Weekend Recap

It's been awhile since I did one of these but nothing from this weekend really justifies it's own post so I'll just do it all as one.

Friday was my last night of dance. It was a "party night" which meant we had dinner together, danced, and then had dessert together. It was pretty low key compared to Monday but nice. It gave me a chance to say more good byes to people.

Saturday the weather turned nasty. I didn't really anticipate that so I dressed for nicer weather. I spent the day at the Sheraton Guilford in Surrey for a Creative Memories "Celebrate" event. I only took my laptop because I wanted to focus on doing digital but I wasn't really inspired and because I was cold, I was in a bad mood for most of the day. Later in the afternoon I tapped into WiFi and started doing digital photo management which was good but it still felt like a waste of a day. I carpooled out there so I was stuck. If had had my own car I would have just gone home :(

Sunday the weather cleared up and it was beautiful. After church I went for lunch with a bunch of friends and then met up with Mom and Dad and went for a walk on a new path in town. From there we went back to their place and visited for awhile. Around 6 we called up some friends and went over to the church for a weiner roast. It was a lovely evening and a great way to end the weekend.

April 12 of 12

I believe that after over a year of doing 12 of 12's, this is the first time I've ever uploaded the pictures ON the 12th!!! Go me! So, I actually totally forgot about it until lunch. Well, I knew about it, I just didn't have ANY time. With year end having just passed and the bookeeper in today, my office was like Grand Central so it wasn't really conducive to taking pictures. The first shot I got during the day was of the beautiful cherry blossoms that I park under each day at lunch. The smell so wonderful. I love this time of year!

I had a good mail day today. An official letter from WLU welcoming me to the school (the acknowledgment I've been looking for!) and a CM workshop gift certificate as a thank you for referring a friend to a local CMC.

On the way back to work I treated myself to a Dark Cherry Frappacino with the gift card I got from my cousin a few days ago. It came in thank you card for letting them stay with me during the Olympics.

My cousin mentioned this book in her Facebook status. It's VERY different from what I usually read but it's extremely captivating already. I'm only a little way in to it but I really want to find out what happens next.

The picture on the left is symbolic but it requires a lot of explanation. First the time, I left the office at 5 (I get off at 4:30) That means I was in my car listening to my radio at 5pm which means it's on FM2/CH6 which means it's on 94.1 KMPS out of Seattle. Why? Because at 5pm Tony Thomas plays his "Five O'Clock Test Track". Today was Dierks Bentley's new single called "Up On The Ridge" Love new music from Dierks!!!

I had a new recipe I wanted to try so I stopped at the grocery store for broccoli and parmesean cheese...$30 later...well you get the picture :P

This is the recipe. It's a super simple one from Kraft. My finished product is on the left.

After dinner I headed out to my last regular evening of Square Dance. I was glad that it landed on the 12 of 12 because I wanted to capture it but I didn't expect having so MUCH to capture! We had the graduation for the new dancers. The club president enlisted me to put grad caps on each of the dancers. When I finished I realized there was an extra one. It was for ME! I actually technically progressed from beginner to Mainstream in April 2007 but I was in Texas when that grad ceremony happened so I missed out. I got my certificate but not everything that went with it. It was really special to be recognized and included in the celebrations tonight. Kind of symbolic as well because I'm "graduating" from this group of friends and going out in to the big world! One person said "just think, the next cap you'll wear will be black - when you graduate university". I have to admit, I've been so focused on STARTING school that the idea of FINISHING hasn't really even been on my mind. Realizing what I'm committing to is huge and exciting.
What followed was an evening of fun and silliness. Have you ever tried to dance with paper bags on your feet? The worst part is simply how loud it is!!! LOL

A few weeks ago we had a "recycle sale". Everyone brings the square dance clothes that they're not wearing anymore and offers them up for sale. I got rid of most of the stuff I don't wear at our Fall sale but this Spring I brought my club jacket in. (You can see it in the last picture of my first 12 of 12 post here" I can't remember if I actually paid anything for it or if I was just given it so I decided to pass it on to someone at no charge. Mostly I just didn't want it sitting in a box because I won't be wearing it. Maureen (middle) just happened to be downstairs when I went down to find a lucky soul to adopt my coat and since it fit her, I gave it to her. She's a new dancer so I thought it was appropriate. This evening, as a thank you (because I wouldn't accept money) she brought me this plaque. It says "DREAM: Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you'll land among the stars" She also included a little note that reads "

Dear Heidi, When I was in nursing school, I had a sign over my study area that said Though semesters never last, tough students do". I couldn't find that one, so I hope this one will do.

Thanks again for the jacket. We will miss your friendly smiling face at square dancing. I am sure you will do well with your studies.

Best of luck! Maureen.

She had no way of knowing but this plaque is extra special because "DREAM" is my One Word for 2010 and I didn't have anything to represent it. I made sure to tell her and I know this is one thing I'll find room to bring with me to Ontario.

The club also gave me a card with a special name tag that says "Missing Link". That choked me up a bit. I guess it's the first of many goodbyes! I'd better get used to this!!!

So there we go, a 12 of 12 posted before 12 on the 12th! Woohoo!!!

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 Gratitude V2#9 – “No”

I’m skipping dance tonight. I’m just not in the mood. I probably should go because it would be good for me and I would have fun but I just don’t feel like it and you know what? That’s okay. And that’s what I am thankful for tonight. The power to say no. To chose if I go out or not. To have a quiet night at home and not feel guilty about it. For that, I am grateful.

Attitude of Gratitude V2#2 - Square Dancing

Last year I posted that I was thankful for my Square Dance friends. This year I am thankful for the whole Square Dance community. Square dancing is healthy, it's fun, and it provides a great network. I am finishing my fourth year and even though I grumble and complain (mostly to myself) I really do enjoy the chance to dance (ha! that rhymes LOL)

With all the new beginners starting lately I'm reminded of my first few sessions. I thought I would NEVER catch on, but I did, and now I'm dancing (mostly) at a "Plus" level. There's still lots to learn but I love it and I love knowing that I can pretty much go anywhere in the world and find a square dance club. I don't know if I will dance in Ontario. I may just plain not have time, but I know that if I want to, I can. And for that I am thankful.

12 of 12 January

A day late, and not scrapped, but here's my Twelve of Twelve for January. (See here if you're not familiar with this challenge)

January 12, 2009 was my last day at my job. I ironed a shirt in the morning (and then discovered that I was missing a button so I sewed it on while I was wearing the shirt).

Driving to work, in the rain and realizing that this is the last day I'll take this trip as a "commute".

I finished my last set of minutes!!! (for that job). 26 sets in 2006. 52(!) in 2007 and 44 in 2008. *Crazy* I'll be doing minutes at my new job but not nearly this volume.

My leftovers being nuked for lunch (hey, you wanted a slice of life, this is a slice of life LOL)

The next few pictures are ones I've been meaning to take for awhile. I have a "triangle" of errands that I do on a regular basis. Today I ran them backwards but I still did them.

#1 The Bank

#2 The Post Office

#3 The Library

Back to the office...for the last time.

What I was *really* doing when my bossed asked LOL

After work I had my tires rotated.

And I got the new Stampin' Up catalogue!!!

The last thing of the day was my first night back at dance. The 12 of 12 challenge requires that at least one photo be a self portrait. It took me awhile to find a place to set my camera and then to not look like an idiot while looking over my shoulder :P This is my jacket with the name of my square dance club on it.

So there you go. Nothing super exciting but it's done! And it's kind of nice to have a log of a Monday at my job :)

Thankful Thursday

So after a month of one blog a day, I've essentially abandoned updates, or at least it feels like it anyways. So, in the spirit of November's "I'm thankful for" posts, this is my update of the past not-quite-a-week.

Friday
I'm thankful that the idiot who did a u-turn in front of us while Mom, Dad and I were going to Costco, didn't hit us. It's only because of Dad's quick swerving and God's grace that I am able to write this post at all. Big SUV, little Jetta, Mom and I could have been creamed. Very scary.

Saturday
I'm thankful that the border guard didn't question our purchases on our way home. Mom and I went down to Bellingham to do some initial Christmas shopping (we only bought one gift each) and so I could mail a bunch of Christmas cards. We had a great time together (even though the weather was *horrible*) and the guard didn't even blink when I gave her our totals for the day. Hallelujah!

Sunday
I'm thankful that it was sunny out and we could go for a walk. I ended up spending most of the weekend with my parents, and, as on November 1st, I'm thankful that I can spend that much time with them and still like them :) Sunday we had lunch together after church and then we went for a walk around the lake before the sun set. It was cool out but so refreshing.

Sunday evening I organized all my scrapbooking memrobilia. It was a big job but I have less than I thought I did and now it's all in one place. That feels great!

Monday
I skipped dance since my partner wasn't there anyways. I am thankful for "found time". I didn't actually do anything particularly productive...I did try to make cookies but they flopped big time. I mostly just puttered around which is suprisingly relaxing.

Tuesday
I attempted to give blood. It didn't really work. I guess I was cold because my blood was flowing very s.l.o.w.l.y. and it ended up clotting before I filled the bag. I have to admit though, as frustrating as it can be to not have a successful donation, I am incredibly thankful that I am the one GIVING the blood instead of receiving it.

Wednesday
On Friday all of the office staff minus our manager and accountant, went to the annual industry luncheon. It's a really nice event held, this year, at a local golf course. The lunch was wonderful. They did a 50/50 draw and a raffle. They had fantastic prizes donated for the raffle and I won a paninni press/4-in-1-grill. I've been coventing a paninni press for awhile and this one is way nicer than anything I'd have bought for myself. I've made dinner on it a few times and it always turns out so yummy. I am thankful for my paninni press!!!

And that brings us to today which is Thursday. I'm going to a cookie exchange on Saturday and I'm hoping to get my cookies made tonight. Also I need to sit down and write a bunch more Christmas cards. I have quite a few complete but I'm nowhere near done. So that's the plan for tonight. Cookies and cards. I love Christmas time :)

Attitude of Gratitude #18

I have to confess, I'm having a hard time thinking of something to be thankful for today. Dance was great last night but it was long. New dancers were on from 7-8:10 (with the rest of us acting as "angels"), Mainstream was from 8:10-8:30 and Plus (the level I dance at) was from 8:30 to 9:30. By the time coffee and announcements were over and I got home it was well past 10. I didn't fall asleep until close to midnight and then I slept hard and fast and barely made it to work on time. Today my eyes are bothering me from staring at the computer to much, I spent an hour on the phone with our IT guy trying to figure out my scanner (my new computer isn't accepting the new settings). The sun is shining now but I've had to close my blinds because it was reflecting on my computer screen.

I'm scheduled to give blood tonight but I don't think I can honestly answer the "Do you feel well today" question with a "yes" so I'll probably skip. Dad wants to go see the new Bond movie but I think I need to just stay home. My kitchen is a mess from not being home and awake for more than a handful of hours in the past five days and the box of Christmas things that I pulled out last week when I put up my tree is still sitting in the middle of my living room.

So, if you've stayed to read my little pity party, I think I can now write about what I am thankful for.

I am thankful that THESE are my problems. I may not have a lot of money in the bank but all my bills are paid. I have food in the cupboard. I have a roof over my head, heat, a bed to sleep in, a job to go to in the morning, friends that care about me, things to do, happy memories, things to look forward to, peace in my soul.

I'm not wondering where my next meal will come from, where I'll sleep, how I can afford to buy clothes. I'm not fighting addition, or illness or adverse circumstances that are out of my control. I live in a beautiful province in one of the best countries in the world where I am encouraged to share my opinion (even if I do think there are too many elections going on ;)) and it is safe to walk down the street.

I am free to listen to who and what I want, believe what I want, be friends with who I want and pretty much do what I want.

I have a wonderful family that is practically dramaless (when compared with other families) and who I am looking forward to spending Christmas with.

So today, on the 18th day of trying to find something to be grateful for when I'm tired and in a bad mood, I would just like to say,

I am Heidi and I am Blessed!

Attitude of Gratitude #4

I am thankful for my square dance friends. Some people might wonder why I drive 20 minutes each way to dance when I could drive 2 minutes but I started dancing out there and I have so many friends in that club that it's worth the extra time and gas to me.

Last night we had a new dancer class. We started the night with a spaghetti dinner and then danced. We started at the very beginning, learning all the moves from scratch. It's good to rehearse and we had so many new people that it made it a lot of fun.

I am by far the youngest dancer but it doesn't matter. Everyone is always so happy to see me that I just love going there.

I am thankful for my square dance friends.

Halloween 2008

Last night was our Halloween night at Dance. Mom made an apron for me and I went as a maid, French maid, cleaning lady, whatever you want to call me. It was a lot of fun though. Everyone was trying to get me to come clean their houses LOL

Oh, and the duster is Seth's I never use it. I hate that thing but it was fun to have with me!

Everyone brought treats to share and these were my favourite. Shortbread cookies with jam filling covered in white chocolate!!!

Filling up the Hug Quotient

Dance started back up again last night. It was great to see everyone and to catch up on the past few months. It's funny, everyone there is substantially older than me but they are so friendly that it just doesn't matter. Everyone greets you with a great big hug and is genuinely glad that you're there. It's one of the reasons I love going.

I'm also proud to say that I even managed to get through some of the more complicated dance patterns without messing up. I thought for sure that I would have forgotten most of it again but I guess I've been doing it long enough now that it's becoming second nature.

In searching my blog I realized that I never got around to uploading this photo. My dance partner Ralph took it in June when we were at Minter Gardens after the Rally in the Valley.

Here's to another great season of square dancing...and hopefully my body will forgive me soon. I was *sore* this morning!

Intelligent Blogging

I feel like I haven't blogged anything intelligent in forever. Well, maybe intelligent isn't the right word. Important maybe? Lately I've been reading a lot of older entries because I'm scrapbooking early 2006. It's nice to have blog posts that relate to the pictures I am working on but I admit, I get frustrated if I DON'T have anything recorded. So, with that in mind, what's been up with me?

Last weekend I was at Stillwood Camp & Conference Centre for a retreat with Deb. I attended my first one with her in 2006 and missed last year because I was in Texas. This year we had 13 people total. It was fun. I didn't stay up super late at night and I was up in time for breakfast. I got a fair bit accomplished but of course, this week I haven't been able to get back to it which is annoying.

I got my tax return over the weekend too. A portion of it will buy my ticket to Diane's wedding. The rest is in savings. My car gave me a scare last week. On Wednesday the "check engine" light came on. I couldn't get it in to the shop until Friday but they looked at it, ran the computer to clear the codes and came up with "the gas cap is loose". It was actually more technical than that. Something about "Evaporation" but that's what it came down to. There was another code about the actual gas line. The stupid thing is AFTER my light came on on Wednesday, I put gas in. I guess once the sensor is tripped, only a mechanic an clear the code.

Anyways, the point is, I now have a healthy, accesible savings in case my car DOES do something stupid. It's something I've been trying to build up for awhile but now it's there.

The other thing I did with a portion of my return was invest in Sizzix. I'm kind of late to the party because everyone is getting rid of their's, including Deb. I debated long and hard about taking it and even posted on one of my message boards. In the end, I decided I just needed to do it. The thing is, even though the Sizzix belonged to Deb, I've always been the one that's used it. I've gotten a ton of use out of it over the years and truthfully, I've gotten used to having access to it. When it came time for her to part with it, it was just logical, and right, that I would take it. So, I am now the proud owner of a Sizzix Sidekick and six fonts (Fruit Smoothie, Funky Brush, Girls are Weird, Nouveau, Script and Rat-a-Tat) Girls are Weird, Nouveau and Funky Brush have been living at my house since, gosh, September? Maybe even before that. Anyways, I'm happy to welcome the other three to my house as well LOL

Okay, back to the retreat. I left early on Sunday to fill in for my co-worker at the store. I worked there from noon to three and then ran home and changed for church. I stopped by Mom and Dad's on the way for a quick dinner and then we went to church. Afterwards I went out with my friend Christa who is out visiting from Ontario. I haven't seen her since Texas last year so it was nice to catch up.

Monday was my last night of dance for the season. Can you believe that it's over already?! Crazy.

Tuesday I ran errands. First I stopped at Meredith's parents and picked up her Grandma's old microwave. See? I knew it would work out! I haven't even had a chance to use it yet but it looks good on my counter. I also had a nice chat with her mom and got to go "shopping". Mrs. K has always been good about sending her kids home with food when they visit. Since both of them are living abroad she hasn't hand anyone to give stuff to so she unloaded a bit on me. It was great :) Next stop was the library, my parents house briefly and then to Walmart.

Wednesday night I worked, tonight (Thursday) I work, tomorrow is the Kristal Barrett/Deric Ruttan concert and then the weekend is here again.

There, it's a bit of a brain dump but at least it's here and I don't have to keep reminding myself to blog stuff!

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the changing seasons :)

Second Visitation

According to my trusty blog it's been a full year since my last visitation with Dance. Last night a number of us visited the club in my hometown. It was an interesting experience. The hall is only about five blocks from my house. I still drove because it was dark by the time we got out and if my dad heard that I was walking through downtown alone he'd have my head.

Most of the members there seem to be older. I mean, I know that square dancing generally attracts seniors but these were...senior, seniors LOL All very sweet people. I didn't have a partner with me but the president of the club stepped in and we danced well together. It was billed as a Plus Level dance (Basic/Mainstream/Plus). I've been dancing for 3.5 years now and I kind of naturally progressed into Plus. I was really happy with how I did last night though. A different caller is always an adventure but this one was quite good. Very easy going.

I had to laugh at one point. There was this one sweet older guy who can't have been all of five feet tall. Dancing with him was like dancing with a child. At one point he spun me around and he kept my hand (over my head) through the whole move. After I completed it he said "Hey, I did it!" Like it was a big accomplishment LOL

Monday night is our last night of dance for the season and then we're done again until September. It's hard to believe we're finished so soon!

Good Time Dancing

Last Monday at dance I was invited to a seventieth birthday celebration for one of the ladies that I dance with. Her name is Olga and she is an absolute sweetheart; one of the ones I tend to gravitate towards when we have our breaks between tips. Her “party” was to be held at Kennedy Hall in Surrey which, it turns out, is a dance hall almost as old as our own. The difference is that our hall is out in the country. Kennedy Hall was probably out in the country when it was built in 1941 as it is right by the train tracks, but the city has built up around it. For the locals it’s at 88th Street and 120th Avenue. Two incredibly busy streets. It even shares its parking lot with an Arby’s now.

This hall hosts an “Good Time Dance” with a live band every Saturday night and has for YEARS. I don’t know exactly how long but they had articles on the wall about different people who have played there and I know one gentleman said he has been dancing there for over 30 years himself!


Olga’s friend Grace is the pianist for a group called “Grace & the Guys”. (Seen on the right) Olga goes in with Grace regularly so it wasn’t an issue to get her there. We just all showed up to surprise her. And surprise her we did. It was great! Every time she turned around there was a new familiar face. About a dozen people from dance, her two sons and their significant others, her brother flew in from Alberta for the evening, and a bunch of other friends. We had cake for her, some gifts, and sang. It was a blast.

The band was very, very relaxed. They’ve obviously been playing together for forever and one would strum a bar and they’d all jump in to the song. I told my dad that I was going and I mentioned that it was “Country Western Music”. It’s a running bone of contention between us. I call current radio stuff “Country” but he insists on calling it “Country Western” I will conceded that this was “Country Western”. They were all plugged in (including the fiddle) but it was so relaxed. They played everything from Willie Nelson and Anne Murray to “Yellow Rose of Texas” and “Down on the Bayou” and some great Polkas. (I say great because they’re fun to dance to…even if I really didn’t do very well LOL)

It reminded me a lot of my grandfather and hearing him play the fiddle and of some of the weddings my prairie cousins have had. Fun times and a great way to spend a Saturday evening (even if all the available men were 50 years my senior ;)) I tell you though, some of those people can MOVE! I mostly just sat back and watched them dance. It was highly entertaining.

At one point they called a square dance for us...the problem was the moves they called were removed from the list like thirty years ago!!! It was pretty bad but we did have fun.

A day in the life

Monday was a good day. No specific reason, it was just a normal, regular day that made me feel like my life is going well. I've written it up and who knows, maybe I'll scrapbook it some time.

A day in the life of Heidi

6:45 – 7:05 Wake up, with the assistance of the radio and alarm on cell phone
7:05 – 7:45 Shower, brush teeth, do hair, get dressed, pack lunch while listening to the radio
7:45 – 8:00 Drive to work
8:00 – 8:30 First in line for phones. Answer emails, get ready for day.
8:30 – 11:30 Receptionist is in, buckle down and start accomplishing things.
Today’s to-do list
• Review minutes
• Set up a conference call
• Make travel arrangements
• Set priority list with my boss
Take short breaks to make/get coffee, chat with co-workers etc.
11:30 – 12:15 Lunch. Frozen leftovers, pudding and carrot sticks. Eaten while driving to library to return borrowed cd’s and pick up requested books
12:15 – 2:00 Continue working
2:00 – 4:30 Receptionist is gone, I’m first on the phones again. Multi-task to end of day
4:30 – 4:45 Drive home, pick up mail
4:45 – 6:30 Unpack lunch kit, make dinner (chicken kiev, mashed potatoes, carrots and turnips today), enough for two so I have some for lunch tomorrow. Check personal emails, check SS/HSS/GS/Facebook.
6:30 – 7:00 Get dressed for dance ensuring I have my name tag, shoes and six dollars. Drive to dance.
7:00 – 9:45 Square Dancing. Mainstream for first hour and a bit, Plus and Rounds for the rest. Finish with coffee and snacks dowstairs.
9:45-10:15 Drive home
10:15-11:00 Check emails again, watch CSI: Miami, talk to Meredith
11:00 bed time!

I Graduated!

Dance started up last week. (For any new blog readers, I started square dancing in January 2005). Monday night I officially graduated from the mainstream program. I should have gotten my certificate in April but the ceremony took place while I was in Texas. It wasn't anything huge. Just recognition that I'm progressing. It was fun though :)

This picture is from last Christmas. My partner is on my left.

Rally in the Valley

Last weekend I attended Rally in the Valley for the second time. (You can read about my adventures from last year here) Friday again was the "Trail in Dance" and it was pretty low key. Saturday I decided that if I woke up early (like I have been doing lately) then I'd go to the pyjama dance. I ended up not waking up until 10am which was fine. I obviously needed the sleep. I made a trifle (my first!) and then made it out there in time for the 1pm Square Dance workshop. My partner and I decided to skip out on the Rounds workshop because we both had stuff to do. I headed into town where and ran errands. I stopped at a scrapbook store and picked up a few little things. I stopped at a second hand book store and bought a book that I've been looking for, for four dollars! I also got a car wash and stopped at the grocery store. It was a very productive afternoon.
After that I was thinking of renaming this blog "Scrapbooking, Square Dancing and Songs" LOL

I got back to the hall in time for the potluck dinner. SO many yummy dishes :) We started the evening dance with a Grand March opening and the visiting clubs brought their banners. It's an impressive sight. I chose to not march this year but instead take pictures of the procession.

Dancing that evening was fun but it was HOT. I actually started feeling sick and had to sit out a few tips just because I was over heating. It wasn't good. :( I really didn't pay attention to how many people were there but it was a decent turn out.

Sunday afternoon, after church, we danced at Minter Gardens again. I got there late and there was another performer booked for the afternoon so I only actually danced two tips. I was okay with that because I was still stinkin' hot. I just went out there to say good-bye to everyone because now I won't see them until dance starts back up in September. I love it but I'm enjoying to the break :) (I didn't take any pictures at the gardens because I was there for such a short time.

From that dance I went straight over to family friends for a church picnic. It was very relaxing. A great way to spend a Sunday evening...until the clouds rolled in :)

~Heidi

Wonderful Weekend

This weekend was busy but not stressful. Friday I had my last night of dance for the season. We started with a Baron of Beef dinner and then danced for two hours. Because I missed the Monday before I left it has been almost three weeks since I was out there! It was nice to see everyone again.

Saturday I woke up fairly early and just enjoyed the quiet morning. Then I picked up Meredith and we took a drive into the town where I used to work. I needed to stop at the scrapbook store out there to get some ribbon I had promised to Deb, I needed an oil change (and it's cheaper out there and they are more friendly) and I wanted to go to a restaurant that I hadn't been to since I left. Unfortunately the restaurant has since closed :( I was very sad about that. We went to a different one but it wasn't the same.

Saturday evening I attended a reception for friends of mine who were married on March 30th in Ontario. They will be living out here though so our church hosted a reception to celebrate their wedding and welcome them to the community. It was a great evening full of laughter, fellowship and great food.

Sunday after church I invited myself over to Mom & Dad's for dinner. It was mostly leftovers from the potluck reception the night before but it was still yummy. It was nice to catch up with them a bit too. After dinner, even though it was overcast, we went for a walk around their neighbourhood and critiqued the homes and landscaping :D

From there I went home and did a few more pages in Seth's Hawaii album. I am *so* ready to be done with that silly thing and move on to my own pictures.

Sunday evening I went over to Mere's and walked her through the process of uploading photos to Snapfish. She's got all her pictures from Australia to deal with so we got her started on that. While they were uploading we watched "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". Then it was back home where I watched "The Talented Mr. Ripley" on tv with Seth before going to bed.

So, a full weekend but not overwhelming. Just nice. Now I'm back to work. This is my first full week since my vacation. We'll see how I do ;)

~Heidi

Random things that have made my day lately

• The fruit/veggie stand being open ALL week instead of just on weekends
• My Walmart getting self serve check out
• The sun shining
• Finishing my "to do" list items yesterday
• Being on Texas time and therefore finding it easier to get out of bed in the mornings
• The fact that the weekend is here and I have my last Friday night dance of the season tonight and a wedding reception tomorrow.
• Getting to wear all the new clothes and shoes I bought in Texas and receiving compliments daily
• Listening to the new music I aquired in Texas
• The java chip frappacino I am currently enjoying

Yep. Life is good :)

~Heidi

Oops

I was tired yesterday afternoon. It could have been from my late night on Sunday, it could have been that I had a fairly carblicious lunch. In any case I went home after work and laid down for a bit. Dance started at 7pm. I woke up at 7:50. Oops! That was supposed to be my last regular night too. Oh well. I obviously needed the sleep over the excercise.
~Heidi