That's All She Wrote

This is all she wrote...

2010-10-27T21:24:00.004-07:00

"The time has come," the Walrus said,"to talk of many things..."

Our sweet Ella at 5 months and 3 weeks in the pumpkin patch.

Oh, poor neglected blog, I've been unfaithful. I've been cheating for quite some time now. Seems that I'm very barely still in my twenties, and the time I do have left before starting another decade is coming to a barreling halt. So, further in that same vein, "The mischief, misfortunes, musings, and miracles of a 20-something" is not as fitting as it was when I started here a little over 5 years ago.

I started this blog as "me", became part of a "we", and we made us "three". During my pregnancy I wanted somewhere to record my experience, to maybe come back and reflect on it, or to maybe show Ella when she's older. After Ella came along, I struggled with how I was going to deal with my two blogs. TWO blogs?!

Now that I'm a mama, most mornings I do my best to down my cup of coffee before it turns into cold, murky sludge. And let me tell you, a good portion of those days I'm wildly unsuccessful because I'm too dang busy with my girl. But I've never been so elated to sip cold, murky sludge with the company of the bestest little lady I know. So, after much thought and deliberation, this is really all she wrote.

And if anyone is still around these parts, please join us over at c l i m b i n g 2 b y 2 . b l o g s p o t . c o m

But the bouncer will ask if you're on the list. To get your name on the list, drop a note to c l i m b i n g 2 b y 2 @ g m a i l . c o m and we'll get that taken care of.

Much love and thanks to you all for walking this portion of our journey alongside us.

May 10th

2010-05-19T21:20:00.003-07:00

2 years later, with our girl.

From "we" to "three"

2010-05-12T09:35:00.002-07:00

We welcomed Ella Marie into our world on April 30th, 2010 at 2:40 a.m. via (unplanned) c-section. She weighed in at 7 pounds 13 ounces (we were expecting a 9 or 10 pounder!) and 21" long.

She seemed to know who Mike was right away.

She loved being cozy and warm those first few days and this apple hat, knit by the fabulous Michelle H., kept her very cozy and cute.

First car ride home, May 4th, and she had already learned to hold on:)

At home and taking it all in.

Ella at 10 days old, marking my best Monday ever.

Moving from "we" to "three" has been a fairly smooth transition for our new little family. Mike had a week off and returned to work this past Monday (oh, we miss him!). My Mom has come to hang out with Ella and I for a week and a half and we've been venturing out and about for little trips and having a good time.

My latest "discovery", in light of our little trips, is the Snugli my sister-in-law lent us. It's my new favorite thing. When I used it for the first time yesterday, I got the same feeling that I had when I first discovered the iced caramel macchiato...shock and chagrin at the sheer goodness of it all.

We love our Ella and feel privileged to be her parents. After 9 months of yellow, white and green we're jumping into this sea of pink and loving every minute of it. We know we are so blessed by the people that are in our life that already love this bun and can't wait until she's old enough to realize the same.

35/35

2010-03-20T16:08:00.004-07:00

When you get this far along, it seems that most of the "milestones" have come and gone--out of the woods/first trimester, halfway there, viability date, all the developmental milestones have been successfully reached, and feet are mostly only visible when propped up or dangling off the front of an Ikea cart as your husband pushes you through part of the store (true story from today).

So now, in the interest of moving time along I bring you "35/35". 35 weeks down and 35 days to go. At this point, you've got to get your journey markers where you can.

Up until this point, all bump pictures taken have been me, my bump, or both. Today we fixed that by getting my sister to take a few pictures of Mike, I and my current resident, Bun, in my parents backyard.

30 weeks/7 months

2010-02-20T11:10:00.002-08:00

This was taken last Saturday, after spending the night on the dance floor with Bun and Mike at a friend's wedding. I've found that as wine is a very vague and distant memory and as my bump has grown, my dance moves have conversely shrank. I believe there to be a causal relationship between the two. Although, I felt pretty alright dancing last weekend. Maybe now that Bun is bigger I've regained some moves in my attempt to dance for two.

I think I might be *gasp* loving this part of pregnancy. I was convinced I would, at the very least, hate the whole process and be a terrible pregnant person. I think I'm managing alright, and Mike agrees.

Today I'm 31 weeks, leaving me 9 weeks to go (theoretically). The single digits of weeks make me very excited.

2010-02-08T09:34:00.002-08:00

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.

~Budda

The above certainly gives me something to aspire to. Too often I find myself living, not in the present moment, but somewhere where I am "should"-istic, "ought"-tistic, and engage in "must"-turbation, as my Theories of Personality prof once memorably put it.

Since autumn (when I usually find the sun is fleeting and "life" gets into full-swing again), how often I have said to Mike, "We really should...", "We ought to...I suppose it's the 'right' thing to do", "We must____, because...". But so much more enjoyable are the times when we go without a "plan", per se. The impromtu dinners, the hysterical and belly-shaking laughter, the unexpected blessing and support of friends who love us for no particular reason other than we are who we are. In those unplanned, uncharted moments, we are so very lucky.

The past four or five months have been a fury of unexpected. Just when we think things are settling down (or sometimes we haven't been afforded that opportunity) another scene starts to unfold. So we've holed-up, retreated, backed out and backed in to our suite. We have got a lot of cleaning, purging, and organizing accomplished.

There is currently a large-and growing-pile of things to take to goodwill sitting by our front door. Pregnancy has grown a desire in me to throw large amount of "things" out, cast them off and be done, to look forward. And now that February-the tease that she is, flaunting spring wantonly-is here we might just be ready to re-emerge. More focused and clear-headed, attempting to "live in the present moment wisely and earnestly".

2009-12-23T08:29:00.003-08:00

CharIie Brown: I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about.

Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.

Lights, please.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

2009-12-10T09:01:00.003-08:00

O holy night

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth

The Big Kahuna

2009-11-26T09:51:00.002-08:00

In an age of Facebook and Twitter, I wanted to keep my blog alive, if only for my own sake. Sometimes a pen and paper seems daunting, sometimes my thoughts are that square peg in a round hole when it comes to wrapping it up in one neat sentence/status.

Fall has been an amazing time. In many respects, it hasn't played out as we had anticipated. But we've had the opportunity to grow through fall, as opposed to coasting or placating our way through it.

Our church has used a couple of passages from The Big Kahuna, amongst other things, as part of it's liturgy. This past weekend we were reminded of it's truth. Both quotes are Danny DeVito as Phil Cooper in The Big Kahuna.

"It doesn't matter whether you're selling Jesus or Buddha or civil rights or 'How to Make Money in Real Estate With No Money Down.' That doesn't make you a human being; it makes you a marketing rep. If you want to talk to somebody honestly, as a human being, ask him about his kids. Find out what his dreams are - just to find out, for no other reason. Because as soon as you lay your hands on a conversation to steer it, it's not a conversation anymore; it's a pitch. And you're not a human being; you're a marketing rep."

"I'm saying you've already done plenty of things to regret, you just don't know what they are. It's when you discover them, when you see the folly in something you've done, and you wish that you had it do over, but you know you can't, because it's too late. So you pick that thing up, and carry it with you to remind you that life goes on, the world will spin without you, you really don't matter in the end. Then you will gain character, because honesty will reach out from inside and tattoo itself across your face."

All Hallows Eve

2009-11-02T21:37:00.001-08:00

Clifford and Emily Elizabeth (his friend) on their way out the door. Emily is enamored and Clifford is scratching his ear.

You know you're the wife of a preschool teacher when...

2009-10-28T20:47:00.002-07:00

...your husband let's you know on Monday night that he would like to be Clifford, The Big Red Dog, for his preschool classes Hallowe'en festivities. And they start Wednesday morning. The original plan was a pair of red ears on a headband, but I knew I could pull off something better. The costume does involve a tail but we thought we'd leave his backside off the internet:)

2009-10-23T21:11:00.006-07:00

Here we have baby bun, 13 weeks and 6 days today. Baby bun is scheduled to make it's debut April 24th, 2010 and we couldn't be more excited...

2009-10-13T19:02:00.004-07:00

There were pumpkins at 2 out of 2 of the places I meandered at today. The orange globes sitting proudly, like autumn's welcome mat. And it seems at though autumn is more than just beckoning...no, it has shown up with a vengeance. The rain has been spotty but thrashing. The wind is knocking the naked right onto the trees.

The hem and haw of the trees and their shameless shedding in our backyard keep teasing the motion sensor light. It looks like there will not be much rest for it tonight. Our power has ominously flickered thrice, alluding that it might take furlough. The hubby and I, with the gas fireplace aglow, are not consenting to it. I'm still working on feeling my toes, having spent the day bundled in Birkenstocks, buying their time until the snow returns.

But for now, I'm content to slip my toe-sicles under the hubb's leg and bunker down for fall.

Fall at Pitt Lake

2009-10-08T10:58:00.004-07:00

Last Sunday, Mike and I took a walk out at Pitt Lake. The sun was shining, breeze blowing, it was a perfect fall day.

Ducks in the marsh/bog.

A swallow that led us on for a minute.

Love the fuzzy caterpillar.

Tide out, but making it's way back in.

And the last sprigs of summer.

Picture Update

2009-10-04T11:50:00.006-07:00

So, one weekend in August we headed up to Whistler with some fab friends for a couple of birthdays and for, what one of them coined as, "Xavier Love Fest". And love we did. What a weekend!

I love fall. I love Hallowe'en. I love finding the right costume. Luckily when we headed south Labour Day long weekend, Target already had a slew of Halowe'en garb out. This bee costume was incredibly comfortable. So puffy I wanted to have a nap in it.

I loved this one too. It was made even better by the fact that it was hanging right next to a gorilla costume. If they hadn't been $50+ each, Hallowe'en might have looked a lot like this.

We went down to the States on the Thursday of Labour Day long weekend and stayed at Mike's aunt's trailer at Birch Bay. This is what we woke up to Friday morning on the newly built deck and I was a little sad that our time there was so short.

This was my 5th, Mike's 4th, year at Dave. And it rained. As we left for the concert. Being without jackets (it had never rained before!) we headed into the next town earlier in the day to find ponchos. Here we are in the parking lot/field being poncho goblins.

And here we have Michelle, Heather and Amanda raising a bottle for Dave in the parking field.

After the first act-some kind of bluegrass greatness-and then G-Love and Special Sauce, the rain let up and a rainbow appeared. You can't see it in this pic, but for a short while there was a double rainbow.

Here we all are. The rain let up and we tore off our rain gear. Have you ever tried to do your thing in an outhouse while wearing a giant American poncho? I don't recommend it.

And there was a whole lot of Dave goodness. Amazing set and this year Dave spoke really clearly (that doesn't always/rarely happens). The DMB weekend is always bittersweet. We look forward to it all summer but when it comes, it signals the end of summer and all the mayhem that it brings.

And now, September seems to have slipped by all too quickly and we find ourselves well into fall. Next thing we know, Christmas will be knocking on our doorstep.

Lately

2009-08-19T11:38:00.005-07:00

The 17 pounds of blueberries we picked.

In the massive blueberry bushes.

Mike in a bit of a clearing.

Our weekend was filled with blueberry picking, Honeyland in Pitt Meadows, and backyard discussions of who we'd have lunch with and what we'd discuss and why we are still "Christian".

We also had the oppertunity to be involved in a focus group for our church and it was great experience. I loved hearing everyone's opinions and desires regarding "church" and what that could look like, finding that I/we aren't alone in some of our ideas/ideals. In the end, it was a couple of hours well spent and it was a valuable experience with something that felt very grass-roots.

Last night we took in the RCMP Muscial Ride and it was amazing. Mike hadn't been since he was 8 and I think I last went sometime in my late teens/early twenties. We're looking forward to this weekend when we'll be off to Whistler to take in some music with friends.

Summer is winding down (just a few weeks left until Dave! [Matthews Band]) but fall looks to be exciting and the prospect of settling into "routine"-whatever that will look like-is palatable.

2009-08-05T16:00:00.008-07:00

It's been awhile. I've sat down many times to tickle the keyboard and get something down on virtual paper but have drawn a virtual blank.

So far this summer, there has been a wedding, an epic graduation party (Mike is done his ECE schooling and is currently working on his 3rd and last practicum, one friend has completed her BA, and another has completed her masters-congrats to all!), raspberry picking (a first for Mike), a successfully renewed passport, trips to Alouette and Pitt Lake, a friend's CD release show, and a spattering of stuff I'm sure I've missed.

We have a Kings of Leon concert, Whistler music festival, and Dave Matthews Band at The Gorge on the up-and-coming docket with the possibility of much more mayhem.

Mike's 2nd cousins wedding. We only took a picture of ourselves...whoops!

At Alouette with the nephew (and sister & brother-in-law).

My first attempt at canning this afternoon. The 2 jars on the left have already sealed--success! The jars are housing Japanese cherry plums from the in-law's tree. I can already taste it on my oatmeal in the winter, a slight reminder and hope of the summer to come during the cold mid-winter. I feel very domestic in a Little House on the Prairie kind of way and have hopes of canning some other delights...how Laura Ingalls of me.

I've just realized that canning might be my latest "creative" endeavour. I've been aching to get back into something creative. Making flashcards does not count or my cup would overflow. Ideally, I hope to get back to writing but, having not done much at all in the past 2 years, it's quite daunting to pick up the pen. I'm working my way there and, strange but true, I think canning might be my latest stepping stone.

The Golden Experience

2009-06-15T13:07:00.006-07:00

Sunday we joined the throngs of people, jockying for a position on the new Golden Ears Bridge. We saw a lot of people we knew. We also experienced the sheer mayhem and the effects of forgetting sunscreen.

One of the large towers on the side of the bridge.

On our way to the crowd of people waiting to get onto the bridge.

We made it on!

Our feet and the bridge. Of course.

This is my best impression of a lobster. I suppose Mary Schmich was onto something with her "always where sunscreen" bit.

10 years later...

2009-05-30T10:41:00.004-07:00

...I've found myself with a man who's made me a wife and, oh!, how happy. A post-secondary education, a job with meaning and purpose that I love, adventures enough already to entertain me in my old age (though I relish the thought of many more), developing an understanding of God and his kingdom that excites and entices me, friends and family that I cherish for the presence of their life in mine and mine in theirs...

...And back at the very same golf course, in the same room, with many of the same people that I graduated with 10 years ago.

There was only one person I did not recognize, but found out who it was later. I hear the 20 year reunion is basically a masquerade party:) It's amazing to see how, after 10 years, people are still moths to the flame...the "school bully" was still smoking in the girls bathroom, the party crowd was still blitzed, the lime-light seekers were out on the dance floor with their MJ impressions, and-although our school didn't appear to be as clique-y as a lot of others-the cliques still sat at the same tables. What a great social experiment these things are! I do have a picture of me and my high school girlfriends but I have a feeling they must have a better version.

"And we'll all float on okay, and we'll all float on anyway."

One year later...

2009-05-07T12:25:00.009-07:00

Rocky Point

Sunset

We've spent a lot of time here

Our kind of barrel--Sumac Ridge on our anniversary

Greata Ranch on Okanagan Lake--Heading home from our anniversary weekend (trying our very best to look into the sun)

...And so many more to come.

28 on 05/08

2009-05-07T12:02:00.005-07:00

Happy birthday to my Mike!

New years '08/'09

Whistler '09

Cinco de Mayo, on the dos

Wishing my man a very happy 28th birthday (a day early) and looking forward to the next 28!

Sunday Afternoon in the Forest

2009-04-28T12:43:00.006-07:00

All this diameter and it was only about a foot wide in the thickest spot. A little bit, it looks like a monster hand is about to do my husband in.

Of course.

C'est moi avec une arber! (I don't conjugate stuff, I make it up.)

My Mike.

And the gorgeous day we had.

We hiked for a little over an hour in the UBC Research Forest Sunday afternoon. I foolishly just wore my Birk's and got nature all over my foot when I stepped in a bit of a sink-hole. It was a beautiful day spent chatting and walking with my man and we plan to do it much more often now that we remember how amazing this place is.

A case of "The Tuesdays"

2009-04-21T18:25:00.004-07:00

I'm feeling 'blah'. The sun is shining. There have been fabulous moments with amazing people. I even made delicious cocktails last night. I'm just feeling 'blah'. But it's Tuesday (my most dreaded day) so there's hope that I might pull out some sunshine from this week yet.

I've noticed that Tuesday is possibly the worst day of the week. Monday is the start of a new week. Wednesdy is hump-day. Thursday is almost Friday. Friday and Saturday are the weekend. And Sunday starts the anticipation of a new week. Where does this leave Tuesdays? Nowhere. I don't if there's a coffee out there that could fix me up a tolerable Tuesday.

Today I had a good laugh as I left a friend's house. Her young son loves all things that go: trains, cars, buses. If the kid ever makes it onto a plane, I fear he might never get off of it. So, here's how it played out:

Mom: "Go get your shoes on, we're walking to school."
Son: "But, mommy, I want to take the bus."
Mom: "It's a beautiful sunny day, we're going to walk to school and get some exercise because we're all too fat."
Son: "But, mommy, we're not too fat for the bus!"

Love it.

2009-04-14T18:43:00.003-07:00

Birch Bay on Friday night was just what we needed! After we made it through a 3 1/2 hour border line up. And after discovering, roughly 2 3/4 hours in, that my license had expired back in February. (My passport expired in March.) My license situation turned our last 30-45 miuntes from a deliriously fantastic Ben Folds sing-along into stunned silence, worrying about being turned back once they saw my invalid face on the plastic. Probably in our favour, there was a changing of the guards and we were the first people up to the new guy. He was so nice and didn't even notice the boo-boo with my ID. We celebrated at a little Mexican place with chicken fajitas (El Cantina De Playa...or something like it...I don't know Spanish, but that'll do). And back at the trailer we celebrated with some Red Bicyclette Syrah and Yellow Tail Shiraz...who needs fancy when you've got frugal.

I did rectify my license situation today. That's why I was confident enough to post about it:) I had no idea that there is no smiling now in DL photos, just like passport photos! And I had only practiced making my smiling face. I can't wait to see what I have to live with for the next 5 years in approximately 10 days (*note the scathing sarcasm).

And this morning our landlords informed Mike that a bear had broken into our garbage can-which is stored outside beside the house's garage-and strewn our garbage all over the lawn and into the forest. Seems he climbed up the lattice on the fence and damaged our gate a little in the process. I now jingle my keys all the way to our door so I don't surprise any unsuspecting animals that could do me serious bodily harm.

I can hear my landlord fixing the gate now. If I had a hammer...

In recent news...

2009-04-06T22:14:00.003-07:00

We've now got 4 guppies that live with the frogs. We were in the neighbourhood, stopped in at Big Al's on a whim and brought home 4 new friends: Carl, Siggy, Ivar, and Burrhus Frederic (name that theme!). They frogs-especially 8 year old Nelson-were a little unsure of what was happening in their world but seem to be adjusting. They have mini conch-type shells in the aquarium and the frogs make good use of hiding in them.

I finished my first ever sock monkey for the nephew's first birthday. I delivered it today...2 days late. Those things aren't as easy as they look! I forgot to take a picture of the monkey and our nephew but I'll put it on the "To Do" list with the rest of it. Baby boy's birthday was beautiful and busy with bountiful booty (I do adore alliteration:). That's what happens when your family could pass as the population of a small African country.

My man and myself are looking forward to a night in Birch Bay this weekend. I am ecstatic for a change in venue, the prospect of delicious wine for few clams, and the ocean. Just a few more days and we'll be running for the border.

Ahh, I can hear the power-hungry, joyous border gaurds even now.

Christening of the Kicks

2009-03-26T12:21:00.003-07:00

Well, I've taken my new shoes out for a walk a few times and they've been christened well.

This weekend, walking with the husband, stepped in some poop. That's when I realized just how "grippy" and "groovy" the bottoms of my sneaks are. Said husband found me a branch to scrap it out. I love that guy.

The other night it was drizzling out but I thought, "It won't get that bad", and absent mindedly left my hood at home. But took Mike's iPod. I strolled alone to Ben Folds with the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra and some DMB Live Trax. Somewhere between the transition of albums the heavens opened up. I was about a 15 minute fast walk from home (all hills around these parts) so I turned some of the hills into runs, fearing for the life of the electronics I was carrying. I made it home, resembling something that had escaped the sewer, but could not manage to turn the iPod off. Mike was in class. I almost gave Heather a call but had already interrupted her birthday dinner once to wish her a happy birthday so I just plugged the sucker into the docking station and left it. Oh, the life of a girl and borrowed electronics.

And here I'm left, all the things I need to get done for work a little over-whelming. Sleep alluding me more often than not these days. And, aside from my constant desire for a nap, oh so happy.

2009-03-24T12:42:00.002-07:00

I've had pet frogs (aquatic) for 8 years and last week Xena died. Mike called me to invite me to coffee with a friend and told me Xena didn't seem to be doing well and he had moved her to our hospital tank but when we got home we found out she hadn't made it. It was sad. I realize she was only a wee frog, but still a pet I had for 8 years. In happier frog news, Nelson is still alive(he's also 8) and we've welcomed Robin and Glenda the frogs and Demetri the zebra snail in a bright, new 5 gallon aquarium.

I've had enough of this weather. I went to the Kintec Lab and spent at least half an hour walking around their store in shoes while they analyzed all the things wrong with my hips/legs/muscles and found some shoes to help me out. Now I just want to get out there for some walks. We took advantage of the nice weather and went for a walk on Sunday. At the end of it all-eureka!-I didn't have shin splints. I love my new kicks. And I love the Kintec Lab. So much so that I went back to spend birthday money on Birkenstocks. Now my feet are more supported and less flip-floppin':)

Church has been fabulous. A little but I hate to use the word "church"--it's so pre-loaded and negative sounding. Must find a different word. I can't believe all the things I'm exploring and learning. Since it's a 40-ish minute drive (gotta stop at 'Bucks on the way), Mike and I have the car ride home to mull it all over and discuss it. It's not that we've found a place that does things "better", it's just that we've had a core theological shift. We continue to journey, wide-eyed, in a new land.

2009-02-09T14:28:00.001-08:00

I worked my last Saturday shift this weekend and can't wait to catch up on some sleep (in a couple of weekends) and things around the house.

In addition to my new timing belt and my on-order coolant resevoir (to be installed this Saturday) I had a minor car emergency last Friday. I didn't even make it down our street when my car felt like it was going to stall and my 'check engine' light flashed and then went on solid. Lately, I just can't catch a break with the beast! Thankfully, Mike was on his way behind me so I flagged him down. A new spring clamp (something to do with the resevoir, I think?) and 4 spark plugs later, Xander is good to go. Now I need to think about a new fuel filter in the next little bit and a battery, as both appear to be original (the Sportage is an '02..time to take care of some of that).

This weekend, just like the rest and like the rest of you, had us running all over the place. Strange to stop in at a place you haven't been for awhile...makes you ponder.

We're involved in a series about the Kingdom of God at church and hearing a lot of life-changing and challenging ideas. I'm excited to see where this will take us but sad I have to miss the next couple of weekends. Good thing we have the internet.

2009-02-04T20:41:00.002-08:00

I suffered a little from being a hermit this past January. Not on purpose...that's not my style. Working 6 days a week since Christmas has played a large role in that. So, suffice to say, there haven't been very many exciting occurances. Oh, except for a legendary Whistler weekend...involving clowns. And a timing belt for my car. But Whistler was way more epic than my car bill. That's epic.

February is promising a new fan belt (or 3, more accurately) and coolant resevoir for my car. Mike gets to cheer on our men in blue and green (and Mats 'Slug'din) on Saturday night with the men in his family. I'll be drinking something girly and watching something girly with some girls. In a couple of weekends I'll be heading down to Oregon to stay at a winery/brewery for a womens conference. It will be the first of it's kind for me and sounds like it should prove interesting.

In general, I'm excited for this new year. (*Birthday looming later in the month, always causes me to reflect on where I "am"/been/going. Backread my blog, you'll see.) I'm especially excited to see what my faith will grow into, how it's going to develop and evolve. It has been exciting to begin a new faith journey of sorts with the man I love more than anything by my side and I by his, seeing where this will take us. Our church has stretched my boundaries, totally smashed others to find something sublime laying in the rubble (the phoenix analogy seemed too obvious so I'm left with some kind of sub-par soliloquy). I've been thinking about what kind of a direction to take with work lately...that's a thinker, too.

Trust February to throw me into a reflective state...yeesh!

Christmas

2009-01-09T13:01:00.003-08:00

I had no idea how hard it was to actually find a decent tree topper...those things seem to run rampant when you're not looking for one. In the end, we've heard that this one is very "us" from quite a few folks, whatever that means:)

Love 'em or hate 'em: a claymation Christmas!

Snowed in so we took a walk. More snow than we've ever seen! Same location as our wedding pictures, not that you can see much of it. Mike's arms are long, but not that long.

The obligatory snow feet:) Though the picture really doesn't do the depth justice.

Complete with heaps of snow.

2008-12-24T16:20:00.003-08:00

On Christmas Eve, snowed in on all sides, by BC standards-I know:), I found this on my church's website from when we lit one of the Advent candles and it just seems fitting...

Look for the love

Don’t go in search of the baby this Christmas.

Instead,
look for the love
which comes unexpectedly
and in the dirtiest places;

which is born
from the wombs
of those we would never expect.

~Hold This Space: Pocket Liturgies by Ceryl Lawrie

7 sleeps...

2008-12-18T12:29:00.002-08:00

...and there is still much to do--shopping, wrapping, cards.

But...

...the wreath finally got hung.
...so did the stockings (it was near impossible to find stocking hangers!).
...6 hours of baking Christmas cookies with friends was completed last Sunday and I get to do other goodies with another friend this Saturday!
...the 4th Sunday of Advent is nearly upon us.
...we got snow and sub-zero temperatures and there is talk of a white Christmas.
...I traded my flip-flops for boots.

The weather outside is icey, but my fireplace warms me nicely.
My tootsies are oh so cold, 'cause it snowed, 'cause it snowed, 'cause it snowed!

And to all a good night...

2008-12-17T13:13:00.000-08:00

Anticipation

2008-12-02T12:59:00.002-08:00

The tree has been up for 1.5 weeks.

It's half-way decorated (my man needs to track down his ornaments from his sister and bro-in-law) but the angel is already on.

My Starbucks mini-tree is sitting by the espresso machine with a watchful snowman and heavy-laden boughs.

The wreath is begging to be hung.

Snowmen, LED tealights, and "greenery" sit quietly on our mantle and alcove by the door.

Names have been drawn.

A few presents have been bought, many more mock me from the store shelves.

Completed our annual viewing of "Love Actually", this time with the commentary on and wine (we were out of peppermint shnapps to put in hot chocolate...must rectify that situation soon).

Thinking of baking some Christmas cookies.

Needing to wash the floors.

Desperate for a cup of holiday cheer and a nap by the fireplace.

Advent preparing my heart.

Anticipating the birth(day).

Oh! Christmas Tree!

2008-11-24T13:37:00.003-08:00

We got our first Christmas tree (thanks to my parents) on Friday night. Yes, it's artificial. Let's just all take a deep breathe and wrap out minds around this before we say anything rude and start the hate on the artificial. The fake tree is just the right choice for us right now. And it felt very right when all I had to do on Saturday was slot the 3 pieces of the tree together, fold down it's pre-lit arms and plug it in. Yes, we set it up/plugged it in. And Mike may have felt the need to pull out his Christmas mixes while the tree went up.

Don't worry, it's not like we decorated it or anything:)

Eye Spy

2008-11-10T13:10:00.002-08:00

This year I didn't have oodles of time or my usual pumpkin knives (they're still living with my parents) but I had half an hour and a giant kitchen knife to make a blood-shot eyeball. I took the picture a good week after Hallowe'en, when I remembered to take the picture when it was dark out. Which is almost all the time now.

Froggy Love!

2008-11-08T17:36:00.005-08:00

Xena is the very large frog on the left. Nelson is the regular sized frog on the right. We changed their water today and gave them some new/different rocks.

Moments after being put back into the new water. They love to hide by their bridge.

Aerial view, because my husband's tall.

Xena's ghetto booty on the left. Nelson on the right.

So, at the moment Xena is still sick with "Dropsy" but we got her some medicine so we're hoping we see some improvement sooner rather than later. Mostly we're just hoping she stops growing soon...I am literally afraid she will explode.

We hope to get a new baby frog once Xena is better. But we'll keep it in a seperate tank until it grows bigger and then we'll transfer it as when they lived with my parents my sister mysteriously had, not one, but two sucker/cleaner fishes disappear. We don't want them to mistaken the baby frog for food.

To loosely quote Bruce from Finding Nemo "Frogs are friends, not food."

2008-10-27T12:43:00.003-07:00

Last night Mike and I got pets. We didn't go out and buy pets but took some from my parents house. Some of you may recall that my sister and I had 2 frogs, Nelson (mine) and Xena (hers). Well, since my sister has 3 horses, a dog and a cat at Dr. Dolittle's, oh! I mean my parents house, I didn't think she'd mind if I took the frogs.

Mike and I got them a new swanky home (a steal of a deal, big, beautiful vase from Winners) and some new decor as well (river rocks). Unfortunately, Xena was looking to be twice her normal size and after some research Mike found out she has hydrops--edema under the skin. It can be caused by a whole host of different things and there's not much we can do. So she'll either get better or head to the big pond in the sky. Between last night and this morning she shed her skin. We're hoping it's a good sign (I hope it's not because she got bigger again).

In any case, our African Dwarf Frogs/African Clawed Frogs/African Jewel Frogs (they have a few names for the same dang frogs) are 7 years old and have lived well pass their projected 12 months, and are now adding some froggy love to our basement.

Octobertastic

2008-10-22T13:29:00.004-07:00

It's October and the sun is all shiny-like and giving a little heat. This means that soon the leaves will be crunchy and I shall smash them with my mighty flip-flops! I've very much appreciated the lack of rain. Beacuase of it, my feet have been unusually dry for this time of year. I only wish I had a hammock to curl up in with a blanket and some hot tea to nap. Oh, and right before that happened I would have to win the lottery so I could spend my afternoons napping in hammocks. I should start playing.

Other than day-dreaming, we celebrated Thanksgiving a week late with both of our families (Mike's on Saturday and mine on Sunday). Gosh, I love turkey! There were also a couple of friend's birthdays celebrated this weekend...always a good time. Our Hallowe'en costumes have finally been decided and now we just need to grab a few things to get them in order.

The timer is buzzing on the oven (just making my man cookies) so I should grab them before they mutate into blackened pucks.

Uno!

2008-10-18T10:55:00.004-07:00

While waiting in a Shoppers Drug Mart line-up yesterday I heard a young cashier and what was obviously her young friend talking about how they needed their eyebrows waxed really bad. I had to stiffle a giggle as the friend said, "Totally, like, if I don't pluck I get a total Uno brow."

Now maybe this is new to the youngin's lexicon and I'm just too old to keep up with it now, but if my eyebrows could sprout card games I'd have a pluckin' good time!

Random is as random does

2008-10-15T20:48:00.004-07:00

As if I wasn't random enough on my own, I've been tagged.

Here are the rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. List 6 random things about yourself.
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.

1. I'm OCD with the way I like my Starbucks disposible cups: The 'B' on the cup and sleeve need to line up with each other and the mouth piece on the lid needs to line up with the 'B' as well.

2. I have a stuffed Simba (yes, The Lion King) in a 'pouncing' position that I got in Disneyland when I was 12 or 13. He travels with me everywhere-from Kamloops to England, from Oregon to Australia-and makes a great pillow substitute in a pinch.

3. More than just disliking the smell or what not, I have a slight fear of outhouses. I have, on many occassions, gone to the bathroom in a bush when an outhouse was readily available.

4. I've had 2 concussions. One falling backwards off a rope bridge at camp and one being swept off my sister's horse by a branch while grazing him bare-back.

5. I have a terrible sense of direction. Very, very terrible. I get my left and right mixed up while driving all the time. My parents used to say that if you shook me up in a wet paper bag and I'd never find my way out.

6. I often pretend I can speak French. By often, I mean daily. If I dont know a word, I make it up. In truth, I took it until Gr. 11. I skipped class to go to Starbucks one day and it turned out it was the day we learned how to conjugate verbs. That messed me up for the rest of the year.

I don't know who's left to tag. If you haven't been, considered yourself tagged:)

Oh, and Mike blogged for the first time in a year.

2008-10-07T21:58:00.003-07:00

On Sunday night we were at a church-type gathering, talking about culture in relation to faith and as a core component/belief of the group we were with. I've always, up until Sunday night, heard it preached the same way: "Yes! Let's engage in the culture of our day! Lets invite them to our church and engage them there!" I hope that doesn't come off as offensive. I don't mean to offend, but a lot can happen between my fingers typing and when I hit "Publish" and it gets to your eyes. But I'm not here to defend myself, just to share something I learned and cannot get out of my head since I learned it:

"The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood."

~John 1:14 The Message

2008-10-04T12:09:00.002-07:00

I always have such bold intentions of keeping this more updated. And then life picks up and before I know it we haven't had one free weekend in September and my poor blog is, yet again, out of date. At the moment, I'm a little burnt out, on a down-swing from a stressful week, and am now suffering the consequences with a nasty cold. I drank some herbal decongestant tea and the good news is that it seems to work. The bad news is that it tastes like I steeped a gnome and they recommend 3 cups a day.

With Mike in school (ECE) 2 nights and 1 day a week it's been quite the balancing act figuring out "our" time together, the things we have to do and the things we want to do. We are not always entirely successful and often it's the later category that suffers, but, oh!, we are learning!

Recently I was at a womans retreat. We had the usual coffee and tea and yummy things to eat as well as stamping and making a card. But we also had some yoga, a game of "I've never" that turned a little PG when we ran out of things to say, and took some time to walk a labyrinth in reflective/contemplative prayer. The tables were decorated with sunflowers and quotes from various people. This one was my favorite and I'll leave you with it now.

God speaks to each of us as he makes us,
then walks with us silently out of the night.

These are the words we dimly hear:

You, sent out beyond your recall,
go to the limits of your longing.
Embody me.

Flare up like flame
and make big shadows that I can move in.

Let eveything happen to you: beauty and terror.
You need to keep going. No feeling is final.
Don't let yourself be seperated from me.

Nearby is the country they call life.
You will know it by its seriousness.

Give me your hand.

~Rainer Maria Rilke

Measuring time in Dave

2008-08-25T19:24:00.008-07:00

Yes, it's that time of year again...the time where I start counting down to Dave--and the rest of DMB. 4th year running now and I can pretty much landmark the past few years of life by this event. Heading down to The Gorge to take in the beauty of the landscape, the people, and music.

Three years ago it was me and a couple of girlfriends, Heather and Amelia. Treking down, hours spent in Heather's parents van, drinking out of Nalgene's by a man-made lake, venturing to Pike Place Market, to a BBQ shack in Ellensburg, through a red light, jumping off a cliff, meeting up with friends and then on to see DMB.

Two years ago it was Heather and Michelle and I and some boy I was pretty fond of. That was the year of taking walks, late nights and early mornings, making Guac in the car. And that boy I was pretty fond of drove us down and waited in the parking lot, making friends with random American's. I had no idea where he and I were headed, but Dave played Crash that year...I should have seen the sign;)

Last year it was just he and I...we forgot to co-ordinate ticket purchases with Heather and Michelle. We had a better idea of where we were headed--little did I know he'd spring the ring on me in less than a month from then. We set up our tent, travelled and camped together really well. I think there's something to be said for going camping together. My parents always told me that if you could go camping together and survive there wasn't much else you couldn't conquer (they had to set up a new tent in the dark without instructions and they're at least 30 years in to marriage:).

This year I'm heading down to DMB, a married woman of all things. We'll meet Heather and Michelle down there. Driving to Birch Bay Friday night, getting up early enough to make it to DMB at The Gorge by 6:30, and then waking up early again to have time enough to stop at the Premium Outlets/Pike Place and be back in town to say good-bye to our senior pastor at 6:30. Oh vey! Not the most relaxing DMB trip for us, but it will be fun no less.

Off on another adventure!

Bits and Baubles

2008-08-15T10:46:00.004-07:00

It's day number 2 of me versus the migraine. So far me and my bottle of Advil Liqui-Gels are winning but the start of a migraine is sitting at my temples and taunts me. I'll have to see how this plays out.

In other news, I have a day off accompanied by a false sense of security that I'm all caught up on work. This is never the case so I'm a little concerned as to what I'm forgetting. In the mean time I plan to clean a little. It's mostly the wine glasses from 2 nights ago when Heather and Michelle (yay, she's home!) came and made us dinner that are calling to me.

Yesterday I managed to sunburn 4 avocados. I lovingly sat them on the window sill to ripen and, when I picked them up at night to check on them, the sides that had been facing the sun were brown. Who knew?

And, finally, this man here...

...is going to be a pre-school teacher! That's right, Mike has landed his dream job. He'll be taking classes and teaching at the same time. He's super sad to be leaving his old line of work but this has been his career goal/dream job for the past 4 or so years and it's the right direction to take now. We're super excited to see what happens and where God takes us from here.

Cheers to yet another adventure!

Birch Bay

2008-07-24T20:54:00.002-07:00

So, we spent last weekend at Birch Bay at Mike's Aunt and Uncle's trailer. As usual, there we some shinanigans, good food, and great friends...

This was our Friday night, watching The Bucket List (worth a look-see!). Later we ventured to the beach and ran into our neighbours, Todd and JoJo from Seatt's, and we had some laughs, country comparisons (inevitable, aren't they?), and some hot dogs around the bonfire.

Mike and I enjoying his $3.50 white shiraz selection from Cost Cutters...God bless America!

All of us girls on the beach before dinner, Saturday. Holly split her wine all over my foot shortly after this pic. Stephanie, the birthday girl, later wore a Japanese sash that translated into "I'll be drinking tonight" (thanks Diaso!). Heather made some amazing blackberry-lime sangria that we drank after. I added some general life to the party and made yummy things. Mike brought the testosterone and sweet music mixes.

What's a birthday party without sparklers around the bonfire?

Sunday we crawled out of bed to have pancakes, do a little shopping, and then take a walk on the beach before dinner and heading home. Can't wait to do it all again next weekend!

Part 3: Home again

2008-06-27T11:11:00.002-07:00

Coming back home from all that wining and dining was a bit harsh ("Let's just stay up here...no one will notice!") but the spoils of our wine tasting victories helped to ease the pain. That's all the wine we got. I believe somewhere in the neighbourhood of 42 bottles. And now we're just settling into things, settling into life, thanking God for all His riches and His faithfulness, seeing where life takes us next...Cheers!

Part 2: More the Naramata side of things

2008-06-27T10:30:00.004-07:00

Our room at The Naramata Herritage Inn and Spa. I believe it was the Okanagan Room. Fabulous place!!! Continental breakfasts to die for! Housemade granola, assortment of dried fruit/berries/nuts to add in, yogurt, fresh fruit salad, house baked 7 or 9 grain bread, housemade preserves, cheeses, and some other bread product (usually danishes, croissants). And of course, the orange juice/coffee/tea as well. Claw-footed tub in the room, balcony with bistro set out our back door, view of Okanagan Lake...amazing.

A little blurry but I just had to throw in a picture of us with a massive lilac bush. Naramata seems like a real-life Starshollow (Gilmore Girls). Everywhere you walk smells like lilacs and there are giant lilac bushes absolutely everywhere. They have a town peacock and peahen, Harley and Pearl (we met Harley on one of our evening walks). We even went to their May Day festivities and saw their "royal party" and grade 3 and 4 students dancing around the May Pole. What a place!

Mmm, Sumac Ridge. We had dinner here of salmon on a bed of roasted veggies and some leek compote with a half litre of their white Meritage. Before we even ordered our server came out with 2 glasses of their Pinnacle wine, compliments of them, because they heard it was our honeymoon. We still have no idea how they knew this. Seriously folks, we've pretty much exhausted all possibilities. In any case, I think we finished our meal off with some kind of cheesecake (mascapone? ricotta?). Such a nice staff, such good food and wine, we'll be back.

The last winery we visited, Mission Hill. How gorgeous. I could try to describe all the beauty-the bell tower, the outdoor amphitheatre, the view-but I know I can't do it justice. Seeing is believing! This is us in the vineyards...thanks to the man who invented timers on cameras.

And the last full day we were honeymooning we went up the Kettle Valley Railroad and walked (I couldn't call it a hike) to Little Tunnel. I didn't bring runners on the honeymoon so I did the 8km round trip in flip-flops. Several blisters and 20-30 minutes of walking in the rain later, we made it back to the car (it was so worth it though!) and headed back to the spa at the Inn for our couples massage and had dinner of halibut with a Lake Breeze wine for dinner at The Wine Bar in the bottom of the Inn. Fab food-yet again!-and our server was so nice.

Part 1: The Golden Mile(ish)

2008-06-27T09:22:00.009-07:00

I find myself, on this gorgeous Friday morning, sipping some hot water and lemon and realizing that I got up 1.5 hours earlier than I intended to (attribute this to the 2 hour nap I took yesterday, trying to sleep off a migraine) and realizing that I've been slacking on my blog.

So here are some honeymoon picturers. Nothing too exotic (sorry to disappoint), but we headed up country to do lots and lots of wine tastings. We stopped at Nk'mip, Desert Hills, Burrowing Owl, See Ya Later Ranch, Inniskillin, Tinhorn Creek, Jackson-Triggs, Hester Creek, Blasted Church, Sumac Ridge, Hillside Estates, Therapy, Elephant Island, Lake Breeze, Mt. Boucherie, Quails Gate, and Mission Hill. Whew! I think that's all of them. We aso carted around our own "wine tasting kit"--a box of Premium Plus Crackers and two 1.5 litre bottles of Dasani.

I love-love-love-love-love to BBQ and we were fortunate enough to be staying at the summer home of Mike's family friends who were gracious enough to offer it to us and had a BBQ...we never used the oven once for dinner:) This was our first meal, complete with bubbly that Heather brought back from Oregon for my last birthday and the first flowers Mike ever bought me. I waited a while to get them (it was worth it to see them in the hotel room after the wedding) so they came on the honeymoon too...there was no way I was leaving them at home to die!

See Ya Later Ranch with the tasting house in the background. Such a cute place, great view, they love animals, and the tasting lady couldn't have been any nicer!

But check out the jugs at Jackson-Triggs!

Amazing view! The hippy taster lady wasn't the most personable of the bunch (after a long drive to get there) but it was still a pretty neat place to go to and the wines were yummy. The signs leading up to and away from here read "Covet thy neighbours wine"--right on.

Ahh, Burrowing Owl. Quite possibly our favorite. We had lunch at their restaurant and it was amazing...I had the warm hazelnut crusted goats cheese salad, Mike had the house baked vegetable focaccia sandwhich, and we finished off our meal with their lemon balm frozen white chocolate parfait. We had our meal with a half litre of sauv blanc. I nearly died.

2008-05-08T16:04:00.002-07:00

Oh goodness. It seems that as in 2 sleeps/1 day I will be entering "Mrs.-dom", this is most likely my last post as a single gal. I self-tanned myself this morning, picked up my dress, enjoyed some times with the girls and my mom at the nail salon, and after running a few errands I wait to run a couple more before we celebrate my man's birthday (and then probably work on printing programs and table names/seating chart:).

The slideshow got done for the signing of the marriage license. The songs are picked out. Everyone has their clothes. Our hearts are prepared, excited, and anxious in the best possible way.

I had a nail break yesterday so now I have fake nails on (a first for me)...bizarre and weird to type with. I'm sitting here, awkwardly typing (more so than usual), knowing I have to leave in a few moments but trying very hard to make sure I'm remembering all this and taking it in. My tea has run dry and I need to run. Things to do...

...going to the chapel and I'm going to get married!

Weddings, Jelly Fish, and a Baby

2008-04-28T13:28:00.002-07:00

It's now 12 days until the wedding. We're under the 2 week mark and we're (finally) doing our pre-marital counselling tonight. Things are under control (only because every night and free moment during the day has been carefully planned by my man and me:).

Friday was an amazing dinner with some great friends of ours.

Saturday was a wedding at 11am in Richmond and a reception at 6pm in Coquitlam. They served a traditional 10 course Chinese buffet. Good thing one of Mike's groomsman's was there so he could be my food translator (born in China, speaks Cantonese). Being the only "white-y" at the table (as they affectionately called me:), I was trying to be discrete about my food questions but by the end I was asking the whole table. They would throw on an accent and tell me what their gramdma used to tell them "It's good for you! Eat it!". Among some of the "delicacies", I ate jellyfish (never again--it was like pickled rubber bands and it took an entire glass of wine to get it down) and shark fin soup (I think that also involed sea cucumber and was the consistency of mucus). On the plus side we also had crab, yummy noodles, plenty of wine, and danced like nobody was watching. All in all, a great time with a fun table.

Yesterday there was a baby shower for my very soon to be sister-in-law and our wee little nephew and I think a good time was had by all. Later, Mike and I headed east and saw our friend Michelle who just got back from India and heads off to Kenya in a few weeks.

So here we sit on the home stretch...the moment Mike and I have been waiting for is nearly here. I'll leave it at that--everything beyond this my "bride brain" tries to write comes out sounding cheesy and cliche.

Cheers!

Ground control to Major Tom

2008-04-21T13:13:00.002-07:00

19 days to go. 19 days until W-day. Favours have been made--shout out to Heather and Kim for the help! I need to Martha-fy the flower girl basket, ring bearer pillow, and unity candles. I go for my final dress fitting in a few minutes. We have been blessed beyond comprehension by 2 showers (one from Mike's side and one from mine at our respective parent's houses). On Saturday I got "wedding brain". This wasn't suppose to happen! I was going to be the girl who held it all together! They tell me I should make a full recovery shortly after May 10th. We're loving our new little nephew so much and trying despritely to keep up on work duties and trying our best not to neglect our friends inbetween wedding stuff. And the beat rolls on...

Movin' and shakin'

2008-04-01T17:05:00.002-07:00

This past Saturday I made the trek to Brentwood with Heather and Kim to pick up bridesmaids dresses. What we thought would be a short jaunt nearly devoured our whole day. My un-recommendation of the month: Bryan's Bride...avoid going there, you'll thank me.

Mike moved on Sunday to our basement suite. It's pretty fabulous. I moved a bunch of stuff of mine that was still in boxes from my parents moving in June. I'm glad to see the clutter gone and I think my parents are secretly glad to have that portion of their basement back (although, they say they didn't mind...good to know for future storage needs, should they arise).

And now it seems like the "Wedding Home Stretch" is upon us. My mind is full of favours and programs and who's wearing what and meeting with Mr. Golf Course and Mrs. Decorator and Ms. Take-My-Wedding-Dress-In. Not to mention that Mike's sister should be having a wee one any day now. Busy busy!

And now to finish up that report I was taking a break from...

Return Of The Mac

2008-03-17T13:32:00.002-07:00

I haven't had mac and cheese for...years, I think. I can cook and bake all sorts of yummy things-although BBQing is my true passion and forte- but today I hit the mac and cheese wall.

I'm coming down with something that I hope is a cold and so for lunch I went in search of some childhood comfort-ish type food and the mac and cheese found me while I was looking in the pantry. I thought "It's been years, old friend!" I boiled the water, threw the noodles in, set the timer then went to check my e-mail. The box told me to "stir occasionally" but I thought they were just joking. 7 minutes later I came back to find that some of the noodles appeared to fuse with the bottom of the pan. It was still totally edible, just struck me as curious.

Thus my lesson for the day is: The mac and cheese folks are not joking about stirring.

Part-time blogger, long post-er

2008-03-03T12:49:00.005-08:00

My sincere apologies for this once-a-month habit of blogging I've developed.

No coffee. I've had one cup (on the first Sunday of Lent...you get Sundays off if you're not Catholic) but it was after a very late night and an early morning. But the rest of my Lent has been coffee free. The headaches have subsided now but when my alarm sounds the beginning of my day I still get a craving to wake me up so I pray instead. Since I gave up coffee my water intake has risen. I used to average about 1-1.5 liters a day, now I'm averaging 2-3 liters a day.

On Sunday I just finished a 7 day gastro-intestinal cleanse and I feel pretty great. Breakfast and lunch were replaced by shakes and 5 liver support pills/capsules. The first 4 days are dedicated to repairing and the last 3 days are for detoxifying (to a cellular level) from pesticides, metals, and other toxins. I got the kit from Roots and I'm thinking of doing another one in a months time. My birthday was within the week so one night I was a little bad and had cake. Carpe diem!

My wedding dress came in and I got to go try it on Friday and it was fabulous! I won't say much more because you-know-who reads this. I'm very excited. We found a photographer and are working on the invites. Things are rolling along really well in the wedding sector of life.

We got a tip on a great basement suite our friends were moving out of and snagged it so Mike moves in there April 1st...I'm not kidding. We bought a dinette set (table, 4 chairs, black-brown stain) and 2 dark brown, leather-looking couches for a smoking deal. They're perfect for our "firsts".

Yesterday we headed onto the SkyTrain with a couple of friends and had dinner at Capones in Yaletown...delicious and so cool. I had the charizo and prawn fettucini in a tomato sauce with kalamata olives and goat cheese. Mike had a Mediterranean fettucini and got used to the idea of olives. Then we walked from Yaletown to English Bay in the sprinkling rain to Cupcakes and Starbucks. Fun with friends and a great way to end off a severely busy weekend.

Next weekend's adventure: Seattle with Heather...stay tuned.

Briefly speaking

2008-02-06T20:59:00.000-08:00

So, it's Lent and I've decided to give up coffee. We met with our wedding planner and decided a theme and I'm pretty excited about it. We're looking at some real estate very seriously. And we're still on the hunt for a photographer...too many to choose from!

Knock it off

2008-01-29T17:27:00.000-08:00

If you're the lunatic who keeps trying to reset my gmail account password, newsflash: it's not happening. You can't make it happen. Only I can. So if you could wien yourself off this nasty little 4-7 times a week habit that would be fabulous. I realize that after doing this for a month or so this may be hard to do as an actual habit may have formed...from my end of things the cold turkey method is prefered as it is immediate.

I have the grandest hopes for you that you will soon find something else to occupy your time with.

Best of luck, sicko.

Friends, Romans, Countrymen: Lend me your coupons!

2008-01-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

Working and planning, working and planning some more. I guess that pretty much sums it up. On the planning front, if possible, please save me your Michael's 40% off coupons. I will be very greatful (thanks to those who are already on the look-out and have already hooked me up).

Aside from planning the wedding, we've been keeping pretty busy this past month. We've been to a couple of shows that friends have been playing (Citizens For Airplanes and Timothy). Fondued with Kirstin and Todd and kicked some booty at Movie Scene It...thanks to Mike. Helped surprised a lovely lady for her birthday. Last night we were kicking butt again but this time at Music Scene It-Mike and I carrying our team of 4 (the other 2 admitted they were no help)-until the other team doubled their numbers to 8 and pulled ahead. A rematch is already in the works.

This next week is holding more intense wedding planning, possibly more real estate, sending a friend off to India for a couple of months, a 30th birthday party, booking a photographer, and hopefully some wine and unwinding after it all.

I'll let you know when something truly exciting happens.

Everyone's doing it

2007-12-30T15:26:00.000-08:00

Oh 2007, what a ride you've been. I'm not sure even where to start. I like Heather's idea of picking a memory-a-month but-truth be told-my memory fails me some months and I'd hate to copy-cat such a fab idea. Guess I could look back on my blog to see what I was up to in those months where memory fails me but so could you and chances are that you are reflecting on your own '07.

Right now I'm remembering 2007 as a flash of a year. Lots happened. Many times I (and subsequently my man) were over-extended in many respects...and then we learned (and are still learning) how to say 'no'. But many more times I, and/or we, enjoyed the company of good friends, good times, and good wine. Ah-ha, most memorable wine moment of 2007: The week before the cruise in September, Heather asking, over wine, if I thought Mike was going to propose on the cruise and me using my 'could you say anything dumber?' voice to tell her I didn't think so. But as this year closes and the next begins it seems like things will not be slowing down (wouldn't that be nice?). Full-speed ahead with wedding plans, planning for 4 and a half months to feel like 1 or 2, I'm sure.

Cheers to a 2008 filled with God's peace and grace no matter where the year takes you.

Holy Toast!

2007-12-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

Well, the antibiotics for my ear infection have been giving me a headache and making me feel barfy. It's a trade off, I suppose. Only a couple of days left.

Working nights for a month has resulted in a burn-out (hence the ear infection) and now I'm left dragging my butt around during the day. I can't wait for Christmas morning so I can sleep in:)

Tonight Mike and I are braving the mall in search of Christmas presents. We only have a couple of things to get, no big deal...I can't wait to see all the frenzied shoppers:)

Today at Winners I picked up this great piece of Christian-type kitch. I couldn't resist. It's called "Miracle Toast". It's a bread stamper and you stamp the bread with it and then put the slice in the toaster and when the toast comes out you have your very own piece of miracle toast with the Virgin Mary on it! Nothing starts your day off right like a little miracle in your toaster. I think I'll try slipping a piece in the stack of toast on Christmas morning.

One month later...

2007-12-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

...and I've finally gotten around to posting. I'm on week #3 of working until 8pm most nights, one more week to go (I say optimistically).

I bought my wedding dress. First store, first one I tried on (no worries, the girls all made me try on more). I can't wait until it comes in and I can try it on for real. We even ventured into almost Burnaby and picked out bridesmaids dresses and got the girls sized after my Mom treated us to lunch. It was a perfect day.

And then I rear-ended a guy. My first two-vehicle accident. Merging onto the Haney Bypass. It was classic. I wasn't sure if I was going to pass out or throw up, and between all my shaking and helping the man remove my front bumper off the back of his (so Heather says, I don't actually remember that part) I didn't know which end was up. The man was extremely nice to me and that helped. Mike coming to save all of us freezing ladies was also nice. He's a keeper. That was November 10th and I'm still driving the courtesy car that has that "old cigarette smoke" stench. Apparently, they've been waiting on parts. One thing I know for sure: I was missing my 4 wheel drive when we got that dump of snow on the weekend.

From there, things have been a blur. Lots of work and little play make Lindsey a dull girl. But a dull girl who is thrilled that Advent is here, waiting in anticipation of that holy night, none-the-less. The stars are brightly shining.

Countdown: 5 days

2007-11-05T14:04:00.000-08:00

Oh my oats. I go dress shopping in 5 days. I feel like I should be better prepared. I don't know how I could be better prepared, it's just how I feel. Luckily, my Mom, sister and my 2 other bridesmaids (Heather and Kirstin) will be along and they all have no problem telling me what they think. My attitude about this event changes daily...if not hourly. Currently I'm a little excited with a side of trepidation. I should probably be leaving for work in a couple of minutes, the dress just over-took my brain for a moment...I'm better now.

That time of year

2007-11-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

Winter is well on it's way. Hallowe'en, Mike and I manned my house as everyone else was gone for various work reasons. We had a fake pumpkin. All of us at my house had neglected to get pumpkins. I love carving pumpkins...LOVE it. One day, I dream of entering a contest. I love it that much. So this year our pumpkin plugged in and looked like it was carved by a 10 year old. And our neighbour might have lied a little when she said they got 6 kids last year because this year we didn't have one.

November 1st I saw my first Canadian goose flying "V" of the year as I drove along Port Haney. Any chance of hitching a ride guys?

And yesterday-my heart be still-I had my first holiday drink of the season. A reduced-fat eggnog latte and it was Christmas in a cup.

It's getting to be that time of year again so you should all start thinking about when you will be watching Love Actually and Elf and drinking your peppermint schnapps and hot chocolate. 'Tis the season!

Frank N. Stein

2007-10-23T09:54:00.001-07:00

So over the weekend I got to spend a nice chunck of time with my friend Heather on Saturday morning. She delivered me a couple of pumpkin mugs from Starbucks that I fell in love with and we got to have coffee and lunch and just enjoy each other's company. Then I took the #1 toward Coquitlam because I was going to check out a car and I was flipping through radio stations. Turns out one of the stations was at a party shop in Port Moody and giving away a chocolate fountain if you brought in anything pumpkin...perfect!

Traffic was bad and by the time I made it there it was given away. But, if I could name who sang "It's My Party (and I'll Cry if I Want To)" I would win a "life-size" Frankenstein blow-up doll. I had no idea, but I knew my Dad would. He did. Frank now stands, at roughly 6 feet tall, near our front door and the family thinks he's great. It's a weird prize but, hey, I'm competitive and a sucker for winning something. Party on, Frank!

Foggy

2007-10-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

It's October and I'm loving it. The pumpkins are out in full force. I was thinking of making a few of the mini one's into tea light holders for Thanksgiving dinner (I saw Martha do it with apples a few years ago). As we speak, the sun is trying to bully the fog out of the way in my backyard. And while our digital temperature gauge reads a measely 4 degrees out, I'm snug inside enjoying my hot water with lemon, trying to decongest this cold I've developed and will it away. My head, much like my backyard, is far too foggy to pen anything more. Happy October all!

Love Boat

2007-09-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

Let's cut to the chase.

Mike's parents had a bought a one-night cruise from Seattle to Vancouver for Christmas and that happened this past weekend. While we were somewhere inbetween those two destinations, happily bobbing along, things got even happier. Right before dinner Mike took me to the helipad at the back of the ship, dropped down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Back at the restaurant, dinner was a blur. There was much hugging and crying. The crying was mostly me but when Michelle (Just Plain Rocks) and R (Martha Wants to Be Her) showed up with their DH's, there was more crying (don't ever let R tell you she's devoid of compassion ever again...sorry to blow your cover:). The wait staff brought over a cake for the 2 of us and tied our wrists together with a napkin and sang "Let Me Call You Sweetheart". The past couple of days have been a blur of phone calls and squealing and just plain ol' happy.

I am truly blessed. The most wonderful man has made me the happiest girl.

What's the rush?

2007-09-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that September is moving awfully quick. September snuck by me while Mike and I were on our Dave Matthews trip (Dave post coming to a computer screen near you soon...waiting on pics). Next thing I know fall is underfoot...literally. I'm taking a walk around my neighbourhood and I'm having a fantastic time crunching leaves with my sole's when the thought occurs: "Crunchy leaves? It's only September...it's almost half gone!". The days are still nice and cozy. Although, I have been caught sporting that same summer wear outside later in the evening and- wah-wah-wee-wah! -it's brisk.

This month has also brought near-completion to the barn in my backyard (5 stalls and gorgeous). Today might be the last day a few men take over my backyard-and early morning sleep-in order to hammer and saw a horse-house. We also have a new addition to our house: a Boxer puppy named Marley. She's my sister's dog. Despite my reservations about a Boxer (I'm still not a fan of the general bread but a fan of Marley only), she's adorable and affectionate and I love her.

I'm looking forward to October, to pumpkins, to more leaves, to cozy drinks, to bundling up in scarves. To Thanksgiving and the idea of "harvest", bringing the fruits of our labours. I might have invited fall a little early: I had my first no whip, non-fat, pumpkin spice latte of the season yesterday. I don't care if it was wrong...it was delicious!

Freud and Roy

2007-08-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

A couple of my sister's friends are moving away and we hosted their surprise going away party on Sunday afternoon. I foolishly volunteered myself to BBQ for all these people after a week of camp and a weekend on worship team so my parents and sister could visit everyone.

Mike and I were having a conversation about wine with my Mom, who often mixes up her words. Right before we moved she was on the phone and got mixed up and informed the lady "I must have ADSL". My Dad later informed her that that was a computer term and she probably meant ADD but, just for good measure, asked her if she was high-speed or low-speed. On Sunday I was trying to inform her of the cunning genius of the Therapy vineyard and this is how our conversation went:

Me: "You know who Sigmund Freud is, right?"
Mom: "Oh yeah, yeah! He's the guy with the tigers!"
Me: "No, that's Siegfried and Roy, Freud was the grandfather of psychology."

Mike and I amost peed our pants.

I've made a bad choice

2007-08-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

Bad is an understatement at this point and I need to rant. I just need to get it out.

After finishing off a fabulous day at work I thought "I think I'd like a hair cut". Maybe I should have stopped there...I don't know. I went to Great Clips. If you have an "I told you so" or "no wonder" kind of comment for me, kindly don't. My dear friend Cathy Jo works there but is gone for the summer. Apparently I should only go there when she is available.

I told the "hair dresser" (in quotes because I'm now doubting that's what she actually does) that I would like to keep the same style (that Jo gave me) just take some length and bulk off. What she heard was that she should take at least 2 inches off a couple of significantly large chunks of hair immediately so that it would be too late to go back. To top it off she was an over-sharer and thought that everything she had/did/accomplished needed to be announced in a loud voice so that everyone could hear. She shared, unsolicited, that she had recently lost 17 pounds in 7 weeks. I now realize it was all in her brain, poor girl.

The longest hairs I have on my head are 3 inches long...I just measured. I was in tears on the way home when my good friend Shannon passed me in her car and called me. She was the first person I talked to after my hair butchering. The gracious flower got an ear-full. This ranks with the spiral perm that went awry when I was 12.

Today I have made a bad choice. I plan to make better choices tomorrow.

Internet-Sminternet

2007-08-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

So, apparently my high hopes of blogging something fierce once I got the internet under-estimated the nomadic-ness of the summer. I have house-sat for 3 weeks this summer. A week in Place A at the beginning of July and then a week in Place B at the beginning of August followed directly by another week in Place A followed directly by camping in the Okanagan for a weekend.

Inbetween, we've seen the fireworks (both the Saturday shows). The first time we went we had to leave late from our fair city (church commitments) but-no worries!-we were fortunate enough to have Wayne and his "Cone Zone". No lie, Mike's crazy friend had taken those mini, soccer-esque cones and sectioned off an entire section of False Creek, complete with the BC Power Smart light-up do-dads on top of each. Heather, Mike and I had quite a good laugh. Canada put on a fabulous show. We went to the Grand Finale with good friends Karin and David. This time we got there quite early and had a picnic dinner. Super good times. We've been to a couple birthday parties. We threw a bit of an impromtu BBQ complete with Guitar Hero and the piano/singing/interpretive dancing that Heather was mentioning in her blog.

Next week I'm getting in touch with the way my summer's used to be by volunteering at Timberline for the week...Mike-a.k.a. Pez-will be coming too, to see how it's done. Ahh, days spent relaxing at the rock wall and rappeling cliffs, chatting to the kids, trying to make it look like work. I can't wait. That's followed by a week at home only to break on through to the other side and be on our road-tripping way down to The Gorge to experience "Stompalooza". It's a whole weekend of Stomp tribute bands. Yeah right. We're going to see Dave! The Dave Matthews Band! If you're unfamiliar, please reference rants from previous August's.

As my man reflected driving home Sunday, the summer of '06 was the Summer of Mayhem, the summer of '07 has become The Nomadic Summer. And I'm off again...

I have internet!

2007-07-25T21:18:00.000-07:00

I've emerged from my non-technological hovel. In some ways it feels good. Now I'm keeping up with the times. In some ways, ignorance was bliss. It was a nice break-I was so very happy to be nearly oblivious-but I'm glad to be back.

Monday night we were somebody's company. Tuesday night we helped celebrate Kirstin's 25th birthday at Milestone's. Thursday we're indulging in the Studio 60 series finale with Heather. Friday we're celebrating a good friend's 2nd anniversary of their 19th birthday. Saturday is the Celebration of Light. Remember back in the Benson and Hedges sponsorship "Symphony of Fire" days? Honestly, I liked that name better...more poetic. Then I begin the first week of 2 weeks of house sitting spread out at 2 houses. And the beat rolls on.

I think people who have their dogs riding in the box of their trucks are idiots. A well-respected former professor of mine once saw a dog dragged a few blocks before it's owner could be alerted to the result of his stupidity. I also feel that having any sort of fish on my car is not my thing. If people are going to hate my driving I think that's enough...I don't need to drag God into it to. And their are people who love God and evolution too, but I digress. Today I saw a man driving a pick-up with a yellow lab huddled against the tailgate...which was sporting an "evolution" fish. I don't hate evolution but, seriously, putting your pet back there? How's evolution working out for ya?

He was making a convincing case for primordial, single-celled pond scum.

I have no internet

2007-07-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

I am internet-less. That is suppose to explain my "sporadic at best" (thanks Heather) posts. I'm lucky if i get to check my e-mail twice a week...it drives me insane. Literally. I have to tune out the fact that I'm missing e-mails and important information and Facebook and Blogs because the lack of information and contact I'm experiencing is not alright.

In that case, the information I have for you all is this: my room is painted (a sort of light vanilla/tan colour...pictures to come when I have a floor); Mike and I spent Sunday driving metal wedges into portions of Alder and Cottonwood trees with sledge hammers at my house, along with some other people, and now I have blisters on my hands and extra strength Bengay has been my poor backs best friend and has helped me to smell like a giant candy cane; missed out on a concert last night due to a lateness factor but got to go to Cupcakes/Starbucks/English Bay with some good friends for good times.

Oh, here's a good one. I was house-sitting and Mike and Heather and I were settling in with cheesecake for a showing of Hell's Kitchen. I'm in my comfy shorts...the kind you wouldn't dare wear in public unless in another country. All of a sudden, Heather informs me that there are people on the porch. Turns out to be the people's German exchange highschool student, his mom and dad, and aunt. Long story short: they were leaving the next day, back for Germany, and they stayed the night. I made a mad rush to wash the sheets on the bed I was staying in (because the needed it) while Heather and Mike made quick work of hiding all our wine bottles. Apparently the house owners had tried to reach me on their home phone but to no avail. Until I knew what was happening, there was some angry tears and some words I should avoid repeating (it wasn't my best week), but now it's a good story.

I'm sure there's more and I promise to update more when I finally have internet access.

Until then, I am sporadically yours.

Moving

2007-06-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

I have 2 or 3 minutes-literally-to spend on a little update. We've moved. We love our new house. Moving was the core of mayhem...I guess that's what happens when you've been somewhere for 20 years and have to transfer everything. My room smelt like teenage boy, Mike and I shampooed the carpet, it didn't dry properly, I had to rip it out, and now we get to put laminate in once we putty and paint my dark forest green (nearly black) walls. Until then, I'm learning to love the way my bed rolls around, even when I go to sit on it. I have no internet access yet, hence the spotty updates. There's so much more but now I must run. Ciao!

One year later...

2007-06-20T15:44:00.001-07:00

*Last Friday night at Bryan's birthday dinner*

There are better pics out there (they're just on Mike's camera), but thanks to Joanne for sending this one!

In the midst of all the mayhem and stress happening at the moment, this is my joy. And in the absence of the stress and mayhem, this is my joy. A part of life I chose and choose and I don't have to worry about. A part of life that constantly makes me thankful and grateful to God and in which I am constantly witnessing His handiwork. This is my joy: the gift of the presence of his life in mine and God working in it all.

Mandy

2007-06-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our family dog, Mandy (a Maltese), had not been doing very well for a couple of days. She had been put on antibiotics but they only seemed to make her worse. Yesterday (Father's Day) I had a teary voicemail on my phone after church letting me know that Dad would be taking her into the vet for 1:30. Mike drove me to my house so I could say my good-bye to our loyal and loving family pooch.

So ends a 15 year long era in my family's life. We are glad to know she isn't suffering-we loved her too much to allow that to go on. But it's Monday morning and she's not sitting at my feet while I type this and, although I know in my brain that this will pass, my heart is feeling a bit of a void.

Look back and count down

2007-06-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

A few things have happened:
*4 days since I got this summer's worst burn...so far
*4 days since dinner with Sean and Elina in White Rock
*3 days since we had fun with Mike and Christina
*2 days since Tyler and Caleb's 7th and 5th birthday party
*2 days since I spent some quality time with my friend Sharon over yummy food at Milestone's

A few things are about to happen:
*10 days until I move
*10 days (8 school days) until school's out
*8 days until 1 year
*7 days until Heather and Michelle trek back home
*3 days until the weekend

With the impending end of school and day 1 of my family's 2 day move on the same day-seperated only by lunch-my brain is constantly running. I'm exhausted (mostly recovering from missed melatonin on Friday night) and my brain won't shut-off making falling asleep more difficult. These are not bad things by any stretch of the imagination-school's going to be out and I am severely excited to move-my brain is just in overload and won't let me get a moment's rest! But on that note, I'm sure I should be packing or calling someone to change an address or something of that nature.

All the colors mix together to grey

2007-06-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

So, in the midst of all this beautiful weather we're having, I go and break my baby toe on my left foot Friday morning. It's a lame story. I kicked a cardboard box full of stuff (for the move), by accident, while I went to put the ironing board away. I wasn't even moving fast and then I'm seeing stars. It's my first broken bone and I don't even get a good story. Sigh. Now it's swollen and the bruise is full of lilac, mauve, plum, mustard, crimson, and little veins of ruby. I'm looking forward to that healing muddle of grey. But the doctor said the pain should be better in 10 days when the bone fragments settle down, until then it's me and Advil. Keep an eye on Mike's blog. We took pictures of my toe last night.

I know it's not a big deal. I'm sure a lot of you have had broken toes. I'm just lamenting the fact that I wasn't doing something more excting at the time...like riding a rhinoceros.

Come and Listen

2007-05-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Saturday May 19th, Mike and I witnessed God's handy work as our friends Karin and David were married. We love them very dearly and couldn't be happier for them. "Come and listen" seemed to be the theme of the wedding, come and listen to what God has done. It was a beautiful ceremony preformed by her brother-in-law. At one point Karin was so excited that she did a bit of a dance move on stage...her brother-in-law thought it was nerves, but she quickly corrected him. Each and every speech at the recpetion was well-worded and executed and spoken in love. How often can you say that? The whole day was truly a celebration of God bringing two people together. The wedding favors were a packet of hot chocolate and 2 Tim Tams with instructions for the Tim Tam Slam and their thanks on the other side...perfect since Dave hails from Australia. It was indeed cause to celebrate!

This week has consisted of me coming home everyday from work and pricing things for our neighboorhood-wide gararge sale this Saturday. I kind of like pricing things. Some part of it is cathartic and relaxing. But on that note, those items in the garage are not pricing themselves. Make me an offer!

Mid-Week Review

2007-05-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

It's one of those weeks that I can't wait to be over. It's not bad, it's just feeling long. There have been highlights (My man, R and her DH, Shannon, finding an outfit for Karin and David's wedding, coffee, the finance minister sending me a small cheque for overpaying on medicare, and more).

I had a Monday of a Monday: my hairdryer broke in the middle of styling my hair before work (suddenly cold air and the smell of burning), I went to do up my pants and when I grabbed the button it flew off (thanks Old Navy), and a severe headache due to dehydration capped the day off. The neighbor's house has a loose piece of siding that slaps around in the wind, making sleeping with an open window (which I love) a nightmare. If I had a long grabby thing I'd rip it off in the middle of the night...they'd never know. Anyone out there have a long grabby thing they want to lend me? I ripped a nail off pushing a kid at school on the swings. I've been slightly burned everyday at work (it's too hot to wear a jacket of any sort!).

I am doing well, just ready for this week to be done. Last week flew by, this one is dragging like an albatross around a marineer's neck. But I'm halfway through. That means it's closer to my fabulous friend Karin getting married to her marvelous man, David, completing their journey from "us-ness" to "one-ness" (in their words:). I'm very excited for them.

Well, I must be going to coffee with Kirstin, followed by a meeting.

Are we there yet? :)

Sold!

2007-05-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

Yes, the house that I have spent the last 20 years of my life in was sold as of Wednesday at 9:30pm. I'm excited. We don't have much time to pack. Our move in date is June 22nd/23rd and we hand over the keys to our house to the new owners at 12 noon on June 24th.

I have 20 years of memories and trash to sort through. I should get wine. Last time I had wine it made me far less sentimental and I threw out a tonne. I have things that I think I should have a sentimental attachment to but I really don't. Without wine they sit in my "I would feel guilty if I threw you out" pile and with wine it's the "Hit the bricks!" pile all the way.

We're moving on up!

Say what?

2007-05-03T17:20:00.000-07:00

Not much to report, just felt like blogging.

Heather and Michelle are in Europe. My black softshell jacket went touring Europe with Heather. I hope they are having a blast together.

With the weather the past couple of days, I don't know whether I'm coming or going. I've worn filp flops to work the past 2 days. Yes, through the rain, sunshine, clouds, blue skies and hail my shoes-or lack thereof-have endured. And my feet are oh so happy.

There were a few highlights from Brad's sermon last week that are worth noting. Mike and I actually took notes but they're at his house so I'll just muddle my way through.

-Recounting his first read through the Bible when he identified himself with the Pharisees and thought they were the "good guys": "Hey that's my team! Go Pharisees go! Go Pharisees g--Oh no! My team just killed God!"

-Referred to our brains as "Those 3 pounds of meat between your ears. Or as someone pointed out, it's more like 3 pounds of fat".

Yeah, that's our Brad, banging the gong for Jesus:)

Weekend at a Glance

2007-04-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

It was the best of times, it was the best of times...it was the weekend.

Friday night marked our 10 month-iversary so we grabbed some dinner out and headed to Blades of Glory. John Heder, Will Ferrell, thank you for being vessels through which hilarity can flow. See that movie folks.

Saturday we headed to the 'Ford to see our good friend Heather graduate from college. There were a few of us there (besides her fam) cheering her on and I even got a few pics. Afterward, about 14 of us went to Presto Cucina and enjoyed some yummy lunch in celebration of Heather's achievement. Saturday night Mike and I rented Fast Food Nation. Interesting movie. I think it's worth the watch.

Sunday we picked up the pace. Church in the morning followed by stopping at Timmy Ho's to get lunch to eat in the ferry line-up on our way to Mike's cousin's 14th birhday. Then we left that shindig to pop over to Abbotsford because there was a grocery wedding shower happening for my dear friend Karin. Mike hung out with Karin's fiancee David and watched some classic DVD's while eating cupcakes I made. After the shower was over we all grabbed some eats and hung out at BP. Good times, noodle salad.

And this week is shaping up to be a busy one, yet again. I should really go grab a nap right now. Happy Monday!

Shh! It's here!

2007-04-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

Don't tell the weather man--I don't think he can handle it. It is a little alarming. And it's still a bit of a secret.

Today I was noticing that, magically, dandelions have sprung forth at the educational institute's field from the cold clutches of the winter ground. I looked down today and there they were. I'm not sure they were there yesterday. I guess God had some extra yellow and green kicking around last night and knew that we needed some brightening up around there. Enough of the boggy brown and brown and brown and green-ish field!

And while meandering around my backyard I stopped by our lilac bush and there it was: a bud. And above that one, another. And below it and to the left and to the right...they're everywhere!

Take a deep breath and hang on...

Spring is on it's way!

Addendum

2007-04-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

Seems that after reading through my post about the trip, Mike noticed I had forgotten a couple of notable things.

On the way to the ferry we hit insane traffic as there was an accident in Pitt Meadows. We decided to take a back way and we ended up in a very long line of cars. Some vehicles behind us obviously had more important places to be than everyone else because they would zip up the opposing traffic lane and try to weave back in. That's until our hero in the van directly behind us and his friend in the van behind him got into kahoots with each other. When a vehicle (usually a ridiculously large truck or zippy sports car) would try to pass, the van right behind us would weave out and him and the friend behind him would box the no-brains driver in. It was a thing of beauty. I rolled down my window to give my new favorite driver the thumbs-up sign. He gave me a wave. It provided me and Mike with quite a few laughs, a feeling of satisfaction, and entertainment for the traffic jam. Who needs those portable DVD players in your car when you have guys like that around?

And I thought I'd give R's "Dollar Bet" a go. As we were driving onto the ferry, I bet Mike a dollar to dump the entire contents of a package of juice crystals, that belong in a 500g bottle of water, into his oral cavity. He did. I took pictures. It was very amusing.

There, I think I've got it all now.

Island in the Sun

2007-04-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

Here's the account of the weekend on the island for Natalie and Kurtis' wedding. It's late, but it's long:)

March 30th, as soon as I was off of work, Mike and I loaded Zander (my trusty Sportage) up, ran a few errands and headed for the ferry. We had reserved a sailing for the 8pm ferry and boarded the Queen of Cowichan shortly after. The ferry ride was pretty uneventful. Upon docking in Nanaimo, we headed up the Island Highway towards Cowichan Bay where we were staying at The Ocean Front Grand Resort. We arrived at The Grand at nearly midnight and "Lurch" checked us in. The suite was the biggest I had ever stayed in...2 queen beds and a TV with a sliding glass door, bathroom, kitchen (fridge and stove), dining area, and a sitting room with another sliding glass door. And facing the ocean.

The next morning we headed to the local White Spot for some breakfast and I look over to see the groom, Kurtis, having some pre-wedding sustenance with, what I assume are, his guys. See, I had yet to met my friend Natalie's fiancee, Kurtis, but they pasted a picture of themselves on their wedding invite. I told Mike that I wanted to say something. At first he thought I shouldn't "freak the guy out on his wedding day"...he came around. So as the guys were leaving, I called out "Kurtis!". He looks over with a "yes...". I informed him that "You don't know me but I recognized you from your wedding invite. I'm one of Nat's friend's, Lindsey, and this is my boyfriend Mike. Guess we'll see you in a couple of hours!" I felt like I had just told a really good joke.

The whole ceremony was beautiful. Natalie and Kurtis just seemed "right" together. It's a good feeling to have when you don't know the man your friend is marrying. Before the ceremony, Mike and I had noticed a banner hanging on the wall...we call it "Revelation Jesus". More to come on that later. After the ceremony, we headed to Chemainus because I was, once again, trying to take Mike to The Twisted Sisters Tea House (tried in the summer, it was closed). We went and had high tea and it was amazing. As soon as Mike bit into his warm scone with raspberry preserves and heavy cream, he couldn't even wait to finish what was in his mouth before he exclaimed "Oh my gosh! This is so good!". I replied with "I know! This is why we had to come here!". We came home with 3 of their many loose leaf teas. We'll be making repeat visits.

The reception was very efficient. They were introduced as they walked in and headed right for the dance floor for their first dance, after which we were informed that they had always wanted to have dessert before dinner so they cut the cake. The food line moved with great precision and speed. It really was a marvel. We sat at a good table with some friends I hadn't seen for awhile and that Mike had seen...well, never:) Before the reception Mike said I should take a picture of "Revelation Jesus" because we know there are people who would want to see it. I wasn't sure of how to go about it so Mike suggested that I pretend to take a picture of the head table. Worked like a charm. Later on there was a bit of dancing and then we headed back to the hotel.

Some tarts checked us out of the hotel on Sunday morning and we were on our way. We had a 7pm reserved sailing because we had plans to grab dinner at a fabulous restaurant we know in Nanaimo so we just kicked around all day. We went to a couple malls, a Starbucks, and it snowed. We had dinner at The Phonecia. If you're ever in the area, eat there. It's hella yummy.

We ran into the maid of honor, our friend, on the ferry ride home, the illustrious Cathy Jo. Her and another one of the bride's friends, Jen, entertained us for the last leg of our journey.

It was a great trip. And, again, now we can't wait to go back to the island.

Mug Meanderings

2007-04-12T06:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, right before school started, I knocked my (empty) coffee mug off my table and the dang handle broke in about 4 pieces! Needless to say, I had to toss the poor thing out, and while I did I wondered if it was an ominous sign as to what my day was going to hold. Turns out it wasn't and I had a great day. While walking to the library, one boy even commented "Nice hair, Miss T" (I had it done up in bobby pins, not the usual). That never happens.

So now starts the search for the new work mug. The last one had some good depth, was simplistic but stylish enough to keep me happy, and from Starbucks. The work one's are much too piddily and small and so I'm compelled to bring my own.

A room full of 8 and 9 year olds and I break my own mug...figures.

8 & 9 year-olds and Easter

2007-04-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I definately need to blog about the greatness of last weekend on the Island but I'm running short on time so this is just an inbetween post.

At school, we've been working on an Easter project and there was a rush to get it done today so it can be lamenated, seeing as there's no school on Friday. Due to the nature of the project, I found myself saying a lot of weird things and right at the end I lost it. I exploded in laughter and I couldn't stop. It didn't matter much because the classroom had previously discended into caos.

At the end of the day the children were cutting out pieces to assemble Jesus in a white robe with a purple sash. This included cutting out the body of the robe, 2 sleeves, a purple sash, Jesus' head and vague facial features (beard and mouth), 2 hands and feet, and a neck. Some of the phrases that came out of my mouth were:

-"Where's Jesus' neck?! It looks like he's slouching...Jesus doesn't slouch."
-After one child made a mess out of a sleeve, I had to cut off some length to fix it for him. While I fixed it for him I suggested that "Maybe you should take a little more time to cut out the rest of your stuff...now Jesus has a stubby arm."
-"Jesus' wasn't pigeon-toed...switch the feet around."
-"Could you move the tablet down to his hand? I'm not sure he made things float just for fun."

Hope you were amused. The next blog installment will include all our island adventures. You can read it sometime soon-ish.

Busted

2007-03-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a busy but great one. We spent Friday night with some good food, great wine, fantastic people and their adorable wee ones, finishing off with a round of Scrabble. I haven't played that game in a very long time. Mike rocked the house. I got slayed. Saturday I ran around looking for a wedding present for this next weekend and then hustled to church to sing. After, we hit the Frogstone Grill with Mike's parents, his sister, and a couple of other friends. Yummy food (as always) and good times.

Sunday we had lunch at the Frogstone Grill. 2 times in less than 24 hours. That's a lot of awesome. While we were waiting for a table the manager lady (she's one of our favorites) came up to us and asked if I had written about a tea pot and quesadilla on the internet. I said I didn't think I had...and then it hit me...I posted about it on my blog! I had told her about the less than great experience Mike and I had at the Coquitlam Frongstone (see post titled "I just wanted more hot water" 11/09/06). Apparently the owner was searching the internet to see what people are saying about the Frogstone (and there is a lot being said) and what I had wrote got printed out and put up in the back and when she saw "Mike" and "quesadilla" she suspected me right away (I always give Mike's name for wait lists).

Mike and I thought it was absolutely hilarious. His response was "You're famous!". Yes, we are familiar faces to a few people there. But why stop a good thing?

Side note: Our favorite meal there is the mini-quesadilla (chicken for the chick and beef for the boy), easy onions, with ceasar and a "Heck yes!" to guacamole (we learned everything we know about guac from the Frogstone). And before Heather headed east, she and I would frequent that place nearly every Sunday after church. She rides the quesadilla train too, but sometimes she branches out.

Save the tofu! Have a quesadilla.

Content

2007-03-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

Sometimes greatness is found in a children's book. There have been a couple in my journey thus far that have taught me truth about life and God that I couldn't shake, even if I wanted to. After re-reading The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch as a grown-up I had to run out and buy them. But that's for another time.

There's a book I remember reading when I was knee-high to a grasshoper. It had been passed onto my sister and I from my Dad's childhood. We also, quite literally, had classics such as the Dick and Jane books. That's not an urban legend friends, that's childhood.

But this book had a red-orange hardcover cloth binding with an illustration of a cute kitten on the cover. It was called The Contented Little Pussy Cat by Frances Ruth Keller (New York: Platt & Munk, 1949). It was a story about a kitten named Abner who is always happy and the other animals all want to know why.

I find myself identifying with Abner lately. Not that all you other animals have been asking why or that I always appear to be happy and content (I really have to work on my poker face...some of you know my tell, even when I'm smiling). No, it's because at the end of the day, I am content. I know I have far less than some of you out there. We could all find something to throw extra money at. Sometimes my body doesn't work the way I hope it will. I am human and live in the same flawed flesh as everyone else, I get frustrated, and I get tired. But in the end, I am content. I am rich and have been blessed in more ways then I could imagine. My prayers at night are filled with gratitude and praise for all that God has orchestrated. I choose to believe that He he will continue to have good things in store for me. I realize there will be trials to grow me and just because we are fallen people. But I have my God who is faithful, my family who are a soft place to fall, my friends who make my world a more amazing place, and Mike who holds my hand through it all.

And, right now, today I choose contentment.

Walk or Roll

2007-03-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Mike and I caught an afternoon showing of '300'. Wow! I'd see it again...even in theater. There were some early 20-somethings standing behind us in line and we got to hear a bit of their conversation because, as we all know, the Meadow Town Cineplex feels it is adequate enough to have 1 person on the til during the pre-movie rush leaving you to be distracted by people watching. Since movies cost an arm-and-a-leg these days (anyone remember the cheap theater in Langley? That place was great!) I think there should be more than one person out front...you can obviously afford to pay them. Stop being cheap and greedy and offering poor service.

So a child rolls by on some "Heelies" and one guy behind us exclaims, "Man! I want some of those! Those are so awesome." To which his friend replies, "They wonder why kids are fat these days? They don't even walk anymore...they roll!"

Walk on. (Thanks U2)

Thus Far

2007-03-08T15:20:00.000-08:00

So far, 26 has been fantastic. I realize I should have let you all know this sooner. I've been too busy "doing" to "record". I think I'll have to do this point form style. Probably more point form, less style.

-Day-Before-Birthday dinner with my dear friend Karin and her great fiancee, David. They're a riot and we love them heaps!

-Surprise party 2 days after my birthday, thrown by Kirstin. She conspired with Mike over Myspace...super sneaky. She definately got me. While giving us the grand tour of their new basement suite I was definately not expecting 7 people to jump out of the bathroom closet. Good thing I used the bathroom before I got there.

-Hang out and guac with Mike and Heather. We watched Junebug. We weren't disappointed. Earlier in the week I dropped by the church in the evening and Heather played and we sang and it was just like when she worked at the church before. Mmm, good times.

-Skiing Sunday. Pretty good weather and a tonne of fun. Later we hit Memphis Blues for dinner. First time I had gone there...I will be back. Ended the evening at GM Place watching the Canucks take out the Tampa Bay Lightening in a 6 round shoot out. Received the tickets unexpectedly on Saturday night from some fantastic people and friends...so very kind of them.

That's it. That's all she wrote.

Champagne

2007-02-26T15:44:00.000-08:00

Quarter Century: I came, I saw, I conquered.

26: Bring it on.

I think today is the first birthday of mine that it's ever snowed. I wonder if I'll be able to metaphorically use that to describe this next year exactly a year from now? I was thinking about the year I just had when I should have been trying harder to sleep last night. I was mostly having a chuckle at all the less-than-ideal situations and counting my blessings for all the unexpected and better-than-I-had-anticipated situations.

I have had the vast blessing of continued friendships, the privilege of reconnecting with a couple of old one's, and the delight of making some new one's. I have a family that I love and that loves and cares for me too. I have a man who is more and better than I could ever hope for. I have my God who is faithful and sustains me each and every moment. I love my job. Life is good.

Thank you to all of you out there who have contributed to my journey. I thank my God for you often.

Cheers!

If you're smart, you'll light my fire

2007-02-20T15:41:00.000-08:00

Today, hilarity prevailed at school.

This morning the children were solving a math equation and one child asked for some help. He figured out the answer and I told him he was right. A minute or two later I heard the same child talking to his friend. The friend was trying to convince him that the answer was something different when said boy told him, mater of factly, that "Miss T says that the answer is 4...and she's way smarter than you!" That made my day...one of the children thinks I'm smart.

Lunch time! I was unpacking my lunch, children are lined up at the microwave. Now back in the day I had a peanut butter and honey sandwhich and I was very content with that. Nowadays you should see the stuff the kids come to school with! I digress. Next thing I know, I hear hysterical screaming and crying coming from the microwave area and I go over to investigate. On route I realize there is smoke pouring out of the microwave and I suspect this is connected to the hysterics. By the time I get there I'm trying to calm the child down and I look inside the microwave to discover 2 very crispy tacquitos, one of which has a black spot in the middle with a pillar of smoke exiting it. I pull it out of the microwave, praying the entire time that it doesn't combust into flames. I salvage one tacquito for the boy and run the other under cold water before I throw it out so it doesn't catch the garbage can on fire. I opened a couple of windows to help the cloud of smoke exit. That's not a good smell. Infact, it's nauseating. A split second after the children exited for recess, I zip my jacket up and start laughing as I exit. I relate to the teacher how funny I think this is now that the threat of fire has ceased and the class smells like a giant bag of burnt popcorn.

It's times like these I'm glad it's a 4 day week. I wonder what tomorrow will hold?

Date, With a Side of Random

2007-02-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

So I had heard about a little place in Fort Langley that sells cupcakes and tea and such and since we all know my man loves cupcakes I thought "If we walked over the ferry and into Fort Langley, I bet that would make a nice afternoon date." And on Saturday, that's exactly what we did. It did not go exactly as we envisioned but we had a good time.

It began by walking to Tracycakes. We entered a tiny tea room, decked out in a black-and-white, Perisian-type decorated room. With old ladies in it. We sat down at a glass-topped bistro tabled and ordered some of my favorite tea ever (Mighty Leaf Tea, Tropical Green Tea) and odered some turkey sandwhiches because Mike was starving. I kept apologizing to poor Mike. I felt out of place, how did he feel?! The sanwhiches came and Mike described them as "$7 sandwhiches that we could make at home for $3"...yummy, but not at all filling. They would turn out to be our appetizer. Then we had a cupcake each. Dense cake, dense icing, we prefer the home-made variety to these. After leaving the place, Mike says "I felt like I was going to break the place" to which I concur "Me too!". I also agreed with him that it's the closes to Starshollow (Gilmore Girls) we've ever experienced.

Time to make this up to Mike. We stop in at The Fort Pub where he orders a large, beefy burger and a pint of Sleeman's Honey Brown. Back on the Testosterone Trail. I had some soup. Some Lions guys came around selling meat draw tickets. I had never entered one before so we buy some tickets and came 2 numbers away from winning. Gross.

After we were done there we headed back to the ferry and vowed never to go to Fort Langley on foot because it's weird. But later on we decided it was okay for us to travel on foot if we were going to Wendell's because it's not weird and we know that. We spent the afternoon being fish out of water, in both cases probably being to young to be at each place, but we had a blast. Wish we had a camera to chronicle it for you all. Maybe next time.

Look Out!

2007-02-15T15:59:00.000-08:00

There seems to be a bit of poop hitting the fan this week. I just keep trying to duck.

On the other hand, highlights have included making heart-shaped marshmallows topped with chocolate ganache with R. She made the marshmallows and ganache earlier in the day Monday and then I came over to cut them out and help decorate. We already have plans for Easter. There was a surprise party for a friend at a yummy restaurant. Valentine's Day was great! Mike and his newly-engaged sister made an amazing dinner that us 2 couples enjoyed, topped off with blueberry cheesecake from Crumbs. Mike got me one of my favorite bottles of wine (that I'm usually too cheap to buy:), and some goat cheese, garlic, and my favorite crackers to accompany the bottle. Oh, and one of the greatest Valentine's Day cards ever...it involves The Muppets. All in all, a much needed, relaxing night in...loved it!!!

Valentine's Day at school was a different story. The children were all hopped up on sugar. One child lost a tooth (unrelated to the sugar). I settled into the general mayhem of the day by the time 9am rolled around. I couldn't fight it so I let it engulf me. While at R's house on Monday we helped her and her hubby make these great Hersey's Hugs and Kisses roses for her kids classes and there was enough left over to make them for my class, so we did. The boys spent recess dancing with each other with the roses in their mouths. One boy started sharpening the end of the bamboo skewer. I let him know that wasn't okay. I wanted to make a comment about not being in jail, but I controlled myself. Survey says: the roses rocked!

The past few days, I feel a little like I'm living in the Twilight Zone. It will be interesting to see how this week ends up. Until then, you can find me crouched behind anything. DUCK!

The Good News About the Bad News

2007-02-09T15:36:00.000-08:00

For the past month-and-a-half or so, Zander (my Sportage) has been sounding a little...funny. I think it sounds like there is a bird caught in my engine. Mike has, on occassion, asked me if I chirped my tires. My parents think it sounds like a bucket of bolts. To try and remedy my ill-sounding ride I made a doctors appointment for Zander (a.k.a. Bay City Kia).

Yesterday, I bee-lined it from work to the gas station to Bay City to find that the dear girl on the phone Wednesday really meant Friday when she said they could get me in "tomorrow" at 3:30p.m. What kind of a post-modern world do we live in when "tomorrow" becomes relative? So the dear man there tells me that it's okay and they'll see what he can do. I tell him I thought it was my fan belt but my Dad WD-40 that and it still chirped and he thought it was coming from the air-conditioning unit. He turned the engine on and it sounded the best it has in about 2 months. Thank you Murphy('s Law). The dear man pulls out a stethascope-type contraption with something that looks like surgical tubing and a probe attached to it. Roswell called, they want their gear back. He listens to a thing or 2, hears nothing and turns the engine off.

He has a little look-see under the bonnet when he exclaims "There's your problem." Turns out the hub of my fan is cracked. Not cracked around, cracked across. I was amazed that the fan had stopped in just the right position so that the man could so easily see it. Thanks God! Turns out they also have just one fan in stock and they could get me in this Saturday at 2p.m. God is good.

The kicker is that my 5-year warranty is up on Monday, February 12th and this is covered under the warranty. I'm so thankful right now for God's provision. I stopped by the daycare to let Mike know what was going on and, as I danced a jig down the hall (quite literally, ask him), I said with a smile "Good news! My fan is cracked!" He gave me a look like I was cracked.

Zander's surgery is set to take a couple hours and then he'll be good as new...thanks be to God!

My Inner 2 Year Old

2007-02-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

After this weekend, my inner 2 year old is dying to get out. Not the sweet and cute 2 year old either...that one is being edged out by the 2 year old who's favorite word is 'no'. I need to harness that inner 2 year old and the ability to say 'no'. Life is so great (thanks in large part to Mike) and I love all that we're doing but I can't keep going at this pace and expect not to get sick again. I know in my head that need to say 'yes' a little less, but I'm having trouble connecting my heart with that concept.

Yikes. That all seems a bit ranty, but my inner child was throwing a tantrum today. I feel a little 'no' coming on:)

February, oh February

2007-02-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

Goodness, I've really been slipping at this blogging thing. How does R do it everyday?! Life happens, you all know how that goes. My apologies.

It seems that January was barely here. I only realize all that's gone on when I look back. I was just settling in and, next thing I know, it's slipped through my fingers, replaced by the extra short February. February is a month of evaluation for me. It's my birthday near the end of the month so, for some reason, as soon as February hits I find that all my spare moments are spent evaluating the previous year. Today, for example, is the 1st of February and during my break I found myself thinking about where I was last year in life. Yesterday, January 31st, on my break I was thinking, carefreely, about the upcoming weekend.

Today I started having all sorts of questions reel through my mind that weren't there yesterday: How did I serve God this year? How did I make a difference in someone's life? What were my top 5 favorite adventures? If this past year was a rollercoaster, what shape would the track have? Did I remember to intentionally show people that I love them? How many bottles of wine did I drink? What didn't I do enough of? What did I do too much of? What do I hope to repeat? What do I hope to forget? Which were my favorite pair of jeans? Have I come closer to growing into the woman I want to be? I only have a few weeks left, what do I have left to do?

There's a glimpse into my mind for you.

Now, for something completely different, I have to get a pirate costume ready for tomorrow as it's pirate day at school. Then we have the worship social to attend so I need to get my clothes ready for that now or I could have a breakdown in the mayhem and accidently wear stretchy pants and nobody wants that. Thank goodness Mike can cook and will be taking care of that end of things for the social or we'd never make it. We'll be late, but we'll be there:)

I'm a tired pony

2007-01-20T09:04:00.000-08:00

I feel as if I don't have much to update on right now, even though it's been just over 2 weeks since I last posted. I contemplated writing a post about beard envy because Mike got such a good response going. Problem is I've never had beard envy because I've never wanted a beard. Although...beards make me think of pirates, pirates make me think of sailing, sailing makes me think of travel, and then I get travel envy. I have travel envy. We get to go the Island for a wedding the last weekend in March so that should suffice me for now:)

The past couple weeks have seemed busy but they've been full of good adventures. This past week has been a little tiring. Mostly mentally and emotionally draining, lots going on. I had hoped to relax a little this weekend so after attending a 1 and 3 year old's joint birthday today I think a nap can be squeezed in. Tomorrow I'm looking forward to going to the engagement party of a very dear friend. And then we start all over again on Monday. I cannot believe that January is almost over...what the heck happened?!

That's all I got right now, but when Amelia is telling you to post you know you've been a bad, bad blogger...

*FYI: "Oy vei! Enough with the poodles already!" is from The Gilmore Girls.

Wah-wah-wee-wah!

2007-01-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

So far '07 is off to a great start. Plenty of Starbucks, a little work, a lot of play, a turkey dinner with Mike's family, Body Worlds 3 at Science World, dinner and visit with some very fine friends and their cute kids, those same friends let me try out their Wii (LOVE IT! I think this is the gaming system for me), guacamole, snow (slushy as it is/was), and the beat goes on.

On the 2007 line-up we already have 2 weddings to attend (March 31st and May 19th), a baby-sitting gig next weekend followed by dinner and a visit, a possible trip to Blasted Church Winery (I'm hoping it's not the same weekend as one of the weddings), a birthday dinner for a friend in February, 3 children's birthday parties to attend in January...oy vei, enough with the poodles already!

Now, do not be alarmed, but you only have 9 days left. 9 days in which to experience Body Worlds 3 at Science World. We went with Mike's brother, his sister and her boyfriend. We also saw some other friends there and chatted for a minute or 2. Now, I realize some of you may think this exhibit is sketchy but I thought it was astounding! As Borat would say "Wah-wah-wee-wah!" I saw plastinated bodies and body parts such as clogged arteries vs. a healthy artery, smoker lungs vs. regular lungs, emphysema, lungs with cysts, brains, Alzheimers brain, stroke brain, livers and spleens-enlarged for various reasons and regular...and I touched a plastinated kidney. It felt just like plastic/rubber. And we saw a sliced cross-section (head-to-toe way) of an obese, 300 pound, 50 year-old man who died of something to do with his heart. That was incredibly gross. But don't worry, the last 3 days they are open for 60 hours straight. Just do it.

2007, I think you're winning me over. Oy vei, enough with the poodles already!*

*Anybody catch this TV show reference?