January 2010 12of12

Better late than never?

January 12, 2010 The "12 of 12" people always suggest putting your camera right by your bed so you start taking pictures first thing in the morning. This day, when my alarm when off, I grabbed my camera and took a picture of what I look like when I'm sleeping. Even though I was technically awake, it was only just.

The night before I had washed my hair. I brushed it out in the morning and before re-braiding it, I took a picture.
This day marked on year of being back at my old job, in my new position. How did I celebrate? By spending well over an hour in the non-ventilated server room on the phone with Telus and my video conference technician trying to fix some technical issues. I'm publishing this post on February 6th and it was this Thursday (the 4th) that these issues were finally, fully resolved. Uggh.
Because I was trapped in the server room, I took the time to organize it. The bucket shown here was FULL of cords. I took them out one by one, wrapped them up and divided them into drawers in this unit. Not the way I wanted to spend my morning but at least I achieved something useful.

After dealing with technicians all morning, I treated myself to Burger King for lunch. There is a location a few blocks from work that used to be a Burger King, then they became some other burger joint and recently they've had a "Burger King Coming Soon" sign up. It FINNALLY opened and this was my first visit. It was probably the worst BK food I've ever had (half the fries weren't done) but the staff was awesome. Very funny and engaging. I'll go back just to have them serve me.

While I ate I listened to Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice on cd. It's our book club selection for the month. More on that in a bit.
After work I went and gave blood. Giving is always a crapshoot for me. I fail regularly for a variety of reasons. This time I was successful! And I got cookies...that's the best part of giving blood :D
So, back to book club. I mentioned in my last post that I had read a book about a club who read books and then did an activity based on the story. Well my friends Leah and Anj decided to form a book club that they have dubbed "Script to Screen" (S2S) the premise is that we will read a book and then watch the movie. Yes it limits us to books that have been turned into movies but there's TONS of those with more being made every year.

January 12th was our first meeting, an "orientation" of sorts. Everyone brought snacks to share. There were brownies with "movie tickets" that had quotes on them.
And tons of other yummy food.
Leah and Anj had a whole agenda worked out covering everything they thought would be important when you have a group of women getting together.

This was basically the same group that got together to watch Twilight and then go to see New Moon in November.
Leah hadn't seen the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice so that's what we selected for our first book. I'll put that in a separate post.

Leah and Anj went all out with decorating and staying in theme. Showing it all would go over 12 pictures but suffice to say, it was awesome. The last picture is one of the stacks of books they had as a centre piece on the table to get us in the mood :)

So that's my day. Better late than never and killing two birds with one stone because I got to talk about S2S in the same post!

Around the World in 80 Days

Last year I discovered a series of books by Laura Jensen Walker, called the Getaway Girls, well, I say series but I have only read two books. The third was just released this month. The premise of the books is that the girls read a book and then go on an adventure based on the story. The books are full of quotes and book recommendations and considering how much I love reading, they`re perfect for me.

One of the book suggestions was Around the World in 80 Days. I picked the book on cd up from the library a few days later and absolutley fell in love with the story. It`s smart and funny, very fast paced and even a love story. I`ve been raving about the book ever since.

A few weeks ago I heard that a local theatre group was doing the stage show. Mom and I made plans to go, and tonight was the night. It was fantastic. It is billed as a ``comedy adventure adapted by Mark Brown``. There are only five actors and each of them play many, many parts. They were all extremely talented and even though you knew it was the same actors, a few props, slight costume changes and an accent or two thrown in made you forget that it was a familiar face.

The stage show was just as enjoyable as the book had been. I recommend it just as highly as before I saw the show, actually, more so now :)

One Little Word

Lots of places suggest selecting one word as your word for the year. I am most familiar with the concept through Ali Edwards. This newsletter explains the concept.

“A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow.

Last fall in issue two of this newsletter I wrote about the power of words and gave my top ten tips for getting those words down when you are scrapbooking. Today I want to introduce you to the idea that a single word can be a catalyst for enriching your life as well as your scrapbook layouts”

I haven’t blogged about it before but for the last two years my word was “PEACE”. I gravitated towards songs that had that word in the lyrics and whenever I saw it somewhere or read a verse that contained it, a tangible peace would settle over me.

My song for 2009 was Jeremy Camp’s “Slow Down Time”. I included the lyrics at the end of this post: http://agent713.blogspot.com/2009/01/2008-year-that-was.html. The line that says “My only peace is waiting before You” really stuck with me all year.

My word for 2010 year is DREAM. I just realized as I am writing this entry that it coincides nicely with 2010 being the Olympic year. Lots of people have dreams of Olympic gold. My dreams are different and I feel like this year I am giving myself the permission to truly DREAM about the possibilities.

Many of my dreams are scheduled to come true this year. I mean how long have I been wanting to move to Ontario? This is the year that will happen. Even though I only quantified and verbalized the idea of going back to school recently, I am realizing that is a dream and it is a means to seeing another dream fulfilled, that is working in a field that I am truly passionate about. Maybe some year “passion” will be my word. For now, I am focusing on DREAMing about the possibilities in life.

I’ve only heard the song a few times but this is the front runner for song of the year for 2010 for me: Jessie Farrel’s “Burn So Bright”

If you’re waiting for the perfect time
To try something you’ve never tried
Time will pass you by and you won’t do it
Save nothing for a rainy day, you’ll blink and it will be too late
Why not start right now and just get to it?
Shut up the voice inside your head that says “stay in the shadows”

Burn so bright that the dream you have inside lights up the night
Burn so bright that the angels have to cover up their eyes
Dare to be bold, dare to be great
Leave a little love all over the place
It’s your life, burn so bright

Why talk why you can sing out loud?
Why hide when you can draw a crowd?
You deserve a future with no limits
Take baby steps until you’re done
Don’t miss out on all the fun
Put a memory in every minute
With every excuse you come up with
You’ll miss a door that opens

Burn so bright that the dream you have inside lights up the night
Burn so bright that the angels have to cover up their eyes
Dare to be bold, dare to be great
Leave a little love all over the place
It’s your life, burn so bright

Turn up that voice inside your head that says “you’re heard for a reason”

Burn so bright that the dream you have inside lights up the night
Burn so bright that the angels have to cover up their eyes
Dare to be bold, dare to be great
Leave a little love all over the place
It’s your life, burn so bright

I do feel that I’ve been “living in the shadows” and I’m excited to start “burning so bright”.

I also love the line “Put a memory in every minute”. Dierks has a song called “Every Mile a Memory” which I’ve always loved and (CREEPY!!! It just came on the radio!!!) but the idea of putting a memory in EVERY moment, is even more powerful. It implies that every small part of life should be memorable and I love that.

So there, this a freakishly long entry but now I’ve got it out there.

Now I can keep DREAMing.

1,000 Posts

I’ve been dancing around this particular post for a couple of months now. In December I posted that I was celebrating my 4th Anniversary of this blog.

Well, minus some posts that remain as drafts (some of which will see the light of day and others that won’t for various reasons) I can officially say that I have made 1,000 posts!!! (I say I’ve been dancing around this post because I keep going through the drafts and deleting some or posting them if they’re still relevant).

1000 blog entries in four years. I did almost 400 in the first year, and it’s tapered off since then, but I’m still blogging.

According to my labels the most popular categories are: general updates (168), stuff (97), work (72), gratitude (59) and country music (51). Scrapbooking (38) and Dierks (36) are the next highest. Interesting.

Here’s to another 1000. It will be interesting to see what my biggest categories are in the NEXT four years :)

Word of the Day #39: loquacious

lo⋅qua⋅cious
loh-kwey-shuh s
–adjective
1. talking or tending to talk much or freely; talkative; chattering; babbling; garrulous: a loquacious dinner guest.
2. characterized by excessive talk; wordy: easily the most loquacious play of the season.

New Year's Resolutions

I made some resolutions last year and I always intended to blog about them but I never did. They include the ever famous "lose weight, get out of debt, eat better" etc. I tried to be a bit specific but the first two are the only ones I really stuck to. Well, in my fashion. The first was "no soda pop", I accomplished by modifying to mean "no buying pop for drinking at home". I was allowed to drink it when I was out but not at home. That alone cut down on the amount that I drank a LOT. I'm sticking with that one this year.

I was closer with the second one. (No alcohol) I never drank a lot but I knew that I was getting fairly blase towards alcohol and I didn't like that. I used to be a "non-drinker" and I decided it was time to go back to that. It worked. I can count on one hand the amount of times I had alcohol last year and then it was usually just wine with dinner. I'll stick with that this year too.

I'm adding two more this year as well.

1. Quit speeding. Even five kms over the limit is too much. If it's 50 in town, go 50, not 60. On the highway the posted speed is 100 kms. Go 100. Not 110. It is HARD. I am used to going too fast so the world goes by at a certain rate. It's hard to learn that it should go slower. I'm finding that by conciously keeping my speed down, I am paying more attention to the road and I'm being a more cautious driver. It's good.

2. Brush my teeth every night. For some reason I've never been in this habit. In the morning is easy, your mouth tastes nasty. At night I *always* forget. I'm trying to build a new habit. It doesn't take long and I know it's good for me. I'm tracking how often I remember and, while I'm not perfect yet, I'm definitely building the habit, and that's what matters.

So there, my two, achievable, new years resolutions! On top of the much harder ones...

Things To Do Before I Die

On February 13, 2006 I posted my list of "Things To Do Before I Die". I reviewed it in May 2009 but I’ve since accomplished more of the items so it’s time to review it again.

The bolded items have been accomplished.

96 (and counting) Things To Do Before I Die

1. Fly first class
2. Live on my own in my own place
3. Eat at Sonic
4. Live in another country...or at least another province (scheduled for August!)
5. Host dinner party for at least 8

6. Visit an art gallery
7. Go to Texas
8. Ride in a hot air balloon
9. Fly in a small aircraft
10. Visit a planetarium

11. Take a winery tour
12. Do high tea somewhere
13. Attend Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
14. See a drive in movie
15. Get room service and have breakfast in bed at a nice hotel (I've done room service, but not for breakfast)

16. Play blackjack at a casino (I’ve played slots but not blackjack yet)
17. Make homemade ice cream
18. Try ten new foods (I have to sit down and count. Ten foods since February 2006? I’m sure I’ve accomplished that)
19. Go sailing
20. Ride in a limo

21. Be debt free
22. Go horse back riding on the wide open plains
23. Sleep under the stars (without a tent)
24. Fly in a 747
25. Collect all 50 US state quarters (only 10 to go!)

26. Attend my ten year high school reunion
27. Visit Australia
28. Visit Great Britain
29. Get a cat
30. Take a cruise

31. Work an election
32. Watch all moves on AFI top 100 list
33. Be in Ottawa for Canada Day
34. Draft a will
35. Spend one weekend totally unplugged. No TV, No Computer, No Phone

36. Visit the Maritimes
37. Tour the US Eastern seaboard
38. Pour water from the Atlantic ocean into the Pacific
39. Fast for 24 hours
40. Be in audience of a game show or talk show and/or try out for a game show or reality show

41. Learn to cook
42. Cook a turkey
43. Play with a hand bell choir
44. Complete 25 different crossword puzzles
45. Take a Self Defence Class

46. Fire a gun
47. Host a fondue
48. Take real swimming lessons (learn proper back stoke, kick turn)
49. Leave to drive a stick shift
50. Try yoga

51. Take a cake decorating class
52. Visit Nashville
53. Go parachuting
54. Take a refresher First Aid course
55. Sell something on Ebay

56. Try snowboarding
57. Try Golf
58. Watch the Yankees/Mariners play ball
59. Drink tequila in Tijuana
60. Go to Disney Land/World

61. Get a bikini wax
62. Buy a new condo (or house) (or town house)
63. Go white water rafting
64. Climb Mt. Cheam
65. Have a baby (or two, or three)

66. Read through the entire bible
67. Stay at a bed and breakfast
68. Go to Las Vegas
69. Go to Paris in the spring time
70. Learn enough about classical music to be able to identify popular pieces by ear

71. Shop at the Mall of America
72. Visit all five great lakes
73. Stay overnight in NYC
74. Go to Boston in the fall
75. Stay overnight at a Casino

76. Visit the San Diego Zoo
77. Visit Sea World
78. Take a full two weeks off at a time
79. Go on a blind date
80. See a live horse race and place a bet

81. Visit the Grand Canyon
82. Take a trip by train (aka travel somewhere on Amtrak)
83. Do the Vancouver Sun Run
84. Go to midnight mass
85. Attend Sunrise Easter Service

86. Go skinny dipping
87. Visit all 10 Provincial Legislature Buildings. (3 down 7 to go)
88. Buy cowboy boots
89. Go to the Olympics (17 days to go!)
90. Fly in a helicopter

91. Go to a NASCAR race
92. Get married
93. Participate in a team sport for a season
94. Sing a solo at church
95. Really try to loose weight/get in better shape

96. Learn another language

So, counting the ten new foods thing, I’ve accomplished eleven. 85 to go.

Ancestors in the Attic: Journey to Ortona

So almost a year after I received the initial enquiry, the episode of Ancestors in the Attic featuring my great uncle, Melville Madden, aired on History Channel in Canada on January 21, 2010. The whole family was waiting in anxious anticipation to see how it would turn out and exactly what the researchers turned up and we were all very happy with the results. You can view the 23 minute show at http://www.history.ca/video/default.aspx Select "Journey to Ortona" (Episode 44) Let me know what you think! (and be sure to watch for my name in the credits :D)

A Full Life

I live a full life.

That’s a term I came up with after I got tired of people asking how I was doing and answering “busy”. Busy is such a cop out and it doesn’t explain anything.

I attend church and bible study twice a week each. I square dance on Monday nights. I’m a member of our local Genealogical Society, a book club, a table top gaming group, I scrapbook, read voraciously and have a large circle of friends that I try to meet up with on a regular basis. Not to mention the fact that I work full time, volunteer (less than I’d like to) and try to go to the gym when I can squeeze it in.

One of the local CMC’s, who is a friend more than a CMC, invited me to her workshop on Saturday. I was considering going but then I realized that I’d be much happier if I just stayed home, slept in, and scrapbooked in my pj’s. I was joking with a coworker and saying that I was going to tell everyone that I was scrapping with the CMC even though I wasn’t, just so I wouldn’t be invited out somewhere. He laughed and said “you’re just a ‘Yes Man’!”

Now my dad has said that before. He’s said that I have trouble saying no but I wrote it off as him being anti-social and not having the same priorities as me. I LIKE being busy. I enjoy seeing people and I do say no…sometimes. On the flip side, I also like and need alone time. I’ve always been like that. I have three younger brothers and I’d often just go to my bedroom, close the door, and play alone as a child. Now I get that quiet time because I live alone and when I’m at home, there’s very rarely anyone with me.

January has been a crazy busy month with very few days or evenings set aside for just me. I have a packed calendar and I keep joking that the tag line for my life should be “a tendency to over-commit”. Kevin’s comment worried me though. Does being busy mean I CAN’T say no? Or that I should practice saying no more?

I posted on ScrapShare and got some fantastic advice.

scrappygal: The difference is stress and if you are doing what you WANT to be doing rather than what you feel you SHOULD be doing.

If your life is full of fun things you enjoy doing and you go to bed satisfied with your day, you are fine.

If, however, you are doing things for everyone else while you are stressed out about your own stuff that is not getting done and you realize you haven't read a book or scrapbooked in a month because you've babysat for 5 friends, helped two move and taken on an extra project at work that no one else would do, you have a problem.

busyizzy: I think your life sounds wonderfully enjoyable! I also think it's okay to say, "I'd love to come scrap (or whatever), but I have other plans," even when those other plans are sleeping in and hanging around home in your jammies all day! Those kinds of activities can be planned just as clearly as a movie night with a friend, and are just as legitimate to keep in your calendar. Enjoy yourself, and I'm sure you'll find ways of saying no that work for you.

NancyD: It isn't the number, it's the effect.

I know people for whom having more than 2 outside work and family obligations is just WAAAAY too much. Stress inducing. Horrific.

Then there are people like you. Only TWO? Bored bored bored...pace pace pace..... THAT would be stressful.

It sounds like you know that this Saturday would be better NOT going to the crop. So.... no thank you SuzyCMC. That says to me that you can read your own needs and say no when your own needs say "time for a day off".

But the rest of the time, your own needs say "hot diggity, tonight's book club and tomorrow is game night and I can't wait for square dancing!"

Not for some.... but for you? It's working.

When you start dragging your sorry butt to those events because you're obligated and really you'd just rather stay home in your pj's, then it's time to re-evaluate and start cutting.

Jill in FL: There is nothing wrong with your full schedule as long as it makes you happy. It's when you start to resent the items on your schedule (or the people who keep asking!) that it may be time to step back and answer no instead of yes. Do as much or as little as you're comfortable with, and if it's scrapping in your jammies at home this weekend, then that's what I'd do!!

kermit: You know when you regret that you said yes and you dread following through with the commitment.

I’m copying them all here because I have a feeling I’ll want to refer back to them. I admit by Friday night I was staring to regret the commitment I had scheduled but I made it through and it made having all day Saturday and Sunday with nothing but church and bible study that much more sublime. Tonight I’m skipping dance because the rest of the week is pretty busy and I know if I don’t start out feeling grounded, I certainly won’t end that way.

So, whether I DO have a tendency to over commit, or if I just live a full life, it’s my life and since I do know where to draw the line, I’m going to keep it up :)

Shit

This is what I saw today when I opened my mail box. The title of this post is what I thought (please excuse the language) I know I should be excited, and I am, but I'm also scared spitless.

For some reason I've been saying "IF I'm accepted to school"...well...it looks like they want me. I've applied to three schools, this was my second choice although for a lot of reasons it could be my first. How on earth do I decide though? I have until May (technically) to accept the offer. I think I'll wait for a little while at least. Mostly I just need to get used to the idea. One one hand it's super exciting. On the other, completely overwhelming. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! LOL

Good Costco Story

I get my prescriptions filled at Costco (it’s pretty much the only thing I buy there and it’s under my mom’s membership to boot). They have a system where you can call in to an auto answering service, enter your RX number and request a refill. They then contact the doctor and, as long as it’s approved, you can pick your prescription up in a few days.

My dear mother picked up my last prescription (a three month supply) before Christmas and with the travelling I’ve been doing I got off track so I didn’t start actually taking the new pills until about a week ago. It took me a few days but I finally clued in that the pills are smaller than they used to be. I usually take 20 mg and these were only 10.

I called the doctor to ask if I he had changed my dosage, or if it was wrong. I got a call from Costco an hour or so later confirming that the prescription had been for 20 mg and if I had the 10’s, that was wrong. They offered, since it’s their mistake, to drive over to my work (which is CLEAR across town), pick up the old prescription (which I’ve started taking already) and drop off the new one.

They called before they came to confirm my location and the Costco lady just left. She showed me her ID to confirm that she wasn’t someone off the street, she gave me the new prescription (a full three month supply), and took my old one back. Now that’s service!!!

Happy New Year!

I have some draft blog posts that I haven’t had a chance to finish. Lots has happened in the first three weeks of the year but if I try and wait to recap it all, I’ll never get back to blogging. So, instead I’m just going to jump in as of today. If I get back to the other posts, great. If not. That’s okay too.

For today, a funny.

I get tons of emails each day so I have to dedicate time to dealing with and organizing them. I tend to keep most of them for reference. I have 27 main folders in my inbox and each has a multitude of sub folders.

I also get a lot of spam. Most of it is caught and redirected to my junk mail folder but once in awhile I have to move one manually. Today I wanted to move a Viagra ad to junk but the default folder that it would have gone to was “office supplies” LOL

Anyways, I’m back and I hope to post more regularly. I have a 12 of 12 post to put up too. I hope your new year is going swimmingly :)

Christmas 2009

I got home from Leavenworth on Tuesday and worked Wednesday and a half day Thursday. Robert was in town so we had dinner at Mom and Dad's on Wednesday and then visited and played Scrabble. Thursday after work I went shopping. I had bought Seth's present a few weeks ago and ended I up getting most of Mom's in Leavenworth. That still meant that I had to pick up Aaron's, Robert's and Dad's. I knew what I was getting each of them so it was just a matter of going to the right store and fighting the crowds. I had fun.

Christmas Eve is also Dad's birthday. I arrived at their house around 5pm and dinner was basically ready then. Mom prepared a lamb roast as a special treat for Dad. It was fantasic. We had warm blueberry gingerbread cake for dessert. Afterwards we played RISK. Mom won...which was kind of funny because she hadn't actually wanted to play in the first place.
This picture of me was taken just before going to bed. We didn't stay up super late because everyone was pretty tired.

Christmas morning we were all up before 9...really quite early for my family.

We like to take our time with gift opening and this year was no exception. Seth wasn't able to join us but he mailed his gifts and they arrived on Christmas Eve.

He sent me the "Unofficial Guide to Twilight", a mini book on Robert Pattinson and two bars of Body Shop soap. The guide is perfect. I just finished Eclipse (for the second time) and didn't want to take Breaking Dawn on the plane with me because it is still only available in hard cover. The guide is a nice compromise.

Robert also got me a guide...to Ontario. It's a really nice Michelin one and I can't wait to start visiting all the places listed in there. Mom, Aaron and Robert went together and gave me cash so I can finally invest in the Storybook Creator by Creative Memories. I am VERY excited about that! Aaron also gave me a Starbucks card. Mom and dad got me a Starbucks coffee sampler for use in my French press and Dad picked out a fleece scarf and fuzzy mittens for New York. Which is awesome, because I only have leather gloves which are NOT warm. So nothing huge or totally unexpected but all very thoughtful wonderful gifts and that's all I ever ask for at Christmas.

Christmas dinner was all our traditional favourites. Turkey, dressing (not pictured) mashed potatoes, carrots, turnips, cranberry jelly, creamed corn, bean salad, yams and gravy.

After dinner I made my family watch "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" with me. We haven't seen it in years and we laughed like crazy. I can't wait to see the places featured in the movie in real life!!!

We also played a few more games and ate lots of snacks and Christmas baking (including Mom's yummy rum balls). It was a relaxed Christmas, just the way I like it.

Merry Christmas to all my readers, where ever you are :)

Leavenworth

Last weekend I joined my friends Leah, Chris and their five kids, Obie, Lily and their three and her sister Debbie for a weekend in Leavenworth, WA. We were actually staying at Chris and Leah's time share in Orondo, WA, about 45 minutes from Leavenworth, but we went into the town three days in a row.


I worked a half day on Friday and then we packed up and headed South. Aside from a car sickness episode which required new clothes and a major clean up job for one of the kids while we were going through Steven's Pass, the trip was fairly uneventful.


Saturday we just had a lazy day at the resort. The kids went sledding on the golf course. There was hardly any snow but they made it work. Debbie, Lily, Leah and I went to Albertsons mid afternoon. We met the Coke Bear there! Of course we all had to show off our Sonic cups too :) It was Leah's first time having Sonic. That evening we sat around and sang Christmas carols (Obie is an amazing guitar player) and played board games.
Sunday we went to Leavenworth. There was hardly any snow, just a few puddles for the kids to make a mess in. There were a few characters dressed up and posing for pictures. Father Christmas, Santa Claus and the Grinch were the most memorable. We went into lots of shops and I got a few things, mostly small gifts for my mom. A lot of what they carry there is her style. In the hat shop the kids were trying on hats and glasses. This picture of Kingston is my favourite.
At 4:30 they started the ceremony of the lighting of the town. A choir sang and some "alpen horns" were blown and then the lights started coming on. First in the trees, and then on all the buildings. It was beautiful. I've been to Leavenworth once before so I knew what to expect but it was still wonderful to see. I understand why Leavenworth was voted one of the best holiday towns in the USA.


After the town was lit we went for yummy Mexican. This is Leah and Chris' third year in a row visiting Leavenworth at Christmas and they've made going for Mexican a tradition. It was a nice change at this time of the year.

Monday we went for a sleigh ride at a local farm. I was underwhelmed (and cold) but it's another tradition and it was kind of fun to sing "Jingle Bells" while being pulled in a "two horse open sleigh".

At the resort we had two four bedroom suites. Both had full kitchens so Monday we went back and had chili for dinner. That evening we played Monopoly which is always fun.

Tuesday morning we packed up and headed out. We stopped in Leavenworth one last time so we could visit an adorable little gingerbread shop. The picture below is Sydney and Kingston picking their cookies. We took our time driving home and didn't arrive until around 10. It was a great weekend though. Lots of little kids running around so I admit, I was kind of happy to get home to my quiet apartment, but I'm so glad I was able to go!

Suck up

I was talking to Seth the other night and I asked about whether or not he’d be able to make it down for Christmas. I kind of knew the answer but his response still made me laugh. Because he missed three weeks of work due to H1N1 earlier in the year, because the weather’s such a crapshoot (and flying is so expensive) and because I won’t actually be around all that much, he’s going to stay home. He said “I’d rather come in the spring when you’re around so we can spend some quality time together before you leave for Ontario. I want to see you ‘at least once’ before then and coming now just so I can be ‘home for Christmas’ doesn’t make sense.”

On one hand I’m kind of sad that he won’t be here (although he hasn’t been in three years so it’s not a change in that regard) but on the other I’m kind of glad that I don’t have to worry about not spending time with him…and I have to admit, it was kind of nice to hear him say, in a round about way, that he’s going to miss me. He pretends to be all hard and unfeeling but inside he’s just a big suck :)

Coincidence?

Coincidences happen all the time. I had THREE today though.

This morning I was going through my inbox. I had an email from someone informing me of a meeting in March. It's been there for a few weeks. I finally took the information, transferred it to my calendar and filed the email. Just after that the phone rang. It was the sender of the email calling about an unrelated topic!

This afternoon I was covering reception. An associate of mine came into the office. We chatted briefly and he went on to talk to one of my coworkers. A minute later a delivery guy came in. He had a package for our sister organization that is north of us and across the river...the random thing? The package was for the associate that had just walked in! Saved the delivery guy a trip!

Just after that another guy walks in. He sees me and says
"Heidi?"
"Yes"
"You called this morning and spoke to my wife. I have to come in and do _____". I'm looking at this guy thinking, 'wha????' cause I don't remember him. As he keeps talking I realize he needs to go to City Hall, and speak to the Heidi there. Crazy!

Happy 4th Blogiversary!

To me! Actually it was technically yesterday. I thought about it all day but I didn't get around to posting. Wow. Four years have gone and a lot has changed...although a lot hasn't as well. It's interesting to look back and see what's transpired in that time. I'm glad I have a record of it (albiet a bit spotty at times).

Happy fourth blogiversary to me!

Company Christmas Party

Tonight was my company Christmas party. We had it out at a small golf course that closes early in the winter. It was nice because we had the whole place to ourselves. They served a really yummy turkey dinner buffet. In the past we've done games and things, this year it was just conversation and then some of the managers and the board chair gave some verbal thanks and handed out some (mostly food) gifts.

Our office is split into three main "pods". It's divided because of the services we offer and physically due to the configuration of the offices. My "pod" is administrative which is basically me and my boss. Because I don't belong to either of the other "teams", I was recognized by both! It was really nice. I know they appreciate me but it's special to have it acknowledged that way.

Now it's snowing like crazy. Everyone left the dinner praying for a snow day, and me most of all. I don't have anything horribly pressing to get to tomorrow and I'd love to have a day to just putter around the house. Here's hoping!

December 12 of 12

Saturday morning...and most other mornings at this time of year, this is what I start with. Coffee with egg nog and yes it's instant coffee. My dirty little secret :P
Saturday morning also means the Country Top 40 countdown is on from 10-2. I listened to it off and on and what I missed, I`m catching up on now on Sunday night when it is replayed. I listen to it most weekends though.
I made my Christmas cards again this year. Making them is the easy part. Writing in them is what I struggle with. I spent the better part of the morning writing ones for the people at church.
But ran out so I had to make more.
While I was making more cards I watched "It's a Wonderful Life". My Christmas movie staple...probably my ONLY Christmas movie staple come to think of it.
At 12:30 I left home and met up with a friend to see New Moon for the second time. We enjoyed it even more, if you don't count the loud "Team Jacob" contingent in the theatre. They got annoying really fast. Still, I can't wait for Eclipse!
When I got home I put on some Christmas carols (this is becoming a list of what I listen to during the day! That's kind of appropriate though. The radio/cd player is the first thing I turn on when I walk in the door or get up in the morning and the last thing I turn off.) This is my Christmas collection.
With the tunes going, I was inspired to FINALLY hang some pictures. I picked these up at a garage sale a few months ago and they've been leaning against the wall since then. I love ferns and fiddleheads so these are perfect for me.
I tried to bake but it didn't turn out at ALL. It's supposed to be squares but I burnt the top and the bottom didn't cook. I have an idea of what I did wrong in the mixing process but the bottom line is, it flopped. And that happens sometimes. C'est la vie.
I went to a Christmas party anyways. I was hoping to take the squares but as you can see, there was LOTS of food (this is only one table. The other one is across the room!

I couldn't resist this picture of Evan. Must be nice to be so little that you can use your chair to sit on AND hold your plate :D

And lastly, my new Tupperware!!! I'm very excited to use it :D

Oops. Apparently I forgot a picture of myself yesterday. Here I'll cheat and borrow one that someone took of me at church today. It's been COLD all week and this morning during service it finally started snowing big fat fluffy flakes.

Demo Dance

Last night I took part in my first demo dance at an assisted living facility. It’s a really nice place. Almost more like a hotel in the lobby area…there just happen to be a LOT of walkers around, and all the staff run around in scrubs. We didn’t have a big crowd of observers, maybe three dozen. We did have three squares worth of dancers, which was pretty interesting considering the space we had to dance in (not very big at all). We had fun though and I know the residents appreciated it.

I spoke with one of them briefly afterwards. She said that watching us reminded her of when she used to go dancing in Vancouver, although that was mostly ballroom dancing. She told me that she appreciates us coming to show what we do. She wished she could have joined us but in a resigned tone she said “I’m a resident here now”. It was kind of sad. She’s originally from Vancouver but her kids live out here so they moved her into this home. You can tell she feels a bit displaced even though the facility is nice.

I’m sure there are tons of stories like hers. I’m just glad we could bring them a bit of Christmas cheer.

Attitude of Graitude V2#30 - December

Phew! I did it. I completed thirty Attitude of Gratitude posts. On one hand I was starting to feel like I'd never finish. On the other, I'm sad I'm done. Not to say that I can't continue, but now I can go back to "normal" blogging. The thing is I still have SO much more to be thankful for. This exercise definitely serves it's purpose. It makes me think of all the things, people and more that I am blessed with. The song "count your blessings, count them one by one" really is appropriate and it is something that should never be forgotten.

Today I have one more thing to be thankful for. I'm thankful that it's December. This would have been better if I had stayed on track and actually posted this on December 1st but this will do. I noticed it the moment the calendar flipped to the last month of the year. A big simultaneous sigh of relief, and a big suck if of air as people braced themselves for what is arguably the busiest month of the year. In November all the Americans are just trying to get through Thanskgiving. Canadians are dealing with the darkest, wetest month of the year. EVERYONE is debating about wether it's "too early for Christmas" (decorations, trees, etc.) On December first, it's like the dam is broken. No one can use the "it's not even December yet!" excuse. Everyone turns on the house lights out side. The Christmas carols start playing on the radio (an no grinch can complain), in short, it's the "Most wonderful time of the year" and on December 1st, most people stop fighting it and start embracing it.

I personally love December. It's a freakishly insanely busy time for me but I love every second of the baking, shopping, wrapping, partying, card writing, craziness that ensues. Y'all know that I'm not one to fight Christmas (hello, tree's up by Nov 11th here!) but I'm relieved when everyone else joins me. Bring it on! Yeah for December!

Attitude of Graitude V2#29 - Rogers Mobile Internet Stick...and generous friends

I can't believe it's taken me this long to list this item. As you know I finally got a laptop earlier in the month. I made do in the beginning with visiting the library or Starbucks for internet access. It was fine but I knew it would only be a matter of time before I finally got internet of my own. I was waffling between the Rogers Mobile Internet Stick and some other version of more permanent (aka, non wireless) service. I told my friend Carla about what I was debating and she gave me her stick, which she isn't currently using, to try out. I love it. She's in the process of moving and once she does we'll decide if she wants it back and I'll get my own, or if she won't need it and wants to transfer it to my name. Either way I'm definitely keeping this service. I love being able to take Polly (my computer, just in case you forgot her name) with me around my apartment without having to worry about cords. Most of the time she sits on the table but I love having her on the couch while I watch movies, in my scraproom while I work, or, where we are currently, in bed. Not to mention how convenient it is to take her OUT and not have to worry about WIFI access.

Yes, I am thankful for the Stick, and for generous friends!

Attitude of Graitude V2#28 - Baking

I love baking. Christmas or other I find it so relaxing. Especially when I using a recipe I'm familiar with, like bran muffins. I remember Mom making them for Dad (and us) while I was growing up. I still use the same recipe and I love making them. It's something about the order of adding the ingredients and the mad scientist feel of cracking eggs and measuring ingredients. I like cooking, but I love baking. I bought a ten kg bag of flour the other day and I just wish I had time to delve into it! Maybe over the weekend...

Attitude of Graitude V2#27 - Lawyers

I love lawyers. Now I need to qualify that statement. I’ve only ever worked with lawyers that work with corporate law, and never in on a litigious matter (at least when I’m the defendant). They’re freaking expensive and generally really anal (because they have to be) but I love knowing that they’ll do what I need.

I’ve had experience with trademark and copyright lawyers as well and at one time even thought that I might enjoy that career. It’s unfailingly rigid because it’s all based on dates but I kind of like that.

Recently I’ve had experience with lawyers on security documentation. Stuff that I can sweat and stress over for hours, and they complete it in no time at all. They’re worth their fees IMO.

I am thankful for lawyers.

Attitude of Graitude V2#26 - Egg Nog

My favourite part of the holiday season is egg nog. It starts showing up around Canadian Thanksgiving (mid October) and I usually have a carton in my fridge from then on. When I was shopping with Mom and Aunty Candace there were two young guys in the dairy isle. One of them grabbed a carton and said "EGG NOG! I haven't had this stuff since...LAST year!" LOL


I use egg nog in my coffee in this morning and drink it cold in the evening. It's especially good with a bit of 7up or Ginger Ale in it.


I am thankful for egg nog and holiday cheer.

Attitude of Graitude V2#25 - Help Desks

Never underestimate the power of a great help desk. I have a few that I call frequently, to the point that I know some of the staff. The thing is the people are fantastic, they're knowledgeable about they're product and they're always willing to answer any question you have. Most of the time they'll offer additional valuable information as well. I love my help desk people and today, that's what I'm thankful for.

Attitude of Graitude V2#24 - Footwear

I was debating calling this post "shoes" or "boots" but I realized I wanted to talk about both so "footwear" is more generic and appropriate.

I love shoes. I have lots of shoes. Too many if you ask my dad and brothers. Shoes are great because they always fit (even when you gain weight) and they really can make an outfit.

I have two boxes full of shoes. (Seth liked to point out that he had two pairs) I also have two pairs of boots (black and brown). When I saw the boots pictured here at the store, I fell in love. I debated getting them and tried to talk myself out of it but in the end, the fact that I need new boots (my black ones are easily five years old if not more) and I need them for New York and Ontario, won out. I picked them up on Wednesday and I absolutely love them. The buckles are a little different for me but they're fun. I can wait to wear them in New York.

The benefit of waiting is that I got a new pair of black flats for 40% off too. I've needed a new pair desperately and these ones are really comfy. I love new shoes!

A New Collection

At my last job, I was collecting old copies of bylaws. This morning I compiled a complete collection of Audited Financial Statments at my current office. It was a lot easier because this organization is only 11 years old (as opposed to 94 at the old one) but it still took awhile.

Yes, this is what I get paid to do and yes, it makes me happy :)

Attitude of Gratitude V2#23 - Giving Blood

The fact that I CAN give blood (even though it didn't work tonight). The fact that I can answer "yes" to the "are you feeling well today question" and "no" to all the rest like "have you been under a doctors care" or had all manner of health issues. I'm healthy and able to help others (up to three per donation!) and for that I am thankful...and the cookies are a nice bonus :D

Attitude of Gratitude V2#22 - Flannel Sheets

I haven't kept up with these blog entries but I'm committed to doing all thirty of them, even if takes until Christmas :P

Today I am thankful for flannel sheets. My parents always had flannel sheets but for some reason I always stuck to cotton. Earlier this year my mom got me some flannel sheets and I *love* them. They're so warm and cozy. My bed is pretty wonderful as it is but these sheets just make it awesome.

Please excuse me, I'm going to sleep now :D

Attitude of Gratitude V2#21 - Christmas Shopping

I like Christmas shopping. Yes it's stressful and commercialized but I like having to think of others and determine what they would really like. I went Saturday with my brother Robert and his girl friend Robbie. (yes they have the same name, yes Robbie is her full name, yes my Uncle calls Robert "Robby" all the time, yes it's funny LOL) We just stayed in town and between us we only purchased three gifts but I think I have a pretty good idea of what I'm getting Robert now.

The mall was busy but it wasn't crazy. Granted it is only November so it shouldn't be yet but the hype is building. And I enjoy it. It's more fun to participate than be a grouch and get stressed out about it.

I saw a sign that says "Tis the season to be jolly...so what's you're problem". It sums it up perfectly!

Word of the Day #38: propinquity

We haven't had one of these in a long time.

propinquity
[proh-ping-kwi-tee]

–noun 1. nearness in place; proximity.
2. nearness of relation; kinship.
3. affinity of nature; similarity.
4. nearness in time.

I got this in an email today.

Attitude of Gratitude V2#20 - Sunny Days

I love the rain. I live in BC for a reason. Rain is comforting and it really doesn't bug me. I have a lot of "inside" hobbies and rain allows me to do them without feeling guilty. That said, there's something to be said about sunny days. Today was one of those, after WEEKS of rain (or at least it felt like that). I took advantage of it and made a run down to the recylcing depot. It's like getting a get out of jail free card. I sit at my desk or I'm in meetings alllllll week long so when I can go out and do something physical, and mostly just get a chance of pace, I'm thankful for it. And if it takes a sunny day to do it? Then that's just a bonus.

Attitude of Gratitude V2#19 - Encouraging Words

I had a meeting with my old boss yesterday. He has always told us that he is available on a volunteer basis to provide consulting and today we took him up on that. At the end of the hour and a half meeting between myself, my old boss and my current boss, my old boss said "there are two things I accomplished right before I left that I am really proud of. One was securing the program and the other was hiring Heidi".

Gulp.

I mean I appreaciate the sentiment. He's always been really encouraging and I owe him a lot from a career point of view. He's given me a lot of opportunities that I may not have otherwise had.

That said, I am planning on leaving in nine months and comments like that make it much harder.

But I do appreciate the words. My primary "love language" is Quality Time and Encouraging Words. Especially professionally, encouraging words mean a lot to me and it was nice to hear it from him (and have it confirmed by my current boss).

Attitude of Gratitude V2#18 - High School

High School. It seems like every time I turn around I’m confronted with it.

* I’m re-reading Twilight which is teenage, high school angst at it’s finest.
* You can’t escape Taylor Swift and thankfully, I don’t want to because I like her music but she captures the gut wrenching indecision of high school and brings it all back to the surface.
* I actually had to GO to my highschool to pick up copies of my transcripts for my university application. It wasn't the first time I've been back since graduating but it was the first time in a long time. Not much has changed although the school has a new coat of paint so it looks fresh. And my english teacher is now principal and my math teacher is vice-principal. Crazy.
* I went for massage therapy and it turns out my massuse went to the same school I did, although she graduated 15 years before me. Still, we shared a few teachers and had fun reminiscing about them.

So yeah, high school. You can't avoid it but I am so glad that I'm NOT there anymore!!!

Attitude of Gratitude V2#17 - My Job

I don`t know how long it`s been since I`ve posted about work but I am happy to report that right now, I really do love my job. Granted I`d rather be independently wealthy and not have to work at all, and I won`t be there forever (9 months go to! give or take) but right now, I really do enjoy working at my job.

We hired a new GM last month and he`s working out swimmingly. After the last guy, anyone would be an improvement but this guy is stellar. I`ve already learned a lot from him and I know I`ll learn more. He`s competent and easy to work for. He`s big into delegation, but that`s okay because he inspires his staff to WANT to do the work.

It`s wondeful to work for someone like that and because of him, I can honestly say, I love my job, and am thankful for it.

Attitude of Gratitude V2#16 - Facebook

This week kind of got away from me so I'm scrambling to catch up on these posts. I had lots of topics in mind and I'm just trying to get them all down.

I am thankful for Facebook. I am. I know there`s been tons of articles written about it, regarding the good and the bad. Lots of people have their opinions about wether it`s the best invention ever or evil incarnate. Personally, I lean towards the latter. I like it because it allows me to keep connected, on some level, with people I would never nomally talk to, but whom I care for and about (in some cases), those who fascinate me (in others) and lots who I just like to keep tabs on because I`m nosey like that :D

Facebook enables all of that and for that, I am thankful.

Attitude of Gratitude V2#15 - Polly

So, if you're paying close attention, you may have noticed my new little friend. She's purple and black and she moved in a few weeks ago. Remember my post about my new winter coat? Well the next thing on my list (and probably more important, but way harder to chose) was a laptop.

A few Sunday's ago I finally decided to stop debating and shopping and just buy. I was at my parents and Robert was in town. He brought his new girlfriend over to meet the family (more on that later) and after dinner I sat down at their computer and made them (Dad, Robert and his GF) help me chose the specs for a new laptop. I bought it from Dell Online and the only "non-essential" feature I got was a purple cover for it :D

It arrived on Wednesday, November 4th and it's perfect. Okay. I have a confession to make. I named it. Her. I called her Polly. I do call her Polly. I know it's probably lame and cheesy but I figure if people can name their cars (and guitars apparently) I can name my computer. Plus, it's way better to say "I'm at Starbucks with Polly" than "I'm at Starbucks with my computer". Lame maybe. Deal with it LOL

Anyways, that's another barrier to my move lifted. And it's fun to have a computer at home again! I don't have internet yet but I'm hoping to get it in the next month or so. For now, I just use live writer and then upload my blog posts. I've also downloaded some genealogy software so I'm filling that in.

Yep, I'm thankful for Polly :D

Attitude of Gratitude V2#14 - Kids

I have to admit, it's a bit odd going from a 19 and over concert setting full of alcohol and pot smoke, to a four year old's birthday party in less than 12 hours. It was fun though, and strangely, I do well in both settings (although I got more of a headache from the screaming kids than I did from the thumping bass at the concert.

The first Christmas album I pull out each year is Kenny Chesney's "All I Want for Christmas (is a real good tan)". On that album he covers the song "Thank God for Kids" and I love that song. It's so true. Kids are wonderful. I'd take kids over cats or dogs any day. Someday I'd love to have my own. For now, it's fun to just hang out with friends who do have kids, and enjoy theirs, without the responsibility.

I am thankful for kids.

No unluckiness for this losin’ lately gambler on Friday the thirteenth!

Corb Lund had a series of shows in Vancouver and in my hometown. Jenna got a four pack of tickets and the night of the concert it ended up being Jenna, her sister Katherine, their uncle Dave and myself going to the show. The tickets said that the show started at 7 but that was actually when the doors opened. We lined up at 6:30ish anyways and were first in line. That gave us the opportunity to get a table for those who wanted to sit and a place right by the stage for those (me and Jenna) who wanted to stand.

The opening act was a new comer named Ridley Bent. I've only heard his two singles “Buckles and Boots” (which he opened with) and “Heartland Heartbreak” (which he closed with). Both songs are kind of overplayed on the radio and I have to be in the mood to hear them but I actually stopped and listened to the lyrics a few weeks ago and realized, I really like this guy!
I was excited to see him live and I wasn’t disappointed. Well, I was a little, but it wasn’t his fault. The sound was really bad. I’m not sure if the base was too loud or what but even standing right there beside the stage (the picture above is taken with no zoom to show you how close I was) I still couldn’t understand all the lyrics. I suppose if I knew his music it wouldn’t have been too bad but even Corb was clearer.
Ridley had himself on acoustic guitar, a bass player, an electric guitar player, a fiddler, drummer and another guy who cycled between steel and other instruments.

There was quite a break between Ridley's set and when Corb took the stage. I waited for a bit and then went for a bathroom break. On the way back I noticed that there was only one person still in line to get Ridley's autograph (I wasn't going to bother until I saw that) so I slipped in. He signed a picture for me and then posed with me. He's very sweet and I wish him luck.

Once Corb Lund took the stage, the crowd was ready. Jenna and I saw him in February 2008 but we were quite a bit further back and I can honestly say I didn't realize how CUTE Corb is! :) Especially when he smile and the dimple comes out. And when he's playing his guitar with his tounge sticking out a little bit.

Anyways, aside from the fact that he was *very* nice to look at, I love his music and it was fantastic to hear him live. He played a LOT of songs. In no particular order, and not necessarily a complete or correct list, this is what I remembered when I wrote out a list after the concert:

Hair in my Eyes (like a highland steer)
Shine Up My Boots
Short Native Grasses (Prairies of Alberta)
No Roads Here
Buckin’ Horse Rider (dedicated to his uncle who’s in the hospital)
Truck Got Stuck (forgot the lyrics)
Hurtin’ Albertan
Big Butch Bass Bull Fiddle
All I Wanna Do is Play Cards
The Truth Comes Out
Good Copenhagen
Little Foothills Heaven
I Wanna Be in the Calvary
Horse Soldier, Horse Soldier
Lament for Lester Cousins
The Horse I Rode In On
Hard On Equipment (Tool for the job)
Family Reunion
Chinook Wind
This is My Prairie
Game in a Town Like This (Losin’ Lately Gambler)
Long Gone to Saskatchewan
End
Rye Whiskey
Time to Switch to Whiskey

Encore Alberta Says Hello
Counterfeit Blues


The picture of him with all the pink lights is just before he sang what he dubbed his "gunfighter ballad". His all time favourite cd is Marty Robbins' "Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs" so the pink lights were appropriate.

He's not a super active performer. Preferring to mostly just sing, play guitar and have a blast. He was fun to watch though.

I was skeptical about the venue when we first arrived. They call it the "Showbarn" and it really is just a barn. It's where the flea market happens on Sunday morning's and during Agrifair, that's where the 4H club sets up shop. This night, they had the stage on one end, a makeshift bar on the other, and that was it. It kind of reminded me of being back in Texas. Raw, live music, performed the way it should be.

Someone mentioned that Corb would be signing autographs so during the last song of the encore, I ducked out of the crowd and went and lined up. It worked out perfectly because it meant I was first in line. I got Jenna to take this picture of the two of us and on one hand he looks like he's kind of not ready for it but on the other, we captured that little, tounge half out thing that he does when he's playing so I thought it was cute :)

Bottom line, awesome concert. I highly recommend him if you're looking for true "country western" (a term I refuse to let my dad use, but applies here) or "roots" or "Americana" if you prefer.

Good music. A Great night. For that, I am thankful.