in my previous post so I won’t talk about every single stop. But what I will say is that my expectations were far exceeded by the beauty that surrounded me! The colour of the lakes, the Columbia Icefields, the chateaus and the mountains – my gosh - the mountains! Just spectacular. Robin and Claire – thanks so much to you both for showing me all the wonderful sites I got to see an also for setting up our own little chateau in your home for us before we left on our journey. I will remember it always.

Aside from the wonderful scenery and adventures through the mountains – I was also lucky enough to meet some wonderful people. While in Calgary, before leaving for the mountains – I was able to meet some of Rich’s cousins on his mom’s side and we had a wonderful dinner at his aunt’s house – it was really good to be with all of them.

Also, I was able to meet a lot of Claire’s family. On the last leg of our trip, we went to Edmonton to stay with Denis and Debbie (Claire’s brother and sister-in-law). As I said, I had never met them before, yet I was welcomed with open arms and felt so comfortable right away. Before I was even in their house, I was greeted in the driveway with big smiles and warm hugs. They are amazing people. Their daughter Nicole and her husband were there as well, and their son Joel – all of them were very kind and generous and it was just a great stay. Debbie – you are lovely and wonderful and you have a glow about you that is amazing. Rich and I actually said to each other that we think you are the “nicest person on earth that we’ve ever met”. Getting a hug before I went to sleep from you and Nicole was the best. It made me feel like I was at home with my own mom – which was a very comforting feeling. Thanks so much to you and Denis for your hospitality and warmth. I hope I get to visit you again in the future.

Oh – and in case you all are wondering – Rich and I were on the same team for the golf tournament – and guess what – we tied for first!! I think I missed my calling. (Here are just a few pics of our trip for your viewing pleasure).

The Wild Wild West…

A few more days and then my vacation will be here. I can’t wait! For 10 days I’ll be seeing a part of Canada that I’ve heard so much about, but have never been to. We’re going to Alberta. Rich’s dad and stepmom (Robin and Claire) live in Calgary, so we’re going to visit them. But it’s not just any ordinary family visit. Oh no, you see - when they have company – they do it up right!!

Our first few nights will be spent with them at their place and seeing some of Calgary. Rich also has a bunch of cousins there, so we’ll probably hook up with them if we can one evening for dinner. Then on Tuesday, Robin, Claire, Rich and I pack up their SUV and we make our way into the mountains!

First stop…Banff! They’ve booked us accommodation at the Hidden Ridge Resort. (picture # 1 below). It looks just beautiful. I can’t even imagine how amazing it will be in person. I’m sure we’ll do some exploring, hiking and shopping (of course!). I literally can’t wait to get there! (http://www.bestofbanff.com/hrr/view.html)

Then on Wednesday we are heading to Lake Louise. Again – Robin and Claire have gone above and beyond and booked us into Deer Lodge – which is just down the road from the Chateau Lake Louise. I’m speechless by the pictures alone, so I don’t even know what I’ll do when I’m standing there in person (picture #2 below) (http://www.crmr.com/deer-lodge.php)

I think it’s safe to day that I’m not going to want to come home!! But it doesn’t end there. On Thursday we will make our way to Jasper. Just the name sounds relaxing - “Jasper”. Here we are staying at Bear Hill Lodge, where apparently the Elk like to say too! (see picture # 3 and 4 below). (http://www.bearhilllodge.com/ourplace.html). Here I will also get to see and experience the Columbia Ice Fields (picture #5 below). I can’t believe that I’m going to see all these beautiful and wonderful places all in one trip. I’m a very lucky girl.

We’ll also be going to Edmonton towards the end of our trip to see some of Claire’s family, and to play in their annual family golf tournament! Wouldn’t it be a kicker if I came back with the trophy! haha…you never know! Perhaps a stop at the West Edmonton Mall (picture # 6) and then we head home. I think its going to be a truly amazing adventure. I’ll post some of our own pictures to post when I get back!

Time to Say Goodbye

On Tuesday, July 17th, my family and I had to say good-bye to my dear grandmother. She passed away that morning at the age of 90. I am grateful to have had her in my life for as long as I did. I wanted to pay a little tribute to her here, as she was a very strong woman and came through a lot of hardships in her life. My gram never talked much about herself and her childhood, but my mom and my aunt helped me to learn a few things even I didn’t know.

My grandma endured the loss of her father when she was just a toddler. She left Russia (on a boat!) with her mom at the age of 6 (it was 1923), and landed in Halifax. The funny thing she always used to say was that they were supposed to be going to the U.S. – but they got on the wrong boat! We’re not sure if that was really true or not.

Her mother soon married a widowed business man with many young children. My gram struggled to fit in with the smart, blond, blue-eyed children who did not speak funny English (my gram had to learn English as her second language at a very young age). When in her teens, she met my grandpa and she was delighted to find someone to love and so they married in 1938. My gramps joined the Air Force in 1943 to do his duty, leaving my grandma to fend at home by herself, and pregnant with my mom.

As happened with many men returning from years away in service, there was a transition time for my gramps to get reacquainted with his family and assume his leadership role as head of the household. My grandma later gave birth to my aunt Linda.
When my grandma’s own mother (who was not well) became widowed for a second time, she came to live with my grandparents and the girls (my mom and aunt), adding to the work in the household. My grandma worked hard to provide things for her girls. She wanted them to have the right things, piano lessons, and nice clothes. She liked to bake, listen to classical music, play piano, play Maj Jong, and later play bridge. For years she worked at Eatons in the shoe department. I was too young to appreciate that at the time, but boy would I have reaped the rewards on that one if I was older! Many women did not work outside of the home in those days. But my grams wanted more for herself and worked hard to accomplish that.

When my grandfather lay in bed in the hospital with a serious illness, my grandma came everyday and stayed all day with him, taking the bus to get there. She never considered it a sacrifice. My grandpa was her life and she was proud to be his wife. She never really got over his death, and although she lived 13 years longer than he did, she was lonely and looked to my mom and my aunt, and us grandchildren for companionship.
My grandma lived with me for five years before I moved in with Rich. I am so grateful to have had her that close to me during that time, even though I may not have realized it then – I do now. My gram loved her family so much. I’ll miss her greatly, but I have tons of memories to look back on and I just hope she’s back with my grandpa now and they’re together again.

FORE! the love of Golf – Part II

Friday night we headed up to Rich’s cottage. We were teeing off early Saturday a.m. Family in from Calgary were there too, and we spent the evening eating, drinking, laughing and reorganizing the teams due to some last minute additions. It was a fun evening, but make no mistake - the competition was ON! Amongst all the laughing, there was a Survivor-type feel to the evening of outwit, outlast, outplay! It started to become an “East Meets West Battle for the Trophy”!

A 6:15 a.m wake-up call on Saturday morning…a quick coffee and bite to eat, and we were off to the golf course. Unfortunately, so was the rain! It wasn’t the bright sunny day we had hoped for, but everyone’s spirits were up, energy was high and we gathered around the first tee. Nine teams of 4, plus one twosome – a great turn out!

I was in the seventh group to tee off. This year I was paired up with one of Rich’s sister’s friends, Christopher. My brother was also in my foursome and he was paired with Rich’s sis – so the scores would for sure be on the mark! (you hope that everyone records their scores truthfully). Nerves usually play a big part for me when I’m teeing off in front of a crowd, but this time I was fairly relaxed. I think because I hadn’t played much all year, and because I had won last time, the chances of me winning again were slim, so I really didn’t have any high expectations for myself. I know that sounds bad, but when it comes to golf, it’s good for me to be relaxed. I lined up my shot as people stood and watched – took a deep breath – and let her rip. And what do you know…..I put it on the green about 6 feet from the pin! Yessssssss!

The round took about 5 hours to play. We were a little wet – a little cold – but had a ton of fun. The beer helped too! Christopher was a great partner. He and I played really well together. I was relaxed the whole game. At the end of the round we made our way back to the cottage for some good eats, good wine and the presentation of prizes and the green jacket and trophy to the winners. There was probably over 50 people there…and because of the rain, everyone was inside – but they have a HUGE place, so it was fine. Chris and I had a good score – but we had no idea how anyone else did – and we wouldn’t know who won until the scores were tallied and the announcements were made.

They started the prizes from 12th place down…calling out the names….people clapping and cheering…when they got down to 2nd place – it was announced there was a tie with first! In order to break it and determine a winner, they went with the lowest score on the hardest hole of the course. And the Champions for the 2007 Annual Golf Tournament…(drum roll please)…LISA and CHRISTOPHER with a score of 89! Can you believe it peeps? I won again!! Thank goodness I’m engaged to Rich, or I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be invited back next year! lol….it was a great day, and a great night and I had a fantastic time. Maybe a three-peat is in store for next year. Wouldn’t that be sweet!? I’ll add some pics soon.

FORE! the love of golf

This weekend is Rich’s family’s annual summer golf tournament. Every year since 1980ish (or possibly earlier!) they have been putting on this tourney. Family and friends are invited and teams of four are put together – good golfers paired with not-so-good golfers to make it fair for everyone. It’s all about fun and having a good time – however, it can be a tad stressful teeing off in front of a crowd of 40 people – which is exactly what I had to do last year my first time playing with them!

This year once again I shall play, and my brother will be joining the brood as well. We start early in the morning at a nice golf course near Lake Simcoe, and everyone ends up back at Rich’s cottage afterwards for food, drinks, and of course the prizes! Even though it’s a “fun” day – trust me – there’s some competition in that family! The coveted trophy is worn and torn, and inscribed with the winnners’ names during all the years of play. It’s truly a sight….but everyone wants to win it!

As I said – last year was my first year playing with the clan – I was scared, but I’ve golfed a couple times before, so I knew that I wouldn’t be “terrible”. I was paired with one of Rich’s good friends – he was the “good” golfer – I was the “not-so-good golfer”. So, after the tournament ended and we were back at the cottage…the scorekeepers sat down to tally up the playcards. GUESS WHO WON!?

That’s right. Yours truly took home the all-mighty trophy and was adorned with the “Green Jacket” (it’s very official!) and I could not wipe the smile off my face for the rest of the weekend. Actually….I’m smiling right now just thinking about it! So here’s hoping for another victory…but something tells me I should watch myself. I don’t think Rich’s mom will let me away with another win – if I see her pull out a retractable club from her bag….I’m running! Here’s a pic of me last summer when I was presented with the Trophy and the Green Jacket. Told you I was happy!

You Know You Need to Chill Out When…

Wedding Date: June 7, 2008

Venue Booked (Ceremony and Reception) - check
Minister Booked – check
Photographer Booked - check
DJ Booked - check
Wedding Party Picked Out - check
Guest List finalized - check
Addresses Compiled - check
Draft Seating Plan arranged - check
Music/Song choices picked - check
Dress Shopping Day arranged - check
Cake Maker Booked - check
Programs Drafted - check
(and I’m sure I’m forgetting a few other things)

The way I see it, the more I can do now – the less I need to do later. However, if I’m not careful – the groom-to-be may change his name, jump a plane, and start a new life selling melons on a beach somewhere. He’s helped a lot – so now he deserves a break. So, I will chill for the summer. (Aside from some harmless internet surfing – a couple visits to a florist (‘tis the season after all!) and of course browsing for a dress). I’m a girl. I’m excited. And I’m a bit of an ‘organizer’. So sue me. I just know that I will have calm and peace the days before the wedding, which in my opinion, will be best for everyone involved! After all, a happy bride-to-be is the best kind of bride-to-be. Wouldn’t you agree?

One More Thing

A BIG HUGE HAPPY RETIREMENT TO MY MOMMY!!

Today was her last day of work. Ever! NICE! You go girl. Hope you and dad live it up and enjoy your freedom! And give some serious thought to a winter vacation property in the Florida Keys. I have it on good authority that your kids will frequently visit you there! All the best mom! You deserve it.
Love ya.

Happy Birthday Canada!

This Canada Day long weekend we’re staying home to relax and be with the cat and just basically chill.right.out. As mentioned in the last post – our summers are very busy, so we’re going to just take it easy this weekend. We’ll go see the fireworks Sunday night somewhere – and we’re going out for a nice dinner on Saturday evening, and we may even catch a movie at some point, but I have to say – I’m looking forward to just being home.

So, we must remember to say a happy birthday to our lovely girl, Canada. She’s not looking too bad for 140. But she needs to care of herself, and hopefully we all can all do our part to help her out.

By the by - did you know that Canada Day used to be called Dominion Day? Totally true. It was July 1, 1867 when Canada became the first British colony to become a dominion – hence - Dominion Day. But alas, the name was changed to Canada Day in 1982 when the constitution was revised. Just a bit of trivia for you in case over the weekend you’re partying and your drunk Uncle Willie asks “hey…whaarshh canarrdaa day ferrr anywayshze?”

Have a good one!! Cheers.

I'm Pickin' Up Good Vibrations....

I love summer. Everything about it. I.just.love.it. The birds are singing; the grass is green; the flowers are bright; the weather is warm. It’s fabulous all-around. People just seem happier too. Waking up to bright sunny mornings, and staying out on a patio till late evening, having drinks with friends – what beats that!?

This weekend we are having a family reunion at my aunt & uncle's place. They live on the water with a large property and have a whole bunch of kayaks and canoes for us to use. They’ve even rented a pontoon boat for the weekend so we can tour around the area and enjoy the sunshine. I’m looking forward to seeing my cousins and sitting by the bonfire at night with the guitars going and singing. Yee Haw!

Summer is always a busy time for us. Both of our families have cottages and the invites for visits are sometimes hard to say no to, because we want to see everyone. Add in the summer parties and bbqs; a golf tournament here and there; dress-shopping!; our Calgary trip and some camping, and whammo – there just aren’t a lot of free weekends left!

But the way I look at it is that what summer is all about. Once the cooler weather comes, and the days get shorter, people like to (or tend to) stay indoors more. So I say live it up while you can. Sure – it may mean that we’re on the road a lot and away from our house a lot and maybe spending a bit more money than we would normally cause of the traveling – but summer goes so fast and soon enough its back to the dark mornings and cold weather. So enjoy yourselves people. You know how the song goes….we’re here for a good time-not a long time-so have a good time-the sun don’t shine every day!

Clouds in my Head

This past week I have been a little ‘out of sorts’ and I was trying to figure out why. My life is great and I have so much to be thankful for. But I’ve been feeling a little stressed and overwhelmed. I think part of it is attributed to the fact that I’m a total “planner”. Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll agree. So I think I’m trying to do too much, too soon and it’s clouding up my head. I want to enjoy these moments and not get stressed about things. So I need to take some deep breaths, relax and chill out.

There has been a lot going on over the past couple of weeks. On the wedding planning front – we’ve booked our venue for ceremony and reception. That took some time to sort out, and lots of trips to places and talking to people, but we got really lucky to find a perfect spot that both of us love. So, the date and venue are set! I asked 3 of my dearest friends to stand up for me, and my two beautiful nieces to be my flower girls. I also reserved the photographer that we wanted, and we will hopefully be meeting with someone in the next couple of weeks to officiate our ceremony. Once I have a DJ nailed down, I think I can take some time off from planning and relax over the summer (aside from a few trips to browse for dresses, but that’s more ‘fun’ than work).

Other things have been happening too. My parents moved out of their house, which they’ve been in for over 34 years, and will settle into their new place to start their new adventures. It’s bittersweet for all of us. My mom is retiring at the end of this month – good for you mom! Rich’s mom will do the same later this year, and she is also moving up to their cottage.

This weekend we will be up at my brother’s cottage to see the family. To celebrate Father’s Day and have some time in the sun. I’m really looking forward to that. But it’s also bittersweet. While we will be there to celebrate a special day, it will not be the same, as we found out this morning that my sister-in-law’s grandmother passed away. She was a lovely woman and was as much a part of our family, as she was of Cheryl’s. She will be missed by all, but I know that her memory will be kept alive by all of us who knew her.

So, I guess it’s natural that I would be feeling a little off, but it’s still important to put life into perspective and be thankful for all I have right now. I’m a very lucky girl.

Bust a Move

Before I got engaged, I said to myself “Self, when you get engaged, it’s going to be so much fun planning everything and picking things out and booking venues and ordering this and that and talking about it with friends and yadda yadda yadda”. Well – it is totally fun and I’m totally loving it, but because we want to get married in May or June of next year, the timeline is tight on booking a venue! I used to think I’d be down south, on a beach, not a care in the world, you know…a destination wedding – which I still love the idea of – but I love the idea more of being with all of the people who are important to me and who have watched me grow up and I want them to be included in my wedding day, especially my grammy-grams (grandmother) who’ll be 91 by the time we’re married and I don’t think she’d be able to make the trip south! The same goes for Rich and his family and friends, because this is his day too (or so I’m told). (kidding!!)

So – this past week, off we went to see 3 different venues. All had different characters, atmospheres, inclusions, exclusions, etc. One we love – but it’s on the higher end price-wise – the other we “like” – but the price is really good – and the third we just kind of said “no”, as it was quite small and would require some shuffling around – however it was mucho cheapo. But still….no. We are going to see another place on Friday, and another one Sunday, and then I think we’ll have some good ideas and comparisons and be ready to book something. There are tons of other places we could look at, but…like I said – not if we want to have a late spring wedding. There’s just not enough time as the dates are filling up.

By the way….when did DJ’s get so expensive!? I remember helping with functions where you’d hire a DJ for a couple hundred bucks. Now they’re anywhere from between $1000-$2000! Holy Cannoli. So – if anyone out there has some recommendations on a DJ – our ears are open. Otherwise I may have to get out my boombox and get down with Young MC’s “Bust a Move”….know what I’m sayin’ dawgs? I asked Rich if that could be our first dance song, but he said no. The noive!

Thank You!

To those of you who have sent your well-wishes and congratulations our way, I say thank-you! I think it’s fairly obvious that I’m thrilled and excited to be engaged to Rich. I’m not going to post all the details on the blog, as that’s something I want to share more personally. But…I’m sure the planning will add some interesting posts to this in the future. For now, I’m just letting it sink in and thinking of ideas, but nothing’s set in stone just yet. (actually – not even the ring….we’re getting that made!) Oh – and I received my first engagement item today. My darling Laural had waiting for me on my chair at work, a very fitting and pretty card, and a new issue of “In Style Weddings” magazine! awesome!

Who Knew?

Remember my post of December 20th? The 'forbidden question'? Well - you can ask me now! ;)

Update Number 2

Our little Jackson is a little weird. Or maybe he’s just being a cat. I dunno. This is all new to me. One day he’s wrapped around our feet every step we take…meow-ing to no end…being frisky and wanting to play….the next day he wants nothing to do with us and sits in the kitchen in front of the dishwasher and stares at the wall. Whaddup Jackson? He also likes to watch us shower. It kind of freaks me out a bit…he sits between the outer and inner shower curtains on the side of the tub (our inner curtain is transparent) and watches us. He eats, drinks, poops and pees (he’s healthy). He runs like a dog sometimes through the house. He plays “fetch” with his toy mice. He likes to cuddle and then he gives you ‘love bites’. I think maybe he’s bi-polar. Or, we’re just still figuring each other out. But his 5am wake-up calls are getting a bit hard to take. I wonder if they make sleeping pills for cats. Note to PETA – I’m kidding. I’m sure we’ll all adjust. The irony of it all is that it’s ME who needs the CAT-naps (haha…CAT naps – get it?...I kill me…k – not that funny…)…from him keeping me up at night. Funny Jackson…really funny. But mommy still loves you. So far.

Feeling Old?

I think it was Saturday evening when I was lying in bed – trying to nurse a sore back and aching shoulders from a day of yard work – when all of a sudden I was alerted to the sounds of fireworks and cheers and laughs coming from the waterfront down the road. Oh Right. It’s Victoria Day weekend. I remember this weekend – “MAY TWO-FOUR” – yee haw – party! party! party! - being with friends and heading to the beach to spend the day with our blankets and coolers to await the fireworks at night – laughing and being silly….oooohs and aahhhhs with each explosion of colour and light. Good times...good times…

However, this weekend I found myself bundling hedge trimmings, raking the grass and heading to the nursery to buy yukka plants and the like. Granted, we took in a movie and went out for dinner, but I have to say, I started to feel a little (...gasp…) “old”! Where we live, they do fireworks each night of the long weekend…so when I missed out on them on Saturday and Sunday, I said to Rich “I want to go to the lake Monday night to watch them and be around humans and have some fun and feel young….and you’re not getting out of it!” “Sure” he replied.

So…after another hard day of work in the yard on Monday, I headed in the house around 3 or 4pm. Rich soon followed. We ordered in some dinner cause we were both too tired to cook, and I anxiously awaited for dusk to fall. Except of course – it was Monday – a regular day for the good old U.S. of A, and our TV shows that we’ve been watching this season both had their season finalés on! Dang it. What to do? I wanted to feel like a kid again and watch the fireworks and be amongst the living – but we put in a faithful season of “24” (and “The Bachelor” for me) and we’d been looking forward final shows.

So, we decided to stay in and forego the festivities which were carrying on down the road. But as luck would have it – we live close enough to the lake that we were actually able to see some of the fireworks going off right from our bedroom window! So it worked out pretty well in the end. And even thought I don’t remember Rub A535 being part of my Victoria Day weekends, I still enjoyed my time at home, being with Rich and making our yard look nice for the summer. So, maybe I’m not (...gasp!...) getting old after all….perhaps I’m just (…double gasp!!...) growing up! I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later.

Ode to my momma

I know this is a day late, but I didn’t have computer access over the weekend. I wanted to pay a special tribute to my mom! She’s been the most outstanding mom for all of my life. She’s lovely and beautiful and funny and nurturing and just a really spectacular woman, let alone a terrific mom. But today I wanted to write about what makes her “her”. She’s hilarious and doesn’t even know it. It’s her fun spirit and lighthearted ways that make her so lovable. So I wanted to share a few of those moments with you. When I was younger, my friends and I made her the President of her own club. Granted, it was the ‘dick’ club…(not in that way!)…but it was because she would sometimes do “dicky” things, or get herself into ‘dicky’ situations. Now that I think about it – it’s not the greatest analogy, but when I was younger, it was more funny than crude. Anyway – what better place than here, to share a few of my fondest “dick club” moments of my mom!

1. She would often call me in for lunch for a yummy grilled cheese sandwich, only for me to bite into it and come out with a mouthful of plastic, which she forgot to remove from the cheese before grilling;

2. She was riding her bike once, just up and down our street while the rest of the family was waiting to go to African Lion Safari…we were all by the car waiting to leave and wondered “where’s mom”…when we heard a little scream and looked down the road to find her lying on someone’s lawn with the handlebars of her bike in her hands…and the bike a few feet away from her. My dad told her she was “riding too hard”…you had to be there – but it was the funniest thing I think I’ve ever seen;

3. She thought she’d take a relaxing bubble bath one night. She put the bath salts in the tub…got her book…relaxed and enjoyed…but then the water started to thicken around her and turned cloudy…she didn’t know what was happening, but eventually called for my dad to help her out of the tub…turned out the bath salts was actually a box of tile grout! poor mommy….

4. I used to be in gymnastics, and she’d clean my gym slippers (kind of like ballet slippers) in a pot on the stove with some hot water and bleach (not sure why she didn’t just put them in the washing machine now that I think about it)…but my brother came home from school one lunch time and my mom told him lunch was on the stove…he just about fell over when he thought she had made him ‘slipper soup’…

5. My dad was cutting down a tree in our backyard – a big maple – he yelled to her from the yard to make sure the dogs stayed in the house so they wouldn’t get hurt by falling branches…she couldn’t quite hear him, so she opened the door and asked “what did ya say hun??” and of course…at that moment, out runs the dog…so she ran out to grab the dog and ‘lo and behold! a huge branch fell right on top of my mom’s leg!! She couldn’t walk for a month and had to have surgery. Oh mom!!

6. She used to drive me and a few friends to school sometimes in our old green pick-up truck…I got the front (of course) and Steven was always in the back cab. Once at school…I’d hop out – mom would go home…Steven would still be in the back. THIS HAPPENED A LOT! Steven would bang on the cab window….but mom had the radio too loud, or was in her own world I think. Needless to say – he started walking to school after the fifth time.

7. Mom would sometimes get us McDonalds on Friday’s for dinner. She’d go through the drive through…place her order….proceed to first window to pay….then drive home. Um…..did you forget something mom? like the FOOD!??? aiy aiy aiy…(that’s a true story!)

There are many other little moments that hold a fond place in my heart…too many to list here…but mom – those moments are the best and they are what make me laugh and smile and love you even more. So I hope you had a lovely mother’s day – I enjoyed spending the day with you yesterday and I love you very much!