Talking to Strangers

I just got an email from Deb reminding me not to talk to strangers. It reminded me of a conversation my co-worker (the one I went to Whistler with) and I had when we found out that golf was cancelled. She changed her flight so she could spend a few days with her sister which left me to fly home alone. I told her that I was okay with that because while it is nice to have a travelling companion, I actually enjoy flying alone. Plus I said, sometimes you get interesting seat mates. I like talking to strangers. Her reply was "you? Like talking to strangers? I never would have guessed" Note the STRONG sarcasm. LOL

So, yes, I'm planning on having a good flight and if I have any interesting conversations with strangers I'll be sure to report on them.

~Heidi

Business or Pleasure?

Both!!!

Friday I leave for Washington, DC. Seth will drive me to the airport and I will arrive at Dulles Airport at eight something pm, eastern time. There one of my ScrapShare friends will pick me up and take me to a local hotel where a group of us (30 or so) will be. I believe I'm the only international attendee at this retreat but we have quite a few states represented including Florida and Texas.

We'll be there Friday, all day Saturday and for most of Sunday. Following the retreat the plan is to do a "50 cent tour" of Washington, DC. There are some monuments and sights that I want to see.

Monday one of the attendees will drive me from DC to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There I'll meet up with my co-workers for our Annual General Meeting. Tuesday shouldn't be too bad but Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are going to be really long hours. If I get a chance to blog I will but don't count on it.

Saturday we were supposed to be hosting a golf tournament in New Jersey. Due to low registration it was cancelled. Instead of re-booking my flight (from Sunday to Saturday) I convinced my boss to let me just hang out in Philly for the day. The plan is to meet up with Shirley from NJ and her daughters to do some sightseeing and then hook up with Pam in PA for dinner.

Sunday I fly home.

It's taken a lot to get ready and I have a ton to do tomorrow but I am very excited for it.

So, if I don't talk to y'all for awhile, have a fantastic week!!!

~Heidi

Monday, September 18th to present

Monday evening was dance again. I was much more awake that time and not as sore the next morning.

Tuesday I got sidelined into a meeting I wasn't supposed to be part of. By the time I got back to the office and got to work it was two o'clock!!! I had to leave at 3:30 for a board meeting with my old job.

Funny story from Tuesday. The meeting I was at was catered but we ended up only having about half the expected participants show. I called the office and one of my co-workers brought some plastic containers over so we could share some of the extras. As I was piling the desserts into the container I realized that I was putting in the ones *I* liked, the brownies and chocolate ones and leaving the ones I wasn't too fond of, the fruit squares and carrot cake. I figured I should include at least one piece of carrot cake just in case.

This morning (Wednesday) I got to the office and peeked in the dessert container. There was one piece left. Guess which one? Yup! My token piece of carrot cake. Guess I have good taste after all!!!

Back to yesterday. I ended up staying late at work because its the only way I get anything done. When I did get home I made supper, cleaned up a bit and then did the dishes (that's a big deal since neither Seth nor I enjoy doing them and we tend to let them pile up). Robert called while I was eating. He was at Mom and Dad's and he wanted me to come over. I told him No though. I'm getting good at this! I'm glad I did. It would have been nice to hang out but I had too much to do at home. I cleaned out my scrap area and extracted what I need for the retreat, got most of my goodie done and even packed a bit more.

He did come "home" (he stays with Seth and I when he's in town) and we had a good chat over hot chocolate and pistachio pudding. (My milk is expired so I needed to use it up before it went bad). It was nice to have some one on one time with my brudder :)

So, that brings us to today. Wednesday. Crazy busy day at work. Lunch meeting which messed everything up, and almost three hours of overtime. I'll bill for a bit of it but I haven't been totally focused during the day (too much blog surfing and emailing) so it's just me evening things out for my concious.

Tomorrow I'm in the office for the day and then I'm LEAVING ON A JET PLANE!!!

Okay, one more entry and then I'll go home. I promise.

~Heidi

Sunday, September 17th

Sunday after church I went out for lunch with a bunch of friends. I finally got to satisfy a really bad craving for Thai food, specifically spring rolls. I ate almost an entire order myself and enjoyed every bite :D I also tried some kind of Vietnamese coffee. They gave me a glass with about an inch of sweet and condensed milk and then balanced on top was a little percolator type thing that dripped the coffee into the glass. Once the coffee was dripped you mix it together and pour it over ice (which comes in another container). When some of the ice is melted (or not) you pour it back in the glass and drink it through a straw. It was delicious. The coffee was very strong but the sweetness of the milk tamed it and they complimented each other very well. Now I'm craving the coffe :P

After lunch I went home and seriously started packing for the first time. I made a list of the days I'll be away, and wrote down what kind of clothes I need. Then I started pulling them out of my closet and dresser and piling them on my hope chest. Tonight (Wednesday) I'll actually put them in the suitcase.

Sunday evening Seth, Robert and I went to Mom and Dad's for dinner. It was really nice to hang out with them some more. I think we spend more time as a family now that I am moved out and Robert lives so far away...or maybe it's just more quality time. Going to Mom and Dad's was good because I got a bunch of pictures burnt to CD too. Their computer is VERY unstable right now and I had some pictures there that weren't backed up so this makes me feel a lot better.

~Heidi

BC Lions Football

Saturday, September 16th continued

After leaving Sheri I made my way over to downtown Vancouver. There I met my family for dinner at Rosie's on Robson (Remember that restaurant Mere? You and I went there one time...) The boys and Seth's friend Blair were REALLY late because they are men and refuse to ask for directions. (Tell me how you end up on the North Shore when you are looking for BC Place???) Anyways it was a decent meal and from there we headed over to BC Place for the BC Lions football game.

Football is my new "thing". I grew up listening to hockey on the radio. I've always been a Vancouver Canucks fan. In school I learned how to play basketball and other sports but not football. At the end of August I joined a fantasy football league with some other SSer's. We're playing mostly for bragging rights but I'm doing it so I actually care about the game. So far I'm second in our league (out of twelve). Not bad for someone who let the auto draft pick her players :)

Anyways, I've wanted to go to a football game for quite a few years. I've just never made it out. When we were visiting Robert in August we (my family) looked at the Lions schedule and realized that there was a home game on Saturday the 16th, two days after Seth's 23rd birthday. Robert gave me cash for his ticket and promised to come down so it made us commit. Seth talked a few of his friends into coming as well and we made it a celebration for his birthday.

Our tickets were pairs scattered around the end zone (a cheaper deal from 7-11). One of the pairs was front row and I got to sit there during the second half. It was a lot of fun. The boys were cheering so loud that Seth pretty much lost his voice. His friend Blair got the wave going around the whole stadium. And, to top it off, the Lions won :)

I got football stickers in my Showcase goodie bag in 2004. I *finally* get to use them!!!

~Heidi

Blogging Backlog: Sept 14-16.5

Wow. I am WAY behind on my blogging. Since I'm leaving town and will have spotty access at best I'm going to take some time to update what has happened in the past week or so. (Keep in mind I do this for all my loyal readers but also so I have a record for when I get around to scrapbooking this part of my life).

Thursday, September 14th
Dance started up again. I was REALLY tired that night but I made it through with very few mistakes. It feels good to be moving again (even though I was pretty sore the next day) and it's fun to wear my fancy crinolines and skirts.

Friday, September 15th
The Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Bazzar and Fundraiser. Mom and I went for the first time. It is an annual event, we've just never made it before. We browsed rows and rows of second hand items and gorgeous handmade quilts. I never did take any pictures because I wasn't sure if I could and there were almost too many people to get a clear shot. It was like a giant homecoming. In the space of about two minutes I saw the ex-mayor, the current mayor, my chiropractor, my accountant and three ex-co-workers!!! It was a lot of fun though. There was some great energy in the air and it was a very successful event.

Saturday, September 16th. I left the house just past 10 o'clock and didn't return until midnight!!!
First stop was the local farmers market. There are some great deals there on fresh produce. I didn't buy much because I will be gone for so long. I did get some fresh mushrooms and bread.
Second stop was Janis' to drop off product from Deb.
Third stop was Ikea! I've been wanting to go there ever since I moved out. Saturday I finally did it. I am very proud of myself though. I went in for some very specific things and basically stuck to my list. My most exciting purchase was a halogen lamp for my front room. I think I've mentioned how horribly badly that room needs light. Well, for fifteen bucks, it now has it! I can't tell you how wonderful it is. That combined with my new couches from Janis...wait...have I mentioned that? Remember how I was house sitting for Janis at the beginning of the year? Well they are back now but moving to the island. She offered me (us) her couch, love seat and chair, kitchen table and four chairs and bar-b-que!!! I jumped at them. Seth had a couch and a chair but it really wasn't enough seating. Especially when we are both home at the same time or if I ever want to do entertaining. Anyways, the second weekend in Seth, Dad and I picked them up (after I got back from Whistler) and we took Seth's old couch and chair to Mom and Dad's.

So, back to my front room. The "new" furniture, paired with the lamp and a proper kitchen table makes the place feel totally liveable. Now when people ask "have you settled in?" I can honestly say yes and mean it. It's a great feeling (Thanks Janis!!!)

Back to Saturday. From Ikea I made my way to the Vancouver Airport. A ScrapShare Sister, CMSheriTX and her husband Mark had just finished an Alaskan Cruise so Sue and I met her for coffee at the Tim Hortons. Here we are:

We had a wonderful time. Sheri and her husband are wonderful people. I wish we could have spent more time together.

Stay tuned, the rest of Saturday is coming right up...

~Heidi

Pictures!!!

I told Mom about my last blog entry and she said "oh, I was looking at those pictures today!" So, here they are. Me and my oh so stylish bone.

And one where I'm trying to catch it because it's falling. It's hard to drum when your hair is falling out.

Gotta love the major stage make up too eh? Apparently cave people were really tanned!

~Heidi

Random Memory #2: My Acting Debut

My co-worker picked up a Marvin Gaye cd from Starbucks this morning. She said she thought the song "Heard it through the grapevine" would be good for this afternoon when we're all dragging.

That song sparked a memory for me. In grade seven, our school presented their bi-annual musical production. The theme was "Communication". It detailed the evolution of communication from cavemen and drums through morse code and the telegraph, the invention of the telephone, up to the current computers and cell phones.

I had two parts. Picture this. The auditorium is dark, the sound of drums raises in volume, the curtain rises, there is a lone spotlight on a girl with...what on earth is on her head? A BONE??? Yep, I had an 18" plastic bone threaded through my hair and I was dressed like Betty Rubble from the Flinstones. I wonder if there are pictures... Anyhow, there was actually another girl sharing my acting debut. I seem to remember her missing one of the nights though. We practiced for WEEKS on those drums. Got pretty good too.

For my second part, I believe it was after the intermission. I was dressed like a newsboy complete with my brother's carrier bag. I came across the stage waving a newspaper and my big line was "Extra, extra, read all about it"

So there you go. My acting debut. I think I'll stick to radio :)

~Heidi

What would you do with $50?

aka Heidi, middle name Lucky, MXXXXX

Last night was the final, final wrap up from the Seniors Games. It was a buffet dinner for the hosts and medal coordinators. It was really nice. Lots of people shared stories of their experiences with the games. Funny ones, touching ones, and GodI'mGladItsFinallyOver ones. Throughout the night they were awarding door prizes. Left over gift bags that the dignataries got, bottles of wine and donated prizes from Home Depot and other places. The prize from Home Depot was some gardening gadget. When the director picked up the prize she told the lady at HD "I know exactly who this should go to. She'd love it!" Then before they drew a name she told us that this woman would love the prize and know exactly what to do with it. Guess who's name they drew!!! The look on the directors face was priceless. It was totally NOT rigged but it worked out perfectly.

The last prize they drew for was a $50 pre-loaded Visa card from a credit union. I won it! I did NOT expect that. It was a very pleasant surprise. Part of me feels guilty because I don't volunteer for the cool stuff that you get. I do it because I know the help is needed and I enjoy it. This is just icing on the cake.

I'm planning on using the card to *finally* get myself an eyelet setter/tool set for card making. I've needed one for a long time and now I can justify getting it...Now to figure out which one!

~Heidi

Word of the day #27: inexorable

in‧ex‧o‧ra‧ble 
–adjective 1. unyielding; unalterable: inexorable truth; inexorable justice.
2. not to be persuaded, moved, or affected by prayers or entreaties: an inexorable creditor.

Answering Machine Message

Ha! I'm always on the look out for cute answering machine messages. I called someone today and their message was as follows:

"Due to an unfortunate dog mauling incident my cell phone is out of service. I will be checking messages regularly so please leave your name and number and I will get back to you in the order in which I receive your call."

Gotta love it :) Too bad for the phone though!

~Heidi

I said NO!

Aren't you proud of me? I received another invitation to be involved in a volunteer opportunity today and I turned it down. I would love to do it but I have to be concious of the current demands on my time.
Yeah me!
~Heidi

Countdown

Cowtown Stacy posts a weekly blog challenge on ScrapShare. So far I haven't bothered to take the challenge, not that they aren't interesting, I just haven't had time. I can't pass up lists though so here is this weeks challenge.

In honor of Shuttle Atlantis, which finally blasted off yesterday, and because my friend Cara likes it when I make lists like this, this week's blog challenge is a Countdown List. 10...9... 8... 7....
10 Things I Wanna Do Before I Die
The definitive list can be found at: Things to do Before I Die
Here are ten more
- Visit Oregon
- Road trip on the East Coast
- Attend an awards show
- Have my picture in a magazine
- Give a speach to more then 50 people
- Fly in a helicopter
- Find a long lost relative
- Drive through the Great Smokey Mountains
- Eat at the Mongolie Grill
- Go kyaking

9 Places I Last Spent Money
(Taken directly from my wallet)
- Petro Canada (gas for the truck we used to move my furniture)
- Starbucks
- Rogers Chocolates
- IGA in Whistler
- Library fines
- Save On Foods (allergy medication)
- 7-11 (BC Lions tickets for the football game on Saturday)
- Fruit/Vegetable Stand
- Scrapbook Store

8 Sounds I Routinely Hear Around My House
- Country radio
- people walking around upstairs
- the fridge running
- the manufacturing plant down the hill
- the train behind the plant
- people walking in the courtyard
- the tv if it's on
- me breathing (seriously, it's pretty quite at my place)

7 Real Restaurants Where I Last Ate Out
- Quatro in Whistler
- Macaroni Grill
- Hell's Kitchen
- Mango Tree
- Hana Sushi
- Globe @ YVR
- Medazona's (tonight)

6 Things I've Recently Scratched Off My To-Do List
- unpacking from this weekend
- laundry
- taking out the garbage
- consolidating boxes of stuff
- my "concerts" album
- prying Seth's disposible cameras from his Hawaii trip away from him

5 People I Don't Know but would Like to Hang Out With
- Dierks Bentley
- Brad Paisley
- Kenny Chesney
- George W. Bush
- Anyone from SS that I haven't met IRL

4 Songs That Make Me Happy
- How Forever Feels
- Mud on the Tires
- I Just Want to Dance With You
- Lot of Leaving Left to Do

3 Things I Hate To Do
- Cleaning my house
- Washing my car
- Admitting I'm wrong

2 Things I'm Really Good At
- maintaining eye contact
- remembering usless information

1 Bad Habit
- Procrastination

I'm Baaaaack

Didja miss me? Whistler was good. Long days and early mornings but it was a fairly sucessful show and a great experience for me. We had great weather up until Saturday and I even got a couple of hours off to tour the village. On Thursday during my "time off" I was in the post office. In the next line over I saw a guy and I thought to myself "that's Ross Rebegliati, gold medalist in snowboarding from the 1998 winter olympics in Nagano". Sure enough the lady behind the counter said "Hey Ross!" Later that night when I was in line for the Gondola there was a Roots Canada poster with him on it! So there, that was my brush with fame in Whistler LOL

I also got to meet a couple of politicians and other "movers and shakers" in the industry. Like I said, it was a good experience. I can't wait to go back to Whistler when I don't have to work!

~Heidi

Going, Going, Gone

Hey Everyone,
Just a short note to let you know that I'll be in Whistler, BC until Saturday night for work. I can't guarantee that I'll be able to blog so I just wanted to post so you don't wonder where I've disappeared to.
~Heidi

SLW: Recap

My September Long Weekend turned out to be pretty uneventful. Friday I took Seth to his friends house in "The 'wack" and stopped at the LSS. I spent more then I should have on paper and...actually I only bought paper. I got my first set of Basic Grey monograms and letter stickers too but they are on the paper rack so it mostly just counts as that :P At home, after preparing a quick dinner, I started making cards. During the whole weekend I believe I completed 15 cards! Most of them are quite simple but I'm really happy with all of them.

My big project (and I can't remember if I've blogged about this) was going through some boxes of knick knacks and purging. I have a couple of boxes of things that were packed about three houses ago and still haven't seen the light of day. Last week I brought them into my dining room and unpacked them all. I lined everything up on the floor and then went through and designated it as "display, keep, purge".

Saturday Dad came over with his drill, stud finder and measuring tape and hung some shelves for me. My eight foot one that goes about a foot from the ceiling in my room and a wider black one that I've hung in the living room. I'm proud to say that I took seven (SEVEN!) empty boxes over to my parents (because they have more room for storage and will probably move before I do) and only put one box of "keep" items back into my storage room. Everything else was either "purged", filed or displayed.

Saturday, with the exception of going to the dumpster I didn't leave the house at all. I probably should have since it was such a nice day but I didn't really have any reason too and I enjoyed my day at home.

Sunday after church I went to Mom and Dad's for lunch and then we went to the PNE. We toured the prize home, watched an Illusionist work his magic, zipped through the live stock displays and home show and ate lots of fried food. It was fun :)

Monday was another lazy day. Seth was home watching golf while I finished cleaning up my mess. I also unpacked a bunch of candles and made it feel a lot more homey. I'm finally feeling settled in. Once I get my new furniture this week, I'll feel like the place is actually mine.

Monday afternoon Seth and I went to see "Invincible" the new football movie with Mark Wahlberg. It was really good and it's gotten me fired up about the Fantasy Football League that I joined (more about that later).

Now I'm back at work and I have to attack my minutes again. Hope you all had a fantastic long weekend. (or just a regular weekend if you're not in North America)

~Heidi

September Long Weekend: Pre-ramble

Do you realize that this is the third long weekend in a row that I haven't gone out of town? Well, I guess I did go to down for the SS WA 2.5 crop but I was back by Sunday so it doesn't feel like I went any where. This weekend I was considering going down to visit friends in the Tri-Cities in Washington State but I decided to do the responsible thing and stay home. Especially since I'm leaving for Whistler on Wednesday and for DC/PA in three weeks. (Three weeks!!!) I admit that I'm a bit sad about it though. It feels like forever since I've had a good long road trip. Vernon was okay but I still have the travelling bug.

Dierks new CD called "Long Trip Alone" is scheduled for release on October 17th. That's what I need. A Long Trip Alone. I enjoy them and I miss them!

~Heidi