What a beautiful weekend. I worked all weekend long, with some nice people, so it was good. I missed the good weather for the most part but walked to SuperStore every lunch break to soak in a little sun shine.
Jonathan was busy looking for cars all weekend. While I was working today they all cleaned up the house and it looked really nice. It was an unexpected, nice surprise.
Today is Kelly's birthday and I called her this evening to wish her a great day. Her friend Jo was there. She is moving back to Edmonton from Ontario so that made Kelly's day very special. I'll get all the details about that later in the week (Thursday) when we will call each other again.
Dinner with Betty and James was really nice. We met at Earl's up by the airport. We ate outside which was wonderful because I had been cooped up in the office all day. I ate too much and felt like a bloated pig after ... but it was so great to see them.
Tomorrow I'm working earlier than I originally expected. I'll be working at 7:15 - 3:15 instead of 9:00 - 2:45. That will make tomorrow a full working day for me. And I will be working out with Penny in the evening ... I'm looking forward to that already.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Off To A Shakey Start
Oh man. Today I slept in until 6:58am and I was suppose to be at work at 7:00am. I don't think I've ever gotten up faster or gotten to work quicker in my whole life. It's thrown my whole day off. I'm working with great people today so in that respect the day has gone well but ... oh my God ... what a bad start! I will mention that I was sitting at my desk and working by 7:35 so I'm giving myself a huge pat on the back for that.
I was talking to Laurie, the supervisor, this morning and she got me thinking about the book, "The Artist's Way". I haven't thought about that book in a long time. It's a book that I've never read but I've heard so much about. Now I've put it on hold for myself at the library. Hopefully, I'll be able to pick it up soon and read what's it's all about.
Right now it's 1:30 and I'm fading fast. This evening after work we are meeting James and Betty. At least, I think it's this afternoon (Saturday) that we are meeting them. If I remember correctly, they are in town, for the day and planning to visit Ryan and Lisa. They want to see us too and I think we are going to drive to the NW area, where Ryan and Lisa live, and meet them there so they aren't driving all over the city. I think that's the plan, although I haven't called Jonathan yet today to confirm any of the details.
Penny is in Taber this weekend at their corn festival. She does the funniest things. I wouldn't in a million years go to something like that. Mind you, it's her sister, Tracy, that went last year and convinced the whole family to go this year. In a perfect world I would continue to do my training runs while she is gone. Yesterday I didn't. Why? Well it was really hot outside and I didn't want to run in the heat. Didn't run this morning ... heck, barely got to work this morning. That leaves tonight. I do believe we will be done visiting James and Betty early enough to go for a run. All that leaves is the desire to go for a run. Right now, I'm not feeling it. This could change ... but it may take something short of a miracle.
Okay, I'll keep this thought in my mind ... going for a run will be very beneficial / not going is counter-productive to my overall attempt to run 10kms.
Let's see if that works.
I was talking to Laurie, the supervisor, this morning and she got me thinking about the book, "The Artist's Way". I haven't thought about that book in a long time. It's a book that I've never read but I've heard so much about. Now I've put it on hold for myself at the library. Hopefully, I'll be able to pick it up soon and read what's it's all about.
Right now it's 1:30 and I'm fading fast. This evening after work we are meeting James and Betty. At least, I think it's this afternoon (Saturday) that we are meeting them. If I remember correctly, they are in town, for the day and planning to visit Ryan and Lisa. They want to see us too and I think we are going to drive to the NW area, where Ryan and Lisa live, and meet them there so they aren't driving all over the city. I think that's the plan, although I haven't called Jonathan yet today to confirm any of the details.
Penny is in Taber this weekend at their corn festival. She does the funniest things. I wouldn't in a million years go to something like that. Mind you, it's her sister, Tracy, that went last year and convinced the whole family to go this year. In a perfect world I would continue to do my training runs while she is gone. Yesterday I didn't. Why? Well it was really hot outside and I didn't want to run in the heat. Didn't run this morning ... heck, barely got to work this morning. That leaves tonight. I do believe we will be done visiting James and Betty early enough to go for a run. All that leaves is the desire to go for a run. Right now, I'm not feeling it. This could change ... but it may take something short of a miracle.
Okay, I'll keep this thought in my mind ... going for a run will be very beneficial / not going is counter-productive to my overall attempt to run 10kms.
Let's see if that works.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Another Penny Idea!
This morning I checked Facebook for emails and saw one from Penny.
She had sent two emails but I read the last one first, not knowing two had been sent. She made reference to the fact, "I was safe, there are no more rowing classes in '09." I laughed not knowing what she meant. I then realized I had read my emails out of order. I laughed again when I read that she thinks we should join a rowing club and would be looking into it for us. The latter email was sent after her investigation. What a hoot!! Rowing?? Okay, I'm up for it. Strong arms, strong back ... I'm there.
But where the heck does she come up with these ideas?? Isn't she funny?
She had sent two emails but I read the last one first, not knowing two had been sent. She made reference to the fact, "I was safe, there are no more rowing classes in '09." I laughed not knowing what she meant. I then realized I had read my emails out of order. I laughed again when I read that she thinks we should join a rowing club and would be looking into it for us. The latter email was sent after her investigation. What a hoot!! Rowing?? Okay, I'm up for it. Strong arms, strong back ... I'm there.
But where the heck does she come up with these ideas?? Isn't she funny?
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Home Today
Home all by myself today. It's quiet and I've gotten a few things done. This morning I made a pot of chili and I even tidied up the laundry room, did some laundry, taken out the recycling and poked around in my scrapbooking stuff.
Jonathan phoned this morning and he is arranging for a line of credit to buy a car. He'll be buying one maybe as early as this evening ... but we will wait and see. I'm not over the moon about having a line of credit again. In fact, I really don't like the idea of it at all. But we do need another car and we have to throw in a little extra money on top of what insurance has given us for our Acura. I will put my Volvo "pay back" money straight onto the line of credit and get it taken care of as soon as possible.
I'm sore today from yesterday. I did a lot of weights here at home during the day just in case we were going to do all cardio at the gym. But it's a good sore ... it means I've done some good. I noticed it in the middle of the night, which is unusual ... I turned around and woke up because I was in pain. Funny eh? Today: No Weights. I have to try to be strict about not working muscles two days in a row ... it's counter-productive ... I know it but sometimes do it anyway.
Jonathan phoned this morning and he is arranging for a line of credit to buy a car. He'll be buying one maybe as early as this evening ... but we will wait and see. I'm not over the moon about having a line of credit again. In fact, I really don't like the idea of it at all. But we do need another car and we have to throw in a little extra money on top of what insurance has given us for our Acura. I will put my Volvo "pay back" money straight onto the line of credit and get it taken care of as soon as possible.
I'm sore today from yesterday. I did a lot of weights here at home during the day just in case we were going to do all cardio at the gym. But it's a good sore ... it means I've done some good. I noticed it in the middle of the night, which is unusual ... I turned around and woke up because I was in pain. Funny eh? Today: No Weights. I have to try to be strict about not working muscles two days in a row ... it's counter-productive ... I know it but sometimes do it anyway.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Last Day of Summer Holidays
It's the last day of the summer holiday for Jacob. He's excited to get back to school and see all his friends. I'm happy he is happy about it. He'll be going into grade 8. I remember grade 8 but it seems like a life time or two ago. I hope he will have a fantastic year.
Last night we had Uncle Wally and my mom come over for dinner. As per usual, I was in a foul mood before my mom got there. Why, oh why, does that happen absolutely every time? Uncle Wally got there first so that was really good. Of course my mom got into a huff while talking to Jonathan within minutes of getting into the house. It was about his hand (he went to the doctor) and what she thinks he should do about it. Just to put in out there, I gave him the same advice but in a much nicer way. She is an opinionated one, that's for sure. It got the evening off to a weird start. Uncle Wally said a funny thing though, he said, "Why should people listen to you? You're not a doctor." Okay, that was the best come back ever!
Dinner was great. The food was really good and everyone enjoyed it. Afterwards my mom only stayed for a little while and headed out. Uncle Wally stayed a little bit to talk and Jonathan asked him what his plans are now that my mom has sold the house and will be moving on October 1st. He says he will rent an apartment somewhere and he wasn't worried. We told him that we were worried about him and if he needed to stay with us he was more than welcome. He says I worry too much, but I let him know that I love him and I do worry about him and that's my job. So I don't know what will happen next. Maybe he will stay with us, maybe he won't. But now he knows that he has an open invitation to be with us if he wants to. Thank God.
Last night we had Uncle Wally and my mom come over for dinner. As per usual, I was in a foul mood before my mom got there. Why, oh why, does that happen absolutely every time? Uncle Wally got there first so that was really good. Of course my mom got into a huff while talking to Jonathan within minutes of getting into the house. It was about his hand (he went to the doctor) and what she thinks he should do about it. Just to put in out there, I gave him the same advice but in a much nicer way. She is an opinionated one, that's for sure. It got the evening off to a weird start. Uncle Wally said a funny thing though, he said, "Why should people listen to you? You're not a doctor." Okay, that was the best come back ever!
Dinner was great. The food was really good and everyone enjoyed it. Afterwards my mom only stayed for a little while and headed out. Uncle Wally stayed a little bit to talk and Jonathan asked him what his plans are now that my mom has sold the house and will be moving on October 1st. He says he will rent an apartment somewhere and he wasn't worried. We told him that we were worried about him and if he needed to stay with us he was more than welcome. He says I worry too much, but I let him know that I love him and I do worry about him and that's my job. So I don't know what will happen next. Maybe he will stay with us, maybe he won't. But now he knows that he has an open invitation to be with us if he wants to. Thank God.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Making Vegas Plans
Well we are making plans for what to do when we are in Vegas. Penny called me last night and we talked and joked about a few options. She mentioned Donny and Marie or Cher and also the Cirque show "Love". I went on line to see what was playing (and when) and I think Cher won't be there on the dates that we will be there ... but I have to double check that. Penny mentioning Donny and Marie is hilarious, but fair, considering I was looking into dragging her to a Marilyn Manson concert. Now talk about hilarious!
While searching the internet I came across the Criss Angel Believe Cirque show that will be playing the same time we will there. Now I don't know, I may just be caught up in the "Mind Freak" Criss Angel stuff. I'm also not sure about all the on-line reviews and comments I read. One was great ... "it's a show about freakin rabbits?". Jillian says the Perez Hilton review says it was really bad. Watching promo clips on line made it look interesting but isn't that the job of a promo clip? The clip shows a sign that reads something like "Criss Angel pays homage to all the rabbits that died at the hands of bad magicians." Then there is a freaky dance sequence showing rabbits carrying a coffin (complete with rabbit ears sticking out the top). Interesting ... maybe.
Jillian says the show to see is the Cirque show "O". In fact, she says that the Cirque performers themselves say it's the best show to see in Vegas. Penny also heard that the Cirque show "Love" is great. So we aren't without options that's for sure.
But no matter what we will end up doing, I know we will have a good time. The thing we have to focus on is planning what is important for us to see (personally) and make sure we make the time to see it. She is going to make a short list, as will I, and we will do our best to make the most of the time there.
While searching the internet I came across the Criss Angel Believe Cirque show that will be playing the same time we will there. Now I don't know, I may just be caught up in the "Mind Freak" Criss Angel stuff. I'm also not sure about all the on-line reviews and comments I read. One was great ... "it's a show about freakin rabbits?". Jillian says the Perez Hilton review says it was really bad. Watching promo clips on line made it look interesting but isn't that the job of a promo clip? The clip shows a sign that reads something like "Criss Angel pays homage to all the rabbits that died at the hands of bad magicians." Then there is a freaky dance sequence showing rabbits carrying a coffin (complete with rabbit ears sticking out the top). Interesting ... maybe.
Jillian says the show to see is the Cirque show "O". In fact, she says that the Cirque performers themselves say it's the best show to see in Vegas. Penny also heard that the Cirque show "Love" is great. So we aren't without options that's for sure.
But no matter what we will end up doing, I know we will have a good time. The thing we have to focus on is planning what is important for us to see (personally) and make sure we make the time to see it. She is going to make a short list, as will I, and we will do our best to make the most of the time there.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Going to Vegas
It's official, Penny and I are going to Vegas on September 27th. It was quite a shock to actually find out that the flight/hotel package was still available. I had waited a long time to book and when we finally did, it was confirmed and now we are going. The kids aren't very happy about the whole idea and truthfully, I would have much preferred to go with them. But this specific package was for 21 and older. Too bad. But I will keep my eyes open for other travel opportunities and with any luck and more hard work we will be able to get somewhere sooner than later. After all that's why I had kids ... to share my life with them. So I'm going and I'm feeling a little guilty about it. I know I will have fun because Penny and I always have fun ... but I do wish I was going with my family all the same.
Oh and I have some news about another thing I was feeling guilty about. This blog. I started this to get a feeling of how it works (blogging) and to try to make writing an almost daily exercise ... to see if I liked it and to get in gear for the Penny and Ramona Blog. Well, I haven't really told anyone about this private blog of mine and felt bad that I hadn't even told Penny. But when we worked out last Tuesday and went for coffee, she told me that she would like to start writing her own blog (private) to express her feelings about parenting and her current dilemmas and strategies with her kids. Very cool and good for her. So now the pressure is off a little bit. I don't think I will tell her about my blog just yet and I can't promise I will tell her at all. But the pressure is definitely off ... in my own head anyway.
AND today I took Jillian to the Cross Iron Mills mall just north of Calgary after I dropped off Garrett and Jacob at the golf course. We didn't have loads of time to spend there but she was thrilled to see XXI there. It's a store that she is always checking out on the web. I had even told her I would take her to Seattle to check it out one day. But now we don't have to travel that far. Super cool. She bought jeans, leggings and a shirt and only spent $60.00. So it's a perfect store for her! And everything is really cute there so she has lucked out completely.
Oh and I have some news about another thing I was feeling guilty about. This blog. I started this to get a feeling of how it works (blogging) and to try to make writing an almost daily exercise ... to see if I liked it and to get in gear for the Penny and Ramona Blog. Well, I haven't really told anyone about this private blog of mine and felt bad that I hadn't even told Penny. But when we worked out last Tuesday and went for coffee, she told me that she would like to start writing her own blog (private) to express her feelings about parenting and her current dilemmas and strategies with her kids. Very cool and good for her. So now the pressure is off a little bit. I don't think I will tell her about my blog just yet and I can't promise I will tell her at all. But the pressure is definitely off ... in my own head anyway.
AND today I took Jillian to the Cross Iron Mills mall just north of Calgary after I dropped off Garrett and Jacob at the golf course. We didn't have loads of time to spend there but she was thrilled to see XXI there. It's a store that she is always checking out on the web. I had even told her I would take her to Seattle to check it out one day. But now we don't have to travel that far. Super cool. She bought jeans, leggings and a shirt and only spent $60.00. So it's a perfect store for her! And everything is really cute there so she has lucked out completely.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
I Stand Corrected
Okay, I stand corrected. Yesterday evening I was instant messaging Steve. He had sent me an email previously that made a reference to me being a "hottie". I had made a comment that I was a "Mom" that's all. He said Moms can be beautiful or sexy too. Perhaps I over reacted because didn't agree. But yes, Moms can be beautiful, there are examples of that all over the world. But I'm I comfortable with that ... nope. But that's just me. Penny and I comment all the time when we see a beautiful woman. But we are only viewing them superficially, in passing. So it's not that I don't agree that moms or people in general can be sexy or beautiful, I just don't agree with that for me personally.
I would like to be viewed as strong, healthy, fun, loyal and totally dependable. That's what I think matters. Looks don't matter. It's very superficial and I'd like to think I've gone past that.
So I think I came off a little strong last night because I don't think I relayed WHY I felt that way and was so uncomfortable with being called that.
I would like to be viewed as strong, healthy, fun, loyal and totally dependable. That's what I think matters. Looks don't matter. It's very superficial and I'd like to think I've gone past that.
So I think I came off a little strong last night because I don't think I relayed WHY I felt that way and was so uncomfortable with being called that.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Rob Zombie / Vacuuming / Painting
All alone here at home. Listening to some Rob Zombie ... all is good. Have to vacuum as no one would think of doing it while I was at work. Sucks to be the Mom. I knew it was a dangerous job with I took it.
Hey the boys paid me a very excellent compliment this weekend. Jonathan went to Dave's house to pick up Jacob from the marathon sleep-over. They went to check out some show homes in this new area. They checked out the kids' rooms and saw that they had hand-painted designs/pictures on them. They said it was awful and they can't believe it was in the show home. They said, based on what Jacob's room looks like (his Sponge Bob Bikini Bottom Room), I should be doing that as a job. That was really nice. I'm going to check out the show homes myself and see what it looked like. Oh to dream ... what an excellent job that would be!!
Hey the boys paid me a very excellent compliment this weekend. Jonathan went to Dave's house to pick up Jacob from the marathon sleep-over. They went to check out some show homes in this new area. They checked out the kids' rooms and saw that they had hand-painted designs/pictures on them. They said it was awful and they can't believe it was in the show home. They said, based on what Jacob's room looks like (his Sponge Bob Bikini Bottom Room), I should be doing that as a job. That was really nice. I'm going to check out the show homes myself and see what it looked like. Oh to dream ... what an excellent job that would be!!
Hood
So I don't know why this keeps coming up in my life. Yesterday when I was at work my aunt printed off names beginning with "R", last name Hood. My father's last name. When I informed her that his name was Arthur she quickly returned to my desk with another print out. There is only one match for this name for the Vancouver area. It's the same information I have. Information I haven't needed or even thought about in years.
I know this was a friendly gesture because she hasn't talked to me in over a year and I think this is her way of getting the communication open and running again.
The trouble with this is two fold. One: she is bringing this up at work. Two: Been there, done that.
But what to I do? I mentioned to Jonathan that she had brought it up again and lo and behold ... they both think I should be going to BC and get this meeting done ... once and for all. Yeah right, like that is going to happen. I don't have a photo of him, I have zero proof. All I have is my Mom's say so that he is my father. And I don't trust that one bit. What if the poor guy isn't? Is it fair (to him) for me to make another attempt at contacting him? I'm making growling noises. Angry bear noises. Jonathan has gone so far as to say he is going to talk to my Mom about it and get some more facts. I say, "good luck Bud". How can I get zero facts in 45 years? How does he assume he can get anything concrete out of her when I've come up empty handed 100% of the time?
More angry bear noises. Done. Back to normal now.
I know this was a friendly gesture because she hasn't talked to me in over a year and I think this is her way of getting the communication open and running again.
The trouble with this is two fold. One: she is bringing this up at work. Two: Been there, done that.
But what to I do? I mentioned to Jonathan that she had brought it up again and lo and behold ... they both think I should be going to BC and get this meeting done ... once and for all. Yeah right, like that is going to happen. I don't have a photo of him, I have zero proof. All I have is my Mom's say so that he is my father. And I don't trust that one bit. What if the poor guy isn't? Is it fair (to him) for me to make another attempt at contacting him? I'm making growling noises. Angry bear noises. Jonathan has gone so far as to say he is going to talk to my Mom about it and get some more facts. I say, "good luck Bud". How can I get zero facts in 45 years? How does he assume he can get anything concrete out of her when I've come up empty handed 100% of the time?
More angry bear noises. Done. Back to normal now.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Mom's House Conditionally Sold !
My Mom just called and she sold her house. I minute I saw it was her calling (on the call display) I knew she was going to say that. She is happy, but guarded. The house still has to pass the inspection, etc. That will be completed by August 21. The new owner will take possession of the house on October 1st. But she isn't holding her breath or anything. She's taking the attitude that anything can still happen and will take it as it comes.
Now of course, my thoughts turn to Uncle Wally. What on earth is he going to do? Where is he going to live? I'm not worried about my mom in the least ... I'm worried like crazy about my uncle. But for now, I will keep a lid on it. When the inspection is done and things look more positive about the sale I'll talk it over with Teresa and Jonathan. I feel like if Uncle Wally doesn't stay with one of us, we'll never see him again. I couldn't bear that! He's the best relative in my life ... I love him so much!
Now of course, my thoughts turn to Uncle Wally. What on earth is he going to do? Where is he going to live? I'm not worried about my mom in the least ... I'm worried like crazy about my uncle. But for now, I will keep a lid on it. When the inspection is done and things look more positive about the sale I'll talk it over with Teresa and Jonathan. I feel like if Uncle Wally doesn't stay with one of us, we'll never see him again. I couldn't bear that! He's the best relative in my life ... I love him so much!
More About Yesterday
I stayed up way too late watching Weeds again last night. Was it ever hard to get up for work this morning! The only good thing about today's getting up was the fact that Jonathan woke up when I did, so I didn't have to get ready quietly and in the dark. He is golfing this morning. It's a cold morning so I hope he doesn't get too chilled and has a good time with Randy.
We finished watching "Weeds" Season Two and I couldn't stop there. We watched the first two shows in season three ... then, dead on my feet, I went to bed. Morning came too quickly.
Jacob stayed at Peter's dad's new place again last night so I didn't get to see him at all yesterday. What is it with Enza and Dave? They always take Jacob for days in a row. Enza is notorious for doing that and now Dave too? I would have said no but I'm working so early today and Jonathan is golfing, I figured it would be a lot more fun for Jacob to hang out with Peter rather than being alone. Well, sort of alone, Jillian sleeps until noon. It was a good call in the long run but I miss seeing him last night.
Jillian went to Chris' house yesterday and had supper ready for him when he got home. Apparently he was totally thrilled about it. He works every other weekend, same weekend schedule as mine. But his hours are much longer working 5:30am - 5:30pm. It's nice Jillian finally cooked for him since he often cooks for her.
So last night before I fell asleep I was thinking about what Steve said when we were having coffee. Apparently I said something that gave him the impression that I wasn't happy. OMG! What I said exactly is beyond me. Maybe he doesn't understand me because he really doesn't know me. I'd hate to think that I have to edit everything I that I say ... that's too much work. Maybe that's why I like hanging out with Penny. She totally gets me. I can say whatever I want ... we can laugh about it ... and get onto another topic. No drama.
Come to think about it. Earlier this summer I emailed Richard to have coffee. He emailed me back saying, "What's wrong? I've known you too long not to know something is wrong." Are you kidding me? My original email said something like, "Hey, do you want to meet for a coffee sometime next week?" How the hell did he interpret that something was wrong? I've known Richard since grade one and clearly he doesn't know shit about me. I emailed him back right away saying there is absolutely nothing wrong, just wanted to go and have coffee. Needless to say, we didn't ever go out for that coffee as no further emails were exchanged after that. Life is too short for drama.
AND, for the record ... I think I'm the happiest person I know. I live with minimal stress ... I have a great family ... cute little almost paid off house ... no debt other than mortgage ... good friends ... sweet dog ... good paying job ... great co-workers. Oh my God ... how can I give people the impression that I am anything but happy? I'm not going to dwell on what's not up to parr ... it's minimal ... I don't worry about it. Everything I'm dreaming about will fall into place. Not just because I want it to, because I'm (and we're) taking active measures to make sure things will happen. It's exciting. Jillian getting into and finishing Nursing (or anything she wants) ... me taking some classes to get the creative side of my brain working again ... paying off the house ... etc. Things out of my control I can't and won't worry about ... life happens ... I've always dealt with it and will again. I'm in a really good spot in my life.
Whew ... got that out of my system!
We finished watching "Weeds" Season Two and I couldn't stop there. We watched the first two shows in season three ... then, dead on my feet, I went to bed. Morning came too quickly.
Jacob stayed at Peter's dad's new place again last night so I didn't get to see him at all yesterday. What is it with Enza and Dave? They always take Jacob for days in a row. Enza is notorious for doing that and now Dave too? I would have said no but I'm working so early today and Jonathan is golfing, I figured it would be a lot more fun for Jacob to hang out with Peter rather than being alone. Well, sort of alone, Jillian sleeps until noon. It was a good call in the long run but I miss seeing him last night.
Jillian went to Chris' house yesterday and had supper ready for him when he got home. Apparently he was totally thrilled about it. He works every other weekend, same weekend schedule as mine. But his hours are much longer working 5:30am - 5:30pm. It's nice Jillian finally cooked for him since he often cooks for her.
So last night before I fell asleep I was thinking about what Steve said when we were having coffee. Apparently I said something that gave him the impression that I wasn't happy. OMG! What I said exactly is beyond me. Maybe he doesn't understand me because he really doesn't know me. I'd hate to think that I have to edit everything I that I say ... that's too much work. Maybe that's why I like hanging out with Penny. She totally gets me. I can say whatever I want ... we can laugh about it ... and get onto another topic. No drama.
Come to think about it. Earlier this summer I emailed Richard to have coffee. He emailed me back saying, "What's wrong? I've known you too long not to know something is wrong." Are you kidding me? My original email said something like, "Hey, do you want to meet for a coffee sometime next week?" How the hell did he interpret that something was wrong? I've known Richard since grade one and clearly he doesn't know shit about me. I emailed him back right away saying there is absolutely nothing wrong, just wanted to go and have coffee. Needless to say, we didn't ever go out for that coffee as no further emails were exchanged after that. Life is too short for drama.
AND, for the record ... I think I'm the happiest person I know. I live with minimal stress ... I have a great family ... cute little almost paid off house ... no debt other than mortgage ... good friends ... sweet dog ... good paying job ... great co-workers. Oh my God ... how can I give people the impression that I am anything but happy? I'm not going to dwell on what's not up to parr ... it's minimal ... I don't worry about it. Everything I'm dreaming about will fall into place. Not just because I want it to, because I'm (and we're) taking active measures to make sure things will happen. It's exciting. Jillian getting into and finishing Nursing (or anything she wants) ... me taking some classes to get the creative side of my brain working again ... paying off the house ... etc. Things out of my control I can't and won't worry about ... life happens ... I've always dealt with it and will again. I'm in a really good spot in my life.
Whew ... got that out of my system!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Coffee at Starbucks
Oh man, I'm so tired right now. Worked all day ... it was an okay day ... can't complain. I dodged a bunch of weird calls, must remember to thank my lucky stars for that one.
I sort of want to crawl into bed and have a nap but there is a DVD sitting here begging to be watched. Well, it's not actually begging ... but I do want to see Weeds Season 2 (disc 2) and that would be worth staying up for.
I did have coffee with my old friend. It was nice to see him again. It was a nightmare trying to get a hold of him though. On my lunch break I phoned only to realise that it's a long distance call. No shit Sherlock ... what was I thinking? I have a long distance code at work but didn't want to use it for a personal call. So I decided that on my next break I would go out into the lobby of the building and just use the payphone out there. I grabbed my credit card just to find out that it is an old fashioned payphone and I needed change. Went back into the office, dug around for some loonies and toonies and headed back out to the lobby. Then I found out that that phone is really old and only accepts quarters, etc. Back to the office I go, dig around for more change and head out again. The first coin gets stuck in the slot ... I deposit another one hoping it would force the first coin down ... nope. I asked the fellow at security if he had something to push the coins in with ... my security pass was too thick. He had nothing. I headed back into the office, grabbed a plastic fork and headed back to the lobby. I got my change back along with some random dimes and had to get back to my desk ... my break was over.
After work I drove to Southcentre Mall to use the payphones there. I was relieved to see a credit card type payphone ... but the first phone didn't recognize my card. I was just about to scream. Tired one more phone (it was going to be the last try) and it did work ... thank God.
That trying to phone him saga was stressful but the actual visit wasn't. As I drove across town I was wondering if it would be easy to recognize him or visa versa. But as I walked up to the Starbucks I spotted him walking towards Starbucks. I didn't recognize him as much as I recognized his walk. I mentioned it and he said something like, "you think I walk funny?" Awkward. So I spent the next minute or two saying his walk was distinct, not unusual, or funny ... I just recognized it. Not exactly how I would have imagined our first few words. Mind you, what I thought we were going to say is beyond me. I just didn't believe I would be defending the first words out of my mouth.
But with that being said, it was good to see him again. In the last email I read from him he had mentioned that he had just gotten a haircut and seemed unhappy about it. Well it looked just great to me. He's like Jonathan in that regard ... why can't they just be happy to have tons of hair? So many men would just about give anything to still have hair like that. I don't get it.
The visit was short because he had to get back to his friend's house to make supper. I made the return (Jacob's shirt) at H & M which was hassle free and headed home.
I've got to watch Weeds now. I can barely keep my eyes open but that show makes me laugh.
I sort of want to crawl into bed and have a nap but there is a DVD sitting here begging to be watched. Well, it's not actually begging ... but I do want to see Weeds Season 2 (disc 2) and that would be worth staying up for.
I did have coffee with my old friend. It was nice to see him again. It was a nightmare trying to get a hold of him though. On my lunch break I phoned only to realise that it's a long distance call. No shit Sherlock ... what was I thinking? I have a long distance code at work but didn't want to use it for a personal call. So I decided that on my next break I would go out into the lobby of the building and just use the payphone out there. I grabbed my credit card just to find out that it is an old fashioned payphone and I needed change. Went back into the office, dug around for some loonies and toonies and headed back out to the lobby. Then I found out that that phone is really old and only accepts quarters, etc. Back to the office I go, dig around for more change and head out again. The first coin gets stuck in the slot ... I deposit another one hoping it would force the first coin down ... nope. I asked the fellow at security if he had something to push the coins in with ... my security pass was too thick. He had nothing. I headed back into the office, grabbed a plastic fork and headed back to the lobby. I got my change back along with some random dimes and had to get back to my desk ... my break was over.
After work I drove to Southcentre Mall to use the payphones there. I was relieved to see a credit card type payphone ... but the first phone didn't recognize my card. I was just about to scream. Tired one more phone (it was going to be the last try) and it did work ... thank God.
That trying to phone him saga was stressful but the actual visit wasn't. As I drove across town I was wondering if it would be easy to recognize him or visa versa. But as I walked up to the Starbucks I spotted him walking towards Starbucks. I didn't recognize him as much as I recognized his walk. I mentioned it and he said something like, "you think I walk funny?" Awkward. So I spent the next minute or two saying his walk was distinct, not unusual, or funny ... I just recognized it. Not exactly how I would have imagined our first few words. Mind you, what I thought we were going to say is beyond me. I just didn't believe I would be defending the first words out of my mouth.
But with that being said, it was good to see him again. In the last email I read from him he had mentioned that he had just gotten a haircut and seemed unhappy about it. Well it looked just great to me. He's like Jonathan in that regard ... why can't they just be happy to have tons of hair? So many men would just about give anything to still have hair like that. I don't get it.
The visit was short because he had to get back to his friend's house to make supper. I made the return (Jacob's shirt) at H & M which was hassle free and headed home.
I've got to watch Weeds now. I can barely keep my eyes open but that show makes me laugh.
Another Working Weekend
Saturday ... another rainy day. I'm starting to think that this has to be one of the worst summers I've experienced in Calgary in a long, long time. Perhaps not the worst ever, but it's been rather cold and damp. Our hot spell was short lived and I'm hoping we will experience some nicer weather again before summer is over.
I started at work this morning at 7:15 which is a late weekend start for me. I did appreciate the extra half hour sleep in this morning. We rented "Weeds" Season 2 and 3 last night. We watched disc one of season two last night and I think I stayed up a little too late. Jillian came home around midnight and I was still up to say good-night and have a quick visit.
I gave her the little religious icon bracelets I bought from Aldo shoes when I was out with Penny the other night. She thought they were great. For being non-religious Jillian and I sure like religious themed things ... I know, we are going straight to hell for it. Okay perhaps it's not so much religion, in principle, that I have trouble with ... it's organized religion that gets me going. I'm all for being spiritual but I don't think you need a church for that ... or a leader ... or a observed holiday. These things become part of our traditions ... but in my belief I don't think they make people more religious or spiritual in general. With that being said the bracelets were damn cute and I just had to buy them for someone who "gets it".
Tomorrow I'm working again and I'm missing the Tattoo Show. I've missed this show for years and years on end. How can it be that I am always working, or away, when it's in town? I've been wanting to check it out for a long time now ... see the art ... see the crazy people too. I still want to get a tattoo on my foot but I haven't exactly gone out of my way to check out the shops or artists to make this a reality. Perhaps this is something I should get going on in the near future.
Car update: Wayne came over to our house after Jonathan made a few attempts to get a hold of him on the phone. He came in carrying a few papers, looking very nervous. Jonathan says Wayne couldn't even look him in the eye when talking to him. Wayne had some strange ideas and the conversation was strained. Needless to say, I didn't stick around to hear any of it. Bottom line ... we are now going through insurance. It's a done deal. Jonathan called me this morning here at work to tell me he's called our insurance to get the ball rolling. Finally, we can get this behind us. It's been 3 weeks today since the accident ... it's time.
I started at work this morning at 7:15 which is a late weekend start for me. I did appreciate the extra half hour sleep in this morning. We rented "Weeds" Season 2 and 3 last night. We watched disc one of season two last night and I think I stayed up a little too late. Jillian came home around midnight and I was still up to say good-night and have a quick visit.
I gave her the little religious icon bracelets I bought from Aldo shoes when I was out with Penny the other night. She thought they were great. For being non-religious Jillian and I sure like religious themed things ... I know, we are going straight to hell for it. Okay perhaps it's not so much religion, in principle, that I have trouble with ... it's organized religion that gets me going. I'm all for being spiritual but I don't think you need a church for that ... or a leader ... or a observed holiday. These things become part of our traditions ... but in my belief I don't think they make people more religious or spiritual in general. With that being said the bracelets were damn cute and I just had to buy them for someone who "gets it".
Tomorrow I'm working again and I'm missing the Tattoo Show. I've missed this show for years and years on end. How can it be that I am always working, or away, when it's in town? I've been wanting to check it out for a long time now ... see the art ... see the crazy people too. I still want to get a tattoo on my foot but I haven't exactly gone out of my way to check out the shops or artists to make this a reality. Perhaps this is something I should get going on in the near future.
Car update: Wayne came over to our house after Jonathan made a few attempts to get a hold of him on the phone. He came in carrying a few papers, looking very nervous. Jonathan says Wayne couldn't even look him in the eye when talking to him. Wayne had some strange ideas and the conversation was strained. Needless to say, I didn't stick around to hear any of it. Bottom line ... we are now going through insurance. It's a done deal. Jonathan called me this morning here at work to tell me he's called our insurance to get the ball rolling. Finally, we can get this behind us. It's been 3 weeks today since the accident ... it's time.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Starbucks ... A Place Where Good Ideas Are Born
Last night I went back to the gym with Penny. It was a great time. It wasn't a long time at the gym but we had fun.
Afterwards we went to Starbucks for coffee and a visit. We were sitting by the guy, who was sitting directly behind me. Penny noticed he was listening to our conversation and she joked saying, "I think, he thinks I'm crazy." Oh we laughed and laughed. He had the best visit. We discussed the fact that we have to get back to the gym again full time. We discussed our blog and how we have to get more consistent with that too. We talked about our futures, Qualicum Beach, our kids, our kids boyfriends/girlfriends, future blog topics and projects we should be doing (ie classes, etc.). After a long time talking and laughing our faces off we decided it was time to leave. The fellow behind us tried to get our attention and called us over. Of course I didn't walk over, I proceeded to the garbage can and disposed of my used cup. Penny, on the other hand, walked over and talked to him. An illustration as to which one of us is sort of bitchy ... never noticed that about myself before. Anyway, he asked what he could do in Calgary, with his family, now that the weather has turned rainy and the zoo seems out of the question. We looked at each other and shrugged our shoulders and of course laughed. We finally came up with Glenbow Museum or the Science Centre. Then he takes it upon himself to bestow us with a little advice that we should get a Twitter account before we start blogging. Penny, being the laugh that she is said, "you were listening to us!" We laughed again ... what a hoot. He told him we were in fact blogging already! Too funny really. The whole evening was funny. We came up with some funny ideas, sort of "field trips" to go on and to blog about later. I wanted to go to the Tattoo show when it comes to Calgary but when I got home I googled it and found out it is happening this weekend. I'm working this weekend! So much for that idea ... must work on some new ones.
This is day one ... first day in a 6 in a row work week. Big sigh. Okay part of me can't complain too badly ... the weather is terrible. The only thing that is kind of gross is the fact that Jacob is going back to school in 2 weeks and I'm more or less working half of his time off. That's too bad. What can I do? I've got to take the shifts when I can.
Update on Jonathan's car. Wayne has been sort of avoiding us ... we don't know what's happening. Jonathan called yesterday "d-day", if he hadn't heard from Wayne by the end of yesterday he was going to contact his insurance company and get this straightened out one way or another. So today is the day some action will be taken or action will get started. Either way you look at it ... sooner than later we will be getting our car fixed.
Afterwards we went to Starbucks for coffee and a visit. We were sitting by the guy, who was sitting directly behind me. Penny noticed he was listening to our conversation and she joked saying, "I think, he thinks I'm crazy." Oh we laughed and laughed. He had the best visit. We discussed the fact that we have to get back to the gym again full time. We discussed our blog and how we have to get more consistent with that too. We talked about our futures, Qualicum Beach, our kids, our kids boyfriends/girlfriends, future blog topics and projects we should be doing (ie classes, etc.). After a long time talking and laughing our faces off we decided it was time to leave. The fellow behind us tried to get our attention and called us over. Of course I didn't walk over, I proceeded to the garbage can and disposed of my used cup. Penny, on the other hand, walked over and talked to him. An illustration as to which one of us is sort of bitchy ... never noticed that about myself before. Anyway, he asked what he could do in Calgary, with his family, now that the weather has turned rainy and the zoo seems out of the question. We looked at each other and shrugged our shoulders and of course laughed. We finally came up with Glenbow Museum or the Science Centre. Then he takes it upon himself to bestow us with a little advice that we should get a Twitter account before we start blogging. Penny, being the laugh that she is said, "you were listening to us!" We laughed again ... what a hoot. He told him we were in fact blogging already! Too funny really. The whole evening was funny. We came up with some funny ideas, sort of "field trips" to go on and to blog about later. I wanted to go to the Tattoo show when it comes to Calgary but when I got home I googled it and found out it is happening this weekend. I'm working this weekend! So much for that idea ... must work on some new ones.
This is day one ... first day in a 6 in a row work week. Big sigh. Okay part of me can't complain too badly ... the weather is terrible. The only thing that is kind of gross is the fact that Jacob is going back to school in 2 weeks and I'm more or less working half of his time off. That's too bad. What can I do? I've got to take the shifts when I can.
Update on Jonathan's car. Wayne has been sort of avoiding us ... we don't know what's happening. Jonathan called yesterday "d-day", if he hadn't heard from Wayne by the end of yesterday he was going to contact his insurance company and get this straightened out one way or another. So today is the day some action will be taken or action will get started. Either way you look at it ... sooner than later we will be getting our car fixed.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Meteor Update
The meteor shower was more like a meteor sprinkle from where we were looking. We went outside just before midnight, with our popcorn. We set up our fantastic blue chairs and looked up. And looked and looked. The boys had seen 2 before I even got out there (I was making popcorn). Jillian came home to watch the meteors with us. She could have watched them with Chris and his friend but she wanted to come home and watch them with us. How great is that? Mind you, at the time I didn't know that. All I knew is that she came home around midnight.
After a little while Jonathan decided that we should drive out past Chaparral where it would be darker and view the meteor shower from there. So I dressed (I was in my robe and pajama pants) and off we went. A beautiful coyote ran across the road in front of us and a huge owl flew out of the ditch right beside Jillian (as we were driving) and scared her out of her skin. It flew along side us and then flew up on a sign ahead of us. Well, it was worth the drive already and we hadn't seen one meteor.
Jonathan decided to park on the side of a deserted road and we got out of the car. It was so windy and cold ... I think we were all shocked. We were literally 10 minutes away from our house and the temperature was extremely cooler. So we all stood out there shivering, looking up. We spotted a few here and there ... but it was a sprinkle, not a shower. We saw flashes like lightening (Jacob says it was caused by dust particles hitting the atmosphere) and a few meteors. Jillian started doing this really funny meteor dance. She is the funniest kid out there ... so silly and goofy ... it was a rain dance type of thing. I thought I was going to pee my pants I was laughing so hard. Then Jacob and Jillian started singing a song to make the meteors appear. It was so funny ... we forgot just how cold we were. After a little while we decided to go back home and enjoy the show from our warm yard.
Once home Jonathan went to bed. Jillian and Jacob made sandwiches and then came outside. I was sitting there the whole time. After she finished eating she thought it was time to go inside also. So that left Jacob and I sitting on the lawn chairs, heads tilted towards the sky ... watching and talking. It was great and I loved it.
So from where we were sitting the show wasn't the most spectacular but I had the most fun just hanging out with my goofy kids.
After a little while Jonathan decided that we should drive out past Chaparral where it would be darker and view the meteor shower from there. So I dressed (I was in my robe and pajama pants) and off we went. A beautiful coyote ran across the road in front of us and a huge owl flew out of the ditch right beside Jillian (as we were driving) and scared her out of her skin. It flew along side us and then flew up on a sign ahead of us. Well, it was worth the drive already and we hadn't seen one meteor.
Jonathan decided to park on the side of a deserted road and we got out of the car. It was so windy and cold ... I think we were all shocked. We were literally 10 minutes away from our house and the temperature was extremely cooler. So we all stood out there shivering, looking up. We spotted a few here and there ... but it was a sprinkle, not a shower. We saw flashes like lightening (Jacob says it was caused by dust particles hitting the atmosphere) and a few meteors. Jillian started doing this really funny meteor dance. She is the funniest kid out there ... so silly and goofy ... it was a rain dance type of thing. I thought I was going to pee my pants I was laughing so hard. Then Jacob and Jillian started singing a song to make the meteors appear. It was so funny ... we forgot just how cold we were. After a little while we decided to go back home and enjoy the show from our warm yard.
Once home Jonathan went to bed. Jillian and Jacob made sandwiches and then came outside. I was sitting there the whole time. After she finished eating she thought it was time to go inside also. So that left Jacob and I sitting on the lawn chairs, heads tilted towards the sky ... watching and talking. It was great and I loved it.
So from where we were sitting the show wasn't the most spectacular but I had the most fun just hanging out with my goofy kids.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Meteor Shower Tonight
Tonight is the night we are going out to see a meteor shower. It is suppose to start around 11:30pm to 12:00pm. Jacob and I are up, goofing around on the computers waiting until 11:30. I mentioned that we should make popcorn ... there is always a good reason to make popcorn and a meteor shower is high on that list. So are movies, t.v. watching, dinner ... you get the idea ... any time is a good time.
This evening Penny and I went to a "purse open house". Susan sells purses, knock off designer purses as a home based business. And yes, it is a business, no deals for me. I did buy one though, it's a pink purse, very summery. Did I need it? No. But I do always feel the pressure to buy and I do realise that I have to get over that ... house party or open house, it doesn't matter, I have to get over it. AND, no deal either! I guess that's why some people are "business people" and other people aren't. My friends would get a deal, no questions asked. Okay, I got that off my chest.
Jonathan told me some sad news today. It looks like Ryan's cancer isn't going to be very treatable. He is on interferon ... like chemo ... and he started his treatments today. But there is only a 3% chance that this treatment, that will take one year, will increase his lifespan at all. They told him that people with his type of cancer will live about 10 years. Ten years sounds short but it sounds long at the same time. I mean, his kids are all small. The four of them all pre-schoolers ... it means 10 Christmas', 10 birthdays each, 10 more anniversaries. So many people get a prognosis of months, not years. And ten years is a long time for them to make advances with treatments, etc. I'm hopeful that this chemo will help prevent or slow down the spread of the cancer and that the length of time given him will provide many opportunities for treatment and cures. It was hard news to hear today. All anyone wants to hear is that he will get better and will live a long and healthy life with his family. I'm going to stay positive ... no more talk of this ten years stuff.
Tomorrow Dan, Kelly, Stefan and Marco are coming over to visit on their way home from Banff. I don't know when they are coming or exactly how long they will be staying. I'm hoping we can go out for dinner with them and just relax and visit. It's been ages since they've been to Calgary for a visit. It will be nice to see them again and I'm looking forward to it.
But for now, I'm going to go out into the backyard (after I've made some popcorn) and I'm going to gaze up towards the sky with Jacob and Jonathan. Hopefully we will see some shooting stars (meteors) and ooh and aah and it will be wonderful. Life is good, even with all it's ups and downs ... with all the good and bad. It has to be .
This evening Penny and I went to a "purse open house". Susan sells purses, knock off designer purses as a home based business. And yes, it is a business, no deals for me. I did buy one though, it's a pink purse, very summery. Did I need it? No. But I do always feel the pressure to buy and I do realise that I have to get over that ... house party or open house, it doesn't matter, I have to get over it. AND, no deal either! I guess that's why some people are "business people" and other people aren't. My friends would get a deal, no questions asked. Okay, I got that off my chest.
Jonathan told me some sad news today. It looks like Ryan's cancer isn't going to be very treatable. He is on interferon ... like chemo ... and he started his treatments today. But there is only a 3% chance that this treatment, that will take one year, will increase his lifespan at all. They told him that people with his type of cancer will live about 10 years. Ten years sounds short but it sounds long at the same time. I mean, his kids are all small. The four of them all pre-schoolers ... it means 10 Christmas', 10 birthdays each, 10 more anniversaries. So many people get a prognosis of months, not years. And ten years is a long time for them to make advances with treatments, etc. I'm hopeful that this chemo will help prevent or slow down the spread of the cancer and that the length of time given him will provide many opportunities for treatment and cures. It was hard news to hear today. All anyone wants to hear is that he will get better and will live a long and healthy life with his family. I'm going to stay positive ... no more talk of this ten years stuff.
Tomorrow Dan, Kelly, Stefan and Marco are coming over to visit on their way home from Banff. I don't know when they are coming or exactly how long they will be staying. I'm hoping we can go out for dinner with them and just relax and visit. It's been ages since they've been to Calgary for a visit. It will be nice to see them again and I'm looking forward to it.
But for now, I'm going to go out into the backyard (after I've made some popcorn) and I'm going to gaze up towards the sky with Jacob and Jonathan. Hopefully we will see some shooting stars (meteors) and ooh and aah and it will be wonderful. Life is good, even with all it's ups and downs ... with all the good and bad. It has to be .
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Jacob Wins!
Jacob won his age division in the Jr.'s Golf Tournament yesterday. He didn't win the whole Jr.'s event ... it was a boy that was a few years older than Jacob that won the whole event. But how wonderful for him that he won his age group, he was so happy. He played with 3 other boys, one his age and a couple of boys that were younger. He had a great afternoon. I'm happy he had a good time.
Afterwards we went to the Ryan/Lisa Family Auction wind-up BBQ in the NW. We did get there late because of Jacob's golf tournament and missed the dinner but it was nice to see everyone. They raised over $12,000 at the auction, which was short of their goal but wonderful all the same. I was sort of surprised to see both Jer and Deb there. I don't think they've been at anything together since they separated. But it's super good that they were there, in the same room, even if they didn't seem to talk to each other at all. I've tried emailing Deb a couple of times since their separation and she has never, ever responded. Yet yesterday she talked to both Jonathan and I and seemed to be genuinely interested in what was new. Go figure. Apparently her business is growing by leaps and bounds and she is now selling franchises and sold her second franchise last Friday. Good for her.
Today I am here at work until 10:30pm. I traded this shift with Dawn because she had plans (pay-per-view Ultimate Fighting) so I'm working on my usual weekend off.
My "sort of" plans to have coffee with an old friend fell through. So the weekend was good but not exactly what I thought it would be.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Things That Matter
It's been a while since I last wrote. When I started this blog it was my intention to write frequently but that hasn't always been the case.
This is my weekend off. Jacob is playing at a Jr.'s Golf Tournament at River's Edge today. In previous years, he has won this tournament two times. When he left with Jonathan I just told him to have fun with it, don't worry about winning, just have lots of fun. It's a shame that I didn't go but Jonathan says that we really only see him for the first tee off then they are out of sight on the course. So I stayed home and Jonathan may come home if he is unable to play later in the afternoon.
I was thinking the other day about what makes me happy. What sparked this train of thought was sitting here at the computer ... Jacob was beside me in the same room playing around on the their computer and playing his guitar at the same time. Without saying a word he was playing songs I liked. After a couple of songs, I could tell he was doing this by the way he would skip over songs that perhaps I didn't know well. I was touched by this but didn't say anything specific about his actions. All I would do once in a while is say, "hey, I love this song too." That made me happy.
But it got me thinking about what makes me happy. It's exactly things like that ... little thoughtful things. Gestures don't have to be big or lavish ... it's the small things. Because the things that matter aren't things at all. I wish I would have come up with that saying ... because it's true.
This is my weekend off. Jacob is playing at a Jr.'s Golf Tournament at River's Edge today. In previous years, he has won this tournament two times. When he left with Jonathan I just told him to have fun with it, don't worry about winning, just have lots of fun. It's a shame that I didn't go but Jonathan says that we really only see him for the first tee off then they are out of sight on the course. So I stayed home and Jonathan may come home if he is unable to play later in the afternoon.
I was thinking the other day about what makes me happy. What sparked this train of thought was sitting here at the computer ... Jacob was beside me in the same room playing around on the their computer and playing his guitar at the same time. Without saying a word he was playing songs I liked. After a couple of songs, I could tell he was doing this by the way he would skip over songs that perhaps I didn't know well. I was touched by this but didn't say anything specific about his actions. All I would do once in a while is say, "hey, I love this song too." That made me happy.
But it got me thinking about what makes me happy. It's exactly things like that ... little thoughtful things. Gestures don't have to be big or lavish ... it's the small things. Because the things that matter aren't things at all. I wish I would have come up with that saying ... because it's true.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Rainy and Cold August
It's been a wet couple of days. I don't think it's stopped raining all day. I suppose we need the precipitation ... it's a really good way to look at it.
The stormy weather put a damper on long weekend plans for many people around the province. I think the worst was the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose. The main stage collapsed during a rain and wind storm killing one lady. The concert weekend was cut short. Our neighbours were at the concert and saw the collapse ... pretty scary. I'm glad they made it home safe and sound but sorry someone lost their life. Weather and Mother Nature in general is very powerful.
I worked Monday which was the holiday. We were all tired as hell at work. The reason being a major thunder storm hit Calgary around 2:00am that morning and kept everyone up. The weather during the day wasn't good (cold and cloudy) so I didn't mind, in the least, sitting at work. The boys went out and played 18 holes of golf. Jacob said it was fine as long as he kept his toque on. Oh, cold enough for a winter hat! That sounds cold to me ... too cold for golf anyway.
This morning we woke up to rain again ... it had been raining all night long. The air temperature was perfect for sleeping and due to the lack of sleep I received the previous night I slept really well. I woke up feeling rested and had a good day at work. I'm working again tomorrow (Wednesday) and again on Friday. I have the weekend off, which will be nice. On Saturday Jacob is playing in the Junior's Club Championship ... that will be nice and hopefully, I will be able to see him start.
On the weekend there is also the possibility of having coffee with someone I haven't seen for a very, very long time. I'm not trying to get to excited about it either way because it hasn't been confirmed yet. But this looks like it's going to be a good weekend. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
The stormy weather put a damper on long weekend plans for many people around the province. I think the worst was the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose. The main stage collapsed during a rain and wind storm killing one lady. The concert weekend was cut short. Our neighbours were at the concert and saw the collapse ... pretty scary. I'm glad they made it home safe and sound but sorry someone lost their life. Weather and Mother Nature in general is very powerful.
I worked Monday which was the holiday. We were all tired as hell at work. The reason being a major thunder storm hit Calgary around 2:00am that morning and kept everyone up. The weather during the day wasn't good (cold and cloudy) so I didn't mind, in the least, sitting at work. The boys went out and played 18 holes of golf. Jacob said it was fine as long as he kept his toque on. Oh, cold enough for a winter hat! That sounds cold to me ... too cold for golf anyway.
This morning we woke up to rain again ... it had been raining all night long. The air temperature was perfect for sleeping and due to the lack of sleep I received the previous night I slept really well. I woke up feeling rested and had a good day at work. I'm working again tomorrow (Wednesday) and again on Friday. I have the weekend off, which will be nice. On Saturday Jacob is playing in the Junior's Club Championship ... that will be nice and hopefully, I will be able to see him start.
On the weekend there is also the possibility of having coffee with someone I haven't seen for a very, very long time. I'm not trying to get to excited about it either way because it hasn't been confirmed yet. But this looks like it's going to be a good weekend. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Next Spring's Checklist
It's August 2nd. The garden is in full swing. This is the time when I have to make notes about what to do next spring. What to move, get rid of, add, etc. Springtime isn't the time for me to make such decisions. In the spring I'm so grateful to see green emerging that I haven't the heart to remove much of anything. But now that I'm seeing things at their peak I have to make a plan for the next growing season.
1. Divide iris' growing by Stuart's area.
2. Divide chives. Does Teresa want some?
3. Don't buy pansy's again.
4. Buy pink and white petunias for the front garden. Maybe I do want to see more color out there after all. Who would have thought?
5. Re-think the clematis Jeanette gave us ... getting too big ... do I really like it?
6. Lobelia not the correct plant for small portion of water feature.
7. Spinach didn't work again this year ... plant something new.
8. Don't rip out so many morning glories growing beside the grape plant next year ... I'm missing them this year.
9. Plant morning glories and scarlet runners earlier next year along the garage.
10. Do buy large canna lilies in the spring ... they are great.
11. Focus on orange and purple flowers for next year in the back yard. I really liked that planting color scheme when I planted it a few years ago.
12. Start more plants from seed. God I love doing that and I haven't made the effort to do that in the past couple of years. It adds so much to the whole experience. I love it and I'm missing it so much.
That's all I can think of right now. I'll add more notes as I see things.
1. Divide iris' growing by Stuart's area.
2. Divide chives. Does Teresa want some?
3. Don't buy pansy's again.
4. Buy pink and white petunias for the front garden. Maybe I do want to see more color out there after all. Who would have thought?
5. Re-think the clematis Jeanette gave us ... getting too big ... do I really like it?
6. Lobelia not the correct plant for small portion of water feature.
7. Spinach didn't work again this year ... plant something new.
8. Don't rip out so many morning glories growing beside the grape plant next year ... I'm missing them this year.
9. Plant morning glories and scarlet runners earlier next year along the garage.
10. Do buy large canna lilies in the spring ... they are great.
11. Focus on orange and purple flowers for next year in the back yard. I really liked that planting color scheme when I planted it a few years ago.
12. Start more plants from seed. God I love doing that and I haven't made the effort to do that in the past couple of years. It adds so much to the whole experience. I love it and I'm missing it so much.
That's all I can think of right now. I'll add more notes as I see things.
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